B18 Departures

1. When they are asked about their religion, most Japanese answer they are Shinto and Buddhist. Why do they belong to two religions at the same time?  Why don’t they think it’s contradictory?  Explain why you think so. Shinto and Buddhist practices can co-exist because they are not restrictive religions, like most religions practices in America. These religions consider logical and ethical values instead of faith, they are open to interpretation based on each circumstance. Since these religions consider each circumstance open to interpretation on how it should be handled between the two of them they have considered many different scenarios and sometimes to convey a message about the same thing a different perspective has to be brought to the table.

2. Considering Zoto, “Public and Private” and “giri” have deeper relationships. Thinking about those two concepts while Japanese people do “Zoto”, which scene of this film is a good example that “‘Private gifts’ that are not considered as important” (p.240) ? After a ceremony, some of the family member related to the deceased would give a gift to the ‘departures’. Though mostly at the beginning of the ceremony they seemed to be quite reserved and appear to be madder that they touched their loved ones like they did. During they realized they are being professional and presenting the best clean version they will see of the person sending them off this Earth looking good. The one example that private gifts are not considered as important would be when they arrived late to a wake and by the end the guy who yelled at the departures gave them food and apologized after the well performed send off. They said it was their fault to him and then ate the food informally inside the car parked in the lot. People gift to keep harmony and everyone who gifted originally seemed to be private and shut off but afterwards awarded them to basically keep up the good work, and to give hope to the next person they send off.

3. Daigo was a cellist, but his orchestra was dissolved, and he takes a job as “Nokanshi.”  What kind of job is “Nokanshi”?  From the film, what is the general perception of this job? How does Daigo feel about his job? Describe the transition of Daigo’s wife perception toward his job. “Nokashi” is a professional job where, they send the deceased soul off the next life. They clean the body in front of the family; washing with a rag, trimming facial hair, dressing and laying the body into the casket. Everyone seems to genuinely hate the people that do these jobs. They had gotten this reputation from what was seen at the end of the movie, a quick crew to bow their head over the corpse then toss them in and move to the next house. Daigo at first was forced into this job by his persuasive boss (and money). The first job was the worst of them all and once he got over a few bumps he felt good about what he was doing. His wife leaves him and everyone displayed their hatred towards him. His wife could not handle him touching dead bodies, then she found out she was pregnant. She gave him a second chance to quit and what do you know the largest coincidence happens, the bath house lady dies. The wife wanted to go to the ceremony and see his work along with his old friend that just gave him shit a couple scenes before. They witnessed him perform his send off and they retracted everything they said and he became respected.

4. Japanese funerals have many rituals and customs.  In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between the Japanese funerals you saw in the film and the kind of funerals you have been to?   Japanese funerals display all the clean up in front of the family which I’m assuming is to avoid any foul play and to remind them they are being sent off to a better place. American funerals are more based on sharing past times about the dead, and the body has been cleaned and prepped prior to anyone arriving to the wake. The biggest difference in my opinion is the talking aspect. American funerals share past times with the person others most likely didn’t know about them to remember what they did and how they were as a person. Japanese funerals focus on making sure their sendoff goes as smoothly as possible to the next journey, only display what they used to look like alive.

5. Movie—What does the stone that Daigo has mean? I believe it meant how someone feels about someone they will feel in the rock that was given to them. It also represented his dad showing his love for his son sending him a, what appears to be, rare smooth white small rock. Seemed like a nice rock.

6. Movie— Was Daigo able to meet his father? What kinds of situation was it? Daigo wasn’t sure if his dad was still alive or not and seemed to not care, then he was given his death notice. Daigo resisted to go, then after some internal conflict and a story from his coworker about a similar situation she had done to her child (left when he was six years old) he decided to go with his wife. The Nokashi hired came off as very disrespectful towards Daigos father so he stopped them and did his ceremony. Mid-ceremony inside Daigos dads folded hands he held onto a small white smooth rock. Daigos dad was thinking about Daigo when he was dying. Daigo gave his wife the rock after holding it to her (pregnant) belly.

7. What other PRIOR Japanese key concepts do you see in this film? Explain what and why you think so. I notice Shudanshiki occur twice times in this movie. The act of standing up to the wrong doings someone has done. Shudanshiki when Daigo was sending off the daughter of a man who did not want the gang and the man that caused her death there. He also didn’t like the way his daughter was being handled, and in the heat of the moment he called out Daigo for doing a job his whole life because nobody else will do it just like the lives of the yakuza. He was upset about everything and didn’t care for either party present at the wake. The other Shudanshiki that happened was when Daigos father was being thrown into the casket, Daigo stopped them by speaking up after giving them a minute of respect playing along to how they would send him off.

8. What did you learn about the Japanese culture through the film?  What do you think about the movie overall? I have learned a great deal about my own opinions along with a glimpse of how Japanese have developed culturally. This class has broadened my horizons on a harmonized culture that has its own set of traits and unique experiences. The movie was good, it had subtle humor at times and an eye opener to jobs that may seem less desirable don’t always have to fit the stereotype. Do what makes you money and if you are forced until you get over the outer premonitions you have, eventually you’ll love your job and won’t know how to quit, so embrace it.

B17

Soshiki (p. 201): Japanese Funerals. “Because Shinto did not have strict doctrines, and because there were many points in common between the two religions, the Japanese were able to combine Shinto and Buddhism without much difficulty.” (p. 201). That is interesting they kept the two religions separate and practice both. I enjoy combining ideas from different places including religion. I am technically Roman Catholic but being shown the ways of other religions has changed what I believe in. I do not agree with everything from my own religion and therefore I could be considered not a Roman Catholic. These two religions work well together like the Ying and the Yang “It is the custom for a person to hit the nail twice with a large pebble.” (p. 209). I thought this was literally just a phrase people said, I had no clue this was a Japanese tradition. Funerals practiced in America in my experience do not have so many technicalities like the position of the body and filling up a bowl the dead person used when they were alive. It all seems excessive and high pressure.

