[Weekly Update] Japan still uses fax machine.

Currently in Japan. Just came back from Kabuki-cho. The outter wall above Don Quixote is advertising the Amazon Prime Like a Dragon series.

Apparently the show sucks. If I have a dollar for every time I talk about a Japanese IP with a bad adaptation.

CHANNEL UPDATE

Hope you enjoy our last video on Journey to the West. I know this would happen, but it never ceases to amaze me how many people outside of China are already familiar Journey to the West. From what I saw, it seems most people from the UK and Australia are indeed intimately familiar with the Monkey TV series. People from Indonesia are familiar with the Hong Kong series. And interestingly, people from Vietnam are familiar with the Mainland series, which is kinda surprising. And people from Singapore are familiar with both Chinese produced versions.

It also seems people's favorite version are whichever version they saw first. I think that's why they keep on making new adaptations. It's always someone's new experience. And it'll always be someone's favorite.

Soon I'll return from my trip and resume our regular upload schedule. Our next video is on Wong Kar-wai's filming location in Hong Kong, which I have already filmed. As for bonus video, I'm not sure just yet.

CULTURE TALK

Currently I'm in Japan, and it was just like the last time, in ways both good and bad. Coming from China, I'm so used to seeing life change (mostly for the better) within our life time, seeing Japan being so consistent is both depressing and reassuring.

It's a common knowledge on the Internet that Japan still uses fax machines. It's a truthful yet absurd anecdote that captures the essence of Japan. I think by now, Japan is one of the only developed nation to still uses cash this widely. In fact, there are still many shops and stores that accepts only cash, no transit card, no credit car, no digital currency. They aren't some back water shops either, they are ramen stores right in the middle of Shinjuku. This is contrasted against my trip through UK, where I carried 300 Pounds into the country, and came back with 300 Pounds. The whole time I just used my credit card exclusively.

Similarly, Japan continues to uses the old wave at a waiter and pay at the end method of running restaurants. Even at a place as small as a ramen stall or a takoyaki bar, Japan prioritizes the human interaction above convenience. Meanwhile, pretty much all of China has moved onto a QR code system, in which you make your order via your phone and the server brings you your food. You pay up front, again, through your phone. There is basically zero interaction necessary with anyone.

As a massive introvert, I can't say I dislike the way China is handling this. But the contrast also makes me appreciate what Japan is doing. In the process of resisting change, Japan had kept both its flaws and its brilliance. The hospitality cultivated in the Japanese service industry is preserved. Handing over your payment with both hands, and then receiving your change back in a small plate, the formality may be cumbersome, but the physical interaction and the performative nature of it forms a bond that can be subtly felt.

I know I sound like a weeb for saying this, but for the lack of a better word, this "soul" kept alive by what is essentially physical rituals may be of guiding importance as we head towards a more and more digital world. AI arts may create the result of a creative process, but it cannot be part of our human creative ritual, for the simple fact that it cannot be interacted with physically. The magic of a physical interaction is so undervalued these days, I nearly forgot its appeal if not for Japan.

Anyway, that's the update for this week. I have one more update for you before the end of my trip, so maybe I'll have some more Japanese anecdote for you. In the mean time, take care!