The First Festival can be found in the story of Japanese ancient mythology about Sun Goddess (Amaterasu) and Storm God (Susanoo)

 Aug. 16, 2021  11:09 pm JST

Posted in: Why are there so many summer festivals in Japan?  See in context

The Japanese word for festival, "祭" (Matsuri), was written as "政" (Maturi-events) in ancient Japan. The latter means Politics. In other words, Festival and Politics meant the same thing in ancient Japan.

The First Festival can be found in the story of Japanese ancient mythology about Sun Goddess (Amaterasu) and Storm God (Susanoo).

The story tells us that the Sun Goddess (Amaterasu) hid herself in a rock cave after her unruly brother, the Storm God, disrupted her reign with his series of violent actions that resulted in the death of one of her workers. As a result, the world became dark and suffered from famine and disease without sunlight. An assembly of gods was called, and all eight million gods gathered to discuss solutions to bring back the Sun Goddess. The God of Wisdom (Omoikane) came up with a solution: a festival.

They gathered in front of the rock cave where the Sun Goddess was hidden, singing and dancing with great joy. When the Goddess of Dancing (Amenouzume) danced, her clothing became loose, and she was almost naked. The crowd cheered and laughed loudly. Curious about what was happening outside the cave, the Sun Goddess decided to peek outside. When she moved the rock that covered the cave slightly, the other gods seized the opportunity to move the rock away and bring her out of the cave. Light was restored to the world, and it became a happy land once again.

Japanese festivals are community efforts often accompanied with joyous singing and dancing to pray for its people.

Japan and Iran have a special relationship since 1950s

 Aug. 24, 2021  12:29 am JST

Posted in: Motegi discusses regional tensions with new Iranian president  See in context

Wobot:

I find it interesting 1) how Japan is allowed such a relationship and 2) wonder what it gets from it (probably oil)

Japan and Iran have a special relationship since 1950s. Yes, it is about oil, but it is more than that. If you really want to know about the relationship, you should learn about Idemitus Sazo (1885-1981), a founder of a Japanese oil company Idemitus, and Nishomaru Incident (日章丸事件) in 1953.

In March 1953, Idemitsu secretly sent the second-generation Nissho Maru to Iran, which was involved in a dispute with Great Britain after nationalizing its oil industry. Loaded with about 22,000 kiloliters of gasoline and diesel oil, the Nissho Maru returned to the Port of Kawasaki in May, greeted by welcoming crowds.

In response, the British Anglo-Iranian Oil Company (the predecessor of BP) sued Idemitsu in Tokyo District Court, claiming ownership of the Nissho Maru's cargo. This “Nissho Maru Incident” would be fought out in the courts. The judicial process was reported on in detail in the newspapers day after day, and in the end Idemitsu was victorious, as the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company dropped its case.

Imports of Iranian oil ended in 1956, after the unity of the major oil firms (international oil capital) again strengthened in Iran.

However, this incident was a predecessor of direct trades with oil-producing states and served as an impetus in turning the eyes of Japanese people to the Middle East. History also shows that the incident was seen in the Japan of that time, which had lost its confidence as a result of its loss in World War II, as a heroic deed that helped the nation regain its stature in international society.

(https://www.idemitsu.com/en/company/history/4.html)

If you find, time to time, Japan not acting like a US/Western puppet, it is most likely in the area of their international relations with Middle East. Japan considers her position unique when it comes to the Middle East, carefully not being one sided. Yes, it is about oil, but it is always more than that.

The stigma attached to disability changes when you watch the sport,

 Aug. 24, 2021  10:24 pm JST

Posted in: Paralympics open with acrobats, clowns, vibrant music and fireworks  See in context

“The stigma attached to disability changes when you watch the sport,” said Craig Spence, a spokesman for the International Paralympic Committee. “These games will change your attitude toward disability.

“If you look around Japan, it’s very rare you see persons with disabilities on the street," Spence added. "We’ve got to go from protecting people to empowering people and creating opportunities for people to flourish in society.”

