Simultaneously Stagnant & Static

So for my last post this semester I'm actually at a loss, as to what to write about. The theme is changing impressions of Japan and I guess I'm finding it hard to write about because my opinions are exactly that, 'constantly changing'. Its hard for me to pin down a thought without thinking about a different situation where I could easily come to the oppisite conclusion. Some aspects of the culture seem very traditional and unchanged such as the formal way dinner is sometimes presented at a Japanese household. Some nights I've had are just like being in any other multi-cultural cosmopolitan city, albeit with a distinctly Japanese flavour.
My original thoughts about Japan was that it had such an interesting experimental music and art scene that it would be easy to meet japanese people who have similar interests to myself, in wierd and wonderful culture. I have discovered however that the majority of people I meet are only interested in the latest pop song, or talent/idol that the media is pushing at the time. Perhaps this has something to do with the Gaidai bubble but I get the impression that it is like this all over Japan. What this seems to do however is create extremely niche sub-cultures where the people who love it, really, really love it, and the people who make it are phenomenally talented. Japan for me is also the land of the spectacle, where thousands of people will commute to see different coloured leaves, or some gates with lights on them. (I mean yeah they're pretty, but which other country in the world makes an effort to brave the massive crowds, just to go and stand under some lights with your mates?!?) For me these types of events seem to be more about connecting with people rather than the event itself. With some aspects of Japanese culture being so rigid, such as social interaction, these events may act as the social-lube required on a date with someone that you dont know very well. Or maybe it is true that Japanese people appreciate the aesthetic beauty more and so gain a greater fullfilment from visiting them.

I still have another semester here (if all goes according to plan :) and I'm sure that it too will be full of surprises and changing opinions. I still have more layers of the onion to peel back, and I dont think I will ever get to the middle... but I really love onions!!