Here we go. Final reflection for this epic journey. This one is entirely self indulgent on my part. I'm not trying to make any grandiose statements, I'm just looking back at the memories I treasure the most from Japan. So, without further ado, let's get started.
Top of the list of my favorite memories is my journey to see the UshiTora project. Theater Om is a tiny little theater that virtually no foreigner has heard of, performing a play that few English speakers would even be able to comprehend. I loved my trip to watch the play based on Ushio and Tora. The theater was hard to find and I had to look around, making this more akin to a quest or adventure than anything, but once inside the tiny, unobtrusive theater, I was blown away. The dedication to the source material, the music, the lights, the costumes and acting, everything was a brilliant tribute to the nerd culture that Ushio and Tora fans love. This experience is the second most remembered part of my trip to Japan. It was one not catered for foreigners, it was something I had to go find, some "pure" Japanese culture. For anyone traveling to Japan, I'd say this. Sure, go and enjoy the usual tourist sites, Hiroshima, Nara, etc. but go find something esoteric that you love, something purely Japanese, and take a leap. It will be totally worthwhile. The experiences not catered to foreigners offer a beautiful taste of Japan undiluted by expectations of pleasing the west.
On a more somber note, the trip to Hiroshima was the most terrifying experience for me in Japan. More than first arriving, more than being alone and without friends, seeing the destruction my country wrought and hearing someone speak about their own living hell was shocking to my core. I felt I needed to be there, to see and to hear, but it was an unsettling experience. I would only recommend it to those who want to be challenged, because the information gathered at the peace museum will challenge your ideas of right, wrong, and patriotism to its core.
On a lighter note, I also have to comment about my first shopping spree in Japan. This might seem minor, but just getting a chance to immerse myself in the pop culture and see all the curios for sale was fantastic. Scouring manga stores, a super market full of the strangest food you'll likely see, a mall full of Japanese games and model kits, a nirvana for both the traveler seeking something new and the nerd looking for his holy grail. It was something I never got used to, as I could always find something to gape at in ANY of the stores in Japan.
Along the same note, the food was unbelievable. Delicious, but at the same time a shock to my body, it was the healthiest meals I've ever eaten, even the fast food there is miles ahead of the fast food in the states. The freshness of the food, the exquisite taste, and the restaurants, including my personal favorite, the takoyaki/yakisoba man who I frequented most. DO NOT go for American food in Japan. Experiment, because you'll find it matches your palette perfectly, no matter who you are.
One memory I can't shake are all the times I stumbled with the language and all the times I managed to eke out a small victory. I never realize how weak my language skills were until I had to be immersed in it. The people speak quickly, in low voices, and it's difficult for me to process, even after almost two years of practice. It was frustrating. At the same time, when you managed to remember a phrase you've never used, conjugate it correctly, and be perfectly understood by the Japanese, there is a sense of pride welling up inside you that is hard to forget. I had this happen a number of times, like when I got lost and had to ask police, in Japanese, to help me find my way. Likewise, I struggled often with countless renditions of "Mooichido, onegashimasu" or "Wakarimasen." I need to study more, but I've improved thanks to this trip.
My experiences in a small town with my friend Na-chan were also very precious to me, as I got insight into Japanese home life. The homes are small, but the space is used to great effect, so that a number of people can share a small home without being too crowded. And Japanese cooking, done right, by a real Japanese mother, is fantastic. While not that different from American cooking on some levels, it's healthier by far and just...tasty. I'm glad I didn't decide to homestay, for reasons I'll talk about later, but I did enjoy meeting a Japanese family and exploring a typical small town. I would love to live in ANY of the towns I visited in Japan. Speaking of small towns, I love the atmosphere of Japan. The mix of rustic and technological, the strange and the familiar, the mixing of nature with industry...it's beautiful.
One memory that's not usual, but which I still love, is the time difference. In Japan, I was able to live and function like an actual human being. My internal clock made it easier to just...live. After coming back to the states and spending sleepless nights awake and tired days napping, I realize how Japan wasn't just good for my physical health, but my mental health. I slept well there, I was seldom truly tired...it's something I miss.
Of all my memories, the ones I treasure the most are, ironically enough, not those exclusive to Japan at all. Granted, there are elements of Japan in there, but the memories I treasure the most are finding some real friends and spending time with them. My personal favorite of these times are my trips to Kyoto and Fushimi Inari, which are great cultural sites in their own right, but spent with my friends, they became something amazing. Looking through stores, getting lost, tasting the local cuisine, it was just fun being with those who accept you for who you are, and believe me, my first trip to Kyoto was with people who hated me and who I came to be distasteful of. Going back with people I could have fun with, it was like a totally different experience. Or, just eating dinner, a Japanese dinner, with people like that was amazingly fun. I made new friends who I determined to never forget and to keep up with for as long as I could. And hopefully someday we can go back to Japan together.
