Hi, my name is Nao. I am a time being. Do you know what a time being is? Well if you give me a moment, I will tell you.
A time being is someone who lives in time, and that means you, and me and every one of us who is, or ever was, or ever will be.
Tag Archives: japanese history
Book Review: Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
In this funny, odd-ball and deeply emotional novel by Japanese debut novelist Sayaka Murata, we follow the book’s heroine Keiko, who is in her late 30’s and is working as a sales assistant in a convenience store, while living unmarried and childless (a mortal sin in Japan).
Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism
The fauna of Japan, rich in diversity, is intricately woven into the tapestry of Shinto and Zen Buddhist traditions. Each animal is not just a part of the ecosystem but a bearer of profound spiritual messages and teachings. This article delves deeply into the shamanic symbolism of eight Japanese animals, revealing their roles in folklore,Continue reading “Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism”
Book Review – Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
A mind-bending and time-melting story by the master of surreal storytelling Haruki Murakami. The first strand is the 15 year old Kafka Tamura, a teen runaway who takes refuge in a remote town. The second strand begins with mysterious celestial phenomena in the Shikoku mountains, possibly involving a UFO and a group of kids losing consciousness.
The heartwarming story of Hachiko, Japan’s most loved dog
Born in 1923, the #Akita #dog named Hachiko became a living symbol of unwavering love and devotion. His story began as a tiny pup in a quaint town in Japan, quickly evolving into a life intertwined with his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno. #history #Japan #Hachiko #Shibuya #Tokyo
Vegetable ekiben on the Tokaido shinkansen
Just a quick postcard from my current trip to Japan. I had to jot this down right now while the exquisite flavours swirl in my belly and the remnants of enjoyment are in my mouth. I am on the fast train between Tokyo and Osaka known as the Tokaido shinkansen. I wasn’t aware that vegetableContinue reading “Vegetable ekiben on the Tokaido shinkansen”
Comforting Thought: What natural sound would you preserve forever?
Silence The song of the cicadas Penetrates the rocks In Japanese there are many onomatopoeic words for the sounds in nature. shito shito: the sound of light rain zā zā: the sound of heavy rain kasa kasa: the light sound of leaves rustling under foot hyū hyū: the sound of wind blowing goro goro: theContinue reading “Comforting Thought: What natural sound would you preserve forever?”
Comforting Thought: Illnesses come from our lack of connection to nature
Many of our illnesses, stresses and anxieties are due to a lack of connection with nature. Taking a hands-on approach to the natural world will help you to restore that connection. Feel the breeze on your face, let the water of the stream ripple through your hands, lie on the ground, take your shoes off and go barefoot.
Ancient Word of the Day: Shizen
Nature is not separate from humankind in Japanese culture. It is a part of us. And the need to keep the two in harmony can be seen in every aspect of life, from the design of gardens that incorporate the natural landscape, to the design of houses that blur inside and outside by means ofContinue reading “Ancient Word of the Day: Shizen”
Ancient Word of the Day: Kodama
Many Japanese folk stories are about kodama, a kind of nature deity that lives in a tree, a bit like a Greek Dryad. Some people believed that kodama travel throughout the forest, moving from tree to tree. Others believe that they inhabit a particular tree.
Content Catnip 