That's why I support this Paralympics.

it is nice to see these changes in Nikkei Average

 Sep. 8, 2021  10:32 pm JST

Posted in: Nikkei ends at 6-month high above 30,000 on hopes for new gov't  See in context

drlucifer

Who in their right senses is expecting any thing new from an LDP government. First of all, there will be no change in the people formulating policy "The Bureaucrats" so no changes at all. It will always be the same J-inc first before J-people.

Even so, it is nice to see these changes in Nikkei Average:

Before Abe Administration: 9,000

End of Abe Administration: 22,000

Today Suga Administration: 30,000

She is paving a way for what an imperial woman can do to be free

Sep. 25, 2021  09:37 pm JST

Posted in: Gov't to accept Princess Mako's decision to decline ¥150 mil marriage money  See in context

Moko, against all odds, getting married to a man she loves. And a big, free money is not stopping her will. She is paving a way for what an imperial woman can do to be free.

War and courage have accomplished more great things than love of one’s neighbor

 Oct. 15, 2021  12:27 am JST

Posted in: U.S., Japan, Australia, India begin joint naval drill  See in context

TARA TAN KITAOKA:

War is never good.

"War and courage have accomplished more great things than love of one’s neighbor. Not your pitying but your bravery has so far saved the unfortunate." (Nietzsche)

Japan, in deflation for many years, is one of few countries that can print more money without fear of hyper inflation

 Oct. 19, 2021  08:05 am JST

Posted in: Kishida calls for greater military capability, spending  See in context

sakurasuki

More expenditure? Is it really necessary? Where Japan get all money needed for those?

Printing more money, of course. Japan, in deflation for many years, is one of few countries that can print more money without fear of hyper inflation.

It is clear that both Kei and Mako want to get married. And that's all that matters.

 Oct. 26, 2021  11:05 pm JST

Posted in: Former Princess Mako says marriage was a 'necessary choice'  See in context

fxgai

This is the part that seems to have been the problem. The former fiancé [of Komuro's mother] seems....

No, that is not the problem.

Komuro's mother is not marrying here. Her son is marrying, and his right to marry shall not be taken away for what his mother did or did not do.

Japanese Constitution Article 24 says, "Marriage shall be based only on the mutual consent of both sexes" and nothing else.

It is clear that both Kei and Mako want to get married. And that's all that matters.

The only problem is there are some people who think their marriage requires something else - like a type of mother one has to have.

Uphold their rights and leave them alone.

There must be reasons why they want to keep it as is

 Oct. 27, 2021  09:54 pm JST

Posted in: Mako's marriage casts shadow on imperial succession debate  See in context

Richard Ogle

Monarchies of any kind have no place today. They are merely a way for wealthy families to attract attention... The UK spends over $70M on the royal family alone.

I suspect many Britons regard their imperial family more than just "wealthy families to attract attention". Otherwise, why do they spend millions? According to a recent survey, 61% of Britons support the imperial family in comparison to 24% who oppose it. There must be reasons why they want to keep it as is.

In Japan, 74% support Japanese imperial family and 7% oppose it.

What matters is the transmission of values in telling and retelling of national stories, which formulate a national identity.

 Oct. 27, 2021  11:14 pm JST

Posted in: Mako's marriage casts shadow on imperial succession debate  See in context

englisc aspyrgend

Prior to genetic testing no child could be totally certain who his father was it had to be taken on trust. Only the mother was certain. So any claims of unbroken succession are purely convenient myths.

The succession of Japanese imperial family is based on lineage, not DNA. It is based on records, Kotofu (皇統譜), about who was one's father and was mother.

What's important is the records (story), not science. There have been always voices in Japanese history questioning validity of the lineage, but those voices have been largely ignored. Because it does not matter. What matters is the transmission of values in telling and retelling of national stories, which formulate a national identity.

Western forms infused with Japanese souls. When Japanese people see Halloween, they see masks and costumes - not a story behind it.

 Oct. 30, 2021  02:36 am JST

Posted in: What do you think about the way Halloween is celebrated in Japan?  See in context

OssanAmerica

It's a bit ridiculous in the way an entirely foreign and culturally alien custom has been adopted in Japan for the sole purpose of marketing goods. Halloween has zero connection to Japan...

It's simply a modern day Wakon-Yosai (和魂洋才), Western forms infused with Japanese souls. When Japanese people see Halloween, they see masks and costumes - not a story behind it.

And there is no denying that Japanese people love masks (and costumes). If you have lived in Japan for a while, you just cannot miss seeing masks like Hyottoko, Hannya, Okame, Oni, Ultraman, Kamen Rider, Knight of Ribon, etc.

https://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/japanese-masks

Japanese love of masks is deeply rooted in history.

Noh (能) is a classic form of Japanese dance-drama, using masks and costumes performed since 14th century.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noh

Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a classic form of Japanese dance-drama, using face paintings and costumes since 17th century.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuki

Kagura (神楽) is a classic form of Shinto ritual ceremonial dance, using masks and costumes.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagura

You just cannot deny Japanese love of masks and costume when you see Yuriko Koike, Tokyo Governor in a Halloween costume like this:

https://www.sankei.com/photo/story/news/161029/sty1610290008-n1.html

guns are killing people in America every single year in a greater number than that of the terrible Great Earth quakes and Tsunami in Japan. And nobody cares.

 Nov. 4, 2021  04:13 pm JST

Posted in: Indiana man charged in fatal shooting of trick-or-treater  See in context

What do you expect where everybody is allowed to carry gun? This is NOT abnormal thing in America. This IS quite normal thing in America. Most American median do not even bother reporting such daily, normal incidents.

In 2019, there were 38,355 death by firearms, including 14,414 homicides. Nobody is surprised. In comparison, there was a great shock when Japan's Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 occurred, in which 19,747 died and 2,556 missing. In other words, guns are killing people in America every single year in a greater number than that of the terrible Great Earth quakes and Tsunami in Japan.

And nobody cares.

Global Firepowers puts Japan's military power in the 5th place in the world

 Dec. 8, 2021  02:25 am JST

Posted in: Japan's military, among world's strongest, looks to build  See in context

OK. So we now know that Global Firepowers puts Japan's military power in the 5th place in the world.

(1) USA (2) RUSSIA (3) CHINA (4) INDIA (5) JAPAN... 

https://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing.php

Here are a few other rankings:

US News & World Report: Japan is the 6th place in the "Most Powerful Countries" List.

(1) USA (2) CHINA (3) RUSSIA (4) GERMANY (5) UK (6) JAPAN ...

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/power-rankings

Business Insiders: Japan is 4th place in their "World's 20 Strongest Militaries"

(1) USA (2) CHINA (3) RUSSIA (4) JAPAN ...

https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/ranked-the-worlds-20-strongest-militaries/slidelist/51930339.cms#slideid=51930340

CEOWORLD Magazine: Japan is 7th place

(1) USA (2) CHINA (3) RUSSIA (4) INDIA (5) FRANCE (6) GERMANY (7) JAPAN ...

https://ceoworld.biz/2021/01/02/the-worlds-most-powerful-countries-for-2021-ranked/

Juvenile delinquency has actually decreased over many years.

 Dec. 17, 2021  08:25 am JST

Posted in: Girl who pushed shopping cart from store rooftop sent to family court  See in context

Alan Harrison:

Juvenile delinquency has been on the increase in Japan for a good number of years now.

Juvenile delinquency has actually decreased over many years. It's about one third of what it used to be. However, the public perception is opposite. Here is an article dealing with why that is the case.

https://isshinternational.org/7081/viewpoint/despite-what-the-media-says-japanese-juvenile-law-is-necessary/#:~:text=While%20juvenile%20delinquents%20in%20Japan,it%20has%20been%20the%20opposite.

You probably guessed it: While the number of juvenile delinquency has decreased, the publication concerning it has increased; hence the misperception.

