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My time here in Kyoto has really made realize the beauty and preservation of its history.  What really struck me the most is how its history, relics and community are kept. I think from this study abroad trip, I really observed urban planning. After being in Singapore for about five weeks, I realized that although Singapore is very culturally diverse, its history isn’t really preserved in the same way that Kyoto has. Singapore became independent in 1965 and since then, it has established many policies in order to maintain its heritage all while developing into a very modern and globalized city. From what I have experienced there, I feel like Singapore has been successful in keeping important sites and its community, but I feel like because Singapore really focuses on urban development, it has changed and transformed its sites to keep up with its modernization. In huge contrast, Kyoto has definitely kept its heritage and historic sites much more effectively without making dramatic changes. Kyoto hasn’t really focused on becoming a really large and urbanized city, instead, from what I have noticed, Kyoto focuses on preserving its heritage, specifically its religious establishments.  One can go visit the temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens and still be in awe of its preservation and modernity. Walking through the streets, I have noticed that there is so much culture and because of all the historic sites, it receives a lot more foreign and domestic attention even though there are commercial businesses.

[Teramachi Street]

Something I have kept in mind while wandering the streets of Kyoto is that Kyoto was planned to become a very organized, centralized, and prosperous city. To some extent, it has embodied some of these visions, yet it wasn’t successful in achieving them all completely. Once Edo was chosen as being the new capital, “Kyoto lost its status as the political center of the country, and by about 1630, ceased being Japans largest city” (Stavros, pg.173). This is significant because it demonstrates how the presence of the imperial power influences the city in a positive or negative way. Here, Kyoto was seen to be a city where it was supposed to grow, but once the headquarters of the government changed, everything even up to its urban development left with it. I find it interesting that although it is not very modernized like the other cities in Japan, it receives so much tourist attention and I appreciate how its history is respected and memorialized. After Edo became the new capital, there was fear that Kyoto would become a “virtual museum: a storehouse of priceless historical and cultural treasures with almost no political or economical relevance” (Stavros, pg. 182). Contrarily, with its modernization and preservation regimes such as banning the “construction of high rises and bright colors and gaudy signs” (Stavros, pg. 184), Kyoto has taken a “traditional appearance” and is the number one city for domestic Japanese tourism (Stavros, pg.184).

[Nijo Castle]

The Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji Temple was built in 1398 and reconstructed in 1955 in the northern hills of Kyoto. This temple has three floors, each uniquely built with three different styles (Kinkakuji Temple - 金閣寺, Kyoto, Japan). When I first walked in, I was really overwhelmed to see a lot of people there. This demonstrates how significant it is for the history of Japan and how it’s local and foreign population memorializes it. As I walked, I noticed a lot of greenery. There were a lot of trees, shrubs and mountains/hills in the background. I didn’t go inside, but when I reached the front of the temple I was astounded to see how beautiful it was. Built near a lake, it’s three-story plan reflects on the water. The first floor, called The Chamber of Dharma Waters, is not covered in gold leaf. Made of wood and painted white on the sides, this floor is described to be Shinden style. The inside is very large and open and has many shutters which allows one to see the outside scenery. The second floor, called the Tower of Sounds Waves, is samurai styled and houses the icon of Kannon. The third floor is Zen styled with windows that are round. This floor is much smaller than the rest and on the roof there is Chinese gold phoenix. The second and third floor are covered in gold leafs and it is so beautiful and vibrant  (Kinkakuji Temple - 金閣寺, Kyoto, Japan).

[The Golden Pavilion]

The Silver Pavilion, also known as the Ginkaku-ji Temple was built in 1484 in the east side of Kyoto. This temple was built mimicking the Golden pavilion. In contrast to the Golden pavilion that was covered in golden leafs, this temple was never covered with silver leafs because of the Onin War and other disturbances.This temple has two stories and is made out of wood. The first floor is much more open and large and includes a lot of white painted shutters. Then on the second floor, it has bell shaped windows and is much smaller. On the roof, there is a silver phoenix that looks like the one in the Golden Pavilion. Similarly to the Golden Pavilion, this temple has its own Kannon hall where Buddhist worship is emphasized (Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺), Kyoto, Japan). When entering the area of the Silver Pavilion, there was much more greenery than in the Golden Pavilion. There were more gardens, which included trees, shrubs, waterfalls, bamboos, and bridges. I think that the Silver Pavilion is much closer with nature that it resembles an area where it’s Zen style architecture allows for meditation and reflection. 

