Sleep, Mysterious Time

Sleep, that mysterious time

Sleep may be a way for consciousness to heal in another dimension.　

According to Japanese sleep researcher Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa (1960-), shortening the appropriate amount of sleep can lead to sleep debt, which can lead to a weakened immune system and many other disorders.

When I was younger, I was obsessed with the 3-hour sleep method, but it seems I was wrong. At the time, I believed that if I spent less time sleeping and more time awake and active, my life would be that much richer. However, sleep is the source of unknown wealth, so if we don't get an appropriate amount of sleep every day, we will be destroyed.　

Moreover, it is said that we are more creative after a good night's sleep than when we have been awake for a long time. ​

Get along well with good sleep

There are individual differences in the appropriate amount of sleep and the appropriate timing of sleep (in other words, whether you are a morning person or a night person). This also seems to change as you get older. For example, for me, it seems like it's best to sleep between 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (7 hours and 30 minutes).

Exposure to morning light is important in order to match your sleep rhythm with your body clock. However, if you are exposed to strong light at night, your body clock will be thrown off. ​

Ritual for a good night's sleep

Arranging your night routine for a good night's sleep will improve the quality of your life. Everyone has a different relaxing routine. Burn some incense, hold candles, listen to relaxing music, or meditate to induce sleep. . . It is good to arrange things in various ways. Then, if you follow that original routine every night, your brain will remember that if you do this, you'll fall asleep.

For example, you can watch a video like this to relax yourself 

3 hours before going to sleep. Helps clear your mind. 

Development and Tree Cutting

Tokyo's greenery is disappearing

Central Tokyo has a relatively large amount of greenery, but that landscape is changing. A large number of trees in the outer garden of Meiji Shrine in Tokyo will be cut down due to redevelopment. The number of trees to be felled is said to be 4,000 or more, including small trees, but it is not certain. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024, with overall completion expected in 2036.

The scenery of the ginkgo trees is wonderful.
There are also great cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy this view.

The autumn leaves are also great.

The healing benefits of greenery in the city center

Meiji Shrine is surrounded by an artificial forest, which was planned so that many types of trees would complement each other, resulting in a rich natural environment. It is a home for many insects and luminous objects. For those who visit there, it is a healing experience that restores their humanity.

If there was no greenery left in the city center, people would feel a sense of loss. You won't be able to deeply feel true richness in an environment consisting only of artificial buildings.

In Shinto, trees are sometimes worshiped as objects of worship.

A home shrine protect a family

A divine spirit dwells in Sakaki

In Japan, sacred places have been decorated with sakaki trees and rituals have been held since ancient times. In Shinto, it is believed that plants with pointed leaves possess divine power. Sakaki prepares the left and right sides. 

The sakaki on the right side often dies. This is to purify the family's impurity instead. There are three sacred cards placed at the shrine. This is because the tag on the right is the tag of the god related to that house.

A home shrine protect a family

Our home shrine is in the living room. We place it high and facing east. It has to be the highest place, but since this is difficult in reality, the word "cloud'' is pasted on the ceiling to make it consistent. East is the direction in which the sun rises.

Morning routine

Change the water in the sakaki every morning. Then, exchange water and sake at the shrine. Make sure that it is always clean.

Receive divine protection

Sometimes the sakaki on the right does not wither. It is thought that the connection between shrines and family members is weakening. In that case, it would be a good idea to change it to a new divine card. Also, going to worship at that shrine can strengthen your connection.

Save the world with Dr. Takashima's fermentation

Save the world with Dr. Takashima's fermentation

Dr. Yasuhide Takashima is a person who is serious about environmental issues. As a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology, he conducts research and development on the decomposition and disappearance of various persistent and radioactive substances. He shares his achievements and activities on his homepage and YouTube channel. He is also contributing to environmental conservation, such as the greening campaign of Mt. Fuji and the development of bio-toilets.

Is real technology threatened by resistance forces?

However, he was arrested in 2010 on suspicion of illegal dumping of sludge. There are difficulties in developing real technology. No information was found that the innocence was confirmed in subsequent trials. His commitment to environmental issues should be appreciated, though.

