Latest news with #ThePillowBook
Asahi Shimbun
4 days ago
- Health
- Asahi Shimbun
VOX POPULI: Mosquitoes are the world's top predator, share traits with 2nd
An Asian tiger mosquito (Provided by the Department of Veterinary Science of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases) What is the most dangerous animal to human life? If asked the question, many might picture a snake coiled to strike, a bear looming in the forest or the fin of a shark slicing through the water. Yet the deadliest of them all, according to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is far smaller and far more commonplace: the mosquito. That fragile wisp of life, drifting on the air with its telltale, needling buzz. Malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis—across the globe, these mosquito-borne scourges claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year. Some historians and scientists go further. Timothy C. Winegard, in 'The Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator,' cites estimates suggesting that over the 200,000-year span of modern humanity, nearly half of all deaths have, in one way or another, borne the mark of this winged killer. The high-pitched whine of a mosquito has been tormenting humans since antiquity. In 'Makura no Soshi' ('The Pillow Book'), the celebrated Heian Period (794-1185) court lady Sei Shonagon (c. 966-1025) included among her list of 'hateful things' the mosquito that 'announces itself with that thin little wail' just as one has settled drowsily into bed. One might think it would be better if we couldn't hear it at all—yet some researchers speculate that humans evolved the ability to detect that tiny sound in order to survive. In the American animated film 'A Bug's Life,' populated by a cast of endearing insects, a tipsy mosquito sidles up to the bar and orders a 'Bloody Mary, O positive.' It's a playful nod to one theory suggesting that people with type O blood are particularly irresistible to mosquitoes. I fell victim to the summertime scourge on Aug. 7, twice bitten on the leg. Even in this season's abnormal heat, some mosquitoes seem immune to summer fatigue. The itch is maddening—so persistent it borders on malice. If only we could negotiate with them, I would gladly sign a peace treaty with these stubborn little vampires: Take my blood, but spare me the bite. Which brings us back to the killer rankings. After the whining blood bandit, which animal claims the next-highest human toll? The answer, of course, is ourselves—we who pride ourselves on our intelligence and reason, yet remain history's most prolific killers. —The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 8 * * * Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tokyo Weekender
29-05-2025
- Tokyo Weekender
6 Temples in Kyoto and Nara Famous for Their Seasonal Flowers
This article appeared in Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2025. To read the entire issue, click here . As old capitals of Japan, Kyoto and Nara have long been centers of faith and tradition, the mountains around them revered as sacred spaces bridging the natural and the divine. Scattered throughout this topography are isolated temples and shrines, each with its own deep history and profound beauty. Among these secluded mountain temples, a few are known among locals for the way they come alive when flowers bloom — cherry blossom petals drifting through the air in spring, hydrangeas blooming in quiet clusters come early summer or spider lilies and cosmos carpeting the ground as autumn approaches. Though these places are a wonder to visit year-round, they take on an even more otherworldly feeling when their signature flowers bloom. Tsubosaka-dera: Takatori, Nara Tucked in the mountains of Nara Prefecture, not far from Mount Yoshino, sits Tsubosaka-dera . Though it's not as well known as Yoshino for its cherry blossoms, anyone who visits during this season can witness the temple's large seated Buddha statue floating in a cloud of sakura — a quiet spectacle all its own. The temple is also beloved for its pale pink pagoda, which makes for stunning springtime photos. The name 'Tsubosaka-dera' means 'jar on a hillside temple.' According to legend, the temple was founded in 703 by the monk Benki, who apparently had a beloved glass jar. While practicing asceticism on the mountain, a vision of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, appeared inside it, and so he placed the jar in a hermitage on top of the mountain. This is said to be the temple's origin. A few centuries later, Sei Shonagon mentioned Tsubosaka-dera in The Pillow Book , where it's included in her list of temples with miraculous powers. Gansenji: Kizugawa, Kyoto