10/4/24

Anastasia Way of Life, A Vision for a Future in Harmony with Nature

Anastasia, the mystical woman of the Siberian taiga










Introduced to the world by Vladimir Megre, Anastasia, the mystical woman of the Siberian taiga, has captivated the hearts and minds of many people around the world. Vladimir Megre is a Russian entrepreneur and writer best known as the author of the Ringing Cedars of Russia (also known as Anastasia) series of books. Megre's book has also been translated into Japanese. Her teachings focus on nature, spirituality, and sustainable living, inspiring people to live in harmony with the Earth. Anastasia's message has also rwhere oresonated in Japan, ganizations such as Anastasia Japan have been formed. I will delve into the essence of Anastasia's philosophy and how it can be adapted to our situation, including my personal attempts to put these teachings into practice on a small scale.

A spiritual connection to the earth

Anastasia's view revolves around a deep connection to nature, simple living, and the importance of creating a sustainable future for future generations. She rejects excessive materialism and advocates a life of growing one's own land, producing food, and living self-sufficiently. The concept of a "home land," a hectare of land that each family can cultivate and call home, is at the heart of her vision. This not only symbolizes self-reliance, but also fosters a spiritual connection to the earth. 

Anastasia's impact on the world

Since Vladimir Megret introduced Anastasia's story, her message has spread around the world, inspiring people to rethink their relationship with nature and each other. Her emphasis on love, the wisdom of nature, and the power of individual consciousness to shape a better future has inspired numerous movements and ecovillages in Europe and North America.

Anastasia's Philosophy in Japan

Although the extensive family land that is the basis of Anastasia's teachings is difficult to secure in Japan, where land is scarce and the challenges of urbanization are prominent, it resonates with traditional Japanese values ​​such as Satoyama (the coexistence of humans and nature in the Japanese countryside). Anastasia Japan has been organized to bring her message to a Japanese audience and translate her books, and every year, it publishes Vladimir Megre's New Year's Messages. The message is thought-provoking and very informative.

Seeking harmony with nature in Japan (a small personal challenge)

I plan to build a small house, plant vegetables, and grow a few trees in a 300m2 space. Although 300m2 of land is much smaller than the 1 hectare she advocates, it is enough to plant a variety of vegetables and fruit trees and create a small nurturing environment. I have been looking for a large piece of land as she advocates and have not been able to find it, but I hope to realize peace, a concrete connection with nature by the summer of 2025. To do this, I would like to modify her proposal to relate the concept of "less is more". Not only is this limited space easy to manage, but it also allows me to experience the joy of growing my own food and contributing to a small natural ecosystem.



5/4/24

Japanese death linked to red yeast rice supplements

Japanese death linked to red yeast rice supplements

What is the significance of the deaths in Japan related to red yeast rice supplements? 

A series of media reports have reported that Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's red yeast rice causes kidney disease, quickly proving a causal relationship. This is in contrast to the government's refusal to acknowledge a causal relationship with the aftereffects of the coronavirus vaccine. I learned about this situation from comments from X (formerly Twitter) rather than from major media reports. 

At the end of March 2024, the Japanese government's Consumer Affairs Agency announced the discontinuation of the use of red yeast rice-related products manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical.

Health foods subject to recall order


The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced that as of May 1st, a total of 270 people who took Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's supplements containing red yeast rice developed kidney disease and other illnesses and were hospitalized.

Given that the government rarely recognizes the after-effects of COVID-19 vaccinations, I have the impression that the latest round of criticism against Kobayashi Pharmaceuticals was very swift.

I'm worried that fermented foods are being threatened due to this incident. Miso, soy sauce, vinegar, mirin, and sake used in Japanese cuisine are all fermented foods. If koji (yeast), which is the key to fermentation, is sterilized or processed in unnatural ways, it loses its natural power.






12/3/23

Sleep, Mysterious Time

Sleep, that mysterious time

Sleep may be a way for consciousness to heal in another dimension. 


According to Japanese sleep researcher Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa (1960-), shortening the appropriate amount of sleep can lead to sleep debt, which can lead to a weakened immune system and many other disorders.

When I was younger, I was obsessed with the 3-hour sleep method, but it seems I was wrong. At the time, I believed that if I spent less time sleeping and more time awake and active, my life would be that much richer. However, sleep is the source of unknown wealth, so if we don't get an appropriate amount of sleep every day, we will be destroyed. 

Moreover, it is said that we are more creative after a good night's sleep than when we have been awake for a long time. ​


Get along well with good sleep

There are individual differences in the appropriate amount of sleep and the appropriate timing of sleep (in other words, whether you are a morning person or a night person). This also seems to change as you get older. For example, for me, it seems like it's best to sleep between 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (7 hours and 30 minutes).

Exposure to morning light is important in order to match your sleep rhythm with your body clock. However, if you are exposed to strong light at night, your body clock will be thrown off. ​

Ritual for a good night's sleep

Arranging your night routine for a good night's sleep will improve the quality of your life. Everyone has a different relaxing routine. Burn some incense, hold candles, listen to relaxing music, or meditate to induce sleep. . . It is good to arrange things in various ways. Then, if you follow that original routine every night, your brain will remember that if you do this, you'll fall asleep.

For example, you can watch a video like this to relax yourself 
3 hours before going to sleep. Helps clear your mind. 

10/22/23

Development and Tree Cutting


Tokyo's greenery is disappearing

Central Tokyo has a relatively large amount of greenery, but that landscape is changing. A large number of trees in the outer garden of Meiji Shrine in Tokyo will be cut down due to redevelopment. The number of trees to be felled is said to be 4,000 or more, including small trees, but it is not certain. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2024, with overall completion expected in 2036.

The scenery of the ginkgo trees is wonderful.
There are also great cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy this view.

The autumn leaves are also great.


The healing benefits of greenery in the city center

Meiji Shrine is surrounded by an artificial forest, which was planned so that many types of trees would complement each other, resulting in a rich natural environment. It is a home for many insects and luminous objects. For those who visit there, it is a healing experience that restores their humanity.

If there was no greenery left in the city center, people would feel a sense of loss. You won't be able to deeply feel true richness in an environment consisting only of artificial buildings.


In Shinto, trees are sometimes worshiped as objects of worship.






10/15/23

A home shrine protect a family

A divine spirit dwells in Sakaki

In Japan, sacred places have been decorated with sakaki trees and rituals have been held since ancient times. In Shinto, it is believed that plants with pointed leaves possess divine power. Sakaki prepares the left and right sides. 

The sakaki on the right side often dies. This is to purify the family's impurity instead. There are three sacred cards placed at the shrine. This is because the tag on the right is the tag of the god related to that house.



A home shrine protect a family

Our home shrine is in the living room. We place it high and facing east. It has to be the highest place, but since this is difficult in reality, the word "cloud'' is pasted on the ceiling to make it consistent. East is the direction in which the sun rises.

Morning routine

Change the water in the sakaki every morning. Then, exchange water and sake at the shrine. Make sure that it is always clean.

Receive divine protection

Sometimes the sakaki on the right does not wither. It is thought that the connection between shrines and family members is weakening. In that case, it would be a good idea to change it to a new divine card. Also, going to worship at that shrine can strengthen your connection.




9/10/23

Save the world with Dr. Takashima's fermentation



Save the world with Dr. Takashima's fermentation


Dr. Yasuhide Takashima is a person who is serious about environmental issues. As a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology, he conducts research and development on the decomposition and disappearance of various persistent and radioactive substances. He shares his achievements and activities on his homepage and YouTube channel. He is also contributing to environmental conservation, such as the greening campaign of Mt. Fuji and the development of bio-toilets.

Is real technology threatened by resistance forces?

However, he was arrested in 2010 on suspicion of illegal dumping of sludge. There are difficulties in developing real technology. No information was found that the innocence was confirmed in subsequent trials. His commitment to environmental issues should be appreciated, though.

Dr. Yasuhide Takashima

Dr. Yasuhide Takashima is the representative director of Takashima Development Engineering Research Institute Co., Ltd. (founded in April 1987)
Academic Theme: “Decomposition and disappearance of various substances such as radioactive substances, heavy metals, and harmful substances by the presence and expression of degrading bacteria and degrading enzymes for all substances such as radioactive substances, heavy metals, and harmful substances using complex fermentation based on complex microbial dynamic system analysis”



Bio-toilet

Dr. Takashima has developed a permanent bio-toilet called “Organic View”. This bio-toilet uses complex fermentation technology to decompose and eliminate excrement and food waste. It also does not require water or electricity and does not produce any bad odors. In addition, the treated water can be used as reclaimed water for agriculture and river purification. This bio-toilet is an innovative system that is environmentally friendly and can be used in times of disaster or in places with poor infrastructure, such as in mountainous areas. As a result of this technological development, Dr. Takashima received the Fire and Disaster Management Agency Commissioner's Award for Excellence in 2008.

References

Overall homepage http://blog.tidt.main.jp/
http://y-takashima.jimdo.com/
Complex Fermentation:
http://www.aun-unit.com/
https://y-takashima.jimdofree.com/
Eco Plant. https://eco-plant.org/service-guide/
https://eco-plant.org/works/
http://blog.tidt.main.jp/
http://y-takashima.jimdo.com/
http://www.aun-unit.com/
Source: Conversation with Bing 2023/9/10


7/30/23

Shaved Ice, Japanese Summer Tradition


Shaved Ice, Japanese Summer Tradition


"Taiyaki Wakaba" is a long-established
taiyaki restaurant since 1953,
but shaved ice is added to the menu only in summer.


One of the pleasures of summer in Japan is shaved ice. My favorite is the orthodox shaved ice with matcha and red beans. The slightly bitter taste of matcha and the sweet adzuki beans mixed with the crunchy coolness of the shaved ice create a perfect harmony. Shaved ice is a luxury on a hot day.

Shaved ice and ice sweets with a wide variety of prices and types

Depending on the shop, the ice is made with delicious water, or the matcha is the famous matcha from Uji, Kyoto. Prices also vary. There is also shaved ice that you can easily buy at convenience stores and supermarkets. Popsicle bars are also recommended.

You can buy this matcha shaved ice
 at Seven-Eleven, a convenience store.
It is 170 yen (tax included).
This shaved ice is made by inserting sweet,
creamy condensed milk into smooth matcha ice.
The matcha used is from Uji, Kyoto,
which is famous for its matcha.

Shaved ice made at home

You can easily make shaved ice at home with a shaved ice maker. When I was a kid in the 1970s, we used to make them ourselves. Even children can easily make it with syrup. Strawberry, melon, and lemon syrups were standard at the time.

Anastasia Way of Life, A Vision for a Future in Harmony with Nature

Anastasia, the mystical woman of the Siberian taiga source: https://www.anastasiajapan.com/?pid=179279859 Introduced to the world by Vlad...