There were a lot of other grand memories, but these are the ones that stick out most in my mind. And honestly, there were lots of memories I wanted to make but couldn't, like visiting Tokyo. But, despite this, if I died tomorrow...I'd have a ton fewer regrets. Japan was an experience unlike any other, one that I someday hope to replicate.
It's been a trial at times, but being in Japan was fantastic. And that's all I have to say on the matter...on this blog, at least. I'm sure I'll return here eventually, like when I travel to Japan again or to any of the other places I want to visit like Brazil or the UK. Until then, though, I wish you good fortune, dear viewers. And encourage you to try an experience like this for yourself. It's one you will not easily forget.
Greeting, gentle readers. Many of you know of this blog already as a record of experiences in Japan during times of schooling, however I have since upgraded it. I have traveled throughout not just Japan, but other areas of Asia as well and hope to share my experiences with others on the subject. I hope the experiences and colorful commentary are to your liking. Happy reading!
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflections. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Reflections: A world of Social Etiquette and feudal empires
Well, it's that time again. This is my second to last post on the subject of Japan and I hope I can do justice to the topic. The topic being culture. I' m reminded of a phrase used by an internet critic on that subject, describing Japan as a complex tapestry of social etiquette and feudal empires. And recently, at my birthday, I had a chance to reflect back on the different aspects of Japan's culture for my family and friends.
First, it's important to understand a little about Shinto for some of the social rules to make sense. It is more of a cultural phenomenon than an established religion, as it permeates every part of Japanese culture. Within it are certain guidelines. For example, blood is an impure substance and the color red is likewise impure. However, white, salt, sake, and rice are all considered pure. This is probably why most rice in Japan is eaten white. It is meant to be a customary show of purity. While this might seem like a silly idea, much of Japanese culture is determined by such Shinto ideals. Cars, houses, and people have times in their lives where they seek purification. On auspicious days, people are more prone to dress in white, as it suggests purity and a freedom from evil deeds. And other such practices permeate the landscape. I do not believe that some Japanese are even aware of the origins of these practices. They just do them out of habit. Similar to visiting a temple but not knowing the deity to whom they pray.
Japan is also very highly focused on dignity and the preservation of ones honor. To that end, people who are hurt or who might seem lost or in need of help are rarely offered help. This should not be misinterpreted as the Japanese being cruel. Far from it. Seldom ever will you meet a more helpful or honest person on the street than a Japanese person. However, it is social etiquette to not ask people if they need help, as that would embarrass them and ultimately bring shame to them, which is a big deal in Japan. People who ask for help are given it freely and enthusiastically, but until one asks, it is unlikely they will receive it on their own. In supermarkets or department stores, for example, no one asks if you need help like they do in America. They leave you be and if you need guidance, you can ask and people will assist.
Along the same lines of dignity, manners are crucially important to Japanese culture. Every time one enters a store people welcome you and whenever you leave, they wish you good luck on your way. People are expected to say when they are leaving and returning and all those in earshot wish them good luck or a welcome return. The equivalent of a short grace or a thanks given for a meal is present at the start and end of every Japanese meal. It can be a little daunting for an outsider. However, to my own frustration at times, Gaijin are not really required to follow these laws of social etiquette. They are exempt purely because of how they look and act, so the Japanese have already judged them based on that. While this can be a godsend for someone seeking romance, since between the Japanese, public displays of affection, even one as simple as holding hands, is discouraged, it can be annoying when you want to immerse yourself in the culture.
There are also, of course, the rules that many would define as strange. In Japan, slurping noodles is polite, as it compliments the cook. Eating rice with sauces is discouraged, as it fouls the pure white rice. And of course, the importance of public bathing. While I never went to an onsen or open bath, to my shame, I know from my readings that these are some of the few places where people can let down their hair and get clean, both physically and spiritually. In a world of structure, manners, and rigidity, places to just relax are important. Some companies and organizations encourage employees to bath together so they can get to know the real them. While not all of these make sense to a western audience, especially given our less rigid and less polite etiquette in the states, they make perfect sense to the Japanese. That's kind of what matters in subjects like this.
I personally believe that these manners, along with the willingness of the Japanese to adapt to new situations, is what makes them so open to foreigners. Granted, there are a few people stuck in the past who don't like foreigners in Japan but the polite hospitality of Japan extends to more than just its own people. However, these manners can also seem restrictive to me. Many of the rules emphasize a submission to a greater authority, in school, at home, or at work. Failure to comply with or meet all the demands of the greater authority can lead to more than just personal chastisement, but to ostracizing by those around you. It can be a scary sight to behold. While I haven't personally seen someone stoned or run out of a building for such reasons, I have seen people grow colder to those who have challenged their leaders. This can be especially scary for teenagers entering a rebellious phase. Even then, however, the manners and etiquette provide at least the appearance of civility...which is something, I suppose.
