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Mount Fuji- A Timeless Beauty
The gracefull, symmetrical volcanic cone of Mount Fuji is not only Japan 's highest and best known peak, it has been considered a sacred mountain since ancient times and symbolizes the Japanese ideal of natural beauty. Fuji has long been the subject of poems and of art_ukiyoe woodblock prints spread the mountain's fame around the world through their influence on 19 th century painters like Van Gogh. Mt. Fuji and the region of unspoiled lakes and forects that surrounds it, is easy to reach and a natural high point of any visit to Japan.
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The Japanese Onsen- Healing the Body, Smooting the Spirit
Onsen means hot spring, but the world means far more: it's a state of mind, a healing tradition of soaking in steaming mineral-rich waters, appreciating the beauty of nature all around as your worries melt away. Volcanic Japan has over 4.000 onsens, raging from tiny open pools deep in the snow-covered mountains to great spa resorts with traditions of hospitality going back hundreds of years. You could spend years exploring Japan 's Onsen, with their many styles of food, art, and architecture, but which you choose, you are sure of warm welcome.
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Sparkling Ice, Gleaming Snow-Winter in Japan
The regions in the north of Japan and on the Japan sea coast have long winters and some of the world's heaviest snowfall. This is the “snow country” and winter here brings a special beauty all of its own, with old festivals using the snow and ice to enliven the cold season. As well as world class skiing, winter in Japan offers incredible nature experiences: you can watch red-crested crane rise through the diamond dust of a – 20i dawn, fish through holes in an iced-over, or cross white plains by steam locomotive, horse sleigh or hot air balloon.
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J-POP
The world has long been aware of Japan 's Traditional musical arts, but its only recently that J- POP, the music of today's Japanese youth, has begun to make an impression internationally. J-POP encompasses a variety of styles, many drawing on regional traditions, but what these young musicians mostly have in common is that they are singing songs with a message. Whether the message deal with human romance or love for nature, J-POP speak directly to the feelings and problems of today's youth. J-POP is everywhere in Japan- you hear it not only on radio, CDs and concert, but also in live clubs, karaoke parlors and even on cell phones ringing in the street.
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Anime
“Anime” Japanimation or Japanese Animation, is a unique approach to animated movies originally based on the style of manga comic books. Outside Japan , peoples have started to appreciate anime through recent international successes like “Spirited Away” but the genre has been enormously popular in its home country ever since the 1963 hit TV series Astro Boy, created by the dean of Japanese comic book root results in movies with strong lines and well-developed characters. They cover everything from children's stories and comedy to romance, SF and even educational themes. The latest development is the evolving use of ever more powerful computers for the technical works of animating.
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Japanese Youth
A glimpse into the lives of three high school students shows us some of the aspiration motivating the next generation of Japanese. We meet a serious young amateur soccer player, whose dream is to become a professional. At 17, he's already been selected as captain of a famous club's youth team. A dedicated schoolgirls follower of fashion, who spend hours each day on her makeup and aims to become an actress or singer, nevertheless works hard at her studies and helps in her mother's beauty parlor to earn pocket money. And a country town high school student whose volunteer work for old people and small children has inspired her to train as a kindergarten teacher.
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