Learn Japanese Language - Did You Know That There Are 3 Different Japanese Symbols?

Especially for those who have started to learn Japanese, you should know the difference between three different Japanese symbols or writing form called:

1. Kanji
2. Hiragana
3. Katakana

Japanese people use 3 different Japanese Symbols

About Kanji Symbols: Normally, many Westerners think that kanji symbol is the only writing form we use in Japanese. It is true that we use kanji symbols more than hiragana or katakana symbols when writing something in Japanese. However, unlike Chinese people who use only Kanji symbols, we mix up all Japanese scripts.

About Hiragana symbols: Hiragana symbols are normally used by supporting Kanji symbols' meaning. For example, if you write "I love You" in Japanese, you would use the kanji symbol for Love, but the rest of characters are written with Hiragana symbols. Of course, we just use only Hiragana symbols to write a word or phrase in Japanese as well.

About Katakana symbol: Finally, Katakana symbol is often used to represent foreign words, or names which have adopted into the Japanese writing system. Therefore, if you can read the Katakana symbols, you can normally work out what a word or phrase means in English. Nowadays, the majority of companies write their names both in English and Katakana symbols.

Each Japanese symbols are used something like this in Japan.

If you travel to Japan, you would see how each Japanese Kanji Symbols, Hiragana and Katakana symbols are used.

For example, Japanese Magazine normally use 80% of Kanji symbols, and 10% of Hiragana and Katakana symbols.

This picture is a part of a Japanese Magazine. In this case, they use Kanji symbols and Katakana symbls for the title. But, otherwise, they used all 3 Japanese symbols.

Because this page of the Japanese magazine is talking something about the name of the company in Unites States which is foreign name, they used the Katakana symbols for its name.

Takanori Tomita, a Japanese translator who is specializing in Japanese symbols. He lives in Tokyo, Japan. This article is (c) Takanori Tomita 2006. Permission is given to reproduce this article in whole with the URLs correctly hyperlinked.

For more information about Japanese symbols, please check Learn Japanese Language and Symbols

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Japanese Landscape Design

The Japanese have been fond of gardens as far as more than 500 years ago, especially when it comes to Zen, a Buddhist practice. One of the main aspects of Zen is all about creating landscape into an art, and thus were the earlier Japanese landscape design.

In today's world there are about a few dozen Japanese gardens located all over the world, which some are famous, aside from Japan. Of course, the Japanese have their own gardens, whether it's big or small, but it's all about the essence of having a small world in their own backyard. For most Americans, it's mostly just bonsai and bamboo trees, but there are more things to consider when having their own Japanese garden. Japanese landscape design is an art form like brush calligraphy or painting in Japan, and to treat the garden should be a devotion unlike any other.

Most contractors in Japanese landscape design have specialized in creating Japanese gardens, and there are several varieties, which would definitely have its own cost considering the complexity of having such a garden. Some variety of gardens, called dry or rock gardens, utilize hauling over huge rocks, a pump to pour water over the rocks and some clever landscaping to create a small waterfall. Others uses sand in order to represent water, which surrounds huge rocks to represent a country. And to make sure that the Japanese landscape feel would be genuine is a total amount of tranquility, which would likely mean away from noisy neighbors.

It also applies with gates and walls, which uses bamboo that is found in most countries in Asia. Flora such as bonsai, sakura (Japanese cherry blossom tree), and pine trees are also part of Japanese gardens and landscapes. Other piece of decoration involves the usage of stone lanterns and steps, a koi (Japanese carp) pond, and even a small bridge.

Japanese landscape design is a lot more costly, considering the amount of rocks, sand and even effects like a bamboo water pendulum, that strikes the rock in a timely manner once water has been empty out by its weight. To begin with having a Japanese landscape is to have a sizeable piece of land required, usually best if starting from scratch for any homeowner. The cost may seem half as expensive as building a second house, but the ambience and the pleasing effect it brings would definitely make the investment worth it.