Really, it's impossible to break down all the nuances of Japanese culture into a single blog post. Hell, even a series of books wouldn't be enough. I suppose the take away message is that the Japanese are very polite and hold dear to their manners and standards of social etiquette. Sometimes they follow traditions, especially around the holidays, that are ironclad, even if they don't understand what they mean. And often enough, people's personal pride and dignity are put over their well being, to such an extent that even victims of an accident or a death in the family will not receive sympathy unless they openly seek it. It's not perfect, by any means, but the nature of Japan's culture and the importance of social etiquette make it a place that will be jarring to foreigners, if only because of how welcoming and kind people appear to be. And they are genuinely kind and welcoming. But sometimes, one wonders what lies behind the masks of social etiquette. Anyway, I don't have nearly enough experience to comment on such things. I'm just making some broad observations.
Up next will be my final reflection on Japan before I put this blog to rest...at least until my next trip abroad. I intend to highlight my fondest memories and the best trips. So look forward to it.
First, it's important to understand a little about Shinto for some of the social rules to make sense. It is more of a cultural phenomenon than an established religion, as it permeates every part of Japanese culture. Within it are certain guidelines. For example, blood is an impure substance and the color red is likewise impure. However, white, salt, sake, and rice are all considered pure. This is probably why most rice in Japan is eaten white. It is meant to be a customary show of purity. While this might seem like a silly idea, much of Japanese culture is determined by such Shinto ideals. Cars, houses, and people have times in their lives where they seek purification. On auspicious days, people are more prone to dress in white, as it suggests purity and a freedom from evil deeds. And other such practices permeate the landscape. I do not believe that some Japanese are even aware of the origins of these practices. They just do them out of habit. Similar to visiting a temple but not knowing the deity to whom they pray.
Japan is also very highly focused on dignity and the preservation of ones honor. To that end, people who are hurt or who might seem lost or in need of help are rarely offered help. This should not be misinterpreted as the Japanese being cruel. Far from it. Seldom ever will you meet a more helpful or honest person on the street than a Japanese person. However, it is social etiquette to not ask people if they need help, as that would embarrass them and ultimately bring shame to them, which is a big deal in Japan. People who ask for help are given it freely and enthusiastically, but until one asks, it is unlikely they will receive it on their own. In supermarkets or department stores, for example, no one asks if you need help like they do in America. They leave you be and if you need guidance, you can ask and people will assist.
Along the same lines of dignity, manners are crucially important to Japanese culture. Every time one enters a store people welcome you and whenever you leave, they wish you good luck on your way. People are expected to say when they are leaving and returning and all those in earshot wish them good luck or a welcome return. The equivalent of a short grace or a thanks given for a meal is present at the start and end of every Japanese meal. It can be a little daunting for an outsider. However, to my own frustration at times, Gaijin are not really required to follow these laws of social etiquette. They are exempt purely because of how they look and act, so the Japanese have already judged them based on that. While this can be a godsend for someone seeking romance, since between the Japanese, public displays of affection, even one as simple as holding hands, is discouraged, it can be annoying when you want to immerse yourself in the culture.
There are also, of course, the rules that many would define as strange. In Japan, slurping noodles is polite, as it compliments the cook. Eating rice with sauces is discouraged, as it fouls the pure white rice. And of course, the importance of public bathing. While I never went to an onsen or open bath, to my shame, I know from my readings that these are some of the few places where people can let down their hair and get clean, both physically and spiritually. In a world of structure, manners, and rigidity, places to just relax are important. Some companies and organizations encourage employees to bath together so they can get to know the real them. While not all of these make sense to a western audience, especially given our less rigid and less polite etiquette in the states, they make perfect sense to the Japanese. That's kind of what matters in subjects like this.
I personally believe that these manners, along with the willingness of the Japanese to adapt to new situations, is what makes them so open to foreigners. Granted, there are a few people stuck in the past who don't like foreigners in Japan but the polite hospitality of Japan extends to more than just its own people. However, these manners can also seem restrictive to me. Many of the rules emphasize a submission to a greater authority, in school, at home, or at work. Failure to comply with or meet all the demands of the greater authority can lead to more than just personal chastisement, but to ostracizing by those around you. It can be a scary sight to behold. While I haven't personally seen someone stoned or run out of a building for such reasons, I have seen people grow colder to those who have challenged their leaders. This can be especially scary for teenagers entering a rebellious phase. Even then, however, the manners and etiquette provide at least the appearance of civility...which is something, I suppose.
