"Cultivation Required in a Global Society?

　- Column by Hidetoshi Tojo, No.16"

Title: "Establishment of the International Liberal Arts Promotion Association - Column by Hidetoshi Tojo, No. XX"

In a recent development, I am pleased to announce the official establishment of the International Liberal Arts Promotion Association, a general incorporated association. This new venture aims to systematically engage in activities promoting liberal arts education, fostering individuals equipped with cultural knowledge to thrive in the global arena. The formation of this association comes after extensive consideration and planning, culminating in its formal inauguration in July.

The association's primary objective is to cultivate a broad understanding of liberal arts, empowering individuals to excel in the globalized world. Hidetoshi Tojo emphasizes that many people harbor misconceptions about going abroad, pointing out an example where the ability to wear traditional Japanese attire, the kimono, can serve as a simple and effective icebreaker, creating connections and opportunities.

Tojo recounts a conversation with a company president who asked, "What is the quickest way to make friends in the United States?" While many might think of language proficiency or knowledge about the other person's culture, Tojo suggests that wearing a kimono can be a surprisingly powerful means of connecting with people. The association's diverse membership includes former CEOs of major multinational companies and various experts who have excelled both domestically and internationally, all emphasizing the importance of liberal arts education.

The discussion extends to the significance of having a strong cultural foundation, identity, and understanding of one's home country before embarking on international experiences. Without these fundamentals, individuals may risk losing their cultural identity and even rewrite their ways of thinking and behavior to align with the host country's cultural norms. This could be detrimental, especially when planning to return and work in one's home country, where familiarity with local customs, values, and market demands is essential for success.

In conclusion, the International Liberal Arts Promotion Association seeks to address these challenges, promoting the importance of cultivating a strong educational foundation and cultural understanding for individuals navigating the complexities of a globalized world.

 

"The Pink Book for Fulfilling the Whims of Adult Women"

Supervision: Mr.  Tojo | Published by: Magazine House

"We live in Tokyo, and do you have any idea how many shrines are here? The database of shrines in Tokyo, managed by 'Jinjajin,' which I plan and operate, is complete, totaling around 2,317 shrines. Even within the 23 wards, there are approximately 1,309 shrines, surprisingly more than you might think. However, many people aren't aware of this, right? So, on September 13th, a shrine guidebook I supervised was released by Magazine House. Its title is 'Shrines for Fulfilling the Whims of Adult Women' (laughs), with a flashy pink cover.

This time, focusing on the Tokyo metropolitan area, we featured around 100 shrines from Tokyo and surrounding areas. Interestingly, there are surprisingly few shrine guidebooks that cover this many shrines. Despite the recent trend of Power Spot's popularity contributing to more shrine-related magazines and books, many of them feature well-known shrines, sometimes even including temples. So, there aren't many guidebooks that exclusively cover individual shrines. However, as I mentioned earlier, there are quite a number of shrines even within Tokyo alone. Of course, many of them are small with just a shrine building, but still, there are numerous shrines scattered throughout Japan. That's why I wanted to expose as many people as possible to a greater variety of shrines. Thus, I joined the planning of this book with that goal in mind.

Talking about the blessings one can receive at shrines, even from just this perspective, there are reasons behind each of those claims. Although the setup this time was quite detailed and somewhat challenging, just introducing cultural spots like this that are surprisingly close to us is quite meaningful. I believe it's a chance for everyone to touch upon an aspect of Japan they might not be familiar with. There may be a side of Japan you don't know about, and it could be found right here."

"Publishing 'Proof of the Japanese' - Part 2 -

Hidetoshi Tojo's Serial Column No. 11"

 

Recently, in line with the release of my book "Proof of the Japanese," I have been actively engaged in lecture activities. This effort stems from the sincere desire to enhance the foundational cultural literacy of as many people as possible about being Japanese. Thanks to the positive responses from various regions, my lecture activities in local areas have steadily increased.

During these activities, there was a somewhat different lecture last month. It was a seminar on Japanese culture targeting short-term exchange students learning Japanese who came from Hong Kong for a limited period of three weeks.

While I've spoken about Japan's cultural background to foreigners before, it was usually in the context of a minority among a larger audience of Japanese people. It was rare for all attendees to be foreigners, making it a unique experience for me. The language barrier and the uncertainty of how well foreigners would understand the emotionally charged image of the Japanese people were also factors I couldn't predict. However, when I actually conducted the seminar, the response was not only positive but more proactive than with Japanese audiences.

For instance, during the Q&A session after the lecture, there were usually few questions in a typical Japanese setting. However, these students were eager to ask questions, and they were sharp inquiries. Questions like, "I heard you shouldn't walk in the middle of the approach to a shrine, why is that?" or "Is there a specific reason why torii gates are red?" were asked. It was surprising to see how much they knew, but these are things many Japanese take for granted. Yet, if asked whether many of us know the meanings behind these seemingly obvious things, there might be some uncertainty. Questioning the seemingly obvious is crucial, and when explaining to them, I always start by breaking away from these assumed norms.

In reality, everything has a meaning. However, merely taking things for granted without questioning doesn't lead to a genuine understanding of the essence. Cultural exchange with people from foreign countries begins with recognizing the lack of understanding of one's own culture. We should, once again, question what the meanings of the things we take for granted are.

 

"Publication of 'Shrine Tourism'!! Hidetoshi Tojo's Serial Column No. 17"

"The cultural roots of Japanese New Year

 

"For the Japanese, What Does 'Work' Mean? - Hidetoshi Tojo's Serial Column No. 12"

 

"How do you feel about the concept of 'work'? In recent years, there have been concerns about the global economic slowdown, and in Japan, a perpetual recession is often discussed. Some even fear that Japan might continue to decline, weakening its presence in the world. Is this going to be the case? I don't think so. That's because I understand the meaning of Japan's strength.

How did Japan, without abundant resources, become one of the world's leading economic powers? While we often hear about technological prowess, ultimately, it comes down to 'people.' The strength of human resources undoubtedly contributed to favorable results. However, if it is said that this is due to differences in abilities, the answer is no. This is because the basic performance of humans has not changed, and it is not academically valid to say that people in the past were more capable than those of today. The key difference lies in the consciousness of work. Surprisingly, this can be explained by the character '働' (hataraku), which means 'to work.'

This character '働' is actually a native Japanese character, a 'kokuji.' In other words, it is an original kanji created in Japan. For the Japanese, 'to work' means 'people moving.' While the etymology is not certain, some say it depicts several people collaborating to move a large rock. In essence, in Japan, 'working' means moving for the sake of others. This is precisely the strength of Japan, which has faced the world not as individuals but as organizations. This is the inherent consciousness of 'work' for the Japanese.

In contrast, in Chinese, the character '人' (ren) meaning 'person' is omitted, leaving only the character '動' (dong) meaning 'to move.' There is no 'person' in it. To move with one's own will. This single character illustrates the strength of a stand-alone play. Of course, this does not imply superiority or inferiority, but there was undoubtedly a strength unique to Japan. And Japan has proven that. Japan, in recent years, has tended to seek work more with the mindset of 'to move' following a meritocracy trend. Self-realization, pursuing one's desired occupation, me, me, me. However, Japan's strength is not found in this approach. The meaning of the word 'person' has somehow disappeared. But looking at the confusion in the world today, can we not consider that this stand-alone play is working in a negative direction? Doing what others wish before pursuing what you desire. The wisdom of our predecessors shows Japan's unique strength, and that's what I believe."

"What is True Culture? Understanding Japan"

"Starting from the December issue, Mr. Hidetoshi Tojo, the operator of the shrine portal site 'Jinjajin,' begins a column to convey Japanese culture through shrines."

 

"Today, we live in an information society. We constantly absorb information from various sources and accumulate it in our minds. However, when we categorize this information as Japanese people, have we perhaps forgotten something beyond just having sufficient knowledge? In reality, we Japanese may not know ourselves as much as we think. This lack of self-awareness is not unrelated to the fact that Japanese individuals often struggle to demonstrate leadership in the international community. Why is this?

When we grasp the term 'international awareness' in Japan, many might feel it implies proficiency in English or familiarity with international affairs. However, these are merely means and not the essence. The true essence lies in a mutual understanding of national identity. Unfortunately, many Japanese people are stamped with the label of being uncultured due to this misunderstanding. This is because culture and knowledge are entirely different things. To put it in simpler terms, culture is 'education,' and it is the social background we naturally inherit. Not understanding this implies that the person may have grown without developing a social personality.

For example, have you ever thought about the founding period of Japan's National Foundation Day, the significance of celebrating the New Year, or the basis for the perceived ambiguity of Japanese people? All of these are related to Japan's unique concepts and Shinto. Currently, as I gather and share information about shrines nationwide, I aim to expand a community that learns about the importance of confronting these roots together. The Japan we live in is truly a wonderful country. Understanding its goodness not only nurtures an international sense but also allows us to experience joy as Japanese individuals. I believe that knowing such joy helps us maintain our authenticity in this flooded information society. Through this column, I hope to contribute to fostering a positive sensibility among all of you."

