Soba Canada
Japan Nowadays ...to know real Japan and Japanese better
(1) Geography
(2) Brief History
In the Japanese version of this Homepage, we inserted the page which explains
about Canada and Canadians by giving useful and/or interesting informations
to know Canada and Candian better. Because we have a strong impression
that Canada despite of its popurarity as tourists' destination, most of
the people do not know real Canada and Canadians. What people know seems
sometimes just a reflection of piece of informations mainly prevailing
in the South of the Border. Canada's happiness together with unhappiness
is its neighbourhood. The neighbour is so powerful and active and try to
lead the world. But thanking to such good neighbour, we do believe Canada
should take their own role to present themselves to the world more properly.
In the same way, Japan and Japanese are also mislead by stereotyped informations.
Japan is not a country only with competitive electrical goods or ninjya
and geisha same as Canadian smoked salmon or Green Gables at PEI.
Recent world could be well described to say "Only constant is the constant change". So world is steadily changing day by day. Even if you would find your company's name on the headline of the newspaper for the buncruptcy in the peaceful morning, it would never be so strange nowadays. It really could happen to any company or instead of bunkruptcy it could be only a short notice of lay-off. Sorry but it's not my intention to tell such an inauspicious thing. Anyway the world is changing. Our daily lives, culuture and consciousness too.
So we would like to write something about Japan and Japanese nowadays in
series to know Japan better. Though this is pretty personal and would not
represent main stream of the opinion but you could draw some image at the
end about current Japanese and their way of living and/or thinking.
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1) Let's start with geography
Japan is a small island country at the east end of Asian continent. About
130millions of people are living in 378,000km² land stretching from
north to south in a crescent shape with about 3,000km coastline. Comparing
with 9.97 million km² of Canadaian size, Japan is only about 1/26.
But no complaint because Canada is 2nd largest country in the world after
Russia(CIS) which can count 22.40 million km², in another words Russia
covers 18% of our earth's surface. Northern end of Japan located around
North 45º which belongs to sub-frigid climate zone and almost the
same longitude as Montreal. Southern end located North 25º in sub-tropic
zone. Our capital, Tokyo, located at North 36º which is roughly the
same as Memphis,AK or Nashville,TN and little bit north of Los Angels,
CA. or Gibraltar connecting Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. However most
of Japan enjoy a mild oceanic type of climate with four distinct seasons
because of its warm current called Kuroshio (Black Current or Japan Current)
running from south to north. Having rugged mountains running almost the
full length of the country, it gives Pacifc and Japan Sea sides of the
islands totally different climate patterns. Nearly 70% of the land is mountainous
area covered by dense forest. Tokyo however stands on the big Kanto Plains
on the Pacific side , April and May having cherry blossom with opening
of new school sessions, June rainy season called Baiu, July and August
hot and humide summer sometimes having sleepless tropical nights, from
September to November cool and fresh with autumnal tints everywhere. But
sometimes famous Tyhoons are coming too and gives various damages to the
rice crops etc but still they are considered as one of natural blessings
from the heaven. December to February dry but fine winter with almost no
snow. March starts coming into bud. This is the cycle in Tokyo.
Japan enjoys the great topographical varieties because of its many volcanic
mountains everywhere including famous Mt.Fuji (3,776m, highest peak in
Japan) even though dormant for nearly 300 years. The rivers are short and
fast-flowing and form deep gorges in the mountainous area. Some european
mountaineers about hundred years ago said japanese rivers are not rivers
but a water-falls. It shoots. Distinct four seasons, mountains, rivers
and sea, all these features make Japan as one of the most picturesque countries
in the world. Furthermore you can enjoy "Onsen" (hot springs)
anywhere. Thus creating Japan's unique Onsen culture. People enjoy and
relax soaking sometimes in open air looking up millions of stars in the
sky and become a philosopher or a poet. Onsen gives people a break. It
also cures or prevents diseases. So sick peoples normally take 2/3 weeks
stay in Onsen and it is called as "Tôji". A writer is also
an enthusiastic Onsen lover. So I will guide you fantastic Onsen later.
