I've decided to start this blog to cover my adventures in Japan. We are leaving (on a jet plane) on the 23rd of May. In preparation for the trip, I'll post a few of my thoughts on Japan here.
Most people who know me well have a reasonable idea of the extent of my fascination with Japan. Couple this with learning Japanese and I often get asked what drives me to go for all that effort. The answer is fairly emotive and isn't easily explained...
I'll give it a shot anyway.
To me, a fairly logical and technically minded guy, the Japanese and their culture represent a fascinating mix of structure, freedom, repression and inhibition. I do so love a challenge!
If you were to take interpersonal interactions in Japanese society as an example, it can be viewed as a multivariate hierarchy, a many to many relationship. It isn't a simple matter of showing deference to those older than you, it takes into account family, occupation, position, status and a myriad of other factors. That said, it is all quite logical and just trying to comprehend the many rules and norms presents a wonderful challenge.
With this image of a heavy structured society with a minefield of social norms, you would be forgiven for thinking that it would all be a bit boring and rigid. The truth is far from it however. As the see-saw swings one way (structure), as does the balance shift for the other end (chaos). Japan's cultural output acts conduit for expression, producing a massive variety of unbound expressions. For me, Japanese animation, or anime, is the form of this outlet that I enjoy the most. The stories range from the predictable childish (happily ever after!) through to wonderfully open ended and fantastic. Above all, it is this variety and unpredictability that attracts me to Japan.
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