Zoto (p. 233): The Japanese Custom of Gift Giving. “a characteristic of gift giving that is rarely seen in other cultures, at least to the extent that it takes place in Japan.” (p. 234). My immediate friends and roommates gift each other personal gifts for various of reasons. Usually inexpensive but well thought out. I would like to see this practiced more in American culture because sometimes a gift can make the day better or make someone’s life easier! “On New Year’s Day, they traditionally receive New Year’s cards(  nengaj≈  ), not only from relatives and close friends but from old friends, bosses, business partners, colleagues, and almost all of one’s acquaintances.”(p. 234). This is more excessive than I meant in my previous cite. To give a card to everyone in your life and receive a card from everyone all at once seems like a huge waste of time, energy and sincere. If everyone receives something, that thing becomes less meaningful. “People choose practical goods because gift giving is a means of carrying out their giri.” (p. 239). This is what I was originally referring to and am pleased to see this aspect is practiced.

Blog 16 In All Corners Of the World, 2011 live film (not anime).

1. Considering iitoko-dori, the textbook mentions that “the process of iitoko-dori, which has given rise to relative rather than absolute ethical value system, has also result in serious negative consequences” (p.130). Did you find a scene that explains it well? Describe the scene and write the reasons why you think so. The Japanese adopted a more equal work ethic when it came to war having everyone come together and contribute to stopping the enemy from taking over their country. This was shown in some of the last scenes of the movie when everyone was listening to the treaty over the radio. Suzu and the father in law agreed they wanted to fight until there was nobody left and they would have rather lost their lives trying than to surrender. This was an older style of thinking and they had to adapt to their new lifestyle and rebuild. Before this the females took military training classes in order to stop any homeland invasions.

2. Considering Ikuji, how do you see Keiko (Suzu’s sister in law) child bearing? Use the citation of textbook and explain the DIFFERNCES between textbook and Keiko. Explain why you think so. Ikuji is the type of parenting that is considered the method of “seep down” (p. 136) allowing the child to grow based on bein a role model instead of a drill instructor. Keiko was more of a drill instructor telling Suzi everything whats wrong with her and being very direct with her oppinions.  Both can be effective ways in raising children but they are approached in different ways.

3. Considering Ryosaikenbo, in the movie, there are much the Ryosaikenbo concepts, for example “In Japan, it is still believed that boys and girls should be brought up in different ways” (p.181). Did you find a scene that explains it well? Comparing with American culture nowadays, do you feel it is fair or not? Explain the reasons why you think so. The scenes where Suzu and Tetsu are children ou can see that the boys were trained to think in somewhat of a military mindset. Tetsus brother died in the war and imedietly Tetsu wanted to take his place and die for his country. Whereas Suzu seemed to be raised more as a caretaker, drawing Tetsu pictures and providing comfort to him. American culture nowadays it has been slowly becoming more equal but the division in how children get brought up based on gender is still clearly seen. Curfew is a good example of how girls sometimes get mistreated. I know most of my guy friends growing up would come home generally whenever they pleased and girls would have a timed  they had to be home or they would be grounded.

4. Considering Danjyo Kankei, unlike the tradition of Danjyo Kankei, did you see in the movie that men (husband, father in law, or good male friend) are subservient to females (wife, mother in law, sister in law, prostitute friend)? Explain the scenes and why you think so. The bath scene when Suzu was keeping the bath warm for Tetsu and that was completely normal to the family. They expected her to instead of being like lets provide comfort as a group or sying hey man you want a hot bath warm it up yourself.

5. MOVIE- Why did Suzu lose her right arm? She had tried to save Keiko’s child from a bomb she saw chillen in the property immediately next to the child picking flowers.

6. MOVIE- What was the relationship between Syusaku and Rin? Rin was I believe a geisha and Syusaku was falling in love with her. He taught her how to read and write somewhat, I think they were in love at one point in their lives the same way Tetsu and Suzu were but fell into an arranged marriage, then never wanted to look back because they ended up losing their spouse very much.

7. What do you think the meaning of her right arm? Rin explained how lost things don’t have memories they go to a better place. I think the right hand was symbolism for the potential the child that died had. She had flashback of all the skillsets she obtained over the years and love she had (holding hand with Syusaku). The child had so much potential and seemed to be better than Suzu could have ever been. She was loved and the child is much missed throughout the family. She feels the pain directly for the lost life though it wasn’t her child.

8. My grandfather who just passed away was 100 years old. He was 1 km away from the ground zero. My grandmother was in Kure and she saw the mushroom cloud like Suzu saw. Do you have similar story in your family? If you do (would have), can you see the historical facts differently or not? Explain the reasons why you think so. I do not know of, (or none come to mind) any family stories that would be relevant to or as severe as surviving an atomic bomb at ground zero.

9. What Japanese key concepts that you have learned before (other than current 4 concepts) did you see in this movie? Explain why you think so. The ie system is the concept of seniority in the household rules. In the scene when Testu was asked to leave, Syusaku claimed leader of the household because his father was gone for the night. Syusaku didn’t like how Suzu was looking at Tetsu and also didn’t like the manner Tetsu had. He suggested to Suzu to go to him an not return. He was taking charge and doing what he thought was best for the household.

B15

IItoko-Dori (p. 127): Adopting elements of foreign culture. “As time went on, they tried to “catch up and surpass” the creators of their adopted models, and forty years later, in 1910, the Japanese had improved on the French model and were able to export silk overseas.” (p.  129). This had to be exciting to learn a skillset that had not been introduced in your society and improve on what they had created. This is a huge part of how today’s society works because you get people familiar with technology and from that make it even easier to implement it into furthering societies efficiency. “Butin Japan, the sense of ethical values is relative, and it varies with changes in people’s opinions and the context in which decisions have to be made.” (p. 130). I agree, being ethical is not a clear one way is right all the time. Relativity to any situation based on opinion and the reality of the situation should impact your decision. I use this mentality for my everyday life.

