Introducing “TUMO” – The IT Education Highlight at the Armenia Pavilion, Osaka-Kansai Expo

At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, held from April to October 2025, the Armenia Pavilion has become a focal point for educators, thanks to its showcase of the internationally acclaimed technology and design education program “TUMO.”

Pavilion Theme and Exhibits

The Armenia Pavilion’s theme, “Pillars of Today & Tomorrow,” is expressed through eight pillars representing the nation’s history, culture, tourism, innovation, and the future of education. Inside, visitors experience a fusion of Armenian tradition and cutting-edge technology via interactive displays.

TUMO’s Global Education Model

A central feature of the pavilion is the presentation of the TUMO education model, which originated in Armenia and has gained global recognition. Its AI-powered personalized learning paths distinguish TUMO and an expanding international network. The exhibit introduces how TUMO empowers young people to acquire digital skills, highlighting its unique learning method and global reach.

A major highlight is the upcoming “TUMO Gunma” launch—Japan’s and Asia’s first TUMO center, opened in Early June 2025 in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. The pavilion spotlights this development as the beginning of a new era, when Japanese high school students and teens will access world-class technology and design education.

What Makes TUMO Unique?

Founded in Armenia, TUMO is a free-of-charge, after-school program at the intersection of technology and design, for teens aged 12-18. It covers many learning areas, including 3D modeling, game development, graphic design, animation, programming, and more.

TUMO’s Three-Pillar Learning System

1. Self-Learning Activities (about 60% of the program)

At TUMO, students start with “self-learning activities”—short, interactive tasks that help them build basic skills at their own pace. For example, in programming, students might create a simple game, solve mini-challenges using variables and loops, or write basic code to control a robot. These activities usually take 5 to 20 minutes and come in many formats, such as videos, illustrations, quizzes, and mini-projects.

Students can choose activities in any order and work as quickly or slowly as they like. Most self-learning activities are prerequisites, meaning you must complete them before joining workshops or learning labs in each skill area.

Role of Coaches:
TUMO coaches are always available to help. If students get stuck, coaches give hints, advice, and encouragement, but they don’t just give answers—they help students think for themselves.

Wide Range of Choices:
There are hundreds of self-learning activities covering animation, game development, 3D modeling, music production, web design, and more.

2. Workshops

After building a foundation through self-learning activities, students can join workshops—hands-on sessions where they work together with peers on real projects. For example, in an animation workshop, a group might plan and create a short animated film. In a programming workshop, a team could develop a simple game or app.

Workshops are available in all 14 TUMO learning areas, including 3D modeling, filmmaking, graphic design, and robotics. Each field offers three levels, from beginner to advanced.

Workshops are led by specialists and focus on teamwork, creativity, and practical skills. Projects created in workshops are added to each student’s online portfolio and sometimes submitted to competitions or published online.

3. Learning Labs (Special Sessions)

TUMO also offers “Learning Labs”—special sessions taught by top professionals from world-renowned enterprise companies and creative industries. These are unique opportunities to learn directly from experts at places like NASA, Google, Pixar, or Adobe.

Examples:

• A Google engineer teaches a special class on AI programming.

• A Pixar animator leads a character animation workshop.

• Game developers from leading studios guide students through game design and development.

• An Adobe designer gives a masterclass on the latest digital tools.

Learning Labs are usually short-term (from one day to a few weeks) and focus on advanced, real-world projects. Students work in teams, receive direct feedback from professionals, and gain global perspectives and confidence.

TUMO’s Strength: Step-by-Step Skill Building

Through these three steps—self-learning, workshops, and Learning Labs—TUMO helps even beginners systematically build their skills up to an intermediate level. Students can freely explore their interests, learn at their own pace, and gain both practical experience and inspiration from world-class experts.

