JD tour guide

The ancient Japanese religious view will probably give us a glimpse into some clues about Japanese peoples' roots.
And, when talking about a religion or belief, its view of death is a fundamental tradition by which people could accept his/her death, or not.
A religion is made up of only two aspects: the view of death and ethics, I think.

Sep. 4, 2009: roots-our ancestors' discerning eyes

2009-09-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Since the Asuka-era(592-694), Japan had eagerly started to catch up with China and to model its state's and cultural form on those of China. It goes on and on: the building of the state's capital modeled on Changan(長安), introduction of the code(律令格式), Kanji(Chinese character), and Buddhism ・・・, which seem to cover almost all aspects of the state's foundations. However, particular attention should be paid to the fact that our ancestors didn't introduce eunuch, Imperial Exam, and religious aspect of Confucianism.

Aug. 31, 2009: Japanese culture's roots

2009-08-31T06:43:00.001-07:00

Much of Japanese culture have their roots in China. Well, let's enjoy the similarity and difference between Japan and China through the observation of rice, alcohol, noodles, kanji, and bamboo.

Aug. 4, 2009: T0-In-Teien, Heijo\Palace, Nara

2009-08-03T21:41:00.000-07:00

You can see the very origin of the Japanese landscape garden here, not in Kyoto.

July 29, 2009: Chinese tourists to Japan

2009-07-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

Chinese tourists are now whipping the Japanese tourism circle into a frenzy of anticipation.

July 23, 2009: The survey on Japanese guides' business activities

2009-07-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

Japanese licensed tour-guide-interpreters are making substantial efforts to get the job.

July 16, 2009: Is Japan a country of collectivism?

2009-07-16T04:45:00.000-07:00

It's now accepted that Japanese people put more emphasis on human interdependence and
the importance of a collective, rather than the importance of separate individuals.
Is it true?

June 23, 2009: a small cozy bar Yanagino, in Kyoto

2009-06-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

Along the Sanjo-street in the Sanjo-Shinmachi district, Kyoto, you can find a small, cozy bar Yanagino. Why don't you enjoy its mature and sober atmosphere?

June 11, 2009: The ancient mysteries around Mt.Mikasa, Nara

2009-06-11T07:22:00.001-07:00

In 1977, the two enormous constructions were discovered in and around Mt.Mikasa: the stone-flagged remains paved on the slope of the mountain, and wall remains surrounding the mountain. And mysteriously, nobody knows who created such enormous construction and why.

June 2, 2009: pub Mahi-Mahi with Tasmanian beer

2009-06-01T21:39:00.000-07:00

Recently, at long last I ended up finding a pub which offers that Tasmanian beer! It takes only 30 seconds on foot from the subway Tanikyu station, Osaka. The pub's name is Mahi-mahi that provides us more than 50 kinds of beer.

May 30, 2009: a dreamboat Buddhist monk Myoe

2009-05-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

A naive and unsophisticated Buddhist monk who held "love" in esteem highly.

May 16: tempura restaurant ASUKA, Nara

2009-05-16T05:05:00.000-07:00

In the north-east side of Naramachi, Nara, you can find a tempura restaurant ASUKA, which has an English menu and a parking lot. ASUKA has a wide variety of dishes with reasonable prices. And, in this neck of the woods, you can also enjoy Geish-town.
Hit: http://www.tourguidejd.com/tourguidejd/deploy/infopacks/docs/jd_infoPack_288.pdf

May 13: Amazing prayer "Entering nirvana with insects"

2009-05-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

Inside the standing statue Shakanyorai, Toshodaiji-temple, Nara, there exists an impressive prayer documents in the 13th century, which signifies the ultimate equality.

May 7, 2009: Enjoy Nishi-no-Kyo, Nara

2009-05-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

You can enjoy Japanese ancient times in the pastoral land.

Akishinodera-, Saidaiji-, Yakushiji-, Toshodaiji-temple, and the Burial Mound.

May 6: revised version of Accommodations in Nara

2009-05-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

The new 2 guest houses are added.
http://www.tourguidejd.com/tourguidejd/deploy/infopacks/docs/jd_infoPack_281.pdf

April 21, 2009: Experience of culture in Nara

2009-04-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

When reflecting on traditional events and culture in Nara such as Omizutori, Onmatsuri, gagaku,noh, kyogen, and the like, which have been lasted for more than several hundred years,wonders will never cease that Nara has really unique genes which have been continuously handed down traditional culture to younger generation one after another. What's the
mechanism? Let's give a thought to this, and then let's see some ordinary experience activity examples in Nara.

April 14, 2009: 7 items of job offer in April, 2009

2009-04-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Here, you can see 7 items of job offer in April, 2009 with the monthly salary: 200,0000-540,000.

