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Reach 59

Reach 59

by | October 29, 2022 | Blog, Culture

Reach 59

Reach 59

One has always had the image of bingo being played by elderly folks chain-smoking cigarettes while chugging black coffee in the basement of the church just down the street from one’s ancestral home.

The Japanese are also avid bingo players, but not in the churches and smoky bingo halls dotting the landscape of America.

In Japan, Bingo is played during a party where it is a popular game.

Bingo - Land Of The Rising Son

When about to win, with only one last squares remaining the Japanese will shout out—REACH, which means “almost there.”

In Japanese, the handy word REACH can be use in many situations, and this particular case of REACH is particularly salient for the author of this article.

Why so?

On October 24, 1963 one entered the earth’s atmosphere via the extraordinary awesome super Mother’s birth canal at 14:20.

And so began one’s long life long journey chasing the sun, and this coming year represents one’s 59th trip around beloved .

Amaterasu Shinto Sun Goddess - Land Of The Rising Son

Here the magic number 60 is looming on the near horizon, and this is where it can truly be said:

“It’s one’s 59th birthday—REACH!”

There’s also a fun event which happens at the all important turning point of life—know as kanreki (還暦).還暦の衣装 - Land Of The Rising Son

Kanreki is where one dons a red costume to be honoured and venerated by one’s clan in a festive celebration, wonderful way to express deep gratitude to the leaders of on’s clan.

還暦 - Land Of The Rising Son

Thinking deeply about the passage of time and how it feels in the different stages throughout life.

Recall back to the days one was sitting in the elementary school daydreaming out window thinking:

“When will this tedious adult ever say something interesting?”

Here the time crawled at a snail’s pace, and felt like it would never end in what seemed like a waste of one’s precious time and life.

bored school children - Land Of The Rising Son

Indeed, as one was waiting for the first plane trip to Japan January 11, 1987, the excitement leading up to the departure was palpable.

However, just like all things in life, and with the passage of the abstract notion of time, that event came and went in the blink of an eye, which is now over 35 years ago.

For certain, one need not dwell to heavily on the ultimate equalizer—death—it will be at everyone’s doorstep soon enough, and your own life will have come and gone.

time moving quickly - Land Of The Rising Son

In this particular case, one could actually say the decades of one’s years over the 60s will really start to get interesting.

All mundane and stressful duties of adult life such as raising children and all things in between have drawn to a close.

Here is the opportunity to looks towards fulfilling ambitious desires that were put on the back burner of a busy life in the modern world over three decades.

If the future looks daunting and the decades of the 60s is staring at the face—do not despair.

despair - Land Of The Rising Son

Another powerful way to think about the second stage of life—normally starts at 60 after a career and then retirement lasting until 80 and even well beyond.

Fundamentally there is one more adult life time to be filled with one’s own heart’s desire.

Thinking about time in such a manner gives hope and purpose for the future—to bring visions which have been floating around the attention they need to realize material fruition.

One’s favourite Japanese four-character-compounds is yugen jiko (有言実行)—keeping the promise to oneself.

As REACH 59 birthday present, one has committed to two projects for the rest of the time upon Mother Earth.

Earth at night was holding in human hands - Land Of The Rising Son

Both hands and heart are full of promise each day to growth, learning, and feel vibrant and alive during the secondary stage of adult life.

Often it is said you are only as old as you feel, and when taking on new project with the talent and experience accumulated over the years of a career, will serve one well over the coming years.

Realize the full expression of one’s own life—it will come to fruition as marked by the final event for which are all destine—as one’s own short time upon Mother Earth will have soon run out.Hourglass countdown - Land Of The Rising Son

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Venerable Rice

Venerable Rice

by | October 22, 2022 | Blog, Culture

Venerable Rice

Venerable Rice

In the Occxie world, rice (brown) was eaten only on occasion—always paired with fish.

White rice only encountered in Western style Chinese buffets, and considered somewhat of a treat.

Furthermore, the other Asian staple, soy sauce was only used for one purpose and one purpose only—to drizzle onto the rice.

Of course, this benign custom continued for years after coming to Japan, and the look of shock and horror on the faces of the Japanese when observing this affront to Japanese cultural sensibilities served as a point of amusement, if not some times a bone of contention.

