R2.2 – Harajuku Fashion 原宿ファッション

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“What make’s Japanese street fashion stand out is not because it is strange, but because it is unique.”
～ Enzo

The Japanese way.

During the period of Japan’s substantial economic growth in the 60s, the Japanese were manufacturing many attires that were inspired and influenced by Western fashion. One of those styles were street fashion, and was eventually brought inside of Japan by European traders during the Meiji Restoration. Around that time, it had also developed itself into Japan’s unique culture with the term Yōfuku (literally, western clothing) and adapted a variety of outfits that helped it popularize throughout the country. Western trade resulted in new materials and techniques such as wool or synthetic dyes, this led the Japanese to slowly change their styles into more of a modern look. Accordingly, western formalwear was not integrated immediately, however as the country had opened itself to more trade, many officers in the Japanese army started to adopt uniforms since it was more suitable and practical. Many of which only applied to men and less on women that continued wearing kimonos but acquired some western accessories. This major acceptance of western clothing in the beginning of the 20th century sought a mass production of cloth, silk threads, and wool industries, as a result, street fashion in the early 50s is now part of Japanese attire subculture, including the popular Harajuku fashion that you see today in fashion magazines or media.

Section 2 :

What is your opinion on Harajuku Fashion? Do you think these styles could be popular in Canada?

I like the idea of using fashion to express your emotions and feelings. The variety of clothing represents the different perspectives of others. However, I do think that this type fashion may not be popular in Canada, as Canada has a more conservative taste on fashion. People usually only follow trends and stick to what is considered the norm.

Which type of Harajuku fashion did you like best? Why?

The Bosozokus definitely had the coolest fashion, just loved the cool way it looked in the early stages of Harajuku fashion. Just ignoring the fact that the fashion is associated with the former biker gangs of Japan, yet I do find it impressive that these organize crime do have a sense of style.

Japan is a country that values conformity, so why is Harajuku so popular amongst younger generation?

During the early stages of the Lost Decades of Japan, there was an official national branding known as “Cool Japan’, where it became a movement to express Japan internationally with the new generational culture. One of them brought the Harajuku Fashion incorporating the kawaii culture we see today.

How important is fashion to you? What influences your fashion?

I’m definitely a fashion person but I don’t go on with the trendiest outfits, as fashion tends to be really quick and changes in the ocassion. I like sticking with things that are valued even after a long period of time, so what I consider major influences for me is “timeless” fashion.

Do you like your fashion style? Would you like anything to change?

I currently do like my fashion style at the moment, I don’t feel like changing it. I like the current me.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading! 今日はここまで、お読みいただきありがとうございました！

References:

R2.1 – Sando サンド

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Yamazaki Peanut Sandwich done as a Japanese vinyl cover

Section 1 : The Japanese way.

During the period of Japan’s substantial economic growth in the 60s, the Japanese were manufacting many goods that were inspired and influenced by Western cooking. One of those products were bread, and was eventually brought inside of Japan by European traders around the mid-16th century. Around that time, it had also developed itself into Japan’s unique culture with the term Yōshoku (literally, western food) and adapted a variety of cuisines that helped it popularize throughout the country. Postwar Japan resulted in food shortages and famines, numerous products were not available such as rice becoming a scarcity during that time. Accordingly, loaves of bread was not traditional in Japan, however towards America’s aid made it a culinary norm among many artisans alike. This major acceptance of bread in the late 50s sought a mass production of wheat manufacturers, as a result, shokupan (milk bread) is now part of many Japanese baking industries, including the favoured “Lunch Pack” sandwiches that you see today in several konbini stores.
The 60s were a time of establishment, which led shokupan to be a staple food for Japanese families. While a few local bakeries kept the complimentary milk bread running, the majority lead to a processed approach of bread production. This system has been prominent since the 80s, and is widely credited today as the Japanese-style innovation from Western countries across the globe.

Section 2 : Convenience.

Demand of the soft texture, elegant-tasting, and pleasant characteristic of shokupan were high. Therefore companies such as the Yamazaki brand in the mid 80s introduced commercialized methods for consumers, where it was serviced through convenience stores and other forms like vending machines. Despite it being a processed food, the quality of these items are still exclusive. These sandwich snacks can have a myriad of different flavours because the idea is simple, sandwich a filling between two slices of bread, snip off the crusts after compressing, then securely press the bread’s four corners together to seal the sandwich. The result is a sleek and appealing look of Japanese craftmanship, something that shouldn’t be doubted.

“Miracle of engineering: moist but not gummy, rich but light, balanced between sweet and salty.”
～Julia Moskin

Overtime, this Japanese product continues to be popular. With every new flavor and type of filling released to public merchandise, there are hundreds of distinct options to choose from.

Section 3 : Difference of marketing, Canada and Japan.

While Japan overall receives admiration for its milk bread, they have a minor production of 100% true whole grain bread. Almost all bakeries and supermarkets opt for white bread that are manufactured quickly instead of natural brown-bread goods. Consumers may often see a “blend” of whole-weat bread around 20% or relatively half the amount of fiber available from the rye itself. Although it can be a nuisance for those looking for nutritious alternatives, local Japanese bakeries attempt to preserve its high-end standards without leaning towards artificial or ultra-processed baked supply. On the contrary, Canada does not lack on organic-based products and such, but Canada cannot compare to Japan’s creative and convenient take on pastries. It is up to the consumer on what they prefer, but prices remain to be expensive for Japanese consumers for organic choices.

“What you can find easily in Japan, instead, are a range of unmilled or partially milled rice products. In addition to brown rice, you often see sprouted brown rice and rice without embryo buds at major retailers. Mini-packets of millets, which you can mix with rice before turning the cooker on, are also popular. These are all richer in fiber, vitamins and minerals than white rice.“
～Tomoko Otake

Reflections:

Question 1 : What is the most creative meal you have had? Would it taste good in sandwich form?

I honestly cant think of a creative meal I’ve had, but my taste buds love the taste of takoyaki. It’s a ball-shaped snack that has mostly octopus or another kind of seafood inside of it. While eating takoyaki, it mostly has a starchy texture to it. It would be amazing to have a flavour like that in a sandwich filling and having a softer, creamier texture.

Question 2 : What sandwich type are you most excited to try?

I noticed that many Japanese sandwiches have these fruit toppings inside of them. One of them is the strawberry sandwich, it looks very attractive even if it has simple ingredients. I’ve never had a sweet sandwich other than types of food from a confectionery, so I’d like to see if I can buy or make this one myself.

Question 3 : If offered by him, would you eat a part of Anpanman’s head? 

Since Anpanman is actually a nice guy, I would never eat someone like him for the sake of curiousity. Even if he offered his head, there are other people who would need his help more than I do, he is the cartoon presentation of the Japanese value 和

That’s all for today, thanks for reading! 今日はここまで、お読みいただきありがとうございました！

References:

R1.4 – School Life 学校生活

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Anime Classroom Wallpapers - Wallpaper Cave
Your generic high school classroom :>

Section 1 : Difference in learning ethic.

The majority of schools in Japan induce a respectable amount of collectivism, while also keeping learning consistent with certain practices, including in high school, where there’s the exercise of keeping the same classmates throughout the years. Japan also follows a procedure where courses are mandatory, and there are not any but, choices for electives are very slim. As such, students are required to accompany this policy, although, there are some course alternatives where students can be privileged into a variety of learning, like STEM education, or outside education excluding from school activity. Fundamentals are applied effectively in Japanese high schools, this can possibly be an influence of Japanese “politeness” and “urbane”. From this, we can compare aspects of western society and identify connections between the government to schools. A lot of high schools in Japan are taught more like a lecture, a lot of studies, but there’s still participation in class. Some visual aspects include, how the course is set up in high schools. There are a plethora of similar features like the organized seats in rows, a front-leading chalkboard, and the teacher’s podium. This leads to the section on school etiquette.

Sections 2 : School etiquette.