 

Comparison with Typical Online IT Education

 

Feature	TUMO	Typical Online IT Education
Learning Style	Online + in-person workshops + labs	Online only
Target Audience	Mainly middle/high school students	Broad age range (often adults)
Cost	Free	Often paid
Depth of Learning	Systematic, beginner to intermediate	Self-taught, often less structured
Peer Interaction	Yes (collaborative workshops)	Rare (mainly solo study)
Industry Collaboration	Yes (special sessions)	Rare

 

TUMO offers a “blended” learning environment where students learn independently, collaborate with peers, and receive guidance from world-class professionals—a true fusion of real and digital learning.

TUMO Gunma: Japan’s First Center

Opening in summer 2025 at G Messe Gunma in Takasaki, TUMO Gunma is the first TUMO center in Japan and Asia. The center targets teens aged 12-18 years old, offering programs in eight learning areas, with plans to include skills like generative AI. Participation is free, ensuring access regardless of family income.

A Global Learning Frontier

Through its exhibit, the Armenia Pavilion presents TUMO as a place where tradition meets innovation, inspiring young people worldwide with a new educational model. Visitors to the Expo can experience not only Armenian history and culture but also the possibilities of future-focused education.

Milena, a university student from Ukraine, shared her experiences and thoughts about TUMO. She explained that what stood out to her most was that anyone can freely participate in any of TUMO’s 14 learning areas, regardless of their current academic level, as long as they are motivated. She found it impressive that students can learn for free, at any time, and focus on what interests them—whether it’s programming, filmmaking, animation, or any other learning area. Milena also mentioned the importance of the coaches, who are always available to give advice and guidance whenever needed. She said that what she learned at TUMO has continued to be useful even after entering university.

Although Milena had never studied in Armenia before, she found it incredibly valuable to be able to join TUMO freely and gain skills that help her envision her future. She described the environment, where experienced coaches support you and you can learn alongside people from many different backgrounds, as truly inspiring. Even after turning 18, Milena continues to attend TUMO, saying that there is always more to learn.

The first creative technologies center in Asia, “TUMO Gunma,” opened on June 1st in July 2025 in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. Adopting the world-class program developed in Armenia, TUMO Gunma will offer junior high and high school students a place to learn cutting-edge creative technologies and design for free, attracting significant attention.

At TUMO Gunma, anyone can acquire the skills to shape their future, regardless of their parents’ income or their current academic level. As a driving force behind Gunma’s “Digital Prefecture” initiative, TUMO Gunma is expected to become a hub that spreads a new wave of digital talent from the region to all of Japan.

— Kazumi Miyazaki, Editor-in-Chief, GLOBALCOMMUNITY

 

 

Short-term Part-time Job: International Student Support Staff (Chinese/English Language Skills) – Students Welcome!

Company: Choei Co., Ltd.
Position: Interpreter / International Student Support
Location: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Nearest Station: Gojo Station, Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line (within 5-minute walk)
Department: Global Desk, Student Housing Promotion & International Student Support Division

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Job Details

You will assist international students in finding housing by acting as an interpreter.
Main duties include listening to students’ preferences and introducing suitable rooms based on their requirements.
This is a great opportunity to use your language skills to support international students living in Japan for the first time.

Period: End of July to early November (Short-term, peak season for student move-ins around September)
Current Team: 10 global staff members (from China, Indonesia, Spain, etc.) are actively working.

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Required Skills & Qualifications

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or above

• Ability to speak Chinese or English

• No experience necessary – all are welcome!

• Japanese nationals are also welcome to apply.

• Students are welcome!

