Love of nature
![1. Both Japanese and western scholarly discourse suggest the Japanese have a profound love for nature and great appreciation of natural beauty.[1] This imagery is idealized and does not necessarily stroke with reality. It has, however, been repeated…](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac1ef9d45776ed72e3ed5f4/1522670678215-SRIQA3JRDTWV9QITG77J/1.jpg)
1. Both Japanese and western scholarly discourse suggest the Japanese have a profound love for nature and great appreciation of natural beauty.[1] This imagery is idealized and does not necessarily stroke with reality. It has, however, been repeated so often that to a certain degree it has become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
[1] Puck, An investigation of Japan’s relation to nature and environment, 72
2. The idea of the Japanese closeness to nature took ground during Meiji (1868-1912), when Japan tried to find its identity in relation to the west. Western orientalist imagery was appropriated by the Japanese. Characteristics that were meant to suggest the weakness of Eastern people, were redefined as strengths.[1] Westerners had supposedly become alienated from nature, whereas the Japanese had stayed true to their close relation with it. The love of nature was presented as the nature of the Japanese.
[1] Rots, A., Forests of the Gods, 109-110
3. In Japan nature is not viewed as opposite of culture. Instead it is seen as oscillating between two extremes. On the one side of the spectrum there is raw or uncooked nature, on the other side lies cooked or wrapped nature. Artificial things can also be categorized as nature.[1]
[1] Kalland and Asquith, Japanese Images of Nature, 15
![4. When nature and culture are not opposed it changes the value put on ‘raw’ or wild nature.[1] Despite the alleged Japanese closeness to nature, the way they treat the environment does not always show this affection. The nature that is out there, f…](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ac1ef9d45776ed72e3ed5f4/1522670702056-8OKX154ZTWO5LI06KMNA/4.jpg)
4. When nature and culture are not opposed it changes the value put on ‘raw’ or wild nature.[1] Despite the alleged Japanese closeness to nature, the way they treat the environment does not always show this affection. The nature that is out there, far away, is easily forgotten.
[1] Rots, A., Forests of the Gods, 123
5. The nature that is said to be most appreciated is the so-called cooked nature. This means that the idea of nature is closely linked to smallness, symbolism and traditional Japanese aesthetics. An appropriation, or translation, of nature in the shape of a bonsai, ikebana, an image, flavor or ritual is still considered nature.
6. During Edo (1603-1868) scenic spots from the countryside were replicated in Tokyo gardens so lords didn’t have to travel home. Gardens were used as microcosms of Japan’s view of the world. A miniature is the transformation of wild nature into an idealized shape, and can be symbolic of another place.
7. In Tokyo nature is far away, and there aren’t a lot of parks. Inhabitants of the city create makeshift gardens in front of their door. Nature is present in the many potted gardens you see throughout the city.
8. The Japanese climate is characterized by a very equal division of the seasons. Rituals to mark the passing of the seasons are a way to strengthen the experience of nature, especially in a city where the ‘real thing’ is so far away. On November 15th 3 or 7 year old girls and 5 year old boys dress up and celebrate the Shichi-Go-San festival at the shrine, to pray for their safe and healthy future.