Karaoke and Aesthetics

Hey everyone.

Before I go on with the basic rundown of what's happening, I'd like to take a moment and say that my own views are not really reflective of how others act in general.  I'm just not used to dorm life, so...I might have been a little out of line before, speaking in terms of groups.  So, I don't meant to speak ill of anyone, just that I have an opinion, like everyone else.

Also, I probably won't put any pictures of my dorm mates just yet, at least not single shots.  They haven't told me not to, but I want to respect their privacy, so...yeah.

Now, for something less depressing...depending on your perspective of course.  I tried Karaoke.

I went out to Karaoke with about seven girls.  I embarrassed myself royally, but had a good time.  I can see why people would be intimidated or not like it, as it is wild and crazy, but it could grow on me.  My voice cracked at least twice, but I sang my heart out...for better or worse, heheh.  I might even do it again.  Just a lesson by example people.  Take a leap.  You might not look dignified, but you might enjoy it.

Next, I'd like to talk about the beauty of Japan.  It's not at all like what most people think, like the ukiyoe paintings or the fine art you see in museums.  it's cramped, urban, and can be a bit intimidating at times.  But there is a keen sense of beauty to the city I'm in if you're willing to look.  I first discovered this on the roof of my dorm, then did some house hunting.  Here are some of the things I found.

Japan is a land of contradictions in terms of architecture.  There are huge factories and campuses alongside old timey buildings and shrines across the street from vending machines that sell beer or cigarettes.  There is a rustic beauty in Japan that thrives alongside modern innovation.  It seems like the land never loses hold of its culture, even as it trods forward on the path towards the future.

I once read in a book that Japan's industrialized world can be intimidating, even ugly, to outsiders, but there's beauty if you're willing to look.  There are natural beauty in the parks, in the rivers and canals that run through the city in a much more beautiful version of American's home plumbing, and many more wonders to see.  However, what I find most charming about Japan is how it feels alive.

There are people all over the place and while you can find highways and lots of cars, bicycles, motor bikes, and motor cycles are more common, along with walking people and plenty of shoppers and vendors.  Hirakata city feels wonderfully lived in.  And the old culture lives alongside the new, making it feel both rustic and yet modern.  It is...in my opinion, much more lively than America in all the right ways.  People aren't hidden away in cars all the time.  And colorful too.  The district I visited to sing Karaoke was bright and loud, and full of people, it was colorful, and fun, but still felt exotic and Japanese in its own flavor, thanks to the old/new culture living together.

I also have to comment on the use of space in Japanese buildings.  Even the small ones are usually two stories and have plenty of plants, colorful dolls or ornaments laid out, or other such things.  They may be small and even a bit drab at places, but they've got much more charm than the cookie cutter suburban housing that seems to plague some areas of America.  Every Japanese house I've seen seems to have a balcony to stand on and look out at the world, as well as a beautiful garden for color and occasionally for practical uses.

It's an aesthetic I find most interesting.  Maybe through my pictures, you all can see some of what I see in Japan.

I'll be whining about classes later in the week.  Consider this a reprieve, dear friends.