< I live in Japan, and red mark shows it. >
Self-introduction
I was born in Osaka, and also spent my school days, and came to Awaji-island in Hyogo Prefecture for job.
I had worked for a company as a mechanical engineer, and retired from it four years ago.
My all children already live on independent, I live only with my wife.
My daily routines are reading and writing blog.
Occasionally, I help a wife’s kitchen garden.
I am gone for teaching to an industrial high school at several times per month.
The place where I live is surrounded by a sea and mountains, and I enjoy walking in rich nature.
I take pleasure in doing domestic trip and overseas trip with wife.
< Around my home >
自己紹介
私は大阪で生まれ、学生時代も過ごし、仕事で淡路島に来ました。
私は企業で機械技術者として働いて来ました。4年前に退職しました。
子供は皆、独立し、夫婦だけで暮らしています。
私の日課は読書とブログ書きです。
時折、妻が行っている畑作業を手伝います。
また月に数回、工業高校の指導に行っています。
私が住んでいる所は海と山に囲まれた自然が豊かなところで、散歩が楽しい。
妻と年に何回かの国内と海外の旅行が一番の愉しみです。
< Communication with the world >
What I aim at.
I like investigating and contemplation、and therefore I am reading the book on a widespread basis.
I conduct regular the reading circle with the friend at once per month.
I am looking for the following answer.
* Why will peoples and society make unhappy selection? War, destruction of nature, an economic crisis, discrimination, bullying, etc.
* Though it is, on the other hand human beings seem to progress in the good direction. Human rights, welfare, a public, democracy, a safety assurance, etc.
* How can we do a good selection?
I have been searching for these answers and ten years have passed.
目指していること
私は調査し思索することが好きで、その為に広い範囲の本を読んでいます。
また仲間と読書会を月一回行っています。
私の到達目標は次の答えを探し求めることです。
＊ 人や社会はなぜ不幸な選択をしてしまうのだろうか？ 戦争、自然破壊、経済恐慌、差別、いじめ等
＊ 一方で人類は良い方向に進歩しているように見えるのだが？ 人権、福祉、公共、民主主義、安全保障等
＊ どのようにすれば人や社会は良い選択が出来るのだろうか？
私はこれらの答えを探し求めて１０年が経ちました。
< several themes of a blog >
About my blog
As one of the means that I find a goal, I began my domestic blog and my overseas blog from April 2012.
It is very important how people of Japan and the world react to my articles.
I would like to make my meditation better by getting to know the reaction and world widely.
Now, I can write in a little English, but I am unripe for reading and understanding your blog.
Therefore I lack in communication skills with you all around the world yet.
I want to become skillful in English as soon as possible, and communicate to the world and freedom.
And I would like to become friend with people in the world.
I’ll be counting on you.
2012/12/16 by aquacompass７
ブログについて
上記の目標を叶える手段の一つとして、２０１２年４月から国内向けのブログと海外向けブログを始めました。
私の記事に、日本と世界の人がどのように反応してくれるかは、非常に重要です。
その反応と世界を広く知ることにより、私の思索をより良いものにしたい。
現在、少し英語で書けるようになりましたが、読んで理解することが未熟なので、世界の皆さんとはまだ意志の疎通が出来ていません。
出来るだけ早く、英語に熟達し、世界を自由に飛び交い、世界の仲間と心で響きあえるようにしたい。
これからも皆様よろしくお願いします。
aquacompass 7 
I’m impressed by your dual language. Excellent!
Thank you very much.
If one counted the language of writing poetry – in the many styles available – perhaps then I might understand fully or partially a second language. Though I am not skilled with grammar – I can express emotion, I have been mostly for myself writing poetically for over forty years (I started writing in about 1969). But I only started blogging about two years ago.
I believe I visited your site before and am thankful that I can understand more now because of your efforts to communicate with the English Language. Thank you. I believe you are doing very well.
May you continue to enjoy your wife and your family. And may the journey to find answers keep you involved with and enjoy other people from around the world.
I am thankful for your kind words. It becomes my encouragement that you accept my blog from across the sea. I ‘ll be counting on you.
淡路島に住んでおられるのですね。とても羨ましいです。一度地中海には行ったことがあるのですが、その際は直島しか見ることができなかったので、是非行ってみたいです。
英語素晴らしいですね。私はここまでの長文を書くことができないので、まだまだ勉強不足です。
ありがとうございます。 英語を褒めていただくと、恥ずかしいです。翻訳ソフトと電子辞書を使って、推敲に推敲を重ねて、作り上げています。まだまだ英語が読めないので苦労しています。これからもよろしく。
Konnichi-wa, my friend.
You have a wonderful mind – so sorry, we cannot discuss more. I love your pictures and admire Jap. culture and your community sense. Japan is more than a nation. It is unique, because, for my opinion, it is the largest surviving “pure tribe” in the cultural-anthropological sense.
