ESL 193 Niagara University Reading Questions: Turning Japanese

Answer the following with specific examples from the text or your knowledge. Plan on
writing at least a long paragraph for each question.

1. Almost all the events pertain to food. How well do these adventures in eating support the
Zen-like point that Julavits is making, namely that “emotional freedom comes with being
aware of the certainty of uncertainty”?

In "Turning Japanese, we can see the idea of embracing uncertainty and finding emotional
freedom through the culinary adventure of the main character. These adventures are plays well
in supporting Zen-like point because by trying out new Japanese dishes and enjoying her life in
Japan, Julavtis is, in a way, experiencing the unknown with excitement. The idea of being
present in the face of uncertainty is consistent with the mindfulness found in Japanese food,
which places a strong focus on savoring each moment. Thanks to this, she is able to cherish
even more the unpredictability in other aspects of life as well.

2. Should Julavits have said more about the other things (besides eating) she did in Japan,
such as her teaching or her work “as a movie extra”? Why or why not?

In my opinion, I do not think that it is necessary for the author to describe more about other
things apart from eating. Firstly, the story itself is detailed and well-described enough that
adding other aspects would make the story less focused and harder to grasp the main idea.
Moreover, the food and the culinary adventure serve as a metaphor for her navigating the
uncertainties of life, bringing the teaching or the work “as a movie extra” in would require careful
thinking and editing so that the metaphor remains clear and powerful.

3. Even though the events of Julvatis’s narrative took place in the past, many of her verbs
are in the present tense. Point out several examples and explain how and what they
contribute to her narrative.

To be honest, I did not realize that the narrative changes until reading the question and I think
this is a really good example of how natural and immersive her story is. By using the present
tense, Julvatis allows readers like me to vividly imagine the scene as it happens. For example,
she used “I remain miserably uncertain … trashy American sweet”, making us feel the same
miserable feeling of craving the rare and unobtainable sweet.

4. Why would the Japanese name a restaurant “Spaghetti and Cake” or Coffee and Golf”?
How apt do you find such names for supposedly “Western” establishments?

I think there can be multiple reasons why people would name a restaurant “Spaghetti and Cake”
or Coffee and Golf” in Japan. First of all, it can attract target customers. For example, “Spaghetti
and Cake” gives people an impression that the this is a café or restaurant serving both Italian
pasta dishes and desserts. Secondly, by naming a restaurant in such a quirky and ridiculous
way, you can make your restaurant stand out.
Personally, Using Western names can be suitable or even desired in some situations,
particularly in places where Western culture has a strong influence or where Western visitors
frequently visit.

5. When and how did the author realize she had “turned Japanese”? And why is the author
so full of “bliss” at the end of her narrative?

things and move to Thailand. I think this action mirrored the beginning action. She started the
story as an American, moving to Japan with the same clueless and full of doubts mind. Then
she had the seemingly unsatisfiable crave for American sweets while in Japan. By the end of
the story, instead of “I would kill for a trashy American sweet”, it is “I want- no, must have- a
bowl of Japanese rice and raw tuna”.

The reason why she felt full of “bliss” at the end is because she had lived her life by the Zen-like
quote “emotional freedom comes with being aware of the certainty of uncertainty”. However,
after the “bean-cake conundrum”, she no longer felt uncertain about that journey anymore, and
that she was “spiritually annihilated by contentment”. No longer could she desire anything ever
again. Realizing that she must have a Japanese dish in Thailand reminded her of her old
culinary journey.

I think this is, in a way, similar to “the thrill of the chase” situation. You can never know what will
happen when you go down that path, and every step is fueled with the fire of anticipation and
excitement. Yet, as the mysteries revealed, what was once the enticing adventure, turned into a
hollow echo of glorious desires.