About the writer
Hello! I’m the deputy head priest at a temple in Kyoto. I’d love to talk with you, Jesper, about Japanese culture and share various insights from the perspective of someone who actually lives it!
What do you like most about Japanese culture?
What is your favourite part of Japanese culture, Kawamura-san?
What I like about Japanese culture is its flexibility. It blends elements from so many different countries. I think Japanese people are especially good at adopting the best parts of other cultures and adapting them in their own unique way.
That’s true! Even while adopting elements from other cultures, there is unmistakeably a noticeable Japanese vibe. I’m sure visitors have experienced this in areas such as culinary, where dishes originally from other cultures such as Curry, Pasta or Ramen, have a unique Japanese twist in Japan.
Japanese food has pretty much become a multicultural cuisine by now, and that’s actually what I love about it.
Difference between tourists and locals
As a local, what do you think is a key difference between what tourists love about Japan and what locals love about Japan?
It might actually be better if I ask you instead.
Jesper, when you come to Japan as a tourist, what kinds of things are you most interested in seeing or experiencing?
Tourists have many different priorities, but in general, most of us are interested in experiences that cannot be found anywhere else. I think most people are attracted by the cleanliness and orderliness of Japanese culture, as well as the unique aesthetics. Personally, I love the food and visiting Temples and Shrines.
All of those are great things about Japan!
But I think there are still so many more wonderful aspects of Japanese culture. Let’s explore them together!
Hi! I’m Jesper, an exchange student interested in experiencing local Japanese culture, thank you very much for sharing your experiences and perspective with me, Kawamura-san!