 

"(Operator of Jinjajin, Representative of Culturege Inc., Hidetoshi Tojo)"

"Hidetoshi Tojo, born in 1972 in Saitama Prefecture, is the Representative Director of Culturege Inc. He is a direct descendant of Hideki Tojo, serving as the 18th-generation head. Exploring a unique social welfare model in Japan, he focuses on the presence of shrines and Shinto. Advocating for cultural tourism through shrines, he aims to revitalize new regional communities and cultural entertainment."

JINJYAJIN　HP　http://jinjajin.jp/

 

"Reading 'Shrine Tourism' is a must for Japanese students aspiring

to study abroad or pursue international opportunities."

"Mr. Tojo, who always writes our columns, has recently published his second book, so I decided to read it promptly.

The author, Mr. Hidetoshi Tojo, is someone I know personally. He manages the portal site 'Jinjajin,' dedicated to shrines, and has walked to over 1000 shrines, creating a database with his own feet. With the support of like-minded individuals who share Tojo's vision, a database for over 80,000 shrines nationwide has been created, accumulating data from around 10,000 shrines. Tojo's humble personality attracts many supporters, leading to a quiet boom, particularly in his lectures.

Shrines have played a significant role in various life milestones such as Hatsumode, Shosai, Shichi-Go-San, coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings, etc. Understanding the essence of these shrines and conveying it to others is one of the purposes of this book.

Given my frequent interactions with international students due to my work, I have always been interested in how to convey Japanese culture to them. Also, having initiated student interpreter volunteer activities based at Meiji Shrine, I find the attempt to introduce Japan using shrines very appropriate.

When volunteering to guide foreigners at Meiji Shrine, I noticed their consistent amazement at Japan's 'purification culture.' Phrases like 'God doesn't appear in dirty places' and 'The sun god is watching' are key explanations of the Japanese culture.

Moreover, the origins of holidays like National Foundation Day and Labor Thanksgiving Day, and even cultural elements like sake and sumo, trace back to Shinto and shrines. Indeed, shrines embody the essence of Japanese culture.

Shrines are found in every town, and even a common local shrine, with proper guidance, can become an impressive tourist spot full of 'Japanese wonders' for foreigners. 'Shrine Tourism' reminds us Japanese that 'ordinary Japan' is our greatest cultural heritage, and it encourages readers to carry it in their bags, read it repeatedly, and turn it into living knowledge. I hope they share what they've learned in various languages with their friends. Foreigners interested in Japan will listen to your stories with interest and respect your ability to articulate them eloquently. (Global Community Editor-in-Chief, Keimi Miyazaki)

Amidst the enduring trend of 'Power Spot Tours,' this year marks the once-in-sixty-years relocation of Ise Grand Shrine and Izumo Taisha. Additionally, Mount Fuji, the sacred mountain of the Asama faith, has finally achieved its long-awaited recognition as a World Cultural Heritage site. Truly, 2013 can be called the 'Year of Shrines.'

However, as Japanese people, are we perhaps too 'ignorant' about our roots, namely shrines and Shinto? Why is being 'clean' considered one of the national traits of the Japanese? Does the spirit of valuing 'public' in Japanese culture stem from the influence of phrases like 'The sun is watching'?

Moreover, is Shinto really a 'religion'? Descendant of the 40th Prime Minister Tojo Hideki, the author, who manages the shrine portal site 'Jinjajin,' reflects on the history built by predecessors and proposes a new form of 'Shrine Tourism,' enjoying 'shrine visits through affiliation and blessings. He delves into the charm of Japan as a 'Cultural Nation.'"

Chapter 1: Japan's Common Sense, the World's Uncommon Sense

Chapter 2: Rules of Shrines

Chapter 3: Shinto and Animism

Chapter 4: "Japan Original" Gods

Chapter 5: Origins of Shrines Ise and Izumo

Chapter 6: The Arrival of Buddhism and the Presence of Shinto

Chapter 7: Mystery Under the Name of "Mythology"

 

"Work and Birth: Insights from the Kojiki"

Professor Nakanishi's interpretation of the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki sheds light on the Japanese national identity and its spiritual foundation. When considering daily labor, the Old Testament and Japanese mythology offer contrasting perspectives. In the Old Testament, the story of Adam and Eve eating the "fruit of knowledge of good and evil" leads to the "punishment" of labor for men and the "pain of childbirth" for women. Thus, work is viewed as a divine punishment, and workers often dream of early retirement to enjoy a leisurely life.

