Every month Phantom River Stone holds a poll among our patrons to choose a topic for the blog in the coming month. After tallying the votes (including accumulated votes from previous months), the winning topic that has been voted this time is:
"The Hazuki Residence: Examining details of a traditional Japanese house"
The Hazuki residence: situated at the top of a hill above the residential area, Ryo's childhood home represents a warm, safe haven populated with familiar faces and childhood memories - until that fateful day of the jarring invasion by Lan Di and his black suits.
Part of this reassuring atmosphere arises from the solid construction of the house itself, as described in the official profile (which can be read on the Suka Pass app):
"The house was built in an old traditional style from sturdy Japanese cypress and cedar more than 100 years ago, but its durability is such that no repairs have yet been needed to its roof or tiles, and it conceals within it the construction techniques of the good old days."
"The house was formerly a discontinued temple belonging to the chief priest, and has been built in a traditional, formal style. The grand entrance gate is a remnant of its time as a temple. The rooms inside the house were also at first divided only by Japanese-style sliding doors and screens, but currently a number of the rooms have been renovated to have doors fitted.During the time of Iwao's ancestors, counting back four generations, the main hall underwent alterations and started to be used as a dojo, with the permission of the chief priest".
In this post, our focus will be on exploring features of interest in and around the house itself - both traditional and "modern" items from 1980's Japan. For example, details such as the floor hatch that can be seen in the kitchen, items of furniture, and some of the many smaller objects that add atmosphere but do not serve as part of the gameplay.
Coming soon to the blog!
I'm really looking forward to this topic. Sometimes I lie awake at night thinking about the most bizarre things. For example, the purpose of that back room in the Hazuki Estate, the one with an almost formal character. Just two sofas, a table in the middle. It seems almost business-like and the fact that this room - as one of the few - has a western door underlines the assumption of a representative purpose in receiving important guests. I could even imagine Iwao having conversations with high-ranking Yakuza there in a relationship characterized by mutual respect. The Yakuza must have valued the skills and knowledge of a master of the martial arts, as they themselves pursue tradition and strength and follow their own code of honor. Iwao, on the other hand, saw an opportunity to influence the fate and development of the community and, in return, did not interfere in their affairs as long as they were not clearly morally reprehensible or dangerous for his family. Yes, that's what I then think about with a bit of melancholy, especially at this time of year. Thank you Switch for another year of your great work!
ReplyDeleteThanks David for your kind words! I really enjoyed your thoughts about the meaning and possible history of the guest lounge, which as you say is set apart from the rest of the house, not only by its location but by being the only (along with Ryo's bedroom) truly Western-style room in the house. It is fun to imagine Iwao holding a formal meeting with the head of Nagai Industries there, based on mutual respect. I'd love to mention your comment in the post, if you wouldn't mind? Thank you in return for all your inspiring Shenmue themed tracks and I'm really looking forward to your new creations. Wishing you a Happy Holidays!
DeleteOf course I wouldn't mind Switch, on the contrary! I always had the feeling that the Hazuki Estate has a fascinating story of its own to tell. In view of the dramatic events, this naturally slips into the background and remains untold. Nevertheless, there are clues. From its original purpose as a temple (background knowledge that you have fortunately preserved with the Suka Pass!) to the secret room. More seems hidden, reaching back further into the past but also connected to Iwao's contemporary business. But what business exactly? He is - no disrespect intended - a full-time martial arts teacher. Normally, that would not be enough to finance such an outstanding estate. Strangely enough, the house gives the impression that Iwao is actually some kind of businessman. So what regular business was he involved in? These questions aim at the secrets that Iwao kept, even - or especially - from his closest family circle. This is also reflected e.g. by the Hazuki family style, which is strongly based on the Chinese Baji Quan of all styles... and seems unusual in itself in a Japanese setting.
DeleteTo close the circle to the Yakuza: They are often recruited from socially marginalized groups / ethnic minorities, including Chinese people. This is another reason why it seems fitting that Iwao's dojo does not teach conventional Karate or Jiu-Jitsu, i.e. not a dedicated Japanese martial art, but again a marginal style. In a way, Iwao can therefore be considered a 'wanderer between worlds', just as the estate itself also has aspects of an intermediate place (see e.g. the two Western rooms as you mentioned in the middle of traditional Japanese living art).
Did I mention that I'm particularly looking forward to this article? :-)
Thank you for your permission! Iwao's past definitely may be hiding some secrets to speculate over. Hopefully we'll know more about by the end of the story... I'll do my best with the post although the main focus is likely to be more about the physical aspects than story-related, at least to start with. Perhaps we could invite you to write a guest post with your theories Iwao's background, which would make for a fascinating read!
Delete