A Chinese book about Japan written before the country was riven by the triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and the near-nuclear meltdown has been published to help demystify the unique nation.
Written by Sun Xiuping, Unique Japan is a collection of essays focusing on the "odd" side of Japanese culture and traditions. Based on first-hand interviews, it covers a wide range of subjects, such as folk customs, artifacts, apparel, food, wine, hot springs and museums.
Having lived there for 20 years, Sun, now a reporter for the Global Times (Chinese edition) in Japan, is an experienced and prolific reporter. Since 1998, she was chief editor of Overseas Student News, and deputy editor of JNOC, a Chinese paper in Japan.
The book boldly begins with a profile of a geisha, a mysterious and, to some, scandalous profession that Sun was eager to unravel.
She interviewed 99-year-old Kokin, who recalled bittersweet romantic memories from her profession. Proud of being a geisha, she still plays the three-stringed shamisen and sings in the geisha district of Atami, near Tokyo. However, with no family, having outlived everyone around her, Kokin confessed to feeling deeply lonely at times.
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The geisha is a mysterious profession in Japan. [CFP] |
Other interviews include politicians and bigwigs from Sun's time as a Japan correspondent. She recalled a rare opportunity to enjoy some quality time with Japanese Prime Minister Shinz Abe, after she was invited to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in 2007. The officials, in Sun's eyes, were both amiable and accessible, an effort to build up the friendly image of the Liberal Democratic Party.
An accumulation of her many interviews, the book was "written with her feet", in Sun's words: "I was touched many times during my visits and it was only on the spot that I could truly feel it. My life was enriched by these experiences and I want to share them with my readers."
The deepest impression for Sun is the patience of the Japanese, and their taking care of others. But she has observed a decline in some aspects of the culture. "The biggest change... is that people have lost confidence and patience, seeking easy satisfaction. They seems to be suffering from the disease of being wealthy," Sun remarked.
For Sun, writing is like a hobby she never tires of and interviewing is a process of learning.
"Embracing interesting perspectives of Japan, this book explores the deep Japanese cultural origins and unusual facts from a Chinese point of view," commented Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the Global Times. "It is like a cup of coffee that leaves an endless aftertaste."
"Sun Xiuping is one of my very distinguished Chinese journalist friends. Although our views on Japan are sometimes different, I was stimulated by the observations and comments from her," said Ide Keiji, former minister of Japan's embassy in Beijing.
"Although the mutual understanding between Japanese and China is difficult, I believe this book could serve as an opportunity for Chinese people to understand [Japan]," Ide added.
Unique Japan opens a window to rare Japanese cultures, suggesting understanding of Chinese culture is limited there, since, while the classical culture is well-preserved by the Japanese, they tend to know little about modern Chinese culture, according to Sun.
Sun claimed that cultural exchanges are not good enough currently, especially with regard to Chinese "soft power" in Japan, which is far less impressive than South Korea's. This is what China needs to work on, Sun said.
Sun said the Chinese should abandon their preconceptions in order to understand Japanese culture and remain an objective and neutral attitude.
Last year, several anti-Japan demonstrations took place in China, following a diplomatic crisis involving disputed islands.
"The emotion is understandable," said Sun. "After all, the fact of the Japanese invasion... cannot be changed. But I'm against blind anti-Japan initiatives, because in an international and modern era, China and Japan must work together to transcend the barriers of history and become true strategic partners. Even though there is a long way [to go], everyone must work together."