It is National Election Day in Japan and talking about 福沢諭吉

Today we hold an upper house election. According to News, prime minister Abe is viewed as an underdog. Might be, prime minister resign depending on the result. now the approval rating for the Cabinet is less 30% or so.　DPJ, Abe's party, still hold two-third of all seats in the lower house.



Abe-Cabinet made too many controversial statements. They have improper bookkeeping problems too.　Accounting for pension may be also a big problem. Many people are fed up. Pension reform is also a bog problem. And also Neo-con's market fundamentalism called as American model of free-market capitalism by Japanese seems to live in disfavor in Japan. I guess Japan would chose English model. If I explain alternatively. However, I think both ruling party and opposition parties are English　moderately. But people seems to regard it as American-model. This situation may turn up some Americans. But it is just a cultural difference. I hope they understand the difference.



However, it is very difficult to foresee the results of the elections. Abe might win.



During the campaign, a famous politician, 亀井静香(Kamei Shizuka), said a very interesting thing. He said ideal country is Bulukeba(Bhutan). I doubted my ears. But he said so.　He said we are going after money and material object too much.　Of course, he is capitalist. All LDP's coalition administration were made by him. He was expelled from LDP by ex-prime minister Koizumi. I had been feeling same some thing in his message. I got the why.



I think ruling parties keep their feet on the ground too much. Opposition parties stick to their ideal too much. There is no party which is perfect for me. But I voted for DPJ because I thought Neo-con's policy is not adapted into Japanese society.



福沢諭吉　(Fukuzawa Yukichi) said



(Fukuzawa Yukichi was one of the most important academian in Japan. He is the face of ten-thousand yen bill.)



宜しく彼の文明を採り此の人心風俗を察し、その国体に従いその政治を守り、これを適するものを撰びて、取るべきものを取り捨てるべきを捨て、始めて調和の宜しきを得べきなりと。



『文明論の概略』　福沢諭吉著　岩波文庫 P29 L11~13



I translated.



Employ European civilization well and see about our fundamental character of the nation. Comply with our fundamental character and keep our policy. Employ a (European) policy which is suitable. Throw by a (European) policy which is not suitable. Take it we should take. Throw by it which we should throw. Then we can bring balance into our society.



文明には外に見わるる物事と内に存する精神と二様の区別あり。外の文明はこれを取るに易く、内の文明はこれを求むるに難し。



同書　P29 L 15~16



Civilizations is double-sided. One is things superficial. The other is inner mentality. The superficial one is easy to take. The inner one is difficult to take.



ある人はただ文明の外形のみを論じて、文明の精神をば捨てて問わざるものの如し。

同書 P31 L2~3



Some one only debate about outer shape and he doesn't discuss about mentality of civilization.



国の文明を謀るには、その難を先にして易を後にし、難きものを得るの度に従ってよくその深浅を測り、乃ちその易きものを施して、正しくその深浅の度を適しめざるべからず。もしあるいはこの順序を誤り、いまだその難きものを得ずして先ず易きものを施さんとするときは、ただその用を為さざるのみならずかえって害を為すこと多し。



同書　P29 最後の行から



When you consider about civilization. Tackle the difficult one at first. Then tackle the easy one later. As you got the difficult one, you must investigate about its "depth" and its "depthless" . Then, bring it to effect adequately. If you screw the order, If you you take easy ones at first and don't get difficult one, it would be brain-dead policy, rather it has a harmful influence.



Well,



He would be right.



A thinker, Nishibe Susumu, said "Country which lives where apart from its own history tends to addle.". Maybe he is right. I think we have to take care not to cause political paralysis. I thought DPJ's policy (also Kamei Shizuka's policy) is more stable, when I think of the long-term benefits. After all, most of politicians are a capitalist. Economic growth is one of most important things for them and me. I don't know whether I'm right or not. But it is limits of my abilities.



Other people would think otherwise. I look forward to see the result tonight.



This morning I met a beetle lie face up on the road. It was very dangerous situation because many cars run the road. I got it home and fed him. Might be it is rumored that I give them royal jelly among beetles. And it advisedly lied face up to get royal jelly. Hmm, anyway it is fun to play with beetle. haha. The photo is the beetle. I took it this morning. Its his pose when I found him.



Have a great sunday!





P.S.



DPJ won by far. DPJ (Prime minister Abe) lost.

Entry for July 28, 2007

Every time I hear about subprime loan issue in America, I call bubble economy burst to mind. Housing-loan companies went under in Japan. People thought real-estate boom was some people's problem. But It reached other areas. Now American analysts say it have little impact on others. But Japanese analysts also said so, and they were wrong.



My classmate's father was the head of a Housing-loan company. Everyday I passed her house. I read a magazine and found a picture of the house. One day, the nameplate was changed. I don't know where she has gone.



