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2009年07月29日
Things Japanese: How Western is Japan?
The view from Starbucks-notice the red and white pattern on the lacquer stall.
People often worry that Japan is becoming too western and that all of the traditional Japanese culture will be lost in time. I myself have been noticing the opposite. It seems that no matter how western Japan gets, wherever you go, there is always something very Japanese and very traditional in sight.
This was brought home to me this morning as I sat in Starbucks. From my seat I could see the French supermarket clearly. Coffee from America and vegetables from France-how much more western can you get?
However, when I first sat down that was not what I saw-I seemed to be surrounded by a mountain of traditional Japanese lacquer ware. A lacquer ware seller has set up his stall next to Starbucks and the seat that I chose happened to be right next to his stall. I moved to the next seat where I could see, not only the lacquer ware stall but also the rest of Starbucks and the French super market.
I was especially interested in the red and white cloth that covered the bottom part of the stall-this is as traditional as you can get-it is a Japanese pattern that stall owners use all over Japan. Needless to say I have never seen it in Minnesota or other parts of Asia.
My experience this morning was typical I think. No matter where you and no matter how western things may look at first, look a little bit closer and you will for sure see some traditional Japanese items or patters or whatever.
So, for myself I am not worrying that Japan is becoming too western-I just don't think it will happen. Enjoy Japan.
Paul
投稿者 bethany : 2009年07月29日 10:32
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