Column

秋(Autumn)

安本恵美子
スタンフォード日本センター　Language Teacher

Autumn is approaching and the Kyoto air is filled with the scent of kinmokusei. It is my favorite season, one of koyo (autumn leaves), kaki (persimmon) and kuri (chestnuts). On my way to work, it's now getting chilly, so I pedal a little faster almost colliding with a group of foreigners visiting Kyoto. Instead of my usual response of "sumimasen." I instinctively say, "I'm so sorry!" On hearing those familiar words, they smile and an instant bond is formed, now we are all members of this English speaking clan, barriers of color, language and culture have all disappeared. They ask me directions to Nanzenji and I am pleased on this day that I may have changed the image that these foreigners may have had about Japanese not being able to speak English. My encounter with people of other nationalities is like a guessing game. I see their faces and try to guess their country of origin. However, in today's global society, this game doesn't work. An Indian face with a British accent, a Chinese face with an Australian accent...how different the world is today!

Despite this globalization, it seems to me that each city in Japan still maintains its own distinctive identity - one that encompasses the traditions and culture of our ancestors. Bizenyaki, traditional pottery is still made in Okayama, Sanuki Udon in Takamatsu, Shinshusoba in Nagano and Washi in Tokushima. Washi is a form of paper-making whose history goes back over two thousand years and interestingly this tradition is as important today as it was then. Paper has played a major role in the life style and culture of Japan - we still use washi in making shoji (paper used in sliding doors and windows) and for shodo (calligraphy). I am fascinated by the way in which the Japanese manage to maintain old customs with new technology - when taking out money from the ATM I am still greeted by 'Irrashaimase' although not in human form but an animed character who bows obediently at my every command. Even McDonalds is forced to conform in Kyoto....the red background replaced by a brown one! It's a small step, but one that makes a statement.

Where will Japan be in the year 2010? Only time will tell, but my prediction is that we will continue to maintain the values, ethics and morals passed down from one generation to the next. It is not an easy task,but one that we should fight for. The youth of Japan may appear Western,they may be more non-conformist than their elders, but they continue torespect and care for the heritage that is theirs."郷に入りては郷にしたがえ”(when in Rome, do as the Romans)



	English

秋(Autumn)
安本恵美子スタンフォード日本センター　Language Teacher

Autumn is approaching and the Kyoto air is filled with the scent of kinmokusei. It is my favorite season, one of koyo (autumn leaves), kaki (persimmon) and kuri (chestnuts). On my way to work, it's now getting chilly, so I pedal a little faster almost colliding with a group of foreigners visiting Kyoto. Instead of my usual response of "sumimasen." I instinctively say, "I'm so sorry!" On hearing those familiar words, they smile and an instant bond is formed, now we are all members of this English speaking clan, barriers of color, language and culture have all disappeared. They ask me directions to Nanzenji and I am pleased on this day that I may have changed the image that these foreigners may have had about Japanese not being able to speak English. My encounter with people of other nationalities is like a guessing game. I see their faces and try to guess their country of origin. However, in today's global society, this game doesn't work. An Indian face with a British accent, a Chinese face with an Australian accent...how different the world is today! Despite this globalization, it seems to me that each city in Japan still maintains its own distinctive identity - one that encompasses the traditions and culture of our ancestors. Bizenyaki, traditional pottery is still made in Okayama, Sanuki Udon in Takamatsu, Shinshusoba in Nagano and Washi in Tokushima. Washi is a form of paper-making whose history goes back over two thousand years and interestingly this tradition is as important today as it was then. Paper has played a major role in the life style and culture of Japan - we still use washi in making shoji (paper used in sliding doors and windows) and for shodo (calligraphy). I am fascinated by the way in which the Japanese manage to maintain old customs with new technology - when taking out money from the ATM I am still greeted by 'Irrashaimase' although not in human form but an animed character who bows obediently at my every command. Even McDonalds is forced to conform in Kyoto....the red background replaced by a brown one! It's a small step, but one that makes a statement. Where will Japan be in the year 2010? Only time will tell, but my prediction is that we will continue to maintain the values, ethics and morals passed down from one generation to the next. It is not an easy task,but one that we should fight for. The youth of Japan may appear Western,they may be more non-conformist than their elders, but they continue torespect and care for the heritage that is theirs."郷に入りては郷にしたがえ”(when in Rome, do as the Romans)