06-24-2012, 08:10 AM
We should get together and talk story one of these days, pahoated. Japan is my thing as well. Every point you made about parallels between Japan and Hawaii is spot on, exactly what I cover in my consulting work here in Hawaii (with polytheism and animism being two other significant parallels). It's very easy for the locals here (not just local Japanese) to "get" the Japanese and vice versa. The fact that over 400,000 people are currently studying hula in Japan is strong evidence of deep, compatible cultural connecting points. On a side note, it also makes sense that island cultures, with limited natural resources, would cherish and assign sacredness to "inanimate" objects by "animating" them (ex: rocks, rivers, trees, mountains, waterfalls, the sun, etc.) with spirits or "essence" or "Quality."
In retrospect, living in Japan for 10 years made it very easy for me to adapt here. When confronted with a clannish culture, you have to be patient, earnest, and earn your way in.
In retrospect, living in Japan for 10 years made it very easy for me to adapt here. When confronted with a clannish culture, you have to be patient, earnest, and earn your way in.
Tim
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions--Confucius