Monthly Archives: April 2012

Kobe’s Seven Lucky Gods

Posted on April 29, 2012 by John D.

  The Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) may be the ultimate in Japan’s syncretic landscape.  They pop up anywhere and everywhere, whether Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple.  Though the Meiji government tried to sever all forms of syncretism, they failed miserably … Continue reading →

Posted in Kami, Syncretism | 1 Comment

Imperial cremation request

Posted on April 27, 2012 by John D.

An interesting but surprising item has appeared in Japan Today.  It shows to what extent the emperor is a ‘prisoner’ of the Imperial Household Agency, in collusion with the governing class.  Even in death, the emperor has no right to … Continue reading →

Posted in Emperor (imperial family) | Leave a comment

Mountains and ancestors

Posted on April 23, 2012 by John D.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120421cc.html A small article in the Japan Times yesterday caught my attention.  it was an odd item about a man who had climbed mountains for 9,738 consecutive days.  That’s a staggering 27 years!! Every single day, come rain or come … Continue reading →

Posted in Animism, Green issues, Mountains | 1 Comment

Happy Earth Day!

Posted on April 22, 2012 by John D.

Here in Kyoto the Earth is celebrating its name day with a strong wind and fierce rain.  One way of keeping itself well watered of course… I’m fortunate in living next to the celebrated sacred grove of Tadasu no mori … Continue reading →

Posted in Green issues | Leave a comment

Stairway to Heaven

Posted on April 21, 2012 by John D.

An article in the Huffington Post yesterday discussed the latest state of neurological research and spirituality. The end of the article was ‘enlightening’: I always thought Led Zeppelin were onto something!! (For the original article, click here.) ***********************************************************   Scientists … Continue reading →

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Ta no kami

Posted on April 20, 2012 by John D.

In an article today in the Daily Yomiuri, Kevin Short writes of rice paddies and the ta no kami (kami of the rice fields).  Surprisingly it was sparked by a chance encounter in a park in Ikebukuro in downtown Tokyo … Continue reading →

Posted in Animism, Kami | Leave a comment

World Heritage Shrines

Posted on April 18, 2012 by John D.

The Toshogu Shrine at Nikko Nikko Toshogu; Futarasan Jinja; Kamigamo Shrine; Shimogamo Shrine; Uji Shrine; Kasuga Shrine; Kumano Sanzan (Hongu, Hayatama and Nachi Taisha); Itsukushima Shrine; Sonohyan Shrine and Sefa Utaki.  What do they all have in common – they are all … Continue reading →

Posted in General, Shrine types, World Heritage | 1 Comment

Water – the stuff of life

Posted on April 16, 2012 by John D.

  People often associate Shinto with reverence of rice.  The yearly cycle rotates around the planting and harvesting of the crop, and rice is seen as central to the Japanese identity.  In addition, rice wine in the form of saké … Continue reading →

Posted in Green issues, Japanese culture, Purity and pollution | Leave a comment

Imamiya Shrine (Kyoto)

Posted on April 12, 2012 by John D.

  Imamiya is not one of Kyoto’s foremost shrines.  But it’s atmospheric, boasts some unusual features, and hosts an interesting festival.  it stands next to the temple of Daitokuji, famous for its Zen gardens and historical associations (such as with … Continue reading →

Posted in Kyoto shrines, Shrine visits | Leave a comment

Origins 2): Yayoi connections

Posted on April 10, 2012 by John D.

Around 500-300 BC a wave of continental incomers arrived into Japan who were genetically and culturally different from the Jomon natives.  They may have entered from Korea, or from China via Korea, or even directly from China.  Most likely a … Continue reading →

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Posted in Origins, Shamanic connections | 2 Comments