My wife Ann and I earlier this month visited Ise Shrine and were delighted to take a tour of the Naiku and Geku. The shrine is located in a beautiful forest, and we really enjoyed the scenery as we walked past the many trees and streams.
I was told that every twenty years the shrine rebuilds its two main structures and the bridge leading to them, and recycles materials from the old ones in the rebuilding of other shrines. Craftsmen at the shrine using traditional techniques also make new offerings identical to the old ones to place inside the new buildings. This way, the same types of artifacts are housed in a new structure, and a new generation gets to learn the building and manufacturing techniques of the old.
Seeing this constant process of renewal and recycling at Ise made me reflect on how Japanese society also benefits from a similar rebuilding process.
Every day I see change in Japan, as people continue to adjust to new social and political realities. Given the current state of the economy, Japan faces a real challenge, as do we all, in figuring out how to move ahead. Japan has always been a resilient society and I am confident that it will continue to preserve what is worthy from its past while rebuilding for its future.
What do you think Japan should keep from its past? And what should it rebuild? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
Jim
Ms. Yamada from Fukui writes:
Dear Mr. Zumwalt,
We have old temples and shrines here in Fukui. We have special carpenters called Miyadaiku, who are skillful. In rural areas, we think much of traditional customs; while in urban areas people think much of rationality. But these days the world has been changing with rapid speed and people seek reform and change. So people in rural areas are confused inbetween. I visit US Embassy after Super Tuesday and met you for the first time. What do you think of Japan now compared with that of when you were an AFS student?
