sunnidaytrvls - Tumblr blog

[sunnidaytrvls]

Almost the End

This is the last weekend of our month-long study. We started in Tokyo where we examined national narratives through art all over the city, in the landscape, shrines, installments, museums, and literature. We were able to compare these narratives to those of the less acknowledged and often disenfranchised populations through their stories of identity and the impact that national narratives have had on them through their life experiences. After 2 weeks in Tokyo, we flew over to Okinawa where things got complicated, heavy, and sad. I had never known much about the Ryukyu Islands other than that it's where our military bases were located and I assumed it was like anywhere else in Japan. Boy, was I wrong in that assumption. Even with all the prior research I have done about this country, I couldn't help but feel guilty for not looking into these islands and the narratives here that tell a completely different story than those of the mainland. I thought I loved Japan before, I think I love Okinawa, specifically, even more.

These four weeks have taught me a lot and I have gained so much to follow up on and research further for my senior thesis and fellowship. I have gotten connected to a few schools, one in Tokyo and one in Okinawa, both working against common narratives and the lack of acknowledgment of the diversity that exists here in order to create a new national narrative for the new generations. I have a laundry list of professional and student activists who I have made connections with. I look forward to keeping up with them in the future and I would absolutely like to become more involved in their work and supporting their work.

I definitely see Japan in a whole new light. On the last trip I took here, I had rose-tinted glasses on. Like many, there were aspects of Japan that I made fantastic in my own head and idealized and imagined as apart from my own experiences and national narratives that largely create the culture that I come from and understand in America. The biggest thing I am taking away with me now is that Japan isn't so different from America. Both of our countries are responsible for a lot of the same kinds of inequality and have our priorities misplaced. We are doing the same things, just in different languages. Albeit, Japan's history and culture surpass America by centuries, and are certainly unique in their own, socially, politically, and historically, were both guilty of colonization, erasure, inequality, marginalization, disenfranchisement, and more atrocities towards humanity and nature in order to uphold specific systems that only benefit some, usually capitalist and people willing to play the game they offer. Maybe this is the common feature of all Global North nations that hold more global power than the rest and vie to keep that power and international perception.

As we wrap this study up, I am continuing to draw all sorts of connections to my own journey and the future of my research, and the journeys of both our countries.

I will be back in Tokyo in September for another study that centers WWII, also visiting Hiroshima, where I am sure the learning I have experienced this last month will continue.

I am already making plans to come back next year and continue to further my own practice and understanding of our two worlds that are so closely connected in so many ways.

[sunnidaytrvls]

Japanese Education Current Events

According to this article, Japanese textbooks planned for use in elementary schools starting in April 2024 have scaled back information on the 1945 Battle of Okinawa. The article explains that the textbooks omit the Japanese military's involvement in mass suicides on the islands after U.S. troops landed. The head of the citizens group's Toyama Prefecture branch facilitators, Haruyoshi Matsuura, stated that the main cause of the mass suicides during the Battle of Okinawa was the Japanese military not allowing residents to surrender, driving them into a corner. Matsuura expresses concern about the removal of such descriptions from the textbooks, emphasizing that history shows the Japanese military's failure to protect residents. The article suggests that recent textbook revisions tend to present one-sided descriptions that reject various perspectives and enforce the government's views. The citizens group hopes that people will examine the revised editions and understand the problems, not only regarding the Battle of Okinawa but also concerning territorial disputes and topics related to the Constitution. In the context of my research regarding "hidden curriculum" and diversity, inclusion, and ethnic studies in Japanese schools, this article sheds light on the potential impact of textbook revisions on historical narratives. The omission of Japanese military involvement in the mass suicides during the Battle of Okinawa raises concerns about the teaching of a balanced and inclusive history. By erasing or downplaying certain aspects, textbooks may shape students' understanding of events, perpetuate biases, and limit critical thinking. This issue highlights the importance of promoting diverse perspectives and ensuring that historical education is accurate, inclusive, and reflective of different experiences and narratives.