生卵ライス - Land Of The Rising Son

Culture note: In Japan, soy sauce is used for cooking and to dip sashimi—never to be poured onto rice directly.

Little did one understand the significance of rice, not only as a staple of the Asian nations, but as an substance to be revered and venerated while being an offering to the Gods in ancient customs and rights.

Yet it would not be until after arriving in Japan in 1987, where the almighty Japanese sticky rice was first encountered.

This is what is known as mochi, and is sacred to the Japanese.

One can observe mochi cakes on the God shelf of the Japanese being offered as sustenance to the of the .

餅神棚 - Land Of The Rising Son

Made from pounded and molded rice dough, mochi is squishy, elastic, and creamy—ubiquitous throughout Japan—in a plethora of forms.

Typically, mochi is enjoyed around New Year, and is used as a customary New Year decoration—as well as creating the dreaded mochi-bara over the holiday.

正月餅 - Land Of The Rising Son

Living in rural Japan the opportunity often arouse to experience farm-fresh mochi cake, deep fried, with a sprinkle of soy sauce to finish.

Not for sale anywhere, one must befriend a farmer and offer one’s service to pound the rice cakes.

Then, and only then you may be gifted with a covert bag of —good luck on this quest.

かき餅出来揚げ - Land Of The Rising Son

Who really needs potatoes chips when the Japanese confectionary are makers trying to out do each others all the time—with new endless flavour and mouth-feel crunch battles raging—the base ammunition being the venerated rice.

Senbei Party- Land Of The Rising Son

Often mochi is turned into sweet rice-cake treats coming in a variety of colours and flavours while offering up a slightly sticky, delightfully chewy quality.

All the more wonderfully so, mochi is highly versatile, malleable into many forms, such as stuffed mochi treats called daifuku.

大福 - Land Of The Rising Son

These tender morsels are impregnated with sweet fillings such as anko, or, even better still—and when in season—juicy deep-crimson strawberries—directly from the farm—in what can only be described as one of the most extraordinarily delight mouthfuls of wonderment ever to be experienced since the day of entering into earth’s atmosphere.

Strawberry Mochi Delight - Land Of The Rising Son

There are the ever vibrant green kusa mochi, made with yomogi (Japanese mugwort) that’s kneaded into the dough—presenting an earthy-leafage flavour—luscious.

草餅 - Land Of The Rising Son

Truly it is always a delight when the sakura mochi season rolls around, just in time to view the cherry blossoms in the hanami season.

These delectable treats are stuffed with anko, dyed pink, and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf—succulent!

桜餅 - Land Of The Rising Son

Who would have thought something as plain as rice could be the foundation for an entire segment of Japanese food culture.

Remember as one wanders through the nooks and crannies of Japan—keep the eyes peeled for unusual delectable delicacies sprinkles throughout the shops of .

Golden yellow rice ear of rice growing in autumn paddy field - Land Of The Rising Son

Mutual Dependency

Mutual Dependency

by | October 15, 2022 | Blog, Culture

Mutual Dependency

Mutual Dependency

There are three principal factors formulating the psyche of the Japanese.

1. Japanese history of isolationism
2. Crowded conditions due to geography
3: Japanese language itself

Historically, Japan has a deep cultural connection with China—based upon shared Confucius values—the fundamental values of stable society shared by all Asian nations.

Japan and China - Two nations growing upon the foundation of Confucianism - Land Of The Rising Son

However, the Tokugawa rule, beginning in 1603 was the start of the isolationist protocol.

This led to almost complete isolation from the rest of the world until the black ships of Commander Perry of the USA came to “open up ” in 1853.

Imaging for more than 250 years Japan was totally cut off from almost all foreign stimulus.

鎖国 2.0 - Land Of The Rising Son

It was during this period of isolation (Edo 1603 to 1867), where the Japanese developed many of its modern social and economic structures.

Furthermore, a distinct society and culture with no equal in terms of group cooperation blossomed under the watchful eyes and razor sharp blade of the Tokugawa Shogun.

For certain, the organisational features developed over the 250 years of isolation remain a distinct characteristic of Japanese society today, regardless of the profound changes experienced in the twentieth century.

distinct characteristic of Japanese society - Land Of The Rising Son

Most of the Japanese are packed together in big cities where their highly complex social skills developed—this is a phenomenon of a society based upon mutual dependency.

