Phoenix: Future Chapter is a grand science fiction work by Osamu Tezuka, set in the year 3404. This episode explores the themes of human extinction and the birth and evolution of new life over billions of years.
Main Story and Themes
Setting: Humanity has abandoned the surface world and lives in five underground cities managed by an electronic brain. People follow the commands of this system.
Main Characters: The protagonist, Masato Yamanobe, is an elite astronaut who is ordered to kill his lover, a shapeshifting creature named Tamami. However, they escape together to a dome on the surface.
War and Destruction: The five cities enter into total war, leading to their complete destruction. Afterward, Masato is entrusted by the Phoenix with the "revival of Earth" and is given an immortal body. He witnesses the cycle of life and death.
Views on Life and Hope: The story presents a sense of doom but also hope for rebirth. The Phoenix symbolizes the cycle of life and renewal, prompting readers to reflect on deep philosophical questions.
The Phoenix: Future Chapter is highly regarded for its grand scale and profound views on life. It captivates readers with its compelling characters and the interplay of despair and hope, creating a feeling akin to watching a grand science fiction film.
The Relationship Between Shinto Ideals and the SDGs
Sustainable Communities (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Shinto festivals and rituals strengthen local community bonds and contribute to sustainable community development. Community cohesion and cultural heritage are important elements in creating sustainable communities.
Coexistence with Nature (SDG 13: Climate Action)
Shinto is based on worshipping nature, and seeing gods in natural elements. This perspective emphasizes the importance of environmental protection and sustainable resource use. Protecting the environment and preserving nature is crucial for effective climate action.
Ethical Living (SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)
Shinto does not have strict doctrines but emphasizes gratitude towards nature and ancestors, promoting ethical living. This aligns with the SDGs' goals of peaceful coexistence and a just society.
Historical Religious Conflicts and the Significance of Shinto
Historically, many religions have caused conflicts and wars due to differences in doctrines and beliefs. Monotheistic religions often see their faith as the absolute truth, leading to clashes with other belief systems.
Shinto, being polytheistic, is relatively accepting of other religions. This has important implications:
Tolerance and Coexistence
Shinto's polytheism allows for accepting other gods and belief systems, helping to avoid religious conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Flexible Belief System
Shinto lacks strict doctrines, making integrating with other religions and cultures easy. In Japan, Shinto and Buddhism coexist, and both faiths harmonize in daily life.
Conclusion
Achieving the SDGs requires respecting and incorporating diverse religions and cultures' sustainable lifestyles and ethics. Shinto’s worship of nature, focus on community, and tolerant belief system deeply resonate with the SDGs’ ideals.
Shinto’s flexible and harmonious approach to religion is highly valuable to building a sustainable future and avoiding religious conflicts.
From Professor Nakanishi's study of the "National Identity" or the "pillar of the soul" of the Japanese people in the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki," it's evident that biblical narratives and Japanese mythology offer contrasting views on our daily labor. In the Old Testament, Adam and Eve faced punishment in the form of "work" for men and "pain in childbirth" for women, following their consumption of the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. This implies that labor is considered a punishment from God. In contrast, even the supreme deity in Japanese mythology, Amaterasu Omikami, engages in agricultural activities such as farming rice paddies and supervising weaving, suggesting that labor is a divine blessing rather than a punishment.
Modern management studies are increasingly aligning with the Japanese mythological perspective, emphasizing work as a source of social contribution, fulfillment, and connection, in contrast to the traditional focus on career advancement and financial gain. This shift towards valuing human aspects aligns more closely with Japanese mythology than with biblical narratives. The recognition of labor as a divine blessing in Japanese culture fosters a more positive outlook on work, enhancing enthusiasm and commitment.
Regarding the concept of "birth pains," it may seem discordant to Japanese sensibilities. Japanese mythology emphasizes the sacredness of reproduction and the inheritance of life, contrasting with the punitive view presented in the Old Testament. Understanding this aspect of Japanese mythology may offer insights into addressing issues such as declining birth rates, potentially revitalizing Japan's vitality.
Overall, Japanese mythology provides rich wisdom on labor, marriage, and nature, offering valuable insights for navigating contemporary challenges. Embracing these teachings could not only contribute to global solutions but also rejuvenate Japan's prospects.
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"What 'Avatar's' Huge Success Means"
The view that our country's land is a "land of divine life" born from the marriage of Izanagi and Izanami is absent in the Old Testament. Both humans and this land were born through the inheritance of divine life, akin to siblings. This mythological perception of the land as sacred has shaped the Japanese people's view of nature.
In the 3D masterpiece film "Avatar," set on a lush planet, towering extraterrestrial beings worship a sacred giant tree, reminiscent of the world in Japanese mythology. Those who destroyed this tree with advanced weaponry represent the model of modern material civilization.
When the movie became a sensation in America, cases of "Avatar syndrome" emerged. After experiencing the immersive harmony with nature in the lush 3D world, viewers returned to the sterile urban environment feeling depressed. However, Japanese people are less susceptible to this syndrome, with nearly 70% of our land covered in forests and shrines with protective woods scattered throughout cities.
The massive success of "Avatar" signifies the growing acceptance of a worldview that emphasizes the connection between land and life, even in Western societies. This concept, taught by Japanese mythology for millennia, likely contributes to Japan's status as a leader in environmental technology, passed down through generations via a deep-rooted reverence for the land.
By delving into Japanese mythology and consciously inheriting its view of nature, Japan can lead global environmental conservation efforts, bringing renewed vitality to our nation.
In conclusion, Japanese mythology offers wisdom that can guide the modern world in matters of labor, marriage, and nature. Viewing polytheistic beliefs like Japanese mythology as primitive and considering only Christianity as modern is outdated. Japan's mythology provides rich clues for solving various contemporary issues. If Japanese people revisit the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki" to offer Japan's unique solutions to global problems, it will not only be a significant contribution to the world but also bring vigor to Japan's future. (From the International Japanese Training Course)
"What does work mean for Japanese people? What about childbirth?
《Interpreting from the Kojiki》
【Is work a punishment or a blessing from the gods?】
From the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Professor Nakanishi learned about what constitutes the "national identity" or the "foundation of the soul" for Japanese people. For instance, regarding our daily work, there's a striking difference in perspective between the Old Testament and Japanese mythology. In the Old Testament, Adam and Eve, who previously lived leisurely in paradise, ate the "fruit of knowledge of good and evil," leading to the "original sin." As punishment, men were condemned to "work" and women to "painful childbirth," implying that work is a punishment from God. Consequently, workers dream of quickly saving money and retiring to live a carefree life, perhaps lounging on a beach in paradise.
On the other hand, in Japanese culture, even the supreme deity, Amaterasu Omikami, is depicted as engaging in agriculture by owning rice paddies in Takamagahara and supervising women in the sacred weaving hall to weave textiles. Essentially, even the highest deity, Amaterasu Omikami, was involved in "work." According to a passage in the Nihon Shoki, during the descent of the heavenly grandson, it is said that "Amaterasu Omikami bestowed the rice she had cultivated in the heavens upon the earth," suggesting that Japanese agriculture originates from the rice of the heavenly world. Thus, for Japanese people, work is not a punishment from the gods but rather a blessing bestowed upon them by the gods. In Japan, it's common for the Emperor, as a symbol of national unity, to participate in activities like rice planting and harvesting every year. Most people wouldn't find this embarrassing; instead, they would feel grateful. For Japanese people, work is a source of joy.
【Modern management theories aligning with Japanese mythological views on work】
Which perspective do you think is more uplifting while doing the same job: feeling punished or feeling blessed? In an aging society where octogenarians are often healthy, would it be better to retire and live a paradise-like life for 20 years after retirement, or would it be better to contribute to society using your experiences and skills? In modern management studies, there's a growing trend towards ensuring that employees find social contribution, meaning, and connections in their work, aiming to achieve both employee satisfaction and company performance. This emphasis on human values aligns more closely with Japanese mythological views on work than with the Old Testament. In other countries, there are still many people who only seek career advancement and money in their jobs. Although Japanese people might feel a sense of discomfort in such a world, they often adapt to it and live accordingly, naturally feeling less energized. Therefore, by reading the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki and understanding that work is considered a blessing from the gods within Japanese culture, people might find more enthusiasm even in the same job and may strive to steer their workplaces in that direction. The vitality inspired by mythology is precisely this.