Btw.: I love the character of Yukio Mishima. I wish I could read his original writings. What do you think of him?
Warmest wishes!
Thomas
Thank you for visiting and commenting my blog. When I was young, I have read some essays of Mishima. Those days, I have yearned to the aesthetics of his action. His aesthetics highly glorifies the samurai soul of Japan. But the samurai soul is a double-edged sword. it is not only good point but also dangerous point. I think so now.
Thank you for your kind reply, ____-San (sorry, I forget your name. My laptop crashed few months ago anI lost your mail).
With Samurai spirit, I agree. But strong culture, manner and belonging is very important for society. Japan still maintain a large part of culture. Germany lost every identity after WW II, we only produce and make money – our soul and culture was taken by Allies and Jews. They still dictate us policy!
Your search for selection: I study eagerly the same as you. I read a lot about culture, history and sociology – but only contemporary works. After about WW II, evrything is less scholarly and 90% political, all bend to ideology (left or right-wing). A waste of time, with very few exceptions.
You write: “-Though it is, on the other hand human beings seem to progress in the good direction. Human rights, welfare, a public, democracy, a safety assurance, etc.”
I see it a little different. Firstly, man is already biggest error of nature. Man is competitive and productive. He has no “automatic” instinct and biological system to survive. His only tool is brain and he MUST be productive and competitive TO SURVIVE. To me, war is more natural than peace and even in peace he make “social war” – if you understand my meaning. American philosopher William James (1842-1910) writes about “moral equivalent of war”. Technology so far changed many things. We are AFRAID of war now, because our comfort and danger of nuclear weapons. But too many people don’t have comfort and nothing to lose. Today, I feel, there is less “balance” than 40 or 50 years before. Anyway, part of my ideas only.
What do you think, what do you read?
Best greetings.
Thomas-San
「私もあなたと同様に危機意識を持っています。
しかし私はその解決方法を哲学に求めません。
私が読む分野は、出来る限り科学的なものです。
例えば考古学、進化論、霊長類学、進化心理学、認知科学、脳科学です。
さらに歴史、人類学、経済学、社会学、心理学などです。
若い頃、哲学書を読みましたが、答えは得られないと思いました。
理由は、曖昧な基礎知識の上に理論を構築しているからです。
ここ２０年ほどの脳と遺伝子の研究結果を見ると、かつての論説は古いものにならざるをえません。
例えば、共感や信頼、絆が遺伝子やホルモンによって人類に備わっているのです。
哲学は必要です、認識のフロンテイアとして、しかし現実的では無いでしょう。」
I have a sense of crisis as same as you.
However, I do not ask philosophy for the solution.
The field that I read is as scientific as possible.
For example, they are archaeology, the theory of evolution, primatology, evolutionary psychology, cognitive science, and brain science.
Furthermore, they are history, anthropology, economics, sociology, psychology, etc.
When young, I read philosophy books, but I thought that answer was not obtained by it.
Because I thought the theory had been built on ambiguous knowledge.
Some forepassed theories have to become old, because we found the new research findings of brain and gene from about 20 years ago.
For example, human beings have been endowed with sympathy, group bond and reliance by gene or hormone.
Philosophy is a necessity for a frontier of recognition, but will not be realistic device.
“…Furthermore, they are history, anthropology, economics, sociology, psychology, etc…”
Yes, of course, I fully agree – maybe misunderstanding. Understanding of culture, soziology and anthropology is the key. I don’t think man has changed much in 10.000 years.
Did you read “THE ORIGINS OF POLITICAL ORDER”, by Francis Fukuyama? I consider it a “standard work”. It is from 2011, but quite competent and without much ideology.
Thomas-San
私はFrancis Fukuyamaの著作を読んでいません。彼が著名なことを私は知っています。
私は過去に種々読みましたが、政治・社会・経済、科学技術・産業の類で。
一部について正しいことはあっても, 未来を予言して的中したものはありませんでした。
私は、時間はかかるが、着実に進みたい。これが技術者として得た教訓です。
あなたは非常に良く研究されておられます。
今後も、時折教えて下さい。
I am not reading the writing of Francis Fukuyama.
I know that he is prominent.
I have read many kinds of book in the past, it was politics, society and economy, and technology and industry。
Even if it was a right in part, there were not authors that have made a correct assumption.
I want to progress steadily, although time is taken.
This is a good lesson that I have obtained as an engineer.
You have studied very well.
Please continue to advise me occasionally.
Manabu Yamada
Thank you, Yamada-San.
We are facing problems, I think, national and global. Globally, for Japan is smaller issue than in other Western countries, your problems are mostly economoical (yes?). But you got strong cultural coherance, allowing you to move as nation with consent. Europe is chaotic in every aspect: cultural, social, immigration, alliances – very complex. We have no more values or identity – all is “politically correct”. So, for us, the issue is a lot more philosophical (i.e. values, ethics, moral, etc.) we cannot even agree on meaning of “democracy” any more. For Japan, therefore, maybe issues are more “technical”, engineering logical thinking can benefit Japanese society more. Hope you understand my meaning:
But behind everything is human spirit. If he has the wrong values, all goes wrong. The most brilliant engineer must decide first HOW to use his invention (same atomic science – use for bomb or peace?)
I am very interested in your thoughts and your expectation from future. Any books you can recommend in English. I can learn a lot from your mind. When you have time, please honor me with mor of your thoughts.
Take care, Thomas-San
I take time in English.
I recommend some books to you.
These books are devices that I hope to understand the world with.
“The Taming of the Samurai: Honorific Individualism and the Making of Modern Japan
by Eiko Ikegami (1997/3/25)
; a historical sociology, samurai spirit,
“The Geography of Thought: How Asians and Westerners Think Differently…and Why”
by Richard Nisbett (2004/5/8)
; a social psychology, It was verified scientifically.
“The conscience of a liberal” by Paul Krugman(2007) ; Economy of u.s.
“guns,germs,and steel: the fates of human societies” by Jared Diamond(1997) ; a history of humanity for 13000 years.
“chimpanzee politics: power and sex among Apes” by Frans de Waal(1998) ; behavioral biology, primatology.
Take care, yamada.
Tank you so much, Yamada-San!
I will try to collect those books.
Take care, please keep in touch, when you consider some good thoughts.
Thomas
BTW: From Paul Krugman I read ” The Return of Depression Economics”.
Thomas
I enjoyed reading your biography and I was very interested in the questions you posed regarding human nature. I believe that without a search for answers to life’s mysteries, you potentially lead a wasted life. You should read my Post Rule 42. It touches on your questions. Thank you very much for reading my blog. Peace!
Thank you for advising. I probably think to lead a wasted life. I will go to your blog for a change of pace.
aquacompass7さん、こんにちは。
わたし達は、はじめあなたが淡路島に住んでおられる”外国人の方”と考えていました。
日本の方だったのですね。記事が素晴らしい。
ありがとうございます。
すいません紛らわしい書き方で、勘違いさせてしまったようで。
うれしくもあります。
英語を書き始めて1年、がんばって来ました。
最近、海外の人達と意見交換が少し出来るようになりました。
これからもよろしくお願いします。
Hello…I wanted to pass this on to you :~) The WordPress Family Award
I came from Japan. Thank you for giving wonderful award to me. I may delay that I introduce you ten friends. I will connect again.
I am sorry that I have not reply to your visit, but know you are not unnoticed! My daughter though american has a great joy for the Japanese and other asian languages. She speaks Japanese and Korean decently and she is leaving in about 21 days to attend the University of Beijing for an accelerated course in Chinese over the summer! My love of Asia, and its many beautiful cultures has rubbed off on her! I am also in the process of moving to another state which will happen a week after she leaves on her journey! I have MS, and it slows me down often but i will make a promise that I will visit you often. I got behind on my answering e-mails when an MS episode overwhelmed me for a few weeks in April, but I will catch up! Thank you my brother for your visit and I will do the same for you! God bless!
Thank you for visiting and commenting my blog. I pray your illness does not progress no further.
I may possible to help her when your daughter comes to Kobe in Japan. God bless!
Japan sits at a dangerous point on the globe. It’s a place with the earth shakes and at the intersection of four warring tribes: China, Korea, Russia, and Japan. Hopefully, my country will continue to work effectively with yours in the quest for peace.
Even when he lives on an island, no man is an island.
Thanks for your blog.
I thank you for having goodwill and an understanding about Japan.
Your country has continued to be the elder brother for Japan.
I hope that your country will be shaking hands with my country in the future.
Thank you for commenting my blog.
Konichiva Yamada San,
Just stumbled to your blog and found your questions very interesting.
*1. Why will peoples and society make unhappy selection? War, destruction of nature, an economic crisis, discrimination, bullying, etc.
We are the people/ society and when we make those choices/ selections, it is all based on the past experience and expectations from the future. Happiness or Unhappiness is just a state of mind. One thing which may make one person happy, could be a source of unhappiness for others. It is how much we think about the impact of our action on others that defines the goodness (or the lack of it) in our action. Generally all of us give back to the society what we get from it. Recently a teenage boy committed a horrific crime in New Delhi, India, the society wants him to suffer for it. He thinks he himself is the victim of the way he has been raised in the society. What is right and what is wrong?
*2. Though it is, on the other hand human beings seem to progress in the good direction. Human rights, welfare, a public, democracy, a safety assurance, etc.
What may seem like a progress to some could as well be a deterioration of social norms for others. Most would agree that advancements in various fields, Science, Art and Commerce/Trade over a period of time has improved the quality of life for human beings on this planet. But is that the whole truth? We may have overcome some of the challenges that our fore-fathers faced. But now we have some newer and bigger challenges staring at our us (global warming, environmental degradation). The threats of destruction (natural or man-made) remains as big as it ever was. We are still fighting, albeit with advance weapons and evolved causes. People are still discriminated and bullied.
3* How can we do a good selection?
We humans are as good (or bad) as those whom we consider wild animals. The evolution on this planet may have benefited us at the expense of other species, but it does not make us the master of this planet. We still continue to make mistakes when it comes to making choices/selection. And I guess it is all natural. It is the organic way of life. We learn from the past, we take action based on our knowledge and learning, we may succeed or fail in our actions – we learn something new, and then we use that learning while we plan our actions for the future. It is the cycle which goes on and on. We are nothing but just a tiny fragment of this huge universe.
Arigato gozaimasu
I am always intrigued by Japan, its people and amazing culture. It is my earnest desire to witness the Cherry Blossom season and visit the rural areas around the Mt. Fuji one day. Wishing you good health and peace of mind
Best Regards,
I write what I felt with reading your comment.
The first impression is “the impermanence of all things” and “the enlightenment of afflictions” in the teachings of Buddhism.
In Hinduism that you believe, there seem to be features in common with Buddhism that was introduced to Japan.
I admire Buddhism that came into existence in India.
However, I don’t understand the society or the world according to the teachings.
Because I was an engineer, I have found answers of most problems without fail.
I would like to think that it is the same as not only technical problems but also the social problems.
You might point out that it is my conceit.
However, when infant’s acknowledgment is examined, he has naturally the ability to find the law of causality.
The human race has evolved like that.
In a word, I only advance for the answer though it is likely to end in the vain effort.
About my doubt
1 Why will peoples and society make unhappy selection?
For instance, President Truman in the United States started the cold war against the Soviet Union, and the president Gorbachev in the Soviet Union ended it. The first misunderstanding between both nations enlarged the problem like the Vietnam War. On the other hand, a current of the society that increases the misunderstanding cannot be disregarded.
2 Though it is, on the other hand human beings seem to progress in the good direction.
For instance, a trade of the nation was expanded by Britain though there was slavery from ancient times. However, a Representative and Christianity cleric in Britain make a slave trade abolition bill approve in early the 19th century. Though human race commit a crime, they occasionally voluntarily corrects it.
3 How can we do a good selection?
Economist Amartya Sen in India says that even the famine had decreased by helping from the neighborhood, when woman’s academic level in the place was high. Worldwide reformists such as Gandhi and Ambedkar were born in India.
Thank you for a valuable opinion.
Unfortunately I am not good at English.
私はあなたのコメントを読んで感じたことを書きます。
第一印象は、仏教の教えにある「諸行無常」「苦痛の悟り」です。
あなたが信じているヒンドゥー教には、日本に伝わった仏教と共通の特徴があるように思える。
私はインドで誕生した仏教を素晴らしいと思う。
しかし私はその教えに従って、社会や世界を理解しない。
私は技術者なので、問題の答えを必ず見つけて来ました。
それは技術だけでなく社会問題にも同じだと思いたい。
それは奢りであると指摘されるかも知れない。
しかし幼児の認知を見ると、生まれつき因果律を見出す能力を持っている。
人類はそのように進化したのです。
つまり、徒労に終わるかも知れないが、私は答えを求めて進むだけです。
私の疑問について
１ 人や社会はなぜ不幸な選択をしてしまうのだろうか？
例えば、米国のトールマン大統領がソ連との冷戦を始め、ニクソン大統領が緩和し、ソ連のゴルバチョフ大統領がそれを終了させた。最初の互いの誤解がベトナム戦争のように問題を大きくした。誤解を増大させる社会の潮流も無視できない。
２ 一方で人類は良い方向に進歩しているように見えるのだが？
例えば、奴隷制度は古代よりあったが、それを国家の貿易として広めたのは英国だった。しかし1９世紀始め、英国の国会議員とキリスト教聖職者が奴隷貿易廃止法案を可決させた。人類は過ちを犯すが、自ら正す時がある。
３ どのようにすれば人や社会は良い選択が出来るのだろうか？
インドの経済学者アマルティア・センは,女性の教育水準の高さが、助け合いを生み、飢饉さえも減らすと言う。インドにはガンジー、アーンドベードカルなどの世界的な改革者が出た。
貴重なご意見をありがとう。
残念ながら、私は英語が苦手です。
Good Morning from India Yamada San,
Yes the language barrier does make it a bit difficult, but your English is as good mine (for me also English is second language). And since I do not speak Japanese this is the only language in which I can communicate with you.
