It's cherry blossom season in Japan! Whenever I pass by parks or roads or...anywhere that there are sakura trees, I feel like I'm floating on pink-tinted clouds. And then I notice the hoards of people sitting below them. Oh, hanami, the viewing of sakura while picnicking. I swear there are more people than flowers sometimes. Despite my hatred for crowds and large gathering, I can understand hanami. Sakura are definitely worthwhile, and I'm glad I've had the chance at least once in my life to enjoy them in Japan and see where all the inspiration in manga and anime comes from.That aside, I still like ume, or plum blossoms, better.
Anyway, I have just two and a half weeks left in Japan. A lot of things have happened during this semester so far, which I am far too lazy to write about. However, as the end gets closer, I am--here comes the cliche--having mixed feelings about going home. Since the weather has finally started warming up, I don't feel the dying need to escape the cold anymore. And also, I'm really getting into mask carving and woodblock printing classes, so I'll be very sad for lessons to end. But I miss my favorite foods. And I miss my friends and family. And I miss those things enough to look forward to looking home. I'm going to make the most of my remaining time in Japan, somehow write the two papers that are due soon but haven't been started yet, and leave on the best note I can.
Just a quip on my thoughts of the Japanese stuff. Lately I've stopped caring about fitting into Japanese society because I've realized that I am happiest when I'm me. I know it's important to respect other cultures and whatnot, but I'm done with being excessively quiet and obedient, passive and polite. I'm a direct person, and trying to refrain from being so just makes me frustrated and irritated. So while I respect Japanese set-phrases and hierarchies of status and respectful language, I'm good. I'll pass on that.
That aside, I think I love the Japanese language way, way, way more than when I first arrived. The more I can read, write, hear, speak, and while doing all those, understand, the more I love the language. And the more I want to learn. There's something so rewarding about suddenly being able to read and recognize a character you weren't able to until two days earlier. Or being able to finally say exactly what you want and mean to say in exactly the way you want and mean to say it.
The length of tradition and history is also something amazing that America lacks. Though the standard, academic meaning of the previous sentence applies, I actually meant it in a completely geeky way. As I learn more about Japanese history and traditions, I'm starting to recognize the references and meanings in pop culture. When I read a manga, I suddenly know who or what characters are named for and what the name means. Or I'll get the legend that the plot is based upon. Or something like that. That's exciting. I'm almost thinking about starting a log on all of the moments and places where a light bulb lights above my head as I realize something while watching anime...
