Tag Archives: Amu Plaza

The Spirit Of Young Satsuma

Positioned proudly on Amu Plaza is The Spirit Of Young Satsuma monument celebrating the nineteen students who defied the Overseas Travel Ban in 1865.  They were brave young pioneers of the emerging new Japan in the nineteenth century, symbolizing freedom from the oppression and old traditions of the Shogunate.  They look out in all directions, a sculptural metaphor for venturing out into the world to learn from the technologically advanced European countries and the US.

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Many of them returned home years later to be diplomats, educators and industrial leaders. One became a pioneering settler in California, the state and the era’s leading viticulturist earning him the title Grape King.  They all had different abilities, interests and perceptions, of course. They all had different experiences.  And, they all contributed to the modernization of present day Japan.

There is so much more to the story having to do with Kagoshima’s location, it’s unique ability to trade with other countries, the foresight and bravery of it’s leaders and the daring of each individual young man and their families. It’s a monument rich with the symbolism of creative thinking and pride of accomplishment.

In a way, we’re all erecting  monuments with the living of our own lives.  Who we are becoming is contributing to the lives of our families, friends and business associates and by extension our present day world.  I enjoy thinking about my ancestors coming to Utah from Sweden, Ireland and England in search of freedom, well-being and happiness.  I love watching my children and grandchildren thrive as they pursue those same dreams.  Life on planet Earth is miraculous and delicious.  I’m busy savoring it.

Amu Plaza, Kagoshima Chuo Station

 

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I have such respect for bullet trains in Japan.  They’re so comfortable.  The seats are large and comfy.  They zoom along at 250 miles per hour so smoothly and quietly, whoosh, the countryside just swishes by.  When the train approaches a station, a very pleasant voice calmly lets you know it’s time to gather your belongings and line up at the door.

Lining up at the door is essential, because when the train stops, the door slides open for 45 seconds.  Think about it.  How many things do you do in 45 seconds?  Hopefully, anyone ahead of you in line will move quickly through the door and out of the way so that those following will have time to do the same.  Because, 45 seconds later the door closes and the train starts accelerating.  Wow!  Talk about efficiency!

I recently heard about a travelling mother, in a similar circumstance, telling her children: “Hocus, Pocus, Focus”!  I love that. It’s such a concise message. It certainly applies in this case.  Pay attention.  There’s no time to dawdle.

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The Amu Plaza terminal building is a huge mall with 190 restaurants and stores.  Commuters can relax and have a steak or quickly find anything from that item they’d forgotten to sushi, sandwiches, snacks, coffee, or bottled drinks to enjoy on the train; plus, local specialty sweets and souvenirs.  To top it all off, see a movie in the 10 multiplex theatres and check out the ferris wheel on the sixth floor.  It’s so dramatic!  Bullet trains in Japan are the best!