Japanese People...

Are not so different than many Americans like to think...
Take into consideration the Sports Family Life.

Here, at least in the Kansai Area, parents, at this match in particular, not unlike any other Sport's Families, take their kids to tournaments, watch their own kids match/game, constantly rooting for their child's victory. This picture, in particular was taken at a Karate Shiai (match) in Osaka. Officals sit and judge the game, while the kids have the Karate match, and the parents watch.

Not only did the families watch their own child's match, but also at other matches, to look at technique and skill, and for the pure enjoyment of the sport.

Though, today, these Japanese sports families are not unlike ones in the U.S., one is left with questions. "Is this the influence of Western society? What are the thoughts of these parents? What is the main focus and goal for one who practice the way of Karate, and one who supports the practioner?"

(All pictures were taken by me, Rochelle R.)

Neighborhood Hirakata

Isn't a quiant bit of relastate?What stood out to me the most in Hirakata though there are the large quantites of electrical lines and telephone lines everywhere, there are some things that are trying to be preserved.
On the other hand, so little of the preservation is left that one can hardly tell that this recently made metropolis had once been a farming town, (http://www.city.hirakata.osaka.jp/freepage/gyousei/hpcontent/eng/welcome_hira.htm). I must ask "where can one go to find out about the former Hirakata-shi?" Where can the history be found?

Early Impressions of Japan

Efficient by Rochelle R.

The very first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Japan is how the entire country is so very efficient. From the trains to even the disposal of trash, the Japanese have everything set in order. If one misses the train, then one only has to wait no more than 15 minutes for the next one to get to one’s destination. I have gone into a bit of culture shock when coming to Japan. Where I come from, the Los Angeles area in the U.S., nothing is on time and one can be stuck waiting for a train for what seems to be an eternity. I feel that this efficiency will be nice to get used to, but a hindrance when I go back to the states. I feel I just might get a bit of reverse culture-shock when I go back, and feel home-sick for Japan.

Rich by Rochelle R.

The second thing that comes to my mind when thinking about Japan is how the country is so culturally rich. The Japanese seem to really care about their past, and keep old structures around as a sort of statement that they are proud of the background. This picture here was taken in Nara. The building is apart of the temple that holds the great Daibutsu. The upkeep of such a place amazes me; there is not a single weed in sight. The preservation of such places represents meticulous detail that goes into everything that is done. I wonder if I will find anywhere else that is like Japan.

Thus far, my earliest impressions of Japan is that it is efficient and culturally-rich. I hope to get past the surface and really get into the underbelly of what really is Japan.