Daily Diary: July 17th Final days, meaningful day

Sorry for not many photos including for today's post, but I tried to include all my feelings for this program here. 

Today is the last day of the program we have task to do. Today’s task is to have individual meetings with Kristi or Julie, and then have small meetings with research groups for preparation of final presentation. This is the time to reflect on the past 4 weeks, no, actually 14 weeks of study in this program. We are all excited, while worried. Are we going to present everything we have learned through the whole process effectively? Or will we be able to share with everyone our passion on our research topics?

9 am in the morning. I heard people walking in the corridor, and I know that is the start of this decisive day. Just after finishing one week’s excursion, everyone works so hard to get back to work, to get all the work rewarded. Based on the schedule signed up one day before, people either go to the meeting room with instructors, or work on the PowerPoint by themselves, or meet up with research group members. The individual meetings are really helpful and inspiring, and it offers a great chance for us to know what is the best way to formulate the presentation, because that is the single best chance to present everything we worked so hard to go through. The meetings with research groups...As usual, we got together, anywhere we like, very casual. In the case of my research group, we met just on the 1^st floor, and spent the first 10 minutes talking about each one’s process on the final presentation, and how to put everything together, emphasizing common theme as a group. While we had done most part as a group, we just began to chat...It is really interesting to learn how each group member has gone through in the past excursion week, since that is the longest free time we ever had during this program. It turned out we all explored some places interesting. At last we talked about how everyone thinks about their final presentation and the final paper. I also interviewed others about how they feel about the program generally and about the final assessment specifically. Well. Some people said this program really gave them a chance to see something that otherwise they would never go. Some said the program is really more about exploration and excursion. I also heard people saying that, Not only academics, or maybe I can say more the academics, this trip gave everyone a time to really think about themselves, their relationships with the world and other people. That is also what I think to be true. To take such a study abroad chance in university, credits and grades are important, but more than that, it is a chance to reflect and to look forward. I personally really had some experience that was so precious and inspiring for my future, both within the program and outside it into Japanese society. (@OUR NYC)

Of course, the last official academic day of this program, is far more than academics! Last chance to explore Yoyogi, Harajyuku, and maybe just NYC. After spending almost a month here, there are still some places we have never been to. Some people go to the Sakura restaurant, just on the top floor of the building we have been lived since the beginning. Everyday we saw their posters in the elevator, that you can have a bird’s eye view of Shinjyuku area, but we don’t think of going to. Some people go to the Harajyuku, just behind the NYC, to explore some shopping areas they didn’t find out before, or to try some deserts which they have been thinking about for so long, since the beginning of the program, but don’t have the chance to walk in. Or, some people go to downtown to get some gift for either our three caring and sweet instructors, to prepare for the farewell surprise to thank all they have done throughout the whole program for us. So far, the gift is ready, so excited to give to them, and say Thank You tomorrow. I myself went to Harajyuku, to visit some shops I found interesting before, and tried out some deserts. Since this is the last night here, I want to get myself some Omiyage as well. 

When I got back to NYC, it is already late, and everything is dark here. Today we don’t really have major events together, but each person had a very meaningful time by themselves with small groups, to have a great ending for the whole trip. I saw some of my friends also heading back when I looked back in front of the elevator, thinking about it is soon to say goodbye, kind of sad but really appreciate all the time spent together. Looking forward to tomorrow’s presentation, hoping that is the perfect reward for us, and for everyone in the program.

art walk - tuesday

july 16th 2019

The Western world is obsessed with perfection, symmetry, and reverence for exceptional beauties that last. Japanese aesthetics, however, are very different. They derived from what's called wabi-sabi and yugen, which are intimately linked with Buddhism. Wabi-sabi refers to the beauty of the impermanent, the mundane, the imperfect and the somewhat broken. This way of living does not derive from passions for invincibility, youth, and flawlessness, but from respects for what is ephemeral, fragile, and modest. The latter concept, yugen, is the principle of "hidden beauty". It suggests that the signatures of life are not in the ostentatious trappings, but the subtly and profound grace that can only be realized by a quiet mind and a cultivated eye.

