Only in Japan: Drive thru Curry and Rice

 Drive thru Curry House CoCo Ichibanya, in Fukuoka Japan.

I'm not sure about all the prefectures in Japan, but since I have just recently moved to Fukuoka in the south, I have noticed that most franchise chains offer Drive thru to go service.

These restaurants are hot noodle places like Nagasaki Chanpon, Japanese curry houses like CoCo Ichiban, and even Yoshinoya (beef bowl restaurant) has a drive thru order window.

Drive thru order menu for Japanese Curry, Fukuoka Japan

I'm not sure if I want a hot bowl of noodles of my lap driving home, but I am sure the convenience of having fast food other than McDonald's is a sure seller.

Yoshinoya drive thru in Fukuoka, Japan. 

I think most of the people who order their food park and eat in their cars or live close enough that they can eat at home.

Next time I will have to give it a try. With 4 kids at a restaurant sometimes it is a lot more civil for us to eat in our car rather than to have a table.

Only in Japan: Sake Vending Machines in Public

A typical alcoholic beverage vending machine in Fukuoka City, Japan. The red lights say "Urikiri" which means sold out.

Vending machines are everywhere in Japan, their products various and humorous. Much like many other developed economies, convenience sells tremendously well. 

But something you won't see sold in many other countries is alcohol with vending machines.  This is for obvious reasons: theft, underage drinking prevention, fire safety, the list goes on.

In Japan alcohol is readily available all the time and any time you want it or in some cases need it.  Consumption of alcohol is very common in Japan and some people are concerned about alcoholism being a source of many domesticated problems, but the fact of the matter is, even with the large amounts of alcohol being consumed in Japan, the crime rate per capita is extremely low, although strict regulation is now being enforced on drunk driving.

The main concern over alcoholism is for health reasons in Japan. See the chart  below to see what area drinks the most

Note that Tokyo is red surrounded by green and Fukuoka is around the middle range located in the most southern area of Japan (Kyuushuu).  Kagoshima is the highest consumer of alcohol in Japan, also located in Kyuushuu.  Okinawa is the small island located on the right.

In regards to vending machines, most have been equipped with a taspo card reader that assures the purchaser is of age.  The same goes for vending machines that sell cigarettes.

Many foreigners find the lack of strict regulation on alcohol and tobacco a surprise, but in Japan most people are not worried about it at all. Alcohol and tobacco have their role in society and this is accepted despite their known negative affects on health.

So if you like Japanese Sake, no need to worry about ever running out in Japan because there is always a place you can find it relatively close by.

Only in Japan: Corn flavored Popsicles with real kernels

The other day I decided to go on a little flavor adventure and try a corn Popsicle. The brand GariGari Kun is probably the most well know brand of 

アイス (frozen treats) you will find in Japan. 

It ranges from about 60 yen (60 cents) to 120 yen ($1.20) a bar.  It took off in the 1980s and has been on the top sellers for years. Japan loves to experiment with flavors and GariGari Kun certainly seems to enjoy exploring the flavor palette.

It's Corn Potage soup flavored Popsicle has frozen corn kernels in it as well. Surprisingly the Popsicles melts in your mouth quickly which thaws the corn chunks.  I found it quite tasty at first but near the end the novelty wore off.

Would I buy it again? Probably not... I think I'll stick to their standard soda flavored one.

Just in case you are curious about the name GariGari, it is a play on words in Japanese.  GariGari is the sound made when chewing something grainy like shaved ice which is actually in the center of the Popsicle.

This is just one example of the Japanese sales approach to create a buzz by taking something that is famous and beloved by the public and repackaging it or adding a new flavor.  It is quite successful I think, it worked on me.

Fukuoka- Land of Blessed Hills

Fukuoka 福岡- Land of Blessed Hills

The mountain range surrounding the city of Fukuoka- image taken from Fullthangka

We are now living in Fukuoka City, literally meaning "Blessed Hills" in Japanese.  Here we have a place to call home and though it still feels foreign in many ways we are becoming acquainted with it daily.  Fukuoka city was shown to me as I sought the Lord in prayer last year. God's Divine Wind- Call to Fukuoka

We have fought our way to get here and through many trials and sufferings that seemed to hold us back we have come. I cannot fully detail all of them in a single post, so I will leave it for a later time.  What is important is that we have arrived and we are grateful to God and the many who helped us along the way.

Fukuoka City is one of the oldest cities in Japan. It has a rich history and has been ranked as one of the most livable in the World according to Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fukuoka

However, I have yet to come such a conclusion seeing I have been here less than two months.  There are certainly a lot of things to explore.  With time I hope I am able to see and understand the reason we are here.

Reasons and purpose give us hope.  If we only exist in space and time merely for the purpose of existence hope begins to slip away.  Hope is an enduring virtue that the apostle Paul writes about saying,

"Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."

I Corinthians 13:13

Hope keeps us going in the midst of our sufferings and difficulties, being bonded with faith and love.  It is a bond not easily broken, nor a bond that will fade away.

Looking into the future,

There are many challenges ahead of us and we are challenged daily as we settle in this land.
We look forward to the blessings to come as we labor and work for the Kingdom of God.

Two women wearing kimono stroll down a street in Daimyo, downtown Fukuoka City.

It is clear to see that in Fukuoka there is great attention and resources spent of fashion and aesthetic pleasure but something is missing.  In the midst of all the glamour and decor there seems to be a loneliness, a hollow vanity.  So many people dressed up in their best but the look of searching is still on their faces.  There is a wanting that is hard to describe.  I admire the many wonderful and interesting things I see in Fukuoka, but I hope that these searching souls may find rest and peace in the Gospel of Christ.

Of course like any metropolitan city there are urban characteristics that leave the heart longing for the beauty of nature, which is only a half hour drive away.  It is a city that seems to have sprung up in middle of the wild.  Surrounded by mountains and accompanied by a beautiful bay area it makes for quite a unique place in Japan.

Fukuoka City night skyline-image taken from wikipedia

This is the place of the Divine Call and we marvel that we are here today. I cannot pretend that I knew it would work out this way, I merely believed in the One who can make such things possible.


Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”


Matthew 19:26

When I am tired and confused, lost and hurt He reaches down in the way only He can to revive me and put me back on the path He has made for me.


For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11


It is an amazing experience when you actual experience the Word of God through living by faith and seeing events come to pass that mirror the experience of those in the Bible rather than study them as academia or as a root study.

Be blessed as you live your life, May you see the and experience God in great ways.

Only in Japan: Noodles of Longevity

Photo taken from popartichoke

In Japan it's a tradition to have soba noodles on New Year's Eve.  In Japanese it is called Toshi Koshi Soba, 年越しそば. (End of the Year Soba) While many in the West are gearing up for party time, the Japanese have a more quiet tradition that dates back hundreds of years to the Edo period.
Most of these seasonal traditions in Japan are rooted in superstition.  The long noodles symbolize a long life, so as the New Year starts you have in a sense the promise or blessing of a long life with you as you partake of the food. It certainly isn't something Japanese take too seriously, but it is something to ponder. 

As it is with many Japanese customs, behind the superstition there is a pearl of wisdom to be found that people long ago discovered and passed on. Using the form of superstition or tradition the Japanese preserve the wisdom and memory of their ancestors. In Japan the fall harvest time is a festive time of feasting and eating while the food from the harvest is still good.  As the year comes to an end in December, there are still gatherings in the form of feasts and merryment in order to forget all the troubles of the year gone bye called Bo Nen Kai 忘年会. After all the gorging and drinking, it most have seemed the healthy way for the Japanese to embrace the New Year in sober and simple fashion with a bowl of buckwheat noodles (soba).

So as I sat and took in the warm bowl of noodles and soup, I did feel a comfort at the simplicity of the meal. There's something special about taking your time and practicing a custom with proper reflection. So will I live a long life? Well, on a cold New Year's night a bowl of warm noodles sure couldn't hurt.

Tales from Japan: Abe, Japan's new hope?

Shinzo Abe, soon to be Japan's new Prime Minister 2012.  Photo taken from a Liberal Democratic Party pamphlet

Just recently Japan's Diet appointed its new leader. Shinzo Abe of the conservative side of Japan's political spectrum has returned to the highest position in Japanese politics.

In the past he has had the demeanor of a more soft spoken man. At one time he was Japan's youngest Prime Minister but had to resign due to failing health.

Now he has a new tone and voice that has lit a fire under the politically indifferent Japanese culture. He has gained strong support from his stance on foreign affairs and his commitment to effective economic strategies.

I have watched him over the years and seen him be bashed repeatedly by Japanese media but he is still going strong.  The fact the media won't leave him alone makes me think perhaps there is something good about him.

This was taken from Abe's Facebook page.  It notes how when the more liberal party took power three years ago it was a "A Democratic Revolution that will Change Japan" but now with the return of the conservatives party's overwhelming victory the magazine title reads, "The Concern Over Abe's Politics".  Let the bashing begin the comment reads on the Facebook post http://www.facebook.com/abeshinzo

One thing for sure is that Shinzo Abe has a lot of pressure to perform an economic revival in Japan. Remarkably, the day after the elections the Japanese stock market soared  and the over valued yen dropped.  A sign that perhaps there is hope for this struggling nation.

