"Eastern Calligraphy at 'Yume' Center: Its Role in Encouragement and Guiding Us Towards Letting Go of Achievement Aspiration"
Tackling a fresh adventure in Japan or Korea later in life, or linking up with other enthusiasts in Yekaterinburg, peering into the wonders of Asia isn't so complicated. Our site sheds light on the East's growing accessibility to the folks of Yekaterinburg, discussing how Eastern philosophies revamp our minds, and how calligraphy instills humility and the opportunity to dwell in the present. Conversing with Yulia Popova*, director and owner of the "Yume" Eastern Languages and Culture Center in Yekaterinburg, offers incredible insights.
Have ongoing tensions between Russia and Japan affected your biz?
- Not being backed by either Japanese or Russian government entities, the change in international relations hasn't particularly influenced us. We've become more cautious when considering Japanese grants, but we've seen no decline in Eastern culture interest. This year, "Yume" is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and growth continues steadily.
Our enterprise thrives on love. We passionately embrace what we do, cherish our clients, and adore our team, establishing an energy exchange that fortifies our market position and empowers our future advancements.
What about the logistics dilemma of sourcing supplies from Japan?
- Currently, we have to get creative in sourcing goods from Japan. Direct delivery routes are limited, so we ask contacts traveling to Japan to bring something, or inquire with partners about shipping through Armenia or Kazakhstan.
Does domestic substitution work?
- Not really. For example, we've always relied on Japanese paper for origami, as it's superior to Russian alternatives. Now, we're confined to using domestic paper for some events where its quality is acceptable. However, we maintain our standards when it comes to calligraphy, paper, brushes, and tea by seeking supplies through every available channel.
*Our primary clientele does not consist of businesses, although we used to do translations upon request. Business connections with Japan have dwindled after the pandemic. I can't say for sure about Korea; they might not know about us yet, therefore no inquiries.
We cater to the local spiritual inquiries of people. Our primary areas include Japanese and Korean language classes, Eastern calligraphy, manga drawing, and cultural workshops such as Japanese sweets wagashi, Japanese or Korean cuisine, kimono, and tea ceremonies. Additionally, we help plan trips to Japan.
Is a Japan trip, internship, or study now reachable?
- We still have dependable partners in Japan who specialize in collaborating with CIS countries. We assist interested individuals in connecting with them and traveling to Japan through them. Sometimes, small groups tour with our staff members.
Do Japanese citizens visit you?
- Not recently. Before, they'd come as part of various cultural projects or independently, reaching out to us when needed. We're hopeful for a return to normalcy eventually.
What's the price change for learning been over the last four years?
- Since 2020, prices for learning have increased by approximately 15%, less than the inflation rate over four years.
See Through Different Glasses
The learning process brings transformation in one's viewpoint, enlarges consciousness, and aids the realization that we perceive the world differently and act accordingly.
- We don't aim to modify our students, but during the learning process, natural change occurs. And doors begin to open.
People always find it surprising that Japan doesn't use swearing, yet employs a three-tier politeness system, keigo language, and speakers employ different words based on their position or relationship. As you study the language, you'll begin to use Russian equivalents even in letters. However, not everyone readily adapts or accepts another culture - some may even lose interest.
It's essential to decipher the language of culture. If a Japanese person says "let me consider it", it's more likely a no than a yes. If they claim "it's difficult", it means it's impossible to carry out. Thus, certain signals carry unique meanings.
How long does it take for a person to comprehend subtle cues?
- Well, it depends on numerous factors. However, with adequate immersion in the language and culture, a consciousness shift occurs within three years, as one comes to understand Japan's thought patterns.
Do you partner with native speakers for conversational practice?
- There are very few native speakers in Yekaterinburg, so we invite them to our conversation club when possible. Given the circumstances, we provide the opportunity to communicate with native speakers online.
How are Japanese businessmen different from Russian ones?
- Japanese are transparent, even more so honest and trustworthy. If a Japanese says they'll do something, they will. If they express gratitude, they mean it. In Russia, there are reliable people, but also those who may let you down. Japanese, for the most part, are reliable, and adhere strictly to their promises. This is to their advantage. They prioritize strategic partnerships, aren't likely to squander time or effort on fleeting situations. If you maintain long-term relationships, they'll be less likely to abandon you in hardship. Currently, there's a critical situation where old business connections are being severed.
A potential drawback is that Japanese are slower, more conservative, and systematic. It's challenging to win their trust. While proving your worth takes time, the rewards are worth the investment.
Russian businesses often adopt Japanese quality management systems, kanbans, 5S. They might not cater to our preferences. Our businessmen are more dynamic and impulsive, and we dislike waiting. To a certain extent, this is understandable, given Russia's history, where long-term planning is difficult due to constant shifts.
Given a planning horizon of just three days, it's indeed tough to see the bigger picture.
- In Japan, for example, there's a complex situation with nature, characterized by earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires. Some calamity occurs, and you must start fresh. Within this ongoing instability, Japanese seek stability, long-term prospects, etc. These ideals are crucial to them. The Chinese, by contrast, are quite different.
Are people seeking inner stability at your center?
- Yes, they come seeking emotional support because finding that externally is currently impossible. In addition, they find like-minded individuals and a warm, helpful atmosphere. People understand that they are not alone in their fascination with haiku or anime, and it becomes a welcome change for many.
This is the path. Haste and evaluation do not belong to Eastern worldviews; instead, they remain outside, beyond the doors of the "Yume" center.
Do those interested in Japan differ from those interested in Korea?
- In the past, we only catered to Japan, but two years ago, we added Korea. Korean language presents a new challenge for us, causing us to question our approach to the audience.
The South Korean audience is primarily female, consisting largely of Generation Z, attracted to the shining, joyful appeal of K-pop. K-pop idols portray Korea luminously, but in reality, Korea maintains hierarchies even stiffer than Japan in some aspects.
There's a nuance: someone who's captivated by a country's music might not be interested in its language. It's essential for us to give people the opportunity to learn genuine, real Korea. If you go to Korea and try to live according to drama and K-pop depictions, you'll struggle to adapt. It's like only understanding Japan through anime.
Keen enthusiasts may be classified based on their interests: some are consumed by traditional culture, others by anime and manga, and modern culture. Some have practical ambitions: they aspire to reside in Korea, study there, and stay. Other participants learn Korean for self-improvement, as it offers a complex language that stimulates the mind differently than Western tongues.
Predominant Audience - Individuals aged 30 and above, skewing towards 40+, with 70% being women and 30% men. It's not designed to target specific figures or dates, but men, in my opinion, tend to rush and resist letting go of their achievement-oriented mindset. Calligraphy teaches understanding that perfection is unattainable, fostering humility and living in the present, which isn't easy.
Is Calligraphy a Journey?
- Calligraphy is a unique method of meditation, focusing on proper breathing, detachment from the mundane, and the eternal. It's about spirituality and the intangible.
In China and Japan, mastery is achieved in one's seventies, if practiced throughout life. Mastery isn't the goal of Chinese calligraphy; it's considered a path towards longevity. Many people discover new comfort and self-discovery on this path.
For young children, it's incomprehensible. We invite participants from the age of 14. In its classical sense, calligraphy cannot even be called an art; it's a pathway. If one needs support and finds a stable standpoint regarding life's events, calligraphy serves as an ideal choice.
Eastern calligraphy emphasizes body connection, rather than solely refined writing. It's a profound art, with a striking link to martial arts through Taiji, yet also a broader form of body-oriented spiritual practice.
Venturing Eastward
Eastern languages show great promise, but one should consider the entire East, rather than focusing solely on China, as Chinese-Japanese-Korean relations may evolve.
It's not just language learning. Learning a language allows us to comprehend a people's way of thinking, understand their culture, and forge relationships.
Age seven is when children begin Japanese language classes, while Korean classes commence at 11, anticipating the future.
Eastern languages are demanding, and expecting progress like gaining fluency in English in a year is unrealistic. Basic knowledge is beneficial for adults with business ties to these countries, especially China. If Chinese provide their own translator during negotiations, approach with caution, as they may exploit the opportunity for personal gain.
How does your business adjust to Russia's economic pivot towards China?
- Eastern calligraphy primarily focuses on China, and we approach our instruction based on Chinese models. We have a specialist in traditional Chinese culture, and we plan to introduce Chinese language classes.
Authenticity and quality are paramount for us, forming the foundation of our reputation. We never engage in amateurish activities; if we can't excel, we simply don't proceed. Why compromise on quality? It's unnecessary and uninteresting.
We cultivate an Eastern approach to business: we avoid hastiness, there's no aggression in our growth strategy, ensuring a gradual progression that leads to consistent growth. We seek experts, invest time in building relationships, and this sustainable growth follows.
Do you organize mass events?
- Yes, we're both organizers and recipients of invitations to participate. In spring 2024, we hosted a multi-week Eastern culture festival in Yekaterinburg, featuring traditional and modern arts. Next year, we plan to stage our own festival. We have much to share, and we're eager to do so. We're invited to major events like "AsiaBriz", "GIKKcon", "Symphony of Anime". This exposure bolsters our reputation and brings increased recognition. Jokingly, I say that soon we'll become an "event agency" "Yume".
When can we anticipate this direction to flourish?
- Over the summer, we organize Japanese and Korean camps for children. For ten full days, students work with ten experts in arts, language, and delve into contemporary culture. They attend lectures, participate in workshops, meet friends, communicate, play, and collaborate on projects, enlarging their horizons. The outcomes are remarkable, averaging 9.6 for Japanese camps and 9.8 for Korean camps.
*We're planning to actively develop corporate events for those longing for a change from their typical office routine. We can create a unique eastern-style event for any group, offering diverse options. Our history includes intriguing projects, such as online calligraphy lessons during the pandemic for fifty top executives of a prominent Russian bank.
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- Despite ongoing tensions between Russia and Japan, Yulia Popova, the director and owner of the "Yume" Eastern Languages and Culture Center in Yekaterinburg, mentions that their business hasn't particularly been affected by it since they aren't backed by either Japanese or Russian government entities.
- When asked about the logistics dilemma of sourcing supplies from Japan, Yulia Popova reveals that they get creative in procuring goods from Japan, as direct delivery routes are limited, so they ask contacts traveling to Japan to bring something, or inquire with partners about shipping through Armenia or Kazakhstan.
- Yulia Popova shares her insights on how learning Japanese can change a person's perspective, stating that as one studies the language, they begin to use Russian equivalents even in letters, but not everyone readily adapts or accepts another culture.
- Japanese and Korean language classes, Eastern calligraphy, manga drawing, and cultural workshops such as Japanese sweets wagashi, Japanese or Korean cuisine, kimono, and tea ceremonies form the primary areas of focus at the "Yume" Eastern Languages and Culture Center, with a primary audience mostly consisting of individuals aged 30 and above, skewing towards 40+, with 70% being women and 30% men.