I looked at today's theme of art through Japanese aesthetic while being mindful to seek and practice its implications. Although Teamlab's arts are flamboyant, their art embodies Japanese aesthetics and Buddhist philosophy through being a reflection of life's impermanence (showcased through artworks like Flutter of Butterflies Beyond Borders, Ephemeral Life Born from People), the importance of stillness and tranquility (e.g. The Typography of Memories), and the interconnectedness of all things.

(c)lick me for better quality

Monday, July 15th

Monday, July 15th: a gray Monday morning in Tokyo, Japan. We woke up early and groggily folded and returned our sheets to Miki before checking out of the A Building at the National Youth Olympic Center. We had a free morning, which we utilized for rest, research, and reflection time, having just returned from a busy weekend of travel.

After packing up and checking out, I spent the morning in Cafe Friends in the central building here at NYC, doing homework, interviewing Miki, and drinking coffee. It was a relaxing start to the day, and I felt more organized and refreshed after the chaotic week we just had, during which my classmates and I travelled all over Japan.

For lunch, Anna and I took the elevator to the ninth floor of D Building, to Sakura Restaurant, with beautiful views of Shinjuku. We finally decided to try the shrimp and egg omelette that has been so tempting since our arrival. A model of the dish is set right next to the elevator on the first floor, and we couldn’t believe that we had waited so long before trying it. It absolutely lived up to our expectations.

Class at 1 brought discussions of cultural appropriation in regards to Chicano subculture in Japan, as well as logistics of wrapping up research and finishing the program.

After class, we checked into our new rooms in D Building. I began editing my vlog, but got restless and decided to go for a walk alone. I ended up at the Meiji Shrine, right next to Yoyogi Park, very close to where we are staying. It was a beautiful, massive square tucked inside a forest of tall trees. It was very quiet, and it was hard for me to believe that I was still in Tokyo.

After my walk, Mayah and I headed to Shibuya for the world premiere of the documentary film Queer Japan, directed by American Graham Kolbeins. The film featured people from across the broad spectrum of gender and sexuality, and focussed on personal stories from artists, activists, and everyday people living in Japan. The film discussed legal and social stigma faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and celebrated important past milestones for inclusion, such as the election of transgender Aya Kamikawa. We ended the day with a vending machine snack, and then were off to bed.

Today was one of the less busy days of the program, so instead of simply vlogging what we did, I decided to include some reflective interview questions from my peers. I asked them about their research topics, their weekend excursion, and their favorite Japanese foods. Please enjoy the following video!

Here is a link to the same video at a better quality: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rUrQe0oz2oQRDQ5CyAzeuqSH9zGAsAIw/view?usp=sharing

Daily Diary 7/11: Kyoto

Today was our only full day in Kyoto. And in true Kyoto fashion, it was a day full of shrines, temples, religious talks, and even a traditional Buddhist lunch.

Lunch at a Buddhist temple

Professor Erin Brightwell was kind enough to join us on our travels. She discussed the importance of religion in medieval Japan and how it had morphed during that time period. Her lectures and vast knowledge of pre-modern Japan gave a lot of meaning to the various monuments, structures, and images we saw today. One of the more striking and powerful aspects of our trip was the talk given by a Buddhist priest at the Myoshinji Taizoin. He explained the core tenets of Zen Buddhism through the use of vivid metaphors and thought experiments. Parts of his talk can be found in the video below. Despite being the wettest day yet of the program, we were able to visit three shrines and temples as an entire class, each of which was beautiful and significant in their own ways. Many of us then went off to find more later in the day.