We even had the rare opportunity to listen to him speak live at Funabashi station a day before the election

Mr. Abe is speaking from a platform by the far building and is mostly being blocked by trees but you can see him move slightly if you look real close, or if you can zoom in on the video.

It was about a year ago that I had a vision about Japan's future.

A White Serpent Will Appear

I don't know whether Mr. Abe is going to be a phenomenal success or a tremendous failure. But my heart is that Japan is blessed and it's people prosper. That is my prayer for them and my prayers for their leader.

The reactions of some Christians in Japan seem almost fearful as to what what might happen, if religious persecution or hardships might result from this new leadership.

I certainly do not think it could even come close to the persecutions under the shoguns of long ago.

Christian Martyrdom in Japan

If anything, let there be hope and let there be joy in the land again.  

Only in Japan: The Original Hello Kitty

Image from the Asahi Shimbun website

I have noticed being in the U.S. there is a Hello Kitty fashion craze going on.  Now it might have already peaked and could be on the way down.  I asked one of children wearing a crazy colored Hello Kitty t-shirt if she knew where Hello Kitty is from.  She looked surprised and said, "What do you mean? Where?"

I replied smiling, "From Japan!"  The student looked at me in disbelief and retorted," But she speaks English not Japanese."

The girl sat down in her chair perplexed by our conversation.  It seems that HELLO KITTY has gone native in America.

In Japan things from other countries are often advertised as foreign and that can actually contribute to them becoming fashionable or trendy.  That being said sometimes the reality is that those items are not particular valued in their country of origin.

When it comes to animation and cute characters, Japan has no shortage, no need to import.  In fact Hello Kitty is one of the most recognizable characters in the world.

HELLO KITTY comes in as number one

In the United States Japanese items have a particular allure and charm to them.  However, animated characters tend to lose their original Japanese identity.  Pokemon, Yu-gi-Oh and Hello Kitty are all long standing popular items in the United States and seems that most young kids and maybe even adults may just assume they are American creations.  My experience in conversations leads me to conclude that in general most Americans tend to lump Asian countries and cultures together.  Electronics, cars, anime, chopsticks, rice, sushi, etc. many people have no idea what country produces what brands or items, or which country specializes in what.  To most it's "all the same."

But instead of going down that road and debating origins, or other divisive topics, I will just say Japan has done a good job making a good reputation for itself.

And Sanrio seems to have got a winner with the one and only orginal Hello Kitty!

Only in Japan: Abandoned River Bicycles

An old bicycle lay at the bottom of a river bed in Funabashi, Chiba Japan.

Often I come across this scene when I am walking along the rivers in Japan.  Funabashi is a highly populated suburb of Tokyo.  It has over half a million people crammed into an area of only around 5 square miles.  With all those people there is a lot of trash to take care of.  Typically in Japan it costs money to dispose of large things or environmentally hazardous items.  This unfortunately leads to many people who would rather toss their bike in the river than pay the 2,000 yen to have it disposed of properly.  However, sometimes these bicycles have been stolen by a person in need of quick transportation and discarded wherever convenient for the thief.  This phenomenon is called Nori-Sute 乗り捨て in Japanese.

Not only are bicycles disposed of this way but TVs, fans, mopeds, furniture and other such large or electronic devices are often seen thrown away illegally.

A sign in Machida, Tokyo warning residents not to throw away trash in this park area.  Violators could pay a fine of up to $120,000 or face up to 5 years in prison.

When I look at a bicycle or other junk sitting in the middle of Japan's enchanting landscape, I find it interesting.  It almost looks archaeological to me.  As nature slowly wraps itself around and quietly disrepairs the once shiny metal, I am reminded of Japan's serene beauty which seems to overpower and remind humanity of its place.

After all from dust we came and to dust we will return said the LORD.

GENESIS 3:19

Only in Japan: Jumbo Sized Lucky Cats

A 600 lb Lucky Cat statue Maneki-Neko in Japanese stands outside a recycle shop in Funabashi Japan.

The first time I saw the precocious and charming characture of a maneki neko was in the United States.  It is commonly sold in Asian market places or shops that feature Japanese merchandise.  The origin is Japanese but is often confused as being Chinese. 

Wiki- Link Maneki-Neko

The "bekoning cat" as it is literally translated stands inviting customers which translates to blessing or fortune for the shop owner.  It is both whismical and captures the culture of superstition embeded in the minds of Japanese.  The history of the Maneki-Neko goes back to the Edo period about 400 years ago.  There are numerous legends and stories that account for the presence of this figurine in thousands of shops around the Japan.


