Watashiwa Nihongoga Wakarimas Soshte Hanasemas

Whew, that's a long title for a blog! It actually means "I can understand and speak Japanese".

My last blog was intended to be about what started me off on learning Japanese, but ended up being a painfully elaborate review of the Pimsleur Training Method.

Hoping to correct that mistake, I'm writing this. This blog is about why I chose to learn japanese, etc.

I've always been fascinated by japanese/chinese culture. As a child, I saw "36th Chamber of Shaolin" and I was hooked on Martial Arts. As I researched into martial arts, I discovered more insight into the asian outlook. I learned about acupuncture, chinese herbs, Yin-Yang, and so many other "foreign" concepts. But as I delved deeper, I found that most of these concepts were actually exactly the same as concepts which our Indian ancestors had discovered and mastered ages ago. In fact most of these concepts were transported to China along with Buddhism. Monks travelling to these countries, trained their disciples in exercises which would keep them fit and strong, to be able to face the rigors of meditation, as also for self-defence.

However to give due credit, one has to admire the chinese, who've managed to keep these concepts alive, and improve on them to such an extent, as to make them original. Most people in India have no idea what a rich scientific culture existed in Ancient India. To use the words of the father of the bride in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding": "Greeks had public baths when the rest of the (western) world was rubbing two rocks together to make a fire". Well, Indians had public baths and a superb city system when the Greeks were rubbing two ... :-)

I seem to be digressing... But since this is my article, I reserve this right. Anyway, where was I?... Ahh Yes, Japan.

Some chinese, facing persecution in their country, travelled to Japan, and set up a whole new culture there. However most of their root beliefs etc, can be traced to chinese origins.

I read a beautiful book on Japan and it's culture when I visited my Aunt's house in Pune. Slowly but surely, the desire to travel to foreign places has taken place in my heart. However, I feel it's not enough to just go to some place, and "do" all the popular sight-seeing places. I'd rather not do that. I want to "absorb" the local culture, it's cuisine, it's view-point on life etc. I'm sure that this is not possible in a few months, let alone days.

One barrier to real communication is Language. As a foreigner, you'll always be restricted to communication with only some people. But if you know their language, however amateurishly, it opens people's hearts. I mean, if some japanese guy/gal were to take the trouble to learn Hindi, I'm sure they'd get to see a lot more of our India. If someone's taken so much trouble to learn my language, the least I can do is be as nice to them as possible ( That's my opinion anyway)

In fact Barry Farber, the author of "How to Learn Any Language: Quickly, Easily, Inexpensively, Enjoyably and on Your Own" says exactly the same thing. Whichever country he's been to, he's found that knowing the native language has opened more doors for him than most people could imagine.

One of the best things about the internet is that it has exposed me to so many things, which I would never have learnt about, under ordinary circumstances. I came to know about the Pimsleur Language Training Method through Barry Farber's book(through the internet). I've also reviewed the Pimsleur Method in a separate article.

So, what are the things that one should "absorb" regarding a foreign culture? Let's assume it's the japanese culture we're talking about.

First of all, their food. Now what most people know about the japanese diet seems to put them off. Bland, barely cooked, even raw food might not appeal to most people.
But hey, I'm open to all new tastes. What I've also heard and even experienced is that spice is not everything. Some of the most delicious foods are really bland. Mushrooms are a prime example. They taste the best, lightly fried in butter with a pinch of salt. Pure Heaven! Even in the raw form, in salads, they taste heavenly.

I guess that since you're eating such food entirely on it's own, the really delicate "Umami" taste comes through.

In most Indian food, the spice IS the taste. what would Indian cooking be without garlic, ginger, pepper, chilly and salt? Life wouldn't be worth living... :-) Can you imagine eating boiled chicken? Without spice, chicken might be unpalatable.
However, this seems to be just a mindblock. I'm sure that the japanese love their food just as much as the indians do their own, and surely what a whole country loves dearly can be savoured just as much by any person, if only he keeps an open mind. Expect the unexpected. Relish new experiences.

Japanese films also have interested me. I have not really seen any modern japanese movies, but Akira Kurosawa's films are really rivetting. I'd seen most of his films some eight years ago, thanks to our national channel "Doordarshan". This film festival was in remembrance of his illustrious career in films. Some of the movies I like the most are "Shichinin No Samurai" and "Rhapsody in August"

Another japanese director worth mentioning is Hayao Miyazaki. Writer-Director-Producer of some of the most beautiful children's animation in the world. He single-handedly beats Walt Disney hollow. "Tonari No Totoro", Mimi Wo Sumaseba, Neko no Onegaishi, Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (whew!) are some of my favourite movies. Picture perfect art, simple and endearing story-lines, and some totally creative ideas are the hallmark of his movies.

Let's not forget the japanese beauties. What can I say? You know all about the asian beauty, which is at least skin-deep in perfection. Silky smooth skin, fine hair and beautiful eyes are a trademark. Now that's what you might get closer to, if you know the right words (in japanese of course) ;-)

Japan also boasts some really beautiful countryside. Though japan is not mineral/resource rich, it has some really beautiful scenery. Though I've only seen it in celluloid, I hope to see it in the flesh someday.

Their music is also captivating. Lilting and abstract, it can either uplift you or desolate you. One flute piece called Shakuhachi which is among my favourites is really calming and meditative in nature. In desolation one finds truth. Very much Zen.

I also find that their philosophy is very much similar to our own indian philosophy. Minimalism, simplicity, and a almost blind trust in fate. Western thought seems to be based upon changing the environment to suit the individual/society. But Asian philosophy seems to be about adapting oneself to the circumstance, and not the other way around. It's about being content with whatever one has, rather than running after more mirages of comfort/luxury. This is an ideal which the West will slowly realise, once they've run their ass off and still not found contentment.

All this and much more about Japan has captivated me and I hope to find out more about this country in the years to come.

Watch out for my upcoming article on China and another on Acupuncture/Six Energies.