Shirotomo Aizawa: Japanese Art, History & Culture

Shirotomo Aizawa on Japanese Art

Today in Tokyo the composer and multimedia creator Shirotomo Aizawa introduced his audience of animators to Japanese history, art and culture.  

Shirotomo Aizawa explained that Japanese culture was historically influenced by China, but grew and developed to have its own unique cultural identity. 

The origins of manga and anime can be found in Japan's unique cultural history and identity. 

Japanese Art and Culture

12th Century Japanese Scroll

Japanese art goes back many thousands of years, even pre-dating agricultural techniques. Culturally this art is unique to Japan. 

Origins of Manga

The first manga arguably dates back to the 12th century; a famous 12th Century Japanese scroll shows frolicking monkeys and rabbits.  Modern manga draws heavily such on ancient origins, part of a long cultural tradition.  

Hokusai

The artist Hokusai also drew humorous pictures - also influencing in its own way modern manga. 

Black Ink Brush Pens 

Animation students - drawing with brush pens

Shirotomo Aizawa also handed out a number of Japanese brush pens for the students, who were able to practice drawing using the ancient technique of a brush (albeit with a modern pen) and black ink of paper. 

Noh

Shirotomo Aizawa also introduced us to the classical Japanese art form of Noh, a unique style of dance and drama only found in Japan. 

Music

He also explained the difference between Japanese music and Western music, which use a different scale. This is why Japanese music sounds different to Western music. Again, this is part of what gives Japanese animation its unique quality. 

Animation students studying in Tokyo

 

Western Influences

Today Japanese schoolgirls wear a sailor suit - a curious adoption of western styling, specifically the US Navy sailor uniform from the late 19th century.  Japanese culture responds to Western influence, but retains its own unique features. 

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