Thursday, March 19, 2015
Jiro Dreams of Sushi: Film as Literature
Please offer a clear and thorough response for each question.
1. Apprentices and apprenticeships are common in the realm of Japanese sushi. Identify a discipline in which apprenticeships do not currently exist, and propose the implementation of an apprentice-master system.
2. This documentary is devoid of direct narration. Why do you think the filmmakers did this? What is the effect?
3. Psychologists define flow the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. It is clear that sushi preparation and service provides Jiro with this sensation. What hobby, potential career path, or interest provides you with this sensation?
4. Click here and read the review. Would you like to eat at Jiro's restaurant? Why or why not?
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18 comments:
Allison Brooks
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1. There are no apprentice systems in working in politics. Any person can run for public offices as long as they have an education. I imagine it would be difficult to have an apprenticeship for a job like this but perhaps having an intern type person around to observe and help pitch ideas could act as an apprentice.
2. I think the film lacks narration so that the owners of the restaurant could give all the information. Jiro’s restaurant is heavily independent and self-sufficient so it wouldn’t make sense to have another person, who probably knows next to nothing about the sushi business let alone the uniqueness of Jiro’s, tell their story. It makes more sense to have the workers talk first hand about the restaurant because they’ve dedicated so much of their lives to making the place as prestigious as it is.
3. In my life only a couple of activities can put me into a fully focused and calm state like that of Jiro. Playing guitar has given me this feeling the most. I can play for hours on end and not realize the time has past. I am completely focused on the music, the timing, and perfecting a part. I also enjoy drawing. Though it was only recently that I started drawing, it has given me an alternative creative release for the days when music isn’t enough. Learning to draw has challenged me and has required me to spend a long time trying to perfect certain techniques. It requires a lot of focus, sometimes more so than playing guitar.
4. I probably would not eat at Jiro’s restaurant. If the food is being as rushed as the article says, I would much rather someone took the time to prepare my meal so i would be confident that it’s at their best. Also, twenty courses is a lot and I’m not sure I could survive eating that much raw fish. All in all, the reviewer made it seem like the restaurant was a very unpleasant place to eat.
1. A job that, as far as I know, doesn’t have an apprentice is that of an editor. A possible way for an apprenticeship to work with that profession would be for an aspiring editor to work with maybe a chapter or two of the novel that is currently the editor’s responsibility.
2. The film is devoid of direct narration to achieve a more modernized atmosphere and to let the content speak for itself. With voiceovers from Jiro, his sons, and a food critic that appears consistently throughout, among others, a narrator would’ve been utterly unnecessary and a major detraction and distraction.
3. That happens whenever I’m writing, usually sparked by my writing a particularly good line or getting a particularly good idea, possibly an idea that bridges that story together.
4. I probably wouldn’t eat there simply because I’m not a fan of sushi, and I’m also an extremely picky eater.
- Laine Parker
1. Apprentices do not currently exist in the realm of presidency. An apprentice doesn’t follow around Obama and earn from him how to be the next president. An implementation of an apprentice-master system could be put in place for somebody to see what it is like to be president. Somebody could spend a day in the president’s office to see what the occupation has to offer. It would be a good experience for somebody running for office, to see if they really want to pursue presidency and the role of having the world on their shoulders.
2. This documentary doesn’t have direct narration, because the filmmakers wanted different angles to the feelings of people working in their occupation. The filmmakers wanted to cover different perspectives on liking and disliking the field of Japanese sushi. Overall the filmmakers wanted to show the audience how dedication and thrive to do better each time effects the workers and their own skills. The effect as a viewer, the filmmakers displayed how each perspective led to their own skill success. The practice, hard work, and failing until they succeeded was all worth the years spent perfecting it.
3. Sushi preparation and service provides Jiro with the mental state of operation. Jiro is focused constantly to perfect the previous sushi that he had prepared, to make sure it’s better than the last. Jiro tests all of his sushi before it is served and if it doesn’t taste the way he expects it too, then he makes more that are better than the last. He wants each visitor to have the best experience enjoying his sushi. The potential career path that provides me with this sensation is working with kids when I older. I have such joy working with kids that provides me with the mental state of operation.
