Japanese Learning Style
Revisiting Japan at the end of last year after a break of 8 years provided the perspective to see the broader picture of its recent times. The country we came to know and love is going through some conspicuous changes. The sadness of the Fukushima Tsunami tragedy still resonates quietly below the cheerful stoicism of public affairs. Tokyo shopping crowds are denser than ever and the economic powerhouse rumbles on relentlessly, while a drift of young people from rural and regional areas to the already overcrowded cities hints at subtle shifts in Japanese society.
View of Tokyo from Shinjuku Tower
As has been happening for many years in practically all western countries, the influence of major corporations and the multinational chains is reaching more deeply than ever into everyday life, especially noticeable in the decline of small makers, craftspeople and cottage industries. Even many traditional Japanese items and goods are now manufactured in countries with cheap labour.
Although the unrestrained expansion of private capital causes visible losses in local industry and artisan skills, the effect on community organisations, education and the arts is less obvious.
At this time of the year in Matsumoto the Suzuki Method Building felt subdued and quiet, dwarfed by the enormous new Matsumoto Performing Arts Center.
Is the robust Japanese learning style we admire so much in danger of softening and losing direction? Are the family and local community, at the heart of education, being distracted by surging consumerism and the demands of the commercial world?
In the beautiful Kiso Valley we saw our first signs of the reversal and rebuttal of these trends. We stayed in a little guest house converted from an old silk making house, lovingly refurbished by a young couple who had recently turned away from the corporate world. They were fired up with a vision of renewal in rural communities and working hard to bring it about.
Walking in the stunning autumn scenery of the mountain trails, the local residents we met and conversed with on our walks greeted and welcomed us with genuine good will and interest.
Tourism has brought discomforting changes to the lives and economies of these history-rich rustic villages, yet the spirit of friendly hospitality is as strong and fresh as ever.
On the Nakasendo Trail
Confirmation also came later as we visited the Hakuba ski region.
With snow gently falling outside our hotel window, we watched several fascinating stories on local television featuring the dynamic rebirth of handmade artisan crafts and traditional organic farming practices. Despite seemingly overwhelming odds, a revival is well under way.
Stone Sculptures
Glass Artist Kasai
People who come to Japan to work or study quickly realise the value and power of Japanese learning style and ethic.
Qualities such as the single minded focus of perfect practice, the close attention to the finest details, the will to endure until success is attained, the tradition of ingenuity, an unselfish consideration for the welfare of other students and the strength of harmonious collaboration make the Japanese way of learning a powerful means of achieving the right kind of progress and achievement in any field of activity.
Japanese learning is alive and well.
Happy New Year!
John
