The inherent beauty of Japan is how it first seems to contradict itself constantly, but the more you get to know the country and its people, the more it shapes into a whole and harmonious picture. Why are the streets so clean, you may wonder, yet there is no concept of public bins. Well, people don’t produce waste on the go, and if they do, they take it with them because it ain’t the public’s business. There is a firm idea of the collective, yet there is enough place for individuality and creative expression. Most and foremost, Japanese culture is firmly rooted in the past and very forward-looking. This may seem like the biggest contradiction, but it all makes sense when traveling to this intriguing and fascinating country and getting to know its many inhabitants.
great photos!!
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I think you’ve captured nicely some of the contradictions in modern Japan.
I’ve just come back from my first visit there and I was struck by the old-and-new-together experience that a lot of cities have, but also by the surprising lack of technology (no contactless payments like Apple Pay/Android Pay? Shops that dont take credit cards, only cash??) in an otherwise highly technological society.
I stuck a few thoughts in a post (https://peverilblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/24/peverilblogs-notes-from-tokyo-part-4-old-new-on-speaking-english-and-wifi/) but your photos speak just as much.
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