Blog 4- Swing Girls

1. What scene in the movie demonstrated this concept (achievement-based society) well? Explain the reason.
I think the scene where they're all starting to really play the instruments, but are trying to find a place or venue to practice and they keep getting thrown out of places, they get invited to play in front of some guys store and he eventually kicks them out cause of how bad they are. Random passerby's listening in tell the kids that they're awful and kick their sign down, etc.  I think that showcases how much pressure society puts on the kids to practice and actually learn how to play before they'll accept them and allow them to play publicly.

2. Considering gamabari, do you consider Naomi as a Gambari in terms of losing weight using the muscle stimulation? Why? Why not? Explain the reasons through explaining Gambari.
No, I don't think that using the muscle stimulation tool is a Gambari method of losing weight.  Gambari is patience and determination, that would mean to me, losing weight by running, exercising, dieting, etc. Using the tool to try lose weight, but not actually doing anything else beneficial, seems a lazy (and more American way) to lose weight (not that it works anyway).

3. Consider kenkyo, who do you think is the most and least kenkyo? Explain the reasons.
I would say Kaori would probably be the most kenkyo (with Takuo a close second).  Throughout the movie Kaori would showcase her skill (during practice) of being able to keep the tissue up the longest, or learn to play the trombone before anyone else could, yet the whole movie she never spoke up about it.  She remained quiet and reserved throughout the film, never bragging or showing off her skills, and when complimented she played it off like no big deal.  I think those qualities and examples are right in line with Kenkyo, the Japanese virtue of modesty.

4. Considering Honne to Tatemae, after brass band got food poisoning, the girls decided to have Jazz band. Although the girls practiced hard and were able to play a little, the brass band came back and took their places back. What was Honne and Atatemae of Tomoko? Explain why she acted like that. What kinds of influences contribute to the group of jazz band.
Honne to Tatemae is the Japanese view of Private vs Public stance, this is the view you take to fit in with the group and not cause any trouble, vs what you actually think or believe.  Tomoko is a perfect example of this because she was enjoying herself in jazz band, but when the brass band returned from their ailment she left the group along with everyone else, talking about how stupid it was anyway and how they're glad brass band came back so that they wouldn't have to play anymore.  This was all a front because she didn't want to be seen different than the group, she was afraid to go against the grain of everyone else.  I think this Japanese concept aligns with Americans pretty well, I think people will (especially in high school) just go along with the group even if it's not what they actually believe or want.

5. What kinds of feelings/motives are changed from skipping make-up classes to gambaru.
The girls were actually excited about switching classes.  You could tell that none of them wanted to be in the make-up class, so their gambaru was non existent.  Once the switched classes, however, then their gambaru went up, they started trying and caring about what they were doing.

6. In the end, jazz band ended up playing great music. How would you end the movie, if it was not based on ganbari spirit? Explain.
I would have ended it the same way.  The girls practiced hard and deserved the ending that they got regardless of gambari.  I think this isn't just a Japanese concept, there are countless American movies where this same sort of story arc happens. The kids don't care, the kids find a reason to care, the kids try and practice, and eventually get to play in some sort of major venue. This similarity between cultures would lead to a similar ending.

7. Among three concepts, which one is the most difficult to understand. Analyze why you think so comparing with your own experiences. 
I really don't think that any one of the three is too difficult to understand.  I think they all relate in some manner to American ideals and beliefs. Americans have Honne to tatemae and kenkyo and gamabari; the only thing I think I could really say is that we don't go to as much of extremes as they don with these ideals.  Americans don't often work themselves to death, or as a whole aren't that modest or shy. We are these things, there are many Americans who are too modest and don't speak up. But we don't take it as a whole like the Japanese people do, I think.