Chapter 19, Sections 3,4 Japan and the World and Literature and the Arts

Since WWII, the Japanese have embraced pacifism. Japan has allied itself with the US for protection. During the Cold War, the US tried to get Japan to rearm. In time it set up a Self- Defense Force.

Trade Imbalance - Japan exported many more goods than it imported. Other nations accused Japan of unfair trade practices. They have complex rules that keep foreigners from doing business there. Plus the Japanese don’t like buying foreign goods.

Japan didn’t recognize the government of China until Now it has invested more capital in China than any other industrial nation. They see it as huge untapped market for their goods.

Korea Japan and South Korea worry about North Korea’s missiles and nukes. Still they are economic rivals. Korea has not forgotten Japanese colonial rule.

Japan wants to counter Chinese influence in Southeast Asia, but a lot of those nations still distrust Japan. They fear that it is trying to control the region through economics.

The tea ceremony, with its elaborate rituals, remains popular in Japan. An appreciation of beauty and simplicity is deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

The Visual Arts Shinto beliefs about the forces of nature, Buddhist beliefs about the impermanence of life, and western cultural styles have all shaped the arts in Japan.

Zen Traditions In accordance with Zen, artists have learned to suggest an idea, thought, or feeling with a minimum of detail.

No Plays- originated in 1300’s. They combine music, dance, and acting to communicate religious themes. They wear traditional masks and elaborate costumes, and move about a nearly bare stage in highly stylized ways to suggest emotions or events

Kabuki- In the 1500’s and 1600’s livelier entertainment developed in cities. It required elaborate stage settings, and spectacular costumes and makeup. Dancing, swordplay, and acrobatics add to the excitement.