【"Painful childbirth" or the sacredness of life's continuation?】
The concept of "painful childbirth" as a punishment for women in the Old Testament might cause considerable discomfort for Japanese people. The Japanese archipelago where Japanese people reside is not merely a land allowed for habitation by a covenant with God; rather, it's considered a land where the lives of gods dwell, born from the union of the male and female gods, Izanagi and Izanami. Hence, reproduction itself is considered an act of the gods, implying it's a blessed act rather than a punishment. Nevertheless, both work and reproduction are indispensable for sustaining human life. The difference between seeing both as "God's punishment" and as "God's work" is immensely significant.
The assertion made by some in the women's liberation movement about the "right not to bear children" might also stem from the unconscious adoption of the Old Testament's view of "painful childbirth" as divine punishment.
In Japanese mythology, the emphasis is on the continuation of life through marriage. For example, the grandson of Amaterasu Omikami, named Ninigi, descended to this land and married the daughter of the mountain god, giving birth to the child, Hoori no Mikoto (also known as Yamasachihiko), who then married the daughter of the sea god. Their offspring eventually became Emperor Jimmu. Therefore, through reproduction, the lives of the heavens, mountains, and seas flow into the Imperial Family and are inherited by the general populace. The painful childbirth experienced by women is a noble duty associated with the inheritance of life. The elevated status of women in Japan likely stems from the sacredness of life's continuation taught by Japanese mythology. If contemporary Japanese people better understand this through mythology, they might reverse the trend of declining birth rates. It could become a new source of vitality for Japan.
【The significance of the blockbuster movie "Avatar"】
The concept that our country's land is the result of the marriage between Izanagi and Izanami, creating a land where "divine lives reside," is unique and absent in the Old Testament. Both humans and this land are born from the continuation of divine lives, akin to siblings sharing the same blood. This understanding of the land as sacred, rooted in mythology, shapes the Japanese view of nature.
The masterpiece 3D film "Avatar" depicts a lush green planet where tall alien beings connect with and worship sacred trees. It's very much akin to the world of Japanese mythology. Those who, after witnessing the vivid symbiosis with nature in that three-dimensional world, return to the sterile urban life of America might experience depression, termed "Avatar syndrome." However, Japanese people are unlikely to experience "Avatar syndrome." Nearly 70% of our country is covered in forests, and even in large cities, there are Shinto shrines with sacred groves scattered throughout.
The immense success of "Avatar" indicates that the concept of connection between land and life is finally gaining ground in Western societies. This insight has been taught by Japanese mythology for thousands of years. Japan's advanced environmental technology might also stem from the sense of sanctity that people have long inherited through our history and traditions, viewing the land as sacred.
By delving into Japanese mythology and consciously inheriting its view of nature, our country could lead the world in environmental protection. This could bring new vigor to Japan.
【The revitalization brought by the "Kojiki"】
As we've seen, Japanese mythology holds rich wisdom in views on work, marriage, and nature that can guide the 21st-century world. Regarding polytheistic religions like Japanese mythology as primitive, and considering only Christianity as a modern religion, is a 19th-century mindset.
Japanese mythology offers abundant hints for resolving various contemporary global issues. If Japanese people relearn the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki" and derive unique Japanese answers to global problems from them, it would be a significant contribution to the world and would bring vitality to Japan's future. (From the International Japanese Studies Course)
Goals of the International Red and White Singing Festival
"The International Red and White Singing Festival (IRWS) has been held annually since 2011, with the support of various organizations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japan Tourism Agency, Osaka Tourism Bureau, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Osaka Prefecture, Japan ASEAN Center, overseas Japanese associations, and Wakayama Broadcasting. Thanks to the support of many seniors, volunteers from the organizing committee, and contributors, the event has been successfully held every year except in 2020 (due to event suspension caused by COVID-19). We express our sincere gratitude to all those who have supported us.
