About the Japanese Society
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Today, people have various images about Japan and its people. Some may associate Japan with its multinational companies. Some with cartoons, sport, food, public baths, or a multitude of other things. However, aside from the specialists and people who've lived there, there is much misunderstanding about what the land of the rising sun is truly like.
Unfortunately, it is not the aim of the Society to give you an expert's guide of Japan. For a start we're not experts, and most Japanese, like most other folk, are not capable of explaining their culture with any degree of accuracy. If you ask, "In Tokyo, why do they sell used underwear in vending machines?", the reply is "because people buy them." (an excerpt from one of our sushi parties...)
But do not be misled. Japanese culture is rich and diverse - young people study the tea ceremony in kimono, then head straight for the disco. Castles stand amongst skyscrapres and hover-trains zoom past paddy fields. It is a mixture of new and old, Eastern and Western. Likewise, many Japanese ways have made inroads into Western culture: judo, sushi, manga, origami, business management practices to name a few - and it is exciting to take a look at the cultural heritage that underlies Japanese society today.
The Japanese Society at Glasgow University was set up in 1997 and runs regular events ranging from the bi-annual sushi party and the Japanese film show to impromptu gatherings and pub meets. As mentioned earlier, although we can't provide an accurate picture of what Japan is truly like, I hope that though our events and meeting new people, this Society will help you piece together a puzzle and move you to visit Japan in the near future.
Thanks for visiting our page - arigato! & see you soon.
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