Vertical Writing:
* Traditional: Vertical writing was indeed the standard way of writing Japanese for centuries. It was influenced by Chinese writing, which was also written vertically.
* Advantages:
* Space efficiency: In the past, paper was expensive, and vertical writing allowed for more text to fit on a page.
* Aesthetic appeal: Many consider vertical writing to be more visually pleasing, especially in calligraphy.
* Traditional practice: It's deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and often used for formal documents, poetry, and traditional texts.
* Disadvantages:
* Reading direction: It can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the system, especially for beginners.
* Layout complexity: Vertical writing often requires more complex layout rules, which can be difficult for modern digital applications.
Horizontal Writing:
* Modern: In the 20th century, horizontal writing gained popularity due to the influence of Western languages and the use of typewriters and computers.
* Advantages:
* Easier to read: More accessible for people used to reading left to right.
* Layout flexibility: Easier to adapt to modern digital formats.
* Global standardization: More compatible with international standards and printing practices.
* Disadvantages:
* Less traditional: Some see it as less aesthetically pleasing and less respectful of traditional Japanese writing practices.
Important Notes:
* Both ways are valid: Today, both vertical and horizontal writing are used in Japan, and the choice often depends on the context.
* Not exclusive to Japanese: Other Asian languages like Chinese and Korean also have a history of both vertical and horizontal writing.
In conclusion, it's not accurate to say Japanese is *always* written vertically. It's a matter of context, tradition, and personal preference. Both vertical and horizontal writing have their advantages and disadvantages, and both are widely used in modern Japan.