Glossary
Bachi (ばち)
A large plectrum or pick used to play instruments like the Shamisen, producing a distinctive percussive sound.
Example:
The musician struck the strings of the shamisen with a large Bachi.
Gagaku (雅楽)
Ancient Japanese court music characterized by its slow tempo, spaciousness, and meditative quality, often performed with traditional instruments.
Example:
Gagaku performances are known for their serene and majestic atmosphere.
Haiku (俳句)
A traditional Japanese poetic form consisting of three lines with a 5, 7, 5 syllable structure, often focusing on nature and a specific season.
Example:
The poet crafted a beautiful Haiku about the falling cherry blossoms.
Hana (花)
The Japanese word for 'flower,' used as a memory aid to associate delicate beauty with the ideal of pale skin.
Example:
The delicate beauty of a cherry blossom, a Hana, is often compared to the ideal of Japanese beauty.
High-Bridged Nose (鼻が高い - hana ga takai)
A facial feature considered attractive in Japanese beauty standards, referring to a nose with a prominent bridge.
Example:
She was often complimented on her high-bridged nose, a feature considered very attractive.
Ikebana (生け花)
The traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, emphasizing harmony, balance, and minimalism, often incorporating symbolic elements.
Example:
She created a stunning Ikebana arrangement for the tea ceremony.
J-Pop
A genre of Japanese popular music known for its catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and often elaborate choreography in performances.
Example:
Many anime series feature popular J-Pop songs as their opening and ending themes.
Kabuki (歌舞伎)
A traditional Japanese theatrical art form known for its elaborate costumes, stylized dance, dramatic makeup, and historical or folk tale narratives, performed exclusively by male actors.
Example:
Attending a Kabuki performance is a vibrant experience, showcasing centuries of Japanese theatrical tradition.
Kami (紙)
The Japanese word for 'paper,' a key component of the word Origami.
Example:
A simple sheet of Kami can be transformed into a beautiful work of art through folding.
Kigo (季語)
A 'seasonal word' or phrase used in Haiku to indicate the season in which the poem is set, often evoking a specific image or feeling.
Example:
In the haiku, 'frog' serves as a Kigo indicating spring.
Koto (箏)
A traditional Japanese stringed instrument, similar to a zither, known for its distinctive and haunting sounds.
Example:
The beautiful melody was played on a Koto, filling the room with its unique sound.
Manga (マンガ)
Japanese graphic novels or comics, characterized by distinctive art styles and diverse genres, popular worldwide.
Example:
He spent the afternoon reading his favorite Manga series.
Modest Fashion
A style of dress in Japan that tends to be conservative, emphasizing neatness, respect, and appropriateness for public settings rather than revealing or flashy attire.
Example:
For school events, students are expected to wear modest fashion that reflects respect for the occasion.
Naturalness (in beauty)
A key aspect of Japanese beauty standards, promoting an appearance that seems effortless and inherent, rather than artificial or heavily constructed.
Example:
The emphasis on naturalness means many Japanese skincare routines focus on healthy, glowing skin rather than concealing flaws.
Neatness (in fashion)
A crucial aspect of Japanese public appearance, where clothing is expected to be tidy, well-maintained, and presentable to show respect and professionalism.
Example:
Even for a casual outing, a high degree of neatness in clothing is expected.
Ori (折)
The Japanese verb root meaning 'to fold,' a key component of the word Origami.
Example:
The art of Ori is fundamental to creating intricate paper sculptures.
Origami (折り紙)
The traditional Japanese art of paper folding, transforming flat sheets of paper into sculptures without cutting or gluing.
Example:
Learning to fold a crane is a common first step in practicing Origami.
Pale Skin (白い肌 - shiroi hada)
A highly valued beauty standard in Japan, where light, fair skin is considered delicate and beautiful. People often avoid sun exposure to maintain this complexion.
Example:
Many Japanese sunscreens are designed to help maintain pale skin, a cherished beauty ideal.
