The bulk of the photographs i took in Japan were not of people, but often some sort of weirdly interesting food or gadget. I can understand why Japan would be a culture shock to many people. People behave so very different than those in other large cities. I was pleasantly surprised that strong emphasis on courtesy and decorum still made up a large part of the japanese culture. The hotel staff were all extremely enthusiastic about well, everything! Whether I asked the front desk staff for the nearest optician, hair salon or commercial belt, they would immediately dig through the yellow pages and folders filled with newspaper clippings and meticulously written telephone numbers and addresses. Then they would even ring up these shops, just to make sure if they really were what i was looking for. It was almost like a mission. It amazes me that this is even with a "no tipping" rule. Yes, a no-tipping rule. Even porters! In Japan, the group is still valued above the individual. Try doing that in the US. Oh, and there's the polite bowing. By the end of the trip, i was unconsciously bobbing my head up and down whenever i spoke to the Japanese, just as they tirelessly do. Here's a couple of things that made the trip a memorable one:
1. The toilets - oh man, i spent so much time exploring the various functions of Japanese toilet bowls. Here's a pic of some of the features you can expect from a typical loo.
I think the flushing sound thing is the funniest thing. The instructions claimed that the flushing sound (it sounds really fake by the way) was a water-saving feature. Who would use it? I can't imagine that anyone would use this feature. Flush after every few pees just to save water?! yucks.
2. The juxtaposition of old and new- Traditional shrines and buddhist temples coexist side by side with the modern metropolis skyscrapers and apartments. You can almost imagine samurai-like gentlemen walking the streets of Tokyo. Afterall, as late as the 20th century, the Japanese were still carrying swords and wore traditional garb, thanks to their isolation policy.
3. The meticulous detail that goes into the aesthetic presentation of japanese food and gifts- I was lucky to have enjoyed a real japanese (8-course?) dinner at a traditional ryokan inn. I just had to take pictures of every dish i ate. It was like eating art itself! Even a simple hotel breakfast turned out to be a fit-for-photo-taking affair. Mm....It was really interesting...half the time i didn't even know what i was eating! Gifts were also always very presented, whether it was a can of tea or a bag of sweets. (okay, as u can see i spent alot of time eating and buying food)
4. Having my first public bath experience. i.e. first time completely naked in front of perfect strangers and my mom. Very er..steamy. Hm...okay..have to stop thinking about it. It's one of those things that you just do but not think about too much. I tried taking a picture of naked guys in a bath waaaaaay far away in another building. SHHhhh...don't tell anyone! Anyway it was too far away. But there was nothing to hide the fact that there were naked men in a public bath. No screens or curtains, just glass from ceiling to floor. Alright...once again too many details here. =P
5. Quirky sights all around Japan - Despite the government closure of a street where people would go to busk, see and be seen, the famous youngsters of Harajuku still sit near the subway station on Sundays, seemingly oblivious to tourists snapping away at them. But i think they dress up as such for a purpose, and are actually happy to oblige to a picture request. The english standard in Japan is also not up to par with many other major cosmopolitan cities, so you do get some really funny signs. Wording on clothes especially, don't make any sense at all.
6. Finally, I had an awesome time with my parents. Sure, there were the occasional squabbles and times where i felt they were overly protective. But i know they are just concerned, and will always be whether i'm 6, 16, or 60. I felt like we got to know each other better, and spend some quality time together exploring a strange city. My mom asked me questions about daryl, and my dad said some really nice things to me. And i can feel that they are trying their best to let go, and treat me as more of an individual. Going overseas has made me appreciate my parents more, although i very seldom express it to them. This trip to Japan brought us closer emotionally, and moved me in a special way. I can only hope that my thank you card at the end of the trip adequately expressed my gratitude towards all they have done for me all these years.
ps. You just have to check out this photoblog has awesome snapshots of daily life in the Tokyo area from the eyes (or lens rather) of a pretty cool Canadian dude living there with his wife and very cute baby boy.
super weather day!