Given
its balanced geographical location on the globe, Japan is a country
that experiences four distinct seasons. (Some say more if rain season
is included.) These distinct seasons known as Kisetsu
have greatly influenced Japanese life. One of the finer experiences
of living in Japan comes from learning to appreciate the distinct
seasons. Each season brings its own festivals, foods, and experiences
for better or for worse. For instance where we live here in Tokyo the
summer season is wet and humid followed by intense levels of heat.
The remedy? Light summer clothing, cool fruits, hand-fans, and parasols to
avoid the sun. When the season ends new foods as well as new
expectations arise. As Americans we are used to being able to buy
anything at any time of the year, however here in Japan it is
expected to patiently wait for certain products to come into season. For
instance fall is kaki season, while unagi is eaten in the summer. Japanese enjoy the building anticipation
that comes from waiting for their seasonal favorites each year! How about the celebrations?
While
in language classes a teacher described the
importance of the four seasons here. In the springtime a popular
event is hanami , or flower viewing. Special time is set aside to view the cherry blossoms with your friends. It is expected to eat a meal and drink
alcohol near a cherry blossom tree during this time. In the
summertime a variation of obon
and tanabata are
celebrated as was described in a previous blog. In the fall, harvest festivals rein as the local people thank the
local deities for their harvest. These festivals are recognized
worldwide as those in which people carry idols throughout the streets
while dancing and celebrating. Finally, in the wintertime New Years
is the large festival in which families adorn their houses with
Shinto items and prepare a famous mochi rice soup to eat while
watching the new years celebration at a famous Shinto temple taking
place on TV. If people do not stay home during this time they will
typically gather at a local temple to await the new years
blessing. These seasonal celebrations form the dominant Japanese
culture. As an American it is somewhat refreshing to see unity
displayed through the various seasonal celebrations here. It is also
interesting to note that Japanese people do not have any problems
saying 'Merry Christmas' during the Christmas season!
How
do Christians live during the seasons? It is no secret that a serious
life set apart for Christ can be difficult in face of the world's
culture. For Japanese Christians a real distinction must be made
since their society is so different from Christianity. Most Japanese
who are serious about their faith will avoid participating in any
festivals that bring into question anything that may be an affront to the Savior.
Instead, Christians will often have their own holidays to celebrate
or will celebrate holidays without the Shinto or Buddhist influences.
Unfortunately there is much pressure by the larger culture here for
Christians to conform whether it be in school, work, or daily life.
Please pray for Japanese Christians as they face the pressures of
living here during the seasons!
