There are many aspects of Japanese culture and society that make it one of the most beloved countries in the world today, at least according to the Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brand Index. Technological innovations arising from the country and the reputation of companies such as Honda, Toyota, Nintendo and Sony mean that international attention is focused on Japan's industrial prowess. Add to this the ever-increasing popularity of manga and anime, and overall they form a strong nationalist sentiment in Japan, but completely different from the nationalism of the war period. However, there is another aspect of Japanese culture rooted in historical significance that evokes an alternative sense of pride in the population: martial arts. It is important to consider not only the physical aspects of this martial arts tradition, but also the mental ones. Through the historical background of Japanese martial arts types such as karate-do, jujutsu, aikido and kenjutsu, the progression of the arts and the break with their origins, and finally their place in Japanese sport and society today (karate, judo , kendo and sumo), we will see how Japanese martial arts moved back and forth between military and physical philosophy, and pacifist and Zen-like philosophy. To begin with, it is generally difficult to pinpoint a consensual date for starting a martial practice. artistic tradition in Japan because the learning of these arts occurred mainly orally and through practice. It is widely believed that all oriental martial arts have their roots in China, starting from the founder of Zen Buddhism, the Indian monk Bodhidarma (Daruma for the Japanese), in the 6th century. The principles of Zen Buddhism would later be reflected in most of the ph...... middle of paper ...... siane martial arts 3, n. 4 (1994): 63-75. Official website of the Olympic Movement. Athletes. http://www.olympic.org/athletes, (assessed April 3, 2012).Saotome Mitsugi. The principles of Aikido. Boston: Shambhala, 1989. Skidmore, Max J. “Oriental Contributions to Western Popular Culture: The Martial Arts,” Journal of Popular Culture 25, no. 1 (1991): 129-148.Sumo. Guide to Japan. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2080.html, (assessed April 3, 2012).Suzuki Tatsuo, Karate-Do. New York: Perigee Books, 1984. Tan, Kevin S.Y. "Constructing a Martial Tradition: Rethinking a Popular History of Karaet-dou." Journal of sport and social issues 26, n. 2 (2004): 169-192, doi: 10.1177/0193723504264772.World Karate Federation. Results of the 20th World Karate Federation Championship. http://www.wkf.net/index.php? option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=58, (rated April 3, 2012).