Japan's National Anthem: "Kimi ga yo" （君が代）
You can learn a lot about a country from its anthem.
This song is indicative of Japanese culture. And although Japan's anthem is controversial--some think it's too reminiscent of World War II, militarism and deifying the Emperor--its subtle and understated quality reflects the humility of the Japanese. Check out the lyrics:
May your reign
Continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations,
Until the pebbles
Grow into boulders
Lush with moss
...now for comparison, listen to this one:
Damn. Talk about night and day. Can I have some more cymbals to go with that hubris?
But, in all seriousness, I think the US has a kick ass anthem. Inspiriting music with meaningful lyrics that aren't corny. I can't say that for all American patriotic songs ('cause God knows we've got plenty). I'm thinking of certain cheese-fests or possible nods to manifest destiny. No wonder other countries think we're so into ourselves...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
I Love Japan: #62
Sasumata （さすまた）
How does one apprehend a criminal here in Japan?
Get 'im, boys! A sasumata is a pronged stick found in corners of rooms--there's one located in the teachers' room at school. Don't really know how effective this would be against a gun, or an obese person.
How does one apprehend a criminal here in Japan?
Get 'im, boys! A sasumata is a pronged stick found in corners of rooms--there's one located in the teachers' room at school. Don't really know how effective this would be against a gun, or an obese person.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
I Love Japan: #63
Earthquakes!
Last night was my first earthquake! (I'm Makinohara-shi, Shizunami.)
Yes, precisely 24 hours ago, my entire building shook for five seconds. I thought the person above me was exercising or something, but that was clearly not the case. It only took a few more seconds for everyone's Facebook and Twitter updates to come rolling in.
My first thought was that it was Tokai. "This is it. I'm going to die in my shitty Japanese apartment, watching YouTube in my underwear." Whoa.
This morning, Christina was telling me that she read some study that predicts a 50% chance Tokai will occur by 2010. Uh oh. Sorry, but a doom-quake resulting in billions worth of damage and 5000+ deaths in Shizuoka prefecture is not the "high note" I was hoping to end Japan on.
So, I don't think I'll really "miss" the possibility of the earth swallowing me alive, but such a possibility is unique to Japan in that it's the most quake-prone country in the world. ...wait, that's a bad thing. Disregard this post, I guess. I need to go prep my survival kit.
Last night was my first earthquake! (I'm Makinohara-shi, Shizunami.)
Yes, precisely 24 hours ago, my entire building shook for five seconds. I thought the person above me was exercising or something, but that was clearly not the case. It only took a few more seconds for everyone's Facebook and Twitter updates to come rolling in.
My first thought was that it was Tokai. "This is it. I'm going to die in my shitty Japanese apartment, watching YouTube in my underwear." Whoa.
This morning, Christina was telling me that she read some study that predicts a 50% chance Tokai will occur by 2010. Uh oh. Sorry, but a doom-quake resulting in billions worth of damage and 5000+ deaths in Shizuoka prefecture is not the "high note" I was hoping to end Japan on.
So, I don't think I'll really "miss" the possibility of the earth swallowing me alive, but such a possibility is unique to Japan in that it's the most quake-prone country in the world. ...wait, that's a bad thing. Disregard this post, I guess. I need to go prep my survival kit.
I Love Japan: #64
Recycling
My recycling habits back home were abysmal. Here, I've gotten used to sorting my trash, both at home and at school:
I must admit, it was kind of frustrating at first, especially considering there are no public trash cans in this country. "What do I do with my trash?" you ask. You carry it around with you, ya putz! Gotta make yourself a "gomi bagu" (trash bag), which can be a plastic shopping bag or whatever, and then sort the crap you've accumulated during your day at home. This can be irritating to a Westerner, as we just dump whatever the hell we want into a trash can (or just litter, in some degenerates' cases).
Despite the lack of public garbage receptacles, this country is spotless. Even places like Tokyo. Reckon I'll be in for a rude awakening in August...
My recycling habits back home were abysmal. Here, I've gotten used to sorting my trash, both at home and at school:
I must admit, it was kind of frustrating at first, especially considering there are no public trash cans in this country. "What do I do with my trash?" you ask. You carry it around with you, ya putz! Gotta make yourself a "gomi bagu" (trash bag), which can be a plastic shopping bag or whatever, and then sort the crap you've accumulated during your day at home. This can be irritating to a Westerner, as we just dump whatever the hell we want into a trash can (or just litter, in some degenerates' cases).
Despite the lack of public garbage receptacles, this country is spotless. Even places like Tokyo. Reckon I'll be in for a rude awakening in August...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I Love Japan: #65
Purelet （ピュアレット）
A few spritzes of this handy antibacterial, and I can lay my bare ass on a public toilet seat without a qualm or care in the world. Thanks, Purelet!
A few spritzes of this handy antibacterial, and I can lay my bare ass on a public toilet seat without a qualm or care in the world. Thanks, Purelet!
I Love Japan: #66
Tanuki （狸）
Called "raccoon dogs" in English, these little guys are a symbol of luck and prosperity in Japanese myth.
In the high-pitched voices of my female students: Kawaiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
Raccoon dogs are found in places like Japan and China (the latter of which, unfortunately, sometimes kills them in the brutal fur trade--click here to watch the extremely graphic video I reference in this post).
Thankfully, the Japanese have laws protecting these critters, as they're a cherished part of the country's folklore. Tanuki are jolly creatures that live in the forest, and are masters in the art of shapeshifting.