You can find a video documenting our day at the link below:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=19J2uhxuoO41kRnqAP2v8lmD9x3nyE5DJ

Daily Diary 07/10: Narratives of Tradition

Waking up early, we packed up our trip to Hiroshima at APA Hotel and headed for the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) by 9am. Once again, the great Miki reserved us train seats in advance so we got the comfortable, spacious seats on our way to Kyoto.

Making our way through the Hiroshima train station

In the reserved seats on the Shinkansen headed for Himeji

This excursion week has been centered around traditions and traditional culture in Japan. So on our way to Kyoto, we made an afternoon stop at Himeji. After a short train ride, we arrived at the area of the Himeji Castle. As planned, we went to eat lunch as a group and were pleasantly surprised with a bento lunch and horigotatsu-style group dining. Following a filling, delicious lunch, we had some story time at the restaurant before walking down the street to the Himeji Castle.

           

Story time!

          

    Bento lunch

Group horigotatsu-style lunch

The Himeji Castle represents many traditional aspects of Japan. Himeji Castle is a historical Japanese medieval fortress and world cultural heritage site (1993) that is located in the center of Himeji City. We soaked in the beautiful architecture in the warm sun as we hiked up over 10 flights of stairs. However, the view of Himeji City and the cultural knowledge gained were worth it. The traditional architecture of the Himeji Castle has been preserved through restoration and structural upgrades. The signs in the castle described the central beam’s history as it was made from a single tree. Furthermore, I was intrigued by the military presence of the fort. There were chambers where warriors could hide and escape and the layout of the rooms in the main area created a perfect shooting space as the smoke would rise from the shooting area at the bottom of the room to the windows towering high above on the walls. This is not surprising considering the castle’s history where it was originally used as a fortress and continued to house up to 500 samurai soldiers. 

We climbed over 10 flights of stairs

This shows a door at the bottom for weapons to be used and windows up top to clear smoke from the weapons

Himeji Castle (photo credit: Mingyang (April) Li)

After exploring, we had some free time. We saw the Okiku Well and chose to participate
in the wish-making process by tossing a ¥100 coin into the well and praying for a wish.
This was a reminder of traditional Japanese culture and tradition. Afterwards, we enjoyed
some sun in one of the shaded bench areas next to the Sannomaru Remains. 

Participating in the tradition of making a wish at Okiku Well

Taking a break in the sun

I explored one of the neighboring Senhime Botan Garden on my own. While wandering, I
passed some older adults who smiled warm-heartedly. In the spring, both the castle and
the surrounding area will become a main tourist attraction and a home to a beautiful scene
of cherry blossoms (which reminded me of the infamous UW quad).

Senhime Botan Garden

Centerpiece of garden

After visiting the castle, we packed up and finished our Shinkansen journey to Kyoto. After
checking into our hostel, we had the rest of the night to ourselves for reflection and rest. In
light of the reflection topic today regarding Japan’s traditions in shaping national identity I felt
that the visit to Himeji Castle aided in our understanding of the topic. Himeji Castle shows that
traditions and traditional architecture can still be retained despite modern restoration and
touch-ups. Japan’s national identity is constantly changing, but Japan’s culture and formation of
natural identity will continue to contain elements of tradition.

Manhole cover decoration noticed by Andrea Gonzalez

Group photo in front of Himeji Castle!

Daily Diary 7/9: Hiroshima and Miyajima

After a long day of travel and hopefully a night of rest, everyone filtered in and out of the hotel restaurant for breakfast which offered a wide selection of both western and Japanese options. Once everyone was fueled up and ready to go, we depart the hotel lobby at 9:00 A.M. for what would be a long day physically and emotionally. Our first stop of the day was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. We took the streetcar, and before we could reach the Museum, we were met with the A-Bomb Dome right as we exited the station. The Dome served as a powerful reminder of the destruction that was caused by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