Superstitous beliefs in Japan are usually associated more with protection than anything else.  One example is that Japanese will spend hundreds of dollars a year for shaman blessed charms (Omamori) for car safety, health, business dealings, school, or general bad luck.  The Japanese try to cover themselves from as much trouble as they can and while there is no guarantee in charms they take comfort in having an item that tells them they are protected.

Wikipedi Image Japanese Amulet Charms

The Maneki-Neko is different from other charms and amulets in Japan because it optimistically represents hope and blessing to come.  Most Japanese find it cute and decorative rather than actually attributing any real power to it.  Even though it represents a belief in power beyond that of human effort, the Japanese know that hard work is perhaps the most important part of success.  That being said, to the Japanese there is nothing wrong with having a little more luck on your side.

Tales from Japan: Japan an Island in Conflict



A man burns a Japanese flag in China protesting the nationalizing of the Senkaku Islands.

I usually stay away from political issues.  And for the most part I will not address the lengthy and complex historical issues that have led to the current conflict with China and the ongoing conflicts with the Korean countries.

In general most Japanese do not speak well of their own country.  They may have feelings of respect and appreciation for their country but rarely articulate it as "pride." They seem to be confident in Japanese tradition and culture, but are shameful of its current state of economic and moral decline.  It's economic situation is an objective reality but its moral situation is certainly a subjective topic of discussion.

When the Japanese government purchased the Senkaku Islands from their private Japanese owner, Japanese saw nothing wrong.  Apparently the Chinese government and its people thought differently.  The leaders in the Japanese government claim that it nationalized the islands to prevent them from being developed further by the building of structures supported under the right wing mayor of Tokyo Shintaro Ishihara.  The Japanese government thought such potential action to build on the islands surrounding China might cause even greater damage of relations between Asian powers.  They saw nationalization as a prevention measure not an aggressive action.

One thing for sure is the nationalistic response in China is quite stark in contrast to that of Japan.  Japanese are not burning things, rioting, or posing any danger to the large Chinese population in its country.  There now finally seems to be demonstrating taking place in Japan in response to the volatile reaction of the Chinese towards the Japanese.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49141889/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/t/japan-china-military-conflict-seen-unlikely-despite-tension/


Some might say that the Japanese government perhaps is attempting to stoke the fire of nationalism in Japan which seems to be very dim, especially with the long stagnant economy and the catastrophic tsunami and nuclear meltdown in Fukushima in 2011. By taking the hard line it forces a violent reaction which would in turn spark a Japanese public reaction to support their struggling government.  It is clear that the Japanese government wants to get the attention of its people who seem to be indifferent or frustrated with the political state of Japan.

One might argue that a sense of national pride and a little trust in the government might not be entirely a bad thing for Japan.  However, I think there needs to be some serious house cleaning that needs to happen first.

But even with all the media attention most experts do not see the situation escalating towards war between Japan and China.  They are big trade partners and any full scale military measures would most likely result in an economic collapse in both countries.

http://rt.com/business/news/china-japan-trade-earthquake-382/

Looking toward the future of Japan, I see the samurai spirit of Japan being stirred up by all these things happening.  The samurai warrior is the protector and is governed by loyalty and justice.  The Japanese are a strong people who have a history going back thousands of years.  I do not think they will back down if put in a corner.

According to a recent survey done in the light of the conflict, 34% of Japanese polled believed the government should invest more money into the defense of Japan by the Jieitai 自衛隊 (Japanese Self Defense Force), the current name of the Japanese quasi-military. Officially, the Jieitai cannot fight in war or take part in an invasion of another country even if it is accompaning an ally. The U.S. government has made it so that the Japanese can never make war or maintain a military.

The true reality of situation is that the Japanese are in the midst of an internal struggle of how to view itself in the world and even more the particular region of Asia.  Whatever happens I hope and pray the best for them.  No matter what has happened in the past they have been through a lot as a country the last few years.

Only in Japan: Giant Coke Cans and other Oversized Novelties

A giant can of Coca Cola on its side at Narita Airport Japan

You think in a country that makes every bit of space count like Japan that there would be little interest in the oversized sillyness of a can of Coca Cola, but like many other such mysteries, Japan once again shows its whimsical side.

A giant tea pot shaped vending machine at Tokyo Disneyland

A random large tweety bird statue outside of Warner MyCal Cinemas, Japan

In stores, often displays of merchandise are gigantisized for attention and humor's sake.  Although the shopping isles still remain only narrow enough for one way traffic.

Trial Supermarket in Yachiyo Chiba Japan

Perhaps with a country where small and compact seems to be the norm, a sudden over sized novelty makes people laugh and has that more of an impact.  Some are artistic and some are just silly. But whenever I come across such things I am reminded of the lighter side of the Japanese; the side that enjoys the extreme and is often depicted in manga or Japanese animation.


With all the difficulties in Japan, it is sometimes nice to reflect on the lighter side of things and have a laugh. Life is too short not to stop and smile at the silly!

Only in Japan: Super Cars!

A view from the side shows some crazy design alterations to this van. Is that thing legal?

I sometimes see them and usually at night they are even more impressive with shiny lights and loud music thumping. The truth is that Japan has a lot of custom super cars! I see almost one every day and the styles vary. And I thought the supped up lower rider was something?

Most of the additional parts use hydrolics to literally transform the car into different looks.
This group of people who spend vast amounts of money and time on their cars consists of mostly young to middle aged men who dress in extreme fashion as well. I chose an example below. This is the type of guy I would expect to step out of one of those extreme machine cars, not a nerdy guy in a suit.

Singer from band Exile Atsushi Sato

Japan is a country that loves Manga/Anime and some will proudly spend big bucks to show their affinity. Just one of the sides of Japan that makes it such an interesting place to live.

Only in Japan: Rivers of Garbage?

Japan is known as the land of many rivers. (Rivers in Japan) In fact rivers played a vital role in Japan`s history and are still used today commercially in a variety of ways.

However, recently as I was riding along in my car I saw a startling sight.

Polluted river in Chiba city Japan, filled with garbage

Japan on one hand is a strong industrial nation which means that pollution of the environment is bound to occur. On the other hand Japan has a strong affinity for nature, as clearly depicted in their language, literature, religion and culture.  Shi-zen 自然 or Nature is associated with good and is highly valued even revered by the general Japanese population. It is difficult for many Japanese to see such sights, meanwhile the engine of industry plows through mountains in order to build new shopping areas, and town developments in an attempt to stimulate a stifling economy. Japanese have a love for both nature and industry, much like a man who both loves his wife and his mistress. They love technology and efficient industry for what they do for everyday life and convenience yet pollution tragically is released into the Japanese beloved mountains, (山Yama) forests, 森 Mori) and rivers (川 Kawa).

Yet this is not a new development. Tokyo Bay and many other urban areas of Japan are well known for their pollution which are seen as an inevitable side effect of high population. But one must ask, "Is this a necessary process for Japan to compete in the global economy? That as an island, it must sacrifice what little land it has?"

I know there are many countries in the world with problems of pollution but it is sad to see a nation of people that worship nature (traditional Japanese religion is Shinto, an animistic religion) unwillingly sacrifice for the sake of "progress."

Tales from Japan: Radiation and Food supply

Well it is getting tougher and tougher to find safe food these days. Japan has of course raised the standard for radiation emission from food and drink to 2000 becquels per kilogram, which would be unheard of except maybe in a third world country that wouldn`t even be able to measure radiation and whose food supplies were very low and could not survive without them.

The justification of course is that Japan needs to recover from the 3/11 earthquake and tsunami. 日本復興（Nihon Fukkou) The country`s economy has been devastated by the cost of the 3/11 disaster and politicians are scrambling to try and pull money to pay for the restoration of East Japan. However, by allowing such toxic levels of radiation to be spread around the country, dire consequences will most certainly manifest in the future.

This market down the street is selling cucumber from Fukushima. Following the policy of the government to support and buy produce from East Japan in order to restore the economy

When people eat food that is emitting radiation that more than likely means there are radioactive isotopes present. These particles are absorbed by the body and will surely cause health problems even cancers. Young children eat and drink this tainted food without a thought. They are even forced to eat it at schools, and many experts fear that once the amount of internal radiation in their bodies reaches a certain level or when they go through a growth spurt many health problems will develop.

Here is an example of how sneaky companies are getting when selling potentially harmful food and drink. This is happening because of the vast amount of surplus in radioactive areas being sold so cheap and again these practices support Fukkou policy. This drink is labeled Fukushima on the front which is a dead give away that you shouldn`t buy it but as I look at the back, the company that packaged and sold it is located in Hokkaido and the company that processed the juice is located in Ibaraki.  If you are not careful ,and sometimes it is hard to determine, you can ended buying juice that was sold from Hokkaido (safe) but made in Fukushima (not safe)

This information about food contamination and internal exposure to radiation is mostly dismissed by the mainstream media and television. Yet some grocers and restaurants see this as a business opportunity

A family restaurant, Bamiyan posts on the door that all beef is American and has been strictly tested.

Food delivery companies who deliver food from the south and more western areas of Japan are becoming a popular alternative for buying food. Also some companies will check each piece of food you buy from them via Geiger counter. These companies charge about $5 for an ear of corn or $2 for a tomato.

