Japanese Art and Culture
Japan is home to a rich diversity of tangible, intangible and national cultural heritage. Historically, the country has been subject to invasions of new and alien ideas, followed by long periods of minimal contact with the outside world. Over periods of time, the Japanese have developed the ability to absorb, imitate and assimilate elements of foreign culture that complement their own aesthetic preferences. This cultural heritage ranges from tangible, such as aesthetically beautiful temples, to intangible heritage, such as the tea ceremony, or even the ancient combat art of Sumo wrestling. Here are some of the cultural icons of Japan: