First Impressions

In my mind, Japan possesses a very peculiar reputation in regards to its typical symbols. It’s a land at the height of technology, yet one that reveres its long-gone era of simplicity. It’s the realm of geisha and samurai, but also the home of companies like Sony and Toyota. A world apart, yet thoroughly connected to the rest of the world. Japan is simply… Japan.

As far as first impressions go, my feelings are a bit mixed. Having just come from Shanghai, China, I became quite used to the fast pace and density of a city that houses 20 million people. I came expecting stores so packed it looked like they were fighting for streetfront. In this aspect, however, I was met with a much different landscape. Things are a lot more calm and less packed with people. The streets are cramped, but not competitive. Things seem more like they’re carefully arranged and designed as opposed to haphazardly thrown together. In this sense, despite Hirakata not matching my expectations, I’m still strangely satisfied.

Additionally, knowing what I did from Japanese class in the States, I was aware of some of Japan’s more culturally-subjectively peculiar customs and festivals. Though I came equipped with some of this knowledge, there was plenty I wasn’t taught, such as the 節分 festival. In said festival, it is customarily wrapped up with the scattering of beans. However, in the festival I witnessed, this “scattering” was in fact the throwing of peanuts over a crowd by well-respected public officials, a sumo wrestler, and geisha.

One aspect, however, that I was more than satisfied with, is the cuisine of Japan. Onigiri, tonkatsu, etc. are all among things that have met and surpassed what I imagined they would be here. The only drawback, of course, is the price. However, while it may be expensive to an American like me, it’s only a deterrent, not a wall. And, in accordance with some of the prices, the food is naturally gorgeous.