Oshix has become a very popular way to get safe food but most people like me couldnt afford it.

But what happens after a year or more. The food supply for the whole country cannot be supported by half of Japan`s farming land. Also there are grave concerns about fertilizer from affected areas being sold all over the country risking the contamination of rice fields all around Japan. Currently Japan is consuming the rice crop from last year but what happens when it is gone and the rice crop is gathered and sold to the people. Then there will be no way around it. Food will be radioactive, leading to more risks of internal exposure to the entire nation not just East Japan.

Estimates of some experts like professor Kodama of Tokyo University gauge that even by this fall children may begin to exhibit symptoms of radiation poisoning. (basically the body cannot handle anymore so it begins to break down).
These symptoms include sore throat, metallic taste, headache, nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds, diarrhea, and in some cases can be fatal.

Japan is facing 2012 thinking about its economy and trying to revive Japan, but it could be facing an epidemic if measures are not taken to protect and preserve the food supply.

Only in Japan: Plums and the Rainy Season

A thunderhead forming in the afternoon in Matsudo, Chiba Japan. Tsuyu 2011

Japan is currently in the rainy season, or monsoon season.  In fact this time of year Japan will receive most of its needed rain to maintain vital crops like rice, tea leaves, grain, etc.  The rainy season in Japanese is called Tsuyu. 梅雨 The word is the combination of the character for plum, Ume, and rain, Ame. This is the peak harvest time for Japanese plums in Japan. Hence the reference and importance of the character. Also if you look at the word Mainichi 毎日, meaning everyday, you can see the first character is also part of the word 梅 Ume, Japanese plum. The choice of the characer 梅 points to the fact that it rains almost everyday.

So quick quiz- Rainy Season.........Tsuyu.........梅雨
                       Plum.......................Ume..........梅
　　　　　　　　 Rain.......................Ame...........雨
　　　　　　　　 Everyday................Mainichi.....毎日

Now if you are asking yourself why don`t they call it UmeAme instead of Tsuyu.  Well that is because often times when combining two or more characters together sounds can change accorrding to rule or be selected by creator of the word. But that is a whole other Japanese lesson.  Back to the topic...
Along with heat and humidity rising, squalls and thunderstorms often abruptly arrive unleashing torrents of rain.  Flooding is quite common during this season but Japan`s many rivers and engineered aquaducts and waterways help alleviate this so there is very limited damage from flood water general speaking. 

On some days it can be in the 30s Celsius (90s F) and in the afternoon clouds of thunder and lightning turn the sky black as night. Other times you wake up and it is gray and misty outside.  Make no mistake about it when it is rainy season you will get wet.

This video was taken not long after the cloud from the photo at the title passed by and turned the sky dark and dumped the rain on everybody. This late afternoon rain is called Yuudachi 夕立.

The rain lasted less than 5 minutes and as you can see in this next clip all is well and the sky is relatively clear.

Connecting Life with Faith: Facing Judgment, Repentance and Rulers

We are living in a time when we see leaders rise and fall so easily.  We see President Obama constantly riding a roller coaster of fame and prestige, now facing the realities of his own actions.  The internet continually bringing us the play by play of the lives of politicians, celebrities, athletes, and super stars.  Recently we have seen stars like Charlie Sheen and pseudo star/ politician Arnold Schwarzenegger grab the attention of millions maybe billions across the globe, as they climb and plummet only to wind up even more famous or infamous in the aftermath.  It is becoming a very twisted world out there.

We are living in a time when humanity`s need for leaders is great.  We have lifted up many for the sake of making our nations greater. We have looked to businessmen, entertainers, actors, political figures of all shapes, sizes and lifestyles.  Perhaps we have overlooked the humble leader, the learned and wise leader, the leader who has abstained from evil and not lifted his eyes to an idol or bowed before the world system.

If a person is not invested in this world, they simply cannot be corrupted.  They need only have heaven before them and the duty to work for the benefit of those they have charge of. For they too will have to give an account before the Almighty.

The tale of the wicked king Manasseh comes to mind.
I highlighted some parts in bold which I will discuss. But please read the whole account.

2 Chronicles 33
Manasseh King of Judah

1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. 2 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, following the detestable practices of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites. 3 He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had demolished; he also erected altars to the Baals and made Asherah poles. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them. 4 He built altars in the temple of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “My Name will remain in Jerusalem forever.” 5 In both courts of the temple of the LORD, he built altars to all the starry hosts. 6 He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.
7 He took the image he had made and put it in God’s temple, of which God had said to David and to his son Solomon, “In this temple and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I will put my Name forever. 8 I will not again make the feet of the Israelites leave the land I assigned to your ancestors, if only they will be careful to do everything I commanded them concerning all the laws, decrees and regulations given through Moses.” 9 But Manasseh led Judah and the people of Jerusalem astray, so that they did more evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites.

