Chanpon

This is a fascinating project, launched by a group of alumni of one of Tokyo’s international schools.  The word “chanpon” means a blend of distinctive ingredients, or the juxtaposition of elements that, on the surface, may seem at odds with one another.   Chanpon.org explores those places where Japanese culture makes close contact, for better or worse, with American and other foreign cultures.  From the site’s “About” page:

Chanpon is a celebration of the space at the intersection of cultures, where multiple viewpoints are embraced without necessarily resolving into a coherent whole. Chanpon identity means being able to navigate and embrace different cultural styles simultaneously; it means not only direct experience with multiple cultures, but being able to blend them into a unique and tasty combination. Chanpon culture is a third culture that is not wholly defined by any mainstream national cultures, but can function as a bridge between them and a source of inspiration, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding.

Really interesting stuff to be found here.  Go take a look, either here or from the sidebar.