Aoyama, Ikuko. (June 28, 2023). Japanese Military's Role in WWII Okinawa Mass Suicides Cut From Social Studies Textbooks. The Mainichi. https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230628/p2a/00m/0na/007000cLinks to an external site.

[sunnidaytrvls]

On my last visit to Osaka in March, my boyfriend and I wanted to celebrate our time there and it's coming to an end by splurging on a fancy coursed teppanyaki wagyu dinner. We had literally gambled on a random restaurant because it advertised olive milk feed beef. We did not know until after that it is the rarest and most expensive wagyu on the market and only 12 of the olive milk-fed cows raised on a small farm are slaughtered a year and this restaurant was one of very few who served it. It was hard to find the entrance at first, we walked in circles for 20 minutes almost giving up on finding it. When we finally found it after wandering in the rain, we made our way up to the 4th floor of a tall building and found ourselves entering an extremely small and intimate dining space with only two others (locals)  just finishing their meal. We were instantly so happy and excited, expecting a bustling, top-tier, fancy schmancy, tourist kind of place. I’ll save you the long preface and say that we were floored by our 6-course meal, and by the service we received from the Chef and the Sommelier, the only two who run the small restaurant. Before our leaving, I had exchanged information with the Sommelier and we spoke of keeping in touch until our next visit. 

Mutsumi and I became fast friends exchanging words and liking each other accomplishments and other posts on social media frequently. My only planned event aside from this study was to visit and have dinner there once again. So last weekend I boarded a 2 hour Shinkansen and made my way to stay overnight in Osaka with the goal to once again meet with my new friend and enjoy a delicious meal. With a tight schedule I requested a reservation at 5pm so I could make the evening train ride back to Tokyo the same day in order to regroup with my study. Mutsumi had informed me that the restaurant actually didn’t open until 6pm, I told her I could push it and that would be acceptable. She then informed me that I was a special guest and the Chef would like to open an hour early for me, and that he had prepared a special course as well. Delighted, I arrived at 5pm for my solo chefs table experience. I was greeted by their smiling faces and I was happy that they were just excited as I was. Mutsumi had shared with me that I was the only ever foreign guest to say they would return who actually had, and that I had coincidently arrived on their restaurants 6th birthday. This made the whole vibe even more exciting and delightful. Before we even got to the business of dinning we shared other updates in each others lives, Mutsumi working double as translator for me and the Chef since he doesn’t speak any English, and although she says hers is bad, she is actually very good. We often joke that her English is much better than my Japanese so she is much farther ahead of me. Bashfully she compliments me on my big brains and academic accomplishments, referring to my studies. 

As dinner is served Mutsumi carefully informs me of each ingredient and what part of Japan it derives from. In between my compliments of Oishii desu ne, the three of us continue our friendly conversation. They ask me where I’ve been in Tokyo, what I am learning about, and what my goals are for the future. I share the contexts of my studies and that my goal is to understand Japanese culture, language, identity, and perspective so that I can help make society more equal and better for everyone, here, at home, and elsewhere. They cheer telling me “Yatta, we believe in you.” The chef jokes that he wasn’t any good at school and that is why he became a cook. I tell him over and over that his talents are impeccable and that he deserves much recognition for the artful meals he prepares, truly a hidden gem. Mutsumi shares her dreams of traveling to California, and her vision of what the states are like. She asks me questions about how far away things are, what certain places are like. and what the best places I’ve visited at home are, as well as what I think of my country and how well-off we seem to be. 

At this point our conversation became quite serious as I shared honestly with her my feelings and opinions of home and why I am inspired to study what I do and work in the field that I work in. Although it is not the information she expected she tells me that she is happy to know how a “true American honestly thinks” and that she still wants to visit, which makes me glad. I ask her about her experiences in school. She tells me she was not a big fan of studying and was not very good. She really wants to study English and shared with me how frustrating it is to learn in the Japanese school system because everything is decided for you and the English is very scripted and in her opinion unhelpful. I appreciated her honesty as well in sharing her past experiences, and hopes for the future, returning the same respectful candidness I had given her in the answers to her questions. We continued to compare certain social conditions in Japan and America, giving both of us a more enlightened perspective on our home countries. 

