two countries

i know two japans.

one is kawaii land, where every ugly mundane bit of life is beautifully wrapped with exquisite care. this is the japan that charms me with her formal courtesy unfailing helpfulness pretty trinkets and scrumptious cuisine.

the other is my grandparents' japan. this country is the scum of the earth, run by brutal pigs and dogs, despicable in her hubris and ambition. it is the japan of the Occupation.

i compartmentalize so well that most times these two countries are distinctly separate. arthur golden's book is the reason why i finally see a common thread of dignity stoicism and vulnerability running from one nation to the other.