Ikuji (p. 135): Childrearing practices in Japan. “In other words, Japanese mothers let their expectations “seep down” to their children, while the American mothers were more verbally analytical.” (p. 136). Repeating instructions until someone can copy works sometimes for me but without explanation on why that’s the way it needs to be I get lost. With explanation, it promotes questions and excels the understanding the material by relating this new skillset to other concepts. Without explanation and just repeating how to do it the fundamentals could easily be lost. “Although Japanese mothers spoil their children when compared with American mothers, this strategy derives from the practice of developing a “good-child identity. “with time, it is difficult for children to go against their mothers’ expectations, and they even consider it shameful to do so.” (p. 137). I could see both sides of parenting. Demanding versus getting down on their level and giving them manageable goals. I would think being asked in a nice way has more of an advantage though. When I get asked to do something I don’t want to do I would rather have a compromise be set over a demand be told. I use this when I manage/supervise at work. If I know things need to get done I will tell them I will do this if you help me with that so we work as a team.

Ryosaikenbo (p. 179): Social expectations of women in Japan. “In particular, discipline toward girls is much stricter than with boys, and the stereotype of “girlishness” is seen in every home that has female children.” (p. 181). This still exists in the way Americans raise children, I don’t see much change in that respect any time soon. I think this is because women are fragile and more susceptible to become caretakers. Where men are more traditionally seen as the provider for the caretaker. On a scientific perspective estrogen vs testosterone, I can see how those stipulations can be formed. “In addition, not only fashion models but also advertisements in fashion magazines cause women to diet excessively.” (p. 183). Targeting anyone’s self-consciousness is all a marketing scam. Yes, if it makes you happy go for it but realize the advertising companies control what is trending, and to be happy you must be confident in who you are and what makes you, you.

Danjyo Kankei (p. 61): Male and female relationships in Japan. “The Japanese language itself reflects the status of these relationships between males and females.” (p.62). If the discrimination against women is imbedded in the language I couldn’t even imagine how hard it would be to get a whole society too change their ways. “However, they still remaining people’s consciousness, although everyone has a right to decide when and whom to marry.” (p. 64). In American society, I have noticed that everyone knows the negative things you can say to someone and they will refrain themselves from using them. Most the time I hear those negative phrases or words get used it is in a joking manner.

Blog #14 WebEx Q’s?

Topic: Hedataru/Najimu

You [and your friends] have a one sided relationship (you are putting in all the effort) with a friend (or roommate), and its starting to annoy you [guys]. What do you [guys] do? (how do you [all] handle it?)

Topic: Omiai

Are arranged marriages/relationships common?

Were your parents arranged?

Are your friends that are the same age as you getting married? If so, are were they arranged?

Other questions:  How do you ask someone to “Netflix and Chill”? (code for hooking up)

What sports are popular in Japan? Would you take a date to a sporting event? Did/do you play any sports?

If you were to recommend a Japanese show which would you suggest and why?

B13 The Wind Rises

1. Considering Nemawashi, the textbook mentions that “important decisions have been made well in advance through the process of Nemawashi” (p.161).  Did you find a scene that explained it well? Describe the scene and write reasons why you think so. The dreaming scene was a symbolic version of Nemawashi because the Italian plane designer took Jiro out into the field and showed him planes he was in the process of coming up with. Even though this was in Jiro’s dreams the one on one time having a great time going over proposals and coming to a concessive before showing the group is the basis of Nemawashi. Having all individuals from a company agree before holding a meeting. The designs Jiro proposed to the group of engineers he acted as if he had the approval of everyone besides Jiro’s boss. The client that was observing the base and planes was very impressed with Jiro’s proposal, while the boss was mad that Jiro’s primary work was not on things he was assigned too. During the reveal of his side project the feeling of his boss towards Jiro was the opposite of Nemawashi because Jiro proposed his designs as if he had them approved and every aspect was figured out.

2. Considering Sempai and Kohai, Sonkeigo, Kenjyogo, and Teineigo expressions are shown in the oral conversation. However, nowadays it is shown by attitudes how to interact with other people (sempai to kohai /kohai to sempai), for example “third year students have great power in junior high and senior high schools” (p.191).  Watch the relationships between characters and describe the relationships that explain Sempai-Kohai relationships well. A distinct scene that explained Sempai-Kohai was when Jiro received a package. The younger student was poking at Jiro saying things like is the package from your girlfriend. Jiro showed his vertical relationship when he said stop that and give me a cigarette, the younger student stopped and handed him a cigarette.

3. When Jiro asked Kurokawa to borrow his in-law-suite in order to spend time with Naoko, Kurokawa said “I can hardly approve of an unmarried couple living together”. Which Japanese concepts Kurokawa depended on to say that? Write the reasons why you think so. Ie system was a great example of this because it is the father’s wishes and the father of an ie family has final say in family decisions. If you want to spend time together in private or overnight marriage is the only way I will allow you to live here. I think that marriage is followed in such a strict manner because marriage is serious and if you want to be with someone in private then it should not be taken light.

4. Considering Omiai, Obviously Jiro and Naoko were not Omiai. If their situation were Omiai, do you think they would have married? Because of their love, Jiro ended up to be a widower. Is this happy ending for him or not? Explain why you think so. I think that Jiro is happy in the end even though he was widowed. Jiro made the best of the worst situation, you want to be spouse was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The scars from her loss wont vanish but living your life to the fullest is always the best option. You can’t dwell on the horrible things that happen and eventually grow from bad things that happen. If they were arranged in the Omiai way I think they would have married but I do not think their relationship would be as passionate and lovey dovey as they were. Marrying for love and marrying someone who you don’t know how could they be handled (in the relationship) sense the same way?

5. Considering Nemawashi, the textbook mentioned “It is particularly difficult to take a totally opposite stance in Japan since opinions and emotions are often taken together as a whole” (p.161). It seems a little different in the movie when Jiro had a meeting to discuss the newest airplane” Why do you think it is different from what the textbook described? Think about the relationships between people in the meeting. The book described Nemawashi as a very formal agreement from everyone before the announcement. Jiro took the initiation by presenting his plane designs to his team he was on as if they were already approved. Everyone on the team besides the boss loved the plane deign. Nemawashi takes in regard to everyone in charges opinion on things and if someone hesitates or disapproves in some way the deal won’t go through out of respect. Jiro didn’t care if he didn’t get approved of not he wanted to share his masterpiece and his followers were behind him forcing his boss to conform and allow his proposal to be approved. The boss tried to resist as much as he could to telling Jiro to stop his unapproved side project explanation because he had a client. The boss had to act as if he knew Jiro had this plane to get the sale.

6. Movie—What did Naoko do when her health got really bad? She left so he would remember her as she was and not who she was about to be. Being deadly sick can ruin the idea of what someone once represented. She did a respectable thing by being there for him to see his success and to support him. Leaving when she did was the best option even if that meant it would hurt initially for Jiro.

7. Movie—What did Naoko say in Jiro’s last dream with Mr. Caproni? Why do you think she says that to Jiro? She said that he should live on and remember the love he had for her but don’t let it hold him back from his passions. He knows he cant dwell on her death and focus on the posittives he got from the relationship with her. That is the best closure someone can hear being a widow.

8. Jiro ended up creating his Zero fighter airplane used for the War. If you were Jiro, would you pursue your dream even if it would use for the bad situation? Yes, following your passion even though it may be used for the opposite reason it was originally created would not stop me. As the itialian designer who appeared in Jiros dreams said, the beautiful creations making dreams come true being used for war should not stop the designer from creating artwork. Majestic is a great term to describe the love hate relationship of creating something beautiful that can be catastrophic for some.

9. What Japanese key concepts that we have learned before (other than current 3 concepts) did you see in this film? Explain why you think so. Bigaku, in Jiros dreams he loved watching planes, walking on planes and the exotic creations that he could dream up. He truly admired the beauty of his and others creations. He views Naoko as the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. Jiro was all about the simple beauty in things and throughout the movie smallest things he would stop whatever he was doing and absorb it in just like the paper plane that he through to Naoko. He viewed it as graceful and intriguing.

Blog 12

Nemawashi (p. 159): Laying the groundwork in Japan. “groundwork laid unobtrusively in advance.” (p. 159). I like this methodology in handling business because it makes both parties comfortable with the proposal that is taken place. Nobody is taken advantage of and both parties work together to obtain the best deal. “drinking together, a common business practice in Japan, to talk about the planwith him beforehand.” (p. 160). Going out for drinks on a business proposal always ends well in my experience and I understand clearly why this works.

Sempai-kohai (p. 187): Seniority rules in Japanese relationships. “Kenjgo  is a type of speech that lowers the status of the speaker, who is thus able to communicate with humility.” (p. 190). I don't understand why the self-consciousness is such a large part of Japanese culture. I avoid whenever possible on humiliating myself in front of someone who I would consider seniority over me. “Many companies have begun to adopt the principle of “ability first,” and lay off older workers if they cannot fulfill their job responsibilities satisfactorily.” (p. 192). I am happy Japanese have adopted the business side of skill-set over age because this will only progress a workforce. If someone who has been in a company forever is just not keeping up and getting paid too much, gotta trim the fat off the edges.

Omiai (p. 165): Arranged marriage in Japan. “Omiai includes parents in the process of selection, thus avoiding later conflict.” (p. 167). In a way, this is cool, because you have the support of your family with the significant other you are deciding to marry or not. I have been in relationships where my friends are involved and when my parents are involved, it turned out to be annoying because everyone seemed to be all up in our business. I like to share personal details but those times I want to vent and feel like I can’t tell anyone because they will get involved, it makes me feel like ghosting (to leave someone without notice, to vanish).

Haragei (p. 103): An implicit way to communicate in Japan. “…not hurting the feelings of others; therefore, what a speaker says is not always what he or she really means.” (p. 104). This is practiced in my life when I bartend or serve. I am very pleasant not giving explicit details about my life unless I am comfortable around them. To do this constantly in my life outside my job may get annoying to speak in the least amount of words possible. “Silence, as a response, can be translated in many ways. It could be “yes,” “no,” or “I do not know,” depending on the context.” (p. 106). This happens somewhat often in my life and I don't mind because it comes down to ethics and interpretation. I may not have the best interpretation skills but I have great ethics so these situations for me being considered a westerner are not uncomfortable.

Blog 11 What makes me American?

Addressing the obvious, having citizenship regardless of how you obtained it, you are American. Simple as that.

Now onto what makes me an American to the core? Everyone has their own thoughts on what makes a legal American, an American. I can say I am American because I have submerged myself inside this ridiculous culture of freedom and diversity through adversity. Whether or not I agree with the government, the pop culture, the customs, or any other aspect I understand I have a degree of freedom in what path I choose. 

For me, being American comes with a sense of pride, nationalism is huge in America. Standing up taking off your hat, singing the national anthem loudly alongside the singer with the microphone. Being American is the ability to explore the vast country in discovery of yourself. Having a tolerance for things you disagree with and the things that majorly go against your views you can speak up and voice your opinion with little to no hesitation knowing that there are others out there that will stand with you. The endless opportunities here with the diverse cultures and backgrounds all jumbled up in one. Keeping in mind there are people that would do anything here for you at the drop of a hat, while also staying alert enough to protect yourself against any devious people out to get anything they can out of you keeps one at ease and alert all at once.

To be American is having that sense of freedom from within and with respectable boundaries knowing it will all work out even when it all crumbles. The world lives on and all you can do is pick yourself up dust off the doubt and learn from your mistakes.