Politeness (in beauty)
Refers to the idea that a person's demeanor and respectful conduct contribute to their overall beauty and attractiveness in Japan.
Example:
A quiet and respectful attitude is often seen as a sign of politeness, contributing to one's perceived beauty.
Quiet Demeanor
A behavioral trait valued in Japanese culture, where being reserved, calm, and soft-spoken is seen as a sign of grace and beauty.
Example:
Her elegant and quiet demeanor made a strong positive impression on everyone she met.
Sazae-san (サザエさん)
A famous and long-running Japanese manga and anime series depicting the daily life of a typical Japanese family, known for its gentle humor.
Example:
Sazae-san is a beloved cultural icon in Japan, watched by generations.
Shakuhachi (尺八)
A traditional Japanese end-blown flute, often associated with Zen Buddhism and known for its expressive, breathy tones.
Example:
The melancholic sound of the Shakuhachi added depth to the traditional Japanese ensemble.
Shamisen (三味線)
A traditional Japanese three-stringed plucked instrument, often used in Kabuki, folk music, and geisha performances.
Example:
The lively tune was played on a Shamisen, accompanied by a singer.
Shin (真)
In Ikebana, 'Shin' represents 'heaven' or the tallest element, symbolizing the divine and the highest point of the arrangement.
Example:
The tallest branch in the Ikebana arrangement represented Shin, reaching towards the sky.
Shiro (白)
The Japanese word for 'white,' often associated with the ideal of pale skin in beauty standards.
Example:
The concept of Shiro is central to understanding the preference for fair complexions in Japan.
Shodo (書道)
The traditional Japanese art of calligraphy, deeply influenced by Chinese calligraphy, focusing on the aesthetic and spiritual aspects of writing characters.
Example:
Practicing Shodo requires immense concentration and precision with the brush.
Shuji (習字)
Modern Japanese calligraphy, often referring to the practical skill of writing beautiful characters, especially in educational contexts.
Example:
Children in Japan often learn Shuji in school to improve their handwriting.
Simplicity (in beauty)
A core Japanese beauty ideal emphasizing understated elegance and a lack of excessive adornment. It values a clean, natural aesthetic.
Example:
Japanese beauty often highlights simplicity, preferring a natural look over heavy makeup.
Soe (副)
In Ikebana, 'Soe' represents 'people' or the middle element, symbolizing humanity and connecting heaven and earth.
Example:
The medium-sized branch in the Ikebana arrangement, representing Soe, balanced the taller and shorter elements.
Tai (体)
In Ikebana, 'Tai' represents 'earth' or the shortest element, symbolizing the ground and stability.
Example:
The lowest and broadest element in the Ikebana arrangement, symbolizing Tai, provided a stable base.
Ukiyo-e (浮世絵)
A genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings, popular from the 17th to 19th centuries, depicting scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and kabuki actors.
Example:
Hokusai's 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' is a world-renowned example of Ukiyo-e.
Uniqlo (ユニクロ)
A popular and affordable Japanese clothing brand known for its practical, comfortable, and stylish everyday wear.
Example:
Uniqlo is a great place to find basic yet high-quality clothing items.
うるさい人 (urusai hito)
Literally meaning 'noisy person,' this term refers to someone who is loud, boisterous, or disruptive, and is generally not admired in Japanese culture.
Example:
The teacher asked the うるさい人 to quiet down during the lecture.
かぶす (kabusu)
To cover, to put on (e.g., a hat), or to pour over.
Example:
She decided to かぶす a scarf over her head to protect from the sun.
シャツ (shatsu)
A Japanese loanword for 'shirt,' a common item of clothing.
Example:
He put on a clean シャツ before going out.
スカート (sukaato)
A Japanese loanword for 'skirt,' a common item of clothing for women.
Example:
The school uniform included a plaid スカート.
スーツ (suutsu)
A Japanese loanword for 'suit,' commonly worn by men for work and formal occasions.
Example:
He always wore a sharp スーツ to business meetings.
