14 Comments
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Mighty's avatar

Merhaba Burcu. Thank you for your nice post. My very first photo exhibition was entitled “tokyo-istanbul, parallel universes”. Please visit Kyoto!

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Burcu Basar's avatar

Merhaba! Woww exciting - do you have any online gallery that I can check out? I live in Tokyo but visit Kyoto regularly.

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Mighty's avatar

Günaydin Burcu

http://www.instagram.com/ao_artspace

AO was my own gallery space but I had to leave that house so it's currently on hold. If you send a message there I could redirect you to my other IG !

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Igor's avatar

Great mega domino essay if I may with many buttons to touch, then topics unfolding, then subtopics follow. On a simple note I don’t know how Japanese domestic TV would survive if there was no heat in summer or cold/snow in winter, both being very common things but somehow need reminders in Japan . And yes, bears help a lot by walking into supermarkets. On a deeper note , after 8 years living in Japan , but being a frequenter for 25 years , I’m not sure if it is my paradise as I believe in common sense over the rule and natural vs acting reactions when communicating. But the perfect does not exist. We roam and we find something close. Thank you.

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Burcu Basar's avatar

Igor, I can strongly relate to your deeper note. As always, thank you for your time.

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Sally Hirst's avatar

This is a most profound post. When things are written is far less important than what is written and why. It has made me think about my personal situation - coming from Wales and living in Australia. The two places couldn’t be more different, or further apart. Thank you for provoking my contemplation and a way of distilling my experience that I had not considered until now.

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Burcu Basar's avatar

Thank you, Sally, for your time and comment. Writing about the contrasts between two places helped to put my presence in both worlds in a more intentional context, or I would like to think that it did :)

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Valerie Monroe's avatar

Another magnificent post. Thank you, Burcu, for helping to keep my attachment to Japan robust till I return! xo

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Burcu Basar's avatar

Thank you Valerie, and I am always reachable via email if you would like to discuss destination ideas.

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Secrets from Japan and Beyond's avatar

I love the introduction and a glimpse into your private thinking, especially about life as an immigrant in Japan. As a two time immigrant - India to the UK and UK to Japan - I feel like I know exactly what you mean about Japan providing the space to think clearly...I have a love for India and the UK from afar...but it is always in flux, and sometimes it doesn't work well (that feeling of being from some other place but feeling that same thing in your native lands)… and it is all very chaotic haha. But I think the good outweighs those times.

Your photographs as always are outstanding!

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Burcu Basar's avatar

Thank you so much, as always, for your time and thoughtful note. Your experience across multiple countries comes through in your writing with a very understanding and compassionate tone.

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Secrets from Japan and Beyond's avatar

That's very kind of you to say, Burcu! Thank you so much.

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Chris Corwin's avatar

Wonderful stories and descriptions of your travels!

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Burcu Basar's avatar

Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your time and kind note.

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