Medias put a label on her father as "money-mad". However, my friend was just a student. Might be she is money-mad now but feel bad for her, a teenager, because she was also put a label practically.



Atmosphere in society is clownish. Medias and opposition parties, Komeito, communist party etc instigated people. Even though compulsive injection of public funds into banks was the only answer, many people were rigidly opposed to the policy. But they seems not to feel apologetic for their wrong idea.



In fact, I opposed the policy. However, my brother taught me that the policy is the only answer. He was a journalist of a business magazine and learned it well. I could escape from the stupid world thanks to him. Japan could regain by the policy.



I can find stupidness in this election too. Always people are twisted around media's little finger.



Fortunately, subprime loan issue is very different from Japan's babble economy. It is said it has less impact on economy than Japanese one. Although we have to be careful about its business climate.



I found a very strange Video-report on website of NY-times. This music never chime in with this video. Shakuhachi sticks out like a sore thumb. I've thought some ghost in antiquity emerged in Tokyo. LOL.



I think this video report have big troubles. They let a ULTRA-Right Wing Activist speak in the video but such activists are regarded as stupid in Japan. The Journalists should not take such ultra minority group's opinion. What the journalist investigated? No! Don't mix up conservative wing with such a guy! Please!!! He is not right-wing but Ultra-right-wing. Right-wing would not a well-chosen word. "Conservative right wing" would be better. I hope I didn't fail to listen to the English.



There are some other wrong ones in the report but I haven't time to write about it now.



http://nytimesshorts.feedroom.com/?fr_chl=8404dd9b994ba2c8ae93a06714c0ccb1123...



Always, American medias fail to describe Japan. I hope you ask Japanese people about reports when you see a news report about Japan in America, if you want to confirm with it.



There are some countries say "Japan　prussianize!". But I think I can say Japan as of WW2 was a very strange era through Japanese history. To go by the era is wrong, I think.



I bought a interesting book titled "核武装論, Kaku-busou-ron" which means "atomic armament argumentation" written by a thinker, Susumu Nishibe, who is regarded as right wing person. He seems to talk about it logically. I am enjoying to read it now. I think atomic armament in Japan is a cold day in hell. People never allow to do it emotionally.



These days, it seems I am regarded as a mate by a kind of regular people in the park. They give a salute to me when we met. I also do it.



It is a map of Osaka in Edo era.

Beetle again!

This morning, I found a Kabutomushi(beetle) at the park. He had fallen down when I found him. He was fine. I invited him to my house to take photos and to show friends on Yahoo 360. He allowed me to take photos in exchange for royal jelly honey.



I found he lost a leg somewhere. Although I want to give him a leg, I can nothing for him. I guess he has lost it in the thick of the fight.



Kabutomushi, カブトムシ in Katakana, is a sole kind of beetles in Japan(except Okinawa). Very powerful and brave. I made him to carry my key holder and he could carried it. The job was not in contract. I had to pay bonus, honey, to him. カブト means armor(helmet). ムシ means insect. As to Kuwagata I showed several days ago, クワガタ(Kuwagata) is a prat of samurai warrior helmet's big garnish.



I wondered whether I should bring back him to where he was. Relentless predator(Human Kids) may catch him. But there would be a female beetle whom he wants to tell. Although I worry about him, I brought back him there.



According to Wiki, this Kabutomushi ranges in Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Indochina. I guess Vietnamese know this Kobutomushi. I learned Nokogiri-kuwagata ranges in Japan and Korea.



After that I brought back him where he was, I turned out for an election. I voted for DPJ. In fact, I haven't vote for LDP(Prime minister's party) ever. This time, medias don't report about real issue we are facing a lot. I guess I'll write about it if I have time.



I took the photo at my house. He is the Kabutomushi.



Have a nice sunday!

In Idleness

Hi, today I have nothing to write. Hmm, just I write about me in these days. This morning I walked at the park in rain with me wearing a rain coat. It was very hot and I sweated very much like a "fountain". As if poisons in my body moved outside. These days, I refresh myself to start off the day. I think this is the most rational way to refresh.



It reminds me one of my Kyudo teacher told me same thing. He practiced Kyudo in early morning every day to refresh. He is a great person, can be respected as a person, is a great leader of us too. He became a chief executive of a well-established medical products company, a listed company. I guess people in his company think same thing as me. Personal quality ricochets off the aspect when one draw a bow. His aspect is most Kyudo in the Dojo, I think. He is also a very cultivated christian who knows about Chinese philosophy well. Once he said "Rei(礼, courtesy) is a symbol of kindness.". In fact, we should explain 礼　is a social imperative. But I like his interpretation very much. Interpretation is more important than description about conception of life. Because attitude is most important, I think. I know the stock price was high during his term of office as the head. He is also very smart. I guess the biggest benefit of my Kyudo life was that I met him.