Blog 10 Memoirs of a Geisha

1. Today’s Japan is very much like the West. The Japanese wear jeans and T-shirts, listen to Hip Hop, dance at the club to the dance music, sit on the couch, etc.  In modern Japan, geisha in Kyoto Gion district symbolize the old, traditional Japan. What kind of arts and lifestyle of traditional Japan does geisha, “a person of art,” maintain and practice? A geisha used to represent the pure and innocents of beauty to it very core, a person that has it all: comfort, entertainment, physical beauty, well mannered, and wafuku (original clothing such as kimono). A geisha’s mentality was similar to a samaris wife, have little to no emotion besides being overly happy towards everyone, especially their husband.

2.  Considering Bigaku, the Japanese sense of aware means “people are aware of the beauty of full blossoms, of course, but are more touched and deeply moved when these blooms are falling or beginning to wilt” (p.37). Can you find a moment in which you can relate to this Japanese aware in your life? Describe your example and experience. Explain the reasons why you think so. I grew up next to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, so I constantly try to go out into the wild and just enjoy nature. My major is Corrosion Engineering so I find myself looking around at buildings or anything that has corroding material. I find many things in day to day life fascinating to observe or look at that I would think the majority would overlook. The Japanese aware is always finding the positives in something that may not be the best it could be, therefore I can relate.

3.  Comparing with the other Japanese films we have watched in this class, in Memoirs of Geisha, do you think it lost ma or aware because they speak English? Why? Why not? Explain the reasons why you think so. I think part of the concept of ma (silence), at least in this film, was lost when they spoke in English. I am not entirely sure why though. Maybe reading and interpreting instead of listening the pause was more noticeable, or their responses were also noticeably quicker than the other films.

4.   Considering Kisetsu, are there any events (e.g. Tanabata, Omisoka, etc) where you appreciate Kisetsu in the U.S.?  Find one and explain what it is. If you were Japanese, how would you enjoy the events differently from Americans. Ohioans have plenty to celebrating the seasons in our culture.  All year we have seasonal beer and wine tastings. Winter everyone collectively complains about the weather.  Spring you have: ‘spring forward’ which takes one hour off the clock for harvesters, Easter egg hunts, events to clean up parks and plant trees. Summer we have outdoor concerts, festivals, carnivals, etc. Fall we have leave tours in the park, haunted houses, pumpkin carving, ‘fall behind’ everyone changes their clock back an hour (for harvesters), corn mazes, and finally the most entertaining night/day of them all for the fall would have to be Black Friday. Black Friday even though it is somewhat of a dying tradition in America, the idea is still lingering. Stores give huge discounts on the Friday after Thanksgiving and a lot of people wait outside for entire days to obtain a gift or something they want supper cheap. I participate just how the Japanese celebrate the cherry blossoming trees: get drunk and take pictures of people being festive. You can get some good footage of how crazy people can be when trying to buy things that are about to sell out.

5.   Considering Otogibanashi, in the film, can you discover “sense of emotional beauty, of a feeling of aware, which embodied in feelings such as patience and pity” (p.172). Describe the film and explain why you think so. The chairmen say a little girl who looked very sad and he went out of his way to see her smile. Otoginashi is seeing beauty in something that most do not. He knew she could smile and he did whatever it took to see it. Feeling pity towards her he bought her an icy and gave her money for dinner.

6.   Explain Wabi-Sabi with your own words. Compare the sense of aesthetics in your country with the notion of Wabi-Sabi in Japan. Living your life based on learning moral values and not materials. A lot of americans find beauty in luxurious materials such as fast cars, shiny bling, loud speakers. We also take pride in knowing how to use or show things off. Once in a while you can run across someone who has strong morals but not as a whole like Japanese culture.

7.   In the film, what scenes do you see Wabi-Sabi? Describe the scenes and explain why you think so. When they were at the cherry blossom park taking pictures and all anyone could do is take pictures with the geisha. Everyone was out there to enjoy nature and see the beauty but they got an unexpected sight when the geisha showed up.

8. Movie- how did Hatsumomo end up? What is the relationship between Sayuri and Chairman at the end? Do you think Sayuri is happy about the her life or not? Why do you think so? She thought she got her revenge on Sayuri by exposing her want to be lover, the chairman, that  she was being paid to give the US cernal pleasure. The chairman forgave Sayuri at the end even though that was not her intention to show him that set up she had with Hatsumomo. I think Sayuri ended up happy even though before the chairman forgave her she was depressed and had to fake it to keep her job.

9. Movie-Who did Okaasan adapt? What do you think Pumpkin’s life? Okaasan adopted Sayuri. Pumpkin was going to be adopted but was not because she inavdertenly set Sayuris room on fire. Pumpkins life was ruined and she ended up joining up with Hatsumomo in the revenge against Sayuri. She seemed to enjoy her life though having fun with the American military men.

10. What Japanese key concepts that we have learned did you see in this film? Explain why you think so. Shudanshiki and aimai, when Hatsumomo and Pumpkin ganged up to try and ruin Sayuri’s life like she did to them.  Chimoko when Sayuri and the chairmen wouldn’t display affection towards another even though they were deeply in love with each other.

11. What do you think about the movie overall? Share your personal opinions. I thought the movie was okay, I did think the plot was good and the actors were beautiful. I became confused at who was doing what and some of the English was broken which I felt like I was missing out on some scenes. I would recommend this movie if someone asked about it.

Blog 9

Bigaku (p.35): “On these occasions,people try to be beautifully mannered, so when they hear h≈gaku , itreminds them of the feeling of traditional formality.” (p. 36). I can relate to this, when I hear some polka music I stop and listen. Unless its Saturday morning and I have the radio on 88.1FM I don't go out of my way to hear it. “The Japanese must learn to take pridein their own aesthetic values and find forms of expression for theirartistic traditions in the modern world.“ (p. 38). I disagree partially, yes it would be great to keep the aesthetics alive but I feel like you can keep it there just not to such a degree. If people don't like something or see a more enjoyable way to live their lives I think they should take the leap of faith to do something that will have an impact in a positive way for their society. Also there is no rule saying you must like new or the old ways of traditions, I like many ideas, music, ways of dressing, old tradition and modern ones.

Kisetsu (p. 153): “friends go out all over the country to parks for flower-viewing parties, where they eat box lunches ( bent≈ ) and drink underthe cherry trees. Hanami lasts hardly a week,” (p.155). I would be down to do this, if it existed here or if I am in Japan. I would need my allergy medication though! The best flowers always carry the most pollen. “misoka is a family event in which people are busy all day prepar-ing to welcome in the New Year.” (p.155). My family does something similar, every new years day we are sure to eat pork and sour kraut to bring the new year a clean slate, healthy, and prosperous year.

Otogibanashi (p.171): “a person (usually a man) marriesan animal that has transformed itself into a human being” (p.171). This reminds me of the folk tale about the princess kissing a frog and the frog turning into a prince. She is giving up all hope of finding her prince until she found her frog. . “As a result of this act, shetakes on her true form as an animal and inevitably leaves him.” (p.171). This reminds me of the Billy Currington song, "love me like my dog does" how he wishes women could have all the loving traits his dog has instead of being a great deal of work. Side story folktale my grandpa told me: Young bull and old bull stand on the mountainside gazing at the herd of cows. Young bull says to old bull "hey lets run down there and get one". Old bull laughs then pauses for a few moments. Old bull replies with, "instead of running down there to get one, lets walk and get them all".

Wabi-Sabi (p.223): “Wabi-sabi is also important in the field of Japanese poetry, espe-cially haiku,” (p.227). I enjoy reading and sometimes writing my own Haiku's, I find them to be so simple they can be interpreted a million different ways to inspire or convey a powerful message with few words. “The modern Japaneselead more luxurious lives but need to realize that these lifestyleswere built on other values that should not be forgotten.” (p.229). I recently saw a documentary on how to be a minimalist and didn't enjoy it. It was basically saying the modern world is spoiled and doesn't appreciate the enjoyment of how it used  to be without technology. I am a huge enthusiast on keeping up with changing times and making things more efficient and more convenient for people. I believe finding common interests and improving from past is the best way to live your life, not going getting rid of everything to live like it was in the past.

B8 Eternal Zero

Before I start this blog I just wanted to say I really enjoyed this movie even though it was longer than I anticipated. A lot of scenes really pulled various deep emotions out as well as educated me on a WWII Japanese Air Force pilots perspective. 1. Considering The Do Spirits of Japan, Zen Buddhism is “ So thoroughly integrated into the Japanese psyche…” (p.73). What kinds of aspects did you see in the film? Explain the reason why you think so. The do spirit cannot be written, taught or explained it must be experienced. This was conveyed when Miyabe failed his students who tried to volunteer to be on the Kamikaze list. He wanted his pilots to survive and no be just trained on how to throw their lives away. Then when confronted he remained stern and kept to his word that he wants to survive, until the end but still he really drove that point home to his disciples.

2. Movie—Considering Hedataru to Najimu, what was the relationship between Kentaro, Keko and Kageura the first time they met? Why do you think Kageura act like that? It was hedataru because Kageura did not like that Miyabe’s own grandchildren would call him a coward. Kageura had much respect for Miyabe. During the war Kageura hated Miyabe because he doubted his skillset and hated him to a point where he even shot at Miyabe in the sky but couldn’t bring him down.

3.Movie— Considering Bushido, what is the perspective of old people (Hasegawa,etc) toward Miyabe? What word did they use to describe Miyabe and why did they use the word.   Coward, initially they used this word in terms of bushido the code of a samurai that when their duties are complete the sacrifice themselves to keep their honor and Miyabe didn’t want to die. Then after he convinced his fellow pilots that there is happiness after the war. So they looked up to him, you could consider it an admiration towards Miyabe, then he volunteers to the Special Attack Force. They called him a coward for not having to deal with the PTSD symptoms they all end up going through after the war.

4. Movie—Considering Hedataru to Najimu and Shudan Ishiki, the sense of “uchi to soto” is more reinforced. What was Miyabe’s situation in the Kamikaze (around 1941). Think about the relationship between Miyabe and Izaki and answer the question and explain why you think so. Najimu and Uchi, because Izaki did not hesitate to tell the grandchildren the entire story of their grandfather (Miyabe). Even with Izaki’s daughter there he didn’t stop when she requested him to get some rest because he felt he stayed alive twice the length of his life expectancy with terminal cancer. He was very open and told them personal details that meant a lot to them.

5. Movie—Miyabe said to Izaki, “I don’t want to die” and Izaki felt an “intense loathing”. Why is that? Use the Japanese key concepts and explain why you think so.   He never considered wanting to live as a thought. The mentality was no matter what happens put your countries best interest before anything else even if that meant dying. Izaki never really even thought about the concept of dying until Miyabe expressed those intense thoughts to Izaki. Shudanshiki was a major part in this scene, where expressing ones inner feelings could be taken the wrong way and after that confrontation Izaki couldn’t believe he would think something so different from everyone else.

6. Considering Shudan Ishiki, what is the negative effect of groupism in this film?  Explain it comparing with Kamikaze and suicide bombers. That dinner scene where Kentero was with his friends and girls they brought made me feel angry that they would attack Kentero on his personal views. Kentero provided stories and explanations for seeing that a Kamikazie pilot was sacrificing their own lives as an elite pilot fighting the enemy, to die with honor. They attacked him saying to a foreigner they are a terrorist killing innocent lives. In reality they were doing what they deemed best for their country not a random attack on civilians.

7. What is the connection between this film and “The Last Ronin”?  Do you see “bushido” in this film? How do you think it affected this war? Explain the reasons. Bushido was fairly similar up until after Miyabe convinced several pilots that there is more to life than dedicating your life on a known attack where its been predetermined to sacrifice everything. Miyabe ended up seeing too much and knowing returning to his family meant they would suffer. So he kindof brainwashed Oishi to take care of his family and on several occasions saved Oishi from battle. So Oishi first felt obligated to help then after some time of it made Oishi and Miyabes wife (Matasuno) happy and live a life as if Miyabe has never left them. The Last Ronin was a similar concept that the lord’s most elite samurai would take care of his family after he goes into his last battle and inadvertendly forces him to not attend the battle.