A mutual dependent society is one where there is great interdependence between all members of a group, and an abundance of moral and social obligations both vertically and horizontally.

日本ネットワーク - Land Of The Rising Son

Naturally, this all begins at birth.

The separation of a child from the Western parent start in earnest from birth, as the babies are soon separated from their mothers and put in a separate room.

Here, the Westernized children quickly develops an initiative of their own and gain early experience in problem solving.

Caucasian baby escaping the crib - Land Of The Rising Son

Perhaps this can also be considered an “isolationist policy.”

On the other hand, Japanese children are kept close to their parents’ side day and night for two or three years.

Japanese baby sleeping with parents - Land Of The Rising Son

Therefore, Japanese children, by contrast, are encouraged to be completely dependent on the human beings close to them.

This is where they develop a sense of interdependence which stays with them for a lifetime.

This is also the beginning of one’s preordained place in the mutual dependent society of the Japanese.

The first group any child belongs to is the family, but later it becomes high school, then university, then the company.

全員社員写真 - Land Of The Rising Son

Remember, loyalty to one’s group runs deep and strong.

For example, there is rarely job hopping, particularly in the world of large corporations, where changing companies in mid-stream is looked upon as treasonous.

Also, age and seniority have priorities in Japanese society, but also encompasses ominous obligations within these strict societal protocols, which are embedded into the Japanese language.

For instance, Japanese has separate words for elder brother and younger brother.

兄さんと弟さん - Land Of The Rising Son

Why is this so?

Since the duties of one to the other are radically different according to one’s position in the family and society, conventions and protocol must be sharply defined and adhered to.

Coming to a practical understanding of these societal conventions took many years and many tears—being able to think like a Japanese has allowed for a remarkable perspective into the psyche of the Japanese, and how they view their place in the world.

Furthermore, Japanese behaviour protocol is strongly affected by the nature of the language itself, and for certain the language(s) we speak conceptually determines one’s way of thinking.

Japanese is often described as a vague or ambiguous language.

曖昧 - Land Of The Rising Son

The vagueness of Japanese is frequently used on purpose when wishing to absolve anyone of possible blame and to demonstrate politeness.

The well-known honorific terminology in Japanese enhance this politeness, while often adding to the vagueness.

Everything must be placed in context in Japan, therefore, blunt language is much too brief and out of place as well as being considered boorish and rude.

No Japanese boss would bark out an order to “Clean up the office.”

Angry Boss - Land Of The Rising Son

They have an obligation to couch the request in a certain way such as:

“Some visitors are coming today—let’s give them the best impression of our company—perhaps we could improve the orderliness around here”—creating a layer of harmony.

会社仲間 - Land Of The Rising Son

In the mutual dependent society, the Japanese are conditioned by their exceptional historical and geographical constraints.

Even more so, the Japanese are held captive by their thought processes—rooted in the ancient esoteric language of Japanese—in which one could accurately say—is the polar opposite of the others.

​Opposite poles of the language spectrum - Land Of The Rising Son

Taste Of Meiji

Taste Of Meiji

by | July 16, 2022 | Blog, Culture, Food

Taste Of Meiji

Taste of Meiji

The most exquisite sushi ever encoutered up-to-date was at a 5th generation sushi shop, established Meiji 4 (1871).

Daitokuya is a historic sushi shopis in the pristine Boso peninsula in one’s home prefecture of Sunny Chiba, which also happens to be full of magical mysteries throughout this extraordinary prefecture.Chiba Prefecture Michi No Eki Map - Land Of The Rising SonInterestingly enough, the son of the current sushi master, Kurihara-Taisho is now training in Ginza when once finished (apprenticeship may last 10 or 15 years), he will become the 6th generation to run his family shop, persevering these one and only immaculate flavours of a bygone era.

大徳家寿司-Land Of The Rising Son

In Japan, can one see the preservation of a family history embodied in their shop and the generation of these sushi artisans creating the same flavours of sushi handed down from generation to generation.

Imagine anywhere else in the world where one can go to an establishment and experience flavours created from the sea and the surrounding family farms starting from150 years ago.