Japanese material arts are not sports but a way of life. Encounter with a great person would be the biggest benefit. Way of life can't be without human life itself.



It reminds me my grand father recommend to me to practice Kyudo. He also knew a person who is a teacher of Kyudo. The teacher was his boss and, in addition, was a feudal lord. In fact, his grand father or father was a feudal lord. He is in a direct line. My grand father said he was a very worthy man. To have great person as a teacher is the secret of Japanese material arts. To put it the other way around, teachers must do self-cultivation. 礼 would be an aspect of character. So, character is the matter. It seems not a few teachers dwell on only the aspects and techniques. But I think Kyudo life starts, when the one dwell on human native. It is my interpretation of which I taught by my grand father who was a Kendo teacher. I can't be great though. haha.



Also I think aspect is just an aspect. Content of aspect is most important and I like a free way in normal life. It would be a reason I liked to study Zen buddhism.



For something completely different, July 29th, we hold a national election, upper house. Hmm, I will vote for conservatives. But there are two big conservatives parties. LDP and DPJ. Their policies are different. LDP is a ruling party. If DPJ won upper house election and next lower house one, Japan's course would be different to some extent.



I wonder how other people regard themselves as an individual. If they vote for only their own convenience, it is sad. In fact, LDP's policy is better to me. But it may not be better to me who is myself in "ourselves". I confirmed myself to vote for a party for myself in "ourselves". It is only thing I decided at this phase. It is would be the individual.



I took the photo at Kawagoe city.



Have a wonderful weekend!

Entry for July 17, 2007

Yesterday, I found a Nokogiri-kuwagata(sawtoothed stag beetle) in front of my house. Stag beetles and beetles are very popular in Japan. The beetle is an endemic species of Japan, I think. The photo is the one. I do like here because there are some kind of wild lives. Several weeks ago, I found a snake called as "青大将, Ao-daishou" which means "Blue General". I grew up where there is almost no wild lives. I had to buy beetles at pet-shops. I do enjoy to meet with them.



When I found the sawtoothed stag beetle, he(male) lacked energy. I fed him. He vacuumed up honey which contains royal jelly. Then he got a new lease on life. Hmm, I guess he couldn't eat foods due to rainy days. Or he was crossed in love?



He totally regained. But he didn't say "thank you" to me. Far from it, he was trying to escape from me. What a ungrateful stag beetle he is! Pay for a meal! haha.



I feel sorry if he can't breed. I took him to a shrine where some beetles and stag beetles are. I put him on the ground and said good bye. I look forward to meet with his sons and daughters in near future. Oh, maybe the person who should say "Thank you" is myself. I was very glad to meet with him. Hmm, yes. Thank you very much!



Have a nice day!

Entry for July 16, 2007

Today, a huge earth quake hit Japan. It hit mainly Niigara prefecture and Nagano prefecture. Here also was shaken. However it was not powerful here. I'm OK. I saw an atomic power plant in Niigata prefecture was suffering from a fire. It seems the earthquake almost strike the plant directly. The plant was emitting black smoke. The plant provides electricity with Tokyo area. I was frightened a little. News reporter said just an appliance for voltage was on fire. Hmm, earthquake is a kind of chronic disease for Japanese. Only we can do is to relate well to earthquakes. 5 people were killed by it, we are reported, at the moment. As is always the case. I hope no more victims.



I took the photo at Kaowagoe city.



Have a nice week!

Today's Journal

Typhoon No.4 came Tokyo area but it had been already weakened. Usually, clouds move toward west from east in Japan due to westerlies. However, in the north part of typhoon, clouds move toward east from west. I enjoyed to see the sight. I saw beautiful reddening clouds over the typhoon. All typhoons purify air. It may be a beautiful sunny day tomorrow. I used to enjoy to see Mt. Fuji when I lived in Tokyo.



I walked about 7 miles in the wind. I found a turtle at the park. The kind is Ishi-game. Ishi means rock, Game means turtle. It has a rock like carapace. It noticed me nearing and hided in the carapace "on the jogging track." haha. I think it should have run a way. I rolled over it. It intended to be a rock or intended to be a death. I prodded it with a stick with me thinking that it may get be laughing. But it didn't. I get it out of the track because some one may step upon it. When I was there again, the turtle already has gone. MIght be, the turtle has suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder. If so, I'm sorry!



I took a movie of me introducing my self but I don't know how to use my editing software. I may attach it on my blog if I understand how to use it.



I read a news that some Chinese eel products may contain poisons. It is disturbing me. I ate Chinese eels many times. "Developing country" can't be a due reason for dangerous food products. They, make such products, are downright fool.



It is often said the economic development of China is for maintaining dictatorship of Chinese Communist Party. I hope they don't export dangerous products also for the communists.



I took the photo at Nakain-temple in Kawagoe. The house called as 不染亭(Fusentei) was 島崎藤村(Shimazaki Toson)'s house.

