A Child's Life - Japan

by Robert George, Dec 18, 2002 | Destinations: Japan / Tokyo
In Japan, children are treated with the utmost care and attention. The literacy rate in Japan ranks among the world's highest, and the infant mortality rate is among the lowest. Despite its population density and astronomical cost of living, Japan provides excellent 'quality of life' for its children.

In Japan, children are treated with the utmost care and attention. The literacy rate in Japan ranks among the world's highest, and the infant mortality rate is among the lowest. Despite its population density and astronomical cost of living, Japan provides excellent 'quality of life' for its children.

In Japan, children are treated with the utmost care and attention. The literacy rate in Japan ranks among the world's highest, and the infant mortality rate is among the lowest. Despite its population density and astronomical cost of living, Japan provides excellent 'quality of life' for its children.
One of Japan's most honored traditions is the Omikoshi Matsuri, the annual Shinto festival. Nearly every Shinto shrine in Japan holds a mikoshi parade, in which a miniature replica of the shrine containing an image of the honored deity is transported through the surrounding streets on the shoulders of local patrons.
One of Japan's most honored traditions is the Omikoshi Matsuri, the annual Shinto festival. Nearly every Shinto shrine in Japan holds a mikoshi parade, in which a miniature replica of the shrine containing an image of the honored deity is transported through the surrounding streets on the shoulders of local patrons. Depicted here is a youthful version of a traditional mikoshi parade.
Uniforms seem to offer the people of Japan a sense of purpose and belonging. School children, public servants, and even the majority of private business employees all wear them with pride.

A story told with photos.

More From This Author

Perhaps the most anticipated and beloved celebration in Japan is the season known as Ohanami. The word translates as flower watching, and depending upon the weather in mid-spring, sometime during the month of April, the entire nation of Japan bursts into bloom with the ubiquitous sakura, the flowering cherry tree. The sakura create a frosty-pink canopy over city parks and country hillsides alike, and the people of Japan emerge after the long winter to rejoice in this ephemeral season. Beneath a canopy of blossoms, street vendors offer an array of traditional foods, including yakitori, skewers of savory grilled chicken.

The Taste of Japan

Japan
Robert George
In contemporary Japan, urban architecture is an eclectic juxtaposition of old-world traditional, post-war Bauhaus, and ultra-modern futuristic styles. And sometimes--it's a combination of all three!

High Rise Japan

Japan
Robert George
Japanese salarymen are expected to show devotion to the company by working long hours, often six days a week. So, a sunny lunch hour provides a welcome opportunity for a little R&R.

The Streets of Tokyo

Japan
Robert George
The water is coldGive me strength to endure itAs I purge myselfOn the second Sunday of the New Year, wearing nothing more than loincloths called shitaobi and headbands called hachimaki, many Japanese men brave the icy waters of Teppozu Inari Jinja, a Shinto shrine in central Tokyo, to practice a yearly purification ritual.

Japanese Expressions II

Japan
Robert George<br>Haiku by Celeste Heiter
About ThingsAsian

ThingsAsian is an Asia travel website with stories contributed by a worldwide community. Although we cover a wide range of topics, our emphasis is on art, culture, history and travel. Our writers, photographers and contributors are real people who tell you the stories of their personal travels and experiences. Some of the countries we currently cover are Burma, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Email: info@thingsasian.com

© 1994-2015 Global Directions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.