Random Japan #44 :: Boy's Day is Expensive
Welcome to issue 44 of Steemit’s most random random look at Japan, Random Japan. Today, the symbols of Boy’s Day (one of which is very expensive), a random building, apologetic construction barriers, and an odd place for a cherry blossom.
Let’s get started. Let’s enter into…
Random Japan
You can see the two main items to buy for Children’s Day/Boy’s Day (held on May 5th—this is opposite Girl’s Day which is on March 3rd). The koi windsocks can be expensive for the big sets, but are cheap enough for smaller sets, but the samurai helmet and that whole deal—you are looking at a lot of money. As cool as it does look, I have no plans to buy one for my sons.
Children’s Day is on May 5th, by the way. Families typically buy these two things and display them for a few weeks before the holiday.
A sakura petal! Er… hidden away on a small bridge that is under a building. An odd place for a symbol of Japan.
Or maybe not so happy, I don’t know. At least the cat in that picture seems happy.
It seems like construction is a constant in this country. Whether you consider that constant improvement, or constant waste of taxpayer money probably depends on if you have read Alex Kerr’s Dogs and Demons, which looks at the dark side of Japan. Regardless of your view, bowing little men holding up the construction barriers makes it all a little more bearable.
And that’s a wrap, folks. Hope you enjoyed. Any favorites? Let me know in the comments and be sure to come back tomorrow for another Random Japan!
If you like this random photo from Japan, be sure to check out @kaliju’s great Random Korea series. The latest entry there is Random Korea #24 - Gloomy?
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David LaSpina is an American photographer lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time. |
Unrelatedly, after reading some of the reviews of Alex Kerr's book that you mention, that's a bit depressing. From the outside, one does romanticize the fictional idealism and beauty and history of Japan, and you just assume that because of that they're better than the rest of us that are slogging through our own issues. But they have their own issues too. It's a bit sad, but it's also a realistic view.
I know what you mean. At the same time, I think it's healthy to realize that every country has their own problems and nowhere is perfect (despite what the PR engine that is Japan tries to tell you). It's a good book, and despite the depressing revelations of corruption, it does manage to be somewhat optimistic about the future. I'd fully recommend it if you are looking for a good read.