An obvious appearance in school etiquette are uniforms (sailor/gakuran). There is a generality in all schools in Japan, bags and shoes vary in the school. While some schools compel students to obtain a certain bag and pair of shoes, other schools allow students to wear anything they choose. Most schools have rigid guidelines about a uniform dress. Bans on cosmetics, nail polish, and shortening skirts are typical regulations. It’s also typical to have hairdo restrictions. For males, hair should be trimmed no longer than 3 cm, and bangs should not extend over the eyebrow level. Again, there is consistency in how classes are set up. Students are directed in a single class before school starts. Then, one teacher is responsible as the homeroom teacher. The connection between students and the teacher is important, and the teacher must conduct the students’ careers. Also, some schools don’t even have janitors, it is impressive that students can clean their own classes effectively. Some are assigned to clean parts of the school, like the hallways, gym, and bathroom. This is a big part of cooperation for students and they acquire a sense of responsibility. This can also be connected to Japan’s cleanliness in general, especially in cities. Also, right before class, there is a small greeting. Attendance is held and a student is responsible for an announcement (like a meeting of some sort). This is key to checking on how well the students are and keeping them updated about news in school. *Greetings are a big thing in Japan, which is why this is applied in school. There are morals between breaks and focus. This proves that you are putting your respect upfront. There is a very high standard of respect for people in higher positions or who are older. Students are required to respect teachers, just as how much teachers respect them. There is importance in Japanese society where working together, and maintaining consistency is a big deal. While there are provided lectures in class, a few select students can also participate in unity field trips, they are responsible for handling their studies independently. There are several more activities like things after-school or applications for clubs. School-wide events can also be held. More Information can be found on this website.

Sections 3 : ランチ。

Japanese School Lunch: Why it's Awesome and One Reason it's Not (with photos)
Mmmmm kare raisu

In Centennial, you’d have to line up in the cafeteria to buy your food. First come first serve, and, you’d get to eat where you want. Well, a lot of Japanese schools including most middle schools and elementary schools have a school-wide class lunch. School provides a meal for each class newly cooked, then a few students are responsible for serving the food to the class. Students get an understanding of the value of fair distribution as well as a sense of politeness and respect for others by serving lunch to their friends. And of course, most foods are served in portions, rather than ordering as much as you want during lunch in Centennial. This teaches students the principle of eating healthy and learning balances of appetite. However, if students decide to not finish up their food, teachers distribute leftovers. This ensures guilt that students do not waste their food, therefore, they’re required to finish until they’re done.

Off-topic Sections 4 : じゃんけん

There is a Japanese equivalent of rock, paper, scissors called “Janken”. Other than saying “Rock, paper, scissors!” you replace that with “Jankenpon!“. The same rules apply. In class, we participated in a janken game where students would play a game of janken with one person. The person who loses will join their side, and the winner continues to play against other groups. The student who is able to beat all groups will be the winner. Two rounds of this janken game were played, and I’d say I was pretty lucky. Sadly, I wasn’t the winner but I think was third to last. This game is pretty fun with fifty or more people!

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.
Sources:
– https://wanderingtanuki.com/japanese-school-events/
– https://hundred.org/en/innovations/cleaning-tradition/
– https://www.domodaruma.com/blog/japanese-school-lunches-34-day-menu/
– https://jet.fandom.com/wiki/Janken

Reference materials are also included in the assignment.

R1.3 – Japanese Mascots 日本のマスコット

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ふにゃもらけ Yuru-Chara Grand Prix

hi

Meet ふにゃもらけ (Funyamorake) from Tokyo. Funyamorakes, a kind of alien, visited Earth to kill time after travelling from a far-off planet. These strange creatures never fail to smile even when they are laughing, angry, or sad. Funyamorake is also a game that can be played on a mobile device. Others find this mascot quite intimidating, but its large smile and dotted eyes are what I find appealing. Combined with its short-bodied proportions to make an adorable idle figure, the actual preferred size for the Funyamorake is very miniature. The Funyamorake can also be seen in panel comics (Visit this website for the comics).

The majority of mascots in the west are anything that is used to stand in for a group of people who share a common public identity, such as a brand name, professional sports team, society, or educational institution. Canada follows this set of recognition, example would be the Canada Olympics mascots of 2010, and leading sports teams. For Japan, each mascot originates from a certain prefecture, which can be identified as a brand of a company or in the area. Both share the same idea for sports, but provincial mascots are what Canada does not have. All cool, but not all cute. While Canada does have a national mascot for its national animal, I could see Canada having ten mascots for the ten provinces if they were to follow the Japanese way.

Kwikwetlem stands for “Red Fish up the River”. If Coquitlam would have its own mascot in the area, it would be great if it resembled the Kwikwetlem First Nation. I could imagine a redfish being a mascot that can be acknowledged in Coquitlam.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading. If you woud like to know more about Yuru-Charas, visit https://www.yurugp.jp/en/ for more.
Sources:
– https://www.kwikwetlem.com/
– https://www.yurugp.jp/en/
– http://www.funyamora.com/pc/

Reference materials are also included in the assignment.

