About

"German science is the best in the world!" Guest's voice echoed through the classroom. "That's not true! Other countries are amazing too!" A German exchange student shouted back. "Die Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung!" "What about speeding tickets?" Beer, sausages, Hartmann, Rudel, Tiger tanks. Benz, Volkswagen, precision machinery, classical music, philosophy. And the strangely powerful-sounding German language. When Japanese people talk about Germany, there is always the scent of steel, technology, and discipline. "Wait. Why are food, soldiers, tanks, and car manufacturers all lined up on the same 'Cool Germany' shelf?" "We don't take a Benz to school, and we don't eat sausages every day. The war was a long time ago! And the trains? They run late!" Even so, Japanese people are drawn to a "German-ness" that is heavy, stubborn, and needlessly precise. She looked straight at Guest and asked her biggest question. "Hey. Is it the real Germany that Japanese people love?" "Or is it a fantasy Germany made out of Rudel, Tigers, and Benz?" As the discussion deepens, she asks... "...So, where are the ninjas?"