Japanese People

Japanese people, is today’s topic. This topic is rather complicated in which I cannot speak for all of those who are Japanese nor for those who are foreign in which they had conversation with. Therefore, I would like to note that what I write down will not be held accountable for all Japanese as well as foreigner experiences with them.

In Osaka during the Danjiri Festival, while coming back home to Hirakata station we meet four sisters and their mother. They were very talkative and genki (energetic) . They are very welcoming to those who are new to Japan, gajin (foreigners). Aside from children, women and men alike are also very genki and welcoming to foreigners.

The Japanese people that I observed mind their own business as they walking about on the street. Their eyes never meets yours’ nor do they attempt to look at you. Instead they avoid eye contact as they pass by. But if one is lost they are willing to help. Also in both picture, I would like to note that Japanese people like to take pictures with the peace sign which is also known as victory.

Links:
http://users.tmok.com/~tumble/jpp/japor.html
http://www.jref.com/culture/origins_japanese_people.shtml

Neighorhood Hirakata

This is Hirakata, all though keep in mind that this is only a small imagery of Hirakata that is being shown. Hirakata has much more than meets the eyes.

This is a four way stop light intersection in which many exchange students who are attending Kansai Gaidai and those who live in Hirakata would walk across. This is one of the most busiest street. Not only is it busy, but the street lights will chirp or honk at the pedestrians. This honking and chirping will let the pedestrians know how fast to walk. In addition will also tells them when to cross the street and when to not.

Not far from down the street about an hour walk or fifteen minutes bus ride, one would arrived at what is known by the local, as Hiraka Station. It is very lively on the morning throughout the night. One would be surprise at how lively it may get. In the evening the stores are bursting with music, young and old doing their daily chores and usual shopping.

On the other hand when nights comes, young ones begin to appear more in numbers on the street of Hirakata Station. Some are there to chat with friends and others are playing on their guitar singing to their tune. While others practice their street dances.

Links: To find out more about Hirakata:

<a href=”http://www.city.hirakata.osaka.jp/freepage/gyousei/hpcontent/eng/”>

Early Impression of Japan

September 1st, 2008 was the first day I stepped foot onto the soil of Japan. It was hot, humid and very uncomfortable. The air seemed to suffocate me along with the sun burning my skin. There were many people pushing and shoving at one another at the airport trying to get to their destination. I was also one of these people trying to get to my destination, and that destination was Kansai Gaidai.

Once I left the airport and climbed onto the air conditioned bus, all was forgotten as I peered out the bus window awing at the Landscape. It was amazing seeing the blue sky coating itself over Japan. The dark shades of the faraway mountains that was floating underneath the sky as the mist gently embraced the mountains.

Not only was I amazed by the landscape, I was also amazed at the cars. The cars including trucks were smaller then those in the United States. They also came in all colors, such as blue, sliver, black, white and yes, even pink. Believe it or not there is such thing as a hot pick truck, which I thought was cute.

In addition, I learned to be more cautious of bikes. They are everywhere and sometimes they come out of no where. And if you are in their way, they will not honk at you like a car does instead they will ring.