Unit 3 Overview: Understanding Japanese Esthetics and Artistic Traditions

Wabi-Sabi

The appreciation of beauty that is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.

Mono no Aware

The pathos of things; a gentle sadness or awareness of the transience of life.

Kawaii

'Cute' culture, valuing vulnerability and childlike innocence.

Miyabi

Courtly elegance, refinement, and sophistication.

Ukiyo-e

Woodblock prints meaning 'pictures of the floating world', depicting landscapes and stories.

Haiku

A traditional Japanese poetic form with a structure of 5-7-5 syllables.

Tanka

An older poetic form than Haiku, structured as 5-7-5-7-7 syllables.

Zen Buddhism

A school of Mahayana Buddhism emphasizing meditation and intuition.

Shintoism

The indigenous spirituality of Japan, focused on kami (spirits) and nature.

Noh

A traditional Japanese theater style characterized by slow, spiritual movements.

Kabuki

A dynamic traditional Japanese theater style known for loud performances and elaborate costumes.

Bunraku

Traditional Japanese puppetry theater that uses large puppets operated by multiple handlers.

Rakugo

A form of Japanese verbal entertainment involving a solo storyteller.

Joinery

A woodworking technique used in traditional Japanese architecture involving interlocking wood.

Tatami

Traditional Japanese floor mats made of rice straw.

Shodo

The Japanese art of calligraphy, reflecting mental discipline.

Kigo

A season word used in Haiku poetry.

Yugen

Profound, mysterious beauty associated with Noh theater.

Mie

A pose struck in Kabuki to convey emotion.

Tayu

The narrator or chanter in Bunraku.

Sakura

Cherry blossoms, symbolizing the transient nature of beauty in Japan.

Kumadori

The distinctive makeup used in Kabuki performances.

Ryoan-ji

A famous Zen temple known for its dry landscape garden.

Fusuma

Opaque sliding doors used in traditional Japanese architecture.

Tenugui

A hand towel used by Rakugo performers while storytelling.

Sensu

A fan used as a prop in Japanese storytelling.

Kawaii culture

A modern aesthetic that values cuteness and childlike traits.