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Employment Type & Salary

• Type: Short-term part-time

• Hourly Wage: From 1,200 yen

• Transportation: Commuting expenses provided

• Trial Period: 3 months (same conditions as regular employment)

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Working Hours

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (actual working hours: 5–6 hours/day, 1-hour break)

  • Examples: 10:00–16:00 (5 hours), 10:00–17:00 (6 hours)

• Days: 2–3 days per week OK

• Holidays: Complete weekends and public holidays off, summer vacation, and New Year holidays

• Annual Holidays: 120+ days

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Benefits

• Commuting expenses provided

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Location

• Address: No.60 Kyoto Karasuma Manjuji Building 9F, 369 Gokuseki-cho, Manjuji-dori Karasuma Nishi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

• Access: Facing Karasuma-dori, within 5 minutes’ walk from Gojo Station

• Transfer: No transfers

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Application & Inquiries

For inquiries or questions, please contact:
Email: globalcommunity21@gmail.com (Global Community, Miyazaki)

Or apply directly through the following site.

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Please let me know if you need this as a formal job posting or in a different format (e.g., PDF, table)!

 

 

 

The Backstage of Multicultural Coexistence – HitoHito Care Clinic's Initiatives

On April 26–27, 2025, the "First Nepal Festival Kansai" was held, attracting nearly 10,000 attendees over two days. 

Osaka City’s Ikuno Ward-based HitoHito Care Clinic participated in the event, advocating the importance of health checkups to the Nepali community.

The clinic previously organized a unique event featuring a screening of the Nepali film One Day, paired with Nepali cuisine and sushi, which drew significant local interest. Doctor Kazuhito Nakamura stated, “Moments of shared laughter across language and cultural differences form the roots of multicultural coexistence.”

When a Shopping District Becomes a Runway: The Red Carpet Walking Challenge

quoted from HitoHito Care Clinic website

quoted from HitoHito Care Clinic website

On October 13, 2024, the clinic spearheaded the “Ikuno Heroine Red Carpet Walking” event along a 90-meter red carpet at JR Momodani Station’s shopping arcade. Comedian Mujinzo and 100 locals of diverse nationalities and ages participated as “heroines of Ikuno.” Nakamura explained, “By creating extraordinary stages, healthcare institutions can rediscover community bonds.” This event was part of the “EXPO Ikuno Heat-Up Project” led by the clinic.

Beyond Healthcare: Creating Purpose
The clinic’s “Hito Care” initiative promotes “life enrichment” through flea markets and multicultural exchanges. A December 2024 Christmas flea market raised donations for the Noto Peninsula earthquake relief. Nakamura emphasized, “If the entire town becomes a ‘healing space,’ it revitalizes the community.”

“What Role Should Healthcare Play in a Society Where Diversity Is the Norm?”
Ikuno Ward, where 1 in 4 residents is foreign-born—a higher proportion than Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward—is pioneering a new coexistence model through the clinic.

During a follow-up Zoom interview, Doctor Nakamura noted that as long-term foreign residents increase, healthcare institutions must actively build bridges between locals and international communities to foster “physical and mental well-being for all.”

 

 

"The Power of Inaudible Sound" Transforming Body and Mind: The Science and Challenge of the Hypersonic Effect

(Excerpt from Special Feature: Hypersonic Effect, Science Journal Vol. 83 No. 3, 2013)

The Hypersonic Effect phenomenon, where ultrasonic waves above 50 kHz, imperceptible to the human ear, exert remarkable effects on the brain and body, was discovered by musician/physicist Tsutomu Ohashi and validated through studies showing α-wave enhancement, immune-boosting effects, and stress hormone reduction.

G-Star Sounds LLC is pioneering its application through innovative instrument development for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, themed "Designing Future Society for Our Lives".

The Mechanism of "Inaudible Sound"

The Hypersonic Effect’s core lies in direct brain activation via skin and bone conduction. Ultrasonic waves above 40 kHz are detected not by the ears but through the body’s surface, stimulating the "core brain" (brainstem, thalamus, and hypothalamus)-the hub of life-sustaining functions.

This activation leads to:

• Relaxation: Parasympathetic dominance reduces stress hormones like cortisol.

• Immunity Boost: Natural killer cell activity increases, enhancing viral defense.

• Focus Enhancement: Sustained α-waves and improved prefrontal cortex blood flow.

Nature’s Hidden Sound Therapy

Natural environments rich in ultrasonic frequencies-such as waterfalls (80 kHz+), Balinese gamelan, Japanese shakuhachi, and biwa lutes-demonstrate this effect. These sounds, now scarce in urban life, are gaining attention for their restorative potential.

G-Star Sounds’ Innovation

Under the vision "Bringing Hypersonic Sound to Daily Life", G-Star Sounds is developing instruments that retain traditional forms (e.g., pianos, guitars) while emitting ultrasonic waves above 50 kHz. A groundbreaking performance using these instruments is scheduled for June 26, 2025, 15:30 at the Osaka-Kansai Expo’s TEAMEXPO Pavilion.

G-Star Sounds  is also actively seeking partners interested in:

• Hypersonic conversion of existing music

• Manufacturing hypersonic instruments

• Developing hypersonic audio devices

(Demo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNFALtp2LsU)

G-Star Sounds official site  https://gsljp.com/gs/

Future Applications

• Healthcare: Dementia prevention and pre-surgery anxiety reduction.

• Education: Tools for sustained concentration in classrooms.

In the field of music, G-Star Sounds aims to collaborate with numerous partners to create living environments surrounded by hypersonic sound, striving to revolutionize the music industry.

"Music is no longer just for the ears"-the fusion of skin sensation and neuroscience is ushering in a new era of art and well-being.

 

Attracted to Expos for 54 Years

 
Since the 1970 Osaka Expo, Hideo Fujii, an Expo enthusiast who has attended 48 Expos held around the world, was asked about the allure of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
 
What are the highlights of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025?

With "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" as its theme, particular attention is being paid to cutting-edge medical technologies, disaster preparedness to "Protect Lives," and initiatives for peace. Of special note is the sentiment embodied in the "World's Largest Wooden Structure, the Ring."

The previous Dubai Expo, with the participation of a record 192 countries, had numerous initiatives to attract foreign investment. Similarly, the Osaka-Kansai Expo aims to become a meaningful event with 161 countries participating amid uncertain global conditions. Osaka-Kansai Expo hopes to contribute to global problem-solving even after its conclusion, strengthening ties with nations worldwide.
 

From a global perspective, Japan's longevity culture, contributed by its cuisine, and its peace culture symbolized by anime, are attractive. Exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge technologies promoting longevity culture, like artificial hearts using IPS cells, are particularly intriguing at this Expo. Japan has much to offer the world in terms of disaster preparedness and a philosophy of loving peace.
Although Expos last for six months, they also serve as platforms for Japan to showcase its regional uniqueness and long history. Japan, a rare advanced nation where various festivals have been cherished locally from ancient times, will host over 3,000 festivals at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, offering foreigners the opportunity to experience Japan's diverse festivals and parades.

Are there events and exhibitions involving university students and exchange students?
 

「EXPO 2025 Design System」

 Universities like Osaka University are engaging in new initiatives to connect with people overseas through music. Many universities, including Osaka Metropolitan University and Kansai University, have student-led circle activities related to the Expo. Various events and presentations involving students have been held, indicating active involvement in the Expo.
Famous musicians participated in events held a year before the Expo, which saw enthusiastic participation from many university students. During the Expo, there will be seven stages hosting anime events, live performances by internationally renowned musicians promoting peace, and more.
Specific participants and festivals will be increasingly introduced through various media. Former president of Yoshimoto Kogyo is in charge of official festival events during the Expo, introducing future "comedy" and "entertainment" using VR, among other innovations. The Expo will also provide a rare opportunity for visitors to experience various festivals and live performances from different regions of Japan, gathering many foreign tourists.
Additionally, utilizing the latest communication technologies by companies like NTT, the communication environment within the venue will greatly improve. Advanced simultaneous translation technology will facilitate communication among people from different countries.
Concerns about Japan's summer heat are noted, but the Expo's operating hours until 22:00 and the cooler evening events should mitigate this. The 30-meter-wide Ring structure might provide shade, and the venue's proximity to the sea breeze at Nanko should offer relatively comfortable weather.

