52. Estimates

In Japan, when you get an estimate for anything – a project of some kind, work to be done – the bill will never exceed the estimate! The estimate is an absolute upper limit. This is a very subtle aspect of the culture, but now that we know it, it is very reassuring!

51. Coming of Age Day

In Japan one becomes an adult upon turning 20, and every January everyone who will reach that milestone that year is feted in ceremonies at town and city halls all over the country (if they care to go . . .) It’s a national holiday, but the best part is that many young women dress for the occasion in the traditional kimono, and it is such a treat to see them in their colorful and elegant traditional dress and hairdos. Since the day comes during such a cold month, they often sport large fur collars as well. The young men tend to dress in suits, but this year I saw one wearing a silvery grey hakama, which is basically kimono culottes, and can be worn by women as well. He looked absolutely magnificent, very regal. Definitely a day not to forget your camera when you go out!

47.-50. Music education

In Japan they teach their elementary school kids to sing using do-re-mi, technically called solfeggio. Recently I was treated to two kids singing a common American tune (I can’t remember what it was . . . ) using this technique, and was quite impressed. They will have such a good command of the intervals in music, which should boost not only musical skill but music appreciation. I didn’t even know solfeggio existed until I was in a special high school music theory class . . .

48. They also teach all the kids to play the pianica, a combination keyboard/wind instrument. You blow into a tube connected to the keyboard to enable the keys to make a sound when pressed. The result reminds me of a cheap accordion, but hey – here we have musical training and kinesthetic coordination all in one.

49. Later in elementary school the kids all learn to play the recorder, a real instrument that they can enjoy all their lives if they choose to.

50. And somewhere along the way they become familiar with all the great western composers – Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, etc. How many Americans have even heard of Japanese traditional music?

So, I applaud the musical education of Japan.