The culture of Japan has evolved greatly over the years, from the country's original Jomon culture to its contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from Asia, Europe and North America. After several waves of immigration from the continent and nearby Pacific islands (see History of Japan), followed by a heavy importation of culture from China, the inhabitants of Japan experienced a long period of relative isolation from the outside world under the Tokugawa shogunate until the arrival of the "The Black Ships" and the Meiji era. As a result, a culture distinctively different from other Asian cultures developed, and echoes of this persist in contemporary Japan.

Some people say that food is like art. These people probably went to the sushi bar a lot, because Japanese know what to do with their food. And we don't mean eating it!

UK freelance illustrator Garry Parsons collects lots of things which eventually turn into his inspiration, such as illustrated books, images cut from newspapers and magazines, Japanese cartoon characters, toys, food packets, sweet wrappers, carrier bags and the list goes on… Parsons studied Fine Art in Canterbury and went back to college in 1996 t

MSU's Asian Studies Center hosted its annual Japanese picnic, featuring traditional food, music and martial arts . Video included at www.SpartanEdge.com