Hey English readers!
Not sure how many are left since I've been way behind with my translating and balancing out the languages. Barely, keeping up with emails (luckily I don't facebook!). Anyways, below is an email I sent to students in my graduate program, and I thought I'd extend it to my blog readers.
March 5th was a big demonstration against the free trade agreement with the US. So much going on in Tokyo!
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Hope you are all doing well.
Plum trees have started to blossom and cherries are getting ready!
Enjoying the blossoming of trees is one of the big cultural events in Japan that is still rooted in nature.
I had a few events to invite you to.
- A demo,
- free music festival,
- meditation,
- a visit to a couple living "sustainably" in Izu peninsula.
3/10 Major demonstration against nuclear power (FREE, of course)
This year will mark the 2nd anniversary of 3/11 disasters. Much has happened since and politics-society is changing rapidly. Demonstrations have happened every week in Tokyo and will continue indefinitely. An occupation of the Ministry of Industry Trade and Economy continues (just a little corner with cute little tents with friendly ojisans and women from Fukushima). Anyways, if you have never been to a Japanese demonstration (or any demonstration) come join and have a cultural experience. They are extremely safe (this is Japan) with music (professional bands, drumming groups) and there is also a family friendly march too. It's a bit like a parade.
Hibiya Park Outdoor Music Area (Hibiya Koen Yagai Ongakudou)
13:00 gather 14:00 start the march
Home Page:
3/10-3/11 Peace on Earth Hibiya Park music festival (FREE)
There will be a free festival also at the same park! Famous bands like world-renowed Sakamoto Ryuichi and Asian Kung Fu Generation (ajikan) will be there. Musicians will be performing on a solar powered stage. There is also a plan to bring children from affected areas of Fukushima and hear their stories. I'll be talking at a smaller stage too:) with other community organizers and organic farm/localization change-makers. This might be one of the biggest free festivals in Tokyo. It will also be ustreamed.
Hibiya Park (you can't miss it), rain or shine (although if it rains they'll have to use a non-solar energy source)
12:00 - 19:00
3/15 Wake Up! A day of mindfulness
This is a monthly meditation group I host in Harajuku. Its a day to relax, slow down, learn/practice meditation, and meet other young people who want to create a healthy and compassionate society. I highly recommend it as its a good way to meet other people from Tokyo area, and meditation might help you stay calm and grounded through the year. Life can be stressful sometimes, but peace is always in you.
Time: 10:00 - 17:00
Place: Cafe Vayu (Omotesando/Harajuku, Tokyo)
Max: 15 people
Cost: 1500 yen (delicious lunch included from the cafe)
Hello!
ReplyDeleteI am travelng in Japan currently and really glad that you have this in English! I am studying Japanese, but I can only read/write Hiragana so far.
I just finished taking a PDC course in Thailand, and I found your blog while searching for vipassana courses offered in Chiba. What a wonderful coincidence that I stumble upon your blog! I am in Hokkaido, and I wish I could have gone to the demonstration in Tokyo yesterday. Do you know of anything going on during the last week of March?
not sure about the last week of march. Its the peak of Sakura season, and there is always a demonstration against nukes on friday night at Kasumigaseki in front of the Prime ministers house. That can be a fun scene.
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