Today's Diary

Well, now a powerful typhoon is hitting Japan. It is in west now and will be moving to east. Many cities and towns and villages caught in the storm. It seems the typhoon hits Tokyo tomorrow. Typhoon is very ordinary in Japan. It was too bad I couldn't see fire works at Kawagoe tonight. Maybe I can see it tomorrow night. It was also too bad I couldn't watch baseball game of Tigers tonight.



Today, I bought a cheap video camcorder which I ordered several days ago. It seems it is a Japanese company's product but there is no latest tech in the cam. :-) It costed me only about $80 or so. I bought it at a sale. Usually it cost you $160 or so. At any rate, it is very cheap one.



In the afternoon, I bought a 2GB SD card and went out to take movies. I found that it is not good with taking photos. And the sharpness of an image is not good. Movies took with my IXY(Cannon's digital camera) are more beautiful than the cam. :-D But it is a very good cam as a toy.　If I took some interesting movie, I'll show you.



It is troublesome to carry Video cam, Digital Camera, Mobile phone, iPod and wallet in my bag. I want a product which put together them. Oh, I also want a product which also can use as a handkerchief. In addition, I want a 3-dimensional touch screen with mobile machine.



I would like to take a walk in the typhoon. It is OK, always typhoon are weakened by land features. The typhoon seems come to tokyo through coast area, not through offing. So, weakened typhoon will come to Tokyo. The wind is a bit interesting because it is different from usual wind.



Last year, I was astonished because a Hurricane came to seas close to Japan.



Oh, now I can't watch any TV program of CSTV due to bad wether!　Tonight, a pitcher, Kuroda, who play with Hiroshima-carp notched up 100 wins! Congratulations!　I wanted him to play with TIgers.



What kind of breaking ball can you deliver? I can throw curveball, slider, slider which drops, screwball, fork-ball and fast ball.



Well, I want to play with the Video cam now. Monday next week is holiday in Japan.



Have a nice weekend!



I took the photo at Kawagoe city! It is a Japanese restaurant's advertising display. You may be able to eat dishes cooked by Hayato-san! 徳川 is Tokugawa in Roman alphabet.

You Suicide?

So far, I lost several friends due to suicide. Every time when I hear news about suicide, I remember faces of the friends and think what this society was for them. I read a news and an article in magazine about suicide yesterday.



In Japan, now, the second most common cause of death among national government employees is suicide. The commonest cause of death is cancer. Third most common cause is cardiac disease.



The cause of suicide is hard work. Government cut employees and it caused hard work situation. Hard work caused mental illness. Employees who suffered from it take days off which cause harder work for healthy employees etc. Then Healthy ones suffered from mental illness etc. It is a negative spiral.



I think civil-service workers are blessed with the situation. Now 10% of workers at medium and small companies have thought of suicide in the past one year. They work in serious bad situation. Exporting companies are in excellent condition now. But domestic demand oriented industries are still in bad situation in many cases. Workers face impossible quotas.



It is said 21th century would be "the age of heart" in end of 20th century in Japan. It has realized. Now many people suffered from mental problems. "The age of heart" means Japanese people value spiritual richness in 21th century. So, we face contradictory result now.



Japan is destined to be forced to make most competitive products. But awkward shape development absolutely collapse life of Japanese. Then it would affect competitive edge of Japan. It is a negative spiral. We need to think of this society again.



This society is a serial Killer. At least, it was a serial killer for them who died.



Well I have to go.



I took the photo at Nakain-temple in Kawagoe city.

Well,

How is weather in your country? It is still rainy season in Japan. Everyday It is not hot but cool and humidity level is high. Today, there is much moss on bark of trees at the park where I took a walk. Flowers of hydrangea are ding to large extent. Rainy season would end soon. Tonight, I walked about 4 miles. I drank Coke-zero. Last night and tonight my Tigers won against Giants. Finally, Tigers started in chase of them. How is your favorite team? I found my KOMATSUs stocks rallied to a high for the year again. Today is a nice day. Have a nice day.



I took the photo at Kitain-temple in Kawagoe city.

玄奘三蔵(Genjyo Sanzo)

玄奘三蔵 was a monk in China. He did great job. He is one of the greatest monks in history. At first, these days I diet myself. Today I walked about 8 miles in rain. I would consumed about 700k calories, which equivalents to 100g fat. People tends to hate rainy day but I do like it. Sound of rain is so nice, very peaceful. When I hear the sound, I hear the truth of the world. Indians explained about what I hear.



But I was walking with iPod. I was listening Godaigo's songs.

"Monkey magic" is my favorite among their songs.



You can listen the song in TV drama's video. But it is piracy-friendly. I just tell you where files are on Youtube. :-) I guess it doesn't struck a blow to sales by seeing though.