For landscape design ideas, visit http://www.landscapingideas101.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Lee

Five Reasons Why You Must Study Japanese

You can study Japanese for many reasons. Japan has breathtaking landscapes, interesting people, a thriving economy, and an ancient culture. You will be hard pressed to pick your best reason, though this incomplete list will try to persuade you; and if it doesn't, then perhaps a hop to Japan will persuade you. But first, the list.

Director Extraordinaire Akira Kurosawa

You have missed the art of extraordinary director Akira Kurosawa if you haven't watched Throne of Blood, Seven Samurai, Dreams, and Ran. Any serious cinema buff need to watch these movies for their climactic scenes, gripping stories, beautiful landscapes, and the director's attention to detail. Because these are all made in the director's native language, you have to learn to speak Japanese in order to experience these movies' timeless elegance.

Anime

You'll likely think Japanese anime strange if you're used to Disney and Pixar animations. The speech bubbles, over-the-top physical features, and onomatopoeic typography aside, it does possess engaging storylines and charming fantastical creatures. To enjoy the likes of Dragon Ball Z and Naruto, study Japanese.

The Japanese Art of Chindogu

Aside from origami, tea ceremony, and ikebana, Japan also boasts of chindogu. This is an art form of creating everyday items that result in humiliations, problems, and inconveniences, even with the noblest of intentions. As a matter of fact, these "unuseful" gadgets can be downright funny and ridiculous!

Do you need a hairguard to keep your hair away from your ramen? How about a hay fever hat - a tissue dispenser atop your head? These may actually be profitable, strangely enough. Study Japanese to speak to the inventors.

Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cuisine is a feast for the tastebuds, from wasabi to sushi. The presentation and preparation demand a perfectionist's attention to detail and a lot of effort, although it seems very basic and simple on the surface. You must learn Japanese to quicken the learning process of how to cook like the Japanese. After all, you wish to study Japanese cooking, not bug your chef-mentor with incessant questions on what anko and umeshu are.

Japanese Street Fashion

If you want avant garde street fashion, then the place to go to is Japan. Even New York cannot rival the outlandish clothes young Japanese people wear on the streets of Tokyo! There are Lolitas, Kogals, Ganguros, and Bosozoku, to mention a few.

And if these reasons aren't sufficient for you to study Japanese, go for the Japanese being the third largest Internet users, and Japan being the fastest rising economy in the world. You can benefit from Japan's business opportunities.

Want to learn Japanese online in a short span of time? Get our 6 Day Speak Japanese Free Course. Learn to speak Japanese now for free with ILearnJapanese.

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A Japanese Garden is Not Your Ordinary Garden

Japanese gardening is much different from the Western style garden. Most would say that a Japanese garden is far more soul soothing and inspires meditation. Japanese gardening is a cultural form of gardening that is meant to produce a scene that mimics nature as much as possible. Using trees, shrubs, rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds, and flowing water the garden becomes an art form. The Zen and Shinto traditions are both a large part of Japanese gardening and, because of this; the gardens have a contemplative and reflective state of mind.

The basic methods of scenery are a reduced scale, symbolization, and borrowed views. The reduced scale is the art of taking an actual scene from nature, mountains, rivers, trees, and reproducing it on a smaller scale. Symbolization involves generalization and abstraction. An example of this would be using white sand to suggest the ocean. Borrowed views refer to artists that would use something like an ocean or a forest as a background, but it would end up becoming an important part of the scene.

There are two types of Japanese gardening. The tsukiyami garden is a hill garden and mainly composed of hills and ponds. The hiraniwa, which is the exact opposite of the tsukiyami garden, is a flat without any hills or ponds.

The basic elements used in Japanese gardening include rocks, gravel, water, moss, stones, fences, and hedges. Rocks are used as centerpieces and bring a presence of spirituality to the garden. According to the Shinto tradition, rocks embody the spirits of nature. Gravel defines surface and is used to imitate the flow of water when arranged properly. Stones create a boundary and are sculpted into the form of lanterns. Water; whether it is in the form of a pond, stream, or waterfall, is an essential part of a Japanese garden. It can be in the actual form of water or portrayed by gravel, but no matter what, it is crucial to a Japanese gardens balance.

