Our Man resolved to be a good J-blogger and join in the latest blog matsuri thing where everyone writes about the same thing and then clicks on each others' stories to boost visitor numbers and spread the gospel about all things Japonicacalese. Trouble is, Our Man is feeling a bit Groucho Marx about this club. Our Man is supposed to answer this question: "What do you find most unusual, crazy or strange about Japan?" Actually, he's been spending much of his time finding things crazily identical to his motherland. So could his submission be that the craziest thing is things ain't as odd as they appear? Howsabout these nuggets of truth off the top of Our Man's head? Folk really believe shopping in IKEA, CostCo and outlet shopping malls is where it's at. Corporate employees think their jobs and bosses are full of shite. Bureaucrats and the politicians are useless self-serving tossers. Those crazy Japanese!
Pic lifted from here.
7 comments:
I like this entry! As a fairly new blogger, I've tried to stay away from "wacky Japan", but I couldn't resist entering my first blog matsuri. Your choice was inspired.
I had a hard time with that topic, myself. And that artist does some really amazing work.
I'm skipping this topic. Japan's simply not much of an outlier when you compare to other countries. I've lived in the US as well, and if anything the culture shock there was worse for me.
Hey, watch it! I love IKEA! After I spent several hours putting together my bed I sweat the sweat of the accomplished my friend, and I GRUNTED and growled and my girl said SUGOI and isn't that what it's all about? hehehe
As for that contest, slap some milquetoast and cheese together (you know u can do it) and play nice.
William, Our Man's just a smart arse is all.
Kara - yeah, wish Our Man could draw.
Janne - the wisest course of course.
Loco-san - quite right too, screwing around is for the bedroom after all.
Good god Our Man!
I am sorry, but it appears that you don't understand Japan. The differences are subtle and undetectable to those who are no qualified as Japan explainers. The fact that it seems pretty much the same as most other modern countries, and that the people seem like people everywhere shows just how much it is misunderstood.
Besides, how are you ever gonna write a book explaining Japan if you insist that it is not uniquely unique. Have you not read Masahiko Fujiwara's classic?
Dang, David. You are right. But Our Man could still write a children's book. How many seasons does Japan have again?
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