大徳家暖簾-Land Of The Rising SonOne of the deep charms of Japan is, regardless of the modernization having taken place from the Meiji Restoration, there are still shops in the nooks and crannies in the Land Of The Rising Son preserving the way of Old Japan.
大徳家の明治時代の看板-Land Of The Rising Son大徳家のお店の暖簾-Land Of The Rising Son大徳家-千葉県房総市千倉-Land Of The Rising Son

Even as this is so, true to the nature of the Japanese, the essence of Meiji has been duly captured at Daitokuya.

Here, Kurihara-Taisho now invokes the spirit of kaizen—building upon previous generations—honouring his ancestors deliciously tweaking historic dishes—maintaining the divine heritage of this extraordinary art.

大徳家寿司屋-なめろう-Land Of The Rising Son

Speaking of extraordinarily old establishments, take the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamagata Prefecture—the oldest hotel ever—run by the same family for 52 generations.

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamagata Prefecture - Land Of The Rising Son

Where else can one find a business established in 705 CE still running today, while holding the Guinness Book of World Record for the oldest hotel?

Time marches on and stops for no one, and it is fascinating to watch Japanese food culture circling the globe over the last 30 plus years—in the form of sashimi and sushi.大徳家寿司屋-なめろう-Land Of The Rising SonSeeing these morsels of the Gods become loved by those around the world who understand the flavour and texture of raw fish warms one heart greatly.
大徳家寿司屋- 色々 - Land Of The Rising SonIndeed, if a true connoisseur of the delights of the sea, one would make their way to this extraordinary shop and taste the flavours of Meiji-era sushi, if at all possible.
For the truth will remain—one can never sample delicacies such as these anywhere else in the world—but for at this one shop—in the pristine picturesque town of Chikura in Sunny Chiba Japan.

大徳家訪問01 - Land Of The Rising Son 大徳家訪問02 - Land Of The Rising Son 大徳家訪問03 - Land Of The Rising Son 大徳家訪問04 - Land Of The Rising Son 大徳家訪問05 - Land Of The Rising Son大徳家大将-Land Of The Rising Son

Unfinished Masterpiece

Unfinished Masterpiece

by | July 9, 2022 | Art, Blog, Culture

Unfinished Masterpiece

Unfinished Masterpiece

One would best be served to look upon life as art.

Mona Lisa - Land Of The Rising Son

Art traditionally defined:

1 the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination

2 a skill at doing a specified thing, typically acquired through practice

Here is where one can put away any preconceived notions concerning the arts.

Life can be considered art as per definition 2, and beyond.

The goal of life is to die while creating a one-off extraordinary masterpiece, know as life…

Remember, artist don’t retire—they die or fade away.

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn - Land Of The Rising Son

Actually, Reiwa 4 (2022) happens to contain significant milestones—such as the passing of a generation—serendipitously reflected in the divine cycle of life as the newest member of our clan entered the atmosphere and joining the party on May 1, 2022.

Ogen Watanabe - Land Of The Rising Son

According to the indoctrinated standpoint of the Industrial Education Complex protocol, one would achieved all there ever is in life as specified by the unelected-overlords of this particular universe.

This means being sent off into retirement—a death sentence for those whose whole identity belongs to others, whether religious, corporate, or otherwise.

Indeed, there is now the foul stench of despair in the air, accompanied by hopelessness, which is the direct result of the disconnection from the true nature of oneself and the lurking purpose of destiny in the context on Oneness.

Ying-Yang-Oneness - Land Of The Rising Son

Recognizing that the art residing inside one’s subconscious-self has been obscured and weakened by the preconceived notions of life imprinted by others.

The reality of one own unique story and journey upon this mortal coil could be consider a piece of art hanging in a far away gallery for the satisfaction and pleasure of the Gods and Goddesses of Oneness.

The final results of one’s masterpiece can only truly be known after the full journey under the sun ends, and the exit into Oneness has transpired.

Most definitely, the quality of art left behind by each individual must be worthy of mention.

Sadly, most lives are lived in quiet desperation working and living someone else’s vision and desire, and the art within abandoned to die.

Rat Race - Land Of The Rising Son

Indeed, such selfless personal art can be considered gifts to honour ancestors while leaving signposts for those who come after.

