Thursday, March 31, 2011
Kyoto's Radiation Level: 0.04 micro sievert/h
Kyoto's radiation level is 0.04 micro sievert/h. It is the same level as the normal natural radiation level in Kyoto. That means that Kyoto has no effect from Fukushima Daiich Nuclear Power Plant.
U.S. Travel Alert for Japan Updated
The U.S. Department of State updated the travel alert for Japan. It basically says that the non-affected areas in Japan (the islands of Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa, and the prefectures Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Ishikawa, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Okayama, Osaka, Shiga, Shimane, Tottori, Toyama, Wakayama, and Yamaguchi on the island of Honshu) is safe to travel. Also, it recommends to travelers to use Kansai International Airport and Central Japan International Airport in stead of using Tokyo Narita International Airport.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5398.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_5398.html
March 31st, 2011 Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms will bloom soon at Shunkoin Temple. Please have a moment to enjoy blossoms. It is important to gather various pieces of the information of the affected areas by the earthquake, tsunami, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, radiation level in Tokyo, etc. But we need to have a moment to reorganize and exam those pieces of information. We need to be critical thinkers to find out what is the correct actions to improve this difficult situation in Japan.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Today's Kyoto March 30th, 2011
The pictures from the department store in the downtown Kyoto
Everything is as usual here, in Kyoto. People in Kyoto is keep running this country. However, I started seeing the influence of the economic damage created by the travel cancellations due to the inaccurate travel alerts and media coverages.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Today's Kyoto March 28th, 2011
Actually, these pictures are taken in the downtown Kyoto yesterday (March 27th, 2011). These pictures proves that the travel alerts issued by some foreign governments are not accurate.
For Critical Thinkers: Economic Damage in Hokkaido and Kyoto after the Earthquake and Tsuami
Hokkaido is one of the non-affected areas by the earthquake and tsunami and is 628 km (384 miles) away from the Fukushima Daiich Nuclear Power Plant. However, the Hokkaido Tourism Organization announced that the economic damage to the tourist industry in Hokkaido is estimated at about 100,000,000,000 yen (12,226,000,000 U.S. dollars/874,000,000 euro) between March and June and that these losses were created by the cancellations of foreign tourists. Because of this economic damage, many local businesses, which specialize in foreign tourism, might need to lay off many of their workers and some of the businesses will even go bankrupt.
Kyoto is another area not affected by the series of natural disasters and is 725 km (450 miles) away from the nuclear power plant. Like Hokkaido, the economic damage of the tourist industry is even bigger since Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Over 50,000,000 tourists (1,000,000 foreign tourists) visit Kyoto every year. Due to these economic losses, many workers in the tourist industry have already lost their jobs. More people might loose their jobs. Some hotels and guest houses might even go out of business. The situation in Kyoto is very similar to that in Hokkaido or even worse.
If more businesses go bankrupt and people become unemployed in western Japan, Japan lose its ability to rebuild the disaster areas in northern Japan. It will take about 5 years to rebuild the basic infrastructure, and 10 - 25 years to rebuild cities like Ishinomaki and Kesennuma in the disaster areas.
Japanese people are grateful for the aid sent from all over the world. But at the same time, the remaining businesses in the non-affected areas need to keep their strength to support this long-term reconstruction process of northern Japan. Many foreign governments should lift their unnecessary travel alerts for western Japan. Also, critical thinkers should recheck the correct travel information and the actual situations in the non-affected areas in Japan, and visit there and support the remaining economy to speed up the recovery of northern Japan.
http://shunkoinzentemple.blogspot.com/2011/03/distance-between-kyoto-and-tokyo.html
Kyoto is another area not affected by the series of natural disasters and is 725 km (450 miles) away from the nuclear power plant. Like Hokkaido, the economic damage of the tourist industry is even bigger since Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. Over 50,000,000 tourists (1,000,000 foreign tourists) visit Kyoto every year. Due to these economic losses, many workers in the tourist industry have already lost their jobs. More people might loose their jobs. Some hotels and guest houses might even go out of business. The situation in Kyoto is very similar to that in Hokkaido or even worse.
If more businesses go bankrupt and people become unemployed in western Japan, Japan lose its ability to rebuild the disaster areas in northern Japan. It will take about 5 years to rebuild the basic infrastructure, and 10 - 25 years to rebuild cities like Ishinomaki and Kesennuma in the disaster areas.
Japanese people are grateful for the aid sent from all over the world. But at the same time, the remaining businesses in the non-affected areas need to keep their strength to support this long-term reconstruction process of northern Japan. Many foreign governments should lift their unnecessary travel alerts for western Japan. Also, critical thinkers should recheck the correct travel information and the actual situations in the non-affected areas in Japan, and visit there and support the remaining economy to speed up the recovery of northern Japan.
http://shunkoinzentemple.blogspot.com/2011/03/distance-between-kyoto-and-tokyo.html
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Distance between Kyoto and Tokyo
Some visitors told me that they did not know the distance between Kyoto and Tokyo and were concerning about the safety level in Kyoto due to the nuclear power plant accidence. You can also compare with other cities on the list.
Kyoto - Tokyo: 515 km (320 miles)
Los Angeles - San Francisco: 614 km (382 miles)
Boston - Philadelphia: 513 km (319 miles)
Berlin - Frankfurt: 496 km (308 miles)
Paris - Bordeaux: 583 km (362 miles)
Canberra - Newcastle: 437 km (271 miles)
Zurich - Geneva: 259 km (160 miles)
The U.S. Department of State said,
"Consistent with the NRC guidelines that would apply to such a situation in the United States, we are recommending, as a precaution, that U.S. citizens within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or to take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical."
Kyoto is 725 km (450 miles) away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Map of Japan
http://www.jnto.go.jp/map/eng_map/
Kyoto - Tokyo: 515 km (320 miles)
Los Angeles - San Francisco: 614 km (382 miles)
Boston - Philadelphia: 513 km (319 miles)
Berlin - Frankfurt: 496 km (308 miles)
Paris - Bordeaux: 583 km (362 miles)
Canberra - Newcastle: 437 km (271 miles)
Zurich - Geneva: 259 km (160 miles)
The U.S. Department of State said,
"Consistent with the NRC guidelines that would apply to such a situation in the United States, we are recommending, as a precaution, that U.S. citizens within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant evacuate the area or to take shelter indoors if safe evacuation is not practical."
Kyoto is 725 km (450 miles) away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
Map of Japan
http://www.jnto.go.jp/map/eng_map/
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Zen Meditation Class Schedule: March 26th - April 3rd
Zen Meditation Class (90 Minutes)
It starts with a 10-minute instruction. We do two 15-minute meditation sessions. During the class, you can learn the concept of Zen Buddhism and meditation and how to incorporate Zen philosophy into your life style. After the class, you will see the gardens and screen paintings here to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
Zen meditation class in English: 2000 yen
A portion of your meditation fee goes to the donation to the victims in the affected areas from the earthquake and tsunami on March 11th, 2011.
Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese is only on Saturday and Sunday at 10:40.
「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」は土曜日と日曜日の午前１０時４０分からのみです。
http://shunkoinzentemple.blogspot.com/2011/03/blog-post_25.html
March 26th
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
March 27th
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
March 28th
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
March 29st
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
March 30th
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
March 31st
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
April 1st
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
April 2nd
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
April 3rd
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
It starts with a 10-minute instruction. We do two 15-minute meditation sessions. During the class, you can learn the concept of Zen Buddhism and meditation and how to incorporate Zen philosophy into your life style. After the class, you will see the gardens and screen paintings here to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
Zen meditation class in English: 2000 yen
A portion of your meditation fee goes to the donation to the victims in the affected areas from the earthquake and tsunami on March 11th, 2011.
Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese is only on Saturday and Sunday at 10:40.
「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」は土曜日と日曜日の午前１０時４０分からのみです。
http://shunkoinzentemple.blogspot.com/2011/03/blog-post_25.html
March 26th
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
March 27th
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
March 28th
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
March 29st
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
March 30th
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
March 31st
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
April 1st
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 in English
April 2nd
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
April 3rd
9:00 - 10:30 in English
10:40 - 12:10 Charity Meditation Class and Dharma Talk in Japanese「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
The Current Condition in Kyoto after March 11th, 2011
Images are more convincing than words.
People in Kyoto are back in their normal lives to keep running this country. If we don't have healthy economy here, the recovery in the disaster areas will slow down and we cannot keep supporting them either.