4. I would still like to eat at Jiro’s restaurant mainly because I would want to experience the tasting of his sushi for myself. The documentary made the restaurant look very well organized. I would want to experience and have the perfected sushi that Jiro makes so it is at its best. I would want to have the sushi that had been passed through the family and business, instead of listening to a critique that may just be making up a story. All that matters is my opinion of the sushi, all people like and dislike different things.
1. Though this film focus's a business that often requires an apprentice, even though this job requires apprentices there are many jobs in the world that don't need apprentices. for example here are a few lawyer, singer's and crossing guards. they may be random but they do not require apprentices.
2. I think this documentary did not use a narrator because they wanted to set a certain emotional feeling so that they could make it feel more passionate even though it is in a different language. that is why it does not have a narrator.
3. I do believe that sushi making provides Jiro with a certain sensation because you see the passion in him while he makes the sushi. If I would have to choose something that makes me feel the same sensation as Jiro while making sushi mine would probably be building. I love architecture but I cant do math so I don't think I have a career in it in the future but I still have a passion for it.
4. After watching the documentary and reading a review I don't think I would want to eat at Jiro's restaurant any time soon for many reason's. first of all his restaurant did not look clean at all. second, would you like to have an 85 year old man touching and squeezing your food then watching you eat it, I think not. and finally I don't like sushi so that about seals the deal for me.
-Connor
1. One well-known profession without a system of apprenticeship is lawyers. An apprenticeship system could possibly exist with older, more experienced lawyers teaching younger law school graduates their ways.
2. I think that the filmmakers chose to use the interviews as a substitute for direct narration in order to give the documentary a more personal feeling, allowing Jiro and the others to speak for themselves rather than have a disconnected narrator give all of the information.
3. I find a similar experience in drawing and painting, as creating art is a skill that I constantly want to improve upon through practice.
4. I do not think that I would personally seek to eat at Jiro’s restaurant, as the price tag is very high for a meal that is often considered rushed, and sushi is not one of my favorite foods.
1. In the field of Engineering there is no current form of apprenticeship, however there is a system of internships which could never easily be turned into apprenticeships. That way perhaps the last quarter or so of an engineering student’s senior year of college can spent on applying their knowledge and building relationships with the companies.
2. They did this in order to underline the importance of the narration that does occur, while also giving the people featured in the documentary to speak their minds. This indirect narration creates a more local and honest feel to what the narration is saying.
3. I personally enjoy reading and learn about history as it is an escape from the moment, though designing and build various things to solve problems.
4. I would not eat a Jiro’s restaurant because it is far too expensive for me and I do not particularly care for Sushi to being with.
1. I believe that all jobs should have apprenticeships. It is important to observe and emulate people who are good at what they do. If apprentices master their work from learning from someone who’s been doing just that for their whole lives, the apprentice learns exactly what to do, and they may also have fresh ideas for their work that the master may not have realized because they have been so wrapped up in what they have been doing their whole lives.
2. I believe that filmmakers avoided a direct narration because it is more powerful with a bunch of people being observed and giving their opinions. After professionals and apprentices being observed, someone says that the process of making sushi is beautiful, and they respect how much Jiro truly cares about the quality and freshness of his sushi. It exemplifies that trait in him. Instead of a faceless narrator telling the audience how much Jiro cares, people who actually know him tell the audience, making them more reliable.
3. Creative writing provides me with the sensation of focus, involvement and fulfillment. If I have a great idea, I will run with it and once I have a finished product, I will feel great. If I start out with something think it’s a good idea and it turns out not to be, I will either abandon it or use it to inspire another idea.
4. After reading Jiro’s review, I would still go to Jiro’s restaurant, but perhaps just once. I would make sure I had a translator and I would have them enter the restaurant before me and have them warn the chefs that I was about to come in. And if they did say mean things about me being a foreigner, I wouldn’t be able to understand them. I can eat pretty fast, so I wouldn’t have a problem with them serving me rather quickly. If the experience was still overall bad for me, and I craved Jiro’s sushi again, I would visit Sushi Nakazawa in New York which is closer to home, less expensive and would almost definitely be a better experience.
Jackie Cotter
1. A job that does not have an apprenticeship is delivery services. The effects of apprenticeship includes greater skill in the field of work and a better work ethic toward the specific job that the apprentice is training for. If an apprenticeship system was implemented into delivery services, the speed and methods would increase.
