Today was  Respect for the Aged Day, Keiro no Hi, in Japan and it is a national holiday.  The holiday is relatively new, designated in 1966, and there aren’t many customs surrounding the day that originated back in 1951 when it was know as Toshiyori no Hi, or old people’s day. But Keiro no Hi is sure to gain significance as Japan struggles with an ageing population that includes over 36,000 people that will be 100 or older by the end of this month.

I am not a social anthropologist, but I surmise that the celebration of Keiro no Hi stems partially from the Buddhist belief that the sacrifices, wisdom and traditions of our ancestors should be honored and not forgotten. Whether you practice Buddhism, or not, Keiro no Hi is a nice reminder to make some time for the older members of our communities and families.

Source:  Japan Times, Centenarians expected to rise to record 36,276
Image Credit:  Flickr, Old couple in a rickshaw

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

On to this weeks, Nihon on the Net:

Found via JapanSoc:

You Might be in Japan if… written by Jason in the style of Jeff Foxworthy, very cute and mostly true!

Many people have heard about the cruise ship that was detained in New York because of safety violations. The ship, the Clipper Pacific, started it’s voyage in Japan and fellow JapanSoc member Harvey’s wife is on board. He gives some interesting insight into the ship, it’s mission and how the passengers are coping in his article titled Peace Boat Stuck in New York.

From more traditional news sources:

Americans finally getting to taste high-quality ramen. “We are living in a ramen moment,” said Alan Richman, a GQ magazine food critic who wrote a review of the ramen served at Ippudo NY.

In Japan, Buddhism May Be Dying Out, an interesting read from The New York Times.

USA Today reports that Tokyo emerges as global culinary power and lists some of the different types of food available and recommends where to get it.

Japan has more dogs and cats nationwide than children under 15 and they are taking their best friends to dancing classes with them.

Image Credit: Courtesy of JapanSoc & Flickr, Ramen noodles

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

The first Daruma Dolls are said to have been made some 300 years ago at a temple in Takasaki City,Gunma Prefecture. The dolls symbolically lack arms and legs and the pupils are left blank. They are considered good luck talismans in Japan and represent the persistence and dedication required to achieve your goals.  When you purchase or receive a Daruma Doll as a gift, make a wish and draw in one of the pupils (usually the right) and when your wish comes true it is time to draw in the other pupil.

Many businesses in Tokyo, and throughout Japan, have a prominently displayed Daruma Doll in their establishments.  The most common color for Daruma Dolls is red, symbolizing good luck, while white Daruma represent purification and new birth and blue Daruma represent the vitality of the spirit. 

If you need some luck, get yourself a Daruma Doll.  The Japanese have had faith in these rotund dolls for over three hundred years so it’s worth a shot!

Photo Credit:  Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

In the west pagodas are symbolic of Asian architecture but the spiritual aspect of the structure is often overlooked. Pagodas were originally built to house Buddhist relics and the remains of prominent Monks. In Japan most pagodas can be found on the sites of Temples and are often secondary in importance to the Temple itself where the Buddha statue is enshrined.

On top of the pagoda you can see an antenna like structure. It is a finial or sourin that combines many symbols of Buddhism. The brass sourin at the Five Story Pagoda in Asakusa has the following elements (from top to bottom with the Japanese term in parenthesis):

• Sacred Wheel (houju) – This is believed to have the power to expel evil, cleanse corruption, and fulfill wishes and is often shown cupped by lotus leaves.
• Dragon Wheel (ryuusha)
• Water Flame (suien) – A charm to protect the pagoda from fire.
• Sacred Rings (horin) – Nine rings representing the Buddhist deities.
• Flower Bowl (ukebana)- Usually an open, upturned lotus flower with 8 petals.
• Reverse Bowl (fukubachi)
• Dew Basin (roban) – This has a very practical purpose. It is to prevent the pagoda from leaking where all the roof elements are joined.

The finial or sourin also functions as a lightning rod.

The next time you see a pagoda take time to enjoy the beauty of the architecture but also take a moment to reflect upon its spiritual symbolism.

Photo Credit: Personal Collection & Source: JAANUS, Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler