Modern with a Hint of History

Namba, Osaka at Night

Foreigners, such as myself come to Japan because we are each drawn to various aspects of Japan, be it the traditional style houses with zen gardens and tatami mats of older Japan, or the array of colorful lights from buildings in the underground shopping areas that resemble Times Square, New York. While we enjoy the coexistence of Japan's new and old customs and society, the worry of traditional Japanese culture "nearing extinction" prompts us to question how deeply entwined Japan has become with its modern counterparts, despite efforts to preserve older Japanese culture. 

Garden in Kyoto Imperial Palace

Japan has always held great pride in its history and customs, but its assimilation into the modern world is slowly creating a dominantly modern society within Japan. Among other countries, Japan is probably one of the few with bits of its historical aspects still present amidst the modern cities. Next to railroad tracks or beyond and between apartment buildings lie traditional Japanese houses, home to generations of families. Castles, temples and shrines still exist and offer a glimpse into Japan's past, through a museum-like experience.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Nevertheless, as a thriving country in the modern world, Japan has made compromises between older customs and modern lifestyles. Samurais, for one, no longer roam Japan, rather it's salarymen working in offices, women running small shops, and youths doing part-time jobs, as they are the ones to uphold the economy in the modern Japan. Furthermore, many aspects of modern Japanese lifestyle are no longer unique to Japan. Perhaps every now and then, you can catch a glimpse of unique Japanese culture, such as a person in a kimono or a yukata, but that is no longer much of a norm in everyday life.

Perhaps this modern Japan is inevitable, but I appreciate Japan for its balancing act of staying updated with ideas coming in from all over the world while maintaining bits and piece of its past, which are easily accessible.

Osaka from a Ferris Wheel