Nature in Japan

      Nature holds an interesting position in Japanese society and architecture, one which is striking to foreigners upon first entry to Japan. When hearing of traditional Japanese culture, one would think that Japan is filled with wooden or nature incorporating homes with as much greenery as possible. Due to the high population density, the opposite has come to fruition in cities, though very naturalist homes and complexes still exist on rural or religious areas. If you look another level deep within the industrialized cities, you will notice that there is greenery in every area possible. In effect, the Japanese hold both practicality of architecture and importance of nature on equal pedestals.
  One example would be a large company headquarters which I pass by every weekday. As per usual in the area, the structure is built of concrete and has no front or side areas of grass to be as compact, and practical, as possible. Though it may have only one tree planted in a greenery block by the front doors, it is a sakura tree and is always well maintained. Along with this tree are a few other small greenery spaces, concrete flower boxes, which contain many beautiful tulips and other brightly colored flowering plants. These types of flowers, while very beautiful, require a lot of weekly care. The company seems to value beautiful nature as highly as their headquarters complex; in other countries large buildings such as this might have greenery boxes, but will not be maintained anywhere near to this extent.

     In addition, many of the structures we think of as traditional Japanese architecture incorporate nature to a high degree. They are also frequently visited by Japanese citizens and others alike. The Japanese, though living a very practical, urban lifestyle, still desire this touch with nature which they do not have in their daily lives. Religious areas seem to indulge in an intimate relation with nature, are are conserved this way due to the Japanese ideals.

What do Japanese people do?

Describing a 'typical' Japanese person to a foreigner is something no one can really do. We are here in Japan, as foreign students, to try and understand the ''average" Japanese person by studying Japanese culture, language, and history. It seems the more Japanese people I meet the harder it is to answer the seemingly simple question: What do Japanese people do? Though I will make an attempt with the knowledge I've gained from the Japanese people I know currently.

Asuka dera, in Asuka, a valuable historical sight.

  As a culture, the Japanese are interested in their history. Every civilization yearns to know where they came from, and the Japanese are no exception. Before undergoing a major construction project, the area first needs to be excavated to make sure nothing historically valuable will be lost in the new construction. Though partially due to the lack of new space in an island nation, this is a small indication of how the Japanese interest in their unique past. Though in general there is much interest, some individuals I have spoken to don't have any personal interest in history. A much more common interest is sightseeing. The train systems in Japan are some of the most reliable in the world, and on a sunny day who wouldn't want to do a little traveling for a reasonable price? Many Japanese people go sightseeing to nearby shrines, temples, and historical places. They are aware of the beautiful and precious things right around their neighborhood or along the train line, and take time to enjoy their beautiful country; something some foreigners can be envious of.

At a 'nomihoudai' in Kyoto.

   A particular past time which is Japan is famous for around the world is karaoke. Japanese people of all ages seem to enjoy karaoke, from middle school students to businessmen. The large amount of karaoke clubs/bars in almost every shopping mall or larger area show the strong popularity karaoke has. Foreigners often find this past time a little harder to enjoy at first, seeing as how in other countries singing in front of a crowd is much more stressful than in Japan. Not to say no Japanese people are shy in front of a crowd, just a larger portion of Japanese citizens aren't as bashful. If they were, how could karaoke gain such popularity? Karaoke is a common past time on a Friday or Saturday, and most Japanese students I've had the opportunity to know go to karaoke much more often than any other weekend activity with friends. With the famous areas nearby, one might wonder why don't Japanese college students go 'hit up the club' almost every Saturday in Osaka when they are so close by? One strong concept might help to explain this phenomenon. Japanese society is, if I might dare to call it, quite shy. It might seem contradictory to the previous karaoke discussion, but Japanese society is not as open about 'sexiness'. For that matter, dressing in high heels and tight clothes to go a dance club is not something on the top of a Japanese college student's list of things to do. Instead, a Japanese person might opt to go to a 'nomihoudai' ( all you can drink) establishment. Without all the music and party, this is more of a nice place, where friends all sit in a booth and drink as much as they would like for a set price.