Analyzing a Japan-related website - Essay Example

No author’s name is provided for the website, but the copyright is attributed to an organization called Japan Tourism Agency. The first thing I noticed about the website is that it is very visually appealing. Red and white are the predominant colors. As the page loads, large images appear and slowly scroll from right to left and then from left to right across the upper 1/3 of the page. A banner remains at the top for navigation purposes. Each of these images is attached to a theme present in the website.

The themes are activities, entertainment, accommodations, sightseeing, gourmet and shopping. Scrolling down, each theme is presented by a one sentence teaser that is intended to get you to click on the image to discover more about what is offered in Japan for each theme. The net surfer that would happen upon or seek out this website would come away from the experience with some very specific ideas about what to expect in Japan. The accuracy of these ideas can be called into question based on whether or not you feel that they are portraying a stereotype attached to Japanese culture or individuals.

The first of these images is that Japan is a land of great natural resources and natural beauty. The iconic image of Mt. Fuji is one of the first images to appear after the page loads. This is soon followed by images of maple leaves and meditation gardens. Sculpted pathways and other Japanese natural interests (including bonsai) are also featured in the images. The idea that seems to be conveyed is that a central part of any visit to Japan must include the observation of nature. The images seem to be saying that this interaction with nature is a key part of being Japanese and if you are really, truly going to experience Japan, then you must take in Mt.

Fuji and all the rest. Another set of images seem to revolve around consumption. Shopping is one of the themes, but consumption of goods