Zen Landscape

One of the reason I like being in Japan is because of its beautiful sceneries and the abundant species of adorable flower. Zen Landscape

Ryoko-Simply-Natural: Japan Earthquake

Ryoko-Simply-Natural: Japan Earthquake

Tanabata Festival

In Japan, Tanabata Matsuri -Festival is one of the oldest and famous festivals. It is celebrated yearly in many regions in Japan. It is said to be the “ Festival to Plead for Skills. “ It also mean “ Evening of the Seventh”

Tanabata was said to be originated 2000 years ago, from the Old Chinese tale known as Kikkoden. Once there was a princess named Oriheme, she was the best weaver during that time. And there is a “ cow herder “ by the name of Hikoboshi also known as Kengyuu both lived in space milky way.

The two fall in love with each other. They were together all the time. Later on , they neglect to do their duties. And because of this Tentei , the father of Oriheme became so mad and angry that he separated the two. The princess Oriheme became so sad that she cried so much and pleads to her father to allow her to see Hikoboshi. Tentai being a father was touch by her daughters' anguish and allow her to see Hikoboshi once a year on the seventh of the month.

This is why Tanabata Matsuri is celebrated on July seventh or August seventh. It is also said that if the rain comes during that day, Orihime and Hikoboshi will not be able to meet each other . The magpies will not be able to come to build the bridge out of their wing because it will become wet. So there will no bridge to cross over the river. If this happens, the two will wait till the next year to meet again.

Customs during Tanabata:

During the celebration of Tanabata, Japanese wear their kimono, yukata. You will find many stalls that sells food and beverages, crafts, paintings,fruits even stalls that promote their products and of live radio coverages of the event. People from different places come over to join this feast. They write their wishes in the " Tanzaku papers " and tie it to the bamboo,

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Japan Earthquake

Yesterday at 5:06 a.m was the strongest earthquake i had experienced so far here in Japan, I woke up startled viewing my overhead lamp was swaying back and forth. I felt from my fourth floor condominium, that the building was actually swaying. It was shocking and scary. I can not imagine if the earthquake hits us more than that.

In our place it was shindo 4 ( intensity 4 in the Richter Scale). The most affected area is Shizooka-ken with shindo 6 ( intensity 6 in the Richter Scale) . In Japan, they use " shindo scale " to measure the intensity of earthquake at a given location. While the rest of the world use " Richter Scale " to measure the magnitude of earthquake.

Shindo Earthquake is range from:

1 - earthquake is felt by those who is not moving

2 to 4 - still minor and do not cause damage

5 - cause heavier damage, and object are falling

6 to 7 - severe damage

Japan is prone to Earthquakes because it is surrounded by volcanoes and hot springs. The Government of Japan is taking all the precautionary measure in the upcoming earthquake which is said to be a major earthquake . It was predicted that this going to be a serious and major that will hit the Honshu area. They called it quake " TOKAI Earthquake "




TIPS NEED TO KNOW " Surviving Earthquake " from Survival manual

1). Inside the House - Take Cover -
When indoors, stay calm and immediately take cover over near a strong and stable wall or supporting post/pillar. Do not run outside without verifying the conditions. Immediately extinguish any possible sources of flame in the area.

2). If you are OUTDOOR during the Earthquake - move away from the Building

3). If you are Underground like in subways - calmly assess the situation and do not panic. Avoid stampede. Follow the instruction of the trained personnel who coordinate evacuation procedures.

4). Inside Department Stores and Supermarkets
Do not Panic. A power outrage may follow after an earthquake. Calmly follow the instructions of the personnel.

5). Inside Moving Vehicles
If you are inside a bus or a train do not panic and do not jump out of a moving vehicle. Follow the instructions of the driver or train personnel.

If you are in a car, pull over to the left hand side of the road and park there.

6). Near coastal areas.- evacuate from areas close to the sea-
as coastal areas maybe in danger from tsunamis, relocate to a higher ground as soon as possible.

Know your Disaster Emergency hotline: dial 117

Public Buildings and Schools are designated evacuation areas.

Zen Landscape

Takeshima Jinja Gamagori

This tiny little Island can be found at Gamagori-shi, Aichi-ken,Japan. It is known as Takeshima Jinja ( Temple) Japanese come here to practice their faith which is Shinto-ism, (Buddist practice). The only access to this Island is by this 500 meters bridge which you can view in the photo.