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Japan: Tour D'Horizon

一期一会

By Christina Nguyen

January 24^th, 2018

Month 4

From standing sushi to sitting elbow-to-elbow with locals in the ramen shop, Japan is a trip for the taste buds. Sprinkled in every direction are amazing restaurants, bars, lounges, cafes, tiny hole in the walls, and street markets giving Japan some serious culinary cred.

Kyoto, my home for this month, is a city of a thousand temples, and shrines with masterpieces of religious architecture. Even as the modern city buzzes all around a waft of burning incense, or the sight of a bright torii gate are regular reminders that Kyoto remains the spiritual heart of Japan.

Here is the run down on month four...

Experiences

The Fun Stuff

Working from two beautiful offices in the city center. Andwork is a shared space with hostel guests giving us an opportunity to meet travelers from all over the world. Space Kante is a coffee shop, lounge, and bookstore filled with many locals.
Taking a bullet train (200mph!) to Tokyo.
Gambling on Keirin Racing, Japan's Olympic Sport at a Velodrome track in Kawasaki.
Paying respects at the countless shrines, and temples that surrounded Kyoto.
Hiking Mt. Kurama, the birthplace of Reiki practice.
Bathing in an onsen, a Japanese hot spring.
Walking through the bamboo forests of Arashiyama & visiting the monkey park.
Roaming with sacred Sika deer at the ancient capital of Nara.
Learning how to make sushi (Itadakimasu).
Taking part in a bright and fun photo shoot produced by Jillian Rabe & photographed by Jessica Keaveny
Adventuring to Osaka for a spontaneous daytrip with amazing company.
Taking a Washoku cooking class in the home of a Japanese chef.

The Not As Fun Stuff

Being sick the entire month.
Enduring the Japanese winter, dry air, and near freezing temperatures.
Living solo in a 70m squared studio in true minimalist fashion.
Keeping in touch with friends, and family was more difficult with the time difference.

The Misses of Mangata does Japan + rainbow. Photo by Jessica Keaveny.

Robot Restaurant show in Shinjuku Tokyo.

Japanese Cooking Class. Photo by Fabien Rousselot.

Keirin Racing at Kawasaki Velodrome Park

Stories

Japan has a fascinating, and multi-faceted culture. It is steeped in the deepest of traditions dating back thousands of years; on the other hand it is a society of shifting fads, fashions, and technological advances which continue to push the boundaries of endless possibility. Below are some of my observations after immersing for one short month:

Food

Ramen. Sushi. Yakitori. Tempura. Okonomiyaki. Teppanyaki. Mochi. Soba. Udon. Takoyaki. It's nearly impossible to bring up Japan without raving about the food. Careful preparation, and meticulous presentation are very critical elements of Japanese cuisine. Food is an art form, and even the simplest dishes are prepared by chefs who have completed many years of training. Even in the household Japanese mothers spend an incredible amount of time assembling bento-boxes for their children's lunch.

Drink

Japan is a country of drinkers, but you should be aware of the etiquette. Drinking is almost always accompanied by a meal or light snack. Never pour a drink for yourself; your friend or host should do this, and you should always be mindful to keep your companions' glasses filled to the brim. Another interesting observation is that it is also a nation that is obsessed with vending machines. You will find one on almost every street corner. Drinks on the go, kanpai! (cheers in Japanese)

RELIGION

Shrines, and temples can be found all over Japan. They're easily identifiable by huge entrances known as torii gates often painted red-orange. Religion in Japan comes from ideas of Shintoism, and Buddhism. Religion is rarely preached nor is it a doctrine. Instead it is a moral code, a way of living, and something you will instantly recognize in daily interactions which give you a glimpse of how it shapes their social, and cultural values.

The Japanese way

Manners, and customs are very important to the Japanese way of life.

Everybody bows when they say hello, goodbye, thank you, sorry...almost for everything. It is a term of respect, gratitude, and a greeting.
Taking off footwear before entering homes, temples, and some restaurants is common. It's partially to keep things clean, but mostly a sign of respect.
Eating and walking is seen as sloppy, you will rarely see anyone eating on the go.
People do not have loud public conversations on their mobile phones.
No jaywalking, even when not a single car is in sight & the signal says do not walk.

There is a lot of respect to invisible, and varied societal rules.Working with others, and cooperating is part of the norm. Rules promote unity, and selflessness.

Embracing Collectivism

Awareness of your actions affect group dynamics, and from a young age you are taught that a little suffering for the benefit of the greater group goes a long way. In one instance a group of RYers were on the train, and someone spilled a tiny bit of water on the floor. No one had anything to clean it up with, and just left it assuming that it would get cleaned up by the train staff. At our next train stop two teenage boys got on the train, and noticed the spilled water. They proceeded to take off their gloves to wipe up the spilled water. Instantly the folks who originally spilled the water felt terrible, and rummaged through belongings to find some tissues to help clean. This is just another example of how each person is encouraged to be an active player in society, and to do what is best for everyone as a whole while paying respect to their surroundings.

Hand Roll from Standing Sushi at Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo

Connections

The start of the new year usually has me feeling introspective as I think about personal goals, and how I want to set the tone for the rest of the year. I've never really been one for New Year's resolutions, but I usually do frequent self check-ins to align the mind, body, and soul. It's been a priority ever since the drastic change in lifestyle. This month was all about reconnecting deeply with myself.

Each month we run a collective which is essentially an initiative led by an RYer. Someone brings forth an idea that they are passionate about, and want to share with the wider group. My friend Loes brought up the idea of conducting workshops for finding your purpose. Purpose workshops are facilitated in-person session where participants are supported to articulate their individual purpose, the contribution they wish to make to the world, or their reason for being. It is centered around values, aspirations, and what makes you feel good through a variety of exercises. Self-discovery is found through thought-provoking questions, reflecting on meaningful narratives that have occurred throughout life, and analyzing recurring themes that exist at the core of everything that you do. Ultimately the goal is to craft a succinct purpose statement that is essentially the mantra to your life. This statement is meaningful to you, and only you. Finding your purpose gets you a step closer to figuring out the impact you want to make. I challenge you to think about your purpose if you are seeking greater clarity in life to cultivate deeper ways of making decisions, and zen your now. Below is my purpose statement:

"Be the guiding light at every intersection."

Owning the Unknown

Observing, and immersing into the Japanese way of life has been like unlike any other experience. I'm amazed at the amount of efficiency, and order in everyday life from little things like ordering food to just crossing the street. The Japanese see their life as a very short moment in a long history of mankind. From this perspective some kind of fatalism is not strange to this culture. They've taught me that you really just try to do your best in your life time, and that is all that you can do. People live their lives guided by virtues, and practical good examples. The incredibly kind, and friendly people of Japan made this month so special with takeaways that are going to be with me for life.