Mix of Old and New ~ Modern Japan

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A little of everything in this photo.

betsuin.jpg

One of the first things that soon jumps out at any foreigners in Japan is this meeting and mixture of old and new, traditional and modern. One can be wandering down the street of a busy modern city, surrounded by the latest high tech excesses of modern life, then turn the corner and suddenly spot an old woman wearing a kimono, spreading water with a ladle in front of an old traditional townhouse.[1] Then walk further and notice that same traditional townhouse has a couple of vending machines humming along on the side of it!

One moment you are in modern Japan, the next transported back to a historic Japan you have only seen in movies, then suddenly reminded—no, it's the present after all. That's quite the mental journey for just a morning walk.

We have our own curious mixtures of traditional and modern in the the States, but it feels more drastic here. Like when we are watching a movie of ancient Rome and suddenly a car drives by in the background.[2]

Speaking of cars...

Photoed is Mikawa Betsuin, one of the larger temples in Okazaki. It's a lovely traditional building that evokes visions of old Japan. Except for all the cars. It is after hours, but the cars remain. My guess is the temple rents out some spots. Parking space is a luxury in Japan, so renting extra space to people who want a place to park their car is a good source of income. There is also a vending machine over behind the trees near the building. I wonder if the monks use iPhones...[3]


Hi thereDavid LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku.

  1. Here are some photos and plenty of info on traditional townhouses.

  2. I've never been able to spot it myself, but there is a persistent urban legend that you can spot a red car in the background of a scene in Ben Hur.

  3. Yet for all my griping, I bought some tea from the vending machine after taking this photo. What can I say? If the convenience is there, use it.



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6 comments
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I really like this old Japanese style, I hope it will never be lost, it is part of their tradition.

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Hi, I have manually curated your content as you have posted a photo that I found interesting. Your post will be included in my Photophile series of posts in my blog. Keep on sharing great photos!

Here's a slice of !PIZZA for you!


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