Aesthetics
I spent $80 on a teapot and its teacups today. And I want to go buy more.
It's weird how my experiences in Japan has changed me. The most obvious (to me) is that of aesthetics. I have a greater appreciation for appearances now. From a Western point of view, that's usually negative - it's associated with superficiality and consumerism.
From a Japanese point of view though, if you can't even bother with the appearances, how can I trust what's inside? Also, beauty is appreciated with the understanding that it's ephemeral. And the Japanese appreciation of beauty means that 1. they try harder to maintain and preserve beauty and 2. they appreciate beauty in places where we just see ugliness.
What does that mean?
I am fascinated by fashion and feel like I should dress well even to go to the grocery store. In fact, I find myself decidedly irritated if I am unkempt.
I appreciate the seasons more. A lot of foreigners deride the Japanese' focus on their four seasons. After all, a lot of countries have four seasons. But the appreciation is decidedly Japanese. I notice the passing of the seasons more. I find it irritating that there are no "seasonal cards" in the stationary shops. I walk along sidewalks with mud splattered snow, and admire the few white patches that exist.
And finally, I am increasingly aware that food should be presented well as well as taste well. And far above the presentation of food, is the presentation of tea.
And though some of this newfound appreciation is expensive (esp. fashion), I value it so I don't regret it. Life is a lot more beautiful now. Or perhaps life was always beautiful, but I was half blind before. Now my eyes have been opened.
Now the only question is why I didn't adopt the Japanese punctuality as well.
It's weird how my experiences in Japan has changed me. The most obvious (to me) is that of aesthetics. I have a greater appreciation for appearances now. From a Western point of view, that's usually negative - it's associated with superficiality and consumerism.
From a Japanese point of view though, if you can't even bother with the appearances, how can I trust what's inside? Also, beauty is appreciated with the understanding that it's ephemeral. And the Japanese appreciation of beauty means that 1. they try harder to maintain and preserve beauty and 2. they appreciate beauty in places where we just see ugliness.
What does that mean?
I am fascinated by fashion and feel like I should dress well even to go to the grocery store. In fact, I find myself decidedly irritated if I am unkempt.
I appreciate the seasons more. A lot of foreigners deride the Japanese' focus on their four seasons. After all, a lot of countries have four seasons. But the appreciation is decidedly Japanese. I notice the passing of the seasons more. I find it irritating that there are no "seasonal cards" in the stationary shops. I walk along sidewalks with mud splattered snow, and admire the few white patches that exist.
And finally, I am increasingly aware that food should be presented well as well as taste well. And far above the presentation of food, is the presentation of tea.
And though some of this newfound appreciation is expensive (esp. fashion), I value it so I don't regret it. Life is a lot more beautiful now. Or perhaps life was always beautiful, but I was half blind before. Now my eyes have been opened.
Now the only question is why I didn't adopt the Japanese punctuality as well.