Japan, ever since after World War II, has undergone major change in their culture and lifestyle as its “samurai” spirit merges with the western culture, creating something that is unique of modern Japan. Many books and movies have been trying to encompass an aspect of Japan’s cultural shift, from the epic battles in Tom Cruise’s “The Last Samurai” which depicts the fall of the ancient imperial warriors of Japan and the dominance of western military style, to serenades in Suzuka Ohgo “The Memoir of a Geisha” that takes a nostalgic steps back into what Japanese traditional form entertainment used to be like before and how it changed after the War, and to, the main focus of this blog post, the writings of Haruki Murakami.
The article The Fierce Imagination of Haruki Murakami narrates the strange journey that the writer took while interviewing the fame author of Norwegian Woods. What catches my attention is how the journalist intended to find himself in the middle of a new-york-city-like metropolitan Tokyo like in the many publications that he had read and ended up finding a place that is “intensely, inflexibly, unapologetically Japanese.” This element supports my claim above in a strange manner, arguing that the culture shift between traditional and modern culture is interchangeable through different lenses and mediums, through the movies and real life. What’s even more real about the nature of modern japanese culture is represented in the biography and works of Murakami. He’s a native in the Kobe region who has been immersing himself in American culture since he was a kid; he grew up defying his parents’ wish to become a corporate person and opened a Jazz bar, which he randomly closed up to pursue his writing in a secluded location and in a monkishly regimented lifestyle. In his writing there are countless references of Western culture: “Lassie,” “The Mickey Mouse Club,” “California Girls,” Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto, Bob Dylan, Marvin Gaye, Elvis Presley, the cartoon bird Woodstock and absolutely no reference about Japanese culture. He even speaks english perfectly with a extemporizing accents, mix-and-matches japanese and american accents Murakami-style.
His readings are one of the best readings you will ever have read in your life, covering a wide range of genres and intensifying one of the most creative and peculiar imaginations you can encounter. His next book, “1Q84,” will be published tomorrow and expected to be THE literary event of fall 2011 like its predecessors “Norwegian Woods” and “The Wind-up Bird Chronicle.” I pre-ordered it 2 days ago and cannot wait for its delivery on the 27th.
And here’s the question I have for you guys: have you ever experienced cultural swap in your life? how did it affect you?
He sounds like an amazing author and I would love to read his books. I would really enjoy how he mixes his writing with American culture.
It’s true that some people are losing sense of their culture. I know some Chinese people that refuse to be in touch with their Chinese culture and tend to lean towards more “Western” ideas. This writer seems to be in touch with both of his cultures, which I really commend.
Yes, I have experienced a sense of “culture swap.” Last Summer, I took a trip to Montreal and didn’t expect any cultural acclamation or variance in quotidian life. I know that English is taught in most Canadian schools, so I anticipated it to be the primary means of communication, as opposed to French. Everyone, everywhere, spoke French, and while some knew English, I faced problems expressing myself and relating my wants or needs. In addition, the locals are much friendlier than typical New Yorkers, and kindly offer help with bags or spare change if you’re a dime short.
On a similar note, I always wanted to visit Japan, but i’m now a bit apprehensive. Then again, it’s the cultural adjustments that make the experience worthwhile!
I’ve heard of Murakami’s work before and I can see all his influences that you talked about (although I know Takashi(?) Murakami’s art work alot more). I didn’t really experience a culture swap, since I feel like I experience more of a fusion of both Asian and Western cultures.
I have as well experienced “culture swap” while vacationing in Thailand. Although now I am familiar with the differences in cultures, it took some getting used to. My first trip was filled with wide-eyed stares from the locals and slight adjustments, as the language became its own unique hurdle. However, just like many places, the Thai locals were very receptive and welcomed us with open arms- intrigued by our own culture and our fair skin. But that is what makes the world so amazing- having so many different cultures and norms and sharing them with everyone who is open to them.