ズボン (zubon)
A Japanese loanword for 'pants' or 'trousers,' worn by both men and women.
Example:
He preferred wearing comfortable ズボン for his daily commute.
ツルツル (tsurutsuru)
An onomatopoeic word describing something smooth, slippery, or sleek to the touch.
Example:
After applying the lotion, her skin felt wonderfully ツルツル.
ブラウス (burausu)
A Japanese loanword for 'blouse,' a common item of clothing for women.
Example:
She wore a white ブラウス with a long skirt to the office.
下敷き (shitajiki)
A mat or underlay placed beneath paper when writing or drawing, especially in calligraphy, to provide a smooth surface and prevent ink bleed-through.
Example:
Always place a 下敷き under your paper when doing calligraphy to protect the table.
傘 (kasa)
Umbrella or parasol.
Example:
Don't forget your 傘; it looks like it might rain.
切る (kiru)
To cut.
Example:
Please 切る the paper into small pieces.
半紙 (hanshi)
A thin, absorbent paper commonly used for calligraphy practice.
Example:
Students use 半紙 for their daily calligraphy exercises.
四季 (shiki)
Four seasons.
Example:
Japan is known for its distinct 四季.
地球 (chikyuu)
Earth (the planet).
Example:
We must protect our beautiful 地球.
基準 (kijun)
Standard, basis, or criterion.
Example:
The company set a new 基準 for product quality.
夏 (natsu)
Summer.
Example:
They are planning a trip to Okinawa in the 夏.
外国 (gaikoku)
The Japanese word for 'foreign country' or 'abroad.'
Example:
She plans to study in a 外国 next year.
天国 (tengoku)
Heaven.
Example:
Many people believe that good souls go to 天国.
太陽 (taiyou)
Sun.
Example:
The 太陽 was shining brightly in the clear blue sky.
曲 (kyoku)
The Japanese word for 'song' or 'musical piece.'
Example:
What is your favorite 曲 by that J-Pop artist?
書く (kaku)
To write.
Example:
He likes to 書く letters to his friends.
歌手 (kashu)
The Japanese word for 'singer' or 'vocalist.'
Example:
She dreams of becoming a famous 歌手 in Japan.
歌詞 (kashi)
The Japanese word for 'lyrics' of a song.
Example:
He spent hours translating the 歌詞 of his favorite J-Pop song.
洋服 (youfuku)
A general term for Western-style clothing or clothes in general.
Example:
She bought many new items of 洋服 for her trip to Tokyo.
洋服のお店 (youfuku no omise)
Clothing store.
Example:
She found a great deal at the new 洋服のお店 downtown.
短い (mijikai)
Short (in length or duration).
Example:
She prefers to wear 短い skirts in the summer.
筆 (fude)
The Japanese word for 'brush,' specifically referring to the calligraphy brush used in Shodo and Shuji.
Example:
She carefully dipped her 筆 into the ink before beginning her calligraphy practice.
美人 (bijin)
A beautiful person, typically referring to a beautiful woman.
Example:
Everyone agreed she was a true 美人 with her elegant style.
腕のカバー (ude no kabaa)
Arm coverings, often worn in summer to protect the arms from the sun, reflecting the preference for pale skin.
Example:
During the summer, many women wear 腕のカバー while cycling to avoid tanning.
菫 (sumi)
The Japanese word for 'ink,' specifically the black ink stick used in traditional calligraphy.
Example:
The rich black 菫 flowed smoothly from the brush onto the paper.
読む (yomu)
To read.
Example:
She loves to 読む books in her free time.
長い (nagai)
Long (in length or duration).
Example:
He has very 長い hair.
長そで (nagasode)
Long sleeve.
Example:
She wore a 長そで shirt to protect her arms from the sun.
静かな所 (shizuka na tokoro)
A quiet place.
Example:
She prefers to study in a 静かな所 like the library.
音楽 (ongaku)
The Japanese word for 'music,' encompassing all forms from traditional to contemporary.
Example:
She loves listening to Japanese 音楽 while studying.