Only by being persistent with our questions/ queries can we find the answers which may satisfy us. Even if in the end, we are unable to find the right answers from outside, the journey itself gives us the experience to find answers within ourselves. Another point could be what is right or wrong answer, it is just our own understanding through which we are trying to measure or benchmark the answer.
I am really sorry if my words offend you in any way, please accept my apology in advance.
1. & 2. : The question of selection/ choice will always remain there as long as the world continue. Every action results in some reaction as you know so very well as a scientific person/ engineer. In a highly complex multi-connected world such as the one we live in, even inaction by some (as long as it is not by all) would result in some kind of reaction. It is a logical process to look at the outcome and then define the action as correct or incorrect, right or wrong. But those are just our individual perception, when we capture the individual perceptions together, we may have a number of explanations. Scientifically we would choose to go with the explanation which is majority view, but there would always be some minority voices, which may not be taken seriously, but they too have a chance to be right, albeit a much smaller chance. We can never say for sure whether the start of Cold war was right or wrong, there are also voices which disagree with the way it seems to have ended with the initiative of Mr. Gorbachev. Post 1990’s different adversaries have emerged in the world, the tensions between different nations still continue. More people have died in the last 20 years post the cold war, than during the cold war period. I am no fan of Mr. Truman, neither am I of Mr. Gorbachev, but I believe they were both just actors in the drama which was unfolding in the theater of the world.
We can keep hypothesizing what if cold war was never started, or never ended, but the fact of the matter is that it happened. And we will just have to live with the consequences of it.
It is not the events but the action we take post those events and their consequences that shape our destiny. Japan attacked Pearl Harbour and then USA bombed Hiroshima and Nakasaki, it was a human tragedy at unparalleled scale. But the action both the nations took post the events that changed the world. My perception is that both the countries of best of friends now, the people are also extremely friendly towards each other despite what happened or maybe it is because of what happened. Some kind of watershed event was required to become the foundation of what was to come in the future. Both Japan and America achieve so much with their friendship after that crazy war. And to go even further back, Japan and America coming face to face in that war itself was decided by a lot of events that happened, had those events didn’t happen, or happened in some other way, the history could have been totally different.
At some level, I too believe that there is complete logic and rational explanation to whatever happens in our life and in the world around us. Whenever I am faced with situation which I find hard to understand, I tend to let close it by accepting that I have only a limited knowledge. Maybe at much bigger level also, we as human race has only limited knowledge of what goes around us. The laws of science are made by people like us, and hence they are limited to the knowledge level of the people who defined them. Only the future will tell how many of them were not so accurate conclusions. Like now we have the luxury of having the outcome in front of us, to make up our mind about the decision of others in the past, the people in the future would have even more data/ experience to arrive at even more accurate judgement. But even that may be only their perception, why may change as the earth and human race keeps evolving.
Similarly the decision of Britain to use slavery to their advantage to expand trade and bring prosperity to their citizens was correct, even though it may seem immoral now. I am saying this despite my country being on the receiving end of Britain’s Imperialistic policies. And they were also correct in abolishing the slavery, because it happened only when due to the availability of abundant resources gather using slavery & imperialism, British citizen could acquire more knowledge and understand the world better. Understand the sufferings of those who were at the receiving end of their policies and thus take the decision which may seem like a U turn but actually its a lame attempt to rectify the misdeeds of the past. The past can never be changed, if it could be then the present will not be the present. Even the future is beyond us, we as humans only have the powers to make a choice/selection at present. And if we would keep worrying about the impact of those choices/ selection with the prism of past and expectations of future, then we may not even be enjoying the present itself, which ultimately is the only thing that can be changed by our decision/our choice/ our selection.
At times we may have to just go with the flow, accept the things as they happen, take a decision which is the best as per our understanding and live with the consequences of the same.
Let me narrate an incidence which happened with me recently.
I have a 13 year old Kawasaki bike which I have driven more than 170,000km. Few months back I received a call in the evening from my nephew that my brother in law was in emergency medical condition and he is taking him to a hospital which is in the other side of the city. I decided to rush to the hospital along with my wife, taking the bike, which will help in covering the distance faster in rush hour traffic. But when I tried to start, it just wouldn’t start. Checked everything and even called the mechanic on phone and did all checks which I could as per his suggestions. Finally I decided to just push it to nearby mechanic shop, at the same time we were wondering if we should rather take the car now that we have wasted the time we wanted to save by taking the bike. The mechanic did the basic check of fuses and the he tried to start it again, he could not figure our any problem, then he tried to start it again and bike got started immediately. Logically we can say maybe one of the connection was loose which got rectified when the mechanic checked it properly and that solved the problem. About 45 minute were lost in all this. Just when we were discussing to now take the bike or the car to the hospital to the other side of city, I got a call from my nephew that there has been a change of plan and he has brought his dad to a hospital which is very close to our home, we reached there in just 10 minutes, as my brother in law was being taken into the emergency. On seeing us, my nephew left his dad with us to take care of the administrative paperwork in the hospital. We got few minutes with my brother-in-law, before they put him on the ventilator. He spoke to us few words, which turned out to be the last word he ever spoke, he lived for 10 days more but was never in a condition to speak again. I had a huge fight with him more than 15 years back, and our relationship was always a strained one after that. But those last few words that he spoke showed that he was not carrying any bitterness about the past with him, he was at peace, and I too got my peace knowing that he is not angry or upset with me anymore. We would never have got this opportunity if we had left immediately after the first call because i would have taken us a long time to turn back from the other hospital. It all happened because of some malfunction in the bike.
I am not sure what should I say is the learning from the above, it is just an example of random things happening and affecting our lives randomly.
3. We can only make selection/choice to make a decision based on the fact in front of us, the past experience and learning from others. We may never be sure about what would be the consequences of those selection.
At some level, don’t you feel that life and this world will become such a boring place if this unpredictability is removed from it? I know from my limited experience interacting with Japanese/Korean people that limiting the unpredictability of the future, by way of extremely careful planning and strict implementation of the plan is considered key to success in Japan and Korea. But then again, is it possible to plan everything? Is it truly possible to achieve the desired result in every sphere of life by following a strict & disciplined approach? Is there a well defined method on how to life a successful life? What is the definition of success, one may also ask? Is it inner happiness or outer materialistic landmarks?
I guess I am leaving you with more questions rather than providing any sensible answer to the questions you asked.
I feel a bit sorry for not know Japanese language other than very few words, I had the opportunity to learn the language and visit Japan by continuing to work with the subsidiary of Honda Motors in India, but I had to choose a different job close to my home, to be able to take better care of my mother. It was more than 10 years back but I always have warm regards towards Japan and a very firm wish to visit the country whenever I get the chance to do so in the future.
Warm Regards,
Bhuwan
My friend,
Thank you for a precious opinion.
The exchange of opinions is very stimulating and is significant.
Until now, I talked in Japanese to friend’s Chinese, the Vietnamese, and some people of the travel destinations, and then received the culture shock.
Recently, I can exchange opinions a little with the people in the U.S., Britain, and Germany on the blog.
However, by the language barrier, the interpersonal communication does not go well still.
My being most worried is that a culture difference exists greatly.
If companionship is a friend and play such as above, the difference is not a problem.
However, by other purpose, it may become the cause of inducing confrontation.
In order for the world to become peaceful and to become better, it is that people can understand and cooperate each other.
For that purpose, making the base that understands easily is required.
Therefore, the base must be scientific, worldwide, and historical as much as possible, because anybody can understand easily.
The knowledge that will become a base does not have to be the only perfect answer to reform society.
The important point is knowledge that advances one step, doesn’t cause a big mistake, and is improved by trying and erring.
In the case of technical solution, right or wrong come out clearly in many cases.
However, in politics and religion, mutual understanding is not completely in agreement, and if people want to it, a catastrophe will be instantly caused.
After all, the important is the making of knowledge that world people are easy to understand and condition that mutual understanding more are born.
I have a wish to you. I want you to reduce the number of words of a comment to less than 500 at one time, or to quantity of 1/3 of your comment at this time.
Although I would like to answer one by one, I require time for English reading and writing.
Warmest regards,
貴重なご意見をありがとう。
意見交換は非常に刺激的で、有意義です。
今まで、友人の中国人とベトナム人、また旅行先で日本語で話をし、カルチャーショックを受けました。
最近は、ブログ上で米、英、独の方々と少し意見交換が出来るようになりました。
しかし、言葉の壁により、まだまだ意思の疎通はうまく行きません。
私が最も気にかけているのは、文化による違いが、大きく存在することです。
交際が交友や遊びであれば、その違いは問題ではない。
しかし他では、対立を生む原因になるかもしれません。
世界が平和になり、より良くなるためには、人々が共に理解し協力出来ることです。
その為には、理解を容易にする基盤作りが必要です。
誰でも理解可能できるように、その基盤は出来るだけ科学的、世界的、歴史的でなければならない。
その知識は、社会を改革する完全で唯一の答えである必要はありません。
重要なのは、大きな間違いを起こさない、一歩前進し、試行錯誤しながら改良される知識です。
技術的な解決策の場合、正否は明確に出る場合が多い。
しかし、政治的・宗教的なことでは、互いの理解が完全に一致せず、それを求めると破綻を起こします。
結局、重要なのは、世界の人々がより理解しやすい知識と、理解が生まれる条件作りです。
あなたにお願いがあります。1回の文章の単語数を５００以下、または今回のあなたのコメントの１／３の量にして欲しい。
一つ一つお答えしたいのですが、私は英語の読み書きに時間がかかります。
Dear Yamada San,
Thanks you and my apologies for the extremely long comment 🙂 will keep that in mind in future. Look forward to further discussions with you on the subject.