2. I think the film maker’s choice to avoid a direct narration was to fully immerse the viewers in the Japanese culture. If there was an English speaker narrating certain parts of the movie, the cultural experience of the movie would be different than it was. Through the constant hearing of the Japanese language, the filmmaker puts you directly in Jiro’s sushi restaurant.
3. It is very obvious that Jiro loves making sushi. He is in the mental state flow because he is totally focused when he is making the sushi. It gives him energy because even though h is in his eighties, he is still going to work with energy every day doing what he loves and that is making sushi. The hobby that provides me with this sensation that Jiro gets from sushi is playing music. When playing the drums, the whole body becomes involved, dancing along with the beat that you create.
4. After reading the reviews, I would still like to eat there. Even though the meal is obviously rushed, I would still like to try the food there and see for myself how good it actually is. The place seemed well put together and it would definitely be an interesting experience that I would like to try.
Ryan Wheeler
1. In most careers, someone who is new to the job starts out small to learn the ropes of their practice. However, one job that people are thrust into are positions in the military. Although soldiers undergo vigorous training, they are not fully prepared for what they will encounter in real battle. They are not prepared to kill real human beings, no matter how many targets they have shot at. An apprenticeship system would be helpful in this field, and could be achieved by having a less experienced soldier follow a highly experienced soldier, by physically following them or even following them through video, maybe if the experienced soldier had a camera attached to them so the other soldier could see what they were going through.
2. I think the filmmakers made the documentary devoid of narration because in all reality, it was not necessary. Rather than narrating the making of the sushi, the filmmakers included footage of the sushi being made, which makes the documentary more enjoyable for the viewer. Also, interviews with different people make narrations needless.
3. In the same way sushi making provides Jiro with a sensation of purpose,focus, and enjoyment, food preparation satisfies me. I like it because I feel a sense of purpose and the end result is very rewarding, when someone eats what I made and loves it.
4. Upon reading the review and documentary about Jiro’s restaurant, I would not wish to eat there. I do not like sushi, but even if I did, I would choose to go elsewhere because the environment of the restaurant is not appealing to me. I would not want to be rushed through my meal, and welcoming and warm service would make it much more enjoyable.
1. A discipline that apprenticeships do not exist in is architecture. Although many of the greatest architects go to school many do not become an apprentice to anyone. If there were apprenticeships in architecture we could have people who continue on the work of many of the other great architects. What we should to is implement many of the current great architects with apprentices so they can learn how they build and work.
2. It is devoid of narration because it helps with the point of getting Jiro’s life lesson out. If they talked over what he wanted to say it might have a reverse effect on the story and would end up making the point less impactful than it really was when Jiro talked about why he loves his life so much and how he is happy he lived it that way.
3. A hobby that makes me completely energized and fulfilled is running. I feel completely immersed sometimes and can just zone out and run.
4. I would not like to eat at Jiro’s restaurant because I do not like sushi, I like seafood and I like fish but I just can’t eat raw fish, it makes me feel gross and I want to throw up after.
-Camden Cleathero D 3/20/15
1.) Apprenticeships sometimes does not currently exist in some occupations. Most jobs require experience in the field you are interested in. In most cases, you take classes or learn how to acquire a skill before you are hired for a job. In cases like this, an apprenticeship would not apply. The implementation of an apprentice-master system could consist of one following in their parents footsteps or taking over in business. For example, if your parent were to create a business and want their child to take over, they would learn what to do from their parent. They would have an idealistic vision on their child following in their footsteps.
2.) The filmmakers made this film with direct narration because it was about Jiro’s dreams. He talked about why sushi was so important to him and what made it so special. He also mentioned what made him want to work as a master sushi chef. He gave his own personal thoughts and answers that nobody else would have been able to answer. Jiro is an inspiration to many others including his two sons because he pursued his dreams and always works to become a better chef. The effect of direct narration gives others the chance to see where Jiro’s dreams got him. He has a passion of making sushi and tries to be the best version of himself. It gives others the inspiration to follow their own dreams and see where it takes them.
3.) Jiro’s sushi preparation and service provide him with a sensation from the flow of the mental state of operation. A hobby that gives me that sensation is drawing. I always used to watch my grandfather draw amazing pictures and want to draw just like him. I loved to draw and always tried to become a better drawer by learning new techniques and tools. I would try to perfect a drawing as much as I could and try to replicate the picture exactly. When people love what they do, they always try to become the best version of themselves and to keep perfecting what they do to become better at it.