Dr. Yasuhide Takashima

Dr. Yasuhide Takashima is the representative director of Takashima Development Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (founded in April 1987)
Academic Theme: “Decomposition and disappearance of various substances such as radioactive substances, heavy metals, and harmful substances by the presence and expression of degrading bacteria and degrading enzymes for all substances such as radioactive substances, heavy metals, and harmful substances using complex fermentation based on complex microbial dynamic system analysis”

Bio-toilet

Dr. Takashima has developed a permanent bio-toilet called “Organic View”. This bio-toilet uses complex fermentation technology to decompose and eliminate excrement and food waste. It also does not require water or electricity and does not produce any bad odors. In addition, the treated water can be used as reclaimed water for agriculture and river purification. This bio-toilet is an innovative system that is environmentally friendly and can be used in times of disaster or in places with poor infrastructure, such as in mountainous areas. As a result of this technological development, Dr. Takashima received the Fire and Disaster Management Agency Commissioner's Award for Excellence in 2008.

References

Overall homepage http://blog.tidt.main.jp/
http://y-takashima.jimdo.com/
Complex Fermentation: http://www.aun-unit.com/

https://y-takashima.jimdofree.com/

Eco Plant. https://eco-plant.org/service-guide/
https://eco-plant.org/works/
http://blog.tidt.main.jp/
http://y-takashima.jimdo.com/
http://www.aun-unit.com/

Source: Conversation with Bing 2023/9/10

Shaved Ice, Japanese Summer Tradition

Shaved Ice, Japanese Summer Tradition

"Taiyaki Wakaba" is a long-established
taiyaki restaurant since 1953,
but shaved ice is added to the menu only in summer.

One of the pleasures of summer in Japan is shaved ice. My favorite is the orthodox shaved ice with matcha and red beans. The slightly bitter taste of matcha and the sweet adzuki beans mixed with the crunchy coolness of the shaved ice create a perfect harmony. Shaved ice is a luxury on a hot day.

Shaved ice and ice sweets with a wide variety of prices and types

Depending on the shop, the ice is made with delicious water, or the matcha is the famous matcha from Uji, Kyoto. Prices also vary. There is also shaved ice that you can easily buy at convenience stores and supermarkets. Popsicle bars are also recommended.

You can buy this matcha shaved ice
 at Seven-Eleven, a convenience store.
It is 170 yen (tax included).
This shaved ice is made by inserting sweet,
creamy condensed milk into smooth matcha ice.
The matcha used is from Uji, Kyoto,
which is famous for its matcha.

Shaved ice made at home

You can easily make shaved ice at home with a shaved ice maker. When I was a kid in the 1970s, we used to make them ourselves. Even children can easily make it with syrup. Strawberry, melon, and lemon syrups were standard at the time.

May 5th: Children's Day in Japan, featuring Kashiwamochi

The traditional food on May 5th is "kashiwamochi, a sweet rice cake wrapped in oak leaves.

May 5th, also known as "Children's Day" or "Tango no Sekku", is a special day in Japan where families celebrate the health and happiness of their children. Boys' families may decorate their homes with traditional carp streamers and samurai dolls. Another important part of this holiday is Kashiwamochi , a traditional food. It is a sweet rice cake wrapped in oak leaves.

Kashiwamochi  is considered to be a lucky charm, and is the embodiment of the proverb "everything is good." It is customary to eat it during the new green season to feel the arrival of spring and to pray for good health.

Nutritionally, Kashiwamochi  contains nutritious white bean paste and tofu. However, since it contains a lot of sugar, it is important to eat in moderation. By eating in moderation, it becomes a healthy snack that considers nutritional balance.

The oak leaf that wraps kashiwa mochi resembles the shape of an oak fruit, hence the name “kashiwa”. Kashiwa is considered a sacred tree in Japan, and its leaves are large and round, reminiscent of the sun.

A restaurant with delicious acqua pazza in Kojimachi, Tokyo

I visited the restaurant after hearing that acqua pazza was delicious. Another reason is that the restaurant is in the middle of the stairs.