You can also see the most beautiful girl in Japan. Her name is 夏目雅子 (Natsume Masako). She acted the monk you would see. I fall in love with her when I first sees, any number of times in my life. :-D haha. Unfortunately, she died of leukemia years ago.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp7KnK_vs_I



Nest one is the TV drama's ending song. "Gandhara". Even if you, Americans, don't know any Japanese songs, you would be able to sing this song. Most of all Japanese know this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Uf4SO50qKI



I've listened most of all famous Japanese bands except Visual-kei. When we write off our bent and trend, Godaigo would be the best band in history of Japanese pop music.



The TV drama's tittle is "Saiyuuki". 西遊記 in Kanji. It is a novel about a Chinese famous monk, 玄奘三蔵(Genjyo Sanzo), who travelled India. Natsume Masake is Sanzo.



The Gandhara's lyrics means:



It is said, if you go there, all dreams come true.

Everybody want to visit, but it is the far Country.

The country's name is Gandhara, Utopia in some place.

I wonder, how can I go there? I do want to know it.



Gandhara, Gandhara

They said it was in India.

Gandhara, Gandhara

Country of love, Gandhara.



I used to watch this TV drama when I was a kid.



I think he should have sang "country of mercy" but it is OK. I do like this song.



This song make me to want to visit Gandhara.



玄奘三蔵(Genjyo Sanzo) had travelled Indian subcontinent and introduced many sutras to China. Most famous sutra in Japan is 般若心経(Hannya-shin-gyo in Japanese. Prajñā-pāramitā-hṛdaya in sanskrit), which is translated by Sanzo. In addition, it is just a hypothesis. An American researcher says "Sanzo fabricated the sutra.". It is hard to imagine to Japanese because he is one of the greatest monk in history. A Japanese temple has the sutra written in sanskrit and there is no other sanskrit ones in the world. It is the rationale of hypothesis by the American.



As to Hannya Shingyo, I don't explain it because it is so famous and you would be able to read a book about it in English. Generally it is said the sutra contains all wisdom of Buddhism in about 250 words. However, it would not and it is unclear that what purpose of the sutra is. You can see mantra in end of the sutra, gate,gate, para gate,,, Some one said the sutra is explanation about the mantra. The mantra is said it is a mantra against evil by some researchers. Genjyo also introduced thought of Yoga-buddhist-sect. Yoga is not just one people practice for health. The relation between buddhism and Yoga is not unclear. Someone says ,buddhism was originated in yoga, someone says yoga is originated in buddhism. At least, we can find yoga and buddhism are very similar.



The yoga one was introduced to Japan too. 法相宗(Hossou-shu) in Nara is the yoga sect. But this sect is not common sect, monks only studied it to seek out what buddhism is.



法相宗(Hossou-shu) in China become largest sect but they lost authority. It is said one of the reason is that they lost support because the sect said there are two kind of people, one is people who can get enlightenment, the other is destined people who can't get it. Well, 法 means truth. 相 means aspect. 宗 means sect. 宗 also means "important".



Well, I need to sleep.



I took the photo at Aizu city. It is Turuga castle.



I may add another explanation about this sect in this blog.



I need to rest now.



Have a nice day!

My diary.

I took a walk at Kawagoe city today. I visited an old shopping street, a castle, a museum and temples. I ate lunch at a Japanese restaurant but I had forgotten the restaurant's foods are not delicious.



I offered incense incense sticks at Kitain-temple. People absconded with my smoke of incense and smeared the smoke over their body. :-) Hmm, it would mean I gave the smoke in charity. :-) If you coat with the smoke to your head, your head become a clear head. If you coat with it to your injured part of your body, it recovers. Please don't blame me even if you couldn't recover. :-D Just I explain why they did so. I also did it.



I also visited Nakain-temple. This temple has about 1,200 years history. I haven't saw its all of its main buddha statue but finally I saw the main statue. Really good statues. Beautiful and sublime.



You can see the main statue and explanation about the temple.

Nakain's web site



Kawagoe is a historical and famous place where a war lord, Hojyo Ujiyasu, beat downed 80,000 samurais with only 8,000 samurais. The war is known as one of three major night battles of age of provincial wars in Japan.



I saw a TV program about Incan civilization tonight. It is a really interesting and intriguing civilization. I feel bad for current Spanish people who always become badmen when we talk about the civilization. TV program explained the civilization become great not by ripping off but by giving. It was a memorable　word.



Have a nice week!

Eliica

Tonight I saw an interesting TV program and learned about a battery car developed by an university in Tokyo. Always I'm impressed by scientists.



http://www.eliica.com/



It costs you only 1.2 cents to run 1km. (about 1.6Km = 1 mile). Its accelerating force is more powerful than Porsche. It(high accelerating performance model) takes only 7 seconds to speed to 100 miles/h. Porsche takes 9.2 seconds or so. Max speed is over 230 miles/h (High speed model)



Unfortunately, I could find only web sites written in Japanese.