Really, it's impossible to break down all the nuances of Japanese culture into a single blog post. Hell, even a series of books wouldn't be enough. I suppose the take away message is that the Japanese are very polite and hold dear to their manners and standards of social etiquette. Sometimes they follow traditions, especially around the holidays, that are ironclad, even if they don't understand what they mean. And often enough, people's personal pride and dignity are put over their well being, to such an extent that even victims of an accident or a death in the family will not receive sympathy unless they openly seek it. It's not perfect, by any means, but the nature of Japan's culture and the importance of social etiquette make it a place that will be jarring to foreigners, if only because of how welcoming and kind people appear to be. And they are genuinely kind and welcoming. But sometimes, one wonders what lies behind the masks of social etiquette. Anyway, I don't have nearly enough experience to comment on such things. I'm just making some broad observations.
Up next will be my final reflection on Japan before I put this blog to rest...at least until my next trip abroad. I intend to highlight my fondest memories and the best trips. So look forward to it.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Reflections: What Wondrous Sights to See
Well, it's that time again. I am tired and don't want to do anything else...so, I've decided to reflect on Japan and how much I miss it. Specifically, on all the sights I've seen and how they compare to similar tourist sights in America.
Though I traveled a great deal in Japan and visited many great tourist attractions, it was often difficult for me to tell where the tourist site began and the town ended. They were often woven so intricately together that it was difficult to tell them apart, save for the sites being a bit more ostentatious. Okay, maybe that doesn't make perfect sense, but it's the atmosphere. The sites don't seem separate or different from the towns they are in. They've grown together organically. To me, this was a stark contrast to all the memorial parks or big buildings in the States that I had seen, things like the Grand Canyon or the Statue of Liberty seem cut off, separate from an area, while places such as Fushimi Inari or the Hiroshima Peace Museum are rooted in the towns around them.
There is also an air of tradition around the specific sites in Japan. Temples have a bit of decorum to be looked after, such as services or offerings to the guardian deities, traditional food from the area is served around such sites, and as a whole, it feels...I don't know, a bit more authentically Japanese than anything else I've seen. In America, the tradition doesn't seem to be there.
Above all else, the sites I saw moved me because of the atmosphere and surroundings. Even though Japan is a densely packed Island nation, you wouldn't know to look at it from any of the major sights. There is a great respect for nature, especially mountains and trees. They have signs around them asking not to litter, typically by saying please don't anger the mountain or something, are cared for by those around them, and make the industrialized country seem more rustic than many small towns in the states. This atmosphere is one of the charming aspects of Japan and the sights to be seen.
In total, went to Kyoto 5 times, saw 4 different theater performances, visited around 7 temples, saw the Hiroshima Peace Museum, and traveled to several small towns, both to see these sights and to just explore. In total, that's more than I've seen in nearly a decade in the states. The only experience close to this was when I traveled cross country with my family, and even then, the sights we saw didn't compare to the majesty and the atmosphere of Japan. I miss it dearly. I also have to mention that this kind of free travel wouldn't have been possible without their excellent public transportation system.
I guess looking back, I don't have much to say about my travels and the sights I've seen that hasn't already been said before. I suppose the take away from this is that the atmosphere, the tradition, and how organic the sights felt were what enchanted me. They were so different from the States, which often is a mash up of cultures, as we are a melting pot, but in Japan...I suppose everything feels Japanese.
I'd recommend seeing as many sights as possible for those who are considering a trip to Japan. While I didn't include my travels to the big city, Osaka, in these journals, but it too was an amazing experience, as the city felt much different, much safer, much more labyrinthine than the states. The atmosphere was different, as was the layout.
I guess this reflection is going to be a bit short. My apologies for that, but I've already covered my travels in painstaking detail in past posts. Look to those if you missed anything. Up next, a reflection on the culture, on Japan, and on my precious memories of the trip.
Though I traveled a great deal in Japan and visited many great tourist attractions, it was often difficult for me to tell where the tourist site began and the town ended. They were often woven so intricately together that it was difficult to tell them apart, save for the sites being a bit more ostentatious. Okay, maybe that doesn't make perfect sense, but it's the atmosphere. The sites don't seem separate or different from the towns they are in. They've grown together organically. To me, this was a stark contrast to all the memorial parks or big buildings in the States that I had seen, things like the Grand Canyon or the Statue of Liberty seem cut off, separate from an area, while places such as Fushimi Inari or the Hiroshima Peace Museum are rooted in the towns around them.
There is also an air of tradition around the specific sites in Japan. Temples have a bit of decorum to be looked after, such as services or offerings to the guardian deities, traditional food from the area is served around such sites, and as a whole, it feels...I don't know, a bit more authentically Japanese than anything else I've seen. In America, the tradition doesn't seem to be there.
Above all else, the sites I saw moved me because of the atmosphere and surroundings. Even though Japan is a densely packed Island nation, you wouldn't know to look at it from any of the major sights. There is a great respect for nature, especially mountains and trees. They have signs around them asking not to litter, typically by saying please don't anger the mountain or something, are cared for by those around them, and make the industrialized country seem more rustic than many small towns in the states. This atmosphere is one of the charming aspects of Japan and the sights to be seen.