In contrast, Japanese mythology presents a different perspective on labor. Even the supreme deity, Amaterasu Omikami, is depicted engaging in activities like farming and overseeing weaving. The act of working is not a divine punishment but a blessing, as exemplified by the tale of Amaterasu bestowing rice from the heavenly realm to sustain earthly agriculture. Even the Emperor, a symbol of national unity, participates in rice planting and harvesting annually, and this is seen as a source of gratitude rather than humiliation. For the Japanese, labor is a source of joy.

"Alignment of Contemporary Management Theory with Japanese Mythology"

Considering the effect of perceiving work as either a punishment or a blessing, which perspective would likely boost morale? In an aging society, where individuals in their 80s remain healthy, the choice between a retirement of leisure or contributing to society using one's skills and experience becomes pertinent. Modern management theory emphasizes employee satisfaction and organizational performance, aligning closely with the Japanese mythological view of labor as a divine blessing. This human-centric approach seems more compatible with Japanese culture than the pursuit of career advancement and wealth found in some foreign contexts.

By understanding the labor perspective from Japanese mythology, individuals may find renewed enthusiasm for their work and even guide their workplaces toward a more fulfilling direction. The myths serve as a source of inner strength, influencing people's overall well-being.

"Childbirth: Pain or the Sanctity of Life's Continuation?"

The concept of "pain in childbirth" as punishment in the Old Testament contrasts with the Japanese perspective. Japan's islands are seen as a land where divine life resides, and reproduction is a sacred act reflecting the gods' example. In this light, reproduction is not a punishment but a blessing, a divine act. The significance of both labor and reproduction is evident in the nation's high regard for women's roles in life's continuation.

This notion has likely contributed to the esteemed status of Japanese women historically. Fostering a deeper understanding of this aspect of Japanese mythology might even offer solutions to issues like declining birth rates. Acknowledging the sanctity of life's continuation through myths could rejuvenate Japan's vitality.

"Implications of 'Avatar' and the Connection to Japanese Mythology"

Japan's view of the land as sacred, born of the marriage of divine beings Izanaki and Izanami, sets it apart from the Old Testament. The movie "Avatar," depicting a lush planet where beings are deeply connected to nature, resonated widely. The film's impact, leading to what's been called the "Avatar syndrome" in which viewers experienced depression upon returning to urban life, signifies a growing awareness of the bond between humans and nature. This idea aligns with Japan's longstanding view of the environment as sacred and is reflected in its advanced environmental technologies.

Studying Japanese mythology and embracing its perspective on nature could position Japan as a leader in global environmental protection. Such a revitalized understanding might empower Japan to provide unique solutions to global challenges and infuse the nation with newfound energy.

"Rejuvenating Japan through the 'Kojiki'"

As demonstrated, Japanese mythology holds wisdom for 21st-century challenges in work, marriage, and nature. The dismissal of polytheistic religions like Japanese mythology as primitive, while elevating Christianity as modern, is a dated view. Japanese myths offer valuable insights and solutions to contemporary issues. If Japanese individuals re-engage with "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki," they could potentially contribute novel solutions to global problems, making a significant impact and revitalizing Japan's future. (From the International Japanese Cultural Studies Course)

let's go home.(kaerou)

fuji kaze song sung by Anonymouz (アノニムーズ) - 名前のない女の子

 

You go melt away into the setting sun.

I go disappear into the breaking dawn.

If we never cross--over on our ways not once again.

Then we'll know it is destiny so...

As you always do, you go and give out hope

As I always do, I plead and beg for light.

I'm not afraid. No, I dont have anything to lose.

From the very start, I've never had possessions

Alright then, alright then. Bye for now. Eyes of the boy have lost their innocence,

even the ringing five o'clock bell doesn't reach him anymore.

But so then, but so then. It's almost, like everything has already ended.

No but I'm wrong. long way to go I know I won't ever forget.

Ah, let it go, forget it all. let's go home.

Ah, let it all just float away. Let's go home.

Even if I suffered from my scars. Even if I thirst, and never heal.

Won't care about it anymore. Let's blow it all off.

Now with the fresh wind, why don't we just go home?

So now with the gentle rain, why don't we go home?

We know nothing's gonna grow from any hatred or from any pain.

So, from me, from myself, I will try forgetting it all.

 

Ah, how will I live my life from today?