We were struck by the blending of old and new, hip and conservative, seemingly co-existing peacefully . Everywhere we went, we saw tradition and we saw change, each with its own unique beauty. Cutting edge fashion and kimonos. Salarymen and skateboarders. We saw kids rebelling against their culture, but maintaining the manners and manner of their elders. It’s impossible to know what’s beneath the surface, but old or new, we were continually moved by the vibrancy and warmth that is the Japan that we experienced. Throughout the country, we were treated with respect by all that we met, and that was a part of the beauty of the country that went far beyond the visual. The many contrasts were everywhere, and a visual treat to observe