Six months and six countries after my last post, I find myself with (a few hundred photos and) a few things to say about my last couple weeks' trip to Japan. Not a few spare hours, though, so this will be briefer than I would like!
Observation 1: Japan is a land of contrasts. It clearly sits in the 22nd century, with its manically fast bullet trains, remote-controlled toilets that spurt water in unpredictable directions, earthquake-proof skyscrapers, and restaurants with machines to take your order. Have you heard about Miku, the Japanese popstar who is not actually a human being, but rather a hologram with a synthesised voice? Yeah, she exists. Also, they have to post signs outside temples prohibiting camera-carrying drones.
Observation 1: Japan is a land of contrasts. It clearly sits in the 22nd century, with its manically fast bullet trains, remote-controlled toilets that spurt water in unpredictable directions, earthquake-proof skyscrapers, and restaurants with machines to take your order. Have you heard about Miku, the Japanese popstar who is not actually a human being, but rather a hologram with a synthesised voice? Yeah, she exists. Also, they have to post signs outside temples prohibiting camera-carrying drones.
On the other hand, they treasure the things that are very old. Ancient temples are nestled in among the ultra-modern skyscrapers, and people visit them wearing traditional yugatas.
The atmosphere at most of the temples we visited was calm, quiet, and deeply respectful. It was similar to the atmosphere we found in the subway, actually, where everyone sits quietly and minds their own beeswax. We never once saw anyone talking on their phone or causing a ruckus. Or eating. (Except for us.) It's hard to imagine how such tranquil people could possibly be the same ones who flood to the lights and chaos of Shibuya or Akihabara or fill those ubiquitous slot machine arcades.
Observation 2: The people of Japan have the longest life expectancies in the world. Certainly, those we saw appeared to be in prime condition. This is somewhat puzzling, however, given that they seem to live on noodles. Most of the restaurants we saw served primarily heaping bowls of ramen, and when I say heaping, I mean bowls the size of a family serving dish. Some of the ramen came with a side of rice. You want vegetables with your dinner? Eat the green onions sprinkled on top.
And then there was the cake. I have never seen a properly sweet dessert offered at any of the pseudo-Asian restaurants I've been to in Europe, Australia, or N. America, so it was surprising to find that cakes in Japan are mountains of sweet cream, basically. Lots of cheesecake. Sometimes they tuck sweet beans into the middle. Perhaps that's the secret to their longevity - sweet magical beans.
And then there was the cake. I have never seen a properly sweet dessert offered at any of the pseudo-Asian restaurants I've been to in Europe, Australia, or N. America, so it was surprising to find that cakes in Japan are mountains of sweet cream, basically. Lots of cheesecake. Sometimes they tuck sweet beans into the middle. Perhaps that's the secret to their longevity - sweet magical beans.
And that's it for today. More observations soon, I hope.