Since 2013, with the sponsorship of the Osaka Tourism Bureau and the support of Osaka City and Osaka Prefecture, the event expanded to Osaka. The coverage by media outlets such as NHK and Mainichi Shimbun, as well as collaboration with ethnic media in nine languages, has increased awareness among Japanese and foreign communities interested in international exchange.
In 2021, we relocated the main venue to Osaka and also ventured into real-time video streaming, connecting with audiences overseas.
Thanks to this, we have been able to engage professional organizers for various events. However, returning to our roots, we humbly and earnestly commit to continuing our efforts for the event. I would like to express our feelings for this event.
NHK's Red and White Singing Festival (IRWS) is considered one of the few television programs that three generations can enjoy together while communicating. Producers consciously create the program with this in mind, as mentioned in TV interviews.
The image of the 'International Red and White Singing Festival (IRWS) ' is not limited to three generations of families. It extends to scenarios where, for example, international students, lodgers from abroad, and grandchildren from an American daughter in an international marriage all enjoy watching together.
Did you know that in Tokyo and Osaka, one in ten couples is in an international marriage? If you look around your relatives, you probably have someone like that. Even if you have had no interaction with foreigners so far if your sister marries someone from Africa, you might feel a connection with people from Africa, and if your son marries a Chinese person, regardless of the country's political system, you would likely try to understand your daughter-in-law.
From the ages of 18 to 24, I lived mostly overseas and learned how people from other countries have a positive image of Japan, its culture, and its people. Many expressed a desire to visit Japan at least once.
With the yen depreciating and living standards rising in neighboring Asian countries, the number of foreign tourists in Japan is expected to increase. However, Japanese people who are close friends with foreigners living in Japan are still a minority.
Now is the time for all Japanese people, even if it's just one person, to make an effort to make friends with foreigners in the workplace, school, and community. If Japanese people make such efforts, the number of Japan's fans will increase, and ultimately, this can become a significant bulwark protecting the country.
When I was 18, I became friends with a young man from Lebanon, a refugee in Australia. Since then, I have been thinking about how people around the world can live in peace and what Japanese people can do. I also encountered various religions and ways of thinking.
After about 30 years of exploration, I found myself drawn to the Shinto philosophy of Japan, which emphasizes unity with nature. Shinto is not a religion but a way of thinking, accepting people of any religion, making it a universal concept.
If environmental degradation continues at the current pace, many scientists warn that by 2050, significant environmental changes will occur, making it nearly impossible for most people to lead a decent life."
In this video, Leonardo DiCaprio takes center stage as he discusses the urgent need to address the environmental challenges our planet faces. Presented by National Geographic, the video delves into the critical issues threatening the Earth's well-being. DiCaprio's passionate narration emphasizes the importance of taking action to protect our environment and the future of our planet.
"Now is the time for humans to consider themselves as an integral part of nature and adopt a mindset of coexistence with it.
The Shinto philosophy of 'Not conquering nature, but coexisting with it'—introduced in the writings of Manlio Cadelo, the Head of the Embassy Delegation to Japan, and the San Marino Ambassador to Japan—suggests a connection to global peace.
By cultivating a sense of reverence for nature and embracing a coexistence mindset, respecting others becomes less challenging. I believe this approach can lead to a world without conflicts.
This principle applies equally to international students. I see a future in embracing the idea of 'Not conquering, but appreciating and coexisting with nature.' If both Japanese and foreigners understand and respect each other, a bright future is assured.
Recommended Reading (Why Japan is Respected Worldwide):
Volunteer activities led by core members of the International Red and White Singing Festival, focusing on the 'Student Interpreter Volunteer Guide.' [Link: https://gc-volunteer-guide.jimdosite.com/
Actively engaging in the Visit Japan Campaign by the Japan Tourism Agency, Global Community spearheads media operations.
Open Education in Japan:
Targeting the reception of 300,000 international students by 2020.
