tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020823067576006225.post5963895328408520232..comments2024-03-29T20:55:11.731+09:00Comments on Gaijin Explorer: Mamachari-DoZacky Chanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17174486813298415578noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020823067576006225.post-56077318222682637132010-06-24T04:22:17.202+09:002010-06-24T04:22:17.202+09:00Thanks for the elucidation! I'm really "s...Thanks for the elucidation! I'm really "scientifically" interested by Shinto, as it is the only developed pre-monoteist (i.e. pagan) religion surviving, at least that I heard of. If you happen to read a good book about Shintoism, let me know!daniele.perkelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03341030886386168290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020823067576006225.post-91030506602315737322010-06-18T20:44:14.286+09:002010-06-18T20:44:14.286+09:00As for shinto shrines, I would say that EVERYONE g...As for shinto shrines, I would say that EVERYONE goes to shrines at least during New Years to pray for good luck for the new year. It's amazing, you see shinto shrines empty 364 days of the year, but that one day, they are just packed. There are a couple of other days of the year they get some attention as far as I know, but I visit shinto shrines everytime I go by one, and 99.9% of the time without exxagerating, I am the only one. In fact, a week ago I visited one in the middle of the day, and the owner of it was playing with his grandson, and I overheard them say that this was the first time they have ever seen a gaijin at a shrine. There is a phrase in Japan concerning religion that goes as, "Japanese are born shinto, marry christian, and die buddhist." One could write books on the religion, and as a matter of fact, in English there aren't that many. Thank you so much for giving such provocative thoughts and good questions in your comments Daniele.Zacky Chanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17174486813298415578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020823067576006225.post-23866230297245795962010-06-18T00:10:08.860+09:002010-06-18T00:10:08.860+09:00You know, there are places in the world with hidde...You know, there are places in the world with hidden beauties... But Japan seems to have them WAY TOO hidden! It reminds me of my adventures in Finland, where I used to look for attractions and never find them - or find them eventually but very badly kept. What will be of the old ways? That's not a uniquely Japanese problem, nowadays.<br />I'm always intrigued by shintoist shrines. Do japenese actually go there? what rites do they perform usually?daniele.perkelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03341030886386168290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020823067576006225.post-61885789987431121762010-06-15T14:33:33.072+09:002010-06-15T14:33:33.072+09:00Having read your whole journey here, I can say it ...Having read your whole journey here, I can say it was quite epic! I admire your willingness and desire to take the less beaten paths. Certainly you are coming to love and appreciate a kind of Japan not many gaijin get.<br /><br />Best,<br /><a href="http://www.ikigaiway.com" rel="nofollow">Matt</a>Ikigaihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09076601446822555025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020823067576006225.post-25850663829885793402010-06-15T02:41:35.055+09:002010-06-15T02:41:35.055+09:00"Gaijin Steals Peach From Wild Boar"; fi..."Gaijin Steals Peach From Wild Boar"; film at 11:00!<br /><br />This was your best epic story yet, I'm putting a link to it at Dojo Rat.<br /><br />As far as your following post on Aikido re: wrist holding connections, now you see how some Aiki techniques rely on partner cooperation, which may be difficult in a real confrontation! However, all the concepts are valid and not to be discounted. They will greatly improve all your other arts.<br /><br />Thanks for the great journey on the heavy-ass bike, now you can ride up Mt. Constitution no problem!Dojo Rathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12057645566330892415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020823067576006225.post-69256953495786189202010-06-14T22:49:48.925+09:002010-06-14T22:49:48.925+09:00I asked one of my teachers at school today, and he...I asked one of my teachers at school today, and he said there probably were some in the woods around here, so I will definately take care! Thanks.Zacky Chanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17174486813298415578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020823067576006225.post-223437532796496862010-06-13T23:11:28.662+09:002010-06-13T23:11:28.662+09:00I loved my days as an illiterate ambler, never rea...I loved my days as an illiterate ambler, never really sure where I was going or what I was looking at, but going and looking anyway.<br /><br />I can relate to your response to shrines, but quote Musashi; 'Respect the Gods but don't rely on them.'<br /><br />And take care about the boars. They kill a few people every year.Edward J. Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04315009873411729483noreply@blogger.com