[The Silver Pavilion]

[The Silver Pavilion]

I think what makes these two temples very similar yet so different is the way that they are placed with nature. With much Zen influence at the time, I think that the use of borrowed scenery not only demonstrates a simple and connected lifestyle with nature but it also demonstrates a way to be removed from the capital and connect more with religion. Both of the temples use the background such as the trees and hills and this offers a simple and natural look. Personally, I think that in the Golden Pavilion, the golden leafs makes the temple stand out in a materialistic way and does not give much of the appreciation and respect to nature that the Silver Pavilion does. Although, the Silver Pavilion was meant to have silver leafs, I think that it is more beautiful and interesting because of the humble way it that it stands with nature.

In great contrast to my perspective of the temples in nature, I think both temples really demonstrate the power of the Ashikaga Shogunate. These temples highly exemplify the power and wealth of significant leaders of the capital. As a result, this explains why both temples are nicely and intricately constructed. According to Stavros, “upon their owners retirement form public office, they became full-time retirement palaces of substantial size, religious potency, and, most significantly, institutional consequence” (Stavros, pg.97).  This illustrates the division of public and private roles that became really prominent at the time. In addition, because emperors and political figures would go outside the capital after their time in office, nature served as comfort and an opportunity to live freely.

I think both of these temples have left the legacy of how important land allocation was. Even though the capital seemed to be a really well off place to live because of the power, wealth and safety, living outside the capital was significant too. Nature having a lot of significance because of the beauty it represents and the tone of comfort it gives, makes construction and owning land there meaningful. It created tensions with some people because of who had the right to own land there and therefore could increase social hierarchical tensions. In addition, another legacy that was left was how religion was emphasized. Although there were tensions with rulers and religion, the fact that religion was practiced in these beautiful temples and how much attention these temples received, it illustrates that religion was a way of comfort and self-growth and even important political figures practiced it too.

 -Kamille 

"Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺), Kyoto, Japan." Ginkakuji Temple (銀閣寺), Kyoto, Japan. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2015. <http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/japan/kyoto/ginkakuji.php>.

 "Kinkakuji Temple - 金閣寺, Kyoto, Japan." Kinkakuji Temple - 金閣寺, Kyoto, Japan. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2015. http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/japan/kyoto/kinkakuji.php

When Heian-kyo was founded in 794, Emperor Kanmu envisioned a city that displayed its strength and power (Stavros, page 1).  With so much ambition dedicated to demonstrating how centralized and organized it would be, Emperor Kanmu emphasized physical appearance and architecture. As a result, much of what was constructed in this period was influenced by the aspirations of the imperial court and has now shaped Kyoto greatly.

When Heian- kyo was planned, everything including even its land distribution was carefully well thought. Stavros describes Heian-kyo to have been focused on adopting “the technologies, institutions and ideas indicative of a modern ‘civilized’ society” (Stavros, page 7). As a result, the Chinese urban models were mimicked, land grid patterns were seen and affluence was beginning to be more prevalent in the northern areas where the imperial palace was located. In addition, land had more significance since it demonstrated not only social status, but also the people’s motivation to become great like the imperial court. This has shaped Kyoto today because the street signs are still named in accordance to the proximity of the imperial palace. I have walked down the streets in Kyoto and have marveled at how everything is geographically laid out. Store by store, house and departments all in its own place. It is very astounding to see how everything is geometrically divided and it only demonstrates how organized it is. Although, there are flaws because of the rough outlines of the roads, it is interesting to see how much dedication was put in city planning to use space efficiently.

           In addition, the imperial palace had such an important role in demonstrating the ambitions that it served as an example to the city of how strong, organized and beautiful it should be. With its architectural design (vibrant colors, greenery, and materials), most of its design was copied and seen in certain houses, but most importantly in temples and shrines. In addition, although the imperial palace served as a center of Kyoto, and had many cultural influences specifically the Chinese, it served as “a large and complex institution that while cosmetic cues from China, was different on a fundamental level” (Stavros, page 20).  This is indicative of Kyoto taking in different cultural elements and growing and advancing in its own culture.

Since the 1970’s, Singapore has worked to modernize itself in order to compete globally. Focusing mainly on the economy, Singapore has undergone a series of mega urban projects that have shaped not only its efficiency but also its international relations. According to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech, he said “To remake the economy and attract talent, we’ve also got to remake our city. This has to be a city which is full of life and energy and excitement, a place where people want to live, work and play, where they are stimulated to be active, creative and to enjoy life” (Dr. Pow Lecture, 2015). As a result, Singapore has taken the role to attract investors, its local population and tourists. The more modernized it becomes, the more international attention it receives in order to become a global country.

           Firstly, I think that its high technological infrastructure has made Singapore a global country. I have noticed that Singapore is so well planned. Its buildings being so large and tall, being made with glass and metals, having solar panels as well as having green space is the perfect way to grab people’s attention. I think it is beautiful as well as so modern that it just makes me feel like I want to be part of this community. The buildings create an amazing skyline that demonstrates the country’s productivity and I can see why so many people would want to live and work for a country that is so efficient in making its services organized, easy and inherently beautiful. This is seen with the MRT and bus stations, the HBD buildings, Marina Bay Downtown, and New Business and Financial Centre. These sites are all so appealing because of its well thought out design that it not only brings in tourists, but they provide services for its local population.

           Secondly, Singapore’s economy is really indicative of its global competitiveness. Singapore began building its economy by being a port city with bumboats and now it serves as a major entrepot in South East Asia. In the reading on Lee Kuan Yew’s obituary, it was explained, “Singapore had to present itself to the outside world as a reasonably open as well as competently run state” (Bowring, pg. 4). This is significant because it demonstrates Singapores willingness to go above and beyond to build up the country. I have seen the malls, which bring in so much revenue. I also went out one night and I saw such a large population of foreigners enjoying the night life after a day at work. In addition, I think it is also helpful that the national language is English because it symbolizes openness that Singapore tries to advertise to demonstrate that it is interested in international relations.

           Thirdly, I think that Lee Kuan Yew really did shape Singapore into a global country. In the Straits Times, Warren Fernandez wrote an obituary on LKY’s contributions to Singapore. Basically, it demonstrated LKY’s devotion to his country by making policies that would change Singapore’s history for the better. LKY stated, "This country belongs to all of us. We made this country from nothing, from mud-flats... Over 100 years ago, this was a mud-flat, swamp. Today, this is a modern city. Ten years from now, this will be a metropolis. Never fear!" (Fernandez, pg. 2). This is so representative of how much importance is given for the advancement of the country. With nationalistic ideals, LKY’s supporters are not only motivated to make the country a more economical and global, but they also work hard for themselves. In one of my adventures in this trip, I went into a shop where an old and nice man offered a group of us some water and offered to talk to us about the history of his store and his life. Soon after, I asked him what he thought about the redevelopment of the country and how everything seems to be changing rapidly. He responded saying, “look outside, look around you, this is all because of LKY and this is good for everyone”. I was really intrigued in learning what he had to say, but most importantly knowing that Singapore’s development into a global country not only offers services to foreigners, but also to its local population.

Kamille Vargas

Bowring, Philip. "Lee Kuan Yew Obituary." The Guardian. N.p., 25 Mar. 2015. Web. 3 June 2015.

In the Bombay text, Sujata Patel describes, “In a census of 619 notified slums in Bombay, 174 reported no toilets” (Sujata, pg. 340). This quote is so significant because it demonstrates a low standard of living that isn’t expected from a highly developed capital city. As a result, this illustrates how even though there may be economic prosperity and growth, there are still social gaps between the poor and wealthy. In addition, because there is much more attention given to the materialistic world and its globalization, there isn’t much attention given to the people who are suffering. At least for me, I would have never thought that Bombay had one of largest slums in the world. It is sad to see that with so much wealth, other people are not able to escape poverty and move up the social ladder. Although there are steps being taken to make things better, it doesn’t mean that the slums will completely be eliminated. In contrast to Bombay, Singapore has actually evolved into a very organized and highly prosperous economy than what it used to be. Its city planning was well planned and thought out especially with the HBD housing that there aren’t any slums. There is poverty, but the government has placed effective policies for the standard of living not to be low. With its environmental policies, everything is kept clean and organized. Being here, I have not seen areas with extreme poverty and it is striking to see that a city like Bombay may be prosperous yet still have a large gap between the poor and the wealthy. In addition, to compare Bombay with Singapore, both areas do have a gap between the social classes. Opportunities are much higher for the elite and wealthy, yet for the poor or the minorities, it is much harder to move up the social and economic ladder. 

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