More information from "Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology"
Multicultural Families:
In major urban centers, 1 in 10 couples embraces international unions. More information
Initiating efforts towards the complete immersion of high school English classes. More information
The contemporary world hurtles towards rapid internationalization, and Japan stands no exception. GLOBAL COMMUNITY dedicates itself to supporting both Japanese and foreign individuals striving to shape a society in Japan that is inviting for residence, exploration, and education.
Be it in workplaces, educational institutions, or local communities, forging collaborative bonds with those from diverse cultural backgrounds is increasingly paramount. GLOBAL COMMUNITY envisions itself as a communication catalyst for fostering mutual understanding during these interactions.
The editorial team, comprising individuals with extensive experiences residing abroad, actively champions international and Japanese students alike. Japanese team members approach their responsibilities with a mindset of "respecting diverse cultures" and a constant awareness of "collaboration beyond national boundaries for the achievement of significant goals."
Despite the challenging journey ahead, ongoing support and comprehension from all quarters are deeply appreciated.
Achievements of GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Support for Visit Japan Campaign: Since before the establishment of the Japan Tourism Agency, GLOBAL COMMUNITY has actively endorsed the Visit Japan Campaign. Since April 2009, it has published multilingual free papers and maintained a website focusing on mutual understanding between Japanese locals and international students. Explore the official site here.
GC Student Interpreter Volunteer Guide: Established in 2009, this initiative organized student interpreter volunteers. In April of the same year, they collaborated with the Olympic Bid Committee, providing volunteer interpretation support during the four-week stay of the IOC Bid Committee in Japan. The activity base then shifted to the Meiji Shrine, guiding foreign tourists. As of 2023, the registered volunteers exceed 300.
"Japan, Advocating Peace and Pioneering the International Stage for the Abolition of Racial Discrimination" Link to the article Check out their regular activities held twice a month since July 2021 at Osaka Castle and Hokoku Shrine here.
Internship Program for International Students: From 2010 to 2019, GLOBAL COMMUNITY proposed and operated an internship program for international students, organized by the Japan Rental Housing Management Association. This pioneering effort involved industry-wide collaboration, supporting approximately 200 long-term internships for international students. It garnered understanding from numerous real estate executives, contributing to easing housing issues for foreigners in Japan. Learn more here.
Considering the Potential of Takashimadaira Danchi for Nursing Exchange Students: In 2009, under the theme "Considering the Potential of Toshima Hirari Danchi for Nursing Exchange Students," the representative, Mr. Miyazaki, made a presentation.
Pair Internship for International and Japanese Students (Supported by the Japan Tourism Agency): In 2012 and 2013, GLOBAL COMMUNITY organized and operated pair internships for international and Japanese students. This initiative aimed at fostering information dissemination techniques for regional revitalization. Students paired up, learned various methods and contributed to promoting regions through multilingual information dissemination. Explore their work here.
International Red and White Singing Festival(IRWS): Since 2011, GLOBAL COMMUNITY has been organizing the "International Red and White Singing Festival" where Japanese individuals sing in foreign languages, and foreigners sing in Japanese. Supported by various organizations, including the Japan Tourism Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan-ASEAN Center, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the event has gained media coverage from NHK, Mainichi Shimbun, Jiji Press, and multilingual media in nine languages. The event has been held annually until 2019, with collaborations in Osaka (2013-2014), Cebu (2017-2018), and Bali (2018) alongside local communities.
The 11th International Red and White Singing Festival is registered as an event for the Osaka Minoh City Expo in 2023. Details can be found here, and the official site is http://irws.org.
Learn more about the goals of the International Red and White Singing Festival here.
For inquiries, contact the Editorial Team of GLOBAL COMMUNITY:
The war against the pandemic new coronavirus for Western nations such as the United States, Italy, Spain, and France needs " Urban Blockade '' which is protecting people's lives even at the expense of collapsing the national economy. This is the last defense war, which should be called the "burning operation."
The situation in Japan is far from the state where "the health of the people must be protected" even if the Japanese economy falls into an unprecedented depression. In addition, the government's irresponsible response, despite the voluntary restraint of business, culture, and social activities based on the government's declaration of emergency, will not promptly and concretely take measures for compensation such as income compensation. Looking at the government's irresponsible response, I can no longer control the feelings that have sprung up.. I am convinced that pandemics will not occur in Japan for the following reasons
I am convinced that pandemics will not occur in Japan for the following reasons:
(1) In Japan, unlike lifestyles in Europe and the United States, when entering a house from the outside, take off your shoes and do not enter the house on shoes.