Why is he called Emperor?

 Dec. 23, 2021  11:16 pm JST

Posted in: Emperor Emeritus Akihito turns 88  See in context

BertieWooster:

Why is he called Emperor? I'm not trying to put him down. I respect him. But I cannot understand why he is the "sovereign leader of an empire" when there is no empire and he even had to beg permission to abdicate.

HISTORICAL REASON

The Empire referred to the 7th century Japan, not pre-WW2 Japan.

You can find some historical information of Japan in Chinese chronicles. One such record tells us about a situation of Japan (or Wa) in 3rd century, when Japan was divided into more than 100 nations, fighting each other.

Japan was eventually united by Yamato Clan sometimes before 5th century. The king of Yamato Clan then was called OHKIMI or 大王 (Great King), a head of federation of kingdoms within Japan. In the 7th century, the current use of title SUMERAMIKOTO or 天皇 (Emperor) started being used when Yamato Clan tried to centralize Japan through a series of reforms (大化の改新).

The Emperor (天皇) of Japan refers to that time when Japan was made up of many kingdoms. And the usage remained till today because the current Emperor (天皇) is a direct descendant of the "Great Kings" of Yamato Clan, who unified Japan some 1,500 years ago, despite the fact that Japanese Emperor has not been a political/military leader since Shogun (Samurai or warrior king) took such power in 12th century.

AUTHORITY VS POWER

Here is a very unique situation to Japanese Monarchy: they are an authority without power! Japanese Monarchy lost political/military power but not authority.

Even a greatest Samurai king could not obtain the title of Shogun without being given by the Emperor of the time. Some of Samurai worriers had to force the Emperor to get such title because the title of Shogun (the political leader of Japan) could not be considered legitimate in the minds of Japanese people without a formal approval by the Emperor. And this remains true today.

The current political leaders (Prime Minster and other officials) are chosen through election. However, one cannot officially become a Prime Minister of Japan without being authorized by the Emperor, who does not even have any power to refuse the election result. It's all formality or symbolism; authority without power.

Japanese Constitution states:

*"The Emperor shall be the symbol of the State and of the unity of the People, deriving his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power." (Article 1)*

*"The Imperial Throne shall be dynastic and succeeded to in accordance with the Imperial House Law passed by the Diet." (Article 2)*

*"The Emperor shall appoint the Prime Minister as designated by the Diet. The Emperor shall appoint the Chief Judge of the Supreme Court as designated by the Cabinet." (Article 6)*

It's a Japanese style of SEPARATION OF POWERS. They shall not violate each other. Making laws belongs to political leaders; hence the Emperor "had to beg permission to abdicate". But then the laws become legitimate only through official approval by the Emperor. It is very important for the Japanese monarchy not to step in to politics; they cannot tell political leaders what to do. But then political leaders must respect symbolic authority of monarchy to keep legitimacy of their own political positions.

Before Tokyo Olympics Games (January): Only 27% supported the Olympics After Tokyo Olympics Games (August): 64% supported the Olympics

 Dec. 25, 2021  10:53 pm JST

Posted in: Hosting Tokyo Olympics, Paralympics chosen as top domestic news in 2021  See in context

Mr Kipling

Olympics...

They came, went, did anyone really pay much attention?

Yes, many in the world was curious how Japan could pull it off.

Staging an Olympics during the worst pandemic in a century? There’s a widespread perception that it couldn’t happen in a better place than Japan....Japan is one of the few places in the world that could even consider pulling off the high-stakes tightrope walk that the Tokyo Games represent. (AP)

And Japan indeed successfully pulled it off. Superspreading, feared by some, never happened. Japanese people stayed home to watch their own athletes winning 27 gold medals, the third after US and China. That's the legacy of the Tokyo Olympics 2021.

Before Tokyo Olympics Games (January): Only 27% supported the Olympics

After Tokyo Olympics Games (August): 64% supported the Olympics

This stunning turnaround shows nothing but success in the mind of Japanese people: they were not disappointed.

