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 1972. 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.