Kaeta: Returned
In July 2014, I had the opportunity to travel to the nation of my heritage: Japan. More specifically, my grandfather's home prefecture in Wakayama. I spent two weeks with a host family in Wakayama City, while touring the many sites and experiences the prefecture had to offer. Traveling to the home of one's heritage gives you a perspective on your own life, even if you feel like you're not in touch with your ethnic culture. As for myself, I have always been aware and curious of my Japanese heritage and culture. I speak basic Japanese, attended several Japanese-American events and was part of a Japanese-American youth group. Every New Years, my grandmother would make traditional Japanese dishes, such as my favorite, Ozoni. Japanese markets were a common destination, I enjoyed eating at authentic sushi and ramen shops and even took some of my non-Japanese or non-Asian friends to my favorite places. But your connection to your culture is so much more than language, food or customs. You see similarities in your morals and values, and you see things about yourself in strangers you were barely conscious of: the way you carry yourself, the way you speak to others, your relationships with friends and family, things that are most important. You begin to realize that your heritage is not something you discover, it's something that is already a part of who you are. Sometimes we forget that. I did not discover my heritage in Japan. I rediscovered it, and returned.
Dedicated to Naoko, Otousan, Okaasan, and my grandfather
栗山
Otousan:
Also a photographer, my host father was always pointing out different sights and views that he would like to photograph. He especially liked sunsets over the Wakayama oceanside.
I saw a lot of my own passion for photography in him as well.
Umeda Sky Building:
The Umeda Sky Building is located in the Umeda district of the city of Osaka. It is one of the tallest buildings in the city, with over 40 floors in each of the two towers. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the 42nd floor where they can view the city from the observatory, named the Umeda Floating Gardens.
Nachi Temple:
The area of Nachi is in the Southeast part of Wakayama and is right along the border of the prefecture. Not only is this a rare site where a Buddhist Temple and a Shinto Shrine are located in the same place, it is also home to Japan's tallest falling waterfall.
Wakayama University:
Set atop the hills overlooking the city, Wakayama University offers countless different degrees to study, including a newly developed Tourism major. Although their schedules are quite different, university life seems comfortingly similar to that in America.
Sen Tori (Thousand Gates) Path:
This path up to the top of Fushimi Inari Shrine is marked by the thousands of Tori gates. These Tori gates are iconic to Japanese culture, and are the mark of the Shinto religion. Anyone can purchase one of these gates to be put on the path, including cities, companies and families.
Fushimi Inari Shrine:
The Shinto religion is the native belief system of Japan, and although it was overtaken by Buddhism some time ago, the legacy of this ancient faith is still seen all over Japan. Before entering a Shinto shrine, one must cleanse their hands and mouth with running water to prepare for prayer.
Daimon: The Great Gate
Daimon is located at the entrance to Koyasan. Considered a holy area due to its historical connections to the foundations of Japanese Buddhism, Koyasan is the destination for many toursits and pilgrims.
Kaeru: Protector of the Shrine
In Shinto religion, frogs were a special animal. They were believed to be protectors, and were designated as guardians of the shrines. Many Japanese have small frog statues to help safeguard their homes as well. There are even shinto shrines dedicated to frogs, too.
Ceremonial Lanterns at Buddhist Temple
These lanterns can be found at various temples and shrines, displayed and used in many different fashions. These lanterns were decorated by various families, devotees and priests for celebration of summer.