This is the restaurant “KAIDAN NO TOCHU” in Kojimachi, Tokyo. Counter seats are the main, and there are a several large table seats. It is really a building with a mysterious structure in the middle of the stairs. The interior of the store, which is well-designed with natural lighting, is based on white and has a good taste.

Stairs are not only a path for people, but also a path for the flow of energy, where the flow of energy becomes faster. Perhaps because of that, even when I entered the restaurant, I felt a strange floating feeling as if I was in a spaceship. I like this feeling.

Acquapazza is a whole oven-baked fish with clam soup and vegetables. The most delicious!

The Kojimachi neighborhood in Tokyo has both business districts and residential districts, and there are many high-quality, reasonably priced restaurants. “KAIDAN NO TOCHU” is one of them.

We also ordered an additional drink and dessert set. The combination of crispy choux and vanilla-flavoured custard cream creates a wonderful synergy. Herb tea is also delicious.

The reasonable lunch menu will suddenly rise in price in 2023. Even so, this restaurant is always full of diners. When I arrived at 12:20, it was already full and I waited for 30 minutes. I was lucky because sometimes I couldn't get in even if I waited. I felt happy after eating it. So this restaurant is a good match for me. I want to come again. even if the price goes up.

Address: 3-12-19 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Benefits of long brushing

For brushing, apply the brush obliquely to the periodontal pocket
and gently vibrate it in small increments.
The point is to brush without pain.
When it hurts, use the side of the brush instead of the tip of the brush.

Lost one tooth due to periodontal disease!

I was 30 and had one tooth pulled out. I blamed the dentist for pulling my tooth out when it really didn't need to be pulled out. According to the dentist, the tooth was no more. At that time, I gave birth to my first child, and temporarily had severe gingivitis. The dentist said childbirth was unrelated to gingivitis, but when I gave birth to my second child, my gums also declined. I felt that there was a connection. Every time I went to the dentist, my teeth were scraped, and that triggered the deterioration of my oral health.

Japanese dental insurance system

In Japan, it seems that the treatments covered by health insurance are calculated according to the aspect of cutting. Therefore, the more you go to the dentist, the more your teeth deteriorate. Of course, the deterioration is further accelerated by the level of the dentist.

Ultimate tooth maintenance and brushing

it bled out, but I was wrong. I found it best to brush gently so as not to bleed or hurt. After switching to this method, my gums finally started to improve. The point is, don't use toothpaste. Brushing for a long time produces saliva, so use this saliva to brush. It is safe to swallow.

Tsuneo Katayama, a famous dentist

In fact, the brushing that I arrived at through trial and error is in line with the ideas of Dr. Tsuneo KATAYAMA (1910-2006) , a renowned dentist. In post-war Japan, Dr. Katayama saw the improvement in the condition of children's teeth by teaching them how to brush their teeth.

Tsuneo KATAYAMA (1910-2006) realized 

that brushing was effective in treating gingivitis, 

and was treating periodontal disease with a focus on plaque control.

Is it possible to improve the condition of teeth without going to the dentist? After a lot of research, I found out about tooth brushing. First, brush the periodontal pocket between the tooth and the gum. In addition, massage the gums with a brush. I used to bleed a lot from my gums when I was sick. I was brushing vigorously for over a several hour a day. Not only teeth, it also relates to the condition of the whole body. His view is holistic, as opposed to finding cavities and removing them.

Wonder of Saliva

I don't use toothpaste on my toothbrush. Because saliva promotes healing power. Saliva has healing powers. When animals get hurt, they lick their wounds. It may be a coincidence, but in the movie "Alice in Wonderland", the Bandersnatch, who lost her hostility after having her eyeballs returned, licked and healed Alice's pus-filled wounds. When you brush for a long time, saliva comes out in a good way.