The importance of one’s individual art created into this world cannot be understated as this beauty is all the more necessary in these turbulent times and are a beacon of light countering the bitter ugliness permeating our world.

Therefore, as of this turning point in life, one has felt the calling of a particular piece of art, which has now been recognized.

Like so many things in life—timing is everything.

There is no time like the present, and regardless of the lack of any particular skills to create one’s own masterpiece, consistent daily practice of any new skill is the path the enlightenment and creation of the Way Of One’s Art.

Clarity Over Time - cybersensei - Land Of The Rising Son

 

 

 

Care Factor Zero

Care Factor Zero

by | July 2, 2022 | Blog, Culture

Care Factor Zero

Care Factor Zero

One of the extremely prickly traits of the Japanese is over-sensitivity to language and perceive slights—intentional or not.

Most difficult to master, yet worthy of one’s precious and rapidly dwindling life, is to internalize the brilliant concept of Care Factor Zero.

One was most fortunate to have entered the atmosphere in late 1963 via a warm-fuzzy tree hugging earth mother—Canadian nonetheless.

Margaret Circa 1958 - Land Of The Rising Son

Good fortune to be sure, and like all things, there are two sides of the coin—the yin to the yang—one could say.

Yin Yang - Land Of The Rising Son

This is even more pronounced in the Japanese as the deeply ingrained societal protocol of tatemae and honne leave the Japanese acutely aware of the essence in the air and trusting their subjective interpretation thereof.

Truly, in Japanese society it is necessary to hone one’s air reading skills as this particular societal protocol is truly a brutal teacher, and an unforgiving mentor in the Way of the Japanese.

Having acute sensitive as to what others are thinking, was, and still is a highly valuable skill to navigate the murky air of the unspoken ancient protocols of the Japanese society.

Japanese Bowing To Each Other - Land Of The Rising Son

This is why Care Factor Zero is imperative for the Japanese to understand, internalize, and implement into their own lives as soon as possible.

With awareness of Care Factor Zero, the Japanese can gain a significant advantage over those trapped in the putrid dead-end decay of caring far too much about far too little.

The Japanese can also embrace the philosophy of Care Factor Zero to lighten their heavy self-inflicted burdens, which subconsciously maxes out the stress level of the long-suffering Japanese, while causing an unpleasant phenomena of Japanese known as jigyaku, or, collective -self-hatred.

Indeed, all benefit greatly when using Care Factor Zero protocol for one’s own peace of mind and serenity in this turbulent world.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck - Land Of The Rising Son

Of course, the opposite of Care Factor Zero is Care Factor 100.

Care Factor 100 protocol is to be used with the object of ones affection, and concerns their overall Mental—Physical—Spiritual textures.

Showa era Japanese family - Land Of The Rising Son

Care Factor 100 is simply another way to demonstrate unconditional love.

Unconditional love is the bullet-proof way to create a harmonious relationships with significant others leading to a deeply symbiotic relationship and harmony within the clan.

Besides, the personal agency granted to oneself via the Care Factor Zero protocol will reverberate throught a lifetime and leads to the ultimate state of serenity and enlightenment.

Enlightenment- Land Of The Rising Son

To be sure, Care Factor Zero protocol is an important tool to navigate the volatile waters of these turbulent modern times.

The default daily Care Factor protocol is Zero.

Objectively examining one’s own Care Factor levels allows accurate assessment of the worthiness of one’s attention, while always keep in mind—life is short, and you will be dead soon enough.

神道の葬儀 - Land Of The Rising Son

Truly, the masses care far too much about things beyond their control, creating negative energy while poisoning the innate human spirit all the while facilitating hatred and its repugnant partner in crime; bigotry.

Those who choose to constantly react to endless stream of events beyond their control will soon wake up to a bleak realization—your life is meaningless, and no one whosoever has ever cared that you cared about anything whatsoever at all.

Goddess of the Sun Amaterasu turns the seasons into years, here to understand Care Factor Zero leads to a peace of mind and a life of extraordinary events awaiting those who adhere to the enlightened protocol of Care Factor Zero.

Wabi Sabi Japanese Rock Garden - Land Of The Rising Son​