April 13, 2009: Taimatsu-ko, Shunnichi-ko, and so on

2009-04-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

Nara has lots of long-lasting events and arts such as Omizutori, and On-matsuri. Everybody can easily imagine that those couldn't be conducted by temple/shrine only without the help of masses. Well, what is mass contribution? Once we give a thought to this point, enjoying traditional culture would be more fruitful.

April 10, 2009: Photovoltaic Power Generation

2009-04-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

They say the Japanese solar battery's generation efficiency will reach 20% in 2010, which will offer us 24/kWh Yen electricity,

as same price as the one made from oil. Epoch-making! Let's give a thought to its future evolution.

April 6, 2009: Ritsu and Shingon-Ritsu sect doctrine

2009-04-05T23:40:00.000-07:00

When visiting Toshodaiji-temple, Saidaiji-temple and so on, the knowledge of the doctrine of Ritsu sect and Shingon-ritsu sect will help you enjoy them more and more fruitfully.

April 4, 2009: Hosso school doctrine

2009-04-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

When visiting Kofukuji, Yakushiji, Horyuji, Kiyomizudera-temple and so on, the knowledge of the doctrine of Hosso school will help you enjoy them more and more fruitfully.

April 2, 2009: Kegon school doctrine

2009-04-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

When visiting Todaiji-temple to see the Great Buddha, the knowledge of the Kegon school doctrine will help you enjoy it more and more fruitfully.

March 30: The Great Buddha in Nara

2009-03-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

The symbol of the ultimate equality spirit and participation by all members, achieved in Japan more than 1,200 years ago, which is confirmed by Kakocho.

March 20, 2009: 5 items of job offer in March, 2009

2009-03-20T05:41:00.000-07:00

Here, you can see 5 items of job offer in Kansai with the monthly salary 200,000-400,000 Yen.

March 13, 2009: What's shyomyo?

2009-03-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

Shomyo is said to be the world oldest form of religious music, and you would be surprised at its similarity with Gregorian hymn. You would really be astonished at its enthusiasm as well, once listening to.

March 8: Historical background of Omizutori, Nara

2009-03-07T19:40:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to enjoy Omizutori both visually and aurally, however, it's more exciting to give a thought to its historical background. Here, we can see a vivid image over the Genesis of syncretism between Buddhism and Shinto.

Feb.24, 2009: Shunko-in, Myoshinji, Kyoto

2009-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

Get an insight into what Japanese religious mind is, and what Zen is.

Feb.21, 2009: Imanisi-Ke Shoin in Nara

2009-02-21T05:16:00.000-08:00

In the south east side of Naramachi, Nara, you can find Imanisi-Ke Shoin, which is well-known for its "shoinzukuri" architecture, and as an important cultural asset.

Feb.20, 2009: a set menu restaurant URI in Nara

2009-02-20T06:37:00.000-08:00

In the east south side of Naramachi, Nara, you can find a small, cozy restaurant URI with cordial hospitality and superior cost performance.

Feb.17, 2009: revised version of UKIYOE

2009-02-17T04:35:00.000-08:00

Pay attention to Mamoru Ichimura, a wood block print meister, and his craft center in Kyoto.

Feb.17, 2009: Cafe & Bar SUNTORY

2009-02-16T20:31:00.000-08:00

It began operation in 1925, since then it has been a wee oasis for good people particulary artists, in the heart of Kyoto City's downtown.

Why don't you come and enjoy chatting with the friendly owner in front of you or regular customers next to you while getting a drink or food?

Feb.17, 2009: tempura restaurant TAKASEBUNE

2009-02-16T19:47:00.000-08:00

You can enjoy tempura in the heart of Kyoto's downtown, and very close to Gion, at reasonable prices. For example, you can get a set menu of tempura lunch for 800Yen.

Feb.12, 2009: What's Onmyodo?

2009-02-11T19:17:00.000-08:00

Every Japanese knows the name of Abe-No-Seimei, Tsuchimikado-family,Temmu Emperor, and Tenkai who were deeply involved in Onmyodo. Few Japanese, however, knows "What's Onmyodo?"
This essay describes its history, principle, historical irony, and the influence on Japanese culture.

Feb.7, 2009: What's Zen?

2009-02-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

The basic idea of Zen.

Jan. 30, 2009: Japanese idioms

2009-01-29T07:40:00.000-08:00

When galncing at Japanese idioms, you can get insight into the similarity and difference between Japanese and Western cultures.

Jan.23, 2009: Untranslatable Japanese words

2009-01-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

Japan sees not a few untranslatable Japanese words derived from its unique cultural attributes such as "wa" (harmony) and "amae" (emotional dependence).

Jan. 19: The 10 major Japanese words

2009-01-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

Many Japanese words have nuances and uses that go far beyond literal translations, and often take on the character of loaded words.
The burden of picking up the real meaning falls on the listener.
Let's take a look at the 10 major Japanese words.

