Onsen

In Japan, Onsen  are the country’s hot springs and the bathing facilities and traditional inns 

around them. Most Japanese love bathing in Onsen (hot springs), and many believe that the water

can cure certain ailments. There are many volcanoes around Japan, and therefore many Onsen.

Each Onsen is said to have its own healing property. Onsen resorts or hotels either use water from

actual spring or they boil mineral water. Onsen resorts have opened all over the country, and many

hotels have outside baths offering spectacular views. Public baths are also very common in Japan.

They generally have Jacuzzies, garden bathe, and saunas. At Onsen, people actually wash their

bodies before getting into the water. It is bad manners to use soap or towels in the bath itself.

Jan. 13, 2022

Hidden Christian in Japan

Hidden Christian refers to the Christian believers who adhered to the Christian faith in secret

during the period of prohibition of Christianity in Edo period ( 1603-1868). Many Christians

were forced to apostatize to avoid being persecuted. However, some went underground secretly

to keep their faith, and some remained true to their faith in secret in remote area.

Some Christians disguised themselves as Buddhist by keeping an image of Virgin Mary which

looked like the Kannon, Buddhist deity of mercy (Maria-Kannon Image).

Some kept crosses hidden in their homes, along with Jesus disguised as Jizo-Bosatsu ( the

Buddhist guardian deity of children ). Suspected Christians were forced to step on pictures of

Virgin Mary and infant Jesus (Fumi-e)  in order to prove that they were not Christians.

In 1873, during Meiji Restoration, the prohibition of Christianity was abolished after appeals by

foreign countries.

Jan. 11, 2022

Coming-of-Age Day ceremony in Kitakyushu-city

Coming-of-Age Day Ceremony in Kitakyushu-city is held at Media Dome today.

When Japanese people celebrate the coming of age all the youth who have reach the age of

twenty in course of the year proceeding it.

The local cities and communities play host to them at the celebration ceremonies, where

many girls attend in gorgeous Kimono specially prepared this occasion.

Jan. 09, 2022

The unique designed building next to our office

The unique building located near JR Kokura station, next to our office is Kitakyushu International

Conference Center Building, designed by Arata Isozaki.

Jan. 08, 2022

Oyster Barbecue hut in Kitakyushu

The huts open during the season, from end of October to March or April.

Kitakyushu-city is one of the best place to enjoy Oyster barbecue including sea foods.

Jan. 07, 2022

Why is Japanese religious orientation eclectic ?

Japanese indigenous religion, Shinto, has no founder or written doctrine and places

a great emphasis on ancestor and nature worship.

Japanese with no strong religious beliefs consider religion as traditional customs handed

down from ancestors. This has developed great tolerance for other religions.

The other Japanese major religion, Buddhist, has the founder, but he was a human, not the absolute,

almighty god as that of Christianity or Islam.

This has also contributed to Japanese tolerance toward other religions.

Those are the reason why Japanese religious orientation is eclectic.

Hatsumode / 初詣

Hatsumode is a religious customer in Japan on New Year’s Day.

The first visit of the year to a shrine or temple at New Year’s.

Worshippers often visit noted shrines or temples on New Year’s Eve or first of January

to pray for happiness and prosperity in the new year.

Some of people visit shrines or temples on the first three days of New Year or later during the first week.

To buy good-luck charms such as hamaya at the stalls on their way back home.

Jan. 01, 2022

Field trip for IUJ on Dec. 23

Field trip for International University of Japan in Nagasaki on Dec. 23.

Learning World Peace ; visit Atomic bomb museum, Ground Zero, Peace fountain and

Peace Statue

Dec. 23, 2021

Field trip for IUJ on Dec. 22

Field trip for International University of Japan in Nagasaki on Dec. 22.

Lecture from professor at Dejima Messe, Environmental tour at Huis Ten Bosch

Dec. 22, 2021

Field trip for IUJ on Dec. 21

Field trip for International University of Japan in Nagasaki on Dec. 21.

Where to visit ; Gunkan-jima Cruise, Nagasaki China town, Negane-bashi bridge,

Oura Cathedral, Glover Garden.

Dec. 21, 2021