Religion In Japan

There are many religions in Japan, but one that I would like to talk about in this blog is Tenrikyo. What is Tenrikyo one may ask?

Tenrikyo is a New Religion. It is located in Nara, which takes about one hour or so to get there from Hirakata Station. Tenrikyo founder is a woman, Miki Maegawa Nakayama who was put in jail for protesting against the Emperor. She was believed to be embodied with a god, Tenri-O-no-Mikoto, resulting to having the ability to communicate with him/her. Not to long she died, but is still perceived by the Tenrikyo followers t as alive. Till this day, new kimono are brought fourth to her as well as food.

Tenrikyo is the belief of the, “Joyous of life.” This is the belief that God the parent, Tenri-O-no-Mikoto, has lent human beings a body to live life to their fullest and best of their abilities. Therefore the only thing that belong to human beings is the mind itself. They also believe that for one to help society and those around them is to be rid of the eight dust. These eight dust are; miserliness, covetousness, hatred, self-love, grudge-bearing, anger, greed, arrogance. By getting rid of these, one is able to live life to fullest as well as help those around them.

To learn more about Tenrikyo links are located below:

Tenrikyo Offical Page

Tenrikyo homepage in America

Gender in Japan

Japan, itself is advancing quick and becoming more modernize year by year. Although it may be advancing quickly it is still holding onto its’ traditional roots and roles that is played between women and men. One can get such glimpse of this when going to Kyoto in Goin, the Geisha district.

Geisha are known to be masters of arts as well as entertainers. They are taught to be the best the host that there is. As a result, playing role of ” Ideal Japanese women.” Whatever these men wished the Geisha would do, sing, dance. talk, and drink. They are the one who pour the tea and wine , serve the food and engaging conversation in a polite manger. Thus implying a male dominance society and the norms of a Japanese women.

But on the hand, in Numba in Osaka there is a reversal of roles that is being played the men. Men are now the Geisha, and the Geisha are now the men. These men are called Host, their main goal is to make their client achieve their dream relationship. Like the Geisha are excepted to make polite conversation, pour the drinks, serve food. They are also excepted to dress their best and impress as many women they can. Although they are there to charm the women, and pour their drinks they come at price.

The world of Japan there are old traditions that are held within Goin, and host in Numba playing a womanly role thus giving their client who are women, power over them, or it may seem so.

Links:
Gender roles
Geisha
Geisha 1
Host Bars
Time Article on Host Club

Sports in Japan

In japan, there are many sports that one can practice in. These sports ranged from traditional sports to new modern ones such as Kendo, jujutsu, cricket fighting, baseball, basket ball and soccer. All these sports that are listed are very popular and some still are till this day, 2008. From young to old the Japanese people enjoy walking, running through parks and playing catch with their son’s and sons with their father.

On that note, there are clubs committed to one type of sports, these club are not consider as a team like in the USA, but a club. For example, Kansai Gaidai. As the picture is shown, this sport is strictly base ball club. I usually see them almost every single day when I get out of class, in the evening where there is no sun. It is amazing that they still practice after day break and for ours such as their Tennis club and soccer club. Students who join clubs in their school even at Kansai Gaidai are very committed to it. Even if it is cold outside and dark outside they do not stop their training or practices. Instead they carry on, and try harder.

Not every one joins a club to play sports. Some can play it their own backyards. And others goes a near park with siblings, parents and friends or enjoy a game with their friends on the open courts that are provided for them by the school.

Links:

Kids Web Japan
Sports in Japan

BaseBall in Japan:
Basbase ball in Japan