On my recent visit to Japan, I enjoyed the numerous cultural delights this wonderful country has on offer – from Okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake) to Origami and everything in between. Every step was a reminder on how varied and beautiful our world is. One particular thing that took my fancy was the ancient tradition […]
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Tag: Japan
Japan In Spring
A few Japanese events held in February and March, symbolize our anticipation of Spring. We have two major events, Setsubun and Girl’s Festival. Setsubun is usually held at the beginning of February, either on the 3rd or 4th, at shrines or homes. Setsubun means division of seasons, and there are four divisions in […]
Yoko Ono in India
The slight tilt of a cream coloured hat, a pair of spectacles perched precariously on the tip of her petite nose and a smile that can win over even the biggest cynic – Yoko Ono, Japanese artist, filmmaker and peace activist, is every inch a performer. Being a Beatles widow (she was married to John […]
New Year In Japan
In Japan, traditionally, the new year is the most important religious ceremony. Most people have five days holidays, from December 30 to January 3. Though it is a cold period, most clean their houses thoroughly. Tatami mats are exposed outside in the sun and air, paper slides, or shojis, are recovered with new paper, curtains […]
The Success Of Failure
“We only hire native speakers.” This was the sixth time I had heard these words. My mouth turned dry, my face burned, and I felt the familiar sense of nausea. My sixth failure! I tried to protest yet again, the words beginning to sound hollow in my ears. I repeated what had come to me […]
When The Monk Smiled
Acclaimed artist Rima Fujita feels lucky to have met His Holiness, the Dalai Lama many times. She says, “I respect and love him because he is an extremely receptive and caring person. He notices small and sensitive nuances of life. He treats everyone the same – the rich, poor, famous, not famous. Once, he noticed me from three feet away and smiled and […]
The Heroic Human
Far beyond the reactive doomsday predictions and twittering, there in the rubble of worlds torn apart resides that beautiful compassion of the human spirit and for me that is where true heroism begins.