Culinary Art Feeds Soul

Culinary Art Feeds Soul

The culinary arts include relationship with ingredients, health and philosophy. Through the process, culinary art feeds the soul. I choose natural farming ingredients. This is because they are in harmony with the environment. And I make the most of seasonal vegetables and cook them. For example, carrot peels and leaves are also used in cooking. Because they are grown naturally, insects sometimes stick to the vegetables, but that is because they do not use pesticides. Insects are living beings just like humans. Cultivation that eliminates living things will eventually extinguish humans.

Naturally cultivated mandarin oranges with edible peels

Naturally cultivated vegetables can be eaten with their outer skins, so even if they are expensive, they are still worth it. It's environmentally friendly and waste-free. Practice is more important. I make a contract with a natural farmer and cook with vegetables that are delivered regularly.

This is a mandarin orange called kabosu. The outer skin is a little harder than ordinary Japanese mandarin oranges. It has a refreshing lemon-like scent. Take the seeds (if I had a garden, I'd like to sow them), cut them into small pieces with the outer skin, add honey and sugar, and put them in a zipper. You can make hot lemon tea just by pouring hot water.

Hot tea made with naturally cultivated mandarin oranges

If you cut kabosu into small pieces together with the outer skin,
add honey and sugar, and put it in a zipper,
it will take 2-3 days in the refrigerator
for the flavors to blend in and the skin to soften.

Face the world in everyday cooking

I don't eat vegetables grown efficiently in large quantities. Many of them are highly efficient for their business. In other words, efficiency is cheap labor, genetically modified, or unnatural. I subscribe to vegetables directly from the farmer for a fair price. They are so delicious, brightly colored, and have vibrant leaves that are incomparable to the pretty vegetables you see in supermarkets. Every day is practice. By making the right choices, I face the world. A small but decisive move. Even intellectuals, politicians, and teachers who talk about ideals are worthless to hear unless they are put into practice.

It is up to the farmer to decide what kind of vegetables will come.
Unlike the vegetables sold at the supermarket,
they are full of energy.
Turnips and carrots also have leaves and stems.
Of course, we also cook and eat them.

Vegetables delivered every week
in cardboard boxes from contracted farmers.

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.

A little thought becomes a seed and bears fruit

A little thought becomes a seed and bears fruit

By chance, I stayed at the hotel I wanted to stay two years ago. At that time, I was interested in how the working style was changing. Zoku is a hotel based on the cutting-edge idea of sharing working spaces and staying while working. I was surprised when I decided to attend the event in Amsterdam. Because the venue was near Zoku.

The common space is spacious and comfortable. 
I enjoyed mint fresh herbal tea and cake.

There was a large table set in the common space.
There is also a seminar space.

The front desk is on the 6th floor.
The sky is wide open and the plants welcome the guests.

The four alphabets at the entrance, ZOKU, are unique.

There is also a veranda to go outside.
If it's warm, it's perfect for a drinking party.

The entrance is on the zero floor.
I couldn't remember which floor the entrance was on,
so I asked for help.

I stayed in room 401 on the stairs.

It's at the end of the stairs.

Look, this is 401. I was happy when I found it. There

It is a type called Bootstrap.
Although it is 12m², it can accommodate up to 2 people.
I liked that there were no unnecessary things like a TV.

Climb the roll curtain rail onto this desk and pull it.
A really well thought out design.

The whole wall is a mirror,
so it gives an illusion that it is wide.

Awareness that the laws of the universe work

By staying at the hotel I was interested in, I realized that the important laws of the universe are functioning. What I thought two years ago stuck with me and influenced my future. This is not a coincidence, it is inevitable. And, as if to prove the trend of the times, the universe took me to a new style hotel. Even if it was just a small choice, it made me make a choice. Everything makes sense.

Bonus photo: A round rainbow is said to be a sign of good luck.
 This is an aerial photo on the way from Doha to Amsterdam.

A small coffee stand like a jewel in Tokyo, Ichigaya

A small coffee stand that only seats 5 people

I went to a small coffee stand in Ichigaya, Tokyo, Bun Coffee, which had been on my mind for a long time. The inside of the store is large enough for five people to sit. When I casually ordered a flat white, I was surprised at how delicious it was. Just a cup of coffee can impress people so much!

the best cup of coffee makes me happy

I also had a lamington with coconut.
When I told my daughter and I to eat together,
the staff cut it in half.

Small but cozy coffee stand

Handwritten signboard full of information

Organic coffee from Australia

This coffee stand "BUN COFFEE" sells organic coffee from Australia. I am particular about roasting. "BUN COFFEE" was launched by David Kennedy in 2005. At a roasting house in Byron Bay, Australia, he himself selected beans from all over the world and completed 6 special blends by roasting methods that match each bean.

This coffee gave me new pleasures in life. Even if you're not adventurous enough to take a trip, a coffee stand with a nice atmosphere is very useful for a little break.

There are two special seats with a view of the street.
The other three seats are in the back of the store.

Plants hang from the ceiling,
and the sun is shining just right,
so it's pleasant just to look at them.

