The Japan We Never Knew and Should Learn About

I recently read The Japan We Never Knew: A Journey of Discovery by David Suzuki and Keibo Oiwa and it was a very interesting read. It lived up to its title. Every part of this book brought new information to me.

Japan is widely known for its advancement in pretty much every field. They are considered one of the most developed economies in the world. Everyone wants to visit Japan at least once in their lifetime. In fact, if you are reading this now, chances are you’ve been to Japan or would love to go there one day. It is high on many people’s bucket list.

This book is divided into 3 parts: War and Peace, Japan’s Diversity, and Nature and Environmentalist.

Each part takes you on a journey, new to one's brain.

First, it discusses the American military existence in Okinawa and how it been a struggle for the people who live in the region. Also, it sheds light on the fact that not all people living in Okinawa classify themselves as 100% Japanese which is news to me.

Then it goes on and narrates the stories of the indigenous people of Japan. The struggle of settling with their identity when they are facing discrimination. I know things have changed in Japan since the release of the book. I wish I could interview Mr. Suzuki to understand more about the current situation. The stories of the Ainu mentioned in the stories are very encouraging for everyone to fight for their own cause. Especially if they are fighting for their identity and respect from others.

Lastly, it speaks about the environmental issues that Japan has been ignoring. Decades ago Japan faced many environmental problems because of wrong practices. There were a lot of cutting trees, wrong ways of farming and general methods of pollution. This was all news to me. Because I always thought Japan had the best awareness when it came to environmental issues.

All in all, this book will slash the image you had of Japan with a sword. Japan has come a long way from its past. It is a nation that is always learning and transforming. For a book to give you an image you never pictured of a country is something to appreciate. And I am glad I came across this book to feed my brain with new knowledge about Japan.    

Podcasts You Need to Check Out Now

Lately, I have been listening to many podcasts. Podcasts have become a very important method to attain knowledge and inspiration in a calming and soothing away. Away from the visual expectations that have been surrounding us in all of the social media platforms. Podcasting has found a need and it will continue to fulfill this growing need. No matter what you are interested in, you will find a suitable podcast that will illuminate your interest.

Here is a list of podcasts I listen to:

1) The Lavendaire Lifestyle

If podcasts can be aesthetically pleasing, then this podcast is very aesthetically pleasing. Aesthetics not in terms of dreamy colors but in terms of how the podcast can be very relaxing and very ear pleasing. The podcast is hosted by Aileen Xu who is a YouTuber and an entrepreneur. This podcast interviews women who are successful in their field. I recommend this podcast because it will open up your horizons on what you are capable of doing. Aileen asks very sophisticated questions that usually tells you about the interviewee beginnings, dreams, and accomplishments and of course their favorite book. The slogan of this podcast is easily my favorite slogan in the world which Aileen came up with herself:

“Life is an art. Make it your masterpiece.”

2) The Fluent Show

This podcast is a hub for all language learners. It shares the excitement that goes behind learning languages. It is quite motivational too because you get to hear about people sharing their progress in language learning. This podcast is hosted by Kerstin and co-hosted by Lindsay from Lindsay Does Languages. For someone who loves learning languages, this is the right podcast to listen to. 

Photo by Juja Han on Unsplash

3) The Tim Ferris Show

In this podcast, you listen to “world-class performers”. This podcast tackles people from different industries and backgrounds. It is an outstanding podcast to learn from inspiring role models.

4) Business Wars

This podcast provides the experience of getting on a rollercoaster of the world of business in a documentary form. It is very different from other podcasts in that it provides a high quality of audio and background music and acting voices. I believe that such a podcast should be used to educate students about the history of some of the well-known brands. 

Books and Authors Mentioned in The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

When I am reading, I tend to take note of books and authors referenced. In hopes of one day reading them, I always make a list in my notebook. Today I share with you references I found in The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah which I reviewed recently. 

