A unique blend of various spiritual celebrations and traditional beliefs characterizes Japan’s religious makeup. Shintoism, with its reverence for nature and ancestral spirits, and Buddhism, with its teachings on enlightenment and compassion, are the two major religions in the country.
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The title "Living National Treasure" holds profound meaning in Japanese society. These artisans are seen as living embodiments of Japan's cultural identity, representing a bridge between the past and the present.
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Shudan ishiki — (n) A term to describe that in Japanese society, people tend to be group-oriented, giving priority to group harmony over the individual
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Aimai — (adj) ‘A state in which there is more than one intended meaning, resulting in obscurity, indistinctness, and uncertainty’.
Unlike other cultures, ambiguity can be seen as a sign of politeness and respect,
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Suibokuga is a style of monochrome painting characterized by the use of just two things, black ink (sumi) and water. Deceptively simple, suibokuga artists make use of these two seemingly mundane materials to create a complex world of light, form, and even texture.
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Matcha (抹茶) is a powdered green tea. Known for its particularly strong flavor, it holds a special place in Japanese culture as the leading role in the Japanese tea ceremony, where it is served along with a confectionary sweet, known as wagashi (和菓子).
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For many cultures around the world, however, drinking tea is nothing new. In Japan, tea is known in general as ocha (お茶) and has developed, over the centuries, as an important pillar of Japanese culture.
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