After I completed my meal I stayed for another hour enjoying our conversation as local customers started to arrive bringing gifts for the restaurant in celebration of it’s birthday. I was sad to ask for my bill and having to leave their company as they compared me to the locals saying I am now just like their Japanese regulars and that I am a very special friend to them and the restaurant, which endearingly warmed my heart. I thanked them for being my friends in Japan and told them that they are very special friends to me as well. I told them I will be returning in September and will stay in contact during my time at home. The chef excitedly tells me he is going to have to work hard to deliver me a new menu next time I come, which made me feel so very appreciated when I appreciate them so much. I left with joy in my heart and a smile on my face as I cried my way to the Densha to make my way back to Tokyo. 

Until our next meeting I will be missing their unwavering hospitality and welcoming conversation…and that wagyu, cooked to perfection. 

I promise I will practice my Japanese so that Chef doesn’t get left out of one bit of the conversation.

[sunnidaytrvls]

Wonderful overnight stay in Osaka. Story coming soon (:

[sunnidaytrvls]

Week 2 Reflection

The content this week was extremely engaging. Many of the topics discussed are topics that pertain directly to my interests in activism, study, and what I would like to form my future career around. At the beginning of the week we traveled to Sophia University for a lecture by Dr. Slater  on immigration issues in Japan and what it means to seek asylum within the country, something that is extremely difficult for all but a small percentage. Even then, the small percentage that is successful in gaining refugee status in Japan face surmountable difficulties. It was astounding to learn about the barriers those seeking protection for a variety of reasons from their home countries face upon entering Japan and how they are treated as criminals with extremely limited rights and freedoms. After the lecture, having the opportunity to speak briefly with Dr. Slater about the meaning and understanding of human rights from the perspective of the Japanese was extremely enlightening. The collective attitude and practices in Japanese society and culture creates a dissonance to what is understood as individual rights. One must just trust that because they are accepted that the government and power structures will have their best interests in mind and in policy, even when they don’t. This is a stark contrast from the American understanding of Rights which is understood from an individualist perspective.  This contrast in itself would be an interesting topic to continue to explore. I hope to go to law school for immigration, international law, and human rights work following my plans for my masters and hearing that there are very few lawyers who do this work in Japan definitely makes me want to understand it more and possibly in the future work to defend asylum seekers and refugees in immigration courts in Japan and elsewhere. This is a global issue due to advanced displacement in many poor and wealthy countries due to many global conflicts and economic/political policies and goals that are often more concerned with capitalist endeavors than the well-being of the most vulnerable communities. 

The next day we had a visit to TeamLab Planets for an immersive art experience. This definitely made me experience my senses in many different ways than I was used to. It was kind of trippy. The dark halls between exhibits were heavy and harrowing but added to the colorful experience of the exhibits which I felt enhanced them greatly. It made me think about access to this kind of experience for people who may be impaired of sight or have other disabilities like being wheelchair bound or unable to walk unassisted. I can imagine that they do not experience the exhibits in the same way given that they are sensory oriented. I would be curious to know what their experiences are like after visiting TeamLab as well as their opinions of the exhibits. 