In total, went to Kyoto 5 times, saw 4 different theater performances, visited around 7 temples, saw the Hiroshima Peace Museum, and traveled to several small towns, both to see these sights and to just explore. In total, that's more than I've seen in nearly a decade in the states. The only experience close to this was when I traveled cross country with my family, and even then, the sights we saw didn't compare to the majesty and the atmosphere of Japan. I miss it dearly. I also have to mention that this kind of free travel wouldn't have been possible without their excellent public transportation system.
I guess looking back, I don't have much to say about my travels and the sights I've seen that hasn't already been said before. I suppose the take away from this is that the atmosphere, the tradition, and how organic the sights felt were what enchanted me. They were so different from the States, which often is a mash up of cultures, as we are a melting pot, but in Japan...I suppose everything feels Japanese.
I'd recommend seeing as many sights as possible for those who are considering a trip to Japan. While I didn't include my travels to the big city, Osaka, in these journals, but it too was an amazing experience, as the city felt much different, much safer, much more labyrinthine than the states. The atmosphere was different, as was the layout.
I guess this reflection is going to be a bit short. My apologies for that, but I've already covered my travels in painstaking detail in past posts. Look to those if you missed anything. Up next, a reflection on the culture, on Japan, and on my precious memories of the trip.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Reflections: The wonders of public Transporatation
Okay, after nearly dying from all my jet lag, seriously, I'm not used to being so tired all the time...STOP LAUGHING! Anyway, I decided to do another reflection tonight. After a long drive home and several busy days with lots of commuting between my parents house and my apartment, I found myself pining for Japan again.
Yes, I've been pining for Japan since I left, but let me tell you a little something about the wonder's of public transportation. While Japan does have cars, it's hard for any foreigners to use, usually. They drive on the opposite side of the road, the steering wheel is on the opposite side and often cars have to navigate incredibly thin stretchs of road, where wall and metal are mere centimeters apart. In short, owning a car in Japan can be useful, but it is a lot of trouble.
While I was in Japan I went for a bike. It was great exercise, the roads and sidewalks were better designed to support them, I.E. we actually had side walks and crosswalks specifically for bikes, and above all else, the cities were so small and well designed you could really get anywhere you needed to be with a bike in practically no time at all. But what about for when you wanted to go on a road trip, see the sights, you know, travel? Well, this is where public transport comes in.
There are three basic levels of public transit in Japan. Buses, trains, and the more expensive Shinkansen. Buses are for convenience more than necessity. They allow people to easily navigate almost any city so long as they understand basic Japanese and Kanji. The fee is usually very reasonable, usually around 1-4 dollars to get around the whole city, and they follow a timetable that is easy to plan around and reliable. I road a bus for the better part of my semester whenever I needed to get to the train station. They were reliable and usually had enough space for everyone. Main problem is expense. Using a bus regularly can prove expensive. I must have spent at least $40 or more a month on buses before I stopped and started walking. Still, compared to the buses I've ridden in bigger cities like New York or the noticeably crappier school buses of my youth, the Japanese bus system is leagues above our own, offering reliable transportation around a city for commuters or tourists.
Trains are next and they are invaluable in Japan. Like buses they have clear timetables and schedules, locations are easily laid out for people to see on handy little maps, and pricing is easy and typically very cheap. Unlike buses, they connect towns in a region and are important for allowing commuters to: go to school, go to work, visit exotic locales, and visit with family/friends. Trains in Japan make it easy for people to take a trip on the weekend or whenever to a place they might not be able to reach by bike or bus, such as Kyoto, Nara, or Fushimi Inari, all of which were connected to Hirakata by train. Sometimes you need to change trains a few times or take subway lines, which are basically underground trains, but with a proper knowledge of trains, they are invaluable for getting around. While they can be crowded, the cheap price makes it easy for people to explore Japan or to commute between places. Trains can be as cheap as 2 bucks a trip or as expensive as 10, usually. The lack of cheap trains in the states puzzles me a bit. The transportation is cheap, usually clean, and reliable. It worked very well in Japan. Granted, they sank millions into public transit and had tracks all over the country connecting it by train. The states invested more in cars...for some reason. I guess I miss being able to just walk or bike down to the train station to go someplace new or fun, instead of getting in my car and driving for an hour...
Shinkansens, or bullet trains, while novel, aren't that special compared to Japanese trains and buses. Sure, they go fast, but the price is comparable to train prices in the states for traveling great distances, or cheap plane tickets. The only real difference is speed, as the Shinkansen is faster than trains in the US. They're actually kind of boring, once you've ridden one. To me, they're not that different from planes...just on the ground and a bit faster getting on and off.
