Japanese Culture Carries A Variety of Strong Influences That Can Be Utilized After Studying Abroad

Studying Abroad in Japan

If you're enrolled in college and are seeking ways to enhance your experience and gain new perspective, studying abroad is a great way to view the world from a different vantage point as well as improve your resume. Japan is an excellent place to visit due to its rich culture extending back to ancient times and its beautiful aesthetic tradition that prevails today. Students will find themselves in another world as they learn about the customs, food, art, recreation, work, school, and language that help to create Japanese culture.

Fashion Majors

If you are someone who aspires to work in the fashion industry, getting a firsthand look at the traditional garments from another culture can be a great way to inform your education. Japanese traditionally use a garment known as a kimono to wear during special occasions. Originally the word kimono referred to clothing in general, but over time is has been used exclusively used for the long flowing ceremonial garment that most of us have seen in images, museums, and on television.

As a fashion major it can be incredibly beneficial to understand the significance of a design and its evolution. As a garment artist, you will be inspired by the intricate ornate details that adorn the kimono and other significant Japanese attire.

Architecture and Landscape Design

The unique architecture that is found in Japan draws from the architecture of China while still infusing qualities inherent to the Japanese culture. This country also is home to many lush and well sculpted gardens that are as thoroughly considered as the building architecture. Someone who is planning to work as an architect or with landscape design will benefit from being immersed in the beautiful designs that are heavily loaded with both historical and religious symbols.

Artists

Anyone who is studying painting or sculpture has likely been exposed to images of traditional Japanese painting, calligraphy, or sculpture that are very unique and recognizable. The stylized nature of the art from this region lends itself to the uniqueness of this culture.

Sculpture has often been used historically to create religious figures of worship, which were mostly Buddhist in nature. Many artists used wood to create sculpture and woodblock prints. The history of art in Japan is rich and many people find the Japanese aesthetic to be a wonderful source of inspiration for their own work.

Japanese School System

The education system present in Japan is much different than the system in place in America. Unlike Americans, who are generally required to complete twelve years of school, there are only nine mandatory grades for Japanese students. Even though these students are only required to complete nine years, most go on to high school and even on to college. Being able to experience cultural differences such as this will offer you a new perspective on the way things are done in different parts of the world.