Look at any aspect of the world around you and you will see traces of Asian traditions having had a powerful influence on it. The influence is all around us from philosophies of life to food, fashion, and technology. Asia has a long history and deeper cultural roots that continue to shape modern life in ways we see every day. This is all done without even realizing it.

Starting with philosophy and lifestyle, most ideas from Asia such as mindfulness and meditation, have become major parts of health and wellness today. It is not uncommon to hear stories of people using eastern medicine to get better. These practices with roots in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, are thousands of years old. Meanwhile, Yoga, originally from India, is now a global activity that helps people stay healthy and relaxed. Meditation, while beginning in India, China, and Japan, is now used by millions to manage stress and improve focus. What was once taboo and even frowned upon is now an accepted as methods to make a person feel better both spiritually and mentally. 

Without realizing it there are many Asian influences in the home you are living in. Homeowners now use Japanese concepts like minimalism to declutter their living spaces and simplify their lives. We may think it’s just a way to decorate our homes when in fact this is a widely used practice in Japan. In Chinga, Feng Shui is the practice of arranging space to create balance which creates good energy. Feng Shui used by people around the world from decorating or designing homes and offices to trying to create a more positive energy in their surroundings.

Whether you are an adventitious foodie or just someone who love a good food, when it comes to food, the variety of Asian food choices is second to none. Asian cuisines are everywhere; from Sushi, ramen, pho, dumplings, to sweet desserts such and bubble tea and mocha, Asian food is now common in cities across the globe. Known for using the freshest ingredients, being healthy, and using authentic cooking methods, there are countless ways to prepare Asian Food. From steaming, and unique flavors such as soy, ginger, and sesame, Asian ingredients have all made their way into modern kitchens.

Watch a TV commercial or see an ad in a magazine and chances are it features your favorite Asian artist. From forward fashion trends and beauty trends, Asia has made a huge impact in the entertainment world on a global scale. Personally, I love using Korean beauty products (K-beauty) as they have become especially popular for their clean gentle formulas and advanced skincare routines. Traditional fabrics and patterns worn in countries such as India, China, and Southeast Asia are now seen on modern runways, blending the old with the new in stylish ways.

From cars, computers, cell phones, etc., technology is just another area that modern life reflects Asian influence. Japan, South Korea, and China are leaders in developing electronics, smartphones, and digital apps that we all use in our daily life. They have seamlessly blended traditional values of discipline and innovation to form the fast-paced, tech-driven world we live in today.

There is a running stereotype (that is not always true) that Asians are smart, particularly in Science and Math. Education in countries such as Singapore, Japan, and South Korea are admired for their strong focus on discipline, respect for teachers, and hard work which are all values deeply rooted in Eastern philosophy. This system has influenced how other countries think about education and learning.

Let’s not forget the influence Asian culture has on entertainment which is where Asian traditions shine. Martial arts, coming from countries like China (Kung Fu), Japan (Karate), and Korea (Taekwondo), are practiced not only as a sport but also a way of life. The art form has inspired countless movies and games. Asian music in modern pop culture such K-pop, anime, and even Bollywood have exploded worldwide. They bring traditional ideas and modern energy together today.

Asian tradition has helped shape how we eat, relax, learn, and live. From bringing a sense of balance, creativity, and wisdom to modern life, they bring the world together, becoming more connected through ancient traditions that continue to inspire new generations in meaningful ways.