So...the public transportation in Japan is wonderful and I really loved it, but is it that big a deal? Well...I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the freedom of my car. While not as motivated to explore as trains, as they can only go to a few set stops, the freedom of the car in the US allows me to go anywhere quickly and to really live my life. In Japan, with crowded roads and much more readily available public transportation, I can see why cars are downplayed and trains made king. Here in the states, though, cars can take people anywhere, with privacy and comfort not offered by public transportation. Sure, the Japanese keep to themselves and public transport is relatively quiet, but the closeness people put up with for it annoyed me to a degree.
In the end, I found it to be more of a cultural thing. I found public transportation convenient and got a chance to people watch, so to speak. Watching the Japanese on a train can tell you alot about them as a people, as even small children take trains or buses unattended, due to the ease of their use and the character of the people on trains. I would like to see more cheap trains in America, which would make for easy holidays for some people, but really...it's not going to happen anytime soon. I feel we're stuck with our cars. Besides, I doubt Americans could make the trains run with the same efficiency of the Japanese, who apologize for even a minute's tardiness on the train platform.
While I miss them, trains aren't that much better than cars. It really depends on the culture, layout of the country, and your personal preference. At least, that's my opinion on Japanese public transportation.
Yes, I've been pining for Japan since I left, but let me tell you a little something about the wonder's of public transportation. While Japan does have cars, it's hard for any foreigners to use, usually. They drive on the opposite side of the road, the steering wheel is on the opposite side and often cars have to navigate incredibly thin stretchs of road, where wall and metal are mere centimeters apart. In short, owning a car in Japan can be useful, but it is a lot of trouble.
While I was in Japan I went for a bike. It was great exercise, the roads and sidewalks were better designed to support them, I.E. we actually had side walks and crosswalks specifically for bikes, and above all else, the cities were so small and well designed you could really get anywhere you needed to be with a bike in practically no time at all. But what about for when you wanted to go on a road trip, see the sights, you know, travel? Well, this is where public transport comes in.
There are three basic levels of public transit in Japan. Buses, trains, and the more expensive Shinkansen. Buses are for convenience more than necessity. They allow people to easily navigate almost any city so long as they understand basic Japanese and Kanji. The fee is usually very reasonable, usually around 1-4 dollars to get around the whole city, and they follow a timetable that is easy to plan around and reliable. I road a bus for the better part of my semester whenever I needed to get to the train station. They were reliable and usually had enough space for everyone. Main problem is expense. Using a bus regularly can prove expensive. I must have spent at least $40 or more a month on buses before I stopped and started walking. Still, compared to the buses I've ridden in bigger cities like New York or the noticeably crappier school buses of my youth, the Japanese bus system is leagues above our own, offering reliable transportation around a city for commuters or tourists.
Trains are next and they are invaluable in Japan. Like buses they have clear timetables and schedules, locations are easily laid out for people to see on handy little maps, and pricing is easy and typically very cheap. Unlike buses, they connect towns in a region and are important for allowing commuters to: go to school, go to work, visit exotic locales, and visit with family/friends. Trains in Japan make it easy for people to take a trip on the weekend or whenever to a place they might not be able to reach by bike or bus, such as Kyoto, Nara, or Fushimi Inari, all of which were connected to Hirakata by train. Sometimes you need to change trains a few times or take subway lines, which are basically underground trains, but with a proper knowledge of trains, they are invaluable for getting around. While they can be crowded, the cheap price makes it easy for people to explore Japan or to commute between places. Trains can be as cheap as 2 bucks a trip or as expensive as 10, usually. The lack of cheap trains in the states puzzles me a bit. The transportation is cheap, usually clean, and reliable. It worked very well in Japan. Granted, they sank millions into public transit and had tracks all over the country connecting it by train. The states invested more in cars...for some reason. I guess I miss being able to just walk or bike down to the train station to go someplace new or fun, instead of getting in my car and driving for an hour...
Shinkansens, or bullet trains, while novel, aren't that special compared to Japanese trains and buses. Sure, they go fast, but the price is comparable to train prices in the states for traveling great distances, or cheap plane tickets. The only real difference is speed, as the Shinkansen is faster than trains in the US. They're actually kind of boring, once you've ridden one. To me, they're not that different from planes...just on the ground and a bit faster getting on and off.
So...the public transportation in Japan is wonderful and I really loved it, but is it that big a deal? Well...I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss the freedom of my car. While not as motivated to explore as trains, as they can only go to a few set stops, the freedom of the car in the US allows me to go anywhere quickly and to really live my life. In Japan, with crowded roads and much more readily available public transportation, I can see why cars are downplayed and trains made king. Here in the states, though, cars can take people anywhere, with privacy and comfort not offered by public transportation. Sure, the Japanese keep to themselves and public transport is relatively quiet, but the closeness people put up with for it annoyed me to a degree.
