Meiji Mura

The Meiji era (1867 to 1912) was a period that left Japan dramatically changed. It was the period that Japan really began to use western designs and technologies. Japan is / was an incredibly conservative country and the changes in lifestyle were quite a shock for the society as a whole. It was in this period that Japan became a world power.
Thousands of hired foreigners were brought in to bring knowledge of science, industry, English, military tactics, architecture and the influence is shown in the buildings of that period.
Meiji Mura is a theme park with original buildings from across the country taken to bits and rebuilt here. It also contains a railroad with British steam engines. At the time Britain was exporting rail technology around the world.... How things have changed!!!
The author Natsume Soseki wrote a book called 'I am Cat' which satirises the life of Japanese middle-class during this period. The narrator is a nameless cat. He watches the crazy humans and tries to make sense of their bizarre fashions and behaviours. His house (Soseki's not the cat's) is here and we went to have a look with Ken.
Unfortunately I have heard rumours that the park is having financial difficulties and plans are being drawn up to move some of the more important buildings to other places. We had a great day there so I hope it manages to keep running.
Did everyone have a good chrimbo / new year?