1. Learning Japanese
I. About Japanese: A short Description
The Japanese language is a unique and fascinating language. It's written
form consists of various picture image characters called kanji (ex. the
character to the left stands for learning). The kanji were imported from
Chinese written language to create the base of the Japanese written
language. Japanese also contains picture characters called kana, which are
two syllabaries derived from kanji. Hiragana is akin to cursive kana, and
katakana (Square-looking characters) is akin to italics. Kanji is used
more to convey meaning, whereas hiragana are used to indicate functions of
words, and katakana is used to emphasize words. Japanese is a language
with strong foundation in and connections to the social organization, way
of thinking, customs, and habits of Japanese culture. This is evidenced
in their preference for polite, and non rude or boasting speech.
A popular form of 'Americanized' Japanese called Romanized Japanese has
been used in the U.S. in order to make it easier and faster to learn the
spoken language. Romanized Japanese enables one to learn the spoken
language without knowing the written format ( i.e. memorizing all of the
written characters). This is the method that is utilized by this page,
since a lot of people don't have the Asian fonts installed and active.
OK, now that you have some background, it's on to lesson 2.....
2. Kanji Charms
3. Map Of Japan
4. Understanding Anime: The Japanese Culture
There are several characteristics of the Japanese culture which would allow a
person to better understand why things are the way they are in the Anime.
Modesty: It is considered very rude in Japan to boast of one's
accomplishments. One would rather share the credit with others as a group
effort. One is also seen bowing to others as a sign of respect. [notice
that in Sailormoon, the senshi always work as a team, rather than
Sailormoon getting sole credit for things?]
Hard work: Another recurring theme is the Japanese work ethic.
They are very hard working. Doing well in school is a must, and a smart
person will be popular rather than being considered a 'nerd' as in the
U.S. An example of academic importance is shown by many anime series when
scenes take place in schools, the characters are often in school uniforms,
and generally, there will come a time in the series where they will be
studying hard for entrance exams in order to get admitted to high school.
[In Fushigi Yuugi, Miaka is stressed to the max over passing her high
school entrance exams, and spends most of the seasons dressed in her school uniform]
Importance of family: What a person does is reflective upon the
family. A young adult would not want to do something wrong or do poorly in
school for fear of embarrassment on the family name. The importance of
family is emphasized in the way that names are presented. If you notice,
in Japan, the family (or last) name comes first, and is then followed by
their given (first) name. [ex. Tsukino Usagi].
Openness: In Japan, Manga and Anime are for all ages, not just
for children. They many times contain various 'adult situation' scenes in
their plots. The Japanese are very open as a culture. They do not share
the phobia of language or nudity that we seem to favor in the U.S. Thus,
most anime contains partial nudity, or 'alternate sexuality' scenes, and
nothing is thought of it. [For example, in Tenchi, Ryoko walks around
naked a lot; in Sailor Moon, the relationship between Haruka and Michiru;
in Fushigi Yuugi, Nuriko is a man who dresses up like a woman.]
Courtesy and respect for others: It is considered rude to use
strongly decisive words, such as No! One would rather use a more polite,
negative form of the verb rather than saying no. Japanese carry a great
respect for others. For example, you notice how they bow to one another
before a fight? And how some enemies are really concerned over manners?
[Sailor Aluminum Siren is a good example] When making a meeting time with
friends, the time is often left a little open to debate. They end the
sentence with a sort of 'but......' to avoid telling the person they must
show up at a certain time.
Respect for Elders: Unlike in America, the Japanese show respect
to those older than themselves, both in speech and actions. They also have
great respect for and treatment of their elderly. Grandparents often live
with the family rather than being put in an 'old folks home' and their
advice is taken as wise council rather than babblings of an old person.
Hopefully, this small glimpse into the Japanese culture will give you a
better idea of why things are portrayed the way they are in anime. Try
looking for some of these concepts next time you watch an anime episode,
and you will see what I mean (more so in the original Japanese version, due
to a lot of culture specific content being edited out of the dubbed versions).
5. Some basic statistics and general facts about Japan:
Japan is an Asian island located between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan.
Japan's capitol city is Tokyo.
Japan is a world leader in technology and business. For, it's people have a
strong work ethic.
The country currently contains a population of 126,549,976 people.
Japanese currency is called Yen.
Exchange rate is currently 105.16 Yen per 1 U.S. dollar.
Japan is about the size of California.
Japanese terrain consists of mostly mountains.
Japan has a population sex ratio of .96 males per female.
Religions observed in Japan consist of 84% Shinto and Buddhist, and 16% other
(Including Christianity)
The Japanese flag has a white background with a large red circle in the center
(Which is said to represent a sun).
Japan is a constitutional monarchy.
Watch out for Volcanoes and Tsunamis!
Most of the info. I have of Japan is from
Love Of Anime.com