Warm Regards,
Bhuwan
Thank you for cooperating my offer. Please tell me many things in future.
Hello,
a) “In order for the world to become peaceful and to become better, = b) it is that people can understand and cooperate each other.” if c) For that purpose, making the base that understands easily is required. d) Therefore, the base must be scientific, worldwide, and historical as much as possible, because anybody can understand easily.”
In scientific/logical sense what I understand from above is that a) the outcome can be achieved through b) are the dependent variables and c) is the process and d) is the enabling environment.
It is a very logical as far as a) and b) are concerned. But the c) is a subjective factor. Does c) required making d) absolutely black & white/Right Vs Wrong/Good Vs Evil. I am not too sure. It could be different shades of grey, leaving it to the judgement of individuals. My view here is that even if our thoughts are noble the pursuit of d) it may not help achieve c). b) can be achieved without c) or d) by another factor e) which is people having the flexibility/ maturity to respect others views, even if it is in contradiction to their own views. We can live with contradictions. There should not be a compulsion to decide on a matter, even with democratic process (going with the majority opinion) because even a majority opinion could be wrong.
Yes it is very much a cultural issues, we must evolve to be able to live with the differences and contradictions in life.
Warm Regards,
Bhuwan
Hello
It is right that you have pointed out. I agree it.
I don’t impose a different opinion on others.
I know that a mutual understanding is mainly emotional.
When a mutual understanding is difficult, and before division or conflict becomes serious, what is a required thing?
It is common recognition (feelings and knowledge) that makes each other comprehensible.
There might not be progress even if this problem is philosophically discussed.
I widely send the world’s people knowledge that concretely urges understanding.
The example was “origin of mind” “birth of primitive art” “misunderstanding of war”.
“History of sickness and medical art “ is progressing now.
I will begin “the history of the law” in the future.
Though it is necessary to adopt the right procedure and the method to solve the difficulty and the problem.
The opinions don’t reach an agreement smoothly.
Warmest regards
あなたの指摘していることは正しい。私も同感です。
私は、違う見解を押し付ける気持ちはありません。
私は相互理解が主に感情的なものであることを知っています。
相互理解が困難な時、また分裂や争いが深刻になる前に必要なものは何か？
それは互いの理解を可能にする共通の認識（感情、知識）です。
おそらくこの問題を哲学的に論じても進展はないでしょう。
私は、広く皆さんに、具体的に、理解を促す知識を発信していきます。
その例が、「origin of mind」「birth of primitive art」[misunderstanding of war]でした。
[history of sickness and medical art] 現在進行中のです。
将来、「法の歴史」なども始めます。
私達は困難や問題を解決するには、適切な手順や方法を採択すべきなのですが。
なかなか意見は一つにまとまらないものです。
Hello
I enjoyed reading your blog. My wife is also a mechanical engineer, I myself, went to school for electrical engineering, but I work in the software field, we are not at retirement age yet though 🙂
I really love Japanese culture, history and its people, so your blog is definitely something I am going to be following now
I came from Japan. Thank you following my blog.
Thanks for your visit to my blog! I wanted to drop by and invite you to join in Project O which is a look into how opinions are formed around the world. If this interests you and if you have a social issue you might want to share with people, please consider joining! The post can be found at the top of my blog under Project O – The Original Project Idea and the template is the post next to it. Thanks again for taking the time to visit my blog! -OM
Thank you for inviting me. I cannot participate because it is difficult with my present command of English. I will think again in the future. Thank you.
Thank you for following my blog!
英語をがんばってくださいね。 I will do my best at Japanese as well!
I think communication, open-mindedness and respect are the keys for mutual understanding. Of course language is a prerequisite for communication. Language opens doors and makes the world more accesible. It helps us to become more open-minded and increase our understanding of others. Let’s do our best! ^_^
Good luck with your blog and your studies. I look forward to following your journey.
Thank you for writing your hospitality message. I agree with you. I’ll be counting on you.
Thank you for sharing your blog. I recently discovered it, and I really enjoy your writing and photos of Awaji Island.
I lived in Kariya, Higashiura on Awaji Island last year. It is a beautiful place. I really miss it!
東浦中学校と岩山中学校で一年間働きました。私は英語のきょうしでした。淡路島が大好き！
-スティーブン
Thank you for commenting my blog. I am glad to see you.
When you were living in Awaji Island, if I could meet you, I was better. I’ll be counting on you.
AnElephant is enthralled by your words and pictures.
Great blog.
Thank you for commenting my blog.
thank you for visiting and following my blog!
Thank you.
Your work is enlightening, and very good to read. Thank you too for following, I will return here often.
Thank you for commenting my blog.
It was very nice to read that Your blog has the goal. It is really important. I have also the goal. I am making photo reports from my “unknown” Finland.