4.) Personally, I would not want to eat at Jiro’s restaurant. I don’t like sushi so it would be pointless for me to make a reservation a month ahead a time and pay a lot of money for quality fish.
For the most part , there is no apprentice system set up within the american government. It would be very helpful if we had more politicians and people in charge who worked with the previous person to get a better understanding of the position rather than through a person who is unaware of what they are doing into a position of power.
The filmmakers did this to showcase different collaborating voices as an inside look of how the process to make sushi is a partnership between many different groups of people to get the end product. It also was used to highlight the key people who contribute to the process to make the perfect sushi and how it takes time and dedication from each person. The effect is the partnership and dedication ear has to their craft.
The career path/ interest that gives me this drive/ sensation would be looking into the human mind and seeing how it can shape a person. I enjoy people watching and seeing how they intoract when they are unaware others are looking. It fascinates me to see how people are when their guard is down or simply how they react around one person to the next. Its also very fun to categorize people into groups based on the traits they show with their personality. Lately , after having conversations with different people i've been able to tell what personality type they have and if they have any tell tale signs of disorders, anxiety, depression, ADD, OCD, ADHD, and so on. It fascinates me and gives me the need to learn more and to process even more hidden tells and person can give off.
I would most likely not eat at Jiro’s restaurant. He and his staff seem to discriminate upon foreigners and rushes you through a mean that you are spending over 300 dollars on. It seems a bit outrageous to spend that much money on one meal to begin with but as the article said there was other sushi restaurants in tokyo that are just as good and a lot cheaper. Lastly, when you go out for a meal you want a comfortable environment and a friendly atmosphere and his restaurant doesn't give off that vibe.
-Arianna Heath
1.
A discipline that does not have an apprenticeship but may work well with one implemented would be in marketing and sales because what is very important about selling things is body language and language in general. Some of the best ways to learn these techniques is to see them first hand. The ability to analyze how a professional uses these certain tactics and then maybe have the ability to use some in potential sales will provide with hands on experiences that would overall help increase the speed of learning and understanding.
2.
I feel not having the use of the narration in the documentary was effective because rather than using a narrator it uses clips from interviews which gives the film a more personal and intimate feeling to it with those speaking in a way that feels almost directly at you.
3.
I find it very clear in the documentary that preparing sushi gives Jiro that sensation of full focus and energy described; I get this same sensation from dancing. There is something about how it feels to be one with the sound in your ears, to be completely immersed, consumed by the rhythm of the music where every motion, every movement is conjoined to a beat. When I listen to the radio I envision the perfect choreography, note to note, step to step. Jiro may dream of sushi, but I dream of dance.
4.
Despite the understanding of the information of the article, I believe I would still go to Jiro’s restaurant. Having watched the documentary and have an understanding of Jiro’s personality and philosophies, I would know coming in to it that the experience is truly for the sensation of the food, nothing more, nothing less. I would not mind the pace of the meal and knowing Jiro is just a very intent starer and analyzer of his customers would let me not feel necessarily uncomfortable by his intense stare. Also, I wouldn't even bother going to Japan unless I knew some Japanese for safety and navigational reasons. But most importantly, I have a significant respect for Jiro’s love and passion of cooking, and would gladly go to see the 89 year old man with no intention of retirement.
1. Now a days many jobs don't have apprentices. For example, a lawyer doesn't require an apprentice. Even though this job does.
2. Not having a narrator for this film was the best way to do it because it had more personal incite. Jiro told his story and gave information about his restaurant. It made more sense, instead of having a random person tell his story.
3. Similar to Jiro's sensation and dedication for making the perfect sushi, I invest my time in working. I work a lot to better my all around social skills. I enjoy learning how to do new things.
4. I wouldn't eat at Jiro's restaurant mainly because I hate sushi. Also, I don't like the way he prepares his food...kinda gross.
Ashley Dixon
1. A discipline in which an apprenticeship would be useful is politicians. Politicians are mostly just thrown into the world and expected to have connections in order to climb the ranks. If there were apprentices then the transition would be easier and the young men or women trying would learn the tools and techniques to understand the political world.
