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!