JaJ- JaJu @ Japan VI: "Mt Fuji"

Mt Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japans tallest mountain (sea level 3766m), exceptionally Symmetric Volcanic Cone, has always been a subject of Pride, Literature,　Poems in Japan. The dormant Volcano which was last erupted in 1708, is　considered as Active with low Risk of Eruption. First ascent is　supposed to be 6th century, and the Summit was considered Sacred since ancient times, was forbidden to women until Meji era.
Now, it is considered as Hiker’s paradise, with 2,00,000 enthusiasts reaching the Summit, in which 30% are foreigners.　

So after having tiring work schedules for few months, very much needed break was on cards... there comes NATSU YASUMI-SUMMER HOLIDAY, which generally as long as a　week. "Have you been to Mt Fuji?" was a questioned asked many times by various Japanese friends, which sparked lot of excitement and curiosity about this Volcano. And I made one more item in To Do wish list coming true this week.　

Having mercury rising to 40degrees in Tokyo, we were all geared for Summer Trek, which later created many challenges for us, as temperature at Summit was around 2-5 degrees, and accompanied by strong Wind and couple of heavy showers. We reached the Base camp, "gogome" (sea　level 2300m)　which is situated West of Tokyo about 2 and half hours, around mid afternoon. Full of bubbling enthusiasm around and majestic view of Fuji san kept our spirits up!

There are 5 intermediate camps, whereby one can shelter in case of bad weather. We could race to 1st camp in half an hour, and next one in an hour. There started the real challenge, The straight and clear routes were replaced by narrow and rocky slopes, and sliding rocks, and rare Oxygen　But the magnificent view around, of 5 surrounding lakes, and surrounding cities, shadow of Fuji san, made us comfortable.
I have been always admirer of vision for commercialization of Japanese ppl, here I could note one more instance of it. Generally ppl purchase Sticks at base camps to aid during trek. at each Intermediate camp there is facility to have Stamps on the stick, marking memory of the FUJI TREK　And no one minds paying 300 yen-2-3 $ on such occasions as its a memory for life time.　

As we start towards next lap, which is the longest and toughest, flash lights were on, which dampened the pace. At the mid night toll we were mid way, resting on Rocks, observing Stars..which we haven’t done since long time...silence. remote.. from busy life Tokyo..an attempt to realize bond with Universe..and feel of insignificant existence in the world of Stars.　Soon our energy levels were replenished, which lasted till the Summit.

Around 4:00 it started showing signs of fading away darkness, we were yet to reach the summit, we spotted a position, poised the Camera to catch most awaited moment. First ray of sun, of the Day all over the world...Its a indeed a great feeling to witness the Rising Sun in country of Rising Sun.　Unlike to many other Sunrise have seen till the day, this time Sun rising out sea of Clouds...non　conformity of Shapes of Waves was taken by non conformity of shape of Clouds..making it more memorable and special　A magnificent view made its place in memory to be remembered forever.　

Soon we reached the way for Summit...Smiling faces all around, most of which unknown to fact that Descending is rather tough than reaching there　After a quick photo session we headed for Breakfast, friends sent Post cards to parents, back home in India, at Post Office, at Highest sea level in Japan.
Descending way is tougher, as all Volcanic Ash flowing all around, which eventually gets breathe in.　On way back we met group of childerns..descending at own pace..falling many times..still standing up with same zest..keeping themselves undistracted...after watching them for some time..it just reminded me..if we guys have lost this attitude, in fear of falling….　

We reached base camp, at around 14:00 ... those 20 hrs have been most active and spirited hours of my life. The very first sign of Sunrise, and that school group will definitely keep me afresh for months to follow.
I put MUST SEE ONCE on Mt Fuji!

JaJ- JaJu @ Japan V: "Yokozuna-Lord of The Ring"

It has been cloudy morning, which could not dilute the enthusiasm at Kokugikan, Ryogoku; fans waiting for beloved Sumo wrestlers for the current season of Sumo in Tokyo. The venue is flooded with foreigners having curiosity about the national Sports of Japan, which claims its origin 1500 yrs back. Flags carrying names of renowned players, catching ur eyes, proves that this form of sport has been great success to maintain the charm for centuries.
Almost 800 professional wresterls/sumos all over the Japan, fights 6 tournaments a year, 3 in Tokyo, one each at Osaka, Nagoya and Kyushu. Each tournament last fifteen days, everyday every Sumo got to fight a new opponent. The Sumo with Maximum wins gets Emperors Trophy.
This game is to get opponent out of the ring of the around diameter 4.55 mtr ring or by making him touch the ground. The actual bouts which may be finished in instants, is always supplemented by Stamping the ring, throwing the salt and waving hands to audience; this things necessarily finds its origin in Shintoism,- Japans` Indigenous religion.
The day starts with a tradition of Bow Dance, followed by matches amongst Trainee Sumos- Preliminary Bouts. The real bout starts with minnows-Junior Rankers starting with Jonokuchi to Makushita.
Around 14:35 brings you the excitement as senior group is on their role. Momentum builds up are matches becomes thrilling with Maegashira (Lowest of the Senior Group) getting on center stage, followed by matches of higher and higher ranks. And the climax is match of Yokozuna-Grand Champion, which comes as icing on cake, and an ideal finish.
Ranks of Sumos are revised after every tournament. Sumos may get promotion as well as demotion. But the Yokozuna remains unaffected because of a bad season or two. But its definitely acceptable, considering how tough it is to become a Yokozuna, its matter of fact that, since 300 yrs of such official ranking, there have been only 68 Yokozuna so far. Asashoryu being the current Grand Champion of the Ring, for the time.

