Job Discussion Forums

[kiracle]

If you are going to read Alex Kerr, I would try Lost Japan, too. He wrote it before Dogs and Demons and it's not quite as jaded. Some of the reasons why he is here and why he loves Japan come through loud and clear despite the rant against dammed rivers. Much more balanced.

[shmooj]

Yeah, should've mentioned that myself. Lost Japan is much better and, as you said, written years before interestingly.


One major way I got into Japanese history was by borrowing kids manga history books from the local library. Great informative reading practice with furigana to boot.

[Dr.J]

Interesting question. I think in the case of Japan, they seem to care a little more about 'form' and less about 'look'. What I mean is, as long as the old castle is THERE, you can have bright neon lights and souvenir stalls surrounding it (and extension cords running through the walls etc.)

However, the teacher/student custom is quite strong, so you can see many traditional practices (dances, crafts) that haven't changed for generations.

[kiracle]

I agree. While I felt at first I was getting gyped on the culture front, I found that I can learn and expereince quite a bit through my students. I work at an eikaiwa so my students are all ages and have a variety of interests. Some of them are actively involved in traditional practices (Zen temple cooking, pottery, calligraphy, dance, tea ceremony ,to mention a few) and are happy to share with me. I am discovering a very distinct and in many way ancient and tradtional culture simply through spending time with my students and learning how they live and what they are intereested in.

Admittedly the number one hobby is still either sleeping or shopping but the exceptions are making my expereince all the more richer.

[blackguy-n-Asia]

This is an excellent topic!

I'm going to visit Japan in 2005, but now I know I'm not going to see some of the 'cultural' things that I was supposing

I can stay in Canada if I wanted to see concrete buildings!! Damn.

Culture also resides in people, so one cannot say that it's all gone.

[Sam Adams]

This is to Paul H. Why is it that a question about Japnese culture makes you feel like this is an opportunity for you to bash America? I'm not disagreeing with what you said. You make many valid and intellectual points. As one of the moderators of this forum though, you should know better.

[guest of Japan]

I think Paulh just made an analogy. I'm American and I didn't take his comments as American bashing.

[Sam Adams]

Comparing Japanese domestic policy and culture that is relevant in some way to all of its people to American foreign policy that applies to more of a minority that
A- voted for Bush
B-That support the Iraq war

is not a very good or appropriate analogy on a Japanese discussion board.

[shmooj]

Sam, perhaps you should reread Paul's post.

His example perfectly served to illustrate the illusion that people have about Japan and the US and the reality that is in fact the truth. The same is true for the UK in that the image is that Englishmen are perfect gentlemen whereas reality is... well... different.

If you have an issue with that, take it to another forum. If you have something to say about Japanese history then let's hear it...

[AgentMulderUK]

[PAULH]

[PAULH]

[Sam Adams]

Paul H said
[quote]If I was America bashing I probably would have said that Americans are big fat, loud, NRA gun-toting mono-lingual yokels but I didn't.

Nice cheap shot! Very mature.

I understand this may not be the most appropriate forum for this discussion, so I apologize for this debate. I will leave it on the note that so far, the distinction between the American government and the American people has not been made. If you honestly belive that Americans on a whole are Bush loving, Bush government dedicated followers, then you are just plain wrong. Saying that is like saying all Australians back the Iraq war because their government supports it. That is a ridiculous statement, no?
All I am trying to say is that if you are going to use an analogy, use it correctly. Come to America and you will see a great country. Hard times and bad leadership have befallen on a great nation. Has this not happened to other countries in the past? This post began about Japnese culture and history, and yet somehow in an attempt to make a point the current American foreign policy was used to illustrate a that point. I feel it was used incorrectly.
I don't have anything on my conscience. What I am tired of is this general lack of historical understanding, and the current trend of America bashing anytime someone wants to sound intelligent.

[Gordon]

Sam,
I believe it is you who has made this an issue. Paul made an analogy and you have turned this thread into something altogether different. No one else believes it is a big deal.

BTW America has no one else to blame regarding its electoral system other than themselves. I believe a country elects a government that it deserves. They voted (or didn't in many cases).

[Mike L.]

[quote]BTW America has no one else to blame regarding its electoral system other than themselves. I believe a country elects a government that it deserves. They voted (or didn't in many cases).[/quote]

Dito for Japan!

As to the OP original question "Is Japan's rich cultural history obvious?"

NOT REALLY. What hasn't been paved over or forgotten has been turned mostly into ugly ferro conrete replicas and bogus festivals that exist for tourists, more importantly their cash, only.

That's not to say there aren't some temples and all but if your expecting to find intact historical cites and pastoral views of traditional Japan as is still possible in some countries forget it!

In 5 years here, often on a bike riding in several parts of the country I've found some great examples of Japanese history, but for the most part it's been a lot of ferro cocrete and paved rivers that I've come accross!

Progress comes at a high price and Japan is a perfect example of the reality!