MY WAY...

Okutama is the far west side of Tokyo where has lots of nature. There are many hiking courses, and most of them are one-day-trip distance from Tokyo Metro without car. Okutama is considered as the Oasis of Tokyo. Lake Okutama is one of popular spot in Okutama. It has many tourist attractions. In winter, unlike Tokyo cities, Okutama has snow and frozen waterfalls. Okutama is a two hour drive west from downtown Tokyo. The area is filled with beautifully aged trees, and has the largest number of them in the country. There are camping sites, hot springs and museums available. At a local center called Yamano-furusato-mura(山のふるさと村) you can experience pottery, carpentry, Soba noodle making and many other activities.

The Forest Therapy

The forest has always been said to have a soothing effect on the human body. Japan's Forest Therapy Society (FTS) found in 2004 started their research to unravel this mystery. The Forest Therapy Total Project was launched the following year allowing cites and paths in Japan to be officially approved as forest therapy cites and therapy roads by the government after passing series of tests. It also allows people to acquire a license as forest therapists. So far, 53 locations in Japan are approved as therapy cites and roads. For those who plan to visit Tokyo, I would recommend the only forest approved in Tokyo; the Okutama forest.

Scientists in Japan have been learning a lot in recent years about the relaxing effects of forests and trees on mental and physical health. Based on their findings, some local governments are promoting “forest therapy.” This means that forests can lower stress and make people feel at ease, he said, noting that findings in other physiological experiments, including fluctuations in heart beats and blood pressure, support this conclusion. Taking a walk in a forest, or “forest bathing” as it is sometimes called, can strengthen the immune system.

Mount of Mitake: Musashi Shrine and Tozan Cable Car

Mount of Mitake

The Mount Mitake areas has many miles of trails connecting famous peaks, water falls, temples, scenic vistas and interesting geographic features. Some of the main trails include the steep trail from the base of the cable car to the top cable car station (about 60 to 90 minutes), the walk from the top cable car station to the shrine (20 to 30 minutes), the walk from the shrine to Nanayo Water Fall (30 to 45 minutes), and the scenic loop back to the temple from the water fall, past some tengu statues (45 to 60 minutes). Another famous area is the Rock Garden, not far from Nanayo Water Fall.

Musashi Shrine

Prior to the establishment of Shinto in Japan, Shugendo spiritual mystical religion was very popular. Shugendo centered on this mountain and several others like nearby Takao-san. Followers of Shugendo, known for mountain and nature worship, believe in the bond between nature and humanity. Shugendo legends tell of spirits spirits called Tengu, often symbolized as one with a long, phallic nose and one with a bird's beak on its face. Nearby the top of Mitake-san there is a small temple with statues of these famous tengu. The tiny temple is located on a rocky knob between Nanayo Water Fall and the Rock Garden. The only way to the top of the rocky outcropping is to grab hold of the steel chain to balance yourself on the short climb.

Tozan Railway at Mitake Mountain

Mitake Tozan Railway is the name of the company, under the Keio Group, that operates the cable car and the chairlift at Mount Mitake near Ome. The Mount Mitake Cable Car run on a one kilometer track (0.6 miles), but it rises an impressive 424 meters (1,390 feet) vertically. The cost for a one way trip is about 600 Yen, with a slight discount for a round trip ticket. The station t the base of the mountain is called Takimoto, while the upper station is Mitake-san. The Mitake-san Station area has a few small restaurants and shops, vending machines, restrooms and an overlook that offers views of Tokyo on a clear day. From the upper station, it is a 20-30 minute walk to Mitake Shrine near the top of the mountain. Parking at the base of the cable car is about 1,000 Yen per-day.

Nanayo Water Falls

Nanayo Water Fall (in Japanese 七代の滝) is a nice series of falls just a short hike from the top of Mount Mitake near Ome. People says there are seven total drops in these falls, totaling 50 feet from top to bottom, but you can only see one drop easily from the hiking trails. At this drop in Nanayo Falls, there is a pool, secluded behind boulders where you can dip your feet in the cold water, or even cool down a beer before enjoying it at the base of the falls. To get to Nanayo Water Fall, take the cable car to the top. Walk through the village toward the Mitake Temple. Just before the temple, turn left, and follow the busy trail for just a few minutes until you arrive at a small picnic area and restaurant. Take the small trail down the steep steps to the left, and you will arrive at the falls in about 20-30 minutes. Both trails to the falls are steep and a bit treacherous.

Japanese Weasel at Okutama Area's

Japanese weasels are small orange-yellow colored carnivorous animals native to the Japanese islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. These animals are larger than cats, with a body length of about 14 inches, plus a tail that is another 7 or 8 inches long. These animals are carnivorous, and they consume mice, frogs, reptiles, insects and crayfish.

While on a drive in the Okutama area, we were on a small back road heading toward Mt Takanosu. The section of road we were driving on was next to a steep hillside covered in a metal screen to prevent rocks from falling on the road. Suddenly we saw a weasel try to duck under the metal mesh, but it realized that it wouldn't fit behind the screen, so it scrambled back out, on the side of the screen next to the road, and climbed the screen to safety.

Lake of Okutama

Lake Okutama, formed by Ogochi Dam, lies at the far western edge of Tokyo in the town of Okutama, Nishitama District. The large lake was constructed from 1938 to 1957, and it is the largest source of water for the city of Tokyo. At the time of its completion the Ogochi Dam was the world's largest, with a dam height of 149 meters and a length of 353 meters. The construction of the dam displaced 6,000 people and submerged nine shrines, which were replaced by Ogouchi-jinja Shrine, located on a peninsula jutting into the lake.

The north shore of the lake is famous for its Some 10,000 cherry trees which bloom during mid-April each year. The lake is accessible by car from Tokyo with a two hour drive. You can also take the Chuo Line JR train to Tachikawa, then switch to the Ome Line to Okutama or a number of other stations near the lake.

The modern side of Tokyo has its attractions, but how about adding to your trip Okutama? After spending an exciting time shopping and sightseeing in downtown Tokyo, a few days in the therapeutic forest of Okutama will do the trick refreshing you in and out.

The thick grass beneath the tent at my roadside encampment made for a sumptuously satisfying night’s sleep. No doubt two days of hard graft in the ledger helped as well. An hour or so later, packed and strolling down to the shores of Shirakaba-ko, I was relieved to have thrown in the towel and pitched the tent where I had. The authorised campsite turned out to be nothing more than a broad gravel pit at the side of the road and fair game for any of the local hoons. A bed of nails at a would have yielded a better night’s sleep.

Kirigamine, shrouded in fog, rose above the township on the other side of Lake Shirakaba. I crossed a bridge and set about hunting out the street that would lead me up to the mountain trail and the summit dubbed Kurumayama. As it turned out the hike was merely a sorry slog through a massive ski complex that stretched all the way up to the summit itself.

On top the fogs rolled by, riding a strengthening wind and blocking any views down to the lake. In keeping with the raped and plundered theme gripping the mountain, something best described as an enormous black box with a white ball on top had been plonked up there with me. It was larger than your typical house. The ball, I’d suggest, the size of a front end loader. I assumed it was some kind of weather station. Though a portal to the fourth dimension seemed feasible. Dumping my pack I walked around it a couple of times and shot off a few snaps of the strange looking thing. It was all locked up and I was left to wonder if it was bigger on the inside than out.

Over at the summit marker I set up the camera on its mini tripod and posed a pose until the timer allowed a shot to fire off. Fifty-one done. I was knocking these mountains off like tin ducks at the fun fair. Forty-nine to go sounded pretty damn sweet. I walked off the less developed Western side of the peak, albeit along a service road leading to the top of the ski run. Kuruma-yama indeed. Northward bound yet again, I strolled the boardwalks lining the Yashima Marsh. The highland fogs had cleared allowing views across its golden grassed expanse and back to Kirigamine; autumn tints urging me ever onward.

From Yashima I stepped onto the smooth, pale grey tarmac of the Venus Line, a fancily monickered tourist road that wound through the high ground between Kirigamine and Utsukushigahara, the next mountain on my hitlist. I understood Utsukushi was equally as accessable as Kiri-ga-mine and, I feared, similarly accosted by the trappings of progress…

Kamikochi seems worlds away from the urban sprawl most people associate with Japan. The air is fresh, the waters crystal clear, and the mountains majestic. The name can mean “high above earth” or “where the gods descended” and is apt both literally and figuratively. Located a little less than two hours from either Matsumoto or Takayama (both worthy of a visit), makes it a comfortable escape and return to the wild. Due to the increasing popularity of the national park, private vehicles are no longer allowed inside the resort, meaning the only means of vehicular access is limited to either bus or sanctioned taxis. This is more of a blessing than an inconvenience for those basking in the peacefulness of what many refer to as their favorite place in Japan.

In the Japanese Shinto religion mountains are considered sacred and, as such, have been revered and respected long before mountain climbing came to be thought of as “sport”. In fact, Japan still has many religious ceremonies which include climbing to the tops of sacred peaks for spiritual benefit. However, nowadays mountaineering in Japan is hugely popular and Kamikochi is considered hallowed ground to Japan’s serious mountain climbers. Anybody who has had the pleasure of climbing Mount Fuji in mid-summer surely understands just how fond the Japanese are to don a shiny new North Face jacket and head up a mountain with a few hundred of their closest friends. Mountain climbing has even recently made it’s manga debut in the massively popular 岳 (Gaku), which just happens to be set to the backdrop of Kamikochi.

At the bus terminal, there is a tourist information center where visitors can purchase pocket-sized maps of the area for 100 yen. There is also a rest area where you can plan your route while enjoying refreshments from one of the many nearby shops. Those who need a toilet are encouraged to show their appreciation for cleanliness by placing a tip in a box with a note stating the average amount is 100 yen. There are about seven other equally clean toilets scattered throughout the park that deny you this privilege, forcing the use of their facilities for free. Walking towards the azure waters of the Azusa River, it’s easy to see Kappabashi (not to be confused with the popular “Kitchen Town” in Tokyo), the most famous bridge in the area, and a popular landmark where many visitors like to take pictures. The view from there of the nearby mountains towering above is, in a word, stunning. Both sides of the bridge offer a number of accommodation and refreshment options.