The car has 8 tires. Each of them have a motor to eliminate power loss. Battery is in its "body frame". A roomy space is in the car. The professor says environmental measure is not to bear with something. As to cars, he maybe right.



The Battery is not a hydrogen battery but a lithium-ion battery. It takes only 4 minuets to charge up to 70%, or 30 minuets in the case of a high accelerating performance car. Cruising distance is 200km, or 320km(high accelerating performance model) at this phase.



I guess cost of manufacturing would be the problem.



Oh, I found a video in English on youtube now.







This is Eliica vs Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, in Japanese.







But, I want to drive a Porsche. :-)



No photo, today.



Have a nice weekend!

Picture of Tokyo

It seems most of Japanese people don't think Japan is beautiful country, according to a news paper. I think I understand why they think so. I agree. You can see Tokyo in the picture. Tokyo is as if a festering sore, frostbitten skin or something. If Tokyo was Firenze like city, I would be proud of Tokyo.



It is said huge earth quake struck cyclically every 60 years in Tokyo. Last one struck in 1923. But It didn't strike Tokyo in 1983. Why? I guess the reason is weight of people and buildings, cars and so on. :-) Their weight press the earth, I think.



Now, Japanese government is implement countermeasures to metabolic syndrome. If people get their weight off, Tokyo lighten. Then huge earth quake would strike if I am right. :-)



Once a Chinese person said "Is really Japan an advanced country in environmental measure?". It seems many Japanese argued against the Chinese. However, I think the Chinese noted very important thing. Because there are many other measure which we can do for environment. His opinion made people to notice them. I think of them again. Do we really need 3000cc cars to go shopping? Do we really need such many papers? Do we really need suit jacket in summer? etc.



I read a news article that BMW developed production-model-hydrogen-engine-car. I hope they beforehand with Japanese car companies. BMW's leading-edge cars was good to hear, would provide a stimulant for Japanese companies and American companies.



A novelist, Endo Shusaku, said he wondered about difference between Osaka area and Tokyo area because he couldn't settle down in Tokyo. He concluded that the difference is whether there are mountains or not. People in Osaka area see mountains which are exist since ancient era and exist with literatures and myth everyday while people in Tokyo don't see mountains. Endo said the difference must be affect people's mind. I don't mean people in Osaka area(Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara) are more good for the ecology. However, I can't deny I feel something going out of control in centre of Tokyo, seeing the picture. In centre of Osaka, we can't see any mountains because buildings interrupt. I also find something same in Osaka. I thought these things today.



Well, I have to eat dinner!



Have a nice day!

Travel

I traveled Tohoku region. I visited Matsushima, Sendai, Fukushima, Yonezawa, Aizu, Kinugawa during the 6 days 5 nights.



1st day, I got on Super Express Komachi at Tokyo staion. Eating Ekiben(train lunch), I enjoyed landscape of rural area. There were many rice fields, and mountains. I changed train at Sendai station, and arrived at Matsushima.



These are photos I took at Matsushima.





















This is Ojima.



Matsushima is here.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=38.367502,141.068916&spn=0.163392,0.246506&t=k&z=12&om=1



Matsushima is one of three most scenic spots in Japan. Matsuo Basho composed a famous poem that "松島や　あぁ松島や　松島や". It sounds "Matsushima ya, Ah Matsushima ya, Matsu shima ya". All Japanese know this poem. This is the masterpiece among masterpieces. I would mean "Oh, Matsushima, Oh Matsushima!, Oh, Matsushima". For students, this poem is a bit of joke. We used to compose similar poems. For example, Awaji island, oh Awaji island, Awaji island. Walkman, Oh walkman, walkman. Grand canyon, Ah, Grand canyon, Grand canyon.



There are several hundreds small islands in Matsushima. Most of them are very beautiful and some of them are very unique. Oh, Matsushima means "Pine island". There are many pine trees on the small islands.



I love Ojima island so much. Ojima means Men island. O means male. Jima means island. There are much moss, many buddha statues, many rocks, many pine trees on the small island. Even though it was hot day, wind was very cool. Fishes jump up and down in the sea. Other islands which I can see from Ojima were so beautiful.



I said Matsushima is one of three most scenic spots in Japan. Amano-hashidate and Miyajima are the rest of three. I've visited Miyajima when I was 11 years old, and used to visited Amano-Hashidate many times by motor cycle. Each spots are so beautiful, I think. This was first time to visit Matsushima. I was really impressed.



It seems Matsushima is a name of a village. There is a Zen temple too. Ojima is one of temple grounds of the temple. The temple is family temple of Date clan.



All Japanese would know 伊達政宗(Date Masamune). He was a war lord. His TV drama was so popular in Japan. I think the drama was broadcasted 18 years ago. Watanabe Ken acted Date Masamune. I think it was his debut volume. Japanese people spoke very highly of him.