Deep in the forested mountains of southern Kyoto Prefecture, an isolated pagoda rises from the greenery. This three-story wooden pagoda is part of Gansenji , which, according to the temple's documents, was founded in 729 by the celebrated Buddhist priest Gyoki. Mystically serene in every season, Gansenji is a great spot for viewing both cherry blossoms and autumn colors, but early summer is when Gansenji really comes alive. Every June, when the hydrangeas bloom, the temple grounds are filled with white, pink, blue and purple tiny clouds against the lush green of the surrounding forest, and lotus flowers fill the pond. Hasedera: Sakurai, Nara Nestled in the mountains near the ancient town of Sakurai in Nara Prefecture lies the sprawling temple complex of Hasedera . Founded in 686, Hasedera is the center of the Bunzan school of Shingon Buddhism, and the temple complex consists of 30 buildings dotted around the hillside. Leading up to the main hall is the temple's famous covered wooden staircase of 399 steps, which is lined with peonies in the early spring and leads to an outdoor staircase decorated with hydrangeas in early summer. The main hall at the top offers a spectacular view of the temple complex and its surroundings, particularly during the cherry blossom season and when the leaves change in the autumn. Shojuin: Ujitawara, Kyoto During the summer, more than 2,000 wind chimes adorn this remote temple in southern Kyoto. The soft clinking of the decorated wind chimes, heard from the beginning of July until mid-September, is the origin of Shojuin's nickname, Furinji — the Wind Chime Temple . Though the Wind Chime Festival is a summer event, the temple offers seasonal beauty year-round, best viewed through the reception hall's heart-shaped window looking out onto the garden. The hall's ceiling is also decorated with 160 colorful paintings of flowers and other Japanese art, creating a splendid scene overhead. Butsuryu-ji: Uda, Nara Situated in Nara Prefecture, Butsuryu-ji has become well known for the spider lilies that turn the temple grounds into a carpet of vibrant red every year in early autumn. The temple is also popular locally as a sakura viewing spot due to its famous 900-year-old resident, Sennen-Zakura, a huge cherry tree that greets visitors along the entrance path. Butsuryu-ji was founded in 850 by the monk Kenne, a disciple of Kobo Daishi. Behind the main temple buildings, carved into the mountainside, is an ancient-looking stone chamber, which is generally accepted to be Kenne's grave. Hannya-ji: Nara City, Nara Every year in early autumn, a meadow of cosmos blooms around this temple on the outskirts of Nara city. The 'Hannya' of the temple's name is a transliteration of the Sanskrit word for 'wisdom,' but today, Hannya-ji is more often associated with these flowers, and is nicknamed the Cosmos Temple. Hannya-ji is rumored to have been founded in 629 by the monk Ekan, who came to Japan from one of the three kingdoms of ancient Korea. Many of the buildings and artifacts at the temple have been designated Important Cultural Properties, in particular the gate entrance, a National Treasure dating to the 13th century. Related Posts Stunning Flower Festivals in Japan To Visit This Spring Ashikaga Flower Park: A Dreamy Destination in Any Season List of 7: Recommended Japanese Flower Parks
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ma Zehan confirms breakup with Dylan Kuo
24 Feb – Chinese actress Ma Zehan (also known as Miranda Ma) has recently confirmed the news that she and Dylan Kuo have called it quits on their relationship. On 22 February, following a long post shared by Dylan on social media about his current status, Miranda posted on Weibo, "It is true that we have broken up for a few years now. I am grateful that the time allowed me to grow." "We are both doing well," she added. Prior to her confirmation, Dylan posted on social media that he has been single for many years and is annoyed that people are equating happiness with marriage. He said that for the past two years, he has been particularly fond of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, camping, and rafting, getting away from his current life circle and purifying his mind. "This really makes me feel better and gives me some motivation to return to my original circle. I need to solve and think through the problems that need to be faced, so I found that what I need to change is not my behaviour, but my thinking," he said. Dylan and Miranda confirmed their romance back in September 2021 after meeting on the set of "Three Lives, Three Worlds, The Pillow Book". It sparked a heated debate, seeing that Dylan is 19 years older than Ma. (Photo Source: China Times)
