Japanese Culture: Japanese Aesthetics

Resource for Grades 6-12

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Running Time: 5m 22s
Size: 14.5 MB

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Shozo Sato provides a brief overview of Japanese aesthetics and explains the major differences between Western and Japanese aesthetics. He talks about the Japanese emphasis on stylization and the function of art and the artist in Japanese society. He also describes “maximum art” (such as Kabuki) and “minimal art” (such as haiku or rock garden) and the need for balance in both.

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Background Essay

Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy that studies the arts and, especially, the principles of beauty. Japanese aesthetics are an integral part of the country’s culture and history. There are three sets of ancient ideals that are helpful to understanding Japanese aesthetics; wabi, sabi, and yugen. Wabi is transient and stark beauty. Sabi is the beauty of natural patina and aging. Yugen is profound grace and subtlety. Japan’s modern aesthetics encompass a variety of ideas and influences from other countries.

Unlike Western theater, which emphasizes realism and emotion, Japanese Kabuki theater is a triumph of stylization and skill. Aesthetic value is very important in Kabuki theater. Actors create characters not by expressing feelings, but through movement, dancing, and vocal expression. This emphasis on style, grace of movement, and vocal coloration adds to the aesthetic value of Kabuki theater.

The importance of aesthetics in Japanese culture is exemplified in the use of costumes, scenery, props, and stage devices used to enhance plot in Kabuki theater. Kabuki costumes are elaborate and ornamental. Actors typically change their costume for each new entrance. Kabuki theater is also known for its creative and symbolic use of props. Aesthetically, beautiful scenery and creative stage devices enhance Kabuki theater. One of the most important innovations in Kabuki theater was the use of the Hanamichi or “flower path.” It is a raised walkway that links the stage to the rear of the theater for the actors to make entrances and exits.

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Discussion Questions

Sato describes two art forms in this excerpt; what are they? Describe each art form.

Which art form do you prefer? Why?

What are the major differences between Japanese arts and Western arts?

Define aesthetics. What role do aesthetics play in Japanese history and culture?

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Teaching Tips

Show as an introduction to a unit on Japanese aesthetics and culture.

Use this segment to identify and classify various Japanese art forms as “maximum” or “minimum” art. Create works of visual art reflecting minimum and maximum styles.

The geography of Japan has had a major impact on its cultural development. Japan is physically isolated as it is completely surrounded by water. In addition, influences of nature such as volcanic activity, tsunamis, and the change of seasons have affected the culture and history of Japan. Students draw maps of Japan including major islands, bodies of water, cities, and geological features. Then, students combine research and their maps to derive information about the people, history, and culture of Japan.

Shozo Sato’s description of “minimum art” is a perfect invitation to explore other Japanese art forms, particularly haiku. Students research the characteristics of haiku, read and discuss famous haiku, generate topics, and write their own haiku. Have students chose a historical event or geographic feature of Japan to be the topic of their poetry.

Students conduct research on ukiyo-e prints by examining primary sources. Identify ways in which ukiyo-e prints reflect life in Edo Japan, especially for the members of the growing merchant class. How does the growing popularity of the prints during this time reflect the growing power and wealth of the merchant class? Students recreate a work of Japanese ukiyo-e art and describe the print. Students evaluate one another’s prints and discuss what they learn about Japan from each.