Teeth don't deteriorate with age

TLong brushing convinced me: teeth don't deteriorate with age. In fact, my teeth and gums continue to improve with regular brushing. If you have a toothbrush, you don't need toothpaste. It's very simple. Brushing the front, back, and sides of your teeth takes time, but it's easy to do at home. I think it's basic to do the maintenance of your body by yourself. In order to live a long and healthy life, it is necessary to chew and eat delicious food. I expect that the saliva produced by brushing will keep the plaque in the oral cavity in good condition, which will affect the condition of the intestines and the whole body. I hope that I will be able to convince myself of this as I grow older.

Russia in Tokyo

"Cafe Russia" in Kichijoji, Tokyo

A 3-minute walk from Tokyo Kichijoji Station, there is a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Russian cuisine, "Cafe Russia". The cafe is located on the first basement floor. Although it is a cafe, it is a full-fledged restaurant. As soon as you step inside, you hear a lot of Russian.

When it comes to Russian cuisine, 

the first thing that comes to mind is borscht.

 I am glad that it is reasonable at 700 yen. 

Best of all, it's delicious. It has a rich taste.

Cafe Russia entrance

The shop is on the first basement floor. It's a little confusing, but when you go down the stairs, you'll find a reddish-purple wall. That's Cafe Russia.

The cafe is just down the stairs.

The wall colors and decorations are exotic designs. 

The menu at the entrance of the shop is cool in Russian.

Russian tea comes with plenty of rose jam.
Very fragrant.

Beef stroganoff (1,000 yen)
One of the must-try menu items.

Recommended appetizer, "herring in a fur coat" (600 yen).

Serves both Russian and Georgian cuisine

Cafe Russia serves both Russian and Georgian cuisine. Georgian wine is also recommended. 

Padrajani: Georgian roasted eggplant with spicy walnut paste. 

There are 4 in one plate. 

Recommended appetizer.(700 yen)

Recommended appetizer, "Salmon wrapped in blini" (600 yen).

Georgia pizza.
There is plenty of cheese inside. 
(1,000 yen)

Coffee fortune telling

I had a coffee fortune-telling with Georgian coffee after dinner. Georgian coffee is made by boiling powder and sugar together, so you can tell fortunes by looking at the patterns on the bottom of the cup. 

This is how coffee fortune-telling works. It's in the menu.

The pattern looks like a bearded man,
but I don't know what it means.

Desert wine kagor (JPY350)

Russian

The menu book also includes information on how to pronounce Russian. "It was delicious," I told the staff in Russian. It was nice to hear "thank you" in Russian.

Other

I forgot the name of the menu, but everything is really delicious. By all means, if you go to Tokyo, I would like to recommend Cafe Russia in Kichijoji. It's a popular restaurant, so it's best to make a reservation.

Thankfully, as a bonus, the cake provided for free.

Address: 1-4-10 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo Nine Building B1F

Early MorningJanuary 1 Shrines in Tokyo

New Year in Tokyo

In Tokyo, the number of visitors during the New Year is very large. For example, this year, Meiji Jingu, the largest shrine in the city, had about 3.1 million visitors. I visit Tokyo Daijingu every year, and this year about 45,000 people visited.

This year, too, we had our annual New Year's visit. I left home in the dark before dawn, and I felt lonely on the way, but the shrine was brightly lit and crowded with many worshipers.

If you want to have a prayer inside the temple instead of a general visit, you will have to pay a tamagushi (ritual offerings) fee of 5,000 yen or more per person. At Tokyo Daijingu, you can get osechi lunch box, in which a traditional Japanese dish served on New Years, as a return gift for a tamagushi fee of 20,000 yen or more.

In prayer, the Shinto priest gives Norito (Shinto ritual player) to those who paid Tamagushi  (ritual offerings) fee. You can also enjoy a performance by two shrine maidens. In addition, you can get your wish and name on a wooden tag after praying. It has become an event for our family to visit the shrine together as a family. Unfortunately, photography is prohibited, so I won't post it on this blog.

I wish the world peace and happiness this year.

At 6 a.m. on January 1st, there were many worshipers 
at Tokyo Daijingu Shrine, 
which is said to bring good luck in marriage. 
The dawning sky is beautiful.

