Ryosaikenbo, Zoto, Soshiki, and Departures

Blog #14 and #15 - Ryosaikenbo, Zoto, Soshiki

Close along the lines of my final research paper, the idea of "good wives and wise mothers" (ryosaikenbo) plays a big part among Japanese culture. Comparable to the Western idea of a housewife, the term "good wife" could either refer to supporting one's husband or on the other hand, being obedient to their spouse. Growing up in this environment that the female half of the relationship is one that will support her husband, children often take this as an example and look towards their mother and/or father for gender roles. Identical to the Western Barbie doll, the Japanese rika-chan ningyo is a dress-up doll with ideal proportions that is used as a role model for little girls. They also include miniature household items such as kitchen appliances, sewing machines, and others. 

By modeling after their parents, children learn how to behave in a home environment. Mamagoto, or playing house, is a device used by children to learn how to develop. Much like the rika-chan ningyo influences girls growing up, magazines directed towards women in their twenties influence the way they think as well. Using these magazines, the beginning-adult generation learns the latest styles in order to keep up with current trends. Because the fashion models in these magazines are taken seriously, "most women long to be like these models, who are beautiful and well proportioned. This is why many Japanese women are afflicted with a 'diet syndrome'".

The idea of the Japanese Funeral is much unlike anything I've ever read about in the past. Consisting of many different parts, from the way a body is prepared to the cremation, the Japanese Funeral is an extremely serious and specific transition from the living to the afterlife. Influenced by Buddhist customs, the Japanese funeral is strict, but it is still influenced by Shinto traditions which emphasizes the importance of nature; that there is a god for everything whether it be trees, the seas, earth, of fire. Not comparable to our idea of good and evil, the Japanese are more concerned with the opposing forces of purity versus impurity. There are approximately 20 customs that correspond with the Japanese funeral procession. 

Zoto:
Our concept of gift giving is limited to really only Christmas, birthdays, and certain special occasions, however, the Japanese idea of gift giving goes much beyond that. "On New Year's Day, people generally receive hundreds of New Year's cards, and children are given money gifts." Also, gifts are given on trips to visiting homes and apologies. Even with the birth of an infant, gifts are generally given to the doctor and nurses.

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.
   
   The two can coexist peacefully due to Shinto not having strict doctrines behind customs. I think that each religion has their own benefits and when combined can create harmony.
   

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) ?
   
   An example of a "private gift" that was given was perhaps the stone that the father and son had traded. It was less of an obligation and more of a gift from the heart that had more meaning personally.
   

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.
   
   An encoffiner position. The general perception is that it is not a "wanted" job. Daigo was the boss' first employee and Daigo's wife even moved out when she found out what he was doing. The way Daigo deals with the family and how he helps them move on to the afterlife is one of the turning points as to why his wife turns around.
   

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?
   
   Usually funerals I've been to include a wake where the body is laid out for all to see and to pay respects to. Usually adorned in a suit and slight make-up, it is much less formal than the Japanese customs I have read about and seen in the movie.
   

5. Movie---What does the stone that Daigo has mean?
   
   I believe that it is relatable to his relationship with his father. Big stone/little stone. 

5. Movie--- Was Daigo able to meet his father? What kinds of situation was it?
   
   I don't believe so. He had figured that his mother left because he was not a good man but that wasn't the truth at all.
   
6. What other Japanese key concepts do you see in this film? Explain what and why you think so.
   
   The only ones I see are zoto, soshiki, and Ryosaikenbo. Perhaps the Ie system due to the women catering to the men.
   
7. What did you learn about the Japanese culture through the film?  What do you think about the movie overall?
   
   The idea of a funeral is taken extremely seriously and includes many steps that show not only respect but ensure a safe passage into the afterlife. The movie was a tearjerker. Cried numerous times. 10/10
   
   
   

My Neighbor Totoro

As interesting as The Wind Rises seemed, I decided to not finish the rest of it but instead watch an old childhood film of mine (still have it on VHS), My Neighbor Totoro. I won't summarize the whole story, but the main characters are Mei, Satsuki, and Mr. and Mrs. Kusakabe. As far as Nemawashi, being a Japanese movie and also a Japanese concept, it can be seen in the movie. When the family was first moving to their new home, they stopped along the road and the father yelled across a rice paddy to introduce himself to the neighbors before they even settled into their home. He did this to establish a groundwork for a potential long and prosperous relationship/friendship.

I'd say there is a definitive separation of seniority mainly between Mei and Satsuki. Satsuki, being the older sister, naturally leads by example, however, Mei is frustrated sometimes due to the fact that she cannot do the same that her older sister can. The words, "wait up!" were spoken countless times; perhaps a metaphor for Mei's wanting to do what her older sibling can do already. As far as any conflicts go, I don't believe there were any. The relationship seemed to be very stable.

