Traditional Arts of Japan - Exploring Japanese Culture pt 5

English learners, please read below:

The road from start to finish
Noticing the simple things
Letting Zen take you
On a dedicated path
Of intangible beauties
Leads you to
Tea Ceremony

These are the themes I'll cover in talking about the traditional arts. I highly encourage you to participate in a tea ceremony and talk about your experience in the comments section.

Key Terms:
haiku
calligraphy
fencing
profound
influence
silly
serving
spirit
elegance
hut
lazy
meter (music)
mutual
bow and arrow
foregone conclusion
instrument
dedication
discipline
weed
moss
prefecture
extra-curricular clubs
ethereal
cheating
deliberately
practical
humid
aesthetics (esthetics)
tatami
shuffle
serene

Comprehension Questions
1. Does the presenter think the opening poem is a bad translation?
2. Do most Japanese people think deeply about 'the way' of arts?
3. What is one reason a lot of space is open in Japanese art?
4. True or False: If your form is beautiful in kyudou (Japanese archery), you will probably hit the target.
5. Give an example of how extra-curricular school clubs are very busy.
6. Why is the Ryoanji garden designed to block your vision from some rocks?
7. Why is walking difficult while wearing a kimono?

Discussion Questions
1. Based on this description of traditional arts in Japan, do you think it is more similar or more different from your own culture's arts?
2. One criticism of Japanese arts are they are not creative enough; the art is learned through repetition and emulation of teachers rather than personal ideas. What do you think of that?
3. Have you ever done a Japanese art? If so, do you agree or disagree with this video? Tell us about your experience.

Created and presented by Michael Henshaw