Friday, March 25, 2011
「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」
まずは、この度の震災でお亡くなりになられた方の冥福を改めて御祈り申し上げます。また被災地の皆様におかれましても、一刻も早い復興を御祈りいたします。
当院でも震災で犠牲になられた方々の追悼供養を、3月21日に檀信徒の方々と行いました。
とはいえ、祈ってばかりでは、被災していない、また被災地の分も日本を背負っていく我々としての任務としては十分とは言えません。、私として、宗教家として被災地の御役に立てること、被災していない方々と何ができるということを考えました。
今回のような災害を人は経験をすると、「信じる」ということができなくなってしまいます。ここで、私が意味する「信じる」とは、決して宗教（神や仏）と信じるということではなく。人間個人としての自分の存在意義・価値観・世界観などのことです。人間とうのは自分が存在しているということ、何が正しく、何が悪く、何が真実で、何が嘘であるとうことを「信じる」ことにより、周りから入ってくる情報や刺激を選択し、処理して日々の生活を送っています。ところが、この度のような悲痛な経験をすると、人間を構成しているそれらの「信じているもの」が崩れ去ってしまいます。
現在、被災者の方々だけでなく、被災していない多くの方が上記した不安定な状態であり、新たなる自己の存在意義・価値観・世界観などをいち早く作り上げなければならないとう事態に直面していると思います。
この、自己の存在意義・価値観・世界観などと再構築をする手助けをするのが、私のような宗教家・カウンセラーなどの仕事ではないかと思います。
そこで、「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」を開催していくことを決意いたしました。Non-permanency（諸行無常）・karma（因果応報）・守破離を理解して、今にいきる「Living in the moment」を学び、それを日々の生活にいかしていくことにより、再び日本を元気にしていこうというのが趣旨であります。
座禅と法話に後に、一般公開していない狩野永岳の襖絵と重要文化財「南蛮寺の鐘」をご覧いただけます。
時間は現在のところ、毎週末（土・日）の午前１０時40分から12時30分まで、参加費は2000円、参加費の一部を義援金として被災地へ寄付させていただきます。
京都駅からお越しの方は、JR嵯峨野線（普通のみ）に乗られ4駅目の花園駅で下車。妙心寺南門まで徒歩5分。そこで、案内所がありますので、春光院とお尋ねくださいませ。そこより、徒歩約3分です。
また、京都市バスの91系統と京都バスの61、62、63系統の場合は「妙心寺前」バス停で下車、京都市バスの10、26系統の場合は「妙心寺北門前」バス停で下車。
参加ご希望の方は、
075-462-5488
までご連絡くださいませ。
毎週 土曜日と日曜日
午前１０時４０分から１２時３０分まで
春光院 副住職・川上全龍
http://www.shunkoin.com
当院でも震災で犠牲になられた方々の追悼供養を、3月21日に檀信徒の方々と行いました。
とはいえ、祈ってばかりでは、被災していない、また被災地の分も日本を背負っていく我々としての任務としては十分とは言えません。、私として、宗教家として被災地の御役に立てること、被災していない方々と何ができるということを考えました。
今回のような災害を人は経験をすると、「信じる」ということができなくなってしまいます。ここで、私が意味する「信じる」とは、決して宗教（神や仏）と信じるということではなく。人間個人としての自分の存在意義・価値観・世界観などのことです。人間とうのは自分が存在しているということ、何が正しく、何が悪く、何が真実で、何が嘘であるとうことを「信じる」ことにより、周りから入ってくる情報や刺激を選択し、処理して日々の生活を送っています。ところが、この度のような悲痛な経験をすると、人間を構成しているそれらの「信じているもの」が崩れ去ってしまいます。
現在、被災者の方々だけでなく、被災していない多くの方が上記した不安定な状態であり、新たなる自己の存在意義・価値観・世界観などをいち早く作り上げなければならないとう事態に直面していると思います。
この、自己の存在意義・価値観・世界観などと再構築をする手助けをするのが、私のような宗教家・カウンセラーなどの仕事ではないかと思います。
そこで、「日本を元気にする座禅会：メンタルケアと仏教的対処法」を開催していくことを決意いたしました。Non-permanency（諸行無常）・karma（因果応報）・守破離を理解して、今にいきる「Living in the moment」を学び、それを日々の生活にいかしていくことにより、再び日本を元気にしていこうというのが趣旨であります。
座禅と法話に後に、一般公開していない狩野永岳の襖絵と重要文化財「南蛮寺の鐘」をご覧いただけます。
時間は現在のところ、毎週末（土・日）の午前１０時40分から12時30分まで、参加費は2000円、参加費の一部を義援金として被災地へ寄付させていただきます。
京都駅からお越しの方は、JR嵯峨野線（普通のみ）に乗られ4駅目の花園駅で下車。妙心寺南門まで徒歩5分。そこで、案内所がありますので、春光院とお尋ねくださいませ。そこより、徒歩約3分です。
また、京都市バスの91系統と京都バスの61、62、63系統の場合は「妙心寺前」バス停で下車、京都市バスの10、26系統の場合は「妙心寺北門前」バス停で下車。
参加ご希望の方は、
075-462-5488
までご連絡くださいませ。
毎週 土曜日と日曜日
午前１０時４０分から１２時３０分まで
春光院 副住職・川上全龍
http://www.shunkoin.com
Thursday, March 24, 2011
How to Contribute Your Effort to Rebuiding Japan
Everyone who live in the non-affected ares in Japan, please take picture or video of your neighborhood (shops, restaurants, street, and people) and post on Facebook, twitter, blog, and website. We can tell people in oversea that we are safe in non-affected areas (Kansai, Hokuriku, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Okinawa). Images are more convincing than words.