In the end, I found it to be more of a cultural thing. I found public transportation convenient and got a chance to people watch, so to speak. Watching the Japanese on a train can tell you alot about them as a people, as even small children take trains or buses unattended, due to the ease of their use and the character of the people on trains. I would like to see more cheap trains in America, which would make for easy holidays for some people, but really...it's not going to happen anytime soon. I feel we're stuck with our cars. Besides, I doubt Americans could make the trains run with the same efficiency of the Japanese, who apologize for even a minute's tardiness on the train platform.
While I miss them, trains aren't that much better than cars. It really depends on the culture, layout of the country, and your personal preference. At least, that's my opinion on Japanese public transportation.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Reflection: The People of Japan
I'm starting to worry about my flight. My friends are out having goodbye parties, probably with booze. And the whole SOPA issue seems to be going poorly. Life has a lot of worries for me lately. However, I've decided that instead of just sitting and sulking, I should do something constructive.
I had planned to start my reflections on my trip after I actually got back, but I figure now is as good a time as any to start. Before I begin, however, I don't want people to misconstrue me. These are not meant to be hard facts or anything like that, merely observations that I have made about Japan and her people. These are from my experiences and I want to educate future travelers and others who have an interest in Japan through them. So, with that set, let me talk about the Japanese people.
The Japanese people are an odd bunch, at least they seemed that way to someone like me. For starters, they are largely contained within a separate bubble from others. People on the train, people walking, biking, or just out, even those at my school all seemed to keep to themselves. Listening to music, playing games, or just doing their own thing. They value privacy and personal space. And are a bit shy. This is especially true when meeting foreigners, as they can be a bit intimidating and obviously stand out in a crowd. Even children heading to cram school or traveling alone seem in their own little world.
Do not let this be misconstrued, however, that the Japanese are rude. They are unfailingly polite. Store clerks of all varieties, teachers, students, almost everyone, will say hello, or good morning, greet you, thank you for anything you've done, it is really shocking, actually. Going into a store and having everyone working there welcome you, help you, and thank you for shopping with such earnest endearment is charming. Street vendors are especially welcoming and grateful, often shouting their thanks for all to hear. They still maintain personal space and privacy, but are very gracious people.
Do not let this be taken that there are not problems with Japan, however. More than once I have been given the blank look of someone exasperated with, annoyed with, or just confused by the stupid foreigner. Friends of mine have told stories of being bad mouthed or even assaulted by the elderly, and there was even an attempt at sexual assault during my stay that was, thankfully, unsuccessful, but still unsettling. Much of this can be chocked up to a few bad apples, as the Japanese look poorly on misconduct of any kind, but it should be noted that Japan is not a paragon of politeness and safety. They try, but there will always be risks and frustrations.
A personal frustration on my part is how distant even close friends can be. The Japanese value their personal space so much that they are often shocked or uncomfortable when hugs are due or when people want to be close. It is starkly different from the west in that aspect. Though, my college wasn't the best example of this, as at Kansai Gaidai, the college students were cutting loose a bit, after having killed themselves just getting in. But, when I wanted to say goodbye to friends or comfort them, I had to do so at a distance.
Japanese girls in particular are very genki, or energetic. Though they need to rest and sleep a great deal in the middle of the day, like many Japanese as they work very very hard, whenever they rise they are full of energy and can even make a tired fogey like me get off his butt and sing, dance, and party. Speaking of high energy, there are only a few things I've noticed that Japanese people get genuinely excited about. Education and festivals.
Teachers in Japan do their very best to make classes fun and to encourage teamwork and engaged learning as a group. Though the exams and homework are often very hard, the classes themselves are very high energy, often filled with laughter and joking. Students share this enthusiasm, working hard in their classes and going the extra mile in school events. Sports days or cultural festivals are full of people doing their best to try and make the event a spectacular success. Just today, I saw a group of students campaigning for something school related with great energy and vigor. Education really captures the hearts and imaginations of the Japanese in my mind. Though, at times I think it goes too far, as with the cram schools and exam hells which often exhaust and depress even the most genki of students.
Despite their shyness, Japanese people who open up to others or who become friends with others are very happy to help them. They are reliable and friendly, going out of their way to make their friends feel happy and welcoming. I greatly appreciated this during my time in Japan. Though, because they study so much themselves, they have to limit what they do to an extent.
I think that about covers all my experiences with Japanese people. While there can be some bad apples, due to age or drunkenness or what have you, most Japanese are very polite and great people to be around. They might not always understand what you're trying to say, as fewer Japanese than people think speak English, but they always try to help or understand. I will probably miss being welcomed and thanked in stores the most, because it brings out a great feeling of mutual appreciation in people. They thank me and I thank them for being so polite and welcoming. The Japanese can be very genki, even if they are a bit closed off and private.
I would not say they are better or worse than people in the West or in any other country in Asia. All I know is that I was impressed by them. By their warmth, their politeness, and their self sufficient and energetic nature.