1) Madame Bovery by Gustave Flaubert

When the novel was first serialized in La Revue de Paris between 1 October 1856 and 15 December 1856, public prosecutors attacked the novel for obscenity. The resulting trial in January 1857 made the story notorious. After Flaubert's acquittal on 7 February 1857, Madame Bovary became a bestseller in April 1857 when it was published in two volumes. A seminal work of literary realism, the novel is now considered Flaubert's masterpiece, and one of the most influential literary works in history. -Goodreads

2) Autant en Emporte Le Vent

In other words, Gone with the wind by Margaret Mitchell

3) Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire

In English it translates to ‘The Flower of Evil’. A Selection contains 53 poems which the editors feel best represent the total work and which. in their opinion, have been most successfully rendered into English. The French texts as established by Yves Gérard Le Dantec for the Pléiade edition are printed en face. Included are Baudelaire's "Three Drafts of a Preface" and brief notes on the nineteen translators whose work is represented.-From Goodreads

4) Author: Arthur Rimbaud (A French Poet) 

5) Paul-Marie Verlaine  (A French Poet)

Dowager Cixi was an Extraordinary Empress

In this post, I will be discussing Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang

In 2013 when I decided to take a Chinese history course as an elective, I was a bit reluctant. I wanted to learn the language, but languages classes were 3 times a week and history classes were only 2. And since it was an elective, I wanted more free time for my other courses.

I started my Chinese modern culture course in 2014 and a new passion was developed along the way. I became more and more interested in Chinese history. It is because of its intensity, to say the least. The course covered the chinese history in the 20^th century. Before that, we were slightly introduced to Cixi but it was not the course’s focus.

This is why when I saw the name on the cover of this book, I recognized her name… and the author’s name.

Cixi was an extraordinary woman who was the cause of China’s transformation. She always had new ideas and new tactics to overcome issues her country faced. She foresaw the future and built the nation’s current foundation.

At times when women had no rights, Cixi forced everyone to only see her as the fit ruler for a nation that is so big with every measurement you can think of.

This woman despite everything she faced from the loss of her husband, son and lover stood still.

She did allow bad things to happen during her regime but according to the author, she regretted them openly.

I would tell you all about the amazing things she did and all new reforms that occurred during her ruling but then I would be taking away the fun when reading this book.

Regarding the writing style, this book was written with such pose and simple way that anyone could follow along. The author took the time to explain everything thoroughly. I would also recommend reading Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by the same author, if you are interested to know the impact of Mao on China.

After all, this book proves nothing but the fact that women can rule. 

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a Great Book

The novel is about two French sisters trying to survive during World War II. Vianne who wanted to be a good mother and protect her daughter at all cost during the war. And Isabelle (the younger sister) who was never loved by her sister and father, found herself loving her country with all her being.

The two characters were crafted with tremendous care. Isabelle who didn’t care how people thought of her. How she was different from the other girls she went to school with. How she listened to the BBC to get the latest news on the war. How she wanted to have people see beyond her beauty. Not to mention that Isabelle loved to read. Those were all things that made me connect with Isabelle.

I had a hard time liking Vianne at first because of how she treated Isabelle. But I really appreciated how the author wrote such a careful, protective mother who would put her daughter first in any situation.  

Gäetan is another well-developed character even though we hardly see him across the storyline. But his presence was very strong every time he appeared (especially that scene towards the end*insert tears here*).       

This book had me thinking about it during my sleep. I was thinking which sister was still alive. Is it Vianne or Isabelle? Both were still alive? I had so many questions floating in my head. And I love it when a book invades my dreams.

As I was near the end of the novel, I was debating what rating to give it on Goodreads. I thought 4 stars would be fine. But then in the last 2 chapters, I found myself crying. Everything was just a lot to take in. I found myself pausing after every paragraph or so. The ending was so beautiful, mesmerizing and perfect. I ended up giving it 5 stars because it was able to stir up my feelings with its subtle plot.

There are many untold stories about women fighting their way during wars. I am glad the author took time to crown women who fought in a war and gave them life through her writing.