pass the parcel

packaging is just something you can't escape from in japan. it's still a big part of the culture, it's a beautiful tradition: an artform. but the translation to modern society often leaves a bad taste in the mouth: you certainly get a grasp of why the japanese (have to) recycle.

you get a plastic bag in almost every shop you visit, even if you don't buy anything. I'm pretty sure this stems from the gift culture that is still a wonderful and integral/evident part of living here. you visit someone - you buy a present. you come back your holibags - you bring a present. (this is the reason postcards are often difficult to find - even in tokyo). so anyway - you go to a shop - you get a bag. as many as you want. it makes them happier if you request more. they're making them out the back.

a nice example of plastic engineering, however, can be seen in modern rice-ball wraps. they enclose the seaweed outer sheet and the rice while keeping them seperate and when you pull the packaging apart in sequence (it feels like rubik designed it the first time you try) the two are married.

but japanese packaging is traditionally so natural; bamboo, leaves, paper.
I'm not disputing the fact that opening most packages in this country is special, intriguing, a real experience. it's just that now it's usually plastic and as many layers as possible. I remember that when I shopped in Sainsburys in the UK they gave a penny back because I always used my panniers on the bike (well, they did it twice anyway) - a pretty pathetic gesture given that in Ireland you pay 20 cents for a plazzy bag in a 7-11. apart from anything else - that's good business! but it certainly shows you the difference in mentality. and japan certainly sits on the fence with the UK when it comes to the issue, even if for different reasons. I'd say the british reason is just pacifism. that could be said for recycling in general. it could be said for a lot of things. oh - my dad was reminding me that plastic bags caught in trees are known as witches knickers. tonights call was definitely worth it!

anyway - I'm investing in the polythene bag industry - and soon you're gonna be paying me for the privilege! hoo-hoo-ha-ha!