There are several forms and types of plants that are signature of Japanese gardening, the main one being Bonsai. Bonsai is the art of training everyday, average plants, such as Pine, Cypress, Holly, Cedar, Cherry, Maple, and Beech, to look like large, old trees just in miniature form. These trees range from five centimeters to one meter and are kept small by pruning, re-potting, pinching of growth, and wiring the branches.

A garden is a wonderful place to relax and meditate. Whether it is a Japanese garden or Western world garden, designing, building, and planting is a great family event.

For more information about Japanese gardening, visit Japanese Garden. For resources about general gardening, visit Garden

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Practicing a Japanese Martial Art

The more you learn about martial arts, the more you will want to know about the different countries that are credited with bringing the art form to life. Japanese martial art is unique in its own right, and this guide will give you the information you need to be a better fighter and student of this combative art form.

First, it is important to realize that there are several forms of martial arts that come from Japan. The warriors of Japan, or the samurai, used martial arts most often, but were allowed to use weapons due to their status in society.

The caste system of Japan dictated that commoners, or those who were not warriors, had to fight with their bodies only. Samurai had to learn fighting methods with and without weapons, and in later years, the fighting style became a way for the Japanese to achieve spiritual and mental clarity, since the art requires discipline of the body and mind simultaneously.

Jujitsu is a popular form of Japanese martial art, and requires a significant amount of precision and skill. Joint locks, as well as throwing techniques, are used in this form of combat. This is slighting different from some other forms of fighting art, in which jabs or punches are taught as the principle form of combat. While this may be considered a soft form of fighting by some, the techniques used in the fighting technique are heavily practiced by the most skilled students of fighting.

Sumo is another form of fighting inspired by the Japanese; most people associate sumo wrestling with Buddha-sized men in loincloths, but the art of throwing and dodging an opponent are important in this sport as well. It still takes a lot of skill and alertness in order to be the best at sumo wrestling, and most of the wrestlers train for years in order to excel at the sport.

If you think you want to learn more about Japanese martial art forms, there are a number of places that you can visit to get more information. Fightingarts dot com is a great resource to use if you need general information on the fighting techniques you're interested in. If you're ready to get started, you can always visit your local gym to find out about class times and personal instructors who may be able to help.

Mike LaVallee is a Mixed Martial Arts enthusiast, UFC fan and webmaster of UFC Fan Gear and Great UFC Tickets

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A Japanese Themed Decorating Scheme

Japanese art would not be Japanese art without its incredibly beautiful paintings. Japanese paintings took their inspiration from the Chinese style of painting of the fourteenth through sixteenth centuries. This is called the Muromachi period during which the Chinese were trading extensively with Japan, and introducing its art to this island nation. The intricate and exquisite style of the Chinese paintings of this time were very well received by Japanese noblemen, who vied with one another to create beautiful homes full of art and culture. Once this style of painting was firmly established among the nobility, the Japanese themselves started to emulate this style and soon Japanese masterpieces in this same still were being created.

The special qualities of the painters in Japan who followed the Muromachi style was the sense of space that was created, and the the telling of a story. Later, during the period known as the Momoyama, which occurred between 1573 and 1603, the now traditional landscape painting of Japan was developed. These beautiful landscape paintings were created on big screens, so all of the vastness of nature could be seen. It was only during the Edo period form 1603 to 1867 that the now familiar style of adding gold leaf and a mosaic look to the paintings was added. This clearly reflected the western influence that was now being introduced to the orient. Still, a traditional form of art called Ukiyo-e was developed at the same time that seemed almost a throwback to ancient art forms, since it used woodblock to create works of art.

The next important period of Japanese are is considered the Meiji period. During the years from 1868 to 1912, the western influence became more pronounced. Different schools of painting popped up, each with its own unique style. For example, the Suibokuga school used only black ink for their paintings, a reflection of Chinese influence and also very strongly influenced by Zen.

Originally, there was a protest against the Chinese methods of painting using black ink. The Kano school of painting, founded by Kano Masanobu and his son Kano Motonobu was actually a protest against this Chinese influence. As as stark contrast, Kano paintings use bright colors and unusual compositions when compared to the simplistic dark Suibokuga style. The Kano school is said to be the influence for the Ukiyo-e school of design. Another prominent style is the nanga style, popular during the eras called Bunka and Bunsai.

