Japan is one of the oldest countries in the world with over 4 million people globally claiming to be part of the ‘Nikkeijin’ or Japanese diaspora. Many immigrants made their way to America and Australia, bringing their culture and tradition and passing them down to the next generation. If you’re a second-generation immigrant, exploring your Japanese ancestry can help you develop a great sense of identity and feel connected to your family history.
At MyHeritage, our Japanese genealogy records can fill in the gaps in your knowledge, from understanding Japanese naming traditions to exploring vital records to uncover your family tree. In this article, we’re exploring the Japanese traditions that are being kept alive across the world by immigrant families and how you can trace your Japanese heritage with MyHeritage.
The Typical Japanese Family Life
One of the most unique Japanese traditions is found within the setup of a household. Multigenerational homes were the norm for years, known as the ‘ie system’, but its influence can still be seen amongst immigrant communities. It’s not uncommon for grandparents to live with their children and there’s an emphasis on respecting elders.
Children who grow up in Japanese immigrant families often unknowingly inherit the behaviors and mannerisms that come from Japanese culture. Even within families that don’t follow the ‘ie system’, it’s normal for second-generation Japanese immigrants to bow to greet their elders, avoid confrontation, and show humility.
The Role of Nature in Daily Japanese Life
Nature plays a central role in Japanese traditions, both at home and abroad. The natural cycles of the season are revered amongst Japanese people, particularly Obon (mid-summer), Hanami (cherry blossom viewing), and Oshogatsu (New Year’s).
Obon, a mid-summer festival when spirits are believed to return from the afterlife, is one of the most popular events for the Japanese diaspora. Cherry blossom festivals are an opportunity to appreciate the momentary wonder of the tree and are widely celebrated in cities like Washington D.C. and Vancouver.
Similarly, Oshogatsu is another major celebration for the Japanese diaspora, who continue the tradition of cleaning their homes before the year ends, writing postcards (nengajo), and preparing Osechi-ryōri, a traditional Japanese New Year food presented in a bento box style plate.
Traditional Japanese Practices Celebrated Abroad
Traditional arts are often how immigrant families feel connected to their heritage when living abroad. Martial arts, including karate, and taking part in tea ceremonies (known as a chanoyu), is how many Japanese children discover their culture for the first time. It’s part of their inheritance as a member of the Japanese diaspora.
Other traditional Japanese practices that continue to be celebrated abroad include wearing a kimono for special occasions, such as milestone events, festivals, and birthdays. Cultural ideals like wabi-sabi, appreciating the imperfection of life, and gaman, navigating difficult situations with patience and dignity, continue to dictate how Japanese immigrants and the diaspora lead their day-to-day lives.
How to Trace Your Japanese Ancestry with MyHeritage
While traditions play an important role in being connected to your heritage, genealogy answers questions about your family’s past. Tracing your family’s roots in Japan can be an empowering experience, enabling you to claim back part of your heritage.
The ‘koseki’, a family registry documenting births, marriages, and deaths, is a key tool when tracing your Japanese ancestry, but it’s not always accessible. That’s where MyHeritage comes in. Our archives give you access to Japanese vital records, making it easier to branch your family tree by working one generation at a time. You can also use MyHeritage to preserve old family photos and digitalize your family tree to pass on your Japanese traditions to the next generation.
Uncovering your Japanese heritage may be difficult, especially as many Japanese immigrants changed their surnames to adapt to their new home countries. However, Japanese surnames can provide clues to your family heritage as they often are linked to geographical locations or occupations.
If you were adopted or have limited knowledge of your ancestry, DNA testing can help fill in the blanks and even reveal unknown relatives to unlock new parts and branches of your family tree.
Celebrate Your Family’s Japanese Culture at MyHeritage
Genealogy isn’t just about connecting with your past; it’s about understanding your identity and sharing Japanese traditions with the next generation. Celebrate your family’s Japanese roots by using MyHeritage to unlock the branches of your family tree and learn more about cultural traditions you can embrace as part of the Japanese diaspora. Sign up for a free trial today and uncover the mysteries in your family tree at MyHeritage.
The post Being Japanese: Traditions and Genealogy appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.
Source: My Heritage
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