24 December 2021
Christmas is after all "White" Christmas?
This "White" does not mean snow.
Christmas is in fact originated in the western civilisation as part of ritual of Christianity to commemorate its founder's birthday.
In Japan Christianity was introduced in 15the century. But it had been banned between 17th and late 19 th century by the feudal authorities. The Japanese authorities at that time feared the influence of western imperialism.
Now Christmas is considered to be a kind of annual festival. No one really cares what it really means except only 1% of population who are baptised. In the city illuminations and decorations appear everywhere because it is a big chance to sell goods and services.
Because it is western religion it was not spread and widely accepted as a faith. Japan has been predominanty Shinto and Buddhist nation since ancient time.
I am Christian and Catholic. But I also worship Buddha and Shinto deities.
That is typical Japanese way of dealing with religions.
Recently Christianity scares me due to the issues such as abortion, LGBTQ, and wars related to the religion.
Christianity seems very exclusive religion which denies other lifestyles.
Christianity may be a symbol of white supremacy.
But I don't know so much of the religion and other religions as well.
I will learn more about these and figure out what they are.
Anyway, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
22:09 Posted in Culture, Society, Tokyo Life | Permalink | Comments (0) | Tags: religion
30 November 2021
A French woman I fell in love with
I recently fell in love with a French woman working at a food and sweet shop nearby.
She was very pretty not just appearance but mind of her.
How I found her mind was so beautiful was this question I asked her in French when I stopped by the shop she worked for.
"Les Français détestent les Allemands?"
She replied in Japanese. "Not true. We hate Hitler but that does not mean we hate all Germans."
Later another time I met her, I asked her what she thought about a Japanese man who married a French man.
She answered saying "It doesn't matter. My friend does. That is common in France."
Then I loved her more.
But she does not work at the shop any longer.
That was really a good experience anyway.
I think I will learn French as my third language.
Merci.
18:50 Posted in Culture, France, Poem, Society, Tokyo Life | Permalink | Comments (0) | Tags: history
29 July 2021
Small is beautiful!
I recently come to think "Small is beautiful" meaning you do not have to seek bigger size. Why not just stay in a small scale, which may be more comfortable?
I live in Tokyo, where so many tall modern buildings stand. But I am not attracted to such scenery any more.
Now I am attracted to traditional district of Kyoto, where wooden low height houses line up.
Tall modern buildings consume so much electricity that requires mega power plants causing mass emission of carbon dioxide or radioactives.
Since so many people gather in small areas, people become more susceptible to infectious disease like the current pandemic.
Why do we seek higher, bigger, and more gorgeous things? I am fed up with these things.
Not only the tall modern buildings but ongoing Tokyo Olympics are good example. Why do athletes want to compete with others for the gold medals? To become a hero, or get a prestigious status?
What is the significance of competing in Olympics? Is it worth risking their bodies? No way. Just a sport.
Major corporations utilize them as tools to boost their sales. Olympics are commercial shows.
This time due to the pandemic, no spectators are at the competition, meaning mass-gathering is a bad way for public health. Instead TV broadcasting worked.
Why do we need to watch such big events?
I would rather like to join a small banquet with ten or less people to be entertained by Geishas. So I can get much more closer to real entertainers than televised figures.
What should be the goal for humanity? I do not think tall modern buildings and Olympic athletes represents the answer.
04 July 2021
Film: Black "Annie" Diversity Casting?
A famous classic musical film was remade using a protagonist with a Black skin. Traditionally the protagonist was played by a white girl.
Is this part of Hollywood's "Diversity Casting" campaign?
Sounds good. Good musical play. Actors sing very well. I was not bothered by the Black Annie. What I was still bothered was a rich man who adopts Annie was a Black man.
Maybe a white man adopts a Black girl is not politically correct?
But how many of white audience enjoy this film? Wasn't it for Black audience?
In the last scene of the film, a Black man kisses a white woman. Is this widely acceptable in U.S.?
Wasn't this too much of liberal twist?
I am not being racist but I am realist and view the world from realist perspective.
Look who was the President of the United States last year.
I just don't think this casting really fits the current social trend of that country.
22:07 Posted in Film, Music, Politics, Society | Permalink | Comments (0) | Tags: racism, afro-american, musical