R1.2 – Youkai ようかい

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Yuki Onna by cubehero on DeviantArt

Japanese Youkai.

A Yokai is a kind of creature or form of mythology in Japanese folklore. I’ve chosen the Tsurara Onna (literally “icicle woman”) as my Yokai in this reflection only.

[1]This Yokai only appears during the winter, apparently, a lonely guy somewhere living where currently is winter was staring at a “beautiful looking icicle” on a ceiling. Suddenly, the Tsurara Onna magically appears out of nowhere. After winter when the snow starts melting and the temperature rises, this Yokai will eventually disappear out of sight. There are multiple different legends of this Yokai, one of the bittersweet ones that I read goes somewhat like this:
[1]One day this sad lonely dude was looking out his window on a cold snowy night. He was just chilling there minding the icicles above, hoping he would find some girl one day. All of a sudden, he hears a knock on his door, it was some woman. Beautiful like the “icicles above”, dressed in a white-blue robe carrying a wooden umbrella. Her red lips were so vibrant, and those eyes? Oh, he’ll never forget those eyes. The woman called out, “Yo, can I stay by your house tonight? Honestly, I’m tryna get somewhere but this blizzard won’t end and it’s cold.” Obviously, this lonely guy won’t kick a girl out this beautiful, it’s totally a win-win situation for him, so he let her inside and tried his best to play it confidently, making sure that she wouldn’t go on dissatisfied.
It’s been a while actually, maybe even several months, and they’re still together. This guy got so desperate that eventually, he fell in love with this girl. They even got married and lived a nice life, how lucky.
It was spring, the snow melted, the flowers were blooming and the sun was shining brighter, the sky was clear. She went out to go shopping one day, but, she didn’t return after dusk. The guy looked everywhere for her but to no avail, that girl is long gone. How tragic, she couldn’t just leave him alone like that without a reason. One grasp let him realize that she had left him. However, this man’s regret was healed when he then got married to another woman.
Winter came again, it was brutal this year, it seemed like it had never been a passing day without a snowstorm. With regret, he looks out his window wondering.
There was another knock at the door, on the same date.
It was her, the girl he met last time and fallen in love with. His expressions were all over the place.
“Where did you go? Why did you leave me? I can’t believe you would disappear like that and suddenly come back.” He cried.
The girl replied, “Y’know, whatever happens, happens. Weren’t we supposed to be together for the rest of our lives? Didn’t you say our bond was as long and as solid as the beautiful icicles above? You’re… You’re with another girl aren’t you?”
The girl abandons him, small tears across her face. He was gonna make a run for her, but, his new wife was asking what happened.
“Just… stay here, I have unfinished business.”
Moments later, a loud shatter followed by a shriek was heard at the door. The new wife ran to the door to see what had happened. There, lying in the front yard, was her husband. Dead and was pierced through the neck by a massive icicle which had fallen from the roof.

Section 2:

My opinion in western differences.

If I were to differ between Western tales of creatures (mainly pointing at the United States) more of these tales were shown as a temporary influence for young kids and were often censored to make them “family-friendly”. However, there are outside sources from what the majority populace sees, such as Creepypastas which is also a horror-tale based on the internet. Many horror tales from the West were only thriving after the late 20th century. Japanese Yokai has tales aging many many years ago, thus these tales were often entertained thoroughly in that period, while I see them in today’s times as very eerie or unnerving. Of course, the tales were passed down and were probably modified, we will never know what the past brought, and that’s what makes it a Yokai

Do you believe in youkai?

I was never influenced or thought that Yokai were real, but, I find the tales fascinating. Many of these stories are often made out of reference material, a person would immediately know what’s natural or what isn’t, what is out of the norm would be a “Yokai”. This was only the time I was ever introduced to Yokai, maybe even going back in time to see how these stories were passed down. Even if there were ghost stories that aren’t Yokai, I can’t find them physically believable. Could something occur by coincidence? Sure, but it’s still a coincidence, why would I see Yokai on a day-to-day basis? Well, there is no evidence to perceive that it’s natural.l=

That’s all for today, thanks for reading! 今日はここまで、お読みいただきありがとうございました！

References: