So, knowing somewhat the readership of my blog, I can nearly guarantee that this (warning: long and rambling read) article written by Tim Rogers on Kotaku (primarily a gaming oriented commercial blog) went quite unread when it was published last Wednesday.
Yet, it certainly struck such a cord among the Japan-based ex-pat crowd and those Japan-focused bloggers back in the States. I am neither, in truth; however it resonated much the same in me as it did others. For much different reasons, I'd predict. All in all, I'd like to take a little time to respond to some of the points/complaints he raised on my own, so that some of you can perhaps get a little bit of my own opinion, if you'd like it.
First off, I'd like to say that his article is generally well written, if overly long and completely unrelated to gaming (he does make stabs at proving that wrong, futile though they are). It comes from a man with far more experience living and working in this country than I, that's for certain. Yet, it seems from a man with a bit more staunch of hardness in the head, or in plain speak: stubbornness.
I'll try and address it point by point:
1) Modern Anime Sucks: Couldn't agree more here, to be honest. It's all repetitive, moe-branded, uncreative trash. With very few exceptions; as to which I am sadly unfamiliar at the moment. The '90s, however, those were the times.
2) So Many People Smoke: That they do. It's more prevalent in Tokyo than in Hokkaido, to my experience. Yet, due to my incredibly hindered (nearly nonexistent) sense of smell, plus constant nasal problems, I haven't a clue on the ever-prevalent smell or even presence of smokers or cigarettes. I'm sure they contribute to my horrid nasal problems, but I can't particularly tell the difference in my food.
3) Everything in Japan Has Meat in It: It sure as heck does, and I freaking love it. Nothing more to say, I'm just not a vegetarian.
4) The Mandatory Parties: This is really a comment on the business culture of Japan as a whole; so I can understand where he's coming from at the very least. His aversion to drinking seems to be wholly on a personal dislike basis, so I can understand his rejection; but as commented elsewhere, simply ordering Oolong tea or something similar is a clear sign to those around you that you don't particularly like/want to drink. Attendance to these parties may be socially necessary, but drinking? Most certainly not. In a business deal situation, however, it wouldn't hurt you to take a cup of sake or two into your gullet.
5) Some Japanese Office Traditions are Genuinely Terrifying: I have absolutely no experience here, thus I have little to comment on. Yet, I do agree to the genuine "machination" stereotype that Japanese salarymen and other such generic workers in this society fit into. Those people truly terrify me. Not for what they are: a mindless corporate cog, slowly working their predestined path up the corporate ladder (or perhaps just hanging onto their designated rung for dear life); but the fact that they have become such. I see such bright, amazing, and friendly people as my friends around here transformed from that to a shell of themselves all in the name of corporate harmony and social obligation. It is truly and utterly terrifying.
6) Screaming is the Message: I have very little to say on this subject. He does ring true in saying that the general Japanese employee seems to be looking more busy than they actually are; but heck, I think it's an improvement over the average American part-time employee, who, if not actually looking busy is most certainly not doing an actual single thing.
7) The Copycats, The Up-Givers: This is most certainly just as common in America as it is Japan; just perhaps a bit less blatant and gross.
8) Japanese Comedy is Not Funny: I honestly greatly enjoy the manzai routines that are ever-so-prevalent on the endless famous-for-being-famous celebrity-filled variety shows on nearly any station you may flick to; at any time of day. Yet, Japanese-style stand-up comedy fails to impress. Japanese pop and film culture are much the same. With J-Pop: the same studio-created melody, lyrical themes, idol look, and general atmosphere of the songs make them all bleed together so badly, it feels as if I swim through a hemorrhaging of ill talent every time I hear the radio on. With films: the same celebrities appear as they appear on TV, much as their characters... on TV. It's typecasting without the casting. They take people that you already know, and place them in a movie that you may not want to see otherwise. No true talent seems to peak through on any big-budget Japanese film these days, unless featuring an appearance from an actor who is actually renowned... for acting.
9) The Passive Aggression: I saw something much the same during my time in Tokyo. A man was walking behind a woman innocently rolling her bag behind her, walking slowly along with the crushing mass of people all around. Accidentally overstepping and coming into light contact with her bag, the man glares at her. As if such an offense should have never even crossed her mind to so rudely make him walk faster than he need be. A little more time past, and the man kicks her bag with just enough force to knock it off its wheels. I still cannot fathom why exactly he did this, as I found her quite incredibly unoffensive in her bag-rolling.
10) Everything's Expensive: Yes, yes it is. Let me give you an example: .99c apples, $1.20per/banana for a bunch of 5, and $1.10 can drinks (as in .50c drinks from vending machines).
There's more to it all, but as his post is long, I don't particularly want to make mine any longer. Pt 2 will come soon!
Recent Comments