This popular destination has seen many changes over the years. Even the kanji used to write Kamikochi have evolved over the years; 神河内、神合地、神降地、and finally 上高地. Tourists used to flock here by the thousands, driving their own cars in to the national park and parking just about anywhere they could, but now all car travel in to Kamikochi is restricted and travellers these days make their way by taxi or bus. This leaves nature free from the burden of hundreds of Toyotas coming through every day and also keeps the number of tourists down, especially overnighters.

A relaxed half-hour walk downstream brings you to the Hotaka and Tashiro bridges, which are joined by a small island. Another twenty minutes or so from there, either by a river or forest path, brings you to Taisho Pond, which was formed when nearby Mount Yake, an active volcano, erupted in 1915. The ever-present smoke plume coming out the top can serve as a reminder to be respectful of nature, especially in its most pristine state. Speaking of which, visitors are expected to leave only footprints, bringing all trash home with them (most opt for a rubbish bin in the nearest major town, but some, like my roommate, actually do maintain an impressive alter to the god of refuse in their house).

Myojinbashi is the next bridge upstream from Kappabashi, and can be reached in about an hour by either a boardwalk across marshes and streams on the north side of the river, or via a footpath through a campsite with toilets on the south side. Keep your eyes open for macaques. Nearby Myojin Pond (entry ¥300) is a must-see. There are rest areas either side of the bridge with toilets and refreshments available. Another hour or so upstream, on the south side, is a grassy meadow dotted with elm trees. This used to be a pasture, but is now Tokusawa campsite. There are more lodging, toilet and refreshment opportunities here as well. For day-trippers, this would be a good place to turn around and head back to the bus terminal. Serious hikers staying in the area will want to continue on a few hours to the peaks.

Standing on Kamikochi’s famous Kappa Bridge and seeing a range of 3000 metre tall mountains is nothing short of awe inspiring, but mountains aren’t the only thing that Kamikochi has to offer. In the eerily calm of nearby Taisho Lake stands the withered remains of trees that survive from the 1915 volcanic blast that plugged up part of the Azusa River and formed this very pond. Equally exciting is walking through the dense forests on one of Kamikochi’s many footpaths, which will almost guarantee a visit from some of the region’s wildlife, including the popular Japanese macaque. And for anyone who does manage a bit of walking during their visit here, there are few things better than a dip in an onsen (Japanese hot spring) after a long hike!

There is plenty of gorgeous scenery to be enjoyed by all fitness levels, making Kamikochi a fantastic destination for all age groups. The usual outdoor common sense applies (stay on paths, don’t feed wildlings). Dressing in layers with waterproof gear is recommended as the weather can change from a warm sunny day to hail in a couple hours.

It was very hard planning my trip to Kamakura. The more I read about it, the more I realized there was to see and do, but I did not want to feel rushed and miss things by going too fast. So I decided to go to several of the major sites and really enjoying in detail. I have only been in Japan for a few months. Getting there was surprisingly easy. Taking the subway from Asakusabashi to Sengakuji Station and changing the platform to taking Keikyu Line train in same station to Yokohama than taking the Yokosuka line train the whole way to Kamakura just one hour, the latter was just an hour ride with views of Tokyo Bay on one side and hills on the other. Upon arriving at the station, I've found a tourist map in English and headed to the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine.

Though technically a religious place, the Kamakura Shoguns would conduct a lot of their business there, under the watchful eye of the deity. They prayed to him for success in battle, so it was definitely an important place in the tumultuous past. Now it was an impressive, ornate building on the top of a hill, still showing the power and wealth of the ruling class after so many centuries. It was enjoyable to take my time looking at everything, and at a faster pace probably would have missed a lot. For example, I felt saddened to see a stump by the stairs which had been a ginkgo tree. Stopping to see, I'd found out that it was the site of a famous assassination centuries ago, and that the tree itself was so old and venerable that it was worshiped as having a soul of its own. Upon closer inspection, there were new shoots growing out of it; it was not dead despite having been blown down in a severe storm in 2010.

Kamakura (鎌倉市 Kamakura-shi) is a small coastal town located in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo. Home to an impressive number of temples, shrines and historical monuments, it makes a good day trip destination if you’re interested in Kamakura’s beautiful architectural heritage. By train, it takes about an hour to get from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station, or about 30 minutes if you’re leaving from Yokohama Station. The first thing I learnt when I got there was that Kamakura is a surprisingly popular tourist destination. There heaps of people everywhere! It also seemed like a popular school excursion destination. I saw perhaps six or seven large groups of students from different schools wandering the town. But of course, why wouldn’t this place be anything but popular? Lying amid gorgeous wooded hills and dotted with ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, Kamakura is often called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan.

Kamakura has a great number of historically significant Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, some of them over a thousand years old. Kotoku-in, a Buddhist temple of the Jōdo-shū sect, is famous for its monumental outdoor bronze Buddha statue. Standing at an impressive 18.35 metres tall, it is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Cast in 1252, the giant Buddha was once housed inside a large temple hall. However, in the 15th century, a tsunami destroyed the temple. The statue managed to survive and has remained outdoors ever since. Another attraction is the main Tsurugaoka Hachimangu shrine. Founded by Minamoto Yoritomo (the first shogun of the Kamakura government), it is said to be the most famous shrine in Kamakura. During the New Year holidays, it is reported that more than a million people visit the shrine every year.

I had a great time walking from place to place, some places were quiet close together which was handy. The next stop was Kencho-Ji Temple. This is the first ranked temple of the five great Zen Temples in Kamakura. The temple was built over five. The Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine, Largest Shrine in Kamakura years and completion was in 1253. The Temple founder was Rankei Doryu, a chinese Zen master. The following quote demonstrates the nature of his Zen teaching.

Next stop, Meigetsu-In, by far my favourite thing of the day. It has an amazing garden. There were elderly Japanese men and women sketching in there and beautiful trees and flowers. There is a Moon-shining teahouse, There is a Moon-shining teahouse, what they call a dry garden which expresses the buddhist view of the world. It was founded in 1160 and in 1256 it was chosen as the site for the construction of the Buddhist Temple Saimyoji. It is a place dedicated to Zenkoji worship, which is the main image of Kannon Bodhisattva, the deity of compassion. I stayed here for a long time just walking around and watching the Japanese people sketch. I was a truely beautiful place and I would recommend if you go to Kamakura to visit it.

It is a place dedicated to Zenkoji worship, which is the main image of Kannon Bodhisattva, the deity of compassion. I stayed here for a long time just walking around and watching the Japanese people sketch. I was a truely beautiful place and I would recommend if you go to Kamakura to visit it. By this stage of the day I have spent 4 hours looking at temple and I knew that was it for me on the Temple seen for one day. There were still other temples I wanted to see, so will be going back for that when the weather warms up so I can have a look at the beach. By this stage of the day I have spent 4 hours looking at temple and I knew that was it for me on the Temple seen for one day. There were still other temples I wanted to see, so will be going back for that when the weather warms up so I can have a look at the beach.

There were a lot of people there and my camera was about to go flat so I asked a Japanese man to take a photo for me. After what seemed like an eternity he finally took a photos so I thought but he had just moved around a lot trying to get the perfect shot just to turn the camera off. I didn't have the energy to wait for him to try again. So I found a younger Japanese girl to take a photo, she managed to take the shot but chopped the Buddha's head off. Then my camera completey died. So that's my photo me and the headless Buddha. I thought Japanese people were good at taking photos. I guess not on that day.

After a long day I headed back to the train and got back to my little town of Asabata. I will go again and see the reast of the temples I didnt see and check out the beach there, it is a must I think. Before leaving Kamakura, don’t forget to visit Zeniarai Benten. You will enter through a small tunnel carved into the rockface and there you can wash your money in the shrine. Just why would you wash your money? Because legend says you’ll double it! You’ll find many people washing the five-yen coin as it is considered lucky on its own because “go en” is Japanese for “five yen” and also “fate.” Therefore it’s the most common currency donated at shrines.

Before heading to Oze National Park, numerous people told me to mentally prepare myself to share it with the hordes. It was a holiday, it was hiking season, it was a super popular destination, etc, etc. Funny that last part as I'd never even heard about it until a month ago when my friend's suggested hiking there as a counterpart to visiting her family in Fukushima. Oze? What's that? Turns out Oze is Japan's largest highland marsh, sprawling over the three prefectures of Fukushima, Gunma and Niigata.

I decided however that I would not prepare myself for sharing Oze with a large percentage of Japan's population, but instead would devote my mental energy to keeping everyone else away. I had a few things going for me. First, Oze is pretty big; about 25,000 hectares, second it's pretty inaccessible; getting there involves some combination of trains, cars and buses, third, it was not any kind of flower season (a main draw apparently), and fourth, on the day we were scheduled to go, it was grey and rainy. That's a bonus for me.

Even with everybody telling me otherwise, the marsh grass starting to turn a beautiful reddish gold (the grass really was that colour, not photo shopped at all), and the fact that it was during a 5 day holiday, I just had a feeling that it wouldn't be crowded. Nobody believed me of course, but as you can see from the pictures, my intuition ended up being correct in the end. Now I just need to get a feeling about the numbers in the next lottery. Fall comes early at this elevation! No doubt the crowds will start picking up in the coming weeks.

Every trail in Oze is made of very nicely designed wooden boards and bridges, an admittedly impressive, and no doubt expensive feat of engineering considering there is no road access anywhere near the park, and that these trails go pretty much everywhere for miles and miles. Stepping off the trail is a no-no as the delicate balance of nature needs to be protected! I'm not sure that these well constructed wooden walkways full of rusty nails are really doing the ecosystem a whole lot of good, but I suppose it's the thought that counts, and it does help keep people away from certain areas, and provide access through the marsh in the spring when it's muddy. Not only that, it made the walk incredibly easy and comfortable, which is definitely not a bad thing.

