“Fuji Shibazakura Matsuri” – Mt. Fuji Moss Pink Festival
Today I went to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival which is the best place to enjoy viewing Shibazakura.
I saw the spectacular combination views of Mount Fuji and thousands and millions of Shibazakura all over the place. They are so beautiful and unforgettable in my entire life.
There were quite a lot of visitors. The official “festival” will be held from April 20 to June 2 in this year. The blossoms so thoroughly cover the ground that you see only shades of pink, no green. It is like real floral carpet!
They also have outside stalls selling food and local goods at the entrance and the northern end of the festival area.
“Gokaicho” – Public Openning of Shinano Kokubunji Temple
A historical temple, Shinano Kokubunji (one of Japanese Temple System in Shinano) was built by the Emperor Shomu in 741 during Nara Period. It was renovated in the 15th century, and “gokaicho” or “a temple is opened for public” started at the same time.
This year’s “gokaicho” started on April 28th and continued until May 5th. So, you could see Yakushi Nyorai inside the temple. “Gokaicho” is held every 12 years. It got so crowded because if you missed this time, you cannot see it till 2025. If you missed it, you have to wait for another 12 years to see it!!
Happy Mother’s Day
In Japan, Mother’s Day had been March, 6th that an empress’s birthday since 1931 to 1949. Then it became the second Sunday in May that is same as the United States.
Sending a Mother’s Day card is not too common in Japan, but giving flowers (especially carnations) is a popular thing to do. I am very close with my mom.
Since hugging parents (except by children) is not a common practice in Japan, I sometime wonder if words are enough to show love. Besides, I feel a little embarrassed to express my feelings in front of her, but I always appreciate her open mindedness.
What did you do for your mom?
Japanese Sword
I have three Japanese swords in my house, because my father used to be Jigen-ryu master.
Jigen-ryu is a traditional school of Japanese martial arts founded in the late 16th century by Togo Chui (1561-1643) in Satsuma Province, now Kagoshima prefecture, Kyushu, Japan.
It focuses mainly on the art of swordsmanship. The two different characters for gen are variants with the same meaning: “reality”.
Jigen-ryu is known for its emphasis on the first strike: Jigen-ryu defines that a second strike to opponent is not even considered.
The basic technique is to hold the sword in a high version of “hasso-no-kamae” called “tonbo-no-kamae”, with the sword held vertically above the right shoulder.
The attack is then done by running forward at your opponent and then cutting diagonally down on their neck.
The Kiai is a loud “Ei!”. The style is still taught at the Jigen-ryu practice hall in the city of Kagoshima. Currently, my uncle is teaching it in Kagoshima now.
I want a lot of people know about Jigen-ryu.
“Mine” Hot Springs Water Spout
I stopped by Mine Hot Springs Water Spout in Izu.
It continues to spout water more than 80 years since November 22 1926, when it emitted a jet of water more than 150 feet above the ground accompanied by an explosive sound. There are 7 hotels, a foot bath and resting place here.
They considered to have an effect on around and reduced spouting time and the quantity of water. Currently the water spout is approximately 100 feet, however it still have a lot of impact for me.