Old Japan

As a Japanese, frankly speaking, it is not easy to explain the characteristics of Japanese people and Japan. Having a long history as a small nation surrounded by the oceans, the natures of the people have been changing. But it might be true that the basic characteristics of Japanese people are that think spiritually is more important than physically. Sometimes emphasizing the mind has been too much excessive and pragmatic way of thinking has been minimized. One sad example was revealed in the wartime around 1940 to 1945. Nevertheless they had less and poor materials and weapons, the Japanese wartime government pressed the people only continuing the terrible war and believe the last victory. But this was more than stupid and the result was the horrible destruction and tragedy. The pictures here show that Japanese old buildings and gardens look very calm and meaningful. For example, the old people tried as if there were the real river, ocean and mountains in the small space. You may also know about "bon-sai". The tiny base or box with a tiny plants or trees make us imagine as if it is a real big one. Anyway, the old constructions here offer us something imagination, calm, wide, high or deep atmosphere of nature. Well, being "natural" might be one of the basic concepts among those old constructions. I like it as Japanese. One advice, all of Japanese constructions have not always such "calm and dark" image. Some of them were very bright, colorful and unique. And now there are many people who like more practical than spiritual. This is why Japan is a very active country in sciences and businesses. Enjoy the pictures.

fumi.kobayashi@nifty.com