Lost in Translation

A Japanese citizen living in the 1850's where western culture was wildly spreading.

Journal Entry of a Japanese Citizen

Everything I’ve ever known is changing. Ever since these westerners came here to Japan, they’ve been saying how much we are behind and that we need to be modernized. The westerners want us to be more like them but Japan was fine before they intruded. They came to our territory and told us that our way of living doesn’t fit their standard, We shouldn’t have to change because they don’t like it. They won’t even be living here like the rest of us, they won’t have to deal with the change like the rest of us.

My name is Kazuhiro but one westerner couldn’t pronounce my name, he told me he was going to call me Kyle from now on and that everyone else should too so it can be easier for the rest of everyone else. I wonder if he stopped to think that “Kyle” would be difficult for me to pronounce and adjust to.

They want us to be like them, dress like them, talk like them, and eat like them but in their eyes we will never truly be like them.  

Soon we will forget our old ways and forget who we are and where we came from. I am afraid of what is to happen will happen and what Japan will become. I am afraid that all that will be remembered of me will be my fake name, Kyle.

Reviews

[Lol Thats Life]

Dear Christina, The story you have presented to my very eyes is that with great meaning and a plethora of messages the reader can receive. All though it was not very descriptive I still felt as if you were very descriptive in a weird way, it is hard to explain. I honestly do not believe i found anything truly wrong with your story it was supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, so well done.

[Mikayeaye]

As I am reading this there is an ad with a Japanese samurai but anyways it looks good do far. I think that adding the feelings and thoughts of westerners would contribute to the story. The perspective of someone else would help readers understand conflicting sides and all that.