8. Considering Haragei, Haragei related to Amae, Aimai, and Honne to Tatemae, etc “~concepts are important in maintaining face and not hurting the feelings of others” (p.104). Did you see Haragei in this situation, the war? Did you see Haragei more because the situation is the war? Find the scenes and explain why you think so. When Haragei confronts Miyabe after finding out Miyabe put himself on the kamikaze list about wanting to live. Miyabe showed Haradei his original thought of staying alive and being there for him during his injury in the hospital. Giving him hope and meaning to take care of his wife. These are all things that made war a very complicated event in Haradei’s life that he never considered before being pinned up by Miyabe.

9. Movie- To whom did Miyabe switch the plane and why did he do it? Oishi flew the 21 model and Miyabe flew the 52 model. Miyabes first plane he flew was the 21 model and he said if he must die it should be in the 21 model. Oishi was asked to fly with him because he knew he’d brake down, and end up finding the letter that says take care of my wife and child if I don’t survive, also to please forgive him.

10. Who do you think the person who saved Matsuno with bloody sword was?   Keagura I believe was the one who saved Matsuno from the Yakuza (Japanese gang) because when Kentero was looking at his sword displayed on his living room side table he said it is thirsty for blood.

11. Considering the prior concepts we learned in our classes, which one did you see in this film? Explain why you think so. Besides what has been previously brought up in this blog. Kenky when talking about Miyabe some referred to him as Miyabe san which is a formal title like Mr or Mrs. This showed a lot of respect for Miyabe.  Giri was used when Oishi felt it was his duty to take care of Miyabes family because Miyabe saved his life on so many occasions.

12. What do you learn from this film? Tell us the most striking fact from the film. This movie gave me a whole new perspective on Kamikazie mentality and what it actually meant to be a Special Attack Force. Only the most elite pilots with the greatest range of skillsets could be given the honorable duty of sacrificing their own life for a greater cause and leaving their legacy to live on forever.

B7

Hedataru to Najimu (p. 109): “the Japanese family builds mutual trust by simply staying together rather than having conversations.” (p.111). I occasionally sit in a room with my roommates and we don't talk much or at all. I wouldn't consider this one of my favorite things to do but at the end of the day its nice doing your own thing while hanging out with someone. Most of the time when this occurs we usually have music or a show playing. “Shedding one’s clothes prior to bathing with others in hot water requires the removal of one’s hedatari.” (p.112). We don't have this strict of a culture, but in a more laxed version going out for a drink or hanging out after school or work hours is a definite sign of a warmer atmosphere.

Shudanishiki (p.195): “if people carelessly and directly express what they really think, there is the probability of hurting the feelings of others, “(p.195). This sounds like venting. I would rather have someone vent and either get something off their chest or express how something in their life made them feel instead of bottling up or never bringing up something that bothers them. Venting in my opinion keeps people sane, also not sharing because you care more about the group than individuals would make a very complicated almost judgment atmosphere. “it is sometimes responsible for the entire group committing crimes because it is more important for members to follow group values and protect themselves than to stand up and oppose wrongdoing.” (p.197). How can they decide what is best for the group if nobody shares their opinion? This concept is contradicting to me, and to commit crimes to oppose wrongdoings is very vindictive. I can relate to doing things as a group even if you don't want too but staying silent about not wanting to do something I cannot see myself doing.

The do system (p.71): “It cannot be conveyed by books, words, concepts, or teachers but must be realized by immediate and direct personal experience.” (p.74). This reminds me of what we call "pursuit of happiness" it’s the idea of living your life to the fullest and paving a pathway to create happiness. There is no one way or even a written way that can be taught. The spirit comes from within and everyone’s happiness is not the same. “As a result, the spiritual and aesthetic values of Japanese culture, which are reflected in the spirit of do, are rapidly being lost, and nowadays even the kata are disappearing, with nothing being created to replace them.” (p.78). In Christianity, going to church every Sunday to give your thanks to god and Jesus is rooted in the religion, but as I see it, if you are a good person and understand the basics of the religion spending every Sunday there is becoming a less frequent act of modern American society. I personally do not attend church but I do not view this as a bad thing. Just because something is changing does not mean the spirit or thought process is being lost, I think it’s being adapted into something more - growing.

B6 Ronin

1.      Bushido was displayed when he was talking to his commander, saying and truly meaning he would serve and die for his commander in his honor. Another time he displayed bushido was all the time he spent practicing his martial arts, going to his commanders grave to keep it clean and all the times he prayed. He was a warrior at heart forced to be trapped in a civilian lifestyle.

2.      Giri is a thought of keeping the Japanese harmonious lifestyle alive doing things for each other not feeling obligated to do them but doing them because that is the culture. American cultures version of giri is doing something and expecting it in return. It is a lot rarer for someone to do something like that in American culture, not expecting anything in return but it does exist.

3.      Bushido is a lot more of a military/samurai mentality whereas the giri is more of a society as a whole. When Mogoza was forced to watch over the commander’s daughter he basically had to make a choice on which side he now follows. When Mogozas boss asked to bring him Kane he was torn and wanted to make everyone happy which seems nearly impossible to do.

4.      It was hard for Mogoza to be a father to Kane because she was in love with him (Mogoza is not her actual father). The Ie system dictates that the oldest brother has final say and is the leader, when Mogoza fought him to the point where he had to spy on him. Not telling his brother was one of the request of not even telling his family he felt torn and tried to keep it a secret and when confronted he felt ashamed, but his brother said he did what he did successfully and tried to give Mogoza credit.

5.      Bring the head of the house and the relationship Kane wanted made it very complex and Mogoza had to try and provide a great house for her making her decisions while trying to keep her happy. She doesn’t want to live in the rich house but society dictates that she finds the best suiter.

6.      I think in American culture most men and women get treated equal in their families, but there always the families where the women’s restrictions are more prevalent. Overall I think that most families try at least to keep the treatment equal.

7.      Bushido I believe is the best fitting definition for this movie because Mogozas whole lifestyle was based on the warrior’s mentality.  Kichi was confused because he knew Mogoza would never run away and stay away unless something came up and when he questioned him 15 years later he figured it was a girl, and not any girl but his commanders daughter, to take care of and protect at all cost.

8.      I think Mogoza will be caught up in all the drama and feel the only thing left for himself to do is sacrifice his life in some sort of ritual, so he can die with honor. Bushido:” if required, to sacrifice one’s life in battle or in ritual” (p.42)

9.      Aimai when Mogoza’s boss kept asking him to fine Kane and find out about her, he was being extremely vague and not giving him anything to go off of and even when they found out who Kane is he still wouldn’t admit to them that he is her caretaker.

10.   This movie is bringing another aspect of Japanese culture to the table. The lifestyle of a samurai, a samurai that has to live in civilian’s society and when drama is brought up how Japanese citizens react.

B#5 2/8/17

Bushido (p.41): “evolving through the adoption of neo-Confucian ideals in the Edo period” (p. 41) Neo-Confucian ideas promote self-cultivation(self-education), shared philosophy/knowledge, and self-reflection. Any of one of these missing concepts and the other two become worthless. I can see how someone could dedicate their life to that lifestyle and beliefs. It’s a way to pursuit inner self worth and pure happiness. “Bushido involved not only martial spirit and skill with weapons, but also absolute loyalty to one’s lord, a strong sense of personal honor, devotion to duty, and the courage, if required, to sacrifice one’s life in battle or in ritual” (p.41-42). This is a full on commitment to dedicate your body, sole and mind to the greater good. To sacrifice your life for a ritual seems over the top for me. I couldn't imagine ever dedicating my life for a ritual.

Giri (p.95): “(1) moralprinciples or duty, (2) rules one has to obey in social relationships,and (3) behavior one is obliged to follow or that must be done againstone’s will” (p.95). This is a similar concept in American culture. Its like when someone says, "do me a solid" it means trust me about this, or do me a favor and I will owe you one, redeemable whenever. My friends and I are firm believers in doing solids for eachother because we see a chance to be there for someone when they need it just like youd expect them to do the same thing if they were in your shoes. “however, in Japanonly females give chocolates to their boyfriends or husbands.” (p.98). I could get down with the idea of receiving chocolates instead of only giving sweets and flowers away. This would also open up, making the first move, for women because this seems to be a mostly shunned in our society.

The Japanese ie system (p.119): In this system, people worshiped their ancestors because it was believed that they provided the foundations of the existence of ie” (p.120). I see this as a tribute to your ancestors, overall this is a weird concept for me to entirely grasp because I have learned that yes your family set a foundation for you, you are the one putting in the work and dedication to become what you are. “generally the senior male, decided on the actions of its members and had the absolute power of control over the family;” (p.120). This is a cool concept to me but if it were actually implemented in my personal family I am not too sure how much I would enjoy having the oldest male family member telling everyone what to do. My grandpa has some radical thoughts sometimes and if he had final say in my afairs I would probably end up resenting him.

B#4-Answers to Blue

1+2) Aimai was used in a virtuous was in the scene leading up to the living room scene where they are laying on the ground and Endo brings up her abortion. Kira was avoiding this conversation ever since she met her to be nice. Kira saw Endo go into the ambulance and didn’t talk about it with anyone until Endo brought it up in private. It was nice because getting suspended after being put into an ambulance would be embarrassing and for Endo it had to be hard to tell Kira. Aimai is used in a virtuous way when Kira confronted Endo for being a liar and Endo said what? instead of confessing. This was the nice way to go to avoid a conflict. Kira never said what she was lying about being very vague and then Kira just walks away. 3. I went to a public school that had both male and female students, so a uniformed, private, all-girls school I cannot relate too. The teachers seemed much more savage in Japan just like when it appeared that Kira was sleeping in class and she got called out, then she got yelled at. At least in my high school if a teacher called you out like that they would immediately show you where they were in the book. It seemed that he didn’t really care for her to pay attention he did it to embarrass her. 4. I believe that since Nakano saw how close Endo and Kirishima were, Nako considers Kira uchi. This showed on the playground when Nako told Kira all about Endos history and current relationship status.  Kind of like looking out for someone who is a friend of a friend, making sure they don’t get blindsided by some heavy news, that may have been provoked from a previous discretion. 5.  When Kira lied to Endo then admitted she was lying immediately after I think this relates to the tatemae because she didn’t want to offend Endo because she didn’t listen to the cd. Then Honne because he ‘deep intention’ was she didn’t want to lie to Endo because they are uchi. 6. Chinmoku (silent treatment/deep in thought) in this movie seemed normal for people to engage in whenever something didn’t go their way. They would either abruptly stand up and walk out or look at the person in silence. The confrontation was very different from how American culture resolves their issue (waiting it out vs speaking up). 7. Kira ended up going to art school in Tokyo. 8. Endo sent Kira a video saying this is all I can do, sit at the beach, as if she will be waiting for Kira to come back to her. 9. They ended the movie with a view of the ocean and beach where they always sat. This shows amae, or a dependence. Endo waiting on Kira to come back and for them to be together. 10. Subtitles, tone of voice, facial expressions: Endo always sounded happy and always had a smile on her face while Kira always seemed to frown and have a reserved tone of voice. No matter what the subtitles said, the concept of animating your expressions or feeling wasn’t there and I am much better at understanding subtle ques over literal words people say. If I didn’t read about Chinmoku, the silent scenes would have seemed drawn out and it wouldn’t be entirely clear why they ended conversations suddenly without closure.