Japanese
popular culture not only reflects the attitudes and concerns of the present
but also provides a link to the past. Popular films, television programs,
comics, and music all developed from older artistic and literary traditions,
and many of their themes and styles of presentation can be traced to traditional
art forms. Contemporary forms of popular culture, like the traditional forms,
provide not only entertainment but also an escape for the contemporary Japanese
from the problems of an industrial world. When asked about their leisure
time, men and women said they spent about two and one-half hours per weekday
watching television, listening to the radio, and reading newspapers or magazines.
Some spent an average of two and one-quarter hours a day engaged in hobbies
or amusements. Others spent leisure time participating in sports, socializing,
and personal study. Teenagers and retired people reported more time spent
on all of these activities than did other groups.
In the late 1980s, the family focused more on leisure activities, such as
visit to parks or shopping. Although Japan is often thought of as a hard-working
society with little time for pleasure, the Japanese seek entertainment wherever
they can. It is common to see Japanese commuters riding the train to work,
enjoying their favorite comics or listening through earphones to the latest
popular music on portable music players.
A wide variety of types of popular entertainment are available. There is
a large selection of music, films, and the products of a huge comic book
industry, among other forms of entertainment, to be chosen. Game centers,
bowling, and karaoke are popular hangout places for teens while older people
may play shogi (japanese chess) to fill up their time. |
President's message
