In what does the image of a country consist? Thus begins the collection of texts “Infinite Circles” by Cees Nootebom. This is one of the questions I asked myself when I first visited Japan. It is difficult to find an answer, mainly due to the fact that when we first visit a place, we leave with an already constructed imaginary that will necessarily influence the way we perceive it. My attention was enraptured by the apparent balance in which such distinct elements coexist. Rituals and tradition, like roots, support the continuing evolution of modernity. The tending of the gardens creates a microcosm where natural components blend in timeless harmony. The silence and composure of the multitude of people who pass through Shibuya and Shinjuku contrasts with the chaos and countless bright stimuli. The need to seek the right amount of time for everything was also indicated in an informational pamphlet for tackling the ascent to Fuji: “Keep a slow and steady pace, take frequent breaks to counteract altitude sickness, but above all to enjoy the view and the presence of your fellow travelers.”

@simone_pam