Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2013
DREAM A LITTLE DREAM
Regarding “In A Japanese Dream” (The Last Word, Apr 12): While I think the piece pointed out some of the unique and great culture of the Japanese, it also unfairly painted the US as some sort of illegitimate, uncultured society. [The writer] points out how the US was founded “murdering the natives of one continent and stealing many from another to profit by their misery and loss.” I suggest he study world history a little closer, including Japan’s not so friendly militaristic past—and he might not be so angry at his native land.—Allan Kutzenco
My bike was stolen last month…—S…
Refined and civilized indeed, but only the surface. Once you get the language down, and properly down, you’d be able to plow a little deeper and from then on you’ll notice that the friendliness is mostly reserved for three things: business, friends and family. To me, the refined Japan you think of is just as thick as the centimeter of faux wood that covers the plywood and fluffy concrete that make up the houses and skyscrapers here: impressive to look at, at first sight they seem like a mark of civilization, but behind the surface the structures are near hollow, not built to last, and soon replaced by another.—Pete
300,000 dead Chinese (and plenty of dead Ainu) would probably disagree with your assessment that Japan’s cultural history is less brutal or schizophrenic than America’s.—DM
Yet the anti-social, keep-to-one’s-self aspect of Japan was one of the reasons I left. Then again I am a type-A personality and very social. Don’t get me wrong as I enjoyed Japan for the three years I was there but I prefer places with more “casual friendliness.”—JLR
NOODLE TRAIN
Regarding “Ramenote” (Feature, Apr 12): This guy knows his onions.—@shitamachi66
Still searching for Tanpopo in Tokyo, but these choices look promising. The yuzu-inspired broth at Afuri sounds intriguing.—NittyB
Oh… how I yearn for a true bowl of ramen, like dipping my foot in the River Ganges. The river and soup bowl of eternal life.—Vishnu
SAVING EVEN ONE
Regarding “War on Suicide in Japan” (Movie News, Apr 10): I’m speechless after watching this movie. I knew suicide in Japan was a definite issue. I remember when I asked my friend what the barriers are for at the train station (thinking it was just usual Japanese efficiency thing). This is probably one of the most thought-provoking and effective movies about the topic I’ve seen. It’s a brilliant piece of work and deserves a lot of exposure, as it will no doubt change at least one person’s mind when they are in that state of mind. Well done!—Paul Paws
