Oct. 7, 2009: Fruit picking & vegetable digging in and around Nara

Enjoy fruit picking and vegetable digging in and around Nara this Autumn.

Oct. 3, 2009: Japanese people's feeling for death

Why did Japanese people accept Buddhism despite the existence of Shinto? They didn't accept religious aspect of Confucianism or Taoism. It's very interesting to get insight into Japanese people's feeling for beliefs. This will probably help us understand who Japanese are.

Sep. 20, 2009: Each religion's view of death in Japan

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

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

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

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

July 29, 2009: Chinese tourists to Japan

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