Dreaming of the 'Floating World'

In my jet-lagged fog, at 5 a.m., I am confronted with images of 'Ukiyo-e', the 'fleeting, floating world' of Japan. I can't sleep until I make sense of all the pictures floating in my head. In my attempts to arrange these images in a neat little grid, the technology for doing so is out of my control and my grasp of this blogging thing is limited, but I realize it so much more fitting to have these pictures floating haphazardly across the web page, as this is the way they drift through my mind. This is but a glimpse...

A Land of Contrasts

Japan is really a land of contrasts. With every turn I made I could see the clash of old and new, traditional and contemporary,
rigid and flexible, open and closed. This poster, which I saw in a subway station, I felt captured this clashing of sensibilities.
When walking down the street, or through a subway station, I could see men and women in black business suits, woman dressed in their finest kimonos, young sumo wrestlers in their indigo robes and high wooden sandals or teenagers dressed to the nine's getting ready to parade their looks, and style, through the Harajuku section of Tokyo. Yet, with all these contrasts there is an overall pervasive Japanese aesthestic which I think is guided by a deeply routed tradition in Shinto Buddhism. There is a respect for the environment, a respect for each other and a respect for the moment. Being back in New York City I decided to make a top 10 list of differences and similarities between Japan and New York City. My lists follow...

Top 10 Differences Between Japan and New York City

1. Japan does not have public garbage cans (or very few), yet there is no trash on the streets or in the subways. Also, the floors in the subway stations and the subway cars shine, there is no graffiti and the seats are upholstered and spotless.

2. Depending on which subway you take, and where you are going, will determine the price you pay for your trip. If you buy the wrong ticket for the train you are taking you can get in trouble and will have to pay again. Very confusing!

3. People sing out “Irasshaimase!” in welcome, as you enter any shop, restaurant or place of business. They also wish you well as you leave.

4. Fish and rice is served three times a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner.

5. Tea drinking is considered an art form in Japan.

6. School teachers and students usually don’t get home until 7 or 8 at night; all students are required to participate in after school programs (sports, martial arts, music, etc) and all teachers are required to teach an after school activity.

7. Slippers are worn in school, restaurants and inside many public places. If you do not have your own slippers with you they are always provided. Different slippers are used in the bathroom.

8. There are no paper towels in public restrooms and most restaurants do not provide napkins; you must have your own hand towel with you at all times. However, every restaurant provides you with a hot, damp towel for cleaning your hands before you eat.

9. No blowing your nose, eating food or drinking any liquid while walking down the street (yet vending machines selling anything from hot tea and coffee, cold water and beer and sake are everywhere! plus there are always people handing out free packs of tissues on the street!)

10. Taxis are completely clean, have lace seat covers, you don’t tip the driver, and the doors open and close automatically.

11. I know it’s supposed to be just 10 but, most toilets seats are heated and there are a variety of buttons on a side handle for spraying, drying, listening to music and water pressure. Be careful which button you press!

Top 10 Similarities between Japan and New York City

1. People in Japan and New York City make very little eye contact.

2. There is Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Denny’s (although I don’t think there is Denny’s in NYC…).

3. American Jazz is popular.

4. There are silly reality and game shows on TV.

5. Christmas decorations are everywhere.

6. Taxi drivers drive fast and crazy.

7. You can get a great cup of coffee.

8. Snack food is really big; there is a huge selection in most supermarkets.

9. Kids love to play baseball, basketball and volleyball after school.

10. Parents are very concerned about their children’s education.

11. Okay, #11, the Japanese love to eat!

Forever grateful

During my entire stay in Yukuhashi I was very fortunate to have Keiko as my guide. Without her I don't think my experience would have been as rich as it was. Keiko was so very warm and open about Japan and Japanese culture and customs. She provided all of us with a true entry way into the lives of the people who live in Yukuhashi and Japan in general. At the start of our time together in Tokyo, Keiko said she will be a 'mother' to us, making sure we will always be comfortable and safe. She taught us right from the start about 'ichigo ichie', which immediately struck me as one of the most profound teachings in my journey to Japan. (Check my earlier entry to learn about 'ichigo ichie'). She prepared us about certain customs in the Japanese home such as taking a hot bath (and going first as the honored guest) and being careful what you compliment when with a Japanese family, because they will give the item to you if you say you like it. I had many amazing experiences and highlights during my trip but meeting Keiko and spending time with her is something I will cherish forever. Domo arigato gozaimas!!