Get an in-depth look at Japan's culture, history, and daily life in this site presented in eight different languages including English, Spanish, French and German. Listen to the instruments used in Kabuki theater, watch how a Kabuki actor transforms himself with makeup, and view video clips of actual performances. According to 8th century Japanese chronicles, the sun goddess, Amaterasu gave birth to Japan's first emperor. From the myth of the first emperor's birth to the rise of the shoguns, follow Japan's historical periods to the present day as well as learn about other aspects of this fascinating country. Explore many aspects of Japan's culture including tea ceremonies, holidays, architecture, music, and ikebana, the art of arranging cut flowers.
Origami is the Japanese craft of paper folding.
Experience this traditional art form firsthand by making your own origami jumping frog. Read about Japan's history and society, including its economy, natural resources and form of government. In Japan, the National Diet is the name given to the legislature, which consists of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives. Japan is a small chain of more than 1,000 islands in the North Pacific Ocean, with a combined area just a little smaller than California. Learn other important details about this country whose name means the Land of the Rising Sun.