When looking for the concept of Iitoko Dori in the film, the only example I can think of is when Satsuki makes new friends on the first day of school.

Comparative Analysis Paper:

Comparing and contrasting the Japanese idea of perfection and the standards of American beauty (japanese and american beauty ideals and standards).

Key Concepts: Kisetsu, Bigaku, and Kenkyo

Thesis Statement: "The Japanese ideals of beauty are much less important and lead to less vain and narcissistic lifestyles. Priorities seem to be much more in check."

Format: MLA

Sources: Still working on them

You Must First Dig Around the Root

Blog #12

The three concepts to read consisted of Iitoko-Dori, Nemawashi, Sempai-Kohai. The first concept, Iitoko-Dori, discusses the importance of adopting outside cultures. Japan had an apparently good foundation for accepting Western technology mainly due to the advances in the cottage and financial industries. Japan is known for adopting various elements from foreign cultures and adapting them for their own use. This process of adaptation stemmed mainly from Japan's ability to adopt and accept different religions together, mainly Shinto and Buddhism. Emperor Suiko bridged the gap between religions based off of the principle of "shinto is the trunk, Buddhism is the branches, and Confucianism is the leaves. By following this, the Japanese were able to accept these new religions. The Japanese also have an exceptional skill to be able to "change their sense of values in a short time and with little difficulty, and in this way, it is possible for society to be productively efficient.

The next concept discussed is Nemawashi; "to dig around the root of a tree a year or two before transplanting it". In other words, laying the groundwork to establish relationships in Japan is much more important than rushing into things. The relationship between two people is so important that this "behind the scenes" work makes sure that no feelings are hurt and that no one feels uncomfortable. By achieving a consensus before reaching an agreement, there is a unanimous decision among everyone, and therefore everyone must agree to something eventually. Tying into the ambiguity, the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

The third and last concept is Sempai-Kohai. Sempai meaning those who graduated earlier or "seniors" and Kohai means "afterwards". This hierarchy can be seen in the Ie system, with the male figure leading the household and everyone below him, except the eldest son which will eventually inherit the house. In schools, the younger generation will be expected to clean while the older students are the ones who get to play.

Memoirs of a Geisha Discussion:

I think that the thing that stood out to me most about the film was the fact that the father had given away both of his children in the beginning. There was no real backstory as to why itt happened and it was done in a rather hurried fashion. I believe it was this hurried exit that made me question the father's choice to give his children away into a "slavery" if you will. Sure, it is extremely possible that that the children wouldn't have survived, but I believe that the decision to care for a sickly and elterly mother was a poor choice compared to caring for two small children who ended up in what could be a much less favorable outcome.

As far as the Kimono, the fact that it took about 40-45 minutes to put on was surprising to me. It takes me maybe 40 minutes to get ready total and that includes making coffee and getting gas!

Memoirs of a Geisha

Blog #11 Questions --

1. In the movie, and I'm sure in real life, the Kimono was emphasized heavily. The way it was worn, the way it was tied in back, almost like a pillow; Wearing the kimono seemed to be more of a privilege than a right. A rite of passage. You have to earn the chance to wear it. Face painting was another one. Hair dressing. Dancing, musical instruments, and using a fan as a prop. It seemed to be almost like a ballet performance.

2. "Paradoxically finding beauty in the opposite". What is not perfect is more beautiful than that which is perfect. For instance, I would much rather see the trees losing their leaves than those that have full green boughs. The sight of seeing vibrant warm colors fluttering in the wind is much more beautiful to me than lively trees in the summer.

3. I think that for me I preferred it that they spoke English. Instead of paying attention to the subtitles, I spent more time focusing on the art of a geisha and the entire theme of beauty and art through dance.

4. There are numerous holidays for the changes of the seasons. Well, more or less for the actual events and the history behind them. The most striking example of a season/event that (kisetsu to me is the celebration of a day within a season that has some sort of historical importance) is Halloween. We put on outfits and go out much like how yukata/kimono is worn at Tanabata. I think if I were a Japanese individual and went to a halloween outing, I'd be extremely passive. It breaks the rule of uchi to soto completely.

5. If otogibanashi references both emotional and visual beauty, I believe that the act of the geisha embraces both. It is a connection with your clients, or perhaps the disconnection, and the overall beauty of the geisha's presence.

6. The concept of wabi-sabi as explained in the book talks mostly about aesthetic and morality. A certain emptiness. I came to the conclusion that wabi-sabi is more about the embracing of imperfections in order to gather a sense of beauty of everything. The beauty standards in the United States are warped. Skinny, fit, tan, etc., are all standard.

