EY Y03 L07 The Cost of Culture

  1. Do you have any interest in Japanese antiques and family heirlooms? Why?
  2. Japan is a country where consumers often expect very high standards and where households are prepared to spend a lot of money on well made artisan products that, in some cases, get passed from generation to generation. These include kimonos, Buddhist altars (butsudan), Japanese lacquerware, Paulownia chest of drawers (kiri tansu), inkan, swords and hina doll displays. Name something in your home or in your parents' home that is considered a family heirloom. Tell us a little about what it looks like and how you feel about it.
  3. Who originally bought it? How much did they pay (even a very rough approximation is fine)? Is it worth that now? Why?
  4. Tell us about a friend, an acquaintance, a family member or a celebrity that you have read about who owns an interesting, beautiful or really expensive Japanese antique.
  5. Do you think young people today are as likely to invest in these items as their parents and grandparents? Why?
  6. The Japanese government often spends a significant amount of money trying to keep traditional craftsmanship alive. Is this a good use of tax payers' money? Why?

Question 1

I have a little bit of interest in antiques. I like history and I enjoy looking at some historical art works, especially old paintings and items like swords.

Question 2

I think my parent-in-law have some hina dolls that have been passed down. They do not look so old. I think they have been looked after well.

Question 3

I am not sure, I vaguely remember my wife mentioning her grandmother gave it to her parents. I am not sure which grandmother.

Question 4

I bought some sake cups for my father in Kyoto as a gift. They are not old but look really pretty. They had many nice traditional pictures on them.

Question 5

I think there will always be collectors out there, but I think that the market will shrink.

Question 6

I have mixed feelings about this. There are many important things that need funding but keeping traditions alive is also important. I am leaning towards saying it is a good use of money, but only slightly.

Tough Vocabulary

- English - - Japanese -
passed down 継承