A Cultural Antithesis

Prayers

While visiting the Meiji Jingu shrine on the weekend, we were struck by the cultural antithesis that exists in Japan.  On one side, you will find a reserved people;  people who do not look you in the eye when talking to you; people who follow a deep religious devotion and celebrate Japanese traditions; people who embrace kimonos, geisha, origami, tea ceremonies, and traditional music.   While visiting the shrine we witnessed traditional Japanese weddings, people offering their prayers to the divine spirits, and a sense of the reserved Japanese culture where emotion should not be expressed.


As we left the shrine grounds, we were met with the other side of Japan- a country of youth trying to break Japanese stereotypes.  Leaving the temple grounds, you will find yourself in an area called Harajuku where fashion takes on a whole new meaning.  Young Japanese dress in a variety of styles that make you take a double look- outlandish hairstyles, lots of make-up, and clothes that resemble a mix of goth, punk, and Lolita (imagine landing in the game "Candy Land").  Then, a little ways down the road, you find yourself in Yoyogi park where young Japanese budding artists perform- there is irony in this comment as there was little to no talent in the performances we saw- it was more of an artistic catharsis!