7. The scenes that jumped out to me as being beautifully imperfect were the scenes where Sayuri fell off the roof, where the house burned down, and when the chairman caught Sayuri and an American soldier.

8. Hatsumomo ended up causing a fire and was kicked out by the mother. I think that the relationship between the chairman and Sayuri was an incredibly strong bond. They both knew about each other for the entire duration and Sayuri's mizuage was saved for the chairman.

9. Pumpkin's life seemed to be more about revenge, as she brought the chairman with her to cause trouble for Sayuri.

10. The concepts that I picked up on were wabi-sabi (simplicity and elegance), bigaku, and gamabari (the willingness to do whatever to become a geisha).

11. The movie to me was fairly interesting. The progression of what it takes to become a geisha and the camaraderie (or lack there of) between "sisters".

Beauty and it's Seasons

Blog #10 - Bigaku, Kisetsu, Otogibanashi, and Wabi-Sabi

There are numerous "standards" of beauty in today's world, the most prevalent being outward appearance. One of the ways of going about this is through clothing. The Japanese sense of beauty, however, is more than just clothing-deep. As far as clothing goes, the Japanese have adopted a more rational sense of clothing, abandoning, but not completely, the art of the kimono. Wafuku, or original Japanese clothing, is decreasing as yofuku, or Western clothing, is increasing. Western styles of clothing are now completely natural due to the Japanese's want to become Westernized. Hogaku, or traditional Japanese music, is decreasing as well. Younger children going to school learn piano, violin, or guitar, but rarely study the traditional instruments like the koto, shamisen, or shakuhachi, a flute that is blown into from one end.

Although these traditions are dying out, albeit slowly, they are still prevalent in various ceremonies, omiai, or dinners at higher class restaurants; the kimono also being a higher class garb.

Being an art major, I can fully appreciate the tradition of Japanese art. Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa, is one of my favorite pieces. A traditional woodblock print with ink. "Japanese art focuses not on what is logically considered beautiful, but on what people feel is beautiful". This is a true expression of art. A common theme in Japanese art, which I see mainly as prints, include cherry blossoms and the representation of the seasons and weather.


Much like the United States, Japan has four distinct seasons; summer, fall, winter, and spring, but there is also a rainy season known as tsuyu. Because of this rainy seasons and for how long it has been occurring, it was embraced as an agricultural tool. Due to the wetness of the ground, rice could be easily grown, and still is. Also, because of the damper conditions, houses are raised and are also airier inside, reducing the felt humidity. Various foods are also eaten during different seasons. Probably why I crave a hot dog in the summer and chicken soup in the winter. A popular activity is hanamari, or flower-viewing. When cherry blossoms bloom, people will actually go outside to view them and bring along bento boxes, or lunches.

A popular way of passing traditions down are folktales. Much like Greek mythology, these tales often teach lessons, morals, or ways of life but also reflect the cultural norms. "When people read folktales they become connected to the history, traditions, and spirit of their culture.". These folk tales demonstrate the Japanese sense of emotional beauty, known as aware.

When analyzed as two separate entities, wabi and sabi, wabi is both an aesthetic and moral principle, where as sabi is designated to the beauty of silence, going back to chinmoku. The wabi-sabi principle is all about simplicity, as seen in Japanese architecture. It's focused on the true Zen Buddhism ways of empty space and quiet subdued colors. It is truly an elegance that is seen in no other culture.

Reflection:

I think that to say you're from a certain culture means to follow the ways of life, whether it be the footd you eat, your internal morals, or what you practice in everyday life. Why am I an American? It could just be because I vote but I attribute my culture to being able to express myself freely, follow my dreams (very cliche), and drink beer on Sunday.

Letters From Iwo Jima Response

Blog #9 - Iwo Jima Response

1. The Do Spirit

- One of the aspects that demonstrated the Do spirit that I noticed was the ever willingness to die for the empire, the emperor, and the nation of Japan. It was an ever-lingering thought in the back of the Japanese soldiers, and although some did it, some also thought more rationally about their families. The Chinese translation to "Tao" and "Taoism" is roughly "the way", more importantly the way of the warrior, as mentioned in the bushido chapter.

2. Kuri, as I'll call him for short (referencing the dinner party), I believe drank in order to relieve some of the "stiffness" that accompanies meetings between generals. It allows him to bond and discuss affairs more effectively with a looser atmosphere.