(2) Western people have a custom of shaking hands with strangers,and do not care to wash hands after that.
(3) Western people do hug and cheek on the greeting to express friendship
(4) Compared with Japanese, Latin and Western languages have many plosives and often spit and talk with gestures.
(5)Sometimes toilets do not have water facilities for washing hands.
(6) Western style houses have showers, but they do not have the habit of taking a bath and warming their bodies.
In addition, there is no custom of raising body temperature, giving parasympathetic nerves superiority, relaxing blood vessels, improving blood flow, and improving immunity."
(7) When blood circulation improves, body temperature naturally rises and immunity increases.Even if the virus enters the body, the probability of developing it is reduced by the action of white blood cells that protect it.
(8) With insecurity and anxiety, stress increases. whereby the sympathetic nerve becomes dominant, blood vessels contract, blood flow decreases, and immunity decreases. It is a universal truth that the primary cause of stress is the "gold deficiency."
(9) Many people in the world live in poor sanitation, lacking heating and drinking water. Contact with the coronavirus can infect millions, or even tens of millions. If they do, they are not covered by social security or medical insurance, so their mortality is naturally extraordinarily high.
(10) The poor cannot afford to obtain fresh foods that contain a good balance of nutrients essential for maintaining health, such as vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Ingredients with low freshness are oxidized, resulting in poor quality. Their health, eating such foods, is the hotbed of the pandemic.
There is no evidence that infection by the coronavirus is increasing rapidly in Japan, and there are only about 2,000 infected people in the metropolitan area with the populations of 20 million.There is no situation in which infected people become severe and die of life-threatening pneumonia. Compared to 5 to 10 million people infected with flu each year, the number of cases is negligible.“Isolation,” in which asymptomatic or mildly ill patients are admitted to a medical institution, is medically meaningless, as there are no treatments for the virus at the hospital.
Inconvenient Truth and Hydrogen
According to a study published by Osaka University, it is necessary to raise the body temperature to 37℃ and hit the virus with the power of “hydrogen ions” released by white blood cells in the body. You can activate your immunity by using hydrogen. Except for the severely ill, all you need to do is to warm you up, eat good food, relax and recuperate, taking care not to infect your family at home.
Upon infection or fever, the human physiology system automatically releases hydrogen ions from white blood cells to increase immunity. Ingest hydrogen gas or hydrogen supplements directly before infection or illness to increase body temperature and boost immune activity. A dramatic improvement in thousands of critically ill patients with hydrogen gas inhalation therapy in Wuhan, China, follows a video presentation by Professor Syounannzan.
That's the argument I claim that a pandemic won't happen in Japan. Even if many get infected with the coronavirus and becoming serious, Japan as the advanced country of hydrogen, has all the means to cope with it. We must not impose excessive “self-restraint” and “city blockade” that could stifle the breath of people engaged in sports, culture and economic activities.
However,government officials, politicians, and employees of large corporations whose lives are guaranteed cannot understand the harsh reality of self-restraint. Excessive “self-restraint” deprives living base of many people working in the service industry and small and medium-sized enterprises and self-emplyoed, forces them to go bankrupt, shut down, and suicide. ”Do not let tens of thousands of young children get lost in the streets!!.” We must make thoughtful judgments reasonably and calmly so as not to be foolish.
Precaution for Coronavirus !!
Functional water that helps Bifidobacteria reach the intestine.
Functional water helps Bifidobacteria reach the intestine and coronavirus precaution
Japan has extremely few infected people and fatalities comparing with other countries.
Some say that fermented foods such as Japanese miso and pickles will help to
increase intestinal bifidobacteria.
However it is said bifidobacteria is difficult to reach the intestines.
The experiements at Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University have revealed that the number of bifidobacteria increases threefold, 14 days after ingesting this functional water, Sousei Water