Bhimrao Ambedkar, Pioneer of the Age of Aquarius Beyond Tradition

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar 

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

I was surprised to learn that there are few Buddhists in India, the birthplace of Buddhism. In Japan, Shinto and Buddhism are both deeply rooted in Japanese culture and life to avoid conflict. Buddhism was officially introduced to Japan in the 6th century. Shintoism was originally in Japan. The majority religion in India is Hinduism. I had an intuition that it was similar to Shinto in Japan. It is the sensibility to see God in the universe.

I learned that there was a person who revived Buddhism in such India. The person is Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956).

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) 

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) was an Indian statesman (minister of justice in the Nehru cabinet), drafter of the Indian constitution, and leader of the anti-caste movement. Born into the lowest caste (Dalit) family, he is known for starting a Buddhist revival movement. Between 1927 and 1932, along with his followers, he promoted a non-violent movement demanding confirmation of the rights of untouchables to enter Hindu temples and use public reservoirs and wells. Tens of thousands of untouchables joined the movement as non-violent resisters. It ended in a legal victory for lower caste activists. In addition, Ambedkar, who believed that the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Law Code of Manu, was a major basis for the harsh treatment of untouchables, decided to burn the Law Code of Manu.

all gods are one
 (Narada sees viśvarūpa from wiki)

No religion is 100% correct

It can be said that no religion is 100% correct in the way it is practiced. But all the original ideas were great. Otherwise the pure believers would not have followed. 

About 30 years ago, when I was young, a young German man confessed to me that he was an atheist. To him, the confession was a gamble that might have made him question his humanity, but to me it was a natural understanding. Perhaps for many Japanese, faith meant living modestly in harmony with nature. It is far from the image of an enthusiastic believer. 

Beyond the long tradition

Even if human rights are stripped or precious lives are taken away in the name of religion, is religion still wonderful? Whether it has a long tradition or not. Humanity may have been going in the wrong direction for thousands of years. That's why I sometimes look at it from a cosmic perspective to see if I'm standing in the right position. Beyond the long tradition, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) is great.The Age of Aquarius encourages a break with hierarchy, control, and individual freedom. It will be a good guidepost in a chaotic society.

The hallmark of Buddhist temples is the bell.
This is not in Shinto.
Japanese people are mostly familiar with both Buddhism and Shinto.

When a child is born,
the family visits a nearby shrine and greets the gods.

Statues of Nyorai and Bodhisattva
are enshrined in Japanese Buddhist temples.
During Buddhist ceremonies,
incense sticks are burned, and the bell is occasionally rung
while the sutra is chanted.

Kamidana (home shrine) is a Shinto style.
The object of worship is usually a round mirror.

Shinto shrine gate
There are various materials
such as vermilion painted wood and stone.
Bow here before entering the shrine.

Former Prime Minister Abe's State Funeral

Former Prime Minister Abe's State Funeral 

The state funeral for former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who died at the age of 67 after being shot on July 8, was held on September 27. The state funeral was attended by 4,183 people from Japan and abroad. About 23,000 people lined up in long lines from morning to night at the flower offering stand set up near the state funeral site. The laying of flowers by the general public was scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. about 30 minutes earlier. The line continued for more than 6 kilometers, turning around near JR Yotsuya Station, about 2 kilometers away from the flower offering site.

Yoshihide Suga read a condolence address at the state funeral of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a "representative of friends."

Here is what he said:

It was the 8th of July.

I want you to hear the unbelievable news and save your life anyway.

I want to see you, I want to share the same air with you in the same space.

With that in mind, I headed to the site, and was able to touch your warm smile for the last moment.

Eighty days have passed since that fateful day.

From then on, the morning will come and the sun will go down.

The cicadas, which had been so loud, quieted down, and the autumn clouds began to drift in the high sky.

The seasons move forward.

Time passes without you.

I still remember something I cannot forgive about the merciless passing.

Why, of all things, did Heaven make such a tragedy a reality and take away the life of a person who should not lose it?

I'm sorry.

While feeling sorrow and anger alternately, I welcomed this day.

But Prime Minister Abe... I'm calling you, can you take a look?

Here, around the Budokan, many people have gathered to offer flowers or attend the national funeral.

It seems that there are not a few people in their 20s and 30s.

A large number of young people, who will be responsible for tomorrow, admire you and come to see you off.

Prime Minister, you want to create a Japan that will be better tomorrow than it is today.

He had a strong conviction that he wanted to give hope to young people, and he spoke to the people every day.

And Japan, Japanese people, bloom in the center of the world.

―That was your catchphrase.

The economy will grow only when the people who will lead the next generation envision a bright future.

There are so many young people who feel sorry for you.

I feel that I have been rewarded.

In 2000, the Japanese government was trying to send rice to North Korea.

I had only been elected twice as a member of the Diet. After voicing my strong opposition, this was published in the newspaper.

Then, you saw the article and called me saying "I want to meet you".

He said, "What Mr. Suga said is correct. I would be happy if you would work with us to bring back the Japanese abducted by North Korea."

