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kiracle · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 65 Location: Gifu, Japan

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 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

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 · Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 304 Location: usually Japan

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 · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 65 Location: Gifu, Japan

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 · Joined: 21 Apr 2004 Posts: 201

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 Crying or Very sad

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. Cool

Sam Adams · Joined: 26 May 2003 Posts: 23

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 · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

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

Sam Adams · Joined: 26 May 2003 Posts: 23

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 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

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 · Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2004 9:35 am Post subject:

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan