Japan: basic facts
Music
The music listened to or played by the Japanese as part of their daily lives is extremely diverse. They enjoy various kinds of traditional Japanese music, Japanese popular songs, Western pop and classical music.Sports
Before the introduction of Western sports, Japan had made progress in traditional sports called budo, which were born in the twelfth century and flourished mainly among the warrior class. They include kendo (Japanese stick fencing), jujutsu (known today as judo), kyudo (archery), and others.Sumo:
Sumo has a nearly 2000 year history and could boast of professionals as far back as several hundred years ago. In each match, two wrestlers, who wear only colourful mawashi (belly bands), fight on dohyo (an elevated straw ring), pushing, throwing, and so on.Western Sports:
Baseball was introduced by an American in 1872 and during the 1870s, track and field events, rugby, soccer, and ice skating were introduced.In 2002, the FIFA World Cup was held in Japan in collaboration with Korea.
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