While the 1970 Expo left behind the iconic "Tower of the Sun," is there something similar planned for this Expo?

 

 

I believe the world's largest wooden structure, the "Ring," serves as its counterpart. Inspired by Kiyomizu Temple, the Ring spans 30 meters in width and 2 kilometers in circumference. Inside the Ring, exhibitions and events imagining the importance of "life" as a world　community will take place, featuring international pavilions.
The Ring, reminiscent of a massive fortress, will offer various shops, exhibitions, events, workshops, and events on the corridor above. Discussions are ongoing about the post-Expo use of the world's largest wooden structure, the Ring, including its usage and integration with adjacent IR facilities, potentially providing a place for people worldwide to relax and connect.
The 1970 Expo left a significant impact on our future. I hope the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 will similarly leave a positive influence on the future of our youth. (Statement by Mr.Hideo Fujii) 

【Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai】 Global Talk Event ～Let’s Think About the SDGs～

Comparatively, Osaka has very few foreign consulates compared to Tokyo. To continue connecting and developing with the world even after the Expo, utilizing the Ring could be an ideal opportunity. Countries without consulates in Osaka among the 161 participating countries could use the pavilions within the Ring as temporary consulates. Additionally, foreign staff staying in Japan for six months during the Expo could continue their stay, fostering Osaka's connection with the world.
In the Global Community, we plan to regularly interview staff from countries without consulates in Osaka during the Osaka-Kansai Expo and share their perspectives. (Editor-in-Chief, Global Community, Kazumi Miyazaki)

On the five-story GALA wall, artworks by five artists from Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Taiwan) are displayed.

Through the efforts of TEAMEXPO, Staff members at GALA have been diligently working to energize the Osaka-Kansai Expo with the power of entertainment, even amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the interview with Mr. Satoru Sakaguchi(LEFT), a representative of GALA RESORT, and Mr. Lawrence Minamimura(Right), vice president, about their endeavors.

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（Mr.mimamimura said）

During the pandemic, when we couldn't conduct regular business activities, our remaining staff focused on studying English intensively and promoting the allure of music through social media with the help of musicians. We did this so that whenever foreign tourists return, they'll be welcomed. We diligently prepared until the situation returned to normal.

Thanks to these efforts, when foreign tourists did return, we were able to promptly resume our services as before. To enhance the image of our company and industry, we also prioritized recruitment interviews and employee education. Currently, with over 100 people, including employees, dedicated DJs, musicians, and more than 30 part-time staff, we work together to provide nightclub services.

Although nightclub work may carry negative connotations, we take pride in bringing happiness to people through music and entertainment. That's why we emphasize employee training, including special leadership workshops, to instill a sense of pride in our work, which translates into societal contributions.

Furthermore, we've advanced our nightclub management to benefit the public through activities such as neighborhood clean-ups and support for "children's cafeterias."

Our representative, Mr. Sakaguchi, who himself lived in a children's home until he was 16, believes in the importance of supporting children in need of necessities.

To address this, he has launched a nonprofit organization. Staff members at GALA also contribute to these activities, experiencing the significance of social engagement and naturally enhancing their humanity.

What percentage of your customers are foreign tourists? And what efforts are you putting into promotions?

Approximately 60-70% of our customers are foreign tourists, including many repeat visitors and expatriates living in Japan. To cater to this demographic, we prioritize hiring staff proficient in English and promoting understanding and inclusion of the LGBT community, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our music events regardless of nationality or gender.

In terms of promotions, we focus on leveraging social media platforms to announce our events and collaborating with DJs and artists to reach a broader audience. However, our most significant promotional tool remains positive word-of-mouth from satisfied customers. Therefore, we strive to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, as positive experiences lead to positive reviews and contribute to our reputation and staff morale.

What kind of people work as part-time staff members?

Our staff includes individuals proficient in foreign languages and young people who choose to work with us for a defined period as part of their life experience. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and do not discriminate based on nationality or gender. We want everyone to experience the joy of providing enjoyable music experiences to our customers at GALA, regardless of their background. Especially for those interested in interacting with people from different countries using foreign languages, this job can be fulfilling. While our interview process is rigorous, we encourage anyone interested to take on the challenge.

What do you want to achieve at the Osaka-Kansai Expo?

（Mr.Sakaguchi said）

We aim to showcase at the Osaka-Kansai Expo the potential of using the power of music, especially the "HIPHOP culture," which dominates about 70% of the HIT CHART worldwide and leads youth culture, to create a "peaceful and poverty-free world."

While there may still be a lack of understanding from the authorities, in the United States, many artists possess financial resources and influence comparable to top corporate executives. Similarly, among Japan's Z generation, there are talented individuals earnestly striving to improve society. We want to involve such individuals and believe in the potential of events that transcend musical genres. At the Osaka-Kansai Expo, we aspire to create a space where people from all around the world can acknowledge and respect each other, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or gender, enabling them to express themselves freely and comfortably.

We also intend to utilize platforms like TEAMEXPO to connect with like-minded groups and individuals, working together to elevate the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, likely a once-in-a-lifetime event, and make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

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• Using the power of music to promote peace and equality from Dotonbori:  Promoting Peace and Equality through the Power of Music

• Protecting the future of children through the power of music:   Protecting the Future of Children through the Power of Music

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GALA RESORT, Tokyo Metropolitan Development Soemoncho Building,

7-9 Soemoncho, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Located in the heart of Namba, Osaka, close to the iconic Glico sign, GALA RESORT is Japan's first five-story building dedicated to nightlife. With a capacity of 1500 people, it stands as a central hub for Osaka's nightlife scene. Each floor offers a unique experience with genres like HIPHOP, EDM, K-POP, HOUSE, TECHNO, and TRANCE, where DJs mesmerize the audience with the latest sounds and lighting. World-renowned artists and DJs make regular appearances, attracting a diverse crowd of foreign tourists and repeat visitors to Japan.

GALA　RESORT　https://osaka.gala-resort.jp

Explore the activities of the nonprofit organization Care with Music

https://care-with-music.jp/

Rekindling the Spirit of Herbivore Men Through Taiko Drumming?

Real Meaning of  Foundation Day  of Japan as a Nation

In February, there is National Foundation Day in Japan. Do you know what marks the foundation of Japan? Surprisingly, many people are not aware of this fact. When I ask this question in my lectures, emphasizing that "Japanese people surprisingly don't know much about Japan," over 80% of the audience cannot answer. Even if they attempt an answer, it often relates to the Meiji era or post-war period, showing a misunderstanding. Indeed, a majority of Japanese are unfamiliar with the fundamental establishment of their nation. However, not knowing the foundation of one's country is considered unusual on a global scale.

National Foundation Day in Japan, also known as Kigen Setsu, commemorates the enthronement of the first Emperor, Emperor Jimmu. In terms of the foundation year, this year marks the 2,671st year, making it the oldest continuous national foundation in the world. Denmark, the next oldest, has a history of about 1,100 years, followed by approximately 900 years for the United Kingdom. Some may point out the ancient history of China or Egypt, but this is not about the length of history; it specifically refers to the age of the national foundation. Japan's imperial system, with the Emperor as the national symbol and the unifying force, has been passed down through an imperial genealogy for 125 generations.

This is like a living myth, and Japan's imperial system has garnered immense respect globally. The imperial family in Japan is highly esteemed by royal families and nations worldwide, and their value is recognized more outside Japan than by the Japanese themselves. Therefore, answering "the world's oldest country" when asked about Japan becomes a logically clear statement. Celebrating this historical continuity, Japanese people observe National Foundation Day.

Learn from the keen insights of our predecessors

– Hidetoshi Tojo's Column No.13

Now, this month, I was thinking about what to talk about. Ah, yes, around this time in February, the book "Basics of Shinto Shrines" (published by Ei Publishing) supervised by me should start appearing on the shelves of Seven-Eleven? Well, if everything goes according to schedule. Anyway, hoping that it has been successfully published, this time I would like to talk a bit about Shinto shrines, or rather, the wisdom of our predecessors.

As is well known, I operate the information site "Shrine People," where I collect nationwide shrine information and work on its systematization. However, it's not because I have some spiritual sensitivity. Rather, I am a realist, and seemingly, I have a thinking style that appears contradictory to such themes. So why am I actively studying shrines? It's because I believe there is a universal wisdom in the unique national temperament of the Japanese that can be scientifically understood.

For example, ancient Japanese believed that gods descended to sharp places, and the motif for this is said to be lightning. Of course, today everyone knows this, but it was the same for ancient Japanese. However, modern people might think, "Oh, if they saw that light and heard that roar, without knowing science, they probably thought the gods were angry." But what's really important is that the land where lightning struck becomes fertile for the five grains.

This is actually scientifically proven, and it is even said that the harvest of mushrooms on land where lightning has struck doubles. So, the ancient Japanese knew everything. That's why they held both fear and gratitude towards lightning, expressed thanks as gods, said "thunder" means "the god is roaring," wrote "thunder" as "rain" and "rice field," and wrote "lightning" as "the wife (spouse) of rice." In a way, it was a very rational way of thinking. However, we modern people, perhaps out of arrogance, tend to overestimate science and technology, and have a dislike for the past. But our ancestors, not knowing science, with high sensitivity, could understand the essence.

Shrines are truly a cultural symbol woven with the wisdom of our predecessors. Perhaps there is a universal truth that even we modern people cannot reach, scattered everywhere there. Don't just think of shrines as mere religious facilities. Awareness is constantly present, right next to us.

There is a great leap forward after overcoming a crisis.

 

March 11, a massive earthquake struck the Tohoku region, including East Japan. As many have already experienced, even in such challenging circumstances, there has been international praise for the diligence of the Japanese people. Reports highlighted the considerate actions of a company employee turned evacuee who, despite exhaustion, sat on the stairs, making way for others. Ironically, the admirable qualities of the Japanese character were shared globally in this way. Nevertheless, it remains true that the Japanese possess a cooperative and resilient spirit, a fundamental strength inherent in their nature.

Historically, Japan has been an agrarian society, evident from the fact that around 80% of the population were farmers until the Edo period. This influence is still visible in our daily lives. For example, Japanese holidays such as the Vernal Equinox Day, Autumnal Equinox Day, New Year's Day, Children's Day, and Labor Thanksgiving Day all have origins in Shinto rituals celebrating abundant harvests. In Japan, holidays are referred to as "shukujitsu" or festival days, emphasizing their connection to religious observances. Even Respect for the Aged Day, by aligning with the agricultural off-season, signifies a time to seek the wisdom of the elderly. The Japanese way of life is deeply rooted in agriculture, combined with the ancient religious concepts of Shinto, giving rise to the distinct qualities of the Japanese character.

This combination of Shinto spirituality and agriculture is the foundation of Japan's unique traits, including cooperation and perseverance. It is not only about Shinto or agriculture individually; it is the synergy of both that defines the functional aspect of these traits. This is not easily replicated, as observed in many developing nations that, despite engaging in primary industries like agriculture, exhibit different national characteristics than Japan.

In the face of the recent disaster, there have been numerous victims. Yet, by invoking the robust spirit of the Japanese people, there is a certainty of recovery. Japan stands as a nation with a unique blend of cooperative spirit and enduring patience.