The study of Japanese aesthetics involves the standards of what is considered tasteful or beautiful in Japanese culture. While seen as a philosophy in Western societies, the concept of aesthetics in Japan is seen as an integral part of daily life. Japanese aesthetics encompass a variety of ideals; some of these are traditional while others are modern and sometimes influenced from other cultures.

Religious Aspects

From a religious aspect, Japanese aesthetic ideals are most heavily influenced by Buddhism. After the introduction of Western notions in Japan, however, these aesthetics ideals have been re-examined with Western values, by both Japanese and non-Japanese. Therefore, recent interpretations of the aesthetics ideals inevitably reflect Judeo-Christian perspectives and Western philosophy.Contrary to Western traditions, Japanese aesthetic ideals do not have a concept of the Creator (the Judeo-Christian God). Gods (in Shinto) and Buddhas (in Buddhism) are not creators of the world or nature. Rather, nature is seen as an individual entity that is to be admired and appreciated. The appreciation of nature has been fundamental to many Japanese aesthetic ideals, "arts," and other cultural elements. In this respect, the notion of "art" (or its conceptual equivalent) is also quite different from Western tradition. Japanese art does not rigorously conquer nature, but instead, it aims to incorporate nature, and to be incorporated into nature.

Wabi-sabi

Main article: Wabi-sabi Wabi-sabi refers to the Japanese aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience. This view, which is rooted in Buddhist ideals, particularly values imperfection and incompleteness, and considers these qualities to be beautiful.

Iki

Main article: Iki The phrase iki is generally used in Japanese culture to describe qualities that are aesthetically appealing. While similar to wabi-sabi in that it disregards perfection, iki is a broad term that encompasses various characteristics.

Geid?

Geid? refers to traditional Japanese "arts." Some are kado (Japanese flower arrangement), shodo (Japanese calligraphy), sado (Japanese tea ceremony), and yakimono (pottery).

Y?gen

is an important concept in traditional Japanese aesthetics. The exact translation of the word depends on the context. In the Chinese philosophical texts the term was taken from, y?gen meant "dim", "deep" or "mysterious". In the criticism of Japanese waka poetry, it was used to describe the subtle profundity of things that are only vaguely suggested by the poems, and was also the name of a style of poetry (one of the ten orthodox styles delineated by Fujiwara no Teika in his treatises). In the treatises on the Noh theatre by Zeami Motokiyo it refers to the grace and elegance of the dress and behaviour of court ladies.In theatre, this refers to Zeami?s interpretation of ?refined elegance? in the performance of Noh. Also extended to mean ?a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe? and the sad beauty of human suffering?(Ortolani, 325). Ortolani, Benito. The Japanese Theatre. Princeton University Press: Princeton, 1995.

See also

• Cuteness in Japanese culture

References

Japanese aestheticsEstética japonesaEsthétique japonaise