Arts, Humanities & Popular Culture

In Japan, the arts play a significant role in daily life. Many schools and colleges provide instruction and preparation for careers in performance and the arts to their students. The great works of art created in Japan, including its architecture, sculptures, and paintings, are guarded by the Ministry of Education.

The tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and dance are only a few examples of the traditional arts and crafts that embody Japan's cultural legacy and are recognized as "living national treasures." Japan's literature and poetry have also shaped its history. For instance, Murasaki Shikibu, a noblewoman, wrote the famous classic "Tale of the Genji" around the start of the 11th century.

An international audience has embraced the popular creative forms of comic books and animation. Japanese martial arts, such as Jujutsu (a close-quarters fighting technique) and Kendo, are also a well-known and prestigious performing art (swordsmanship using bamboo swords and protective armour.)