Tag Archives: Shinto

Life In Japan: Shinto Monk Home Blessing

How many of you folks can say they’ve had Shinto monks come by your house to bless your home, your life, and all of those in your immediate family? Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Shrines and Temples

Houses of worship, i.e. temples and shrines, are everywhere here in Japan — even some Christian churches — but at a much more modest level of “everywhere” than the U.S. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Japanese Maples

We make a point of going every year to Kumanoshingu Shrine for its spectacular Japanese Maple trees, which in November turn fire red, yellow, orange, brown, and every shade in between. Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Spiritual, Travel | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Persimmons

Ever had a persimmon? You should try one! I’m glad I did. Continue reading

Posted in Food, Japan, Social Commentary, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: Benten Shrine Ceremony

This past weekend was our annual Benten Shrine ceremony. The whole celebration took about an hour. Lots of smiles, good will, warm feelings. Life in Japan is still full of wonder for me. What a fascinating country! Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary, Spiritual, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life In Japan: I Love Japan Redux

Japanese have kept alive some traditions which promote sense of community, and the shared responsibility of living in that community. They create opportunities to work together for the common good, get to know one another, and just enjoy other folks who happen to live in the same geographical setting. This is what America desperately needs to overcome the fear, divisiveness, isolation, fragmentation. Here’s a challenge to my fellow Americans: How do you think people would react if you went from house to house and said, “How about if we get together and clean up the neighborhood, plant some flowers, then have a nice barbecue?” Continue reading

Posted in Japan, Social Commentary, Spiritual | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments