Chapter XV: Some things Never Change

For this small chapter, I'd like to return to an idea that I had earlier in this blog: What is the same about Japan, and what is different?

First, when looking at Genji, it is clear the image of this novel has seen various permutations through the years. At times it has been viewed as classic literature, other times it has simply been a soap opera, or perhaps historical record. The point is, like Genji, some things change, while some things remain the same.

I came to this country for the first time in 1989, when I was still a teenager. Back then, everything seemed so modern, so fast and efficient. In fact, everything seemed very "21st Century."

Now, I'm back, and it is the 21st Century. As I walk the streets and talk to the people, I am amazed by some of the things that have changed, and some of the things that have remained the same. For example, despite all modern digital technology, Japan still has a old school "photo booth" in all of the train stations. People take pictures here for ID cards, passports, etc. Seeing one of these reminded me of how much fun we used to have taking pictures in these booths. Of course, I had to do it again, just for the sake of feeling young again.

Technology, it seems, is unpredictable in Japan. On one hand, it would seem that they would be the most advanced in everything; on this trip, however, I have learned that their cell phone technology is far behind ours (having just purchased my own iPhone back in the States.) Japanese digital, 3D, animated movies are also behind America. In fact, only this summer Japan has produced its first main stream, full length digital film (See Japan Times article below), compared, of course, to Pixar, which has been producing digital films now for well over a decade. I'm sure this has something to do with Miyazaki Hayao's (the Japanese 'Walt Disney') insistence on not using the medium. (He continues to draw everything by hand, including the latest movie to be shown in the U.S. "Ponyo.")

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ff20090807a1.html

Still, I think it's funny how some things change, and how some things never do!