To those who think they might want to travel in Japan, I recommend making Japanese friends as they are kind and often make you feel happy to just be alive, especially the girls. Be wary of those who might cause trouble, but on the whole, the Japanese are very polite and trustworthy, dare I say, honorable, people. If ever you drop your wallet or leave a key or glove behind, expect a cashier or even a customer at the same store to pick it up and return it to you, with the money still in it.
The Japanese truly are an amazing people. I just wish they wouldn't kill themselves on exams.
I had planned to start my reflections on my trip after I actually got back, but I figure now is as good a time as any to start. Before I begin, however, I don't want people to misconstrue me. These are not meant to be hard facts or anything like that, merely observations that I have made about Japan and her people. These are from my experiences and I want to educate future travelers and others who have an interest in Japan through them. So, with that set, let me talk about the Japanese people.
The Japanese people are an odd bunch, at least they seemed that way to someone like me. For starters, they are largely contained within a separate bubble from others. People on the train, people walking, biking, or just out, even those at my school all seemed to keep to themselves. Listening to music, playing games, or just doing their own thing. They value privacy and personal space. And are a bit shy. This is especially true when meeting foreigners, as they can be a bit intimidating and obviously stand out in a crowd. Even children heading to cram school or traveling alone seem in their own little world.
Do not let this be misconstrued, however, that the Japanese are rude. They are unfailingly polite. Store clerks of all varieties, teachers, students, almost everyone, will say hello, or good morning, greet you, thank you for anything you've done, it is really shocking, actually. Going into a store and having everyone working there welcome you, help you, and thank you for shopping with such earnest endearment is charming. Street vendors are especially welcoming and grateful, often shouting their thanks for all to hear. They still maintain personal space and privacy, but are very gracious people.
Do not let this be taken that there are not problems with Japan, however. More than once I have been given the blank look of someone exasperated with, annoyed with, or just confused by the stupid foreigner. Friends of mine have told stories of being bad mouthed or even assaulted by the elderly, and there was even an attempt at sexual assault during my stay that was, thankfully, unsuccessful, but still unsettling. Much of this can be chocked up to a few bad apples, as the Japanese look poorly on misconduct of any kind, but it should be noted that Japan is not a paragon of politeness and safety. They try, but there will always be risks and frustrations.
A personal frustration on my part is how distant even close friends can be. The Japanese value their personal space so much that they are often shocked or uncomfortable when hugs are due or when people want to be close. It is starkly different from the west in that aspect. Though, my college wasn't the best example of this, as at Kansai Gaidai, the college students were cutting loose a bit, after having killed themselves just getting in. But, when I wanted to say goodbye to friends or comfort them, I had to do so at a distance.
Japanese girls in particular are very genki, or energetic. Though they need to rest and sleep a great deal in the middle of the day, like many Japanese as they work very very hard, whenever they rise they are full of energy and can even make a tired fogey like me get off his butt and sing, dance, and party. Speaking of high energy, there are only a few things I've noticed that Japanese people get genuinely excited about. Education and festivals.
Teachers in Japan do their very best to make classes fun and to encourage teamwork and engaged learning as a group. Though the exams and homework are often very hard, the classes themselves are very high energy, often filled with laughter and joking. Students share this enthusiasm, working hard in their classes and going the extra mile in school events. Sports days or cultural festivals are full of people doing their best to try and make the event a spectacular success. Just today, I saw a group of students campaigning for something school related with great energy and vigor. Education really captures the hearts and imaginations of the Japanese in my mind. Though, at times I think it goes too far, as with the cram schools and exam hells which often exhaust and depress even the most genki of students.
Despite their shyness, Japanese people who open up to others or who become friends with others are very happy to help them. They are reliable and friendly, going out of their way to make their friends feel happy and welcoming. I greatly appreciated this during my time in Japan. Though, because they study so much themselves, they have to limit what they do to an extent.
I think that about covers all my experiences with Japanese people. While there can be some bad apples, due to age or drunkenness or what have you, most Japanese are very polite and great people to be around. They might not always understand what you're trying to say, as fewer Japanese than people think speak English, but they always try to help or understand. I will probably miss being welcomed and thanked in stores the most, because it brings out a great feeling of mutual appreciation in people. They thank me and I thank them for being so polite and welcoming. The Japanese can be very genki, even if they are a bit closed off and private.
I would not say they are better or worse than people in the West or in any other country in Asia. All I know is that I was impressed by them. By their warmth, their politeness, and their self sufficient and energetic nature.
To those who think they might want to travel in Japan, I recommend making Japanese friends as they are kind and often make you feel happy to just be alive, especially the girls. Be wary of those who might cause trouble, but on the whole, the Japanese are very polite and trustworthy, dare I say, honorable, people. If ever you drop your wallet or leave a key or glove behind, expect a cashier or even a customer at the same store to pick it up and return it to you, with the money still in it.
The Japanese truly are an amazing people. I just wish they wouldn't kill themselves on exams.
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