“...I think I’m turning Japanese,

I really think so”

 

(David Fenton 1980)

 

So, why the picture?

 

·      If nothing else, it’s lovely!

 

And the link with opening quotation?

 

·      Wisteria (pictured flower) is a popular symbol in Japanese culture, representing love, longevity, and resilience. 

 

And what’s so special about Japan?

 

·      For the Japanese, I am sure the answer is, “a lot”. Speaking personally, for reasons that will become apparent, that country has been (positively!) on my mind a fair bit, in recent weeks. 

 

In common with many previous posts, this concerns some recent events.

First

 

I have just started reading the latest book, by a Japanese writer, who is rather a favorite of mine – Haruki Murakami.

 

Given its reviews and what I have read so far, I have a genuine belief that it will be (to me at least) a rather remarkable read. I have read a fair number of his books over the past few years, and none have been anything even approaching, a disappointment.

 

And he’s not the only one...

 

Another Japanese (although now, very anglicized) author wrote a book that I consider to be among the best that I have ever read.

And I’m not the only one with views along these lines...

 

Mine are precisely mirrored by those of my mother; and she is very well read, indeed.

It was also responsible for the writer being awarded a Nobel Prize in Literature, and his receipt of a knighthood.

 

And secondly:

 

I have, of late been rehearsing two pieces of music on the flute. 

 

The first is piece of Japanese folk music called Kojo No Tsuki (tr. “Moon on Ruined Castle”). As an aside, in the past I have played steel pans in a local band. This tune is one that I arranged for the band. Steel pans are of course a Caribbean instrument, and I guess that a Japanese melody is not often played thereon! Adding this to our repertoire, was my suggestion, and I had first heard that piece of music being played by a German heavy metal band! Eclectic?!

 

Secondly, I have been trying to master a piece that is a contemporary fusion of modern jazz and Japanese styled music. It is called “Fujiko” (tr. “Wisteria’s Daughter”)

 

I am very partial to these pieces and other Japanese music that I have heard.

 

So, we’ve got Japanese books and music. I also appreciate what little Japanese visual art I have across.

 

It doesn’t end with things aesthetic.

 

Prior to the accident (obviously), I visited Tokyo, on business, and have some very good memories – in particular, of a very enjoyable meal in a Japanese restaurant. Not just the food, but the atmosphere and company as well. I was also very taken with many other aspects of the place.

 

             Talking of Japanese food; that which I have tried has been largely very enjoyable, and I’ve even                   had a dabble in making some myself.  

 

An exception to an affinity with their food, is one dish that I was served at another meal out. When it arrived, it resembled cooked spider’s legs! On enquiry of my hosts, I was advised that they were king prawns – although the parts that we would eat had been removed and discarded. What I had in front of me, were deep fried shells and legs! Luckily it was a “tasting menu”, so there was plenty of other stuff, instead.

 

Maybe I am indeed...

 

“...turning Japanese”!

So much for recent activity. Now (briefly), the brain injury stuff...

 

As you will have gathered, I have rather an affinity with Japan and would love to visit again. By reason of my injury, another business trip isn’t going to happen, and a visit for pure pleasure, is inconceivable.

 

BUT...

 

Let’s be “mindful” about this

 

First – I can’t turn the clock back and extinguish the brain injury; so perhaps I should fret a bit less about it!

 

Secondly, unlikely as it may be, a future holiday remains a dim and distant possibility.  While the future can be predicted and planned for, it is necessarily unpredictable, and who knows – maybe one day...

 

So; both past happenings and unfulfilled future wishes can be a source of negativity on my part, and given what I have just said, ought to occupy less of my thoughts. 

 

What does that leave us with?

The present

 

There is nothing to stop me from reading Japanese literature.

 

I can also enjoy its music and food.

 

A much better use of my time!

 

Finally, was my trip as good as I imagine?

 

Fractured memory can exacerbate seeing things through “rose colored glasses”. Maybe I am only remembering the especially good parts, and forgetting those that were less so? Negative though such an observation might be, it is worth keeping it in the back of my mind.