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Japanese
culture is popular in Germany
Many
Germans are fascinated by ancient Japanese culture
By Harald Galda
Japanese
culture has had a significant impact in Germany during last
two decades. With the globalization trends and ease
with cultures move through different countries, Japanese
culture has been slowly penetrating Germany. In
Germany, Japanese computer games, play stations etc. got
popular before long and are quite popular even now. In 1997 tamagotchis
were popular. A few years ago German translations of manga
appeared.
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Unlike
Asian countries, in Europe "cute" isn't necessary
"cool". Since Europeans tend to be much more
individualistic than Asians, childhood is a very short time in
life and teenagers don't like things that children play with.
However, the Pokemon Jet landed at and started from European
airports also.
Japanese (and
other Asian) pop music isn't very widespread in Europe since
there is a large number of popular American and local bands
(whose songs are in the local languages or English). The
media is so dominated by European and American music that it
is extremely difficult for Asian bands to compete. |
 Japanese films
shown in European cinemas are about ancient Japan and are
generally popular among genuine lovers of Japanese culture.
This is understandable since it makes perfect sense to watch a
Kurosawa film but a modern Japanese movie is no different from
a Hollywood movie in any case. Among the masses,
American films strongly dominate European market.
In Europe Japan is
associated with high tech (especially computers, cameras and
consumer electronics), martial arts (especially judo and
karate), health, relaxation and meditation exercises (e.g.
shiatsu, reiki), cuisine (especially
sushi) and traditional
arts (e.g. ikebana and ukiyoe).
Traditional
Japanese art items are popular in Europe since they are
considered as exotic and European equivalents hardly exist.
Another reason is the desire for relaxation and health
improvement in a society where a lot of people are completely
stressed out.
Japanese language
is gaining popularity along with Chinese. Both languages are
learned by university students who wish to succeed in their
professional careers. Of course, quite a few people may also
learn basic Japanese prior to traveling to Japan.
Recommended link: Japan may not be losing its soul?
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