snapshot of my japan observations

japan is an extremely interesting mosaic of cultures. having never been occupied by foreign rulers, japan has remained unique, but chosen and assimilated aspects of eastern (mainly chinese and korean) and western culture over the centuries.

a good glance at the culture is given by Wikitravel (i love all things wikipedia)
http://wikitravel.org/en/Japan

Japan is the country where the past meets the future. Japanese culture stretches back millennia, yet has also adopted (and created) the latest modern fashions and trends.

Japan is a study in contrasts and contradictions. Many Japanese corporations dominate their industries, yet if you read the financial news it seems like Japan is practically bankrupt. Cities in Japan are as modern and high tech as anywhere else, but tumbledown wooden shacks can still be spotted next to glass fronted designer condominiums. On an average subway ride, you will see childishly cute character toys and violent pornography- sometimes enjoyed by the same passenger! Japan has beautiful temples and gardens which are often surrounded by garish signs and ugly buildings. In the middle of a modern skyscraper you might discover a sliding wooden door which leads to a traditional chamber with tatami mats, calligraphy, and tea ceremony. These juxtapositions mean you may often be surprised and rarely bored by your travels in Japan.

Rules
i feel like there are so many rules in this society.

for example, with eating, these are the things i've been told directly, or read.
its impolite to
- wave your chopsticks around while talking
- lick chopsticks
- pierce food
- eat each small dish one at a time !!!

and thats just what i know just about eating.
its hard to know if there are more rules, or if i'm just not familiar with them.

[personally, i think its rude to find that last one rude (eating each dish separately)!]


another faux pas that i made, was at an Onsen (hot spring). i went in with my underpants still on.
the guy that took me told me that bathing naked is good for peace between nations.
hmmmm, next time i will be better behaved and bare my gift to the nation of japan.


also, people are quite modest, and will play down a compliment. on the other hand, if i've ever been complimented about anything, i say thanks enthusiastically, before reading a slight surprise and amusement.


Boards
there is a board in the lobby area, with everyone's room number, a little rectangle with a flap and a cache of coloured magnets. you must move the flap or stick the magnets to signify whether you are in your room or not, or away etc. apparently this is normal, and clearly everyone's business. there are similar boards outside the labs and offices at university.



Indirect
people are not direct. apparently, when speaking japanese, there is an emphasis on inference, and implication.
i suppose that is why its very difficult to ask questions.
well, not so much difficult, as hazardous.
if offering something, it feels as if it must be accepted.
when asking if something is available, then it seems that the answer will always be to oblige the said interpreted request, even though it may have just been a query.

there is no doubt that a) the language barrier does not help, and b) this type of interaction becomes natural and therefore not a problem in everyday life

however, for this rude and insensitive foreigner, i am now scared to ask for/about, or offer anything most of the time.

Uni
at the university, there are at least 4 robotics related labs in the centre, each with at least 20 people. there are beds in all the labs, and people often work late and stay the night. they also have fridges, food, playstations and manga comics.

the presentations are more conversations, and the relationship between the professors and the students appears to be less formal and more interactive than in australia.

this is an illustration of the apparent contradictions.
the language has 5 levels (or thereabouts) of grammar depending on the authority of the person you are speaking with, and therefore the level of deference you are expected to show.
this idea extends beyond just the language.

therefore, i would have expected the opposite.



Vending machines
there are many vending machines.
there are vending machines for coffee. you get a can of bordering on hot coffee instantly.
the drink approximates coffee and is almost tasty. it is very sweet. mmmmmm


Style / Elegance
everything here is designed so well, works so efficiently, and is presented beautifully.
caligraphy, bonsai, origami, the art, food, as well as people (grooming).



Wrapping / Rubbish Bins
there is a clear love of wrapping. food is wrapped in a wrapper which is wrapped in a wrapper which is wrapped in a wrapper in a box, maybe in another box.

on the other hand, there are so many rubbish bins. must sort your rubbish. at the dormy there are at least 6 categories, in public at least 3 in most cases, but it is very difficult to find a rubbish bin on the street. people do not generally eat while walking. and its rude to blow your nose in public i think. so no need for bins all over. and i've never seen rubbish littering the streets.