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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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. - 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
