Foreward
What a coincidence Dr. Allana of Sindhology (writer of the forewards in Sindhi for this book) stayed in Tokyo for five days, I did too besides my total stay of five months, but my observations about the Japanese Language, literature, art, culture and traditions of Japan can never match his (Allana’s) for obvious reasons that Dr. Allana is himself a great figure in this area, whereas, I am only a student of the dry science of economics.
Nevertheless, the longer stay however provides an opportunity to know about everything. For instance, when I found myself un- wrapped in Sauna bath .. هن حمام ۾ سڀ ....., it would never occur to a person taking bird’s eye view that it was not for fun sake or pleasure that Japanese go for Sauna bath but it is the space squeeze which compelled Japanese to provide community baths rather than have the luxury of attached baths in the house.
Nor would an occasional traveler in subway (Chikatetsu) be able to understand why every body around was quite, sleepy with closed eyes. My first impression was that because Bhuddism was their religion (though `Shintoism` is also equally popular), therefore they were all meditating. It was only when I visited the Toyota city and saw the line production of cars where in a few minutes a person has to fix a particular part within certain distance reach. A remarkable match of man with machine. It was here that I learned that how an average Japanese works for more than a twelve hours a day under severe stresses and strains, and thus the period while they are commuting between their homes and place of work they seek the opportunity to have short rest and relaxation after a hard day’s labour. No less than meditation.
Dr. Allana in his forewords for this book (in Sindhi) has pointed out to the interest of Japanese in anthropology and it reminds me of Mr. Jero Kawakita who is also author of “K. J. methods of solving the problems by systematic approach of constructing a problem tree.” He was also an anthropologist who stayed for many years in Nepal and while I was seeking training at United Nations’ centre for the regional development at Nagoya (to prepare a regional plan for Sindh, Pakistan), he gave a lecture on the culture of Sindh and its resemblance with that of Japan. He also was of the view that the common heritage lies in being Asian and in Bhuddism which Dr. Allana says was official religion of Sindh for a very long time. In Japan also the Bhuddist shrines at Kyoto and Nara, and the Pagodas at many places are the ones one must see.
Altaf- the author of this book, through the Japanese folk tales, humour, and poetry portraits the picture of different section of Japanese population in the traditional form. I am sure the next book of Altaf would be on modern tales and mechanical life which today’s Japanese is into.But one thing is quite obvious that modern Japan has retained its culture and tradition quite well. This reminds me of my Japanese friend Yogo San who one day took me to a farm near Nagoya to participate in the completion of their house roof which was always done by family friends, neighbours and co-workers.
The family was very happy to see a foreigner among them participating in the completion of the house which was followed by a great celebration with `Sake` (Japanese wine).
Long after I returned to Pakistan I received a letter from the daughter of the man whose house was completed thanking me for helping them provide the shelter, though I had put only five nails in the roof.
One can write so much on Japan but Altaf would surely not like a competitor. I must thank him for providing me an opportunity to recall my memories about the land of the rising sun from where I learned hard work, patience and endurance-the qualities all average Japanese possesses.
NAZAR MEMON
Lincoln Honolulu
HAWAII- U.S.A
19-6-1982.