By Kaeli Van Cott
STAFF WRITER
Japanese culture is rooted in tradition and what ancestors started centuries before, and yet, it is modern and expanding in technology and innovation. The hybrid of tradition and modernity in Japan makes any visit there an interesting blend of old and new, with an ever-present, uniquely Japanese vibe.
The religious roots of Japan can be found anywhere because of the abundance of both Shinto and Buddhist temples. Although Buddha is widely revered, Shinto ideas like respecting and worshiping nature can be found throughout all of Japan. I paid a visit to Nara Park, a public park that is home to hundreds of wild deer that roam freely and interact with the visitors. These deer are taken care of by the government and fed by locals daily. The deer actually bow as a sign of respect to visitors and have a real relationship with humans.
Respect for the environment also extends into everyday Japanese life. There are rarely garbage cans even on the streets of the largest cities, because it is understood that any trash should be disposed of at home. If someone is drinking or eating something, it is normally consumed in one sitting and the garbage is disposed of immediately afterward. Otherwise, people hold onto their trash, because littering is unheard of.
Interaction from person to person is typically very friendly, and people bow constantly as a sign of respect. Like New York, people mainly keep to themselves when commuting, but if a foreigner like myself needs help or directions, any person is willing to help. In many of my interactions, people led me to where I needed to go or directed me to someone who could help me. Some people on Semester at Sea have even had locals travel with them on train rides to ensure that they reached their destination safely.
Japan has moved forward into more modern thinking while still maintaining its values. The country is inclusive in its entertainment and activities, and rarely seems to restrict any age group from participating in social activities. Tons of arcades could be found on the streets, yet they were not designated for children or families alone. People of all ages were open to participate, and there were even some older adults playing crane games and winning stuffed animals. Anime and publications like manga are typically not reserved for a certain age group and instead reach a large audience.
The people I met while visiting Japan really helped me to see and understand the values that are understood and practiced as a society, which gives the country a feeling of togetherness. Whether I was zooming around in a taxi in the city or walking through a temple in the peaceful woods, Japanese culture could be found anywhere if you just take a close look.
