I've always been a bit of a gypsy -. maybe it's my Celtic heritage.🍀 I was born in England, but I have mostly Celtic blood running through my veins (Irish, Welsh and a hint of Scottish too). We do get about - the Irish. There don't seem to be many places in the world that don't have an Irish bar!!!!!!!
Actually, it's estimated that the Irish diaspora is made up of around 70 million people, so that's quite unsurprising.
I've had the privilege to live in a handful of countries long-term (not one month or 6 month visits but really living with the locals). Thus far I've lived in Germany, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Mexico. I could talk all day about cultural differences but also similarities since I've also been an English teacher for many years - on and off. I've taught students from MANY other countries which include: China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, France, Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (ironic name), Chile, Nepal, Spain, Brazil, Senegal, and Italy, to name but a few.
Overall, underneath all the cultural differences we really are all the same - HUMAN - and it's good to remember this when we are travelling. Humanity first, cultural differences second. We all feel joy, sadness, grief and peace. We all need love and we all need to release our fears.
Saying this, there are quirks to each culture that stood out to me and this article is dedicated to a light-hearted look at some of my FAVOURITE CULTURAL DIFFERENCES in Japan❤️
When I think of my favourite quirks, I very often think of Japan because it really is the quirkiest place I have ever lived... I spent two and half years living there and I have been back on multiple occasions to travel alone around the country by Shinkansen - bullet train. From climbing Mount Fuji in August with a photographer friend of mine, to the picturesque and mesmerizing red "torii" gates in the shallows at Miyajima Island, to singing karaoke and drinking beer under the cherry blossom (Sakura) in Yoyogi Park, to taking part in the ritualistic Japanese tea ceremony in a local teahouse.
Dining in Japan 🍣
This picture below is of a traditional restaurant I visited with a wonderfully hospitable and generous family of one of my former students near Nagoya, Japan over 15 years ago. I think I must have been inebriated with sake, since it's a shocker of a photo, but you can see the traditional tatami mats on which you sit to eat at low wooden benches and the bamboo screens separating dining groups. And this was just a lunchtime pitstop - not high end fine dining.
Dining in Japan is a very elegant affair -and it is as much about aesthetics of the food and overall presentation as it is about the taste. This was my lunch that day. I remember the day well. This meal was delicious - fish, rice, miso soup, seaweed, egg custard, horseradish, vegetables. I love the Japanese way of presenting their food in neat little bowls/ containers/ dishes of appropriate size. It's the attention to details that stands out too. Quality over quantity. There is a lot of ceremony involved with eating food the Japanese way that is steeped in gratitude and appreciation. In a world of over-consumption and waste, it's a cultural difference worth noting for sure. 🙏
Japanese Hospitality
I mentioned above that - on one of my bullet train trips exploring Japan - I visited the family of an ex-student in Nagoya. Their hospitality and generosity were astounding. When I accepted an invitation to visit Yuko's family (pictured below) they really went out of their way to make my stay unforgettable. I have never met a more "genki" family. (Genki is a Japanese word that I find hard to translate with the exact feeling but means something between and including lively/ alive/ healthy/ in good spirits). One translation is health, vigour and energy. This photo of this super-genki family was taken in Shrikawa. The dad (left of picture below) drove us about 500 miles on a round trip to Shirikawa on his weekend even though he worked hard at his own business all week. He got up super early to drive us all to this special place and could not have anticipated such hospitality and warmth from an experience. It was such a privilege to be hosted by them. ❤️
History Conservation
History conservation is prevalent in Japan. I've visited many historical sites, shrines, areas, and museums and have always been impressed with the quality and depth of history still present. Shirakawa is a small traditional mountain village located in Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. It's a fairy-tale place. I mean, it's so astonishingly beautiful, and well preserved, surrounded by forest and mountains, the mist covering the ground at daybreak. The traditional houses are called gassho-zukuri, which means "constructed like hands in prayer", because their thatched rooves look like the praying hands of Buddhist monks. Even the shops have that style (see picture below) and hardly any modern buildings have been erected.
The Japanese have preserved the aesthetics of this place. They give more than a nod to traditions/ history/ cultural preservation and the results include beautiful places like this. The views here are awe-inspiring. Not only this, but the air is fresh and clean. If you get the chance to visit, I'd highly recommend it!
Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture, Tokyo Disneyland and Animation
Japanese culture has quite pronounced extremes and the stark contrast to the ultra-traditional side to Japan presents itself in all the cuteness that is embraced.
When I was working in Tokyo over 20 years ago even a lot of my business students (salary men) went crazy for everything Disney. A lot of them had year passes and spent all their weekends there. At the time, I found it quite bizarre, but on reflection it was a form of escapism from their heavy work burdens and responsibilities. This photo below was taken in 2001 at Tokyo Disneyland.
I'm a fan of anime and I love all of Hayao Miyazaki's films. Miyazaki's films are characterized by recurrent themes about humanity's relationship with nature and technology, the wholesomeness of natural and traditional patterns of living, and the importance of art and craftsmanship. So his cute anime characters bring messages of culture and history preservation. This is an example of where the two polarities work together.
Of course Japan is home to LOTS of cute manga and anime. Plus "icons" like Hello Kitty - I even saw grown women driving pink "Hello Kitty" cars. I kid you not. It was fascinating. I haven't been back for a long time - at least ten years, so I imagine there have been many changes, but I'm sure the quirks of cuteness are still alive and thriving!!!
I have so much to say about the quirkiness and uniqueness of Japan, but that's all for now folks!
Love,
Marley and Me xx
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my own photos