“Thousand Cranes introduces Western readers to unfamiliar aspects of Japanese culture and geography while comparing pre- and post-World War II Japan. Kawabata manages to integrate Western literary techniques with Eastern spirit while achieving a superb psychological narrative," (Moran). Yasunari Kawabata's novel A Thousand Cranes is set in a post-World War II period and the main character, an orphan, Kikuji becomes involved with Mrs. Ota, one of his father's former lovers, who ends up committing suicide. After her death, Kikuji turns to his daughter, Fumiko. The novel contributes to Japanese aesthetics and shows readers a side of beauty very different. As you read this novel you start to notice things like the four page description about bowls. To most Westerners this may seem strange, they may be perplexed, bored or wondering "why would anyone indulge in bowls for so long." time?" There is a great deal of difference between the Japanese aesthetic presented in Thousand Cranes and the opinions of Westerners. Merriam Webster defines beauty as "the quality of being physically attractive" (beauty). In Westernized countries, beauty is being young, not having gray hair, having wrinkle-free skin and being perfect. Japanese aesthetics are the exact opposite, it's the concept that everything isn't perfect and doesn't have to be. It's okay to be imperfect. Japanese aesthetic concepts such as wabi-sabi explain that it is possible to find beauty even in the old and worn. “Wabi-sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in the imperfection and depth of nature, of accepting the natural cycle, of growth, decay and death. It is simple, slow and uncluttered and reveres authenticity above all. (Lawrence) Although wabi-sabi is ca...... middle of paper ......t their way. Perishability is usually not considered attractive in Western countries. Wear is unpleasant and most want to replace it with a new item. Towards the end of the novel, Kikuji's maid places a morning glory in an ancient gourd. This shows how the useless, old and broken pumpkin was still made momentarily joyful, even if it was short-lived. In conclusion, there are dramatic contrasts between the concept of beauty in Westernized countries and that of Japanese aesthetics presented in Yasunari Kawabata's Thousand Cranes. Westerners often compartmentalize the aesthetic experience when seeing it in a museum, whereas Japanese aesthetics do not limit the experience. It can be experienced through simple, everyday activities such as tea ceremonies. Japanese aesthetics embrace imperfection and age, while Westernized countries try to aim for perfection.