JAPAN

1991-1993
 In 1992, while living in Thailand, I had the opportunity to move to Japan. I lived and worked in Osaka for six months. Japan is a fascinating place with a lot of surprising things to see and do - not all of the surprises are good however. I had an overall good experience there and would easily do it again, but I was often happy not to be a Japanese woman. The younger generation is beginning to change but sexism and racism are a pretty typical part of life. My well educated Japanese girlfriends who worked as "office ladies" and my Japan born Korean friends who could never obtain Japanese citizenship will attest to this.

Modern Japan is not an outwardly religious place, but many of the most beautiful places to visit are sacred. I particularly recommend Mino Park during momeiji (fall leaves) season, as well as Kyoto and Nara - seats of Japanese culture.

Of course I've been back since, click here to see those pictures.



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Published
December 1997
This is Kinkakuji (Golden Temple) in Kyoto. Though it started as a palace, it was donated after the owner passed away.
These are the sacred deer of Nara. They are allowed to run free all over the park and neighboring communities. They are infamous for chasing people who have food, as you can see.
This toro at Kabutoyama near Osaka is a symbolic lantern. You often see these at sacred sites and in all shapes and sizes.
Although Tokyo is an extremely crowded city there is still room for Shinto temples. Around the New Year people often place prayer placards expressing their wishes on racks outside the temple as you can see these women doing.
Mino Park's fall leaves are the most beautiful I have ever seen.
This was my first and only time wearing a kimono. This black one is meant for formal occasions and for mature women. It was so beautiful that I bought it anyway. Young women often wear brightly colored kimono.
Osaka Castle was first finished in 1583 but this one is a 1931 copy. The first buildings lasted only 32 years before getting bashed by battle and, although rebuilt 10 years later, it was destroyed yet again 1868!
Japan in full of strange places and this is one of them - a sumo theme restaurant in Osaka.