....and quite possibly doesn't even know. This blog is the transcript of a presentation I have given numerous to organisations such as Probus and Laneway Learning Melbourne, providing insights into modern Japan that travel agents wouldn't normally talk about. In parts it's a little risque, touching on some of the slightly seamier sides of life, but this is all part of early 21st century Japan. The presentation includes around 140 images, covering more than forty different topics. One common theme is how old Japan continually makes its presence felt in a modern society, but other themes emerge … [Read more...]
The forced opening of Japan in the 1850s by the US Navy’s Commodore Perry
This blog is the transcript of a presentation I have given on this topic, through Laneway Learning in Melbourne, Australia - http://melbourne.lanewaylearning.com The presentation includes fifty three images. Following the failed Mongol attacks, Japan's nominal ruler continued to be an emperor, residing with his court nobles at Kyoto (photo 1,1a,1b). But the real power in Japan was still exercised by the shogun (photo 1c), effectively a military dictator, who resided at Edo, subsequently renamed Tokyo The shogun was supported in power by an elite samurai warrior class, numbering about … [Read more...]
The 13th Century attempted Mongol invasions of Japan
This blog is the transcript of a presentation I have given on this topic, through Laneway Learning in Melbourne, Australia - http://melbourne.lanewaylearning.com The presentation includes forty two images. For thousands of years Japan was populated by numerous clans, all their members leading a largely hunter-gatherer lifestyle, and whose chieftains were constantly at war with each other. By 660BC one of these chieftains, Jimmu (photo 1,1a), emerged victorious over all others, and set up a power base on the main island of Honshu (photo 1b). Jimmu was believed to be a descendant of the … [Read more...]
What not to do in Japan
In both a business and private context, there are a few things best not done in Japan. Should you inadvertently or unavoidably perform any of these acts, the consequences won’t be life-threatening, as being a foreigner (gaijin) in Japan is usually sufficient excuse in itself. However, fore-warned is fore-armed, with the prospect of a smoother visit. Personal habits The Japanese are not a touching or gesticulating kind of people. You might see a child receiving a hug from a parent or grandparent, but otherwise any kind of show of affection in public is uncommon, and hence better avoided. … [Read more...]
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