The deft use of space and the simple beauty have long attracted people to Japanese paintings. There is no one medium that a Japanese painter feels compelled to use and they also choose a wide range of subjects such as buildings, landscapes and women.

Adam Peters is a syndicated writer of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . A website with tips on japanese themed decor, amongst many related topics.

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5 Important Things You'll Want to Know About Japanese Culture!

1. The Japanese Tea Ceremony - Also known as "cha-no-yu", "chado" or "sado", Japanese tea ceremonies are a very important aspect of Japanese culture. Tea ceremonies are a traditional ritual that was influenced by Zen Buddhism where powdered green tea, is carefully prepared by a skilled practitioner and served to guests. The practitioner must be familiar with the production and all the types of the tea used, if one were to study tea practices, it would take many years and in most cases, will last a lifetime. Although even hoping to participate in one of these ceremonies will actually require practice and knowledge of how to speak the Japanese language fluently.

2. Christmas In Japan - In Japan, the main celebration is actually concentrated on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas day. Although it is very common to give presents, only the children receive presents. This is mainly because children only receive presents until they no longer believe in Santa.

3. Japanese Music - Japanese music is a huge part of Japan's culture, mainly because it expresses a variety of emotions and rituals that have played a role in Japan's traditional past. Japanese drumming is a large factor of Japanese culture. The concept of large drums came from China over 1,000 years ago and since then; many variations and improvements were made. J-pop, very popular in Japan now, also means "the popular music among the youths in Japan". It is now known all over the world ever since the Japanese music industry became big enough to influence the Japanese pop culture. Many people try to understand the lyrics inside the meaningful music that is created in J-pop, although this would require you to learn to speak Japanese fluently.

4. Japanese fashion - The fashion in Japan varies depending on which area you are traveling in. Many different fashions in Japan include Japanese street fashion, Tokyo Japanese fashion, Kogal, Cosplay, Lolita, and traditional Kimono. If you are following any of these fashions, you don't need to learn to speak Japanese fluently, but a common knowledge of when to dress a certain way is of importance.

5. Calligraphy - Japanese was brush-drawn in the past, language was all expressed on paper through calligraphy. It was considered an art for people mainly because it at times would take over one hundred attempts just to create a piece of art that would give the desired effect. Although it is used as an art, symbolism, and a form of communication, it is mainly for communication today.

Now you know so much more about Japan's culture, but thats only the beginning! There is literally thousands of unique things to see in Japan!

Eric Chau is a Japanese fanatic, and enjoys learning more about Japan everyday. Want to learn Japanese? See how easy it can be by visiting http://www.yourjapanorama.net/Resource.html

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Japanese Tattoo Designs and Their Meaning

Japanese Tattoo

If you live in the western part of the world, I am sure you are fascinated with the Japanese culture from the east. Having the unique and awesome type of art, Japanese tattoos are widely admired and seen as a flexible tattoo design.

You can actually choose from the Japanese characters or the symbols with certain meanings. Popular designs like that of the typical Japanese house during the Meiji era, faces of some excellent representations of samurais, the ever famous "Sakura" flower, dragons and fire with a Kanji symbols with them are still in style.

Don't know exactly what these things are? Well, if this is your first research in choosing a Japanese tattoo then you have to read all your researches carefully so you could choose the right tattoo for you. Continue reading and know more about the Japanese tattoo perfect for you.

If you prefer a simple but striking Japanese tattoo, a Kanji character is just right. Japanese writing is in two forms, Hiragana and Katakana. The cursive way of writing is Hiragana, which is most popular among women, and the simpler type is Katakana. Both of these styles of writing descended from Kanji. Kanji are the characters that came from China which are also used in the modern Japanese art of writing.

Aside from that, the ancient or traditional Japanese house is also another possibility. The houses are built with that remarkable scale-looking rooftop, wooden walls with a thin paper-designed sliding doors and large stone footpath leading to the front door. Typically, traditional houses have great landscapes outside their territories. Bamboo trees are often seen in the surroundings.

This bamboo tree can solely be another Japanese tattoo design for you. If you tend to be closer to nature, Sakura flower is the trademark of the Japanese culture. The tree bears eye-catching flowers and it is indeed magnetizing.

For a strong-willed type of person, images of a samurai or even the sword alone can give you the right attitude. In Japanese history, the art of tattooing is also prevalent in the old times. This is a sign of bravery and belongingness to a certain group. But then, tattoos became out of the picture that Japanese use tattoo for criminals.

They brand them with these markings to give an identification of a wrongdoer. As a result, these people bearing tattoos formed a gang that became known as the yakuzas.

Sounds great, right? It's time you decided from those varieties of tattoos mentioned and feel the culture in the deepest of your skin. Choose well on the design for your tattoo means "Japanese forever".

Nick Brodka
Founder of http://www.InfiniteTattoos.com

For more information and access to over 15,000 tattoo designs online, check out the author's site at http://www.InfiniteTattoos.com

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Japanese Calligraphy

The ancient art of Japanese calligraphy is captured today in numerous pieces of artwork. Some are used as home or office decor; others are becoming popular gift items. Others are even used as tattoo images.

“Shodo,” a Japanese term for calligraphy that means the way of writing is taught to children at very young ages in schools. Adults practice it as a hobby. Getting started on learning the art of Japanese calligraphy may require you to complete a set consisting of six elements. One is a black, soft mat that provides a comfortable, soft surface where you will sit. It is called a Shitajiki. The next is a Bunchin, a metal stick used as weight for the paper during writing. Another is the Hanshi, or a special, thin calligraphy paper. Of course, you will need a brush or what they call the Fude.

There are two kinds of Fude. There is the large brush to write main characters with and a smaller one to write the artist’s name; although sometimes artists use the smaller ones to draw the characters, too. The next element is the Suzuri, a heavy black crucible holding the ink. The last one is the Sumi or a solid black material that when rubbed in water produces the black ink used for writing. This is for the more traditional calligraphers. For the rest, commercially available ink will serve the same purpose.

Japanese characters are drawn using one of the three styles: the square style called Kaisho; the semi-cursive Gyosho; and the cursive Sosho. The last two styles are faster to execute than the more traditional Kaisho.

Writing calligraphy is art in itself, and there are many collectors who host exhibits and auctions of Japanese calligraphy art prints. Most feature classic words of wisdom. They are usually framed in wood.

Calligraphy provides detailed information on Calligraphy, Chinese Calligraphy, Calligraphy Fonts, Japanese Calligraphy and more. Calligraphy is affiliated with Trinity Authors.

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Japanese Tattoo Art, History and Such

The decorative and symbolically rich body modification of Japanese tattoos has been practiced in Japan for the last 10,000 years. Many Shogun rulers outlawed Japanese tattoo and were only used in marking and punishment of criminals. Polynesian locals have been getting intricate armband tattoos since the 17th century with a primitive and very painful process involving soot and a bone needles. Traditional Japanese tattoos may be a thing of the past, bu their appeal is timeless. Japanese tattoos are still very popular choice and are some of the coolest tattoos you can get. .

A great armband tattoo to get is of a dragon or a snake, encircling the entire arm. Chinese reflected that the Japanese men, young and old, all tattoo their faces and decorated their bodies with designs. Not so much the style of tattoo that differed from so many other cultures, but the subject of the design of Japanese tattoo, makes them some of the most sought after around the world. Masked people, warriors, ladies, young girls, geisha, samurai, and the ancient gods and goddesses make popular appearances in Japanese designs.

Chinese and Japanese writing tattoos that incorporate other symbols of Asian art are very tasteful and a great choice. Unlike Chinese tattoos who started practicing the art as early as 2000 BC, Japanese tattoo art did not reach its peak till sometime in the 1800's, so Japanese tattoo art came about quite a bit later, comparative speaking. Japanese written language much like Chinese has a very distinct visual style, that has the design elements of tai chi chuan into the look of every character. Japanese tattoo design has a very distinct style that has been very influential on Western tattooing since the 1960's. Regardless of the popularity in its native land of Japan, traditional art of Japanese tattoos is making leap and bounds of popularity in the US and other western countries and cultures. Translating you name into Japanese writing is very beautiful and is a very good starting point for obtaining a cool tattoo design.

A large commitment of time, money and energy is required of Japanese tattoos that cover the entire back and arms, but yet the long process is looked upon by many to be a trial worthy of the samurai's of the past. There is such a delicate beauty that makes it an inspiration for Japanese tattoo art. Making a particularly good visual reference found in modern books of Japanese tattoos appear in visual style and coloring to be older than many other images. It has been said,, Japanese tattoos have been considered to detain a special magical and or religious factor to their owners. Other terms for Japanese tattoos are Irezumi, and Horimono are considered to be very beautiful, the intricate detail can cause complication to understand because of no actual alphabet for the Japanese language. There are a lot of online tattoo galleries that have a wide selection of Chinese or Japanese tattoo to choose from, the biggest problem is finding someone you trust that can re-create the designs and the intricate work involved to getting a quality tattoo of this nature to be applied.

I have a blog that is about custom design tattoos that I have posted a few articles on. If you are interested on getting a new tattoo or your first tattoo go to my site and you might get some good ideas. Also there are a couple of Tattoo Gallery sites that I have links to that offer some very good information that would be very helpful in making an intelligent decision before getting your next or first tattoo. Also I have a link to a very good book that gives a lot of the history behind Japanese tattoos that you can check out on my site.

Website address is: http://www.customdesigntattoo.com
Thanks,
Tim Amlong

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Japanese T-Shirt Design and Trends

Japanese T-shirt, the thought which takes one's mind on to an entourage of punk t-shirts, is a creative blend of art and fabric, an upbeat street fashion exclusive to Japan.

The Japanese T-Shirt design and trend has not only managed to hit the right chord among the teens and the fashion-enthusiasts but also compelled pro-designers and fashion experts to explore its vibrancy and colors to enliven the ramps further.

Art-inspired fashion is one of the mesmerizing Japanese T-shirt trends catching on with the pulse of the people.

Art doesn't quite get its due cut in museums, be it in terms of space or its exposure to the world. How about wearing the art and taking it places? That's exactly what the trend is about.

T-shirts with art works inscribed on it, is becoming a must-have on every youth's wardrobe. From some funky designs to contemporary art, from caricatures to some classic pull-offs, every piece of art gets its place on the T-shirt. To add some more personal style statements, one can also put up one's very own art piece or artistic designs on to a t-shirt making it unique to the world outside. The summer and spring collections have tasted a good bite of art inspired fashion and the streets are just becoming synonymous to art museums!

The Japanese T-shirt design and trends have got some native innovations too.

The 'Harajuku' style of designing T-shirts or call it, the harajuku punk T-shirts, has created a pleasant buzz in the fashion circuit.

Popularized in U.S by the Gwen Stefani's entourage of Harajuku girls and by Fruits magazine, the demand for harajuku T-shirts has increased tremendously. The Harajuku district of Tokyo has reached the heights of fame and the youths there, outfitted in the street style of theirs are viewed with admiration by many passer-by tourists and furthermore are photographed quite often by many.

These gothic Lolita outfits are ideal for clubbing or for hangouts with buddies. The design techniques of this Japanese T-shirt trend are quite akin to the usual design techniques incorporated by Japanese youth.

It involves imprinting desired pattern pieces on to a knit fabric like a T-shirt, with some graphic customization which gives it the much wanted Harajuku touch.

The Japanese T-Shirt design and trend is simple, vibrant, youthful and attractive. Soothing to the pockets and upbeat in fashion trends, the Japanese T-shirt design and trends are ought to enhance the personality of its dwellers.

Daniel is the Designer and Co-owner of BrokenCloset.com

All T-shirts in Broken Closet.com are specially designed by our local in-house designers, aiming to make your T-shirts filled with great style, uniqueness & personality! To ensure exclusiveness, all designs are original with limited pieces to each design worldwide. We design according to rising global T-shirt trend so as to give you a chance to wear something that can't be bought in every city shopping malls.

Broken Closet will also brings you the latest and most unique Fashion and Trend product all around the world. As we deeply believe in Art inspired Fashion.

So do drop by http://www.BrokenCloset.com today and keep yourself update with the moving Trend of Art inspired Fashion!

(c) Copyright - Broken Closet. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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The Art of Japanese Bonsai

The Japanese refined and developed Bonsai techniques and evolved the art form it is today. For the Japanese, bonsai represents a fusion of strong ancient beliefs with the Eastern philosophies of the harmony between man, the soul and nature.
The major aspects of Japanese bonsai, has not changed significantly over time.

Bonsai initially originated in Egypt thousands of years ago and moved to China. From China bonsai moved to Japan. Where the Japanese perfected the art of bonsai.

Japanese use azaleas to create magnificent bonsai following years of pruning, wiring and careful attention. The Japanese art of bonsai, and its precursor, the Chinese art of penjing, are rooted in the traditions of Asian culture.

The art of raising bonsai dwarfed potted trees has enabled the Japanese to admire nature in an indoor setting. The art of bonsai, as developed in America, is much freer in concept and style than Japanese bonsai.

The quality of a bonsai tree is measured on how well it portrays nature in miniature form. A bonsai should have a well tapered trunk and have branches all around the tree to give the bonsai visual depth. The art of bonsai involves the bringing together of tree and pot in visual harmony. "Bonsai" simply means "potted tree." But many of the really fine specimens have been pruned for more than 100 years.

Requiring many years of devoted attention and care to produce, the bonsai extends beauty and expresses the significance of life. The care involved in creating and shaping a bonsai is considered a form of meditation in and of itself.

Over time, bonsai began to take on different styles, each which varied immensely from one another. Today, hardy as well as tropical indoor bonsai are trained in classic styles, including windswept, slanted trunk, rock clinging, and forest.

Bonsai are highly regarded as a symbol of Japanese culture and ideals. Contrary to popular belief, bonsai are not tortured trees. A bonsai may have areas of dead wood to give an impression of age. There are several techniques available to the bonsai grower to increase the apparent age.

No longer exclusively an oriental art form, today bonsai is practiced by thousands of people around the world, on every continent. The art of bonsai is the art of imitating the spirit of nature. A bonsai industry of considerable size exists in certain sections of Japan.

Francesca Black works in marketing at Bonsai Garden http://www.bonsai-garden.com and Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net leading portals for bonsai gardening and natural exercise.

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Japanese Art and Language

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A technological leader located on over three thousand islands in East Asia, Japan has a truly fascinating history, the second largest economy in the world, a challenging language, prolific arts, a diverse population.

Japan has a rich history of art spanning over centuries. Painting is the traditional form of art. Native painting techniques are mixed with techniques from continental Asia and the West to create a hybrid style of modern Japanese art. Calligraphy, also known as Sumi-e, is also a highly valued form of art. Calligraphers make ink by grinding a solid ink stick on stone and mixing it with water and compose phrases, poems, stories, and single characters in unique handwritten fonts.

Visitors to Japan will know that sculptures of Buddhist images is a common art form The most common images are of Tathagata, Bodhisattva and MyM-M. Another unique are form is ikebana, the art of flower arrangement. It focuses on the use of harmony, color, rhythm, and design to express the season and symbolize greater things than the flower itself. Ukiyo-e means "pictures of the floating world" and is the Japanese form of woodblock printing. The most famous print is The Great Wave at Kanagawa by Hokusai. Traditional Japanese architecture is exemplified by temples, Shinto shrines, and castles in Kyoto and Nara. Famous modern architects include Yoshio Taniguchi and Tadao Ando, whose styles are a fusion of Japanese and Western influences.

The Japanese language consists of three scripts-Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana. There are many more dialects than scripts. In central Japan the Western-type dialects are most prevalent. The Tokyo-type dominates in Western Japan and Kykshk-type is the least common dialect. In modern Japanese the Latin alphabet rMmaji is sometimes used. Japanese is one of the most difficult languages to learn. Choosing the right program is paramount in learning the language.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_language Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Misa_Takahiro