I really admire the authorities, for maintaining the Charm, since Nara era.
It has been changing the form to suit peoples` rapidly changing tastes. And also it has maintained its Traditional touch which makes it special for Japanese Friends.

What I have been great fan here-the land of creativity and excellence is- they have such great degree of professionalism, which in deed helps them to make a self sustainable system. Many players being supported by Sponsors, Flag bearers carrying names of Sponsors` name makes it possible for Sumo to make for their living cost and huge food cost, which they need to feed for around 150 kg body, and rigorous training. Souvenirs carrying images of Yokozuna and other famous wrestlers also adds cash flow in this game. Renting Radio service for live commentary in English generates additional cash strip to supplement costly tickets which starts at 3600yen.

Truly Must see atleast Once kind of activity in Japan. Its not a game driven by Body weight.. one got to have gr8 Presence of mind, keen fighting spirit, high alertness and high reflexes to master this sport- Hats of for Sumos!

You can always get for latest info on:
www.sumo.or.jp

JaJ- JaJu @ Japan IV: "Its Sakura Time!"

Its Sakura time!
Festive season here again..this time colour of nature turned White..it was red last time when we had trip to Nikko, the world heritage sight in Japan.
Very fine Saturday morning, road leading to Indian embassy, Japan, flooded with Japanese people. A very rare scene here. Lot of flashes around, with sigh of appreciation for scenic beauty in the heart of Tokyo. Its Sakura time!

Sakura..cherry Blossom season is On…this is time for get-togethers, meeting friends, having discussions, getting updated about happenings in lives of ones who matters. Sakura is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture. The Japanese celebrate this time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.
So Indian Embassy situated in Kudanshita, didn’t miss the chance to promote the Indian Taste. Sakura Bazzar was organized, lot many stalls were put up to exhibit the taste of the India. To name a few Handicraft, Leather Accessories, Food- Indian Curries, and what took for surprise was a Palmist, Yoga Counselor and Mehendi stalls.
Gals behind the Mehendi stalls were busy in painting palms of Japanese Gals, who looked pretty excited about new type of Tattoos. Same Japanese gals were also observed trying Indian sari on the occasion, which enhanced Indian feel of the atmosphere.
One English Japanese interpreter was busy helping Panditji, to convey what he reads of the lines on palm.
On this background some announcements were being made in Japanese, to catch attention of Japanese Sakura Visitors. Sound was a perfect Japanese Ascent of a gal. Made me to think some Japanese Gal making these announcements. But urge to catch attention of people, was something very unnatural…it was full of pride and respect for Indian culture. And guess what…It was an Indian Gal….I could not believe how an Indian can develop such a Japanese Ascent…I could not stop my self from temptation to talk to that gal abt this. It was like, she was born and brought up in Japan, was in this setup for 24 years, and that developed her ascent. But this didn’t dilute her feeling abut motherland.-India. This gal was a perfect answer for the friends back home, who take NRI-for Non Reliable Indian. Where ever we are, on the earth..it cant dilute our Love and affection to mother India.
Indian Techies didn’t get lured of it…it was Japanese Dance troop on the bits of Kajara re, which caught their eyes. This was perfect sight of Ganpati days in Pune. People catching bits with relentless energy. Japanese Friends were not less in catching Indian Dance style. It took me quite long, to realize, it was the same troop which performed in Namste India-06 last year. Kajarae re was followed by popular tune of Rang deBasnti..and now guys could not resist themselves from getting legs free.
After having Plateful of Garama Garam Jilebi, I made way to Attraction of the day. Trees were full of blossom, as if just few moments ago it had been snow fall here. The beautiful flowers added freshness around, though not any typical smell. Generally is April start gets Sakura in full action. This blossom last for 10 days.

As I have been mentioning, Japanese Lifestyle is built to respect the nature, to answer each and every call of it…to improve Human lives without loosing touch with Nature, rather get the development in Symphony with nature. Sakura is another festival to answer such call of nature.
After being busy with Camera to freeze the beauty, we went ahead to Yasukuni shrine.
It’s a shrine built as tribute to brave hearts who sacrificed their lives for their beloved King, during world War 2. Though I am not claiming that WW II was right, still one should not undermine the greatness of Loyalty, of these soldiers. For the matter of comparison, consider loyalty of Indian Techies, recent survey shows 75 % of techies have been in their current position for just less than one year. Meaning to say is, we have been compromising our loyalty for Selfish things like Money, Job Enrichment etc. But these gladiators remained stood for their loyalty, and end up their lives. That’s life of soldiers!
Coming to point this sight was in news last year, as Japanese Prime Minister made a deliberate visit to this place, which all of his predecessors avoided. And caught with International Cry! Though I personally appreciate Mr Koizumi for his courage to exhibit his views, that too in Prime ministrial post. Its always tough to do What one wants to do, specially when you are a public figure.
It was Memorial of an Indian, Dr Radha Binod Pal, ..wait he was not some one related to Azad Hind Sena, he was a lawyer who stood by Japan in post war hearings. He fought for them on legal front, as gratitude for his efforts he is being remembered here!
After having getting through History, it was time to get on water..Boating. Boating in Lake surrounded by Sakura trees..branches coming down to talk to water levels..one can feel like floating through Sakura Sea. This was the perfect end of day.
I am sure you will like to see what this exactly looked like, I hope links below will make you fell short of words to narrate this beauty.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=somnath_jaju&aid=576460762395861981&pid=&wtok=xc47IC3NygMBkmHYu6yU1Q--&ts=1175339049&.src=ph

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=somnath_jaju&aid=576460762395966426&pid=&wtok=uvlYj3Yi9PK7tMDkwRcOlw--&ts=1175429467&.src=ph