Day 1: The experience started with a New Zealander’s inspirational speech about how much the budō arts—the martial ways of Japan—influenced the Japanese culture, from the technique and body movements to the way of thinking and being. They learn to "begin and end with respect, to reflect on their successful strike, to be grateful when they are struck".
Day 2: Our understanding towards Japan deepened even more when we interacted with Japanese students from Keio University. This visit was full of insights about their educational system and their continuous concerns about the political strategy which Japan adopts in the current international context.
Day 3: Some of the secrets of Noh Theatre were discovered. It is a major form of classical Japanese musical drama performed exclusively by men with recitative chants and a small orchestra accompanying the play. Every little detail—the sounds, the gestures, the way the actor enters the stage—matters and has a specific meaning.
Day 4: The visit to Higashi Honganji Temple held many wonders, including the Kezuna (Woven Hair Rope). This rope, made from human hair mixed with hemp, was used for hoisting and moving the massive wooden beams of the Temple's main halls.
Day 5: We saw the day of 6 August 1945 through the eyes of an 86-year-old survivor of Hiroshima. Despite the tragedy, she never lost hope: "Because of the pain, I thought: I am alive; I have to find my family." Her ability to believe in a peaceful future, rather than holding onto hate, was deeply moving.
Day 6: The day ended with a breathtaking view of Tokyo from the Roppongi Hills Observation Deck (53rd floor). After exploring contemporary art, we shared a delicious dinner in a typical Japanese restaurant.
Travel Advice for Japan
- Cash is King: Many places don't accept cards. Minimum ATM withdrawals can be high (~100 EUR), so exchange money beforehand.
- Wear Clean Socks: You will often be required to take off your shoes. Bare feet are considered rude in many traditional settings.
- No Tipping: Tipping is not part of the culture and can cause embarrassment. Staff may even chase you down to return "forgotten" change.
- Nose Blowing: It is considered unhygienic to blow your nose in public. Use a private restroom cabin instead.
- Chopstick Etiquette: Never lick your chopsticks, never stick them vertically in rice, and never pass food from chopstick to chopstick.
All advice can be summarized as: look around closely and see what local people are doing. After all, imitation is the only fail-proof way.
I want to thank #mmib #ase #rei #embassyofjapaninromania #geyc and #prismaeu for the trust and support. Special thanks to Bojan Vukadinović and Kartal Kovalovszki for the beautiful photos.
Explore More:
- MIRAI Blog
- Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
- Hadashi no Gen (1983)
- Follow the journey on Facebook: #mirai2017