In the temple, there are many small caves. It seems Tendai monks used to practiced Shikan in the cave long time ago. Shikan (止観) 's Shi means "stop", Kan would means outsight in English. That is, it is Zen meditation.



I visited 方丈(Houjyou) of the temple. Houjyou is living room for highest monk of the temple. There was a room for lord of Date clan and for emperor and Shogun. It seems Meiji emperor stayed the room once. but there were much dust in the building. I wonder why.



I with my exhausted legs dropped in a Japanese restaurant. I ordered Soba and beer. It was Yamagata-soba. Yamagata is a name of a prefecture. Very delicious. I didn't order Sendai's food.



I got on a ship which go to Shiogama. I enjoyed to see small islands. There are many beautiful islands and some unique islands. There was a very very small island. Only a pine tree on the island. There was a strange island like deep ocean survey vehicle. Near Shiogama, there was a heat power plant. This was the first time to see the kind of power plant.



I backed to Sendai and stayed a hotel which representation team of World Cup Soccer from Italy stayed. Very nice hotel but Restaurant was bad.



Sendai's seasoning is too strong to me. It was the reason I ordered Yamagata food at restaurant in Matsushima. This was third time to visit Sendai. Always I am uncomfortable with Sendai foods. Sorry to say, lack finish to people in Kamigata(Osaka, Kyoto, Nara). I wonder why people in Sendai don't fall sick. However, un-cooked foods and rice called Sasa-nishiki are delicious. And I guess foods I hate are very delicious to people in Sendai. I think I can't live in Sendai.



McDonald's breakfast I ate next morning was most delicious in Sendai. I bought a One day Travelcard for Bus in Sendai. I visited 瑞鳳殿(Zuihouden), which is a mausoleum for Date Masamune. It seems American air bombers bombed there and the mausoleum was rebuilt. They said it was war-damaged. It is on a mountain and just a temple. Why they bombed? Anyway, the mausoleum was very beautiful and too new a bit.



These are photos I took at Zuihouden.









Then I visited Sendai castle. There is no old buildings. It seems Meiji government broke down the buildings. Sendai castle also called as 青葉城(Aobajyou). Aoba means "green leaves". Jyou means "castle". Green leaves were really beautiful. At a restaurant I ordered Sendai-gyu. Gyu means beef. Sendai is famous for Gyu-tan. Gyu means beef or cow. Tan means tongue. I don't want to deep kiss with any cow. So I ordered normal beef. The beed with Japanese souse was very delicious, rice was also too. But other dishes have too strong flavor. It was a hard job to eat all of them. I ate Zunda-mochi which is specialty in Sendai. But it also has too strong flavor. Hmm, I can't live in Sendai.





This is a photo I took at Sendai castle. He is Date Masamune.



Sendai castle is here.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=38.25183,140.855724&spn=0.005114,0.007703&t=k&z=17&om=1







I took this one at Sendai museum. He is Date Masamune too.



I got on a train which go to Fukushima. I stayed at a hotel in Fukushima. Next morning I visited Yonezawa which is a city of Uesugi clan.



I took the photo at 瑞鳳殿(Zuihouden) in Sendai.



I stayed at Fukushima because I haven't got off train at Fukushima. I ate Ramen at food stall. Next morning I got on a train which go to Yonezawa. Yonezawa is a city Uesugi clan ruled. This is a photo of the train I got on.







This train went to Yonezawa through white clouds. I took these photos from the train.











There are two famous lords in Uesugi clan. One is 上杉謙信(Uesugi Kenshin), the other is 上杉鷹山(Uesugi Yozan). Uesugi Kenshin is a so popular war lord in Japan. It is said kenshin respected justice, and people believe so. But in fact, to charge forward means to depredate in the era. Kenshin was no exception. Yozan is famous for finance reform of Uesugi clan in Edo era.



He is Uesugi Yozan.



Yonezawa is here.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=37.908856,140.104179&spn=0.041106,0.061626&t=k&z=14&om=1











Yozan took over as head of the Family when he was 17 years old or so, and he went ahead financial reform. He completed the reform when he was old man. He is one of the best lords in Edo era. Yozan also had a fervor for education. He established a school where all people can study. Needless to say, such highly-educated situation in Japan contributes prosperity of Meiji-Japan and current Japan.



This is word by Yozan.







なせば成る

なさねば成らぬ

何事も

成らぬは人の

なさぬなりけり



Nasabe naru

Nasaneba naranu

Nanigoto mo

Naranuha hito no

Nasanu narikeri



It means



If you try, you can make it.

You must make what you must to do.

un-completed means you didn't try.