The next days we viewed the film documentaries Hafu and ANPO Art X War. These films had me making all kinds of connections to my own experiences, to the history of activism in the United States, global and national power structures, and also to the construction of national narratives and identity. I thought that the film, Hafu, gave a lot of valuable insight into not only the experiences mixed ethnicity/heritage individuals in Japan and how they identify in Japanese culture and society but also in the positive contributions and changes they are making to the status quo in Japan. I found the work each of the individuals in the film were involved in for fostering understanding, and building community for future multi-ethnic children so they may have more positive experiences growing in Japan, extremely inspiring. I also found that the documentary gave more information than I expected on their experiences in schools in Japan and the varying opportunities they have in Japanese public schools and international schools. This is something I am exploring more in my research and I though that Alex’s experience was very telling to a larger trend of multi-ethnic experiences in schools in Japan. The film ANPO was very powerful. It made me thing of parallels to the civil rights movement in America, and as I mentioned in class the art that developed from the political aspirations for equal rights and freedom of the movement. The paintings and work that depicted the struggle of Okinawans and the Japanese under the stipulations of the American Japanese treaty showed the disenfranchisement and oppression that the Japanese feel and experience is similar to  the experience and the work of disenfranchised Americans that suffered similar circumstances, particularly people of color. One comparison I made was to Jacob Lawrences work in depicting the Great Migration. These reflections also brought me to draw parallels between ANPO and the movement with the Third World that gave the United States ethnic studies. It also reminded me of the controversial meddling that America as done in the global south throughout the 20th century, especially in South America, such as the Contra War for instance. The film carried narratives of anti-communist “democracy”, corruption, pay offs, and America enforcing policy in order to suit its own goals despite the wishes of the common people in their home countries. It reminded me how connected these causes, issues, and activist movements are even across oceans and continents. 

The weekend began with a trip to the Mori Art Museum which was an unexpected experience of examining art through school disciplines and a “Youth Culture” tour led by students of Sophia University. The Mori was extremely unique in comparison to the other museums we have visited in Japan. The language arts and sociology exhibit rooms were especially fascinating to me. There were multiple art works that captured my attention that I spent a lot of time with. One piece in particular was the reenactment of the early Japanese school practices based on the American documentary. This piece spoke volumes in terms of the purposes and intentions of the early school system and the ideology that it progressed in Japan. Following the museum, Sophia students led us through the hot and humid streets of Shibuya. I found the student commentary based on their research of these areas captivating as they spoke on issues of the area that most don’t think about when they think of Japan. Gentrification for instance, is an issue very close to home, as well as displacement, and limiting access to certain groups and communities. I think that this is something I did not realize myself that our countries have in common but after hearing about the Sophia students research it certainly expanded my knowledge and perspective and I also think it is a worthy subject of exploring more in the future.  

I finished the novel Tokyo Ueno Station on my train ride to Osaka this weekend. It was difficult to hold back my tears on the train. The novel gave a profound narrative on the lives of those without homes and why they have found themselves sleeping in parks and ignored by society unless being further displaced and harassed. Kazu Mori and his story were absolutely heartbreaking and I did not even realize that it was his ghost narrating until I got to the end and finally read the book description on the back of the book, the whole time I was hoping he would go home and reconnect with his daughter or granddaughter and when I reached the end I was so sad to realize that wouldn’t happen. Kazu’s story made me think of all the elderly people I have recently seen sleeping in parks with their tarps and whole lives piled in them and how they experience life in the city apart from society.  I certainly see Ueno Station and the grounds of the National Art Museum in a different light. To the greater Tokyo/Japanese society it is a place of reverence for national pride but for those homeless, it was a refuge where they could live in some semblance of peace apart from the chaos and exclusion of the city itself. As if to not burden society, and in Kazu Mori’s case, no longer burden his family. Even still when the emperor and royal family visited the park on special occasions, their safe space also became a space of exclusion leaving them to wander aimlessly. I believe that this may have been one of the points of Yu Miri in writing this novel. To communicate the humanity of those less fortunate and why they may be in these particular circumstances. That there is more to Japan than the beautiful architecture, rich cultural history, and seemingly perfectly organized society. Like anywhere in the world it is layered. The narrative of Kazu Mori served as a beautiful and excruciating example of how multifaceted Japanese society is and how different those at the bottom, or even middle, of the class structure experience life here. 

