Until today, I always thought the saying, “A
picture is worth a thousand words” was rhetorical excess. But today I typed “Shibuya
Station” into Google maps, looking for how to get from there to “Kinohaus,
Japan.” Google Maps, being the marvel it is, gave me both a map and walking
directions. Here’s where the picture vs. words comes in. In Japan, streets are
not named. And that means, back in the days before the internet, people usually
drew you a map highlighting named buildings (at least they name their
buildings) and other recognizable landmarks to guide you along.
If you have only the written text to work
from, here’s what you’re up against.
From Shibuya Station, head northwest for 61
meters, take the crosswalk and go 69 meters, take the crosswalk and go 75
meters, cross the road and go 24 meters, turn right and go 56 meters, cross the
road and go 55 meters, cross the road and go 29 meters, cross the road and go
50 meters, take the crosswalk and go 96 meters, take the crosswalk and go 53
meters, take a slight left and go 18 meters, turn left and go 24 meters, cross
the road and go 85 meters, cross the road and go 35 meters, cross the road and
go 20 meters, cross the road and destination will be on your right.
God help you if you make one false move and
get out of line.
But here’s the map:
See? A whole world of difference. Never mind
that the picture takes you along a different path. It is far more likely to get
you there.
Now, why the Kinohaus? Because, starting
September 29, they are showing a documentary film called Of Love and Law,
in English, 愛と法 (ai to hou) in Japanese.
More on this to follow…
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