It is spring time and sakura, not only in Tokyo, but in China too, is flowering. A mother with her daughter dressed up in kimono (Japanese traditional clothing) and took photos under some flowering cherry trees the other day in Wuhan University, and they were, unfortunately but almost inevitably, ill-received by the passers-by.
The on-lookers felt especially offended by the wearing of kimono, which may be too "Japanese" for the liking of most of Chinese. It is not perhaps as offensive as a few Japanese military uniforms reminiscent of WWII, but it is still too much.
The media is almost uniformly opposed to the on-lookers, saying that it is only excessive and unnecessary patriotism. Neither sakura nor kimono are related the WWII crimes, and should be given considerations as such.
I am, of course, in support of the media on this issue, but I, too, find this sakura/kimono combination too much for me. I do not hate the Japanese, especially not the current generation; I am learning the Japanese language in the hope that I can view the civilization in a more educated manner. However, at this stage I still have some "nerves" against the Japanese; I wish that it could go away, but it is there. Similarly, I believe that none of the on-lookers in Wuhan University are really that anti-Japanese as to get themselves completely insulate from the Japanese culture. In this age it is too hard. We buy Japanese electronics, use Japanese cosmetics, view Japanese TV series, and read Japanese comic books. Tension still exists, but understanding is growing, and tolerance brewing. Therefore, no one will likely to scold you for viewing sakura, for taking photos of sakura with Canon cameras, or for similar activities related to Japan. However, unfortunately, wearing kimono to the scene is still not quite accepted, and with a little understanding of the opinions of the Chinese people at large, such embarrassment can be avoided.
The mother and daughter said that they had no special intentions. They just thought that wearing kimono under sakura trees was beautiful. So indeed, it is avoidable, as the kimono served no particular important purpose. The mother and daughter did not do anything "wrong"; just that they should have known better.
Now I am writing to the Westerners' dismay, because my suggestion is so undemocratic. But remember: China has always been a collective society (and Japan too), and collective opinions are not to be taken lightly. Just as the US youth do not understand the sadness in someone traveling alone (according to the experience of Haruki Murakami, if I remember correctly), it is OK for the West not to understand the Chinese emphasis on the collective over the individual.
But NOW is a good time to start to understand.
And believe me, just as it is now nothing big to talk about Takuya Kimura in adoration, it will be acceptable to wear kimono to "hanami" in China as well, sooner or later. It is happening. Just wait.
P.S.
Just came across this piece on IHT. Some Westerners do seem to understand collectivism and hold it rather high. Also, this Britannica Blog entry on loneliness by
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