Popular Culture and Everyday Life

Abstract

Japanese society embraces a rich variety of cultural forms which reflect its tradition, stratification, and regional stretch. As in any society, the primary bearers of high and popular forms of Japanese culture can be differentiated along class lines. In the main, a small number of elites relish such traditional cultural styles as classic literature, flower arrangements, tea ceremonies, noh and kyōgen plays, koto music, bunraku puppet shows, and classic Japanese buyō dancing. They also enjoy Western classic music, opera, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances.