Sado (tea ceremony) The Japanese "Way of Tea" or tea ceremony was spread during the 16th century by Sen no Rikyu, a Buddhist monk. Guests are invited to a tea-ceremony room where the host serves them the tea. The spirit of Wabi or austere refinement is valued in the tea ceremony. Ikebana (flower arrangement) This is a traditional art form in which cut flowers, stems, and leaves are beautifully arranged in a vase or container. It originally began with the objective of revering the Shinto and Buddhist spirit. With the spread in the popularity of the tea ceremony during the 16th century, Ikebana arrangements became one of the ornaments of the tea-ceremony room. Shodo (calligraphy) This is an art form in which a brush, made of the hair of animals such as horses and sheep, is dipped in India ink and used to artistically create characters. It originated during ancient times in China, and further developed into a unique Japanese art form using Japanese characters. It is taught in elementary and secondary schools, and many people often use the brush to write their New Year's cards. Kabuki Kabuki is the most famous of classical Japanese theaters. It is characterized by such features as gorgeous costumes, special makeup, and the fact that no women take part: female roles are played by male actors called Oyama. Kabuki is also performed overseas.     Animation Japanese animation, which is winning high acclaim around the world, is entertainment that is enjoyed by both the young and old. "Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi" (Spirited Away), an animated feature directed by Hayao Miyazaki, won the Golden Bear, the highest award, at the 2002 Berlin International Film Festival. The movie boldly yet delicately depicts the adventures of a girl who finds herself "spirited away" to another world. Karaoke People enjoy a drink, some food, and singing along to music from a Karaoke machine in which the lyrics appear on a TV monitor. Karaoke is actually enjoyed not only by adults but by children as well, and recently, you can find numerous "Karaoke boxes," which offer private rooms where people can sing in the company of just their friends. English, Chinese and Korean songs are also popular in Karaoke. Music Contemporary Japanese youths enjoy a variety of different music types from all over the world. Hip-hop and R&B are among some of the especially popular genres. Fast foods Fast food, which is inexpensive and convenient, is now an indispensable item in contemporary Japan. Fast-food selections include not only the usual hamburgers or donuts, but also a wide variety of Japanese items such as Udon noodles, Soba buckwheat noodles and Gyudon (rice topped with cooked vegetables and beef) that can be enjoyed throughout Japan.     The Japanese are very fond of sports. Like Sumo and Judo, baseball is a national spectator sport. Families often go to a baseball park to spend the day watching professional baseball, so children grow up familiar with the sport. The same is true for football. Excitement is building up throughout Japan as the countdown to the 2002 FIFA World Cup continues. Football Football became a professional sport in Japan with the establishment of the Japan Professional Football League, or J. League, in 1993. The Japanese national team refined their skills in the league, and in 1998, made its World Cup debut in France. This year, 2002, Japan will be hosting the World Cup together with South Korea. Baseball Baseball is a sport with the most number of fans in Japan. The Little Leagues and high school baseball are also very popular, and of course, professional baseball is at the top of the list. There are now Japanese baseball players, including Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners, playing in the US Major Leagues. Sumo In Sumo, huge wrestlers wearing Mawashi belts grapple inside a Sumo ring. In the beginning, Sumo was closely related to farming rites and Shinto rituals. Today, it is enjoyed purely as a sport. Judo Judo was established in the mid 19th century around the beginning of the Meiji period (1868 – 1912). It was both a sport and a spiritual training. Judo has attracted world attention, and it is now an official Olympic event.