He also made 伝国の辞.(Denkoku-no-ji)



一、国家は先祖より子孫へ伝候国家にして我私すべき物にはこれ無く候

一、人民は国家に属したる人民にして我私すべき物にはこれ無く候

一、国家人民の為に立たる君にて君の為に立たる国家人民にはこれ無く候

右三条御遺念有るまじく候事



It means



1, Country should be take over from ancestor to descendant. Never be a country privately owned.

1, People should belong to country. People should not be private owned.



1, Lords exist for people and country. People and country are not for lords.



I think current school education in Japan lacks education for leader. Schools teach students democratic process but don't teach to act as a leader enough. I think this is also a bad effect caused by communist educators and postwar education. Education and actual condition of this society don't fit well.



I found a beautiful small shrine at Yonezawa castle. This is Kasuga shrine.







Main purpose of my visiting there was Yonezawa beef! I ate Sukiyaki at mansion house of Uesugi clan.







I composed a poem.



米沢牛　あぁ米沢牛　米沢牛

Yonezawa gyu, Ah Yonezawa gyu, Yonezawa gyu



It was sooooo delicious. All dishes were so delicious. Supremeness!







I backed to Fukushima and got on a train which go to Koriyama where Adam san lived. I dropped in Starbucks and bought a cup of cafe-late and got on a train which go to Aizu, where is famous for the castle and Aizu war.



This is the train I got on.









Aizu is here.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=37.583766,139.912262&spn=0.330292,0.493011&t=k&z=11&om=1



After that I arrived at Aizu, I went to Kitakata by train. Kitakata is famous for Ramen.



The sunset color at Kitakata was really beautiful.











What a delicious ramen!



I backed to Aizu, and slept with dream of Ramen.



These are photos of Turuga-jyou in Aizu.















I composed a poem.



鶴ヶ城　あぁ鶴ヶ城　鶴ヶ城

Turuga castel, Oh Turuga castle!, Turuga castle.



I took a photo at the castle tower.







Then, I visited a burial of 近藤勇(Kondo Isami). He was a leader of 新撰組(Shinsen-gumi). I met with an antelope at a temple. It is designated as a protected species. This was first time to see it.







Then, I visited Iimori mountain where 白虎隊(Byakkotai) stab themselves to death. I took a photo at the mountain. You can see Turuga castle.







I composed a poem.



For ever,

covered over by aroma,

Iimori mountain.



Amid the Aizu war between Meiji army and Tohoku army, Byakkotai backed down to Aizu basin. Byakkotai was a troop of teenager samurais. They saw the castle and guessed wrong that the castle was burning. They decided to kill themselves. This story is vary famous in Japan. Many people visited and offered incense sticks in front of burials of them. I also offered incense sticks.



This is Sazae-dou on Iimori moutain.







Then, I visited Sake Brewing Museum and tried to drink many kind of Sake. I found two Sakes are really delicious and bought 2 bottles. And I visited several historic places. At one of them I took this photo. The place is where 山鹿素行(Yamaga Soko) was born in.







Yamaga Soko was a teacher of 赤穂浪士(Akoroushi) of Treasury of Loyal Retainers.



Next morning, I visited other several historical places. And I ate sauced Katsu-don.







This one is very folksily food and delicious. I've got be laughing because it is folksily so much.



I composed a poem.



ソースカツ, あぁソースカツ丼, ソースカツ



Sauce Katsu, Oh! Sauce Katsudon, Sauce Katsu.



In fact, once christian samurai lord ruled this region. This one is restored one.









This is called as 御三階(Osankai). It means 3 floors. It was in castle but it is in Amida-temple now. 斎藤一 (Saitou Hajime)'s burial who was a member of 新撰組(Shinsen-gumi) is in the temple.













I composed a poem.



With hydrangea,

retired from castle,

Osankai



I found a strange automatic vending machine.





It sells canned ramen!



I got on a train which go to Kinugawa-spa.



I took this photo at hotel.







I took this spa.





Kinugawa is here.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=36.818973,139.715452&spn=0.041707,0.061626&t=k&z=14&om=1



Next morning, I got on a express train which go to Asakusa in Tokyo.



It was really nice trip, although I'm very tired. :-)



I took the first photo at 瑞鳳殿(Zuihouden) in Sendai.



In addition,

Tokorozawa is here.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=35.789099,139.474998&spn=0.021131,0.030813&t=k&z=15&om=1



Totoro's forest is here.

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=35.780552,139.421568&spn=0.005283,0.007703&t=k&z=17&om=1



This map is very interesting eh?



Here is where I grew up.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=ja&geocode=&q=%E9%A6%99%E9%87%8C%E5%9C%92&ie=UTF8&ll=34.784483,135.631714&spn=1.369222,1.972046&z=9&om=1



Here is where I was born in.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=ja&geocode=&q=%E5%A0%82%E5%B3%B6%E4%B8%80%E4%B8%81%E7%9B%AE&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1



I up loaded those photos onto flickr.com too.



To American friends, congratulations on your nation-building day!