Together with active volcanic activities, Japan is lying just on the Circum-Pacific
eathquake zone and famous for its world's most seismologically active area.
There were many disasters. In Tokyo area, the Kanto Great Earthquake of
1923 with magnitude 7.9 (Richter scale 8.3) destroyed Tokyo and Yokohama
Area completely. "Tsunami" is originally a japanese word but
now it became an international word because of a disaster hit South Asia
at the end of 2003.
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(2)Then let's have a brief look on the history
Until ten or twenty thousand years ago, Japan was still connected to the
Asian continent by land but became island due to the crust movement of
the earth. The sea protected Japan from invasion only with one exception
by Mongolian invaders with a force 150,000 strong in 13th century but were
failed due to typhoons and then a word "Kamikaze" born. Kami
is god and Kaze is wind, ie Divine Wind saved the country. But it had fairly
easy access to the advanced foreign cultures and this allowed Japan to
learn and abosorb their cultures and latest technologies but at the same
time Japanese succeeded to develop and grow highly independent
and its own Japanese culture. World history is written in this colour.
Jomon Period(circa 10,000 b.c. - 300 b.c.)
Livelihood mainly hunting and fishing. Famous for its
earthenware decorated with Jomon cord-making.
334 b.c. Alexander the Great begins his conquest to the East.
Yayoi Period(circa 300 b.c.- 300 a.d.)
Rice cultivation and use of metal tools were started
and set the fundamental patterns of Japanese life. Also a large number
of complex political units called Kuni emerged and began to unite under
the hegemony of Yamatai Koku ruled by Queen Himiko which is still mysterious
where it was actually located and whether Yamatai Koku can be equated with
the early state of Yamato.
221 b.c. China unifies under Qin dynasty.
Kofun Period (circa 300 - 710 a.d.)
Large tumuli (Kofun) were built for deceased members
of the ruling elite. The first state in Japan called Yamato emerged and
established diplomatic relations with Korean states and Chinese courts.
It was mid 6th century that Buddhism was introduced from the asian continent.
China, Sui Dynasty (589-618), Tang Dynasty (618-907)
622 Prophet Muhammad arrives at Medina and the Islamic
era begins.
Asuka Period( 593 - 710 a.d.)
On 4th century Yamato (current Imperial family) consolidated Japan and strengthen the foundation of Japan by introducing various Chinese systems such as Buddhism, ideology(Confucianism), social and writing systems also arts. In the two ancient chronicles written in the 8th century, "Kojiki"(712 a.d. which is oldest history book of Japan) and "Nihon Shoki" (720 a.d.) say Emperor Jinmu began his reign on 11th February of 660 b.c. and recorded many Japanese mithologies including the birth-myth of the nation. 
That's why Japanese national holiday called National Foundation Day was set aside on that day. These chronicles were compiled by the order of the Emperor and especially "Kojiki" clearly represents Emperor family's ideology thus went upto the age of the gods. So very interesting but too difficult to prove them scientifically.
Shotoku Taishi(Prince) (574/622a.d.) whose profile was printed on the head
of old 10,000 yen bill is famous in promoting Buddhism and establishing
many political innovations including the Constitutions with 17 articles.
Japan in japanese language is translated as "Nippon" or "Nihon".
Both meaning is the same. ie, "Where the sun rises." This is
a word created by him. When he sent a diplomatic letter to China's Sui
dynasty, he wrote "The emperor where the sun rises gives a letter
to the emperor where the sun sets....." Blooming days called Asuka
culture based upon Buddhism were here.
Nara Era (710 - 794 a.d.) 