To properly appreciate Oze, you really need a couple of days, maybe even three. The park is huge and there's no way you're going to be satisfied with a day trip from Tokyo. From Fukushima, I stayed overnight at a Japanese inn, then headed out to the park the next morning at dawn. Even with an early morning start right next to the entrance, I only got to see a frustrating 20% of the park. There was a much more massive marsh area (compared to the one you can see in these pictures) a few hours hike away (see the map at the end of this post, the massive marsh being on the left) that I didn't have time to go to.

Oze has a whole plethora of flower viewing times throughout the spring and summer. You can find flower viewing schedules telling you the exact weeks for this and that flower to be blooming. Peak times are in the spring, which is when the Japanese skunk cabbage (lovely image there) blooms, and the end of summer for the yellow alpine lily. If you're a flower fan and like your national parks to be as crowded as Disneyland, you won't be disappointed. Flowers are not really my thing though, and I'm happy to leave them to others. Except in cases like the picture below. What the heck is this thing? It wasn't listed in any of Oze's flower guides. Anybody know? Looks good enough to eat though.

One trail wound around this fairly large lake, which was the trail we ended up taking. The lake is completely inaccesible though, well at least you're not supposed to touch it. No swimming, no boating, no fishing, etc. The fish and ducks in Japan never had it so good. One wonders why they don't all come here. In the distance, the peak hidden in clouds, is Hiuchigatake, the highest mountain in northwestern Japan at 2356 meters. When I arrived at the Fukushima entrance lodge (only accessible by shuttle bus or taxi) it was drizzling slightly, but as soon as we started hiking the rain stopped, and held off for the rest of the day. I also had intuition about the weather too. Am I good or what? Sure it was still grey and cloudy, but the air was fresh and cool, perfect hiking weather in truth.

When I arrived at the Fukushima entrance lodge (only accessible by shuttle bus or taxi) it was drizzling slightly, but as soon as I have started hiking the rain stopped, and held off for the rest of the day. I also had intuition about the weather too. Am I good or what? Sure it was still grey and cloudy, but the air was fresh and cool, perfect hiking weather in truth. You can see the trail we took on the map below, and the much larger marsh on the left side (green area). Actually this is only a small percent of the whole park. It extends quite a ways north, west and south.

To give an idea of distances and walking times, my route at a fairly leisurely pace took a good 5 hours with a few breaks thrown in. Of all the hikes I've done so far, Oze has definitely been the best in terms of scenery, walkability, and uncrowdedness. I'll definitely be heading back again to check out the parts that I missed the first time. When? Well I'd better not say here, I don't want to give the crowds any ideas...

Every country has at least one story that strikes a deep chord within the heart and soul of a culture to resonate throughout society. It’s a story that illustrates the basic elements of a society so well that it’s told over and over again, passing from generation to generation. Tokyo is full of temples and shrines. Actually, the entire country of the Rising Sun is littered with thousands of places of worship. Many, if not all, are worth visiting, but as time is always against us, we have to pick and choose.

Japan has many epic stories of love, tragedy and vengeance in its long history, but one story in particular stands out: the story of the 47 masterless samurai, or onin. It is a story that exemplifies the samurai spirit and the cult of filial love between a retainer and his master. In its essence the story captures the spirit of the Japanese. If you like stories about Medieval Japan, the samurai and their entrenched spirit of honour, I recommend you visit the cemetery of the 47 Loyal Retainers. Their story is known worldwide as that of the 47 ronin who, in the 18th century, avenged the death and honour of their master and then committed seppuku, a ritual suicide which evolves self-disembowelment using the samurai’s short sword. December has always been the month where the 47 Ronin enter the stream of modern Japanese consciousness. The assault by the Ronin on Lord Kira’s estate took place on the “fourteenth day of the twelfth month” in the year of Genroku 15. While this actually corresponds to January 30th of the Western calendar, the Japanese have traditionally recognized it on December 14th.

The History of 47 Ronin

Lord Asano astute in front of gateway

The 47 ronin were former samurai retainers who avenged their master’s death by killing his enemy then stoically awaiting the sentence of death to be passed on them by the government. Their act of defying the government’s laws and following the Way of the Samurai to be faithful to their lord unto death won the 47 ronin everlasting fame and admiration of the Japanese people. Their story began in 1701 at a time when Japan was isolated from the rest of the world by government edicts. Control of the country was in the hands of the shogun who ruled in Edo, now called Tokyo. The shogun of that time was known for his bizarre laws protecting dogs and other animals to the detriment to his own people. Every year on December 14, people gather at their graves at Sengakuji Temple in Tokyo to commemorate the deeds of the 47 ronin. The Ronin appear in commercials, special events and observances are held at Sengakuji Temple (where the Ronin’s graves are located), and the airwaves tend to screen a goodly number of the dozens of TV shows and movies that have depicted the event over the decades.

The main entrance to the tomb of ronin 47

Under Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, dogs were held in higher esteem than people. It was also a time of lavish extravagance and decadent corruption. The samurai were losing their status and many began acting less and less like samurai by drinking, gambling and attending kabuki plays. One country lord, Lord Asano of Ako, a man of simple but honest beliefs was called upon by the shogun to come to Edo and meet with envoys from the emperor. This would require him to learn the complex intricacies of court ceremony. Lord Asano was assigned to the master of court ceremonies, Kira Kozukenosuke, to be taught in the ways of imperial ceremony. Kira was accustomed to receiving gifts of a monetary nature from his pupils, like many court officials of the time. When Lord Asano failed to bribe Kira properly, Kira became enraged and insulted him often. Lord Asano loses his temper and along with it his life and his family’s position. Finally, Lord Asano could take it no longer and in a fatal moment of indiscretion, unsheathed his sword and attacked Kira while they were in the shogun’s castle. This action earned Lord Asano a quick death by seppuku — ritual suicide. Lord Asano’s samurai retainers led by Oishi Kuranosuke found themselves ronin and the Asano lands confiscated. There were many who felt the judgment was too harsh as well as unfair particularly because Kira who many felt orchestrated the attack was left unpunished.

The ronin tomb in temple area

Lord Asano forced to commit seppeku for baring a sword in the Shogun’s castle. A core group of Lord Asano’s retainers plotted vengeance against Kira. However, the spies of the shogun and Kira himself were on the lookout and Kira was well guarded against such reprisals. Oishi and the other plotters disguised their true intentions and pretended to become farmers, merchants, gamblers and even drunkards. Oishi, who was watched the closest by the spies, went so far as to lull his enemies into a state of false security that he left his wife, frequented brothels and passed out drunk in the most unsamurai-like manner in the streets of Kyoto. His performance was so good that a passing samurai kicked and spat on him thinking Oishi a disgrace for sinking to such depths while not avenging his master. The spies believed Oishi had truly become a harmless destitute creature and so Kira relaxed his guard. Oishi, however, secretly stole away to Edo and met with 46 other loyal companions to plot their assault on Kira’s mansion. On a snowy evening on December 14, 1702, the 47 ronin attacked Kira’s home and took it completely by surprise. They found Kira cowering in a charcoal shed. Kira was offered the choice to commit seppuku but he refused, so Oishi cut off his head with the same dagger that his lord used to kill himself.

A part of ronin tomb

The 47 ronin then walked to Lord Asano’s grave in Sengakuji Temple and placed Kira’s head upon it. After that, they turned themselves into the shogun except for the youngest ronin who Oishi sent back to Ako to tell of Kira’s death. The shogun was beside himself on what to do with the 46 ronin in his custody. To some degree he much admired them for being true to Way of the Samurai. Their actions set off a controversy of debate. Much of the general public wanted their release. Several lords pleaded for the men to be granted life and be allowed to serve them. On the other side, critics argued that the ronin had willfully disobeyed the shogun’s law and to pardon them would be to invite lawlessness and anarchy. In the end they were allowed to commit honorable seppuku rather than be executed like common criminals. They were interned with their lord at Sengakuji Temple. The surviving ronin was pardoned by the shogun and lived until he was 75 before being buried along side his comrades. Lord Asano’s lands and titles were restored to his family and his brother became the next lord of Ako.

The Temple of Sengakuji

The main hall of Buddhist temple

The first thing you will see when entering Sengaku-ji is a large statue of the ronin’s feudal lord Asano Naganori. Then you will notice that entrance is absolutely free, but the museum is not. When you enter the grave yard, you will be given the option to buy incense to put on the graves. When I went, it was reasonably crowded but not too much so. I personally did not burn incense or pray at the graves. I’m not Japanese and would feel silly doing so. As you can see, unless you can read Japanese, you will have trouble telling which grave is which. The smaller grave stones are the ronins and the larger one to the main burial area is for their leader.

Countless plays, novels, and later movies and documentaries have been done on this story that so caught the people’s attention. Even today, they are not forgotten and the 47 ronin are still held in high esteem. Their story strikes so close to the heart of Japanese thought and belief that some Japanese scholars have said: “… to know the story of the 47 ronin is to know Japan.” Hopefully you enjoyed a look at the burial site of the 47 ronin. This is a rather famous spot to visit in Tokyo but my next articles should be more off the beaten path. If you like anime pilgrimages and Japanese castles, then you will be in for a treat….if all goes well.

Note: To get to Sengaku-ji temple, take the Asakasa Line at Shimbashi station of the Yamanote line. Sengaku-ji station is not far. Exit A2 and take a left when you arrive at Sengaku-ji station.

One of the most famous meeting points in Shibuya is the Hachiko statue. Everyday hundreds or thousands of people walk past it, stand in front of it, snap a picture or chatting around with friends. The statue is located right outside the Hachiko exit (one of the five exits from Shibuya Station) is a must see..

Me with Hachiko's statue, it's located nearby Shibuya JR

and subway station

It's based on the true story of a dog in Japan that waited ten years at the train station for his master, not realizing his master has died. It's a very sad but touching story about loyalty and devotion, and the love shared between a dog and its master. Hachiko, originally named Hachi, meaning 'eight,' is an Akita-ken whose master, a professor at one of Japan's universities, treats him kindly and lovingly, telling him every day what a special and smart dog he is. Hachi follows the professor to the train station every day for a year, returning every day at three o'clock to greet his master off the train. One day the professor never returns, having died of a cerebral hemorrhage, but still Hachi comes every day at three o'clock, waiting and waiting until he also dies, ten years later. Eventually his devotion earns him recognition and appreciation among the train's frequenters, and he earns the suffix-ko, meaning 'duke,' and the title chuken, meaning 'faithful dog.'

The life story of Hachiko's

In 1924, Hachikō was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburō Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner’s life Hachikō saw him out from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting. Hachikō was loyal and every day for the next nine years he waited sitting there amongst the town’s folk. Hachikō was given away after his master’s death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachikō apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachikō waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station. The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachikō attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachikō and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachikō treats and food to nourish him during his wait. This continued for nine years with Hachikō appearing precisely when the train was due at the station.

That same year, another of Ueno’s faithful students (who had become something of an expert on the Akita breed) saw the dog at the station and followed him to the Kobayashi home (the home of the former gardener of Professor Ueno Kikuzaboro Kobayashi where he learned the history of Hachikō‘s life. Shortly after this meeting, the former student published a documented census of Akitas in Japan. His research found only 30 purebred Akitas remaining, including Hachikō from Shibuya Station. Professor Ueno’s former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachikō‘s remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo’s largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachikō became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master’s memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachikō‘s vigil as an example for children to follow. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew. Eventually, Hachiko’s legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty. Hachikō died on March 8, 1935. He was found on a street in Shibuya. His heart was infected with filarial worms and 3-4 yakitori sticks were found in his stomach. His stuffed and mounted remains are kept at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo.

Bronze statue of Hachiko's at meet point nearby

Shibuya Croosing, it's most popular area and also

among the famous shooting place for many Japanese

and international Drama and movies in Tokyo.

The memorable

On April 21,1934, a bronze statue of Hachikõ by the sculptor Teru Ando was erected in Shibuya Station in Tokyo. The location is a popular Tokyo meeting place, with the statue now symbolizing the commitment and love of people who meet there. The original statue was melted down for use in World War II. The Society for Recreating the Hachikõ Statue was formed, with sculptor Takeshi Ando, son of the original sculptor, commissioned to make a second statue, which was unveiled in 1948.

It's such an amazing story, it really is. To think that it's based off a real life story, too, is just great; mind-blowing to be precise.One of my all time favorites. This is a very sad story about death, loyalty, devotion and endless love. It's heatbreaking, but it holds a wonderful message that helped me describe my absolute love. It's refreshing to think there is love as total and complete in this world.

真っ白な　雪道に　春風香る

わたしは　なつかしい

あの街を　思い出す、

叶えたい　夢もあった

変わりたい　自分もいた

今はただ　なつかしい

あの人を　思い出す、

誰かの歌が聞こえる

誰かを励ましてる

誰かの笑顔が見える

悲しみの向こう側に、

花は　花は咲く

いつか生まれる君に花は　

花は咲くわたし

は何を残しただろう、

夜空の　向こうの

朝の気配にわたしは　

なつかしい

あの日々を　思い出す、

傷ついて　傷つけて

報われず　泣いたりし

て今はただ　愛おしい

あの人を　思い出す、

花は　花は咲く

いつか生まれる君に花は　

花は咲くいつか

恋する君のために。

2015 年 6 月 7 日、日曜日にバーベキューと東京と神奈川大学のほとんどからマレーシアの学生のグループが主催するキャンプに登戸に行きました。

10:00 まで 18:00 からイベントが始まりました自家製の食事を持っていた私たちの毎と肉がバーベキューのマリネを持っていたも。

ただしいくつかの若者酔って行く日本人を得たイベント中が、彼らは他の人々でキャンプをしていたエリアにあるに害を及ぼす。結論は、状況はまだ何事もなく管理下です。

今回自分の国、マレーシアからの人々、特に私たちの間の友情の強化があります。うまくいけば同じイベントで来年の我々は、それに参加する多くの新しい友人を得るでしょう。

Hanabi Matsuri or Firework Festivals are held all over Japan during the summer season as it had been a fundamental part in Japanese culture. Firework displays give color to the night sky and create a lively summer season.

The festive atmosphere attracts hundred of thousands of spectators coming from all over the country and visitors as well. Most Japanese men and women attend this event wearing the traditional yukata, summer kimono or jinbei.

Below is a list of some of the 2015 Tokyo Hanabi schedule:

1) 37th Adachi Fireworks Festival

Date: July 18 (Sat) | 19:30 – 20:30
In case of Bad weather: July 19 (Sun)
Info: About 12,000 fireworks easily visible from around the river.
Admission: Free
Venue: Arakawa river bed (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line railway bridge – Bridge between Nishiarai)
Nearest Station: 15-minute walk from Kita-Senju Station
Tel #: 03-3880-5853
Website: http://meturl.com/adachihanabi

2) 49th Katsushika Fireworks Festival

Date: July 21 (Tue) | 19:20 – 20:20
In case of Bad Weather: July 22 (Wed)
Info: Around 13,000 fireworks to lit-up the night sky.
Admission: Free
Venue: Katsushika Shibamata baseball field (Edogawa river bed), Katsushika, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 10-minute walk from Shibamata Station
Tel #: 03-6758-2222
Website: www.city.katsushika.lg.jp

3) 38th Sumida River Fireworks

Date: July 25 (Sat) | 19:05 – 20:30
In case of Bad Weather: The festival will be cancelled in case of rain.
Info: About 9,500 shots in the first venue & about 10,500 shots in the second venue.
Admission: Free Venue: Sumida River (at two sites), Sumida, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 15-minute walk from Asakusa Station (1st venue) | 5-minute walk from Kuramae Station (2nd venue)
Tel #: 03-5246-1111
Website: http://sumidagawa-hanabi.com

4) Hachioji Fireworks Festival

Date: August 1 (Sat) | 19:00 – 20:30
In case of Bad Weather: August 2 (Sun)
Info: About 3,300 fireworks will give color to the beautiful night sky.
Admission: Free
Venue: Hachioji Municipal Stadium, Hachioji, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 15-minute walk from Hachioji Station
Tel #: 04-2643-3115
Website: www.hachioji-kankokyokai.or.jp

5) Tachikawa Showa Kinen Park Fireworks Festival

Date: July 25 (Sat) | 19:20 – 20:30
In case of Bad Weather: July 27 (Sun)
Info: 5,000 fireworks display.
Admission: Adult: ¥ 410 | Child: ¥ 80
Venue: Open field Showa Kinen Park, Tachikawa, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 15-minute walk from Tachikawa Station | 5-minute walk from Nishi-Tachikawa Station
Tel #: 0180-99-3020
Website: http://tachikawa-hanabi.com

6) 40th Edogawa Fireworks Festival

Date: August 1 (Sat) | 19:15 – 20:30
In case of Bad Weather: August 2 (Sun)
Info: About 14,000 shots will decorate the night sky synchronized to music.
Admission: Free
Venue: Edogawa riverbed, Edogawa, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 15-minute walk from Shinozaki Station
Tel #: 03-5662-0523
Website: www.city.edogawa.tokyo.jp/hanabi/

7) 56th Itabashi Fireworks Festival

Date: August 1 (Sat) | 19:00 – 20:30
In case of Bad Weather: August 2 (Sun)
Info: Around 11,000 fireworks.
Admission: Free / reserve seating ¥2,600 – ¥28,800
Venue: Arakawa riverbed, Itabashi, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 30-minute walk from Nishidai Station, Takashimadaira Station, Ukimafunado Station
Tel #: 03-3579-2255
Website: www.itabashihanabi.jp

8) 33rd Koto Fireworks Festival

Date: August 4 (Tue) | 19:30 – 20:30
In case of Bad Weather: August 5 (Wed)
Info: About 4,000 colorful fireworks shine in the river.
Admission: Free
Venue: Arakawa Sunamachi waterfront park, Koto, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 15-minute walk from Minami-Sunamachi Station
Tel #: 03-3647-4963
Website: www.city.koto.lg.jp/seikatsu/community

9) 27th Tokyo Bay Fireworks Festival

Date: August 8 (Sat) | 19:00 – 20:20
In case of Bad Weather: Discontinued in case of stormy weather.
Info: over 12,000 stunning display over Tokyo Bay
Admission: Free | Paid seats ¥5,000 – ¥7,000
Venue: Harumi Sports Grounds, Chuo-ku, Tokyo [map]
Nearest Station: 15-minute walk from Kachidoku Station
Tel #: 03-3248-1561
Website: www.city.chuo.lg.jp/bunka/event/toukyouwanndaihanabisaimeinn

10) 36th Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival

Date: August 11 (Tue) | 19:30 – 20:30
In case of Bad Weather: August 12 (Wed)
Info: Music and 10,000 fireworks color the summer of Jingu
Admission: Free / paid seats ¥2,000 – ¥36,000
Venue: Jingu-gaien, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo [map]
Nearest Station: Shinanomachi Station | Yoyogi Station | Omotesando Station | Kokuritsukyogijo Station
Tel #: 03-3547-0900
Website: www.jinguhanabi.com

11) 37th Setagaya-ku Tamagawa Fireworks Festival

Date: August 22 (Sat) | 19:00 – 20:00
In case of Bad Weather: August 23 (Sun)
Info: fireworks display in luscious green surroundings
Admission: Free
Venue: Setagaya Ward Futakotamagawa green playground, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Futako-Tamagawa Station
Tel #: 5432-3333
Website: www.tamagawa-hanabi.com

12) 33rd Chofu Fireworks Festival

Date: August 22 (Sat) | 18:30 – 19:45
In case of Bad Weather: Cancelled in case of stormy weather.
Info: 9,000 fireworks display
Admission: Free / reserve seating ¥2,500 – ¥20,000
Venue: Tamagawa Riverside, Chofu, Tokyo
Nearest Station: 25-minute walk from Chofu Station
Tel #: 042-481-7311
Website: http://hanabi.csa.gr.jp

Source from: http://lakbayer.com/2015/06/hanabi-2015/ (You can click this link for the information of Hanabi outside of Tokyo.)

