A Day of Japanese Tidbits
- At April 03, 2022
- By admin
- In Annes Letters
0
Dear Family and Friends,
Every long break from work I try to sort through the mess in my home. That gives me a chance to discard mountains of unrealized accumulations. That is, if I have the heart to do it. I have a collector’s gene, which comes directly my mother’s side of the family. So, it almost goes against my DNA to throw anything away. But living in small, tidy Japan has given me another perspective on having things. “Less is more,” as they say.
This year, I finally surrendered to an incessant internal nagging. That is, I decided to have a discerning look at everything on my computer. From the start, I was in shock. Things as far back as 2008 were still hanging around, as were many sites that no longer even existed.
For the past few weeks I have diligently sorted through one e-mail, one document, and one photo after another. The work is time-consuming and tedious. But I press on, despite the havoc it wrecks on my body. Unfortunately, I still have far to go.
Of course, it also takes me all over the world, so I often barely realize I am in Japan.
Today, though, I decided to take a break. I wanted to be right here. I wanted to appreciate being in Sendai. How? A friend has a Sunday restaurant in a temple. Since it was a lovely day, I decided to take the subway there and then walk the two hours home.
Despite the bright red carpet, the atmosphere in the restaurant was delicately Japanese. There was a simple floral arrangement on each table and live koto music for us to enjoy. I savored each moment and every bite.
Next to the Buddhist temple was a Shinto shrine. There were several small shrines besides the main one. I was amused to see a banner of Sendai’s baseball team hanging in one of them. Later a friend told me the horoscope animals of the shrine and of that team were the same. So, for her having them together was not only perfectly natural, but a great idea.
Later I came across a very small, but vocal anti-vaccine demonstration. Whether I agreed with them or not, I admired their willingness to stand out and their courage to disagree with government policy. I found that reassuring after so much in the news recently about authoritarian countries blocking such freedoms.
My walk continued into smaller neighborhoods. I was impressed to find a flower shop that was closed, but trusting enough to leave plants for sale outside unattended.
There is always an abandoned home.
Contrasted with plum blossoms gloriously enhancing parks, rivers, gardens, and temple grounds.
Another delight of this “Be in Japan Day” was hearing the clop-clop-clop of wooden geta sandals. They are rare except at festivals. But a neighbor decided to wear his as he accompanied his wife to the supermarket.
Later I brought in my futons and prepared for bed.
It has been wonderful day of appreciating being fully where I am, right here in beautiful Japan.
Love,
Anne
Every long break from work I try to sort through the mess in my home. That gives me a chance to discard mountains of unrealized accumulations. That is, if I have the heart to do it. I have a collector’s gene, which comes directly my mother’s side of the family. So, it almost goes against my DNA to throw anything away. But living in small, tidy Japan has given me another perspective on having things. “Less is more,” as they say.
This year, I finally surrendered to an incessant internal nagging. That is, I decided to have a discerning look at everything on my computer. From the start, I was in shock. Things as far back as 2008 were still hanging around, as were many sites that no longer even existed.
For the past few weeks I have diligently sorted through one e-mail, one document, and one photo after another. The work is time-consuming and tedious. But I press on, despite the havoc it wrecks on my body. Unfortunately, I still have far to go.
Of course, it also takes me all over the world, so I often barely realize I am in Japan.
Today, though, I decided to take a break. I wanted to be right here. I wanted to appreciate being in Sendai. How? A friend has a Sunday restaurant in a temple. Since it was a lovely day, I decided to take the subway there and then walk the two hours home.
Despite the bright red carpet, the atmosphere in the restaurant was delicately Japanese. There was a simple floral arrangement on each table and live koto music for us to enjoy. I savored each moment and every bite.
Next to the Buddhist temple was a Shinto shrine. There were several small shrines besides the main one. I was amused to see a banner of Sendai’s baseball team hanging in one of them. Later a friend told me the horoscope animals of the shrine and of that team were the same. So, for her having them together was not only perfectly natural, but a great idea.
Later I came across a very small, but vocal anti-vaccine demonstration. Whether I agreed with them or not, I admired their willingness to stand out and their courage to disagree with government policy. I found that reassuring after so much in the news recently about authoritarian countries blocking such freedoms.
My walk continued into smaller neighborhoods. I was impressed to find a flower shop that was closed, but trusting enough to leave plants for sale outside unattended.
There is always an abandoned home.
Contrasted with plum blossoms gloriously enhancing parks, rivers, gardens, and temple grounds.
Another delight of this “Be in Japan Day” was hearing the clop-clop-clop of wooden geta sandals. They are rare except at festivals. But a neighbor decided to wear his as he accompanied his wife to the supermarket.
Later I brought in my futons and prepared for bed.
It has been wonderful day of appreciating being fully where I am, right here in beautiful Japan.
Love,
Anne