Oh yeah, and they have scrotums the size of a whale calf.
Many restaurants and noodle shops will have a tanuki statue outside the entrance.
You also might find them outside temples, like these in my neighboring prefecture of Kanagawa:
Finally, as is the case with much of Japanese folklore, tanuki imagery infiltrates even pop culture, including manga, TV shows and video games.
Called "raccoon dogs" in English, these little guys are a symbol of luck and prosperity in Japanese myth.
In the high-pitched voices of my female students: Kawaiiiiiiiiiiiiii!
Raccoon dogs are found in places like Japan and China (the latter of which, unfortunately, sometimes kills them in the brutal fur trade--click here to watch the extremely graphic video I reference in this post).
Thankfully, the Japanese have laws protecting these critters, as they're a cherished part of the country's folklore. Tanuki are jolly creatures that live in the forest, and are masters in the art of shapeshifting.
Oh yeah, and they have scrotums the size of a whale calf.
Many restaurants and noodle shops will have a tanuki statue outside the entrance.
You also might find them outside temples, like these in my neighboring prefecture of Kanagawa:
Finally, as is the case with much of Japanese folklore, tanuki imagery infiltrates even pop culture, including manga, TV shows and video games.
I Love Japan: #67
The gym
Living in inaka like Haibara, amenities like a built-up, well-equipped gym just ain't in the cards. However, at only 100 yen (one buck) per visit, the price sure is right.
Allow me to paint the picture: a room the size of a Starbucks filled with machines at least 30 years old, of which there are only six different types. These include stationary bike, treadmill, and this.
Feel the burn!
Living in inaka like Haibara, amenities like a built-up, well-equipped gym just ain't in the cards. However, at only 100 yen (one buck) per visit, the price sure is right.
Allow me to paint the picture: a room the size of a Starbucks filled with machines at least 30 years old, of which there are only six different types. These include stationary bike, treadmill, and this.
Feel the burn!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
I Love Japan: #68
Old women wearing oven mitts while riding bikes
Again, no, not another joke.
The mitts are affixed to the handles so little old obasaans can bike 'round town without "burning their hands."
I need to discreetly take some pictures of this phenomenon, but I'll be sure to post some when I do.
Again, no, not another joke.
The mitts are affixed to the handles so little old obasaans can bike 'round town without "burning their hands."
I need to discreetly take some pictures of this phenomenon, but I'll be sure to post some when I do.
I Love Japan: #69
Loudspeakers scattered around town
In Japan, it seems most towns have many loudspeakers that are used for special announcements. For example, every day at 3 o'clock, when school gets out, motorists are reminded to "please be safe!" and look for kids biking or walking in the street.
They also play various songs throughout the day--y'know, just so you remember what time it is. Gynt's "Morning Mood" at 7 AM, "Ode to Joy" at noon, and some song I don't recognize at 5 PM. No, not joking. It actually kind of reminds me of those big ugly clocks at IU that played songs on the hour.
Finally, all sorts of other announcements are made. One of the loudspeakers' main functions is notifying people of an emergency. Problem is, I have no idea what they're saying. Let's hope there's never a gas leak or locust plague, because I'll be the last one shutting the windows.
In Japan, it seems most towns have many loudspeakers that are used for special announcements. For example, every day at 3 o'clock, when school gets out, motorists are reminded to "please be safe!" and look for kids biking or walking in the street.
They also play various songs throughout the day--y'know, just so you remember what time it is. Gynt's "Morning Mood" at 7 AM, "Ode to Joy" at noon, and some song I don't recognize at 5 PM. No, not joking. It actually kind of reminds me of those big ugly clocks at IU that played songs on the hour.
Finally, all sorts of other announcements are made. One of the loudspeakers' main functions is notifying people of an emergency. Problem is, I have no idea what they're saying. Let's hope there's never a gas leak or locust plague, because I'll be the last one shutting the windows.
I Love Japan: #70
Kappa （河童）
Kappa is a water creature of Japanese folklore. They're scaly, usually blue or green, web-toed and live in Japan's lakes. They're also supposed to be excellent swimmers. A Japanese proverb, "Kappa no kawa nagare" ("A Kappa drowning in a river") means that even experts make mistakes.
There's a small pool of water on a Kappa's head, wherein lies his power. The trick to defeating a Kappa is by bowing to him. And, since ALL of Japan's residents, even its fictitious lake sprites, have consummate manners, Kappa will bow back to you. The water will spill out of his head, rendering him completely harmless. Or killing him. Whatever.
Some Kappa pics from the net:
A sign warning kids not to play in the lake, or else the Kappa will eat their brains.
Fellow game geeks will recognize Kappa from many video games, such as Final Fantasy VI:
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Kappa is a water creature of Japanese folklore. They're scaly, usually blue or green, web-toed and live in Japan's lakes. They're also supposed to be excellent swimmers. A Japanese proverb, "Kappa no kawa nagare" ("A Kappa drowning in a river") means that even experts make mistakes.
There's a small pool of water on a Kappa's head, wherein lies his power. The trick to defeating a Kappa is by bowing to him. And, since ALL of Japan's residents, even its fictitious lake sprites, have consummate manners, Kappa will bow back to you. The water will spill out of his head, rendering him completely harmless. Or killing him. Whatever.
Some Kappa pics from the net:
A sign warning kids not to play in the lake, or else the Kappa will eat their brains.
Fellow game geeks will recognize Kappa from many video games, such as Final Fantasy VI:
.gif)
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