Era based upon "Heijou Kyou" in Nara. In art it is devided to
Hakuhou era and Tenpyou Era. This period was characterized by the full
implementation of the Ritsuryô system of government. Taihou Ritsuryô(Code)
in 701 a.d. and Yôrô Ritsuryo(Code) in 718 a.d. were compiled
based upon Buddhism and Confucianism. The huge, 15m high, bronze statute
known as Daibutsu of the temple Tôdaiji is a good example to show
new heights in intellectual and cultural acheivement.
Heian Era (794 - 1185 a.d.)
A capital was set in Kyoto until moved to Tokyo at 1867a.d. During this
era, Japan completely assimilated the essence of Chinese systems and created
its indigenous institutions in all fields. The development of Kana syllabary
made the outburst of literary creativity. It mainly used for composing
Waka (japanese poetry). Lovers communicated each other through Waka. Kokin
Waka Syuu is a fruit of this era. Court ladies produced great works of
Heian Literature using it. Genji Monogatari (Tale of Genji) by Murasaki
Shikibu and Makura no Soushi (Pillow Book) by Sei Shou Nagon are the two
greatest.
800 Charlemagne crowned by Pope Leo 3 as Charles 1, emperor of the
Holy Roman Empire.
1066 William, duke of Normandy, is crowned king of England.
1096 The first expedition of the Crusaders.
Kamakura Era (1185 - 1333 a.d.)
Opening the era of Samurai warriors who overpowered the nobility. Formally, the leading Samurai warrior were appointed by the 
Emperor as his "Shogun in charge of conquering barbarians" and
with this designation his feudal government called "Bakufu" was
formed. First Shogun was Minamoto Yoritomo who founded his Bakufu in Kamakura
which located about 60km west of current Tokyo. Samurai era continued upto
the end of Edo Era for nearly 700 years. Kamakura society exalted Loyalty,
Honour and Frugality. This spirit was later sublimated to the Bushidô
and became a backbone of the Samurai (warrior).
The most dramatic event of this era was Mongol invasions taken place twice.
In 1274 with forces 40,000 and 1281 150,000 strong they landed around Hakata,
Kyusyu and had fierce battle. But Kamikaze (tyhoon) blew them out.
1271 Marco Polo sets out on his journey to the court of the Mongol emperor
Kublai Khan
1279 Kublai Khan conquers China and establishes Yuan Dynasty(-1368).
Muromachi Era (1333 - 1438 a.d.) 
Samurai worrior Ashikaga Takauji was designated to Shogun and opened his
Bakufu at Muromachi, Kyoto. A golden pavilion was constructed in 1397 at
Kyoto. Great expansion of economic activities and emerge of two powerful
social forces, a self conscious marcantile group and market oriented peasantry.
1337 England-France Hundred Years' War bigins.
1347 Black Death rages in Europe (-1351)
1368 China, Ming Dynasty (-1644) founded.
Sengoku (War time) Era(1438 - 1568 a.d.)
Anything could happen. A word Gekokujô (the overturning of those on top by those below) characterizes this era. Days for struggling for hegemony. Only the worriors with power could survive.
1492 Christopher Columbus lands in the Bahamas.
1498 Vasco da Gama reaches Calicut in India via Cape
of Good Hope.
Azuchi Momoyama Era(1568 - 1600 a.d.)
A hero Oda Nobunaga followed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi re-united the country and devised new measures to govern the country on a nationwide basis. Especially T. Hideyoshi was a hero of the heroes. He was born just as a poor peasant but went up to the highest position of the country as "Kanpaku Dajyou Daijin" (Imperial Regent and Grand Minister of State) and governed the country as he wanted. Gorgeous and progressive era backed up by the self-confidence. Age of Daimyos (feudal lords), big marchants and common folks. Foreign trades were very active. During this short but spectacular Era, Japan underwent the transition from the medieval to the early modern era. Japanese venture overseas was very active and the activities of European traders and Cathoric missionnaries in Japan too gave this era a cosmopolitan flavour.
1600 British East India Company incorporated.
Edo Era(1600 - 1867 a.d.)
Tokugawa Ieyasu as a Shogun is a founding father of Tokugawa Bakufu. A Haiku (Japanese poem of 17 syllables) discribes the characters of three heroes as follows using a bird called "Hototogisu"(a little cuckoo) ;
1) Oda Nobunaga- - A little cuckoo, if you don't twitter, I will kill you.
2)T. Hideyoshi- - A little cuckoo, even if you don't twitter, I will try
everything to let you twitter.
3) Tokugawa Ieyasu- - A little cuckoo, if you don't twitter, then I will
wait till you will.
Era of the great peace both inside and outside for more than 2 centuries.
Dispite of Sakoku (National Seclusion) policy, Japan enjoyed developments
in all fields. Industies, money economy and matured culture etc. Tokugawa
law relied heavily on Confucianism; Chuu (loyalty) and Kou (filial piety)
were conservative and supportive of the existing social and political order.
Stable hierarchy "Shi - Nou - Kou - Shou" (Warrior - Farmer -
Artisan - Merchant) worked well for 2.5 centuries.
1644 China, Qing dynasty (-1912) established.
1689 English Bill of Rights enacted.
1776 Continental Congress issues the US Declaration of
Independence.
1789 French Revolution begins.
1804 Napoleon becomes emperor of France.
1839 Opium War begins in China (-1842)
1861 Civil War bigins in USA (-1865)
Meiji Era(1867 - 1912 a.d.)
End of the Samurai feudalism and a beginning of modern industrial state
along wtih its emergence from isolation into the ranks of major world powers.
The year happen to be the same as Canadian Confederation in 1867 ; The
Dominion of Canada. Meiji Emperor made an oath and published "Charter
Oath of Five Articles" as a basic policy of new Japan.
Article 1. All affairs of State shall be referred to public opinion through
general conferences.
Article 2. The government and the people shall act in harmony energetically
carrying out administrative matters.
Article 3. No citizen, whether a civil or a military or one of the common
people, shall be discouraged in the pursuit of his aspirations.
Article 4. Evil practices of the past shall be abandoned and universal
justice shall prevail.
Article 5. The foundation of Imperial regime shall be strengthened by the
acquisition of knowledge from throughout the world.
1876 A Graham Bell invented telephone.
1896 First modern Olympic Games held in Athens.
Taisho Era (1912 - 1925 a.d.)
Struggle between Imperialism and Democracy.
1914 World War One begins (-1919).
1917 October Revolution in Russia.
Showa Era(1925 - 1989 a.d.)
The era of violent changes with war and peace. It was the longest imperial
regime (62 years) in Japanese history. Emperor becomes just a symbol of
the country with no actual power. Defeat of World War 2 gave drastic shock
to all Japanese mentally and materially but re-born as a peaceful country
giving up any war. Our Constitution article 9 denies the right of belligerency
and any military forces. Everything was started from "Zero".
Rapid economic growth brought so-called "Bubble Economy" and
in this extravagance the era has been succeeded to Heisei Era.
1927 C. Lindbergh flies across the Atlantic Ocean.
1929 US stock market crashes and Great Depression begins.
1933 A. Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany.
1939 World War Two bigins (-1945)
1945 United Nations established.
1949 The People's Republic of China established.
1950 Korean War begins (- 1953)
1962 Cuban Missile crisis
Heisei Era (1989 a.d. - present)
In 1993 the Bubble Economy bursted out and land price / stock index fell down to less than half of the end of Showa Era. Again collapsed a traditional value. ie, The myth of the land price which was believed to be "the invincible".
Re-structuring, Down-sizing, Re-engineering and Out-sourcing etc.cSo many
ordeals have to be challenged for economic re-flotation by erasing the
shadow of the Bubble , of course including bad debts of financial institutions.
Japan is continuing its slow but steady efforts to achieve greater diversity
in its social fabric to allow everyone's real freedom for fulfilling life.
1989 Berlin Wall demolished.
1991 Soviet Union dissolved.
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