The town which remains faith...

In this modern era, it is getting difficult for us to remain faith in something awe-inspiring existence. It was naturally everywhere in old days. 

When I was in Ishigaki, Faith and Ritual Festivals still strongly remains among local communities. It might have been because Ishigaki is one of the isolated islands in Yaeyama Okinawa region which makes locals easy to keep it away from modern influence. And "Kabira" where I used to live is said to be one of the communities which has the strongest. 

I live in Nagai at this moment, and my surroundings, especially "Abiko"  and "Sumiyoshi" keeps peoples' beliefs strongly remained in their hearts. "Abiko" has a locally famous temple, "Abiko Kannon Temple", and "Sumiyoshi" has a nationwide famous shrine, "Sumiyoshi Taisha". 

On the way to work, I try to visit "Abiko Kannon Temple" every day to worship for the Buddhist statues placed in the temples. Every time I visit there, I see locals making a prayer for their worshiping Buddhist statues. Pure beliefs are creating and generating amazing good vibes in the air. 

That's why I keep coming back to this town, and can't get rid of my obsession to these locals. I don't need to hesitate to be what I really am. No need to hesitate to show my faith to something awed cause these locals are also very faithful to it as well. 

I'm really recharging myself living in these locals. 

One of my colleagues recommended me one of the local confectioneries, ”道八”(Dohachi). They mainly sell buns filled with sweet beans paste, "饅頭”(Manjyuu). 

Now it is the time to eat ”厄除饅頭”(Yakuyoke Manjyu) because ”節分” (Setsubun) is coming soon on 3rd of February.  By eating this ”厄除饅頭”(Yakuyoke Manjyu), it is said that we receive a mercy of the God's protection from evil spirits.  

Fortunately or not, this ”道八”(Dohachi) is on the way to work, and I need to pass it by every day. 

I'm just wondering how many pieces I will end up eating ”厄除饅頭”(Yakuyoke Manjyu) by the 3rd of February. At the same time, I better make a strong determination to keep fit by every day walking exercise. 

Masami