Your words at that time, full of conviction and power, became the sustenance of my own political activities after that.

I was struck by his straight eyes and his determination to stick to his beliefs.

I was convinced that this man was the one who would one day become Prime Minister, and that he was the one who had to become Prime Minister.

What I am proud of throughout my life is that I have never wavered from this conviction.

Prime Minister, once your chronic illness worsened and you withdrew from the post of Prime Minister.

Feeling this as a debt, he hesitated for a long time about running for the LDP president for the second time.

In the end, the two of us went to a yakitori restaurant in Ginza, and I tried my best to persuade you.

Because I thought that was my mission.

Three hours later, he finally shook his head.

I will always be proud of this achievement as the greatest achievement of Yoshihide Suga's life.

When the Prime Minister was at the Prime Minister's official residence, I never failed to talk to him without hesitation once a day.

Even now, when I am alone, I am vividly reminded of those days.

My position was that if possible, it would be better to take time to enter the TPP negotiations.

The Prime Minister said, ``We must not lose the timing.

If you take a step back, you lose momentum.

He must have thought that only by moving forward would a way forward open up.

Prime Minister, your judgment was always correct.

Prime Minister Abe.

Thanks to you, the irreplaceable leader in history, Japan was able to enact all of the difficult bills, including the Act on the Protection of Specially Designated Secrets, a series of legislation for peace and security, and the Revised Act on Punishment of Organized Crime.

Without any one of them, our country's security cannot be ensured.

We are eternally grateful for your faith and determination.

Break through the national crisis and create a strong Japan.

We also aspire to become a truly peaceful nation, and make Japan a country that can contribute to the world in every field.

Prime Minister, you never stopped smiling, even in the midst of these days of determination and determination.

He always cared about those around him and showered them with kindness.

Seven years and eight months spent together at the prime minister's official residence, sharing all kinds of joys and sorrows.

I was really happy

I remember not only myself, but all the staff working brightly and lively during those tough days.

Thank you again and again.

Prime Minister Abe, you were a true leader for our country.

In the House of Representatives First Members' Office Building, Room 1212, there was a book half-read on your desk.

"Aritomo Yamagata" written by Yoshitake Oka.

The last page, which I read so far, was folded.

And there was a line on that page with a marker pen.

Appropriately, the marked part was a poem written by Aritomo Yamagata in memory of his long-time ally, Hirobumi Ito, before his death.

Prime Minister, there is no other poem that expresses my thoughts as well as this one.

How do people who are exhausted to fight with each other care for the future beyond the present?

How do people who are exhausted to fight with each other care for the future beyond the present?

I feel deep sadness and loneliness.

Prime Minister, thank you very much.

Please rest in peace.

September 27, 2020 Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga

Source: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/d44931f5e1035daab5146f331d75435a34ffff3d

Translated by google translation

 

Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) Sighting?

Is this a UFO?

"Is this a UFO?" My daughter happened to spot a black object floating in the sky in the photo.

This was taken last month in Futamigaura, one of Japan's sacred places. Thinking back on that time, my daughter and I certainly felt strange. It transcended the hustle and bustle of the mundane world. The morning sun lit up the sky and the sea. The ripples were glittering.

Indeed, when she zoomed in on the photo, she could see a slightly oblong black shadow to the upper right of the sun.

"Is this a UFO?"
My daughter happened to spot a black object
floating in the sky in the photo.

This was taken last month in Futamigaura, one of Japan's sacred places.
Thinking back on that time, my daughter and I certainly felt strange.
It transcended the hustle and bustle of the mundane world.
The morning sun lit up the sky and the sea.
The ripples were glittering.

Indeed, zooming the photo enables to see a slightly oblong black shadow
to the upper left of the sun.

Cosmic Consciousness

I used to want to see UFOs. I had completely forgotten, but I had read and re-read George Adamski's (17 April 1891 – 23 April 1965) book on contact with Venus. Without cosmic consciousness, earthlings cannot contact highly conscious Venusians. The book by Hachiro Kubota, who introduced him to Japan, will always be my treasure. Cosmic consciousness is love. Love is affection for everything, not just for yourself or those close to you. Perhaps, when we were walking in Futamigaura, we might have had a momentary cosmic consciousness.

Level of Civilization

The current level of earth civilization is quite low from the point of view of cosmic consciousness. For example, on Earth, humans fight each other on the same planet, and humans enslave non-human creatures.

Become One with Cosmic Consciousness

It's the basics that one person has free will, so you can't force other people's consciousness to change. Because only you can change your consciousness. It is about transcending the dichotomy between good and evil. You are the one who protects your soul from conflict. Align your heart center with the center of the universe, take a deep breath, and have as many images as you can throughout the day of becoming one with the cosmic consciousness.

After visiting Futamigaura, one of Japan's sacred places,
I was once again convinced that UFOs exist.
I want to reach a level of cosmic consciousness.

Conclusion

After visiting sacred places in Japan, I was once again convinced that UFOs exist. I want to reach a level of cosmic consciousness. I will make it a habit to align my center with the center of the universe and become one with the cosmic consciousness.