個人レベルでの海外への西日本の安全性の伝え方
西日本の皆様、
この度の東北関東大震災・福島原発事故により、西日本でも甚大な経済的被害で出てきました。春の観光シーズンを迎えるはずであった京都でも、海外からのお客様の相次ぐキャンセルによる経済的ダメージは3月・4月だけでも数億円にのぼると聞きました。
現在、安全な西日本なのですが、海外メディアや各国の渡航自粛・退去勧告により多くの海外の方が、日本全土が東北の被災地のような状況であり、放射能の影響を受けているに思っているようです。
このままでは、正常に機能している西日本まで駄目になり、被災地の復旧が遅れてしまいます。そのような事態を防ぐために、西日本の安全性を世界へ発信していかなくてはなりません。皆さんの街の様子（スーパーマーケット、コンビニ、商店、レストラン、路上）写真や動画をFacebook、Twitter、ウェブサイト、やブログなどに載せてください。一枚の写真は、どんな言葉より説得力があります。政府の発表よりも、われわれ一人一人の日常を見せるほうが、ごまかしのないものだと思ってもらえるでしょう。
皆様のご協力をお願い致します。
春光院 副住職・川上全龍
この度の東北関東大震災・福島原発事故により、西日本でも甚大な経済的被害で出てきました。春の観光シーズンを迎えるはずであった京都でも、海外からのお客様の相次ぐキャンセルによる経済的ダメージは3月・4月だけでも数億円にのぼると聞きました。
現在、安全な西日本なのですが、海外メディアや各国の渡航自粛・退去勧告により多くの海外の方が、日本全土が東北の被災地のような状況であり、放射能の影響を受けているに思っているようです。
このままでは、正常に機能している西日本まで駄目になり、被災地の復旧が遅れてしまいます。そのような事態を防ぐために、西日本の安全性を世界へ発信していかなくてはなりません。皆さんの街の様子（スーパーマーケット、コンビニ、商店、レストラン、路上）写真や動画をFacebook、Twitter、ウェブサイト、やブログなどに載せてください。一枚の写真は、どんな言葉より説得力があります。政府の発表よりも、われわれ一人一人の日常を見せるほうが、ごまかしのないものだと思ってもらえるでしょう。
皆様のご協力をお願い致します。
春光院 副住職・川上全龍
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Situation in Western Japan
We are safe in Kyoto, and there was no direct damage in western Japan by the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accident in northeastern Japan. People in western Japan are back to their regular lives in order to keep running this country. However, doe to the media coverage in foreign counties, western Japan (non-affected areas) are getting serious economic damage. This situation slows down the recovery of the affected areas (northeastern Japan).
Kansai International Airport is functioning as usual.
Some countries have moved their embassies to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe because western Japan is safe.
* WHO: http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/faqs/en/index3.html
* IMO: http://www.imo.org/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/No-restrictions-on-travel-to-Japan.aspx
* ICAO: http://www.icao.int/
Please send your prayers and supports to the victims in northeastern Japan.
Sincerely,
Taka Kawakami
Kansai International Airport is functioning as usual.
Some countries have moved their embassies to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe because western Japan is safe.
* WHO: http://www.who.int/hac/crises/jpn/faqs/en/index3.html
* IMO: http://www.imo.org/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/No-restrictions-on-travel-to-Japan.aspx
* ICAO: http://www.icao.int/
Please send your prayers and supports to the victims in northeastern Japan.