親愛なるムスリムの皆様。今年もまた私たちはイードを迎えることができました。アッラーにどれほど感謝しても足りないほどです。イードは、人々がお互いにより親しくなり、中がよくない人たちは和解し、家族やや親友たち、親戚たちと交わり、訪問しあう、特別な日です。このような素晴らしい日々を恵んでくださったアッラーに、私達は限りのない感謝をささげたいと思います。

私達の主はクルアーンにおいて「人びとは、わたしたちは信じます。」と言いさえすれば、試みられることはなく、放って置かれると考えるのか。と語られています。（第２９章第２節）この節で示されていることが私達の実際の生活において常に現していると共に、常に試されているという認識しつつ、ムスリムとして信仰と振る舞いとの調和を考え直すべきだと思います。さて、ムスリムは怠け者ではなく勤勉な者に、人を騙す信用されない者ではなく、自らの約束をしっかり守る者になるべきです。

そしてムスリムは廉潔白で決して嘘を言わず、不当な利益を得る者になってはいけません。いつも謙虚にして献身な人となり人助けをしなければなりません。さらにムスリムは配偶者や子供に時間を割くべきです。両親に対して負っている責任を忘れず彼らを尊ぶべきです。人間に対しもちろんのこと命をある全てのに対して慈悲深く接するべきです。自然や天然資源をアッラーからの委託品と認識し、それらを保持し、そして浪費してはいけません。中でも最も大切なのはこの世において行ったまた行わなかったことについて裁きの日が来るということを常に意識することです。

商道徳や約束を守ること、清潔さや規律を守ることなど、あらゆる道徳的基準をの生活に反映させ、尊敬に値する日本国民の中て生活しているムスリム達は自らの宗教によって命じられている様々な美徳を守ることなく軽んじていることは大変おかしなことではないでしょうか?　他の人々の模範とならなければならないムスリムは、そしることをどのようにして導くことが出来るでしょうか?　ムスリムは、言葉においても行動においても布教任務をどうやってまっとうすることが出来るのでしょうか? 兄弟や姉妹の皆様。

イードを、一人にとって大切な機会ととらえ、でき得る限り、親しい人々や友人たちを訪ねましょう。子供たちを喜ばせましょう。さらには、イードの機会に、ムスリムではない人々にも贈物をあげましょう。そして何よりも大切なことは、アッラーへ、純粋な心でドゥアーを捧げ、祈りましょう。ドゥアーを捧げる時は、世界中の、困難な状況にあって助けを必要としている兄弟達ためにも祈りましょう。　また、ラマダン月に私たちが獲得したよい習慣をこれから続けるように努めましょう。

親愛なるムスリムの皆様。皆様のイードを、心から祝福いたします。アッラーが、私たちに、真のイードを天国で与えてくださいますよう、乞い、願います。

広島は本当に美しい場所です。破壊から再構築を訪問する私のお気に入りの場所だった。

戦争では、勝者がないです。第二次世界大戦では、日本はいくつかの国で多くの人々しかし、アメリカも空爆で任意の武器を持っていなかった多くの日本市民を殺したの被害を受けた。欧州では、東南アジアの国々を植民地化。違いは何ですか。私たちのすべては、その時点で大きな過ちを犯した。決してその原子爆弾世界大戦終了と考えています。

私たちの気持ちは、誰かは全く異なるかもしれない。したがって、私たちは決して過去の戦争についての反射で再び戦争にステップします。平和な世界を構築に貢献できると考えています。荒廃がひどかった、記念碑を訪問している間私の心を壊した。戦争の両側に多くの命が失われました。しかし、日本との人々にはそのような再び苦しむ必要が期待して平和を広めるための広島記念の使用方法の強さに驚かされました。それは本当に私は常に覚えているし、私の短い訪問から、大切ものだった。

私の本格的な希望と確かに血と信仰と理解について、基づいて世界の過去の大虐殺からより良い世界が生まれるこの厳粛な機会から世界が人間の尊厳、自由、寛容、正義に彼の最も大切な願いの成就に専用、全人類の希望です。

日本の花火大会は、9 月まで 7 月に日本で開催される毎年恒例の花火大会です。世界の他の部分での花火大会とは異なり日本花火大会花火ライバルのグループ間の激しい競争であることの日本の伝統に従います。各グループにしようとするとアウトを行う文字ドラえもん、ピカチュウ、または他のキャラクターとして成形形状、パターン、異なる色でだけでなく複雑な最後のそして、結果は信じられないほど多彩な花火。

江戸時代に開催のお祝いの復活があり、100 万司祭の近くに毎年引き付けます。全国の他の多くのサイトで、同じ時期に同様のイベントを開催します。

荒川花火

足立の花火大会は、花火大会の東京では間違いなく、それは平均 570,000 人で描画します。足立はまだ、オフに設定以上 12,000 の花火で、巨大なイベント、東京都心部の外側の縞の荒川のほとりにその場所のため広い表示領域と川の北側から見るし、群集の最悪の事態を避けるために機会を可能します。

横浜花火

2 回横浜で花火してきた。我々は簡単にイベントの前に時間、場所を見つけることができる人々の小さなグループだったときから最初に、ベイエリアの近くだった。2 回目は日本人の友達と一緒に駐車場で以来、我々は他のオプションがなかったのでちょうど 1 時間前に到着したが、マット・すべてピクニックに行くつもりだった。横浜の花火は、近くにいるなら本当にきれいです。あなたは遠く、いくつかの退屈な瞬間がありますが、友達とピクニックになら、それは問題ではないです。「寒さ」とピクニックの本当に完璧な気がします。

隅田川花火

非常に多くの人々にアクセスできるため、これはおそらく東京で最も人気のある花火の表示の 1 つは。そしてそれはあまりにも混雑して、桜の名所も点在に会うために一生懸命だから、それは本当に私のお気に入りではありません!場合は、スポットを正常に撮影した、つまり、花火の前に時間、それはおそらくたくさんの楽しみです。私のグループは我々取得できませんでしたが早期に十分な花火を見に隅田公園に絞りを試してみました。私は完全にそれに慣れて星地雷ばかりだったが、それは素晴らしかった。私は、これは適切なピクニックマット、おいしい料理、良い会社と良さと思います!

江戸川区花火

これはおそらく、東京 23 区で今まで見た最高の花火!花火の数だけでなく花火をオフに設定の種類です。花火の専門家ではないが、通常スターは別としてそう多くの美しいクラッカーが地雷だった。さらに、それは音楽と同期だった。どのくらい長くこの 1 つは、1 時間以上も見てください。その他の花火大会とは異なり表示のみがある見事なフィナーレが、花火開始時に退屈なこれ完全にチャートされたオフ!ちょうど 1 つの花火に行き、それは、江戸川花火をなければなりません。

東京湾花火

友達とお台場ビーチの海岸沿いに東京湾の花火を見た。人々は、湾の反対側にスポットの実際の視聴に行く傾向がある、ので、お台場に人が幸いなことに少ないがあった!私の部分に多くの努力なしとにかく、お台場辺り行く日を計画しているため私たち必要はなかった急いでまたはスポットを得るに殺到します。あなたの心、それは非常に人気のある花火です。背景のレインボーブリッジと東京タワーを見るので、海が、さまざまな経験からに花火が打ち上げの 1 つ横浜に似ています。この 1 つは、同様の音楽を持って!

謝辞

夏の間に日本の場合、必ずキャッチして東京の花火祭りの少なくとも 1 つ。彼らが、7 月と 8 月は、たくさんのお祭りに参加する機会を与える必要がありますを通して、様々な回はで開催されます。通常、約 1 時間半に 1 時間最後花火を示しています。時間のこのスパンで花火夜空に心形に設計に精通している漫画のキャラクターにインスパイアされたデザインに至るまでを備えた驚異的なショーを目撃します。多くの映画祭で拾うことができますいくつかの焼きそばやその他の人気のお祭り料理の屋台が備わっています。さらに思い出に残る経験が希望の場合クルーズ船、屋形船ボートやヘリコプターでスポットを予約でき、スタイルのショーをお楽しみください。

いくつかの訪問を検討している場合に留意すべき事があります。最初に、すべての場所は混雑しているだろう注意してください。ショーの間に座っている場所を検索したい場合は、以前のスポットを保存する日に到着することを検討してください。ショーを見るために通りの上に立っては厳しく禁止されているに注意してください。あなたと一緒に子供をもたらすことが、離ればなれになって混雑しやすいようにそれらの目を保つようにします。 v(^_^)v

A day at Yasukuni Shrine, on its grounds and at the accompanying military museum offers a surprisingly in-depth perspective to both the ceremonial beauty of Japan and the former imperial aggression of a now peaceful nation. As at other Shinto shrines, visitors to Yasukuni walk beneath Torii gates, cleanse their hands and mouths at a water basin, and enter through massive wooden doors; but unlike at other holy places, the spirits of convicted Class A war criminals burden the historic downtown Tokyo shrine with a church-state controversy. There are almost 2.5 million names on the official Yasukuni registry, all representing those who were granted ceremonial entrance to the shrine for fulfilling one main requirement: They gave their life protecting the Japan homeland in service of the emperor.

The sensitivities involved, perhaps most notably for those of Chinese and Korean descent, include the 1978 decision to enshrine convicted war criminals and the presence of foreign nationals conscripted into service of the Japan Imperial military during its WWII-era expansion. When a dignitary or Japanese prime minister pays respects at Yasukuni Shrine, or “Peaceful Nation Shrine,” the lines of church-state separation become blurred and regional media coverage can cause outrage, not entirely unlike the seemingly never-ending territorial waters disputes. When an ordinary Japanese citizen approaches the shrine, throws in their coin offering, claps twice and bows in prayer, the moment looks as typical as what occurs at any other shrine on the islands.

History and political context, however, are not prerequisites for visiting, and in fact, there is much more to enjoy. Down the pebble path that runs the perimeter of the shrine, concealed by dense woods and behind the only steel fence on the grounds lies another shrine dedicated to other nations’ battle fallen, including Americans. The lesser-known Chinreisha consists of two spirit-pacifying shrines no larger than a playhouse — one dedicated to the fallen who fought against Japan’s Imperial Army during civil wars and the other for American, British, Chinese, Korean and Southeast Asian war dead from the Pacific War. As the same path rounds the back side of the always-concealed main shrine, visitors come upon Shinchi Teien, or Sacred Pond Garden, and its abundance of resting benches and hungry koi fish.

Finally, visitors on the path will reach the original Yushukan museum, built in 1882, and then likely notice the Mitsubishi Zero fighter plane inside the glass facade of its attached 2002 renovation. The large museum is dedicated to Japan’s military history, from the samurai era through the Meiji Restoration and ultimately to its defeat in WWII. Some of the walls in the museum are lined, top to bottom, with identically sized mini black-and-white photos of departed warriors, and it is important to note the Yushukan has received some controversy of its own for unabashedly portraying its history from the perspective of the Japanese military.

A visitor who closely reads the English explanations accompanying most of the exhibits could still easily miss the four-sentence description of the “Nanking Incident” of 1937, and certainly won’t read the words “rape” or “massacre.” English-reading history buffs will also likely dispute that the U.S. oil embargo against Japan “triggered” U.S. involvement in the Pacific campaign, but that is not to say all the text is inaccurate or misleading, just presented from a specific Japanese perspective. Newspaper front pages show overhead photographs capturing the attack on Pearl Harbor, letters from soldiers at Midway or Guadalcanal home to parents mark the turning point in the war, and an infographic shows that 28 million Japanese citizens were ready to volunteer for a national corps if needed to defend the homeland.

After two floors of dates, photos, paintings and model battleships, visitors are welcomed to the final, largest exhibit by coming face to face with an actual miniature submarine and a suspended glider, both designed for use on suicide missions. In addition to the human torpedo and glider, the naturally lighted hall holds anti-aircraft guns, both small and massive, a medium classification tank and a Suisei bomber, all of which were used in war. Unfortunately, no photographs are allowed inside the museum, which costs 800 yen to enter, or about $10. As far as this visitor could tell, though, inside Yushukan was the only place where photography was restricted.

From the grand walkway entrance lined with 8-foot-tall stone lanterns and even taller trees to the steps of the main hall, with its curtains partially opened to show the Yasukuni Shrine behind, good vantages for scrapbooks or Instagram accounts are plentiful. The history of the shrine, dating to 1869, and the more contemporary political controversy are also free for interpretation, as some foreign visitors are inclined to do. Even Japanese are at odds whether elected leaders should pay homage to the war shrine or if certain criminals should be removed, but as Professor John Breen writes in the book “Yasukuni, the War Dead and the Struggle for Japan’s Past,” Yasukuni priests insist that once a spirit is enshrined it can never be dislodged. favoured analogy is that of the candle and its flame: ‘You can transfer the flame of one candle to another, but the original candle continues to burn.’

By: Toshio Suzuki

私たちに与えられた無数の恵みに対し、私たちはアッラーに感謝する責務を負っています。この責務を果たし、精神的にアッラーに近づき、アッラーの愛情を得る為に私たちが行なう一つが、犠牲を屠ることです。ここでの犠牲とは、一定の動物をイード（大祭）の日にアッラーのご満悦を得るために屠ること、あるいは代理人をたてて屠らせることによって実現される崇拝行為です。

犠牲を屠ることは崇拝行為の1つなのです。アッラーの命令に頭を下げて従い、財産をアッラーのご満悦を得る為に捧げることなのです。この崇拝行為は、アッラーへの愛情をあらゆる愛着よりも優先させ、真実の道において献身することができることを示すものなのです。犠牲を屠る、あるいは代理人を立てて屠らせる信者は、「あなたの主に礼拝し、犠牲を捧げなさい。」（潤沢章第2節）という命令を実行し、アッラーへの服従を示し、しもべとしての意識を新たにし、預言者ムハンマのスンナに従ったことになるのです。

預言者ムハンマドは「犠牲として屠られた動物の毛の一本ずつに１０の善行が与えられる。」「犠牲として捧げた動物は、最後の審判の日に角と毛と共にあなたのところに来る。屠られた動物は、その血が地に落ちる前にアッラーの位階に達する」と命じられ、犠牲とされた動物の肉の善行の豊かさとその重要性を明らかにしておられるのです。親愛なるムスリムの皆様。犠牲を捧げるという崇拝行為の本質は、人の意思と誠実さです。このことを高めるアッラーは「それらの肉も血も、決してアッラーに達する訳ではない。かれに届くのはあなたがたの篤信〔タクワー〕である。」（巡礼章第37節）という言っています。

犠牲を屠ることは、アッラーの愛情を獲得し、自我を防ぎ、しもべとしての意識をもつ、という最も好ましく価値のある崇拝行為です。そのことについて預言者ムハンマドは、「人はイード・ル・アドハ（犠牲祭）の日にアッラーの為に犠牲を屠ること以上に好ましいことを行うことはない」とおっしゃられています。犠牲として屠った動物の肉を家族と共に食べ、神の恵みの恩恵を受けることができるのと同様に、客に振舞ったり貧しい人にわけたりすることで彼らともイードの喜びを分かち合うことができます。そして人々への慈しみ、いたわり、敬意を真の意味で実践することになるのです。

親愛なるムスリムの皆様。特に日本で、犠牲を屠るという崇拝行為を直接実践することは困難でです。従っていくつかの組織が代理をたてて犠牲を屠る活動を行っています。イスラームに定められたとおりに屠られた動物の肉は、必要としている人々へと届けられます。

アッラーに近づくことを希望している私たちも、犠牲を屠る崇拝行為を実践しましょう。また、アラファの日（犠牲祭の前日にあたる）の朝の礼拝から始まり、イードの四日めのアスルの礼拝まで続くタシュリーク・タクビールを義務の礼拝の際に行なうことを忘れないようにしましょう。

東京ジャーミイでイード犠牲祭の祈り。

土民は皇軍を心から迎へた。空にはHIDOEP ASIA RAJA（アジア萬歳）のアドバルーンが悠々と浮かんでゐた空は涯しなくひろかつた。大航海時代から数世紀にわたるオランダの植民地支配下では、現地の非オランダ系住民はほとんど無権利状態に置かれ、奴隷同然の扱いを受けていました。そうした中で、彼らの間には、かつてジャワ島東部を支配していたクディリ王国のジャヤバヤ王（ジョヨボヨ王とも。在位1135－57年）が、晩年、詩人のムプ＝セダーとムプ＝パヌルに命じて書かせた叙事詩『バラッダユダ』の次のような“予言”を心のよりどころとする人も少なくありませんでした。

インドネシアには「ジョヨボヨ王の予言」という伝承がある。

１２世紀前半、東ジャワのクディリ王国のジョヨボヨ王が宮廷詩人に命じて書き残したもので、インドネシアを苦しめる“白い人びと”を、北からやってきた“黄色い人びと”が追い出してくれるという「予言」です。「我が王国は、どこからか現れる白い人びとに何百年も支配されるだろう。彼らは魔法の杖を持ち、離れた距離から人を殺すことができる。しかしやがて、北の方から黄色い人びとが攻めてきて、白い人びとを追い出してくれる。黄色い人びとは我が王国を支配するが、それは短い期間で、トウモロコシの花の咲く前に去っていく…」この「予言」はオランダ植民地時代に民衆の間に広まり、深く信じられるようになった。

１７世紀初頭から続く“白い人びと”の支配に苦しめられていた民衆は、解放者の出現を待ち望んでいたのだ。一部で独立を求める運動も起きたが、オランダはこれを厳しく弾圧、インドネシア人の集会を禁止し、道ばたで３人以上が話しただけで処罰するほどだった。このオランダの支配を打ち破ったのが、北からやってきた“黄色い人びと”、すなわち日本軍だった。

オランダ　330年植民地支配

1602年、インドネシアのジャワに東インド会社を設立した。オランダはそこに貿易、軍事、外交、行政の独立件を与え、諸外国と戦争して積極的にアジアへ進出を開始しました。オランダはタダ同然で安く手に入れた香料をジャワ島やモルッカ諸島からアムステルダムに運び、莫大な利益をあげました。オランダは、アフリカ及びインド洋の沿岸地域にあったポルトガルの貿易拠点を次々に奪い取り、17世紀中ごろには、現在のインドネシアを中心とした地域に確固たる拠点を築きました。これ以降、330年もの長期にわたって、オランダのインドネシア植民地支配が続きます。オランダの統治方法はまったくひどいものだった。

原住民には教育を行なず、読み書きができないように放置するという愚民政策をとりました。徹底した分断政策はオランダ支配の特徴で、集会や団体行動を禁止した。320の各部族語を一つの標準語に統一することを許さず、インドネシア人としての民族意識を奪い、原住民はプランテーションの奴隷としてこき使われました。オランダは支配したインドネシアの土地で稲作を営む住民にコーヒー、サトウキビ、藍、茶、肉桂などを強制的に栽培させた。その結果、食糧を自給できなくなった住民に、オランダは食料を高く売りつけることで借金を負わせ、なけなしの財産・土地まで巻き上げていきました。

その搾取の仕方は19世紀に入ってからますます巧妙となり、インドネシアからの収益は実にオランダの国家予算の三分の一を占めるようになったのです。このオランダの「強制栽培制度」によって、インドネシアは大飢饉となり、人口の9割が餓死したといわれます。巧妙だったのは自分たちは表にたたず間接統治を行ったことである。統治は地元の代表である土候に、流通は華僑（現地の支那人）にやらせます。搾取によるインドネシア人の憎悪は華僑や土候に向けさせ、自分達はおいしい汁だけをたっぷりと吸ったわけだ。しかも表向きは東インド会社という会社組織で、国家は前面に出ないという用心深さでした。

また、オランダは混血政策を取り、インドネシア人との混血児を中間階級にし、民族の分断を図った。これはポルトガルが東ティモールで、スペインが中南米でやったのと同じ手口である。混血児といっても白人の女が現地の男と結婚して子供を生むなどということは一切なく、白人の男が現地の女を強姦するというパターンだけでした。この政策の裏には白人の傲慢と人種差別があったのは言うまでもありません。劣等民族であるお前らに、我々が種を授けてやる、という思い上がりだった。こうしたハーフカースト（白人とアジア人の混血児）は、教育を施され、宗主国のために原住民を監督、酷使する役割を与えられます。

ンドネシア人はオランダ人に家畜よりひどい存在として扱われていた。スマトラのたばこ農場の様子を記録した「レムレフ報告書」には現地人を米国の黒人奴隷と同じように扱い、「鞭打ち、平手打ちは当たり前だった」と記録されている。ある農場では「粗相をした二人の女性を裸にして、オランダ人農場主がベルトで鞭打ち、さらに裂けた傷口や局部に唐辛子粉をすりこんで木の杭に縛りつけて見せしめにした」といいます。また、刑務所で過酷な労役を課せられている因人が、オランダ人の農場より食べ物がいいからと出所を拒んだといった例も伝えられている。このオランダによる恐るべき搾取にピリオドを打ったのは1941年の大東亜戦争である。

日本の帝国の占領。

１９４２年３月１日、ジャワ島に上陸した今村均中将率いる第１６軍は、僅か９日間でオランダ軍を制圧、“白い人びと”を追い出してくれたのである。インドネシア民衆は「ジョヨボヨ王の予言が実現した」と歓喜し、各地でメラプティ（後にインドネシア国旗となる紅白旗）を振って日本軍を迎え入れた。その後、仁将として名高い今村中将による軍政統治が行われるが、それは、“白い人びと”の支配とは明らかに異なっていた。

日本軍はまず、流刑されていたスカルノやハッタら独立運動の指導者を解放し、迫害されていたイスラム教の存在を認めて宗教活動を自由とした。オランダによる愚民政策を廃し、民衆の教育制度を充実し、農業指導や軍事指導にも努めた。それまで公用語として強制されていたオランダ語と英語を廃し、多くの言語に分かれていたインドネシアに共通語を定めて、民衆の意思統一を図ることにも力を入れた。

そして１９４５年８月１５日、三年半にわたる“黄色い人びと”の支配は終わった。８００年前にジョヨボヨ王が予言した通り、トウモロコシが育つまでと同じくらいの短い期間だった。　

アジアの各地が白人たちの植民地として支配されていた１９世紀、わが国日本は明治維新を成し遂げました。国家の独立を守り、近代国家をつくりあげたのです。その間には日露戦争という日本国の存亡を賭けた戦いがありました。

日露戦争における日本の勝利は、白人には絶対にかなわないという常識を覆す出来事であり、アジアの各国に勇気を与えました。その日露戦争の勝利を決定的にしたのが日本海海戦です。この海戦で活躍したのが海軍大将の東郷平八郎でした。ひとつ間違えると日本はロシアの植民地になりえる戦いでした。かなわないと言われた大国ロシアと堂々と渡り合って勝利した英雄の東郷平八郎元帥。明治３８年、ロシアは日本海軍に対抗するため海軍を東洋に回航させました。その進路によっては戦いが全く変わりきます。

東郷はロシア艦隊が対馬海峡に現われると確信していました。５月２７日、３８隻のバルチック艦隊は東郷の予感通り対馬海峡に現われました。いよいよ戦いが始まろうとする時、東郷連合艦隊司令長官は「皇国の興廃此の一戦にあり、各員一層奮励努力せよ」とＺ旗信号を旗艦三笠に掲げました。東郷はロシア艦隊を取り逃がすことはできません。それは逃がした艦船に日本本土が砲撃されると、日本には防ぎようがなく敗戦は必至だからです。ここで撃ち勝つしかありません。東郷は丁字戦法という捨て身の戦法でロシア艦隊を驚嘆・狼狽させました。折りから風は強く波の高い日本海でした。この気象条件は日本に幸いしました。

日本は砲力で劣っていて、ロシアの船体に沈没させるほどの穴を開けなくても、波による浸水で被害をもたらすことができたからです。砲弾が飛び交い、波しぶきが寄せる中、東郷は艦橋に立って微動だにせず指揮を執り続けました。日本海軍はロシア艦隊１９隻を打ち沈め、５隻を捕獲し、司令長官を捕虜としました。しかし日本海軍は１隻も失うことがありませんでした。これほど完璧なる海戦は世界の海戦史上ありません。このニュースは瞬く間に世界に伝わりました。東郷は世界の英雄と賞賛されました。トルコやフィンランドなど多くの国の教科書に彼の英雄振りが記載されています。

東郷は誠実で私利私欲のない人でした。戦争終了後、東郷の息子を文部大臣にしようという声が出ました。東郷ほどの名声であればそれも可能でした。しかし東郷は「人間には器がある。器で生きてこそ幸せだ」と言ってその申し出を固辞し、息子を湘南の図書館長にしたといいます。時は移り第2次大戦で米国の太平洋艦隊司令長官のニミッツ提督。この提督に日本海軍は敗れました。このニミッツ提督が師と仰いでいたのは東郷平八郎元帥でした。

日露戦争の直後、士官候補生だったニミッツは、米国軍艦にて日本を訪れ、明治天皇の賜宴に出席し、東郷と言葉を交わしました。ニミッツは大戦後に次のように語りました。「私は海軍士官候補生の時、私の前を通った偉大な提督東郷の姿を見て全身が震えるほど興奮をおぼえました。そして、いつの日かあのような偉大な提督になりたいと思ったのです。東郷は私の師です。あのマリアナ海戦の時、私は対馬で待ちうけていた東郷のことを思いながら、小沢治三郎中将の艦隊を待ちうけていました。そして私は勝ったのです。

東郷が編み出した戦法で日本の艦隊を破ったのです」戦後、ニミッツは日露戦争で東郷が乗艦した戦艦・三笠が、荒れ放題になっていることを聞き深く心を痛めました。三笠は日本の運命を救った船として永久に記念すべく、大正１５年以来、横須賀に保存されていました。ところが第２次大戦後には東郷元帥までが軍国日本の悪しき象徴とされました。そして東郷元帥の乗艦した三笠は見るも無惨な扱いを受けたのです。

大砲、鑑橋、煙突、マスト等は取り除かれ、丸裸になってしまいました。艦内では米兵相手の営業が行われ、東郷のいた司令長官室は「キャバレー・トーゴー」に変わり果てました。敗れた日本人は魂を失い、勝った米国人は奢りに陥っていました。ニミッツは嘆き悲しみました。彼は米国海軍に働きかけて資金をつくり、これを三笠の復元費として日本側に寄贈しました。

また日本国内にも反省が起こり、昭和３５年にようやく三笠は復元されました。その際、ニミッツは彼の写真と共に次の言葉を送りました。「貴国の最も偉大なる海軍軍人東郷元帥の旗艦、有名な三笠を復元するために協力された愛国的日本人のすべての方へ、最善の好意をもってこれを贈ります。
　　　　　　　　　　　

東郷元帥の大崇拝者たる弟子　米国海軍元帥　Ｃ・Ｗ・ニミッツ

大戦の際、東郷元帥をまつる東郷神社は、戦災で焼失しました。昭和３９年、ニミッツは東郷神社が再建されることを聞くと、自分の写真と共に祝賀のメッセージを寄せて喜びを表しました。「日本の皆様、私は最も偉大な海軍軍人である東郷平八郎元帥の霊に敬意を捧げます」ニミッツの死後、昭和５１年、アメリカでは英雄ニミッツの功績を記念して「ニミッツ・センター」の設立が計画されました。

その時センターのハーバード理事長は「ニミッツ元帥は東郷元帥を生涯心の師として崇拝してきました。東郷なくしてニミッツを語ることはできないと信じますので、本センターは是非、東郷元帥の顕彰も併せ行いたいと思います。また東郷のような偉大な人物を育てた日本の文化資料も展示し、日本の姿も知らせたいと思います」と協力を要請してきました。

日本側は喜んでこれに応じました。そして資料のほか平和庭園と名付けた日本庭園を贈りました。こうしてニミッツセンターは日米を代表する英雄を記念する施設となったのです。さくらの花びらより

江戸時代後期の国学者・神道家・思想家・医者。出羽久保田藩（現在の秋田市）出身。

私、篤胤はいう。

はるか西の国の人（エンゲルベルト・ケンプル、ドイツ人の医師・博物学者。一六九○年来日、オランダ商館長にしたがい江戸参府し、当時の外国人の日本見聞記の代表作『日本誌』を著す。その付録第6章を抄訳したものが『鎖国論として流布された。以下篤胤がひきあいにする引用はそれによる）が、万国の地理風土を詳しく書いた書物の中に、皇国（日本）のことも書かれてある。それによると『さまざまな国の中でも、土地が肥えて楽しく暮らせる場所は、北緯三○～四○度の間にほかならない。日本は、まさにそこに位置しており、その上、万国の極東にある。天神（大神）のいかなるご配慮によるのであろうか、この国は特に神の恵みを受けている。国土の周囲には、潮流が激しく、波さかまく荒海がめぐらせてあり、外国の侵略を防ぐようになっている。また、国土を列島の形に分断し、大きな島がいくつか合わさった形になっているのは、その地方ごとに作物や特産物ができるようにし、互いにそれを流通せしめ、外国に頼ることなく、国内だけでいろんな産物を自給自足・満足できるよう、はからわれたものである。さらに、国土の規模が、大きすぎず、小さすぎず造られたのは、国力を充実させて、より凝縮した強さを発揮せしめるためである。それゆえに、この国は人口がおびただしく、家もにぎやかにたちならび、各地の産物は豊饒をきわめ、ことに稲や穀物（豆・粟・稗・ソバなど）は、万国に卓越してすばらしい。

国民の気性も、勇敢で激烈、強健にして盛んであり、これもまた万国にならぶものがない。これらの特徴はすべて、天地創造の神が、日本に特別の恵みをたれたもうた、たしかな証拠である。この西洋人がいう、皇国は神の特別な御恵みを受けているとする説明を、漢土（中国）がもっともらしくいう『天意・天命』などと同一の概念と思ってはならない。というのも、西洋人というものは、天地の間の事物を、さまざまな技術や観測方法を考案して調べ、それにもとづいて考察や推察が及ぶ限りは人知をつくすが、人知のおよばないことについては議論せず、とりあげない。あらゆるものごとが、神のご意志であることをわきまえており、真実に彼らなりの伝統と古風をとうとぶものである。だからこそ、漢土のかしこぶった、もっともらしい諸説と同列に論じることはできない。そもそも、はるか離れた西方の外人ですら、このように皇大御国たる日本の尊貴なるいわれをわきまえている。それなのに、わが国の学問する同輩たちが、自国・日本の尊さの理由と根源を追求しようとしないのは、篤胤、まことに残念で嘆かわしい限りである。外国のものどもが、あえて日本と親交を結びたがるのは、日本の尊貴なる由来をわきまえているからで、皇国の大いなる徳にあやかろうとしているのである。諸同輩は、これらのことをご存じなのだろうか。皇国の世界における位置は、すべての大地の頂上部にある。その理由は、世界が最初にできるとき、葦の芽（あしかび）のようにとがったもの（うましあしかびひこじの神）の、ちょうど根のところにあるからである。この葦の芽のようなものによって、まだ天と地がすっかり分離されていなかったころには、大地は、天という枝からぶらさがる果物のようなものだった。

皇国は、この葦芽のようなもので天につながる、大地という果物の『へた』の部分に位置するのだ。こういうと、ある人は、こんなことをいいだす。皇国は万国に先立つ大本の国で、天の枝、地の果物の『へた』にあたるというのは、なるほどと思えるけれど、ここである疑いが持ち上がる。というのは、大本の根源の国にしては、国土が小さく、地の果ての西洋の国々に比べて、物質文明の進歩が遅いのは、どうしてであろうか。大本の国というなら、そういうことはないはずだと。私、篤胤が答えよう。まず、神様が、皇国をさして大きくない国として、お造りになられたのは、かのケンプルなどの西洋人が考えたように、神はかりがあるというべきである。ことにいえるのは、国のことに限らず、ものの尊卑善悪は、見かけの大小にはよらないのである。それは、師匠の本居宣長翁がおっしゃるように、『数丈（一丈＝三・三メートル）の大岩も、一寸（三・三センチ）四方の翡翠（ひすい）には及ばず、牛馬も体は大きいが、人間には及ばない。国もおなじであって、どんなに広く大きくとも、悪い国は悪く、逆にどんなに狭く小さくとも、良い国は良い』のである。たとえば、世界地図を見ると、南の下方に非常に大きな（南極）大陸がある。ほかの大陸全部をあわせて、三で割ったほどの広大さだが、そこには人も住まなければ、草木も生えない。もし国土の面積の大きさをもって、国の善し悪しをいうのなら、さしずめ南極大陸は、よい国ということになろう。また、西洋諸国よりも物質文明の開けが遅いというのも、皇国の国民は性質がおおらかで、こざかしく物を考えたり、理屈をあげつらったりしないからなのであって、単に遅れていると思うのは、思慮が足りないいいぐさである。

つまり、皇国は万国の元祖・大本の国で、果物の実でたとえれば、『へた』の部分に当たる。『へた』の部分には、とくに『ものをゆっくり確実に成長させる大地の気』が厚く集まっているために、成長の仕方はゆっくりでおおらかである。それで皇国の民も小知恵を働かせたり、さかしい性質をもったりしないのである。たとえば、メロンや桃の実も、その実がだんだんと大きくなるのは、『へた』から実の先端に向かって成長してゆく。ところが、実が育ちきって、熟するときには、先端の方から、まず熟しはじめ、『へた』の部分は、後になって熟するものである。これは、『へた』の部分が、実の成長の原点であり、成長させようとする力の勢いが強く、最後まで残存するからである。こういうことは、すべてに言えることで、たとえば天地の間のことでも、朝日が最初に東に見えるときは、さして日光の暖かさを感じたりはしないが、だんだん太陽がのぼって西へ西へと移動するごとに、日差しの熱さを感じるようになる。これは、東に起こった朝日が、西に移動するうちに変化するからである。こういうことは、天地の間の理というものを、よく観察研究し、きわめたのちに、はっきりとわかることである。

また、鳥獣というものは、生まれ落ちるとすぐに、自分から餌を食べ、二～三カ月もすれば、もう交尾などはじめるが、これは卑しいものだからである。それに比べて人間は、食べることも、立つことも、非常におそいのであるが、やがては成長して鳥獣より尊いものとなる。さらに、鳥獣は、人間に比べて寿命がきわめて短い。その理由もまた、人間より早く成長し、交尾し、老化して、早く死ぬという一生の速度のはやさにあるのだろう。諸外国の文物が、早く悪く、さかしい形で発展してきたのも、皇国の文物が、長い間、太古の神代のままにおおらかであるのも、以上のことに、なぞらえて理解できる。漢土の書物にも『大器は晩成す』という言葉があるが、まさにこのことを語っているのである。さて、諸外国では、昔からさかしく物を考え、さまざまな文物を編み出してきたのである。皇国は、今なおおおらかで、強いてさかしくはして来なかったのであるが、今いった外国人どもが、油汗ながして、血のにじむ思いで必死に考えだしたことを、彼らはありあまるほど貢いでくれるので、皇国の役に立つことが多いのである。このことを思うに、高枕で腕組みした主君に、人民が腿まで泥につかり、肘まで水に濡れながらつくった作物を、捧げたてまつる様に似ている。これも、人知でははかりしれない、神秘きわまりない、神々の大いなるご意志が、そのように尊いものと卑しいものを、定めたもうたということである。

それなのに、外国のことを学ぶものたちは、以上のような由来を知りもせず、外来の文物が皇国の役にたつのを見て、貧弱な肩をそびやかし、声高・鼻高にほこっている。かたはら痛いことである。そういう姿勢は、儒学者のみならず、最近起こってきた蘭学なる学問を学ぶものたちに、ことに当てはまることであり、大変にいとわしいことである。　

Aku pulang ke tanahair
Dari perantauan
Setelah bertahun-tahun berkelana
Di negeri orang

Namun setelah kembalinya aku disini
Hanya kesedihan dan kedukaan yang menyambut
Segala yang pernah aku ada kini hilang semuanya
Hatiku hancur melihat segalanya lenyap di depan mata

Kaum keluarga ku kini
Masing-masing membawa diri
Mengikut haluan sendiri
Tinggallah aku keseorangan

Di manakah kawan-kawanku
Yang dulu sama-sama berjuang
Kini mereka hilang entah dimana
Aku tak tahu apa khabar mereka sekarang

Orang yang ku cintai
Pergi meninggalkan aku
Hilang tak berpesan
Apakan daya cinta ku tak kesampaian
Cinta hampa

Aku kehilangan keluarga
Aku kehilangan orang yang dicintai
Aku kehilangan sahabat-sahabat seperjuangan
Aku kini hidup keseorangan

Aku sendirian dalam menghabiskan sisa-sisa hidup yang berbaki
Aku sendirian mengharungi sakit, pedih, derita dan seksa
Insan-insan yang ku sayangi pergi meninggalkanku
Hanya tuhan menjadi tempat ku untuk mengadu nasib

Inilah kisah ku semalam di Malaysia
Ianya bukan lagi sebuah tempat bagiku
Aku tidak punyai apa-apa lagi di sini
Kerana aku hanya seorang pengembara yang hina...

Time goes by

Watched the painful event

Although my heart is hurts

Wouldn’t back-off for any second

Caused myself belong to someone

It can’t change.

Let my heart been hurts

I’d sacrificed everything

For someone I loved

I’ll gambling my life

I built my hope

I’ll waiting

For a thousand years

A century is sure

Any happened I’m still here

For a long time

I living with the tears caused of this hurt

For a long time I’d defended

Until I’m suffering

I only ask you one thing

There no need any disputes between us

Because I know

In your heart

The cruel is not by yourself...

Okutama: The Forest Therapy

Kirigamine: The Marshland

Kamikochi: The nestled deep in the Alps

Kamakura: Back to the Shogunate Period's

Oze National Park: The autumn walks...

Sengakuji Temple: Remembering the 47 Ronin

Shibuya Crossing: The Story of Hachiko

花輪咲く。(Hana wa saku) Flowers Will Bloom

夏は登戸でのキャンプします。(The Summer Camping at Noborito, Kanagawa)

Tokyo Hanabi Festival Schedule 2015

エイドムバラク 1436H 。

広島 : 平和の新しい世界。(Hiroshima: The Born Of Peace)

関東花火夏2015年 (Summer Hanabi in Kanto Region 2015)

Yasukuni Shrine : The Controversial Memorial

犠牲祭 (Sacrifice)

インドネシア : ジョヨボヨ王の予言日本軍が救いにくます。

東郷平八郎元帥とニミッツ元帥

国学者　平田篤胤から見た日本 (Japan viewed by the scholar's Atsutane Hirata)

Semalam di Malaysia

I’m still here