So much to enjoy and reflect upon here! But I’ll keep it short this time and just say I always come away feeling better for reading what you’ve composed.
Spencer Tweedy for President! If not now, then soon.
Glad you enjoyed your immersion in a new (to you) culture so much, Spencer. Thanks for describing it in your typical open-hearted, keenly observant way.
I think it should be absolutely mandatory for everyone to see and experience a different culture. A good way to reduce our myopic sense of superiority and entitlement.
I really enjoyed reading this post and thinking about it, Spencer! I would love to visit Japan. My best friend in high school spent her hs junior year in Japan and loved it.
thanks for sharing your very insightful perspective. I spent a week in Japan in October and had a lot of the same reactions. There are so many things to appreciate about their culture, including the collectivist spirit. I also really like the weird aspects of Japanese culture (um, maid cafes??), which are hard to explain to an outsider.
Catching up on this in Australia, Spencer, and it’s interesting to note some of the same things here. I notice you didn’t (or at least I don’t think you did, although I think you hinted at it) mention the G-word, guns, when you were discussing the anger issue in America. I think there’s something to be said for just knowing that in Japan and here, that no matter how bad a conflict might get, the likelihood that it’s going to end with someone whipping out a weapon of mass destruction and letting loose is pretty much next to zero and that somehow helps society as a whole function a lot more like it should. I feel like we’ve just lost all sense of a common wealth and a simple civility where we resolve conflict without extreme violence. I don’t know, to me, that’s what’s nice about places like Japan and Australia, which I’m sure have their own problems that we don’t see (uh, real estate?) but that seem much less severe that seeing mass shootings every other day.
My oh my Mr. Blondie! just finished reading your words for the 4x time and still thinking, if anything, if to reply/ coment at all.. nevertheless.. very pleased to have a glimpse into your side of the story and follow your journey. Heading to Japan next November and conscientiously taking your words with me.
Awesome street photography blondie..keep'hem coming
So much to enjoy and reflect upon here! But I’ll keep it short this time and just say I always come away feeling better for reading what you’ve composed.
I really loved this, Spencer. Sensitive,
observant, insightful and very entertaining.
Spencer Tweedy for President! If not now, then soon.
Glad you enjoyed your immersion in a new (to you) culture so much, Spencer. Thanks for describing it in your typical open-hearted, keenly observant way.
I think it should be absolutely mandatory for everyone to see and experience a different culture. A good way to reduce our myopic sense of superiority and entitlement.
The other midwestern trait that I constantly have to explain to Portlanders…sarcasm is a form of humor…now you have me intrigued about Japan..
I really enjoyed reading this post and thinking about it, Spencer! I would love to visit Japan. My best friend in high school spent her hs junior year in Japan and loved it.
I agree with Andrew! You should run for President someday! We need some eloquence in that office. I feel a little envious of this trip❣️
This was a lovely essay, Spencer. Our own Tocqueville.
thanks for sharing your very insightful perspective. I spent a week in Japan in October and had a lot of the same reactions. There are so many things to appreciate about their culture, including the collectivist spirit. I also really like the weird aspects of Japanese culture (um, maid cafes??), which are hard to explain to an outsider.
You are extremely eloquent and entertaining. Love and respect Spencer.💛
You can only import if it’s 25 years old or more. The good thing is parking and gas mileage…. https://www.royal-trading.jp/stock_list.php?make_id%5B%5D=45&maker_id%5B%5D=1516&view=D
That’s a great bit of writing, thank you. I’m hoping to get to Japan one day 😊
“New York freedom fire” - great turn of phrase!
Catching up on this in Australia, Spencer, and it’s interesting to note some of the same things here. I notice you didn’t (or at least I don’t think you did, although I think you hinted at it) mention the G-word, guns, when you were discussing the anger issue in America. I think there’s something to be said for just knowing that in Japan and here, that no matter how bad a conflict might get, the likelihood that it’s going to end with someone whipping out a weapon of mass destruction and letting loose is pretty much next to zero and that somehow helps society as a whole function a lot more like it should. I feel like we’ve just lost all sense of a common wealth and a simple civility where we resolve conflict without extreme violence. I don’t know, to me, that’s what’s nice about places like Japan and Australia, which I’m sure have their own problems that we don’t see (uh, real estate?) but that seem much less severe that seeing mass shootings every other day.
My oh my Mr. Blondie! just finished reading your words for the 4x time and still thinking, if anything, if to reply/ coment at all.. nevertheless.. very pleased to have a glimpse into your side of the story and follow your journey. Heading to Japan next November and conscientiously taking your words with me.
Awesome street photography blondie..keep'hem coming
R.
Spencer, this is really well written. You are a profound writer - keep it up and thank you!
✨Love your insight and wisdom. Spot on. (And the pics!) The Wim Wenders film Perfect Days set in Japan is a delight. Highly recommended. ☮️