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People
Arts and Literature
Japanese people have an admirable track record when it comes to their arts and literature, which have become well-known even outside of
their own country.
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Haiku – a form of poetry that is characterised by three lines, with the first and third line containing five syllables and the second line
having seven syllables. Japan’s most popular haiku master is Matsuo Basho, who lived from 1644 to 1694 and is regarded as Japan’s
“saint of poetry”.
Japanese calligraphy – a form of artistic writing that employs similar techniques and principles (clerical script, regular script, seal script,
cursive and semi-cursive) as Chinese calligraphy. It uses four basic tools — brush, inkstick, Mulberry paper, and inkstone — and may also
include supplementary tools such as a cloth, seal or paper weight.
Dotaku – these are decorated Japanese bells made from bronze, usually lavishly decorated with animals, insects and other natural
elements. They were first produced around 2 BC as ornaments for various rituals to attract bountiful harvests, but are also believed to
have been used as a device to warn against invaders.
Japanese sculptures – the first sculptures by the Japanese people were created using clay. They were made for religious purposes,
typically to produce representations of Shinto and Buddhist deities. Through the years, sculptures made from wood, bronze, and other
materials have also appeared. Some of the best still survive and can be found in various temples all over the country, such as at the
Todai-ji and Horyuji temples.
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