Happy blogging. すばらしい日を過してください。
Thank you for cementing ” about me”. I pleasure your blog of “unknown” Finland.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I like sharing about my country, my travels and my interests, hobbies.
I like reading a lot and one of my favorite writers is Haruki Murakami, a great author. Your culture is interesting too and I look forward to visiting you now and then. Good luck with your English studies.
Thank you for commenting my blog.
Dear friend, Thank you very much, I was really happy to have been following your blog. I’m still a lot to figure out, and here I can only say that you are an awesome blogger, full Inspiring and hope you can inspire more readers. Thanks and greetings compassion from Gede Prama 🙂
Thank you for commenting my blog.
Hello newest Spikey! I know, a bit corny, eh, but that’s the term that has come to stick for those folk who are part of the clan known to be followers of Uncle Spike 🙂
Thank you… I really appreciate that as I for one, know how many interesting and entertaining blogs are out there.
My aim is to deliver an eclectic offering of posts, from my ‘point n shoot’ attempts at basic photography, to the sharing of my travel adventures over the decades, as well as day to day happenings here on the farm. Oh, plus a few observations on life as I see it, thrown in for good measure.
My promise to you is not to be overbearing, just a couple of posts a day, maybe 3 at weekends if I have something special to share. But if you are at a loose end one day, maybe you’ll enjoy trawling through some of my older stuff too. I have added plenty of categories to help in said digging process.
Thanks again and hope you have a great day…
UNCLE SPIKE
I sympathize with your posture. In addition, I thank you for your proposal to me. I have trouble with reading and writing in English very much now. I’ll be counting on you.
Your English is fine, perfectly understandable. Need any help, just ask…. (email address in link below)
https://unclespikes.wordpress.com/whats-this-blog/
Thank you for helping and kindness.
It makes me fan of Japan, it is interesting to know about Japan and that too from your blog in your words. A good thought given blog. regards
Thank you for commenting.
How wonderful to live in a place surrounded by sea and mountains!
I live here in Virginia U.S.A., and I am mostly surrounded by buildings and roads.
I visited Japan last March. My friends there called me “Mary-san.”
In Tokyo, there are so many people–I was afraid that I would get lost. I don’t speak Japanese!
I hope that you can understand the writing in my blog….I use many photos to try and explain my words.
Mary
I write English for my blog with difficulty. It is considerably difficult to read English.
Thank you for following my blog. I used to teach English as a second language to Japanese and other Asian students, and I know how difficult it is to learn one when the other is your native language. I’m very impressed that your blog is in both languages. You are a determined and wise man.
congratulations on the English you have learned! Keep it up!
Thank you for encouraging me. I am continuing to learn English.
I teach English. “I continue to learn English” is better.
Thank you so much sir for visiting my blog and for all your likes.. its very encouraging to see the person who is full of life and knowledge noticing and appreciating my small efforts. I went through your blog and its very informative. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you for admitting my blog.
Very nice and detailed blog.I am computer and automation engineer and I am also a licensed Tour guide in Egypt. I am Egyptian and leave now in Kyoto.I can feel how much effort was done to get so much knowledge in different fields. I hope you allow me to add a little correction about 古代エジプト文明のセト神.Pig was not never a deity and there is no deity with a pig’s head.For セト神、he was resembled by head of unknown animal which may looks like a Jackal’s head (アヌビス神) but it is quite different. In the reliefs of Edfu temple,ホルス神とセト神の争い,Horus is fighting with a hippo of river Nile.
I would like to thank you again for this great blog.
Thank you for commenting my article.
I again investigated Set, and report about it.
Regrettably, there wasn’t the direct evidence of the day, but there were some evidences.
According to Wikipedia, “Mythic Image” by Joseph Campbell and “Dictionnaire des mythologies”, Set was linked with ant bear, pig, hippopotamus or etc., and Set’s ear especially is similar to ear of ant bear.
Now, I didn’t found the evidence that the animal of the relief of Edfu temple is a pig.
But this relief shows a scene that Horus kills Set according to a photo of http://www.atlantisrejser.dk/destinationer/egypten/nilkrydstogt/1-klasses-nilkrydstogt/fotos/.
I can’t explain it good because I am hopeless at English.
Thanks a lot for the follow!
Great blog! 🙂
Thank you！
My pleasure!^^
Thank you!
I liked your blog, good article, I invite you to my blog:
http://dishdessert.wordpress.com
Thank you for stopping my blog.
You’re welcome 🙂
I’m nominating you for the Versatile blogger award. You don’t have to do anything, if you don’t want to. Just want to let you know. Here’s a link; https://renslens.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/nominated-for-the-versatile-blogger-award/
such a great site! have you considered adding google translate widget? free & easy to install for all wordpress users
Thank you for advising about translate widget.