7.10 Tradition and Modern in Kansai

As I travelled in Kansai part during the whole week, I feel it is a region with closer link to the country’s past and tradition. 

I think culture and tradition are definitely closely related to a country's national identity, and choices on which and how certain ones are representations of tradition, indicates how the country wants to present itself to the world.

From a very traditional perspective, Miyajima, Himeji and Kyoto represents the authentic and distinguished history of Japan. Miyajima, with so many temples and shrines, shows Japanese view of religion. So  a lot of people go to shrines, not really because they are religious, but they want to find a place to calm down and to reflect themselves, to enjoy the tranquil environment there, to experience cultural events there, or simply as a hobby. But after all, everyone shows their ultimate respect. This practice shows the close relationship between Japanese and god in Japanese definition, and the relationship between individual and the world in Japanese philosophy. The Torii in the water really  catches my attention, it is just so beautiful artistically, and also, the good wishes of ancient people want to speak to the god, and welcome them come to their land. Himeji is more like a demonstration of advanced technology and military technique of ancient Japan.  I didn't imagine such a delicate architecture can be a military defense, and the design inside works well for this function. Walking inside, people have the opportunity to imagine what Japan was like hundreds of years ago, and that sense of history is what the castle wants to convey to me. I just arrived in Kyoto today, but I can already see how the whole city demonstrates the historical aspects from its naming of streets and the building styles. However, as mentioned in Oedewald's article, it is oversimplified to make modern and tradition opposite concepts. There is a blend, and that is also what Japan shows to the world. The combination and balance between modernism and history, tradition and technology. There are lots of AR and VR technology used in Himeji castle and many Western restaurants open in traditional styled Kyoto streets. For each of these sites, there are also mascots for it, and the goods are also very creative. Japan is very open to adaption of modern elements into its historical sites, and there is a blend of East and West. There is no chaos, and all the history suddenly becomes more approachable. To me, that is a way showing how Japan embrace globalization and modernization. And it has the ability and confidence to achieve technological advancement without sacrificing too much of its uniqueness. That mixture really demonstrates Japan's new national identity in the context of internationalization.

China was once very conservative about its pure tradition. So tradition is tradition and its unique. By emphasizing on that, for example, the Forbidden City. The place is a representation of China's prosperity, advanced technology and artifacts, but also the contemporary history of war. So it is unapproachable, it is sacred and it is unique, like Chinese culture and history. So is the national pride aroused by it. While now we see goods such as cosmetics, stationery and even animated video of ancient emperor greeting visitors. That combination of history and technology really shows new national identity in the new era, innovation and openness to one’s tradition.