10 The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. 11 So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. 12 In his distress he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed to him, the LORD was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD is God.
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Manasseh was a young king, crowned at 12 years of age.  Probably never knew a hard day`s work in his life.  He was passionate in his wicked ways.  He would even go to the extreme of sacrificing his own children in order to get the desires of his heart.  Not only did Manasseh participate in great evil but he passed laws, decrees and promoted his ways to the entire people of Judah so much so that they were even more evil than any nation had ever been before them.  It says that God spoke to Manasseh. God was sending messages but they were given no attention.  Sound familar? So God was forced to bring distress upon His people in order to ultimately spare them. Yet Manasseh in all his evil was sincere in his humility, as he sought God, and when he saw God`s deliverance he was forever changed.  This is the great benefit of judgment.  It brings forth justice and good for the purpose of God.  While it is fearful and awful, judgment restores the world to order, as you can see from the results here.  Now from that moment on Manasseh began to do the works of refortifying and protecting his people, blessing them and bringing them back to God.

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14 Afterward he rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David, west of the Gihon spring in the valley, as far as the entrance of the Fish Gate and encircling the hill of Ophel; he also made it much higher. He stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities in Judah.
15 He got rid of the foreign gods and removed the image from the temple of the LORD, as well as all the altars he had built on the temple hill and in Jerusalem; and he threw them out of the city. 16 Then he restored the altar of the LORD and sacrificed fellowship offerings and thank offerings on it, and told Judah to serve the LORD, the God of Israel. 17 The people, however, continued to sacrifice at the high places, but only to the LORD their God.
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This is an amazing account of God`s grace.  Can you imagine this today? In Japan, what would happen if the leaders were able to repent and stop the lies and cover ups? How long will they have to despair until they come to the reality that they can no longer control or even recover the situation? In America, a land that has the great fortune of having many that belong God, what would happen if the leaders were to repent and change the laws and effect the culture for Christ? How long must a nation despair until it is brought to repentance? 

Can we not learn from Manasseh? Is there still time for America? Japan? the World?

It starts with the leaders and rulers.  Repentance begins with them, the ones who stand before the multitudes. I often hear the message of repentance buzzing around Christian churches and circles but the reality is that repentance is not talking about repenting, it is ACTION.  It is mobilization to stop the evil practices that are in place.  It is removal of the idols from the high places, it is as much physical as it is spiritual. 

So what are we waiting for?!

Repent and we shall spare ourselves much trouble. Repent and we will see the Kingdom of God before us.

Tales from Japan: Fukushima the Worst Story Never Told



Photo of childrens` toys from a sandbox in Funabashi Chiba Japan. Sandboxes and water run off read the highest for radiation and children are the most at risk

 The world keeps on turning and we are just holding on for the ride.  News attention over Fukushima has died down considerably over the past few weeks.  Both the western media and Japanese media (of course) are following other issues or trying to get attention back onto issues like the dire situation of the economy or frivilous fashion, travel, entertainment, etc.

As much as I would like to forget all this and go back to semi-normal life, something does not sit right.  There is no resolution in sight, no contingency plan, no critical coverage of Fukushima! You think that reporters and journalist would be all over something so historic and tragic as this. 

Recently I actually spoke in a professsional Japanese Journalist, (who will remain unnamed) who has several best sellers listed on AMAZON.  We spoke over the phone and he expressed concern for Japan and its future. He said that, "True Journalism is dead" and that "only a few samurai (free journalists) can actually survive in these conditions."

Journalists and publishers in Japan make their living writing articles to promote businesses, organizations, politicians, and religions who then in turn pay for the journalist`s expenses and fund the publishers.  This means when it comes to things like Fukushima, the journalists and publishers are hand-tied.  They cannot go rogue and expect to survive.  It was an enlightening conversation to say the least.  I had never thought of it before.  There are many people who want to see the truth of Fukushima come out in Japan, but there are few who can tell the story.  Few who could actually publish a legitimate work that would do those suffering justice.

The effects of Fukushima will be long lasting and over the next months and years will begin to manifest. Yet by that time the media attention will be on something else and when the time comes the government will do very little for those who were in the wrong place at the wrong time in 2011.

