huirutong

[huirutong]

Please mark this ! ! !

Blog 6 --- Visiting Japan: Risks to Personal Physical and Mental Health and Coping Strategies

This blog will focus on the risks associated with individual physical and mental health, and provide some practical strategies for dealing with them.

Japan is an earthquake-prone country. For travellers who have completely no general knowledge of earthquake self-rescue, this may trigger anxiety or fear. Furthermore, the Mount Fuji volcano has recently shown signs of erupting due to the frequency of earthquakes in Japan. In addition, Japan's food culture is different from many countries in that they tend to eat raw seafood and meat, which may cause gastrointestinal distress for some travellers.

For earthquakes, we need to know the earthquake escape route of the hotel or accommodation we are staying at, stay calm and follow local guidelines. In terms of diet, if you are trying Japanese food for the first time, you can choose food with a milder texture and flavour. If you want to try cold and raw food but are afraid that your stomach will be upset, you can go to the pharmacy and buy stomach medicine first.

Coping strategies:

Firstly, in the preparation stage, we can research common health problems in our destination before we leave, including preparing some medicines that we often take, such as cold and flu medicines and painkillers. Secondly, after landing in Japan, in order to prevent sudden earthquakes or other natural disasters, we can download earthquake warning apps so that we can get timely alerts in the event of an earthquake. In case of a strong earthquake, first ensure your safety and then follow the local safety guidelines.

By being aware of possible health risks and taking appropriate precautions, we can ensure that the journey is both safe and enjoyable.

[huirutong]

Please mark this ! ! !

Blog 5 --- Explore Japanese food and eating habits

Although I have not personally visited Japan, through watching Japanese cooking programmes and reading related recipes, I have noticed that Japanese food and eating habits are vastly different from those in China. I have noticed that Japanese food culture is known for its freshness and delicacy. Their dishes tend to focus on the freshness and raw flavour of the ingredients. For example, sashimi and sushi emphasise the freshness and texture of the ingredients. However, in China, we have a rich variety of cuisines. Each region of China has its own specialities within the region's vast landmass. Chinese cooking methods are more varied, with stir-frying, deep-frying, steaming and boiling being quite common, and seasoning is also abundant and elaborate. The Chinese emphasise taste richness and layering in their diet. However, in contrast to traditional Chinese cuisine, Japanese cuisine focuses on single ingredients and simple cooking methods. However, it is notable that Japanese food is more concerned with the art of plating, and they believe that the presentation of the food is equally important.

I have come to admire Japan's respect for ingredients and their art of plating. At the same time, I have come to appreciate the diversity and richness of Chinese cuisine even more. Even if we only learn about other cultures online, we may still encounter culture shock or confusion. In order to better understand and appreciate other cultures, I think the most important thing is to keep an open mind and heart without immediately judging or jumping to conclusions. The next is to be able to communicate with people who are truly from Japanese culture through social media.

[huirutong]

Blog 4 --- Japan's 'Lost Two Decades'

Japan, a country with an advanced economy and advanced technology, has experienced a period of economic stagflation from the 1990s to the present, which has been called the "lost two decades". Prolonged deflation and low growth rates have plagued the country. As an undergraduate economics student, I see opportunities for meaningful international cooperation with Japan, especially in the areas of finance and economic policy. In order to truly understand a country's economic problems, we cannot rely solely on data and reports. I began searching online for news content about local communities, economic research institutes, and government departments in Japan in an attempt to gain insight into the real reasons behind this prolonged period of economic stagnation.

I pay special attention to the dynamics of monetary policy, fiscal policy and international financial markets. I have proposed several possible solutions to Japan's problems, such as increasing the money supply and promoting structural reforms. However, I am clear that any solution requires collaboration with experts in other fields, such as sociologists, psychologists, and financial market practitioners. They can provide a more in-depth perspective and help me understand the problem more fully.

For Japan, its economic problems are not entirely endogenous, but are closely related to the global economic situation and international trade. My participation was not simply to provide an economist's perspective, but represented a possibility for international economic cooperation, especially in today's context of globalisation. Through in-depth exchanges with Japan, I realised that real solutions can only be found when countries are truly aware of the interconnectedness of economic problems.

In summary, this kind of cooperation has far-reaching significance.

[huirutong]

Picture 1, from red book app user 100936264

Blog 3 --- The "Essence" and Distortions of Japanese Cuisine: An Exploration Beyond Stereotypes

"Essence" refers to the core or fundamental nature of something.  In the case of Japanese cuisine, if we were to essentialize it, we might say the "essence" is its attention to detail, seasonality, and the balance of flavours and aesthetics.

On the other hand, "misrepresentation" denotes portraying something in a way that is not accurate or true to its genuine nature.  Using the same context of Japanese cuisine, the misrepresentation could be the oversimplification of the cuisine as just sushi.

Challenging:

Firstly, in terms of regional specialities, each region has its own unique cuisine and ingredients that are closely linked to the history and culture of the area. Secondly, in terms of seasonal cuisine, each with its own representative food, such as cherry blossom pastries in spring and chestnut desserts in autumn. Thirdly, in terms of everyday cuisine, in addition to sushi, it is also common to find, for example, donburi and various types of ramen on the daily table.

picture 2, from red book user wo4liya

So why is the local essentialist way of thinking that reduces Japanese cuisine to sushi problematic?

The first is an oversimplification, which reduces a rich culinary culture to a single component that does not truly reflect and appreciate the depth and diversity of Japanese cuisine. The second is that it limits perception. Holding on to this "essence" may cause us to miss out on other equally delicious Japanese cuisines. The third is the maintenance of stereotypes. When we associate Japanese food only with sushi, we may overlook the development and innovation of other Japanese culinary cultures.

In conclusion, we should explore and experience the full spectrum of Japanese cuisine with an open mind.

[huirutong]

Picture from: https://www.517japan.com/viewnews-76167.html

Please mark this ! ! !

Blog 2 Street Art -- Dotonbori Glico billboard

Dotonbori in Osaka is known as a "theme park with giant billboards" because of all the weird three-dimensional signs. The billboard I'm going to introduce is located next to the Dotonbori Ebisu Bridge in Osaka. It shows a man running on a blue track with his hands and one leg up, which makes it look like he's arriving at the end of the race, showing a particularly conspicuous movement. Over the years, countless tourists arriving in Osaka have gone out of their way to stop by Dotonbori to snap a photo of this huge billboard, which has become one of Osaka's unusual landmarks.

In fact, this billboard is from Ezaki Glico Co. During the Taisho period, Glico's founder, Riichi Ezaki, saw children playing sports by chance in the open space in front of a shrine, and was convinced that the way they crossed the finish line with their hands up in the air was a sign of good health. This became the opportunity for Glico's classic running man logo.

While I think this advertising image represents the atmosphere of happiness, fun and shopping in the specific context of the Shinsaibashi area. The image of the smiley face conveys a positive mood that echoes the shopping and entertainment experience and represents the desire of people to seek happiness and relaxation in this area.

The Glico advertising map can be seen as an unofficial tourist attraction. However, the advertising map has become an iconic element of the Shinsaibashi area. Visitors can leave their footprints in front of the advertising map and interact with the advertisement to create interesting travelling memories.

[huirutong]

Please Mark this ! ! !

Figure 1, from the app "red book" user 388214524

Blog 1 Classic Japanese cuisine —— Sushi🍣

When people talk about Japan, I think everyone will invariably think of food like sushi. Exactly, the unique shape and variety of flavours of sushi have become an internationally renowned cuisine. Known for its exquisite appearance, fresh ingredients and unique preparation method, sushi is a delicacy that combines culinary art and cultural heritage.

The history of sushi spans centuries. During the Japanese Edo period, sushi was originally simply salted fish cured in salt. Over time, the Japanese began to explore the possibilities of ingredients, preparation techniques and flavours, which evolved into what we know today as sushi. In modern times, sushi has become an icon of food culture and an integral part of the Japanese table. While enjoying sushi, people are also experiencing the spirit of Japanese tradition and innovation.

Despite the popularity of sushi around the world, there are some criticisms and controversies. One of these is the commercialisation and mass production of sushi. As sushi became more and more popular, when the demand far outweighed the supply, capital came in to make sushi a highly commercialised thing. Some local sushi restaurants began to make sushi in a fast, high-volume manner, which led to a decline in the quality and freshness of the ingredients. In addition, some people believe that sushi has been overly "Japaneseised" and has become a symbol created to satisfy foreigners' stereotypes of Japanese culture. However, I think it is for this reason that sushi can be a good symbol of Japan.

Overall, sushi is deeply historical and symbolic as a representation of Japanese food culture.

[huirutong]

Figure 1 myself

ABOUT ME

A quote: "We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate.  We travel to bring what little we can, in our ignorance and knowledge, to those parts of the globe whose riches are differently dispersed." (Iyer, 2000)

This is a photo I took at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan, China in June this year. Nowadays, I love travelling to places full of green plants and mountains. In fact, I visited this place with my parents when I was 11 years old, but at that time, I was not interested in these nature scenes at all. Nine years later, now at the age of 20, I especially love these views, especially when I am alone in a large turquoise meadow or by myself in a quiet forest, breathing in the fresh air of nature, I can calm my mind soon. It might be because the development of the city in the past ten years is extremely fast, and everyone in the society is desperately trying to climb up the social ladder, and they all want to make a career out of it. When I have been in this kind of stressful and high-pressure life for a long time, I strongly desire that I can go to the natural environment and feel the vitality of all kinds of trees, grasses and mountains. Staying in that kind of environment is like recharging my empty batteries and makes me feel the energy of life.

Figure 2, from the app "red book" user 826692491

There are actually a lot of options for photos that show off what Japan has to offer, but I'm partial to choosing Japanese garden landscapes. When talking about Japan's beautiful gardens and historic temples, Rurikoin is certainly a fascinating example. Located in Kyoto City, an ancient capital full of history and culture, Rurikoin's unique charm comes from both its elaborate gardens and the depth of its history and culture.

As a representative Japanese garden, Rurikouin is enchanting in its serenity and elegance, with every detail reflecting the uniqueness of Japanese garden art. Strolling along the paths is like being immersed in the wonderful flow of nature, and each step is a soothing experience for the soul. However, the true magic of Rurikouin lies in its interaction with the seasons. In spring, the greenery that fills the courtyard mirrors the stone scenery of the garden, forming a picture of vibrant life; in summer, the chirping of cicadas echoes around the Echo Pond, giving a feeling of serenity; in autumn, the flames of the maple leaves adorn the garden with a golden hue as if they are making their final preparations to welcome winter; and in winter, the snow-covered landscape evokes a feeling of serenity and tranquillity.

For centuries, Rurikouin has been a place of Zen practice. The main buildings in the garden also retain their old wooden structures and traditional architectural styles, showing the essence of ancient Japanese religious architecture. At Rurikouin, you can not only enjoy the beauty of the garden, but also feel the depth of Japanese Zen culture.

In my blog, you will follow me as I use the magic of words to travel to famous Japanese gardens and experience the unique and harmonious beauty there. I will show you exquisite Ikezumi Garden-style Japanese gardens and experience the mystery of temples and shrines as if you were there. In the early stage, Japanese gardens were deeply influenced by traditional Chinese garden art, focusing more on shaping a poetic and picturesque mood, but after a long period of development, they were impregnated by the Zen way as well as their own sense of aesthetics, and gradually created their own style, focusing more on the pursuit of the spiritual level. From an aesthetic point of view, this Zen garden is meticulous and profound, showing Japanese Zen and Japanese aesthetic consciousness in the process of creating a garden with every stroke. Therefore, exploring the aesthetics of Zen gardens in detail allows us to absorb the essence of Japanese gardens and deepen people's understanding of Japanese culture. Although I have never seen them with my own eyes, I will present these beauties before your eyes through research and description.

Food is certainly a part of my heart! Although I haven't tasted it myself yet, I've learnt about the various cuisines of Japan by heart. From Japan's most famous meal, sushi, to ramen, from creative cuisine to traditional snacks, each dish contains the Japanese people's distinctive insights into the ingredients and their unique creativity. I will gather information and research to present you with the most authentic Japanese food culture for your taste buds to read about.

Through my blog, you can learn about Japanese values, habits and celebrations, and gain a deeper understanding of the diversity and charm of this country. I hope that through my blog, I can bring you the beauty of Japan's gardens and food culture so that you can feel a wonderful journey of the mind while reading. Remember to follow my blog and explore this mysterious country with me!