Jan.12, 2008: What's Buddhism? What's Shinto?

2009-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

I think Buddhism has been philosophy and Shinto has been a religion to Japanese when getting insight into their original form.

Jan.8, 2009: Vivi, aspiring to become a diplomat or world journalist

2009-01-08T02:57:00.000-08:00

Viviana Malvina Sosa, from Argentina, is majoring in International Relations in Waseda University Graduate School in order to become a diplomat or worldly active journalist, while overcoming language handicap.

Jan.4, 2009: Immigration

2009-01-03T19:37:00.000-08:00

Should Japan try and be a multi-ethnic contry?
Let's take it further.

Dec.18,2008: Kasuga Shrine's spiritual ritual

2008-12-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Kasuga Shrine's On-matsuri has been conducted since 1136 without any letup year. Out of many ceremonies of the festival, the most spiritual ritual is Senko-no-Gi and Kanko-no Gi.

Nov.30, 2008: Nara French club of the Kyoto-Nara-EU-Association

2008-11-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

Cultural exchange activities between France and Japan are going on at this club. And this club is one of the umbrella organizations of Kyoto-Nara-EU-Association which is offering a wide variety of cultural exchange activities between EU and Japan including the club mentioned before, English club, cycling club, Europe movie study group, and the like.

Nov.22, 2008: Parks and urban greenings

2008-11-22T03:48:00.000-08:00

Japan is blessed with nature, while trying to raise its urban greening rates.

Nov.12, 2008: Japan's repeated cycle of economy

2008-11-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

When looking back on Japan's economic history, we can easily find the trend in Japan's repeated cycle of the production economy and the money economy.

Oct.26, 2008: A shakuhachi performer Joshua

2008-10-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

Joshua M. Smith from Big Apple is brave enough to face the Japanese society and try to achieve self-actualization, as a professional shakuhachi performer.
Hit the URL below:
http://www.tourguidejd.com/tourguidejd/deploy/infopacks/docs/jd_infoPack_231.pdf

Oct.7, 2008: Genes of towns

2008-10-07T02:27:00.000-07:00

When regarding towns as living things, every town has its own unique genes; and these genes feature the town's character and vibes. Well, what are genes? How are the genes created? Let's take it further by considering Osaka, Kyoto and Nara.

Oct.7, 2008: Urban development by Osaka citizens

2008-10-07T02:17:00.000-07:00

With the modern civic spirit, Osaka citizens have executed the urban development since the 17th century, which is the genes of Osaka.

Sep.14: job opportunity 2 in Nara (part-time employee)

2008-09-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

Nara International Exchange Center is recruiting an English teacher on a part-time job basis. Hourly pay is 2,000-3,000 Yen.

Click here.

Sep.14: Job opportunity 1 in Nara (all-time employee)

2008-09-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

Nara International Exchange Center (NIEC ) is recruiting an English teacher on an all-time employee basis. Monthly salary is 250,000-300,000 Yen.

Click here.

Aug.31: Art industries and successful merchants

2008-08-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Successful Kyoto merchants are active in the art industry particularly related to the kimono, which creates win-win relations.

Aug.24: Handing down the traditional arts at Nara

2008-08-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

Nara is well-known for the birthplace of many traditional arts such as gagaku, noh and Kyogen, but few people know those have been continuously handed down to younger generations by the collaboration of the authorities (temples and shrines) and the commoners.

See the below;

http://www.tourguidejd.com/tourguidejd/deploy/infopacks/docs/jd_infoPack_220.pdf

Aug.16, 2008: Ganrinin Photo Gallery in Nara

2008-08-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

In the north east side of Naramachi-Town, we can enjoy a small, cozy and simple Geisha Museum freely open to the public, where you can get an insight into Geisha culture, its history and its contribution to the community.

Aug.14, 2008: Job opportunity in Kawachinagano, Osaka

2008-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Kawachinagano City Hall is recruiting an English instructor.

The monthly salary is 463,300 En.

You can see it in detail on my webpage.

Aug.12, 2008: Good unknown spots in Ponto-Cho & Gion

2008-08-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Enjoy Japan' one of the most opulent bright-light districts with reasonable prices----restaurant, bar in Ponto-Cho and Gion, Kyoto.

July 15, 2008: international cafe restaurant Youan

2008-07-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

A young lady owner Mayumi is running Youan in the midst of Naramachi-town. If I were forced to say it in only one phrase, it's a "sending base about Japanese culture information."

July 5, 2008: The origin of Shinbutushugo

2008-07-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

I posted "why did the syncretization between Shinto and Buddhism happen?"

June 26, 2008: Unpaid salary at NOVA

2008-06-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today I got to know that not a few ex-NOVA teachers still don't know the way how they can get their own unpaid salary and so on. Therefore, for ex-NOVA teachers, I dare posted the important information about it.