This is a kagami mochi that was in the building of Tokyo Daijingu.
Traditional New Year's decorations,
such as mochi (rice cake), kombu seaweed, and sake,
are arranged like the incarnation of a Shinto ritual.

New Year's flowers are gorgeous. 

New Year's flowers was arranged by Kazuyuki Ishihara, a garden designer. 

The round bamboo means that people who see this flower arrangement 

will be connected in a circle of smiles. 

And the red fruit contains the wish that 2023 will be a fruitful year. 

In addition, the battledore has a wish that it will be a leap year.

This is Yasukuni Shrine, not Tokyo Daijingu.
It is a shrine where the spirits of the heroes are enshrined.

Sevenherb Porridge on January 7

In Japan, we eat rice porridge with nanakusa (seven herbs) on the 7 January.  It is a tradition to ward off evil spirits and spend a healthy and happy year.  Porridge is easy to digest. And the seven herbs are good for the health.

Every year on January 7th, Soup Stock Tokyo offers a special menu of rice porridge with nanakusa. Hoping for happiness in 2023, I had it again this year. It tasted warm and gentle.

Shrine in Designed Forest in Tokyo

The original torii was made from an over 1,200-year-old cypress tree
cut down in Alishan National Scenic Area in Taiwan.
The second torii also used a 1,500-year-old cypress tree
found in the Alishan National Scenic Area in Taiwan. 
The current torii is made from Yoshino cedar in Nara, Japan.

Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine in Tokyo

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan. The enshrined deity is Emperor Meiji, and it was built on November 1, 1920, after the death of Emperor Meiji. The site of Meiji Jingu is 73 hectares, most of which is a rare forest in central Tokyo.

There is an approach to the shrine right next to Harajuku Station.

Intentionally naturalized forest in Tokyo

Most of the shrine grounds are forests intentionally converted from artificial forests to natural forests. Leading landscaping scholars gathered to create a new forest in the city center for the construction of the shrine. They considered the placement of broad-leaved and coniferous trees and the timing of planting, and designed a self-propagating forest from various trees gathered from all over Japan (Not only from Japan but also from Taiwan). Thanks to this, besides the Imperial Palace, it is this Meiji Shrine that has a large green space in central Tokyo. Creatures that are not usually seen in central Tokyo continue to live here, making it a very valuable example from the point of view of zoology and entomology. This self-organizing forest concept of Meiji Jingu reminds me of Project by SONY, Synecoculture™ and Augmented Ecosystems. It may be a Japanese idea. In other words, for Japan, shrines are the very relationship with the forest that nurtures nature.

Harajuku Station near the approach is not a big station,
but it has a lively and fashionable atmosphere.
 One of my favorite stations in Tokyo.

The approach leading to the main shrine
is lined with large trees, and it feels good.
The air is especially clean in the morning.

The approach to the shrine is lined with sake barrels
donated by sake breweries all over Japan.
There is a deep connection between sake and God.
It is also a reverence for nature.

Recently, not only sake but also wine has been dedicated to Meiji Jingu.

Meotokusu is a pair of trees that symbolize a happy couple,
symbolizing the close relationship
between the enshrined deity Emperor Meiji and his wife.
From a distance, the branches and leaves
of these two trees overlap and look like one tree.
In fact, when I stood in front of these trees and put my hands together,
I could feel the kindness.

There are also restaurants and cafes on the grounds of Meiji Jingu.
There are also chairs where you can sit and relax,
which is perfect for resting when you get tired from walking.

There are also souvenir shops along the approach to Meiji Jingu.
There are many goods related to shrines.

Tokyo's recommended spot, Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is the best on a sunny morning. I was able to touch something deep in my heart. I will never forget the pleasant feeling of sunlight at that time. The cafe at Harajuku station is also wonderful.

I went back to Harajuku station and entered a cafe.
Sarutahiko Cafe.

The Old Barrel Cafe was delicious.
 I like the smell of rum.

Sarutahiko Cafe in Harajuku has Wifi and a power strip,
so it's very convenient.
The interior is spacious and comfortable.
I also liked that the restrooms were clean.