[sunnidaytrvls]

Art in Japan encompasses a wide range of forms many that we have interacted with. It also plays a significant role in society by expressing emotions, reflecting cultural values, political views, and global, national as well as the individual impact of historic events and transitional periods of freedom. I find that engaging with art from different cultures, spaces, ideologies, and narratives can facilitate cross-cultural understanding and provide valuable insights into one's place in the world. I have never personally understood the artist's mind and how they are able to create such works of expression that communicate their experiences and ideals. It is something I very much admire as I find words, writing, and action to be my form of expression. I think it is interesting how telling art can be. I also think that it is a valuable way of breaking through barriers that society and prominent ideologies often in place for disenfranchised and minoritized groups. This is something that I have enjoyed seeing in a lot of the works we have examined and the comparative of the narratives presented in the pieces, museums, and landmarks. When you exist in a space without a voice, art can be your voice and your escape. In the art examined in the film this week, ANPO Art X War, I find that art can be a bridge of connection to similar experiences. For instance, I felt that the Okinawa struggle, the ANPO resistance, and the art that came from it were reminiscent of art that emerged from minoritized groups in America conveying a similar message of struggle, pride, dynamics with power, and resistance. I often find that connecting with art is a difficult task for me, but during this trip and study, I have found myself connecting to certain parallels of experience and history that I think are extremely enlightening and new for me. 

[sunnidaytrvls]

My best effort at sketching and reflecting on my experiences thus far in Japan. I am no artist, I actually hate drawing, and this assignment entirely took me out of my comfort zone. Surprisingly it was the most uncomfortable I have been with myself during this entire trip. I started to ask myself why that is while I focused in on this tree, half of it alive and flourishing with a dead stump attached to it. Maybe I feel like this tree, still carrying trauma and baggage from the years of my life so far but pushing through to grow. Putting myself in positions of the unknown, like this drawing assignment and this entire study, will only ground me more no matter how off-putting at first. My drawing came out better than I imagined it would; it's not totally terrible for someone who literally failed art class. I am finding that this past week and a half has heavily impacted my perception and understanding of myself and our human connection to each other across continents regardless of culture, ideology, expectations, society, political affiliation, etc.

[sunnidaytrvls]

The Tokyo National Museum was a place I could be happily lost in for days. The archives and displays span centuries of Japanese history. I was mostly captivated by this scroll which depicts the folklore of the Crane Woman. I grew up hearing this story told in my classrooms in elementary. My teachers would share this story among many other traditional Japanese folk tales every year. Stories like Momotaro, The Bamboo Princess, and the old man who offers to the gods his last rice cake, were the tales that taught me my childhood virtues as Mother Goose would for the kids who were in regular school. We would listen to Kurimura and Montani Sensei read out some of the most popular ones every year the class celebrated the Japanese New Year. Some of my best childhood memories. These were not read from books by my teachers but on these beautifully crafted story cards much like this scroll. I have been looking for them all over since being an adult. I would love to own them myself.

This particular story and piece struck a chord with me as this is one of the original Edo period story scrolls of this particular tale. It was truly amazing to have come across it and feel a sense of familiarity with something so far removed from my own culture and history and yet so connected to me personally.

[sunnidaytrvls]

The Observant Traveler

In exploring Shinjuku station as an observant travelerI was first a little intimidated. Exiting the station was busy and chaotic..people walking everywhere in every direction in a kind of organized chaotic harmony. After grounding myself I slowly made my way down a busy street next to Shinjuku station taking in my surroundings. It was very warm, humid, and crowded. Salary men and women rush to the smoking section of the station, some people are seated in little areas were trees and benches are placed, enjoying their lunch or a companions company. After walking for 10-15 minutes a bright yellow building caught my attention.

I sat across the street from this yellow building that stood about 3 floors. Inside from the street all you can view is the rows of claw machine games. Its not very busy looking from the street. I walked in and slowly browsed the inside floors. The first and second were all claw machines, big and small. Surprisingly at first I noticed no children. The patrons were mostly young adults, some about my age, and even an older man balancing himself with a walking stick aiming for the prizes. The third floor was nothing but photo booths. This area was busy with young girls and their small groups of friends excitedly in and out of kawaii and themed photo booths. I made my way back down stairs where a few children who seemed to be alone were getting change for the machines. They walked around the floors confidently and with purpose choosing the machines with the best prizes for them. 

The prizes range from stuffies, snacks, pillows, bags, keychains, coin purses, toys, and other themed knick knacks. As a person who enjoys the childish things in life myself after finishing my notes I could not help but partake myself. I went straight for the smaller machines that had themed coin purses as prizes. The others around me were masters of the larger machines so I thought the smaller ones would be easy. I was wrong. I did win 3 prizes but I spent more than I expected. It was definitely a fun activity and I can see the appeal. 

This led me to ask myself some questions. First, I am aware that gambling is illegal in Japan and it is supplemented with games like Pachinko. Do these claw machines and arcades also serve as a replacement vice for activities like gambling that are not allowed? I also find it interesting that the arcade patrons were mostly adults whereas at home, the arcades are largely filled with children instead. I find it interesting that the culture for the joys of childhood (games, toys, animation, etc.) is more universal here; there is no age limit or stigmatization of adults who find entertainment in such things. I almost expected to feel out of place as an adult by myself browsing an establishment that at home would be centered towards primarily children, teens, and young adults. I was glad that after observing the normalcy of adults alone and in pairs enjoying the claw machine arcade I did not feel out of place or uncomfortable with my excitement in wanting to participate and winning my prizes. 

[sunnidaytrvls]

Luke Wing Museum Exhibit: "This feeling of being less than and not wanting to be seen, that was innocently passed down to us"

Art can help aid in the process of healing in many ways. It serves as a powerful tool for communication and expression, allowing individuals to convey their emotions, identities, trauma, history, and personal, community, and national narratives and experiences. This notion became evident to me when I had the opportunity to browse the Luke Wing Museum before delving into my academic pursuits and study abroad in Japan.

One exhibit that profoundly resonated with this concept of healing art was titled "Reorient." It exemplifies how art can serve as a catalyst for healing and self-discovery. The diverse artworks are captivating and reflect the artist's introspection and exploration of their past, hopes, feelings, dreams, and influences. Each piece seemed to be a window into their soul, inviting viewers to embark on a profound emotional journey.

Within the exhibit are a mix of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, and installations that encapsulated the artists' attempts to heal their wounds and find solace in their experiences. Some pieces depict personal traumas, serving as a release and a means to process and overcome pain and generational trauma. Others celebrated the resilience of communities and the power of collective healing and solidarity in differences and similarities. What strikes me the most is the undeniable sense of connection that emanates from the artwork. It is as if the artists are extending their hands, reaching out, and offering solace and understanding. It reminds me that despite our diverse backgrounds and unique experiences, we are all connected through our capacity for empathy and shared emotions, and likened experiences.

As I reflected on my experience in the museum, I realized that art has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers. It serves as a universal language, capable of uniting individuals from different walks of life. Whether it is through painting, sculpture, music, or dance, art allows us to access and express our deepest emotions, fostering healing and growth.

My time at the Luke Wing Museum and the "Reorient" exhibit reinforced my belief in the transformative power of art. It inspires me to further explore the intersection of art and healing, both in my academic pursuits and personal journey. I left the museum with a renewed appreciation for the role of art in fostering understanding, empathy, and healing, and a desire to continue engaging with art as a means of personal and collective growth.

[sunnidaytrvls]

Hello, my name is Erin and I will be using this platform to share my study abroad experience in Japan. This will be my second time traveling to Japan. My first trip to Japan was arranged to meet the wonderful people I have been working with remotely since December through a non-profit organization called YouMeWe. It was a short but unforgettable first experience in Japan. I am very excited to return for a longer period and with the structure of a study program that focuses on memory, identity, and art activism through Japanese history and experiences. As an undergraduate student majoring in Global Studies, I have concentrated my studies on the interconnections and impact of globalism on diverse cultures, languages, and identities with the aim to innovate solutions toward cross-cultural stability and understanding. I hope to do this by establishing a career as a teacher for youth by practicing and implementing critical pedagogy. I hope to further practice cultural humility during this experience abroad and broaden my understanding of sociological and historical impacts on the identity of people from diverse backgrounds that are unlike my own.