Changing Impressions

So I have been avoiding thinking about this blog because to me it means that my experience in Japan in almost over. Everyday I am still amazed by the Japanese population. Although I feel like I have learned a lot, I also feel as if I know nothing about Japanese people. Sometimes I get so annoyed by the huge population when I get pushed around in a store or a train station, but then someone goes and surprises me by offering a kind gesture like giving up a seat to an older person, or helping a confused gaijin (me) find her way. There is a great dichotomy in Japan that I still find fascinating. From the outside, Japanese people seem very private and introverted on trains and in public. They are constantly playing on their phones or napping and aren't very social. I see fashion as an expression of individuality from the millions of people in this small space, because there isn't very much interaction other than noticing one an other's presence. But once I have gotten to know any Japanese person, I feel like there is a very kind heart inside that is deeply rooted in traditional values and genuine empathy for others. One of the first days I was here I was lost and asked directions from two Japanese girls. Not only did they help me get to my destination, but they ended up spending the whole day with me, and we still are friends to this day. Another time, when my Mom was here we were trying to find the night bus for Tokyo, but we were getting the run around. A woman on her bike noticed our frustration, and offered to help. She called the bus company and found out where we were supossed to meet. She hailed us a taxi and told him to take us there. Then, she rode her bike to the bus station and had them hold the bus until we got there. She had no investment in helping us, but she genuinely cared about our well being. I think that my time here has really helped me understand that Japan is quite similar to America in many aspects, but also so unbelievably different from anything that I have ever known. I have never experienced that kind of altruism in America, but hopefully some of it rubbed off on me so I can spread the Japanese spirit when I return home. Despite the differences, I have really enjoyed my time here in Japan, and look forward to maybe coming back one day to learn even more about this group of people.

Art and Entertainment in Japan

When I told my Japanese friends that I was going to Tokyo, one of the first questions they asked was if I was going to Tokyo Disney. My speaking partner just can't get enough of the Disney characters, and constantly mentions that we should go sometime. She always gets so excited and talks about how she went a few years back and it was so much fun for her. Personally, I would rather spend time enjoying natural or historical wonders, rather than ones built by the Disney corporation, but when I went to visit my family they planned a day with Disney for my mom, cousin, and I. Although I was hesitant, I obliged and prepared for a day of long lines and foreigners. When I got there, I noticed a completely different atmosphere than what I am used to at Theme parks in America. The overwhelming majority of people there were Japanese, in fact I think I only saw three other gaijin there. The park itself was a very popular spot for what seemed to be young people going on dates. I am used to dinner and a movie, but I suppose in Japan they go straight to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction. Not only was there a large population of young people, but they were all sporting Disney fashion. Girls had on Mickey earmuffs, boys Mickey ears, and little kids had Disney everything. This Disney mania seems to be a very popular as a means of entertainment in Japan. Even here in Osaka, USJ is quite the popular spot, and many friends go several times per year. I think that overall, the accessibility and guaranteed enjoyment are what drive thousands of Japanese people to the theme parks every day.

Here is some more information about what Tokyo DisneySea has to offer: http://gojapan.about.com/cs/tokyoentertain/a/tokyodisneysea.htm

Politics in Japan

The other day when I was meeting some people at Hirakata station, I was greeted by a group of people holding signs, which appeared to be about not smoking. They handed me a pack of tissues with a big no smoking sign on it, and uttered something that I could not understand. There was even a person videotaping the scene, so it must have been a big deal. I took my photos to a few Japanese friends, and they said that there has been a recent ban on smoking in Hirakata streets and at the station, and these were government workers warning people about the consequences. After several searches, I could not find anything more than the basics of the issue, so most of my information is from Japanese friends. According to http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20070714a5.html, they are a group of ex-policemen that are making the issue known to the public. My friends said that recently there have been arrests for being caught smoking on the streets near the station so it is still a problem despite the government interference (maybe this is from other foreigners who didn't know it was banned!) In the future, they will be issuing 1,000 yen fines for being caught smoking on the streets. This came as a suprise to me because Japan seems to be so free with their cigarette consumption in public places, so I would imagine that streets would be a safe place to light up. It is good news however, especially with the knowledge of the problems associated with second hand smoke, but the more important ban is smoking inside of restaurants, bars, and karaoke rooms, where the smoke actually harms people.