Wabi Sabi
Page 18
3. ‘Gungendō’ is the lifestyle brand of the Iwami-Ginzan Lifestyle Research Institute, which Tomi co-founded with her husband Daikichi. Find out more at www.gungendo.co.jp .
4. See inside at www.kurasuyado.jp/takyo-abeke .
5. De Mente, NTC’s Dictionary of Japan’s Business Code Words, p.196.
6. Originally called jōjutsu ( ), the name of this martial art changed to jōdō ( ) ‘the way of the staff’ in 1940. It was devised by master swordsman Gonnosuke Katsukichi in the early 1600s. Source: www.britishkendoassociation.com/jodo . Retrieved 11 April 2018.
7. Sen, Nihon no kokoro, tsutaemasu , p.88.
8. Gratton and Scott, The 100-Year Life provides an excellent summary of the latest evidence on this topic.
9. Source: Workforce of the future: the competing forces shaping 2030 (PwC report). Available from https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/services/people-organisation/workforce-of-the-future/workforce-of-the-future-the-competing-forces-shaping-2030-pwc.pdf . Retrieved 2 April, 2018.
10. Ibid.
11. A furoshiki is a type of cloth traditionally used to wrap gifts, food or other goods.
12. can also be read hibi kore kōjitsu .
Chapter 8:
Cherishing the moments
1. Source: UNDP http://hdr.undp.org/en/69206 . Retrieved 6 April 2018.
2. Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Government of Japan www.mhlw.go.jp/file/04-Houdouhappyou-12304250-Roukenkyoku-Koureishashienka/0000177627.pdf . Retrieved 6 April 2018.
3. Source: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Government of Japan www.mhlw.go.jp/toukei/saikin/hw/life/ckts10/dl/02.pdf . Retrieved 6 April 2018.
4. Source: http://president.jp/articles/-/15634 . Retrieved 6 April 2018.
5. Source: Nagano Prefectural Government www.pref.nagano.lg.jp/kenko-fukushi/kenko/kenko/documents/saisyueiyaku.pdf . Retrieved 6 April 2018.
6. Source: www.reuters.com/brandfeatures/venture-capital/article?id=11480 . Retrieved 26 February 2018.
7. Source: WHO 2017 World Malaria Report www.who.int/malaria/publications/world-malaria-report-2017/report/en . Retrieved 18 February 2018.
8. As designated by the Shūkan Gendai weekly magazine, 9 December 2017 edition.
9. For a step-by-step guide to getting your life organised, try my online course How to be Happy, Calm, Organized and Focused . Details at www.dowhatyouloveforlife.com .
Afterword:
Tying it all together
1. Source: Raku (trans. Faulkner and Andō) Chawanya , p.105.
2. The word most commonly used for happiness in Japan is shiawase , written . However, when it is shown as a single character, , for example on lucky charms at temples, it is read sachi.
I f this book has inspired you to visit Japan, I am thrilled! Here are a few thoughts to help you prepare. For my up-to-date personal recommendations of places to go and things to do and see, visit www.bethkempton.com/japan .
And be sure to tag me @bethkempton on Instagram, so I can get a peek at your adventures.
How to travel in Japan
• Go with an open mind and open heart.
• Learn a few words of Japanese before you go – even a single greeting goes a long way, and recognising a few simple characters can give you confidence.
• Practise using chopsticks.
• Respect local customs: remove your shoes before going indoors, don’t blow your nose in public, don’t drop litter, don’t tip, don’t eat in the street.
• If you take a bath in a public sento or onsen , wash before you get in the bath.
• Talk to local people whenever you can.
• Take small gifts in case you have the chance to visit someone’s home.
• Generally Japan is a quiet place. Keep the noise down, especially in temples, shrines and gardens.
• Smile, you’re having an adventure!
Tips on planning
It can be tempting to just go to the places you have heard of, but much magic and mystery lie off the beaten track. If you aren’t sure where to start planning your journey, try picking a theme and go from there. Here are a few ideas:
Start with an onsen
There are thousands of onsen (hot springs) all over Japan, many of them in remote towns and villages, some on mountainsides, others by the ocean. All offer an authentic experience of Japanese life, a delight for your body and a soothing experience for your mind. You’ll also likely experience warm hospitality and amazing food. Ryokan are a wonderful indulgence if your budget can accommodate. Otherwise, try staying in a local inn (minshuku ) or Airbnb and just go to the hot spring as a day visitor, often for just a few hundred yen. To begin your search, type ‘onsen’, plus the area of Japan you’d like to visit into Google, click on ‘images’ and take it from there.
Go for the food
Every prefecture, city and town in Japan is famous for something, very often a particular kind of food. Going on a foodie tour of the country can be a wonderful way to explore outside the regular routes, and discover all sorts of culinary delights. Why not challenge yourself to find the best rāmen , or to sample some particular type of mountain vegetable?
Discover traditional crafts
Go in search of a craft you are interested in. Some of the best potteries in the country are located in beautiful rural towns and villages and can make a great base for hiking or otherwise enjoying the countryside.
Go skiing/snowboarding
Japan has some of the best snow in the world, with slopes that are often much emptier than their European counterparts. Plus, they serve Japanese curry on the slopes, and offer hot springs and snow festivals. Try Nagano, Hokkaidō or Zao (between Yamagata and Sendai).
Rent a house
Staying in a traditional house, or doing a homestay with a family, can be a wonderful experience. Instead of rushing from place to place, consider staying for a while in one place, getting to know the local area and imagining yourself living there.
Have a magical mystery tour
Get yourself a JR Pass (great value rail pass) before you go, then close your eyes, put your finger on the rail map and go there. See what you find!
Useful websites
www.bethkempton.com/japan for my free Japan guides
www.jnto.go.jp/eng website of the Japan National Tourism Organization
www.japan-guide.com for planning your trip
www.hyperdia.com or the Hyperdia app for train timetables
www.rometorio.com for planning journeys between any two places
http://willerexpress.com/en for cheap long distance buses
www.co-ba.net for coworking spaces
www.japan-experience.com for lovely Japanese homes to rent
www.airbnb.com for homes and apartments to rent
nakata.net/rnp for Hidetoshi Nakata’s diary of the seven years he spent travelling throughout Japan. This phenomenal resource introduces some of the most inspiring artisans, sake breweries, handcrafted products and beautiful places to stay, all across the country.
www.jisho.org for Japanese-English translation. This site allows you to draw in kanji characters.
waygoapp.com for menu translation
jpninfo.com for a Japan visitor guide written by Japanese people
taiken.co for up-to-date visitor information
www.tofugu.com for a brilliant blog about all things Japanese
www.japan-talk.com for all sorts of mini travel guides
www.japantimes.co.jp / japantoday.com / mainichi.jp/english for daily news
jetprogramme.org for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme, if you fancy a career break or a new challenge
en.air-j.info for an online database of artist-in-residence opportunities in Japan
Useful apps
For travel:
Hyperdia
Navitime
Maps with Me
Tokoyo Subway Navigation
Japan Taxi
For food:
Gurunavi
F
or language:
Imiwa
Yomiwa
Others:
Yurekuru Call (for earthquake info)
Line (for instant messaging)
XE Currency Converter
72 Seasons
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