Sincerely,
Taka Kawakami
Sunday, March 20, 2011
WHO is not Advising General Restrictions on Travel to Japan
http://www.who.int/en/
"WHO is not advising general restrictions on travel to Japan."
This announcement saves western Japan which is suffering from the badly stated travel alerts for Japan by some foreign governments. The strong economy in western Japan helps to speed up the recovery in the disaster areas in northern and eastern Japan.
"WHO is not advising general restrictions on travel to Japan."
This announcement saves western Japan which is suffering from the badly stated travel alerts for Japan by some foreign governments. The strong economy in western Japan helps to speed up the recovery in the disaster areas in northern and eastern Japan.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Restart Zen Meditation Class and Dharma Talks: March 18th - 25th
We are receiving numerous pieces of information about this series of the recent disasters in northern and eastern Japan. Some information is accurate. Other information is not reliable. We are creating the secondary chaos by ourselves.
Now, we should have a moment to reprocess those pieces of information, accept current reality, and know what we can do best in this situation.
Please stop blaming the situation. This is the time to act, and ask what you can do for the society and victims.
As the people living in western Japan (non-affected areas), we should go back to our normal lives and keep running this country for the people in the disaster area.
Zen Meditation Class (90 Minutes)
It starts with a 10-minute instruction. We do two 15-minute meditation sessions. During the class, you can learn the concept of Zen Buddhism and meditation and how to incorporate Zen philosophy into your life style. After the class, you will see the gardens and screen paintings here to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
Zen meditation (60 minutes) is also available daily.
March 18
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 19th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 20th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 21st
The memorial service for the earthquake & tsunami victims in northern Japan and annual Buddhist holiday ceremony
March 22nd
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 23rd
10:40 - 12:10
March 24th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 25th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
Now, we should have a moment to reprocess those pieces of information, accept current reality, and know what we can do best in this situation.
Please stop blaming the situation. This is the time to act, and ask what you can do for the society and victims.
As the people living in western Japan (non-affected areas), we should go back to our normal lives and keep running this country for the people in the disaster area.
Zen Meditation Class (90 Minutes)
It starts with a 10-minute instruction. We do two 15-minute meditation sessions. During the class, you can learn the concept of Zen Buddhism and meditation and how to incorporate Zen philosophy into your life style. After the class, you will see the gardens and screen paintings here to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
Zen meditation (60 minutes) is also available daily.
March 18
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 19th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 20th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 21st
The memorial service for the earthquake & tsunami victims in northern Japan and annual Buddhist holiday ceremony
March 22nd
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 23rd
10:40 - 12:10
March 24th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 25th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Serious Damage in Western Japan Created by Travel Alert Issued by Foreign Government
Several governments issued their travel alter for Japan. But, some of those travel alert sounds like entire Japan is dangerous. This is not true. Western Japan is not affected by the earthquake, tsunami, and the nuclear power plant accident. Major airports in western Japan are normally functioning.
I send a email to the U.S. Department of Sate to change their travel alter for Japan. Also, my fellow members of the U.S. - Japan Leadership Program are helping me to send this message to the senior officials in the department. I am very thankful for them.
"On March 13th, 2011, the U.S. Department of State issued travel alert for Japan. But, this travel alert is creating serious economic damage in non-disaster areas in Japan due to the large number of travelers are canceling their travel to western Japan.
I've been talking with many hotels, travel agencies, and tourist attractions in Kyoto the last couple of days. All the businesses in Kyoto are getting tremendous loss. Kyoto's economy is hugely depended on tourism. And, March and April are in one of the most important time period in Kyoto in a year. But, due to the wrongfully stated travel alert, Kyoto and rest of western Japan are suffering.
The U.S. Department of State should reissue the travel alter for Japan. They should say;
"The Department of State requests all non-emergency official U.S. government personnel defer travel to northern and eastern Japan and urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to northern and eastern Japan at this time. "
Unless the department modify the travel alert , the travel alter for Japan keeps creating serious damage in non-disaster area (western Japan). "
If western Japan (non - affected areas) get more economic damage, it slows down the recovery in northern and eastern area ( affected areas).
I send a email to the U.S. Department of Sate to change their travel alter for Japan. Also, my fellow members of the U.S. - Japan Leadership Program are helping me to send this message to the senior officials in the department. I am very thankful for them.
"On March 13th, 2011, the U.S. Department of State issued travel alert for Japan. But, this travel alert is creating serious economic damage in non-disaster areas in Japan due to the large number of travelers are canceling their travel to western Japan.
I've been talking with many hotels, travel agencies, and tourist attractions in Kyoto the last couple of days. All the businesses in Kyoto are getting tremendous loss. Kyoto's economy is hugely depended on tourism. And, March and April are in one of the most important time period in Kyoto in a year. But, due to the wrongfully stated travel alert, Kyoto and rest of western Japan are suffering.
The U.S. Department of State should reissue the travel alter for Japan. They should say;
"The Department of State requests all non-emergency official U.S. government personnel defer travel to northern and eastern Japan and urges U.S. citizens to avoid tourism and non-essential travel to northern and eastern Japan at this time. "
Unless the department modify the travel alert , the travel alter for Japan keeps creating serious damage in non-disaster area (western Japan). "
If western Japan (non - affected areas) get more economic damage, it slows down the recovery in northern and eastern area ( affected areas).
Monday, March 14, 2011
We Stand Strong Despite the Earthquake and Tsunami Damage
From the media, you probably see serious damage of the earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan. As more time passes, the extent of the damage becomes clearer. Also, several governments have issued travel warnings to Japan.
But, fortunately, there is no damage in western Japan, including Kyoto. We are grieving for the victims and people who lost loved ones and homes. But it is important for us to keep running this country as well. That also accelerates the recovery from this horrible situation in Japan, the toughest one since the Second Wold War.
It is going to be so much help for us that you visit Japan to see that the rest of the country is still standing strong. The energy brought by you can make Japan alive again.
Sincerely,
Rev. Taka Kawakami
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Donation for the Earthquake and Tsunami Victims
Please visit American Red Cross website for the donation for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?s_subsrc=RCO_BigRedButton&pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG000000000
Thank you for your support and prayers.
https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?s_subsrc=RCO_BigRedButton&pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG000000000
Thank you for your support and prayers.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
We are safe in Kyoto
After this terrible earthquake in Northern Japan, we are receiving kind messages from our friends and former guests. Thank you so much for your concern.
In Kyoto, we felt little quakes here. But, there is no damage here.
However, many people lost their lives, loved ones, and houses. Please send your prayers and supports to the victims.
Sincerely,
Taka Kawakami
In Kyoto, we felt little quakes here. But, there is no damage here.
However, many people lost their lives, loved ones, and houses. Please send your prayers and supports to the victims.
Sincerely,
Taka Kawakami
Monday, March 7, 2011
Zen meditation: March 7th - 14th
Zen Meditation Class (90 Minutes)
It starts with a 10-minute instruction. We do two 15-minute meditation sessions. During the class, you can learn the concept of Zen Buddhism and meditation and how to incorporate Zen philosophy into your life style. After the class, you will see the gardens and screen paintings here to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture.
Zen meditation (60 minutes) is also available daily.
Our afternoon class (13:30 - 15:00) is only for a group of more than 2 people, and the reservation is required.
March 7th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 8th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 9th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10 (Already Full)
March 10th
9:00 - 10:30 (Already Full)
10:40 - 12:10
March 11th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 12th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10 (Already Full)
March 13th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
March 14th
9:00 - 10:30
10:40 - 12:10
Buddhist Wedding at Shunkoin Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Shunkoin Temple is located in a quiet, peaceful area of Kyoto, Japan. The temple was established in 1599 and has historical gardens and lavishly colored screen paintings.
We welcome all couples regardless of faith and sexual orientation.
Our wedding ceremony includes:
1. Chanting of the Heart Stutra (Parajinaparamita).
2. Vows lead by an officiant (priest).
3. Exchange of your own vows and rings.
4. Sake-sharing ritual (san san kudo).
5. Recitation of a special vow. This is vow is written in Japanese and English in certificate-style and is signed by both partners.
6. Proclamation of the marriage.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
Website:
http://www.shunkoin.com
Phone: 075-462-5488
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Attention: Time Difference
Recently, some people have called the temple between 10 PM and 6 AM to make their reservation. However, those callers did not realize there is time difference between Japan and place where they live.
Shunkoin Temple does not have a 24-hour office. Our office hour is between 8AM and 9PM.
Please check the time difference before you call here.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Taka Kawakami
Shunkoin Temple does not have a 24-hour office. Our office hour is between 8AM and 9PM.
Please check the time difference before you call here.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Taka Kawakami
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