Japanese people

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== Japanese People ==

The flag of Japan

Japanese people (日本人, Nihonjin) are the ethnic group native to Japan. They constitute 98.5% of the population of Japan. Japanese people are primarily of Yamato descent, with smaller populations of indigenous Ainu and Ryukyuan people.

History

The history of Japanese people dates back to the Jomon period (14,000–300 BCE), characterized by its distinctive pottery. The subsequent Yayoi period (300 BCE–300 CE) saw the introduction of rice farming and metallurgy from the Korean Peninsula. The Kofun period (300–538 CE) marked the rise of powerful clan leaders and the establishment of the Yamato state.

Culture

Japanese culture is rich and diverse, encompassing traditional arts such as ikebana (flower arranging), origami (paper folding), and tea ceremonies. Japanese cuisine, known for its emphasis on seasonal ingredients, includes dishes like sushi, tempura, and ramen.

Language

The primary language spoken by Japanese people is Japanese, which uses a combination of kanji (Chinese characters) and two syllabic scripts, hiragana and katakana. The Japanese writing system is complex and has evolved over centuries.

Religion

The predominant religions among Japanese people are Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto, the indigenous spirituality of Japan, involves the worship of kami (spirits). Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the 6th century and has since become deeply integrated into Japanese culture.

Demographics

Japanese people primarily reside in Japan, but there are significant Japanese diaspora communities in countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Canada. The largest concentration of Japanese people outside Japan is in Brazil, particularly in the city of São Paulo.

Notable Japanese People

• Emperor Meiji - The 122nd emperor of Japan, who presided over the Meiji Restoration.
• Akira Kurosawa - Renowned film director known for movies like Seven Samurai.
• Haruki Murakami - Internationally acclaimed author of novels such as Norwegian Wood.

Related Pages

• Japan
• Yamato people
• Ainu people
• Ryukyuan people
• Japanese language
• Shinto
• Buddhism in Japan
• Japanese diaspora