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Dr. Story is originally from Brisbane in Australia. He studied at Sophia University as an exchange student sponsored by the Ministry of Education in 1979 and continued to study as a fellow of the Japan Foundation in Tokyo. He also holds a doctorate in International Politics.
In 1992 he took up a post as Consul at the Australian Consulate in Nagoya followed by his current position as Consul General in the Australian Consulate General of Osaka which he began in 1996. Speaking in fluent Japanese, he told us, " I have always lived in Japan's most representative big city areas - Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka." His wife is a Japanese national and over a number of years he has studied Japanese politics and history. With such advantages he is more qualified than most to share highly authoritative views on the life and culture in Kansai. |
Dr. Story has lived in Kansai for nearly five years so I asked him about the features that make Kansai attractive to him. "Undoubtedly it is the life-style of the people living here" he answered, something that he emphasized as being essentially 'Osaka Style'.
He continued, "Although Kansai is similar to Tokyo as a broad cosmopolitan area, I really feel that Kansai has a more relaxed atmosphere in several respects. I could say that Kansai is 'human', 'light' and a place for the common man."
Furthermore, he went on to say that the atmosphere within Kansai allows foreign people like himself to blend in naturally. He said, "In other cities I was often conscious of people looking at me as a foreigner. In Kansai however, and especially in Kobe where I live, I have never once experienced that feeling. I'm accepted in the region quite naturally and, in that sense, Kansai can be said to be very international in outlook."
He added that what makes Kansai attractive in its own right lies in the coexistence of such a friendly atmosphere and the local pride for the history, culture and traditions of the region. "The consciousness of the people in the big towns of Nagoya and Kansai is so different to Tokyo. People living in Kansai are very proud of its history and tradition. Those from other countries like me, or from other cities, can feel at home by having an appreciation of that history and culture. And we can relate to that sense of pride." |
And of course, in every city or town around Kansai, there is a wealth of sightseeing spots. Osaka is a big city full of the vitality of a modern commercial town while also having wonderful cultural facilities. Looking around exhibitions is something Dr. Story enjoys immensely. "The Suntory Museum, for example, has some excellent exhibitions. The other day I went to an exhibition of Emile Gale. It was marvelous."
Kyoto and Nara still have rows of old houses and traditions that impact closely on daily life. And Kobe has promoted Modern City planning, while skillfully blending in the buildings and streets that remain from the Meiji Era to retain a touch of civilization and enlightenment.
Dr. Story's house is located at the foot of Mt. Rokko so he often goes to Kobe on his days off. He said, "I usually visit Motomachi, Harbor Land, China Town (Nankin-machi) etc. The other day I drove to Sannomiya to pick up some of the delicious bakery products you can buy there. I sometimes like to extend my drive as far as Awaji Island."
Dr. Story, a 5th Dan, has practiced 'karate', one of Japan's traditional martial arts for 30 years, ever since he graduated from High school in Australia. Even though attending University in Tokyo, he was also a very serious student of 'karate', and he traveled every month for six years to train at his style's (Shito Ryu - Renbukan) headquarters in Himeji, a hobby that has allowed him to visit Himeji Castle at least 20 times. He praises this world heritage castle to the skies saying, "Himeji is really the best castle in Japan."
Dr. Story finds many of Kansai attractions not only in the famous places, facilities or historic spots but also in the many aspects of daily life such as traditional entertainment, everyday customs, food and clothes. He said, "When it comes to food, eating out and enjoying sushi and tempura is very good here but I like the everyday home cooking most of all. I mainly eat at home and my wife, originally being from this country, allows me to enjoy authentic home cooking. The light flavors of Kansai style home cooking really suit my tastes. Home-cooking dishes that are easy to eat, such as 'okonomiyaki' are also one of Kansai's great attractions. And there are many excellent Chinese noodle shops in Ashiya which I will drive to especially just to eat there. The other day I went to a specialist 'tofu' restaurant. I never realized that 'tofu' could be used for so many different dishes. It's a really wonderful material." |
Dr. Story also said that another attraction he is ever conscious of is the way in which the Japanese life-style closely relates to the four seasons. "In Brisbane, my hometown in Australia, we have only two seasons per year: a hot season and a cool season. Japan, on the other hand, has four seasons and there are a variety of customs to allow the seasonal change to effortlessly blend in with daily life. I also think that having clothes, food and festivals to comfortably match each season also adds to people's lives in a spiritual sense. Japanese kimonos, for example, are not just clothes but a form of expression to display a sense of comfort. The change in the season is reflected in the kimono design. I particularly remember a performance of the traditional Koto stringed harp by 100 kimono-clad women. This was held in the garden at Himeji Castle during the cherry blossom season a couple of years ago. The combination of cherry blossoms, kimono and Koto was perfect for that season." He continued, "My wife has been practicing the tea ceremony and we were delighted to be recently invited to 'Hatsu Gama', the first tea ceremony of the year by Ura-Senke, the famous tea school in Kyoto. The tearoom utensils, kimonos worn by the hosts and guests, the ambience of the garden and the manners used in the ceremony were all superbly integrated to express the heart of a Japanese tradition. It was a wonderful experience."
For Dr. Story, finding the 'heart' that lies behind the 'form' is one of the attractions of Japan. He said, "My wife and I have been practicing the tea ceremony and karate respectively. Karate relates to the tea ceremony in that it is practiced to train the mind and not only as a way to increase physical strength." Considering the words to best describe the region, he referred to Kansai as the 'Heart of Japan' because it allows people to fully experience Japan's traditions and the culture within that places a special emphasis on 'heart'. |
He mentioned that, at the Kansai Consular Corps meetings where he serves as Dean, the members often discuss various ideas for international exchange with Kansai as an area reaching out to the world at large. His own opinion is that, fundamentally, personal contact is the pillar of such exchange. "That exchange can take place almost anywhere in the region, wherever people can enjoy a friendly encounter. It could an ordinary shopping center for example. These places can be very interesting to foreign visitors as sightseeing locations and it is not necessary to visit the famous or historic spots to enjoy meaningful exchange. Kansai in particular has an atmosphere that cherishes human contact." From such words I can feel that he harbors a strong desire for more people from around the world to understand and visit Kansai, from his positions as both Australian Consul General and Dean of the Kansai Consular Corps.
Lastly asked about his enthusiasm for getting involved in international exchange, he answered. "My house is situated at the foot of Mt. Rokko. I have been associating with my wild boar neighbors. Of course, I'm joking but it does remind you how close my home is to mountain nature. Our house commands a great view over modern Kobe below. Beyond, we can see Osaka City surrounding Osaka Bay and sometimes even as far as Wakayama. I find looking out on this view a very emotional experience. There must have been some foreigners who, just like me, gazed at such views from the foot of Mt. Rokko but at a time, over 100 years ago, when Japan was about to transform into a modern state. They had come to Japan with a mission to introduce various western forms of culture and techniques. Japanese people earnestly studied from them and those early exchanges helped Japan to become one of the most industrialized countries in the world today. There may have only been a few hundred foreigners who came to Japan in the beginning but their achievements have had an extraordinary influence down the ages. When I think of that I realize profoundly just how important and grave the responsibility is to be a bridge between the countries." He continued, "Right now my duty is to be a bridge between Australia and Japan. When I remember the bridges linking people that were built by foreigners who lived here in Meiji times I always think of what I should do, and what I can do, for both countries and how to put my thoughts into practice." |
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Dr. Story has a very busy work life as Consul General. He begins work before seven every day and often has a hard schedule of events and meetings on his days off as well. With a wry smile he said, "I do want to visit more places around Kansai and study the history and culture more, but currently I have no time to spare. My lifestyle has become just like those stereotypical hardworking Japanese businessmen who even works on their holidays while feeling sorry for their family." However, despite these words, I could tell from his expression that the hard-working Dr. Story has an enormous sense of pride and mission in his function as a bridge between two countries. |
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