You really cannot compare this one with another Olympics due to the pandemic situation. Still,

The good news trumpeted by NBC: 17 nights of prime time coverage on the broadcast network ranked just behind Sunday Night Football as the second-most-watched show of the 2020-21 TV season. Viewers streamed a record 5.5 billion minutes of events across social media and online platforms such as NBCOlympics.com, the NBC Sports app and the streaming service Peacock. Those figures make the Tokyo Games the most-streamed Olympics ever... (NPR)

When you say "I love you" to such a picture, you are not saying to the picture but to a person the picture represents.

 Jan. 3, 2022  04:07 am JST

Posted in: Kamakura Kannon  See in context

Rolf Anderson

Who are these people offering prayers to? A giant stone statue? Buildings made of wood?

The article says "Kannon (Bodhisattva)." The image/statue is just a symbol to the Kannon, a Bodhisattva, to whom people offer prayers. Just like a picture of your loved one is not a person but a symbol to the person. When you say "I love you" to such a picture, you are not saying to the picture but to a person the picture represents.

How do you practice Shinto? Shinto outside Japan doesn't make much sense.

 Feb. 14, 2022  01:54 am JST

Posted in: Japan's Shinto religion is going global and attracting online followers  See in context

Tando:

How do you practice Shinto? Shinto outside Japan doesn't make much sense.

I live near New York City.

I do not go to any shrine, but I go hiking on weekends. Instead of walking on bustling city streets, I walk through woods, walk along streams, crossing streams, walking by lakes and waterfalls, and enjoy smells of clean air. Instead of going up city skyscrapers, I walk up mountains and marvel at natural landscapes. Instead of drinking coffee at Caffe, I make a fire to make my coffee in the wild. I meet people from all ethnic backgrounds. We share untold values without being subjugated to any common religious dogma.

That's how I practice Shinto.

In theory you are right. But in reality there is not much distinction between Butusdan and Kamidana (or Temple and Shrine) for most Shinto practitioners.

 Feb. 14, 2022  03:41 am JST

Posted in: Japan's Shinto religion is going global and attracting online followers  See in context

EvilBuddhaT:

Um you have got your religions mixed up mate. Butsudan is a Buddhist altar, and while some Japanese homes might enshrine Shinto talisman in it, it is not meant for that purpose.

A Shinto altar is called kamidana I believe.

In theory you are right. But in reality there is not much distinction between Butusdan and Kamidana (or Temple and Shrine) for most Shinto practitioners. You offer your prayer to Shinbutu (神仏). I have grown up in a family where my grandmother was very religious. She offered the same prayer (for health of our family members) to at Butsudan and Kamidana. And she visited both local Shrines and Buddhist temples for the same reason. As a boy, I did not see any difference in her.

There are no Shinto shrines where I live (near New York City), so I go to a Buddhist Temple to offer my Shinto prayer in a way my grandmother had always done.

the crime rate by youths in Japan has been going down rapidly since 2003

 eb. 17, 2022  07:03 am JST

Posted in: 17-year-old boy in Yamagata Pref arrested for threatening to shoot down Vietnam Airlines plane  See in context

Alan Harri:

Just another juvenile delinquent, which has been on the rise steadily for some years now.

Really? Where did you get your data?

My understanding, based on official white papers, is that the crime rate by youths in Japan has been going down rapidly since 2003.

For example, the crime rate by youths (per 100,000 youth population) in 2003 was more than 1,200 cases. Today it is 233 cases. In last twenty years, the crime rate by youths plunged to one-fifth.

https://hakusyo1.moj.go.jp/jp/67/nfm/images/full/h3-1-1-1.jpg

異なる考えを持つ人々にも配慮し、尊重し合える寛容な社会が築かれていくことを願っております

 Feb. 23, 2022  02:45 pm JST

Posted in: Emperor calls on people to keep 'fire of hope' amid pandemic  See in context

It is interesting that this JT article did not quote the only line which caught my eyes. The emperor said,

異なる考えを持つ人々にも配慮し、尊重し合える寛容な社会が築かれていくことを願っております

"I hope to see we build a tolerant society, where people with different ideas are respected."

the fact that Russia and EU have already become more dependent on each other, not mutual love, is actually preventing an all-out war against each other.

 Mar. 28, 2022  03:10 am JST

Posted in: New world order? Pandemic and war rattle globalization  See in context

The pandemic had already raised questions about the world's reliance on an economic model that has broken trade barriers, but made countries heavily reliant on each other as production was delocalized over the decades.

It means that we have enjoyed a long span of relative peace and prosperity since WWII.

Russia's war in Ukraine has raised fears about further disruptions, with everything from energy supplies to auto parts to exports of wheat and raw materials under threat.

But the fact that Russia and EU have already become more dependent on each other, not mutual love, is actually preventing an all-out war against each other.

What's probably more important for Japan is not so much for him to "be soft to Japan" but a possibility that two countries can work together more closely than under Moon (or Lee) in dealing with North Korea.

 Mar. 29, 2022  10:55 am JST

Posted in: Yoon seeks future-oriented approach to improve South Korea-Japan ties  See in context

Samit Basu

Appearing to be soft to Japan will only hurt Yoon's anemic approval rating.

What's probably more important for Japan is not so much for him to "be soft to Japan" but a possibility that two countries can work together more closely than under Moon (or Lee) in dealing with North Korea.

In regard to North Korea's recent indication it would lift a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests, Yoon stressed the need for closer cooperation between South Korea, the United States, and Japan.

I see people go back to shrine to express their gratitude, but I've never seen anyone to express curse when one's wish did not come true.

 Mar. 31, 2022  09:25 pm JST

Posted in: Traffic safety blessing  See in context

HBJ

How much did this blessing cost, and is a refund available in the even of an accident happening?

You are probably just joking and not ridiculing, so I should not take it seriously. But there may be people who are not very familiar with Japanese culture. So here is my thought.

While living in Japan for many years, I see people go back to shrine to express their gratitude, but I've never seen anyone to express curse when one's wish did not come true.

I suppose that is true for any religion. For example, when Job suffered losing his children, he did not curse or deny God, but said instead, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21)

The value of currency is determined in relation to prices. What matter is what it can buy.

 Apr. 2, 2022  01:28 am JST

Posted in: Japan's long-term gov't debt may be at worst level of ¥1,000 tril  See in context

fxgai

The yen used to be regarded as a safe haven currency… but while war rages in Eastern Europe like many alive today have never experienced, the yen has dropped to lows.

The value of currency is determined in relation to prices. What matter is what it can buy.

US, EU and other countries are suffering from high inflation today, but not Japan despite oil price.

Inflation Rate today:

Japan: 0.9%

USA: 7.9%

Germany: 7.3%

Spain: 9.8

Argentina: 52%

In short, while people in many countries are losing buying power of their currencies every day, the people in Japan are not.

The only issue Japan need to consider about is inflation, not exchange rate.

 Apr. 4, 2022  01:49 am JST

Posted in: China's COVID-19 policy, yuan's rise vs yen may beset Japan's economy  See in context

The only issue Japan need to consider about is inflation, not exchange rate.

Exchange rates are relevant only to particular segments of national economy, namely, trade. It is irrelevant to the national economy as a whole for a developed nation like Japan, where trade is mutual - they do both importing and exporting. When you do both, trade cancels out any positive or negative aspect of exchange rate. Cheaper yen is bad for import but good for export, and higher yen is bad for export but good for import.

Inflation, on the other hand, is crucial because it affects what you can buy at home in everyday life. Luckily Japan's inflation rate is low at this moment, comparing to other developed nations.

Inflation Rates:

Japan: 0.9%

UK: 6.2%

Germany: 7.3%

USA: 7.9%

Spain: 9.8%

Argentina: 52.3%

While people in many other nations are losing buying power of their currencies everyday, people in Japan is enjoying stability of their currency.

Japan is a better place to be in today.