There are many experts who appear on TV assuring the people that things are fine.  These experts are well known and most are funded by the government so it is not safe to say that their opinion stands true.
Below is a youtube video of a radiation expert (not on the government payroll).  Video is in Japanese




The gist of this conversation is that this expert, Hirose Takashi, is shocked at the words of his colleagues and those who appear on television saying everything is okay.  He is appalled at the apathy of these people knowing full well the potential danger that people are living with this radiation in their environment everyday.  He explains that internal exposure to such radiation is extremely harmful because the radioactivity is not just gamma rays from an outside source like an Xray machine but it is actually coming from you. Essentially the moment you intake these particles you have become radioactive!

As a follow up Arnie Gundersen world renown nuclear expert talks about the same topic. "Hot particles" that can be inhaled or taken into the body and that have the potential for great harm.



Also I have been following the Atomic Energy News update site for latest information on Fukushima

ENERGY NEWS

Only in Japan: Ghibli Animation

Giant Robot from Laputar/ Castle in the Sky film. Taken at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Japan

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the famous Ghibli museum located in the city Mitaka in Tokyo.  Now I am not a huge fan of Ghibli animation but I do appreciate its unique style and storytelling.  The mainstream Manga or Anime is quite different and I think lacks the artistic style found in the Ghibli franchise. 

The Ghibli museum does not allow pictures except for this robot located at the very top of the museum in the garden area.  The museum itself is filled with gadgets, elevators, trinkets, and machines much like

Howl`s moving castle

Image from http://steampunkscholar.blogspot.com/

The museum also has a restaurant and movie theatre that shows short movies of rare or never seen before Ghibli animation.  If you are a Ghibli fan it is definitely a place to experience. If you have never seen any Ghibli animation I encourage you to watch them.  Most Japanese have a fondness and appreciation for the Ghibli works and they are very popular with a variety of ages from young to old. 

DVD cover of one of Ghibli`s most popular movies Tonari no Totoro

Perhaps Ghibli is best known for its movie Totoro which I have read is going to reworked into a new film by Disney`s pixar.

For a full list of Ghibli`s movies and more facts visit STUDIO GHIBLI

Ghibli`s stories, though often set in a European style, depict a flowing, vibrant animated form that truly captures the mystery and heart of Japan. At times the imagery can be overwhelming or even grotesque.  But it is surreal and honest to its audience.  It definitely leaves people with a sense of wonder and awe. It brings you back to storytime perhaps when you were a child.

Enjoy Ghibli Animation brought to you Only By Japan

Ghibli museum website- You can only go by booking a reservation in advance!

http://www.ghibli-museum.jp/en/

Only in Japan: Big Buddhas and Big Business

The Largest Statue in Japan and Third Largest in the World, the Ushiku Daibutsu.

This last week was a holiday week in Japan.  I took some time to go on a little road trip.  We went up north about 80 kilometers to the area of Ushiku in the Ibaraki Prefecture.  Ibaraki was a prefecture hit quite hard by the record breaking earthquake on March 11th.  However, we were surprised, as we drove along, that we didn`t see much damage. 

Our initial destination was a shopping outlet, but as we got closer something caught our attention.  A big something! A towering figure standing in the middle of nowhere suddenly appeared as we emerged from the winding road.  I have never seen a statue so large.

I took this from about 4 miles away and you can still clearly see the statue

Taken from the outer court yard under a cloudy sky, the Daibutsu looking as a gigantic shadowy figure.  Simply an amazing human construction!

The statue itself is an amazing feat.  It is enormous but extremely detailed.  From folds in the robe to indentations on the face and hands, the craftmanship is impressive to say the least.  This statue stands over 200 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and almost 300 feet taller than the Christ Statue in Rio De Janeiro.

To check out the tallest statues in the world click the wikipedia link Worlds Tallest Statues

Now it is not a coincidence that this giant Buddha statue and the shopping outlet are close to one another.  Tourism is a vital part of local economies in Japan.  This landmark is helping sustain the local population by providing jobs and attracting many tourists.  You might even say that the statue was built not so much for religious reasons but more for economic reasons.  Certainly the statue represents Buddhism and its philosophical ideals and teachings, but it also clearly demonstrates the commercialization of Japanese religion.  I`m sure true believers may have mixed feelings about such a thing.

The Ushiku Daibutsu overlooking the crowded market area in the outer courtyard.

Visitors squeeze through crowds passing through souvenir and relic shops.

These people have sat down to have a consultation about buying an expensive Buddhist statue or jewelry with supposed healing properties at one of the shops.

Nonetheless, this is sort of thing is very Japanese.  All over Japan you will see tourist sites based in Shinto or Buddhist art or architecture, but flooded with vendors, shops, and souvenirs all meant to provide income for those who live around the area and for the sponsors and curators of such elaborate projects.

So if you see a Big Buddha in Japan, chances are is that it is big business for somebody...