The culture of Japan has evolved greatly over time , the country's original Jomon culture to its contemporary hybrid culture . Japanese culture is a result of several waves of immigration from the Asian continent and the Pacific Islands , followed by a strong cultural influence of China , and then a long period of relative isolation from the rest of the world under the Tokugawa shogunate until the arrival blacks Ships from Meiji Era to the late nineteenth century , when it receives a huge foreign cultural influence , which becomes even stronger after the end of World War II . As a result , a distinctly different culture from the rest of Asia developed, and remnants of it still exist in contemporary Japan .

 Despite these influences , Japan created a unique style of arts ( ikebana , origami,  ukiyo - e) , artisanal techniques ( dolls, lacquered objects , ceramics ) , show ( dance, kabuki , noh , raku -go , Yosakoi , Bunraku ) music ( Sankyoku , Joruri and    Taiko ) and traditions ( games , onsen , sento , tea ceremony ) , plus a unique cuisine .

 Modern Japan is one of the largest exporters in the world of Greek culture. The cartoon ( anime ) , comics ( manga ) , movies , Japanese pop culture - literature and music ( J - pop ) have won popularity throughout the world, and especially in other Asian countries .