2. The filmmakers made the film devoid of direct narration so that we can hear the story from the perspective of people directly involved in Jiro’s shop. By having cooks and close food critics tell the story of Jiro, the audience feels a personal connection to the tale and try to make connection between themselves and the cast involved. The effect of having indirect narration makes the documentary easier to relate to and closer to the source of the action. Everything the cast says the audience assumes is completely true because it’s their story.
3. When I’m reading a book everything seems to fall away. Reading lets me forget the world for a little time and allows me to relax. When I’m in a good book no one can get me out of the trance without moving me or shouting at me.
4. If I had the opportunity to eat at Jiro’s restaurant I would definitely agree. Even though his restaurant is not forthcoming to foreigners and the food is rushed, the sushi that I saw created in that shop looked fantastic. The chef truly cares about his food and he has been given a great award so I believe that justifies eating at his shop.
1. A car salesperson doesn't require an apprenticeship because all you need is really great persuasive communication and social polish. Those types of skills can’t be taught very well. If a car salesperson had an apprentice then I think that the person would get in the way of a sale and make the customer feel pressured.
2. This film lacks direct narration because i think the goal of this film is to allude to the fact that this restaurant is amazing, that the film doesn't need direct narration because the restaurant says it all. With the closed captions, it gives the documentary a more authentic look.
3. When I play piano in front of huge crowds I used to get so nervous and not enjoy my time in the spotlight. Last year at the NHS talent show I let go of my fears and I became in this calm, focused aura. During the piano piece I didn't mess up once and I played it perfectly! After all these years I finally figured out how to calm myself before a performance. I also become focused if I'm listening to music or doing anything related to music. I kind of get enveloped in music and let it take a hold of me. I have figured that I can turn on and off this state when I need to, but it takes real determination.
4. If I hadn't read this review and if I wasn't horribly allergic to shellfish, I would go to his restaurant. Now, after I read the review, I wouldn't go because i don't like feeling pressured when eating and I feel like it would be a rude experience because I am a foreigner.
Jillian Blye
1. Even though the job in the movie requires an apprentice, there are many jobs that do not. For example a lawyer does not have an apprentice. Lawyers do things all by themselves with help for no one.
2. Jiro Dreams of Sushi does not have direct narration because the directors wanted to set a more emotional and powerful interpretation of the life with sushi. The movie has a more personal feeling towards it while it is still in Japanese, it shows how the people talk and live.
3. I do believe that sushi making puts Jiro in a mental state of operation, he seems to have a lot of fun at his work. Even though every piece of sushi has to be done well, he has had fun perfecting it over the years. I am in my mental state when I am singing or playing volleyball. Each activity keeps me focused and always wanted to perfect something.
4. I would personally eat nothing at Jiros restaurant. I am a vegetarian so nothing looks appetizing.
1. Apprentices do not exist in the occupation of entertainment. Most singers or actors do not have apprentices. These are skills you either have or you don't have. Singing and acting is a not a skill you can obtain from watching someone else do it, this skill comes from practice and dedication. Sushi making however, can slowly be learned through watching others as displayed in the movie.
2. The filmmakers did not have a direct narrator. I think they did this so a certain effect would remain in the movie. Without a narrator, the film is Jiro’s story, he is telling his story, and he lived this story. With a narrator that effect would be taken away because a stranger would be telling the story.By having Jiro tell his story it allows us to make more of an emotional connection to him, his family, and his story.
3. When I am cheerleading, I am in the same state of mind as Jiro when he makes sushi. When I am at cheer, I feel happy. Cheerleading is something that I have been doing since I was about five and ever since it has become a happy place for me, just like sushi making is a happy place for Jiro. I always look forward to practice, like Jiro looks forward to sushi making, and I never want to leave, just like how Jiro never wants to leave his work.
4. After reading the review of Jiro’s restaurant, I have decided that I would most definitely not want to eat at Jiro’s restaurant. First of all, I do not like sushi which would waste $300 that I could spend on other food that I enjoy much more. Second of all, when people do not speak English I get very flustered. When I get my nails done I can barely comprehend what they are trying to tell me, so I don’t think I could understand someone who speaks no English. Additionally, people who are rude and inconsiderate I get annoyed extremely easily. If the people who work here are discriminate I might just want to leave in the middle of the 30 minute meal.
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