I fell asleep at around 8 pm last night, woke around 10 pm, up until 4:30 am, slept until 9:00 am—up again, and functioned somewhat to vacuum and clean a bit.
Jet Lag.
It is “Let Down” time. Emotions are more raw, weariness sets in, introverts and self-analyzers remember ALL THE MISTAKES EVER MADE….
Laugh, here, please. I can honestly say that things like glances and expressions can factor into the psyche of someone who is over sensitive, like I am.
I need to self-talk my way off the edge.
Things that we remember may have zero impact on others. This is a Truth.
If a negative impact truly happened, and there is repercussion, we absolutely need to clear that up.
I value honesty.
Travel in another culture is fraught with dangers for the free-spirited Americans. As someone who has been in many different countries, and cultures, I can attest to some pretty painful experiences. I have made multiple mistakes, and I am still here…
But I am teachable.
This trip to Japan I quietly noticed several things. Impressions.
Almost everyone Japanese was wearing white, cream, black, tan, or gray. Exclude the kimonos. They are colorful. Most riding the trains were neutrally clothed.
Lots of lace, lots of sheer fabric. Young women. Covered, but revealing.
Very comfortable foot gear, thick soles, cushioning.
Dyed hair seems to be not as prevalent as it was two years ago. Or perhaps it is still more popular in Tokyo.
Periodically we saw cosplayers. Wow. They know how to put an outfit together! Generally they were friendlier to us, as well, a smile in return.
I am someone who smiles a lot. The only Japanese older women who smiled back at me were at church. That bunch was super sweet and welcoming.
We attended Bible Church in Osaka on May 31. It was only a few train stations north from our hotel, and we found it without any problem. The sermon was interpreted for us in English. It was lovely singing familiar hymns, hearing them in Japanese! Precious fellowship.
Christianity is a stark minority in Japan, unlike in Korea, or even China. The culture is so tight that it is truly challenging to introduce the message of salvation by grace alone.
The Jesuits tried to convert the country, a few centuries ago, but their message was not one of grace. Still, perhaps, their efforts widened the door for spiritual change.
I am the one extremely wary of the Illuminati, so I completely expect ulterior motives!
The True Church, a Bible believing body, is growing in parts of Japan. Less than one percent of the population is “Christian,” but that is still over 1,000,000 people.
Their light is significant!
Walking through Buddhist and Shinto temples and gardens can be peaceful, but I felt the dark spiritual oppression. I am a spiritual person. Monks on the streets had the most woebegone expressions. I do not understand those religions enough to say that those demeanors are part of the “faith.” Perhaps they are trying to repulse proselytization.
I am interested in people. The gardens and the structures are impressive and beautiful. I loved walking the meandering paths and over stone slab bridges. I always thrilled at seeing the herons and cranes, the large (huge!) koi in the ponds and moats.
But people are most interesting to me, and that is why I PRAY for them. I pray for the country of Japan.
So much of what they do as a culture is “right!”
Order, cleanliness, peaceful quiet, good food, unseen crime—I felt very safe there. We can analyze why Japan is such a pleasurable vacation spot. I am sure these things mentioned are all important reasons.
But there is more. Spiritual oppression is also noticeable.
These are my personal impressions, but I think others have noticed the same things.
Now, we went to Japan to attend a wedding. Our groom and bride are a very international Chinese couple, so the wedding experience was off-the-charts spectacular, and really not Japanese in the least. I will save that report for another post.
But the contrast is real.
“Japanese polite” is very comfortable, but one always wonders what is hidden.
Kyoto was filled with tourists from all over the world. There were fewer Americans than French, German, and other European visitors. My impression was that there were more non-Japanese in Kyoto than Japanese!
At least the streets and gardens, sights were that way. It is deservedly a prime tourist destination! I met a couple of women, one German, the other American, but living in Germany, and they had been touring for two weeks in Japan, but were about to spend a week in Kyoto alone.
Understandable.
I highly recommend a trip to Kyoto!
I do not expect to return to Japan. Travelling is in my budget, and takes priority over other things in my life (judge me how you will!) I want to see China before the Rapture, and, of course, a brief visit to Hawaii to check off my United States list of all 50 states visited.
If the Lord tarries I’d like to go to Puerto Rico, too.
Several people have recommended Bali as a destination for me.
Where I go I want to be light. I want to make connections. I want to spread the Gospel of peace!
Being an American in Japan was not conducive to much light spreading. I’ve tried to give my reasons. Still, there were moments of hope and joy, and many, many evidences of God’s presence.
I can only hope that this light of Christ was felt and seen.
Keep praying for your “Snatch List.”
Jesus is coming soon to get us.
MARANATHA!