The A-Bomb Dome

Breakfast with Andrea and Kitty

We then made our way over to the Museum where we were given an hour and a half to take in what would be a moving experience. The exhibit began with a dark room with a 360 degree panorama picture of the city of Hiroshima on the wall - a powerful image of the widespread destruction. Then, the museum took us down a dark hallway where at the end we were met with an extensive exhibit about the personal stories of some of the people that both perished and survived. One story the museum highlighted that seemed to resonate with many members of our group was the story about Mr. N. [insert story]. After leaving the portion of the museum with the personal stories, one walked along a well lit pathway with a view of the surrounding gardens, and when one was in the middle, there was a clear view of the A-Bomb Dome. This portion of the museum provided a great opportunity to reflect about the destruction of humanity that was caused by the dropping of the atomic bomb and to remember the victims who not only lost their lives that day but suffered from the physical and emotional trauma of that day. The museum then presents a display about the development of the atomic bomb as well as the history surrounding nuclear arms leading up to the present day. The museum opened my eyes to the pain and suffering that the victims and survivors faced in a way I had not been exposed to before.

The wall of photos and art capturing the suffering

A quote from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

After the museum we proceeded to walk through the gardens on our way to our lunch and discussion location. As a group, we had a debriefing session on the top floor of Orizuru tower. By visiting the museum before going to the viewing platform, it put a whole new perspective on how I viewed the city after seeing images of the destruction. Shandy also pointed out in our discussion that after having learned that many people jumped into the river in an effort to alleviate the pain of the burns, she now viewed the river in a different light. We were then given the opportunity to make origami cranes as a way to remember those who suffered from the atomic bomb attack and promote a future of peace and absence of nuclear weapons. We then had a delicious group lunch at the cafe on the ground floor of the building. Many of us chose to supplement our meal with an ice cream dessert which also contained maple leaf cookies which would become a group favorite.

An origami crane

We then travelled by street car and ferry to Miyajima Island. The island is home to a small village with traditional Japanese architecture - a stark contrast to what we have been experiencing in the large cities - and the famous Itsukushima Shrine. Upon arriving to the island we were greeted with many deer that just freely roamed around the tourist areas. Some of us were even able to pet one! We proceeded to walk along a beautiful tree lined promenade which took us to the Itsukushima Shrine. The shrine was a beautiful place of worship and made for great photo ops. It also provided a peaceful setting for reflection.

Group photo in front of the great Torii

The great Torii Photo by Shandy Kim

Our group was given free time to wander around the village area and many of us broke off into smaller groups depending on what everyone wanted to do. Cassie and I walked through the part of the town that was on the opposite side of the of the shrine from where we entered. We then headed up to see the pagoda on the hill which overlooked the village and had a fantastic view of the water and mountains across the way. We also wandered through the shopping street where we got some more of the maple leaf cookies that I mentioned earlier.

The Five-storied Pagoda Photo by Margaret Connor

After the period of free time, we reconvened for a delicious Japanese group dinner which provided a comfortable space to enjoy a meal and relax together after a long day. Before we departed Miyajima, we were given one last hour to explore. However, Anna, Cassie, Haley, Josh, Andrea, Kara, Stephanie, and I spent our time relaxing on the beach and watching the sun set before we made our way back to the hotel via ferry and train.

Today proved to be exhausting emotionally and physically. Walking through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was a heart wrenching experience that provided a clear look at the pain and suffering caused by the atomic bomb dropped on the United States. It also highlighted the dangers of nuclear weapons in a more general sense and how they threaten to destroy humanity. The museum tied into our course discussions about the future of security in Japan and how they looming threat of a nuclear armed North Korea would have very real consequences for the people of Japan. Our visit to the Itsujushima Shrine demonstrated the importance of religious sites in Japanese society and how these sacred spaces are embedded in the fabric of Japanese culture and identity.

Daily Diary 07/08: Tokyo, Nagoya and Hiroshima

Today is the first day of our excursion week. Our plan for today is to depart NYC, take Shinkansen to Nagoya, watch sumo tournament in Nagoya, and finally arrive at Hiroshima.

Our day started at 8:15 AM. Since we have a busy traveling day, we have to get up early! We gathered at the lobby of D building and store our luggages, and after that, we are ready to go.

At the main gate of NYC, before departure

The train we are going to take from Tokyo to Nagoya and Hiroshima is Shinkansen, one of the quickest and easiest ways of traveling between major cities. Shinkansen stations are linked to local metro stations, that allow us to travel from Tokyo to Hiroshima in one day plus a visit to Nagoya without much rush.

We firstly activate our JR pass and get onboard Shinkansen at Shinjuku station. Before departure, we bought ourselves bento boxes in the JR station. There is a bento shop that sells all sorts of well-packaged bento boxes and because we don’t have time to have a "formal" lunch, the bento box is a nice try.

Bento boxes

This is the first time we take Shinkansen as a group. Shinkansen network consists of multiple lines, and we had a transfer between lines from Nagoya to Hiroshima. There are two types of cars: reserved and non-reserved. Reserved cars provide reserved seats, allow them to travel without concerns of standing for the whole time in case the non-reserved cars are heavily congested. We reserved the seats weeks before our departure thanks to Miki, we did enjoy a spacious car with comfortable seats.

Reserved-seat tickets(Tokyo-Nagoya, Nagoya-Shin-Kobe, Shin-Kobe-Hiroshima)

We arrived in Nagoya after two hours of traveling, where the Sumo tournament is taking place. The 2019 Grand Tournament is scheduled one per two months from January to November, and the one we watched is Sumo Nagoya Basho which starts on July 7th and ends on July 21st. Sumo is a “national sport” of Japan, and it is famous for the sheer size of wrestlers, the traditional Japanese rituals and its popularity among people at any age regardless of their occupations and social status.

After we got off the Shinkansen, we took the metro to Nagoya Castle, where Aichi prefecture gymnasium located. When we arrived at the place, the intermediate level wrestlers were in the middle of the game. Each of us has a list of wrestler’s names. Some sumo fans circle out their favorite wrestlers’ name and make notes on the lists. 

List of names of Sumo wrestlers

The whole arena has inner and outer circles. The inner-circle has traditional tatami, people brought snacks, eat and chat chilly with their friends and family while watching the game. The outer circle has normal seats, and because it is a bit far from the center, some fans bring their own telescope to watch the game.

Inner and outer-circles of the arena

Shinto religion has a strong influence on the rituals of sumo, participants wear colorful Shinto Gaara and stand outside the ring while their names are announced before the game starts. After introducing wrestlers from both sides, the game started. The ritual actually extends the length of the game greatly because of the actual physical confrontation usually last than less a minute—it is an intense sport. The way the officiator reads wrestlers’ name is very interesting, too: he doesn’t “read” it, he “sings” it. The sound is much like the sound in a Kabuki play that could immediately remind people of certain rituals and grab people’s attention.

 At the entrance of the arena

 Sumo 

The rituals including tossing the sacred salt to maintain the purity inside the ring, two competing wrestlers facing the audience, clapping their hands above their heads, slapping their left and right thighs. After that, two rivals face each other, repeat the rituals and lean towards the ground behind a white line, and wait until the judge announced the start.

Sumo 

The rule of the game is simple, anyone who firstly being pushed out of the ring or fallen on the ground lost. After the loser left the ring, the winner squats down quickly and left the ring soon. Many audiences are mostly elderly and foreigners, and it seems sumo is losing its attractiveness to the younger generation. It is worth noting that, sumo is regarded as a game “inappropriate” for women to play, so only male wrestlers are allowed to participate in the game.

We head back to the Shinkansen after the game, and we arrived at Shin-Kobe station, and transfer to another train to Hiroshima. At around 7:00 PM, we arrived at our hotel, the Hiroshima Apa hotel.

At Hiroshima Apa hotel