what culture it is
Apart from the culture of my country, India, I have been attracted by the Japanese country. The people of Japan always exhibit modesty and simplicity in their behaviour, although it is one of the most technologically advanced nations with a fast-developing economy. Although many people cannot differentiate between Chinese and Japanese culture, I feel Japanese culture is more society centred, while Chinese people are more family-oriented.
how you know about it
what differences there are between that culture and your own
Japan is considered one of the most exotic Asian countries due to its colourful traditions, costumes and food. Being a bookworm as well as a hodophile, I was attracted by the beauty of the cherry blossoms during spring in Japan and the festival related to it. The celebration is known as Sakura, while the art of celebrating is called Hanami, which represents the beginning of spring. The origin of Hanami is said to date back to more than 1,000 years when aristocrats enjoyed looking at beautiful cherry blossoms and wrote poems inspired by them. But, now, people in Japan drink and eat, making the tradition of flower-viewing more like a picnic under the trees. Thousands of people flock to parks and they enjoy home-cooked meals, prepare barbecued foods, drink sake to mark the occasion. In addition, there are other festivals like Obon or Bon Festival, different types of Matsuri festivals, etc., in which the Japanese pay reverence to their ancestors or pray to the gods to protect them and purify them.
and explain why you like that foreign culture.
Indian and Japanese cultures are different in quite a few ways. Firstly, the Japanese celebrate a single culture, while Indian culture amalgamates various cultures within one nation. Secondly, Japanese culture is influenced by Chinese culture and so they are quite similar. But, apart from its own variegated culture, India has accepted foreign festivals and made them its own. Moreover, Japanese traditions are society-related, whereas Indian festivals are mainly based on religion and regions.
Although no country in the world is as culturally diverse and colourful as India, the juxtaposition of humility and progress in Japanese culture is what piques my interest in it. As a result, exploring Japan and its culture is on my wishlist.