3. Shudan Ishiki and Hedataru to Najimu

-I'd say one of the main ways uchi to soto is shown in the film is the main conflict between the US and Japanese soldiers. When one was captured, he was beaten and eventually stabbed. General Kuri, known the Americans would show hospitality, captured one and treated him, demonstrating his different thinking of the uchi to soto. It was a foreign concept to the other soldiers, for they all wanted to dispose of the Japanese.

4. The scene I can think of that demonstrates the idea of Japanese group consciousness is the one where they commit suicide against the orders of their general.

5. The Japanese soldiers were taught that the Americans were "cowards", but in reality, the letter read "do what is right because it is right". I had a feeling most of the soldiers wanted to follow this (especially the one who was discharged), but obeyed their countries orders more.

6. Bushido is demonstrated when the officers will lead a charge into a battle they know they will lose. Their sword raised high above their head running headlong into the fire. The idea of dying for the honor led to an early death for many soldiers.

7. It is an obligation (giri) to serve your country; when Saigo was asked to serve, he was actually congratulated but was rather upset internally. He obliged after learning that everyone had to let their sons and husbands go even though they didn't want to. Shimizu also was the one to answer questions about plans, mainly due to his brief studying in the military academy. He was thinking otherwise in his head, but said what was expected to avoid conflict.

8. Saigo buried Kuri after his suicide and swung at the Americans after he had seen Kuri's pistol in the belt of another American soldier. He was subdued and treated. Lieutenant Ito was on a suicide mission to die with honor, but after realizing it was a lost cause, he dropped the mines and surrendered to American forces, who treated him as well. Saigo, after seeing what the two Americans had done to Shimizu and the other one, lost hope in trying to become friends with the American side. Ito, however, viewed the Americans as the enemy, but after some time alone in a field of bodies, he turned himself in.

9. I think that the bushido (warriors spirit) was most prevalent. Although the higher officers and General Kuri thought more carefully, most of the soldiers threw themselves into battle on a death mission.

10. The most striking part of this film to me was when Shimizu was given water by the American soldiers, Being told that the enemy is cowardly, the act of treating your enemy was the most powerful act of courage and humility.

Ninety Centimeters or you Die

Blog #8 Hedataru to Najimu, Shudan Ishiki, Do Spirit, Haragei

     Hedataru relates almost directly to uchi and soto; an inside and an out. Hedataru is basically a separation from two separate entities or things, also being translated to relationships between two people. Hedataru seems to have a vibe of alienation to it while as the opposite, Najimu, means to become attached to one person. By doing this, friendships and also relationships are strengthened.

     Hedataru can be traced back to the ancient ages of the samurai where one would sit at a distance to not only show respect to his lord, but as a security measure for the safety of the lord. A saying "Sanjyaku sagatte shi no kage wo fumazu." can be translated to "Keep about ninety centimeters from one's master in order not to step on his shadow. It is a sign of respect in most. Women, on the other hand, have to walk behind their husband in order to show submissiveness and obedience. As time passes, the distance is eventually closed as trust is earned.

One thing I don't understand though is the act of gift giving through hedataru. If there is a separation, why is gift giving okay?

As most Japanese tend to work together in an aura of ambiguity, the consciousness of a group is extremely important. Through the use of social codes such as uchi and soto, chinmoku, and focusing on a certain harmony, group consciousness can be achieved. "If people carelessly and directly express what they really think, there is the probability of hurting the feelings of others, disrupting the group ambiance, or destroying harmonious relations". Japanese, I believe, have a distinct method of recognizing insiders and outsiders based on styles of communication, acceptance into a group, or distance. "Japanese are said to be poor at getting along with those who are soto.".

The Do Spirit is fairly difficult to understand due to it being more of a spiritual way of life rather than a literally defined act. Originating as an offspring from the Chinese Taoism beliefs, the "do" is the "way", or the actual way to be followed. This "way" is a behavioral code and meant to be pursued internally. Going back to Zen Buddhism, the Tao is present in all things and that it is unteachable due to it's otherworldly and conceptually complex content. However, this set of rules and codes can be a negative thing as it instills itself in people so thoroughly that they never change.

When someone has a "gut feeling" about something, it usually implies a certain sense that almost makes it seem like one can read the mind. Haragei is basically that feeling; the guessing of what other's are thinking and the ability to "read" one other's mind. But because of this constant need to guess and not ask, feelings are often hidden permanently, waiting to be guessed. "...haragei is used in business and politics as a deceitful means of communication in which people hide their real motives in order to gain power and advantage."

In regards to the discussion, I tend to think that Kane is showing giri by obeying what Magoza asks of her. He has taken care of her for sixteen years and must feel some sort of obligation to do what he asks. In regards the most recent readings, hedataru is likely seen. The separation of rooms, the giving of gifts (kimono), and Kane's infatuation with Magoza.