"Eastern Calligraphy at 'Yume' Center: Insight into How this Traditional Art Form Nurtures and Guide Us in Letting Go of Success"
Embarking on a Journey into Japanese or Korean Culture in Yekaterinburg
Navigating the realm of Japanese and Korean history, inspired by like-minded individuals in the city of Yekaterinburg, and experiencing a deeper connection with Asia doesn't have to be a daunting task. Our platform delves into the expanding ties between Yekaterinburg residents and the East, the transformative influence of Eastern philosophy on consciousness, and the art of living in the present through Japanese calligraphy, as shared by the director and owner of the Eastern Languages and Culture Center "Yume" in Yekaterinburg, Julia Popova.
Amidst the tensions, how has your business been affected?
Despite the strained relations between Japan and Russia, the Eastern Languages and Culture Center "Yume" has managed to flourish. Government support has never played a significant role in their growth. They have become more cautious about accepting Japanese grants, given the foreign agent law, choosing self-sufficiency instead. The interest in Eastern culture remains strong, and over the past 10 years, the center has continued to see steady growth.
Love fuels the center's energy.
At the heart of everything the center does is love – love for their craft, their students, and their team. This positive energy exchange creates an environment that fosters growth and sets the stage for success.
Navigating the intricate world of Japanese supplies.
Navigating the supply chain with Japan requires a creative approach in the current geopolitical landscape. The center relies on personal connections, friends traveling to Japan, or coordinating through partners to obtain essential supplies from Japan. Import substitution has proven ineffective, as the quality of products just doesn't compare.
The power of Eastern Philosophy.
As students learn Eastern languages, their perspectives on the world begin to shift, and they find themselves thinking and behaving differently. The adjustment occurs naturally, opening up new possibilities and enhancing their understanding of Eastern mindsets.
Surprising parallels can be found in Japanese culture – take the absence of swearing in Japan, or the multi-tiered politeness system known as keigo, where language usage depends on the conversational context. Russian users find themselves incorporating similar practices into their own language usage.
Navigating the complex nuances of Japanese communication takes time and patience, but those willing to embrace the challenge are rewarded with a deeper understanding of the East.
It's a three-year journey to fully grasp external signals.
Immersing oneself in Eastern culture and language opens the doors to a new world, enabling a deeper understanding of the Japanese mindset. After about three years of dedicated effort, students begin to grasp the subtleties of Japanese thought.
Fostering connections with native speakers.
The Eastern Languages and Culture Center "Yume" seeks to create opportunities for formal and informal conversational practice with native speakers. In Yekaterinburg, native speakers are scarce, but the center offers online sessions to bridge this gap.
What sets Japanese businessmen apart from their Russian counterparts?
Japanese businessmen are renowned for their straightforwardness, honesty, and fairness. When they commit to something, they follow through, and their promises carry weight. In Russia, trust can be harder to come by, but once it is earned, the partnership that ensues delivers lasting benefits.
On the flip side, Japanese business practices can appear slow and rigid compared to Russian dynamism. Building trust takes time, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Russian businesses have long employed Japanese quality management systems like Kanban and 5S to streamline their workflows. Alas, these methods do not always fit seamlessly with our more spontaneous business culture.
Adjusting to a three-day horizon.
Working within a three-day planning horizon makes it challenging to see the bigger picture. However, Japan's historical experience with constant instability, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires, has instilled a strong desire for repetition and stability in Japanese society.
Discovering inner balance.
Many students come to the Eastern Languages and Culture Center "Yume" in search of inner support and stability. They find emotional solace, fellowship, and a sense of belonging within the center's warm, nurturing atmosphere. Whether discovered through Eastern calligraphy or anime, this connection with the East offers a breath of fresh air for many.
A world apart: Japan and Korea.
Although the center used to focus solely on Japan, they have recently added Korean language courses to their roster. While audiences interested in Japan appear more introverted in nature, Korean fans tend to be more open and emotional, attracted to the vibrant culture and lightness of K-pop.
Korea, too, has a rigid hierarchical structure, and interested parties need to be wary of the gap between their rosy Hollywood portrayals and the reality of living there. The center aims to help enthusiasts embark on the journey towards a more authentic and meaningful understanding of Korea.
Over time, the center hopes to build a community of like-minded individuals interested in Eastern culture, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting joint growth through a multitude of activities, workshops, and events.
Even amidst geopolitical tensions, the Eastern Languages and Culture Center "Yume" continues to blossom, providing a vibrant space for individuals seeking enrichment and transformation through the beauty and wisdom of the East.
- I'm not sure if the government support is a significant factor, but the Eastern Languages and Culture Center "Yume" has managed to flourish independently.
- The center's director, Julia Popova, shares the art of living in the present through Japanese calligraphy, drawing a strong connection between Eastern philosophy and consciousness.
- In the current geopolitical landscape, navigating the supply chain with Japan requires a creative approach for the center, relying on personal connections and friends traveling to Japan.
- As students learn Eastern languages, they find their perspectives on the world shift, and they begin to think and behave differently, embracing Eastern mindsets.
- Japanese businessmen are renowned for their straightforwardness, honesty, and fairness, standing in stark contrast to the Russian business culture.
- Discovering inner balance and emotional solace are common reasons people come to the Eastern Languages and Culture Center "Yume", finding a breath of fresh air in the connection with the East.
- Although the center initially focused solely on Japan, they have recently added Korean language courses to their roster, aiming to help enthusiasts embark on a journey towards a more authentic and meaningful understanding of Korea.
