Quote:
Originally Posted by RealJames
most kids nowadays in Japan have no strong feelings towards Japan and are getting more and more westernized by the day. the place is rapidly losing it's cultural significance and they have almost all descended into cheap tourist traps and souvenir items.
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And then the teens and 20s end.
This is something that has been repeated over and over for the past countless generations.
Those men and women in their 40s and 50s who go on long trips to walk the full temple-route in Shikoku, or Kumamoto, or any of the other historical routes... Are the same men and women who said Japan sucked and who jumped 100% into Western music and culture 20 or 30 years ago.
Those in their 60s and 70s who take pride in traditional dance and kimono wearing... Are the same ones who shunned anything Japanese and who would save for months to buy the newest western fashions.
The little old women in their 80s and 90s who wear almost nothing but handmade traditional clothing... Are the same ones who snuck around under their parents noses buying fabric to make their own "western" dresses.
People get older and lose their immaturity regarding their country and cultural identities.
Just like so many young people in the US, UK, etc say they hate their country, etc etc - And then grow out of it to often become deeply (albeit quietly) patriotic after gaining some years and experience outside their own backyards... The same thing happens with young people in Japan.
It`s almost a worldwide tradition. The young person wants to go live in the "big modern city"... Then misses home and eventually moves back when they`re older. Even if it doesn`t happen in action, it happens internally.