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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

Hamarikyu Garden in Tokyo, where you can cleanse your soul

Autumn scenery in the city center garden

The Metropolitan Hamarikyu Garden, which has been designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site in Japan, is a feudal lord's garden with a tide pond that has continued since the Edo period. From mid-November to early December, about 260 trees such as trident maples, wax trees, cherry blossoms, and maples can be enjoyed in their yellow and autumn colors.

The water garden in central Tokyo
is a sanctuary where you can cleanse your soul.

The bridge is a metaphor for another world.
 I feel it strongly here.

You can also enjoy the matcha green tea and Japanese sweets set (charged) at Nakajima no Ochaya. The scenery of the water surface spreading while drinking tea is very tasteful.

Enjoying the waterside and tea is the best.

The combination of raw Japanese sweets and matcha is the best.

While strolling around, I came across a traditional Japanese calico cat. There is a shrine in the park nearby, so maybe it's a god's messenger cat?

A cat that turned when I prayed to look this way. 
Is it a divine beast? This cat has a majestic air about it.

Musashi‐mitake‐jinja shrine, mysterious area in Tokyo

Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine, mysterious area in Tokyo

There is a mysterious area that can be reached in two and a half hours by orange JR Chuo Line（from Tokyo or Shinjuku to Mitake）, bus (from Mitake to Takimoto station), and Mitake Tozan Railway（from Takimoto station to Mitakesan Station）from central Tokyo. It is Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine and its surroundings.　

 Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine is located on the summit of Mt. Mitake
with an altitude of 929m and is a symbol of mountain worship.

From Ome Station onwards,
the number of trains decreases,
and the time flows slowly.

Early in the morning on weekends, 

passengers head for Mt. Ontake using the train.

Behind the main shrine of Musashi Mitake Shrine,
there are many historic shrines.
It is a good idea to visit each one.

Stroll around Mt. Mitake

After getting off the Mitake Tozan Railway at Mitakesan Station, it takes about 30 minutes to walk to  Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine. 

The air is fresh in the early morning forest bathing. It is also good to listen to the chirping of wild birds. 

The dense fog that rolls in from the trees is very mysterious. 

There is a huge zelkova tree on the way.　It is called Mitake no Jindai Keyaki.  According to one theory, the tree is over 1000 years old.

This giant zelkova tree is considered a sacred tree.

There are many temple lodgings in the mountains in this area, so staying overnight is recommended if you want to take your time and explore the area. In addition to the shrine, there are various destinations such as Rock Garden, Ayahiro Waterfall, Nanayo Waterfall, Mitakedaira, etc. 

The vivid green and soft moss is mysterious and beautiful.

Mitake Gorge Trail

Here along Mitake Gorge Trail,
large rocks and precipices combine
with greenery and clear streams,
creating an abundance of nature.

On the way back, it is good to walk instead of using the bus.
After exiting the torii gate at the entrance of the mountain,
there is a promenade along the Mitake Valley.

There is a Mitake Gorge Trail. It takes 3 hours to walk the entire course.  The sidewalk is narrow, so be careful not to fall. 

The sidewalk is narrow, so be careful not to fall.

The valley is also a mecca for rafting (rapid rafting on rubber boats) and canoeing. Thankfully, there are toilets along the way. 

There are several toilets along the trail.
The toilets are well maintained and comfortable.

There are also cafes and restaurants along the valley where you can enjoy the scenery. I especially recommend Sawanoien. There are sake breweries, sake tasting, kaiseki cuisine (a traditional Japanese multi-course meal), cafes, and galleries, etc.

There is an entrance to Sawanoien
from Mitake Gorge Trail near Sawanoi Station.

It's easy and comfortable to buy a meal ticket for
rice balls, oden, udon, soy milk, sake, etc.
from a vending machine,
and eat at a table with a parasol
while enjoying the natural scenery.

At this garden’s café,
you can enjoy soymilk latte and soymilk cheesecake
while overlooking the clear stream.

Summary

The area around Musashi‐Mitake‐Jinja Shrine is a mysterious area that is easily accessible from central Tokyo. When I go there, I feel like the unnatural time that I was used to is returned to nature. Life is not that long, so I want to spend more time enjoying the nature of the earth.

Gluten-free meal with rice

Gluten free

"Gluten-free diet" has become a hot topic in Japan as a diet practiced by professional tennis player Novak Djokovic. Gluten is an ingredient made by adding water to flour and kneading it. I heard that eating flour makes me feel tired and gains weight, so I try to avoid flour as much as possible.

Usually, it takes a lot of labor, fertilizers and pesticides
to make flour. Is it natural?

After eating a dish that uses flour, I get heavier.
Does that mean I'm full or bad for digestion?

Use rice instead of flour

Originally I love cooking with flour. Pizza, spaghetti, pies, etc. But if you use a blender to grind the rice into small pieces, you can use it like flour.

Ingenuity that does not use eggs and flour

I often make okonomiyaki with rice flour. Okonomiyaki is usually made by dissolving chopped vegetables, eggs, and flour in water and baking. But I don't use eggs for the okonomiyaki I make. Add salt when making rice flour from rice in a blender. Salt has a hardening effect. Then mix the kudzu powder. Kudzu powder is also a component of traditional cold remedies. I like cheese, so I put cheese on it and eat it with melted cheese. Rice is usually cooked and eaten, but if it is made into rice flour, it becomes like wheat flour, so it is very useful for gluten-free meals.

Gluten-free diet for my proper weight

What made me happy about continuing my gluten-free diet was that I was able to maintain my proper weight. Thanks to that, I don't have to think about weight management these days.

What if you want to eat pasta once in a while?

Last week, I ate Italian food for the first time in a long time. It's my favorite Italian restaurant. It was delicious, but I was so heavy that I had a hard time walking after eating. After about a week, I returned to my original condition. Still, I wanted to eat delicious Italian food. So, in order to maximize the happiness of my life, I decided to use rice as a basis and impose a rule on myself that I could eat flour several times a month. It's best to do everything in moderation.

I sometimes want to eat delicious Italian food.
Moderately OK.

There are various kinds of rice

Actually, there are various types of rice. I learned that light varieties of rice for natural farming are good. The Japanese began to prefer chewy rice after the war. And chewy rice requires fertilizer. It interferes with the natural activity of soil microorganisms. That's why I get light varieties of rice sent directly from the farmers. Such farmers have a deep understanding of the providence of nature. There are few such farmers, but I want them to continue. Flour may be good for the body if it is an old variety.

The types of rice are roughly divided
into light type and chewy type.

                              

Conclusion

A gluten-free diet is easier to achieve with rice. I realized that a gluten-free diet is certainly good for your health. Moreover, it helps to maintain a proper weight. But I eat delicious Italian food several times a month. This is because you can't enjoy happiness unless you do it moderately. Older varieties of rice are better. Rice varieties that require a lot of fertilizer are unnatural.