Monday, December 10, 2012

One Thing disappearing from Japan;

(posted; Japanese culture page)
*He is "Ninomiya Kinjirou" (←link page)
The picture below is a statue which stands in the schoolyard of my husband's elementary school. This statue is now tend to disappearing from Japanese school yard. I heard about this from TV program last month. When I told my husband about this, he told me that the one at his Alma mater still does.  I went there on Sunday as I didn't want to be seen taking pictures. So that is why the school gate was closed and the statue isn't facing front; had to take them from outside(^^;)   

     *Let me tell you about him a little*

these pictures are from PC





















With my age, he is a symbol of studiousness. He was a prominent 19th century Japanese agricultural leader, philosopher, moralist  and economist. He was born to a poor peasant family, but succeeded and achieved considerable wealth as a landlord while in his 20s. He revived local economy, particularly through agricultural development. He was eventually entrusted with one of Shogunate's estate, which was great honor for someone of his low origin. Haha, enough of his life.
You can see him as a boy; reading a book while walking and carrying firewood on his back. These statues are depicting popular stories that said Ninomiya was reading and studying during every moment he could.
These statues became old and tend to be removed from the school yard. There might be some more reasons for this. He might be thought as a bit Feudalistic or something, but I hope his studiousness or filial attitude to his parents be taught to the young people. I presume not many of them know about him any more.
Well, I may have to add that we can see recent young people checking mobile-phone when they are even riding bicycles or taking dogs for a walk. Times are different and I know doing two things at one time like these may well cause accident. Wishing his good spirits will be passed down to next generations.

ps> This one was drafted last month and I forgot to post, haha.  Wishing you all are going to have a good second week of Dec.  (I won't be able to post for a while and I'll put the header back in a couple days)

linking this post to "Our World Tuesday"

18 comments:

  1. he sounds like someone worthy of admiration - accomplishing much at such a young age. sad that he is now considered old-fashioned or whatever.

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  2. Eventually everything we knew will be removed.....there seems to be no tolerance for things of the past anymore. He sounds like a good role model for your students, though. xo

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  3. It is with a touch of sadness that I think of worthy things, like the memory of this good man, going by the wayside, my dear friend Miyako. I'm so glad you documented the statue and other lovely pics. It was, as always with your blog, a very informative and educational read. Have a wonderful week, my friend!

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  4. It is always sad when we begin to lose something of our cultural past, the things that made us what we are as a nation or a people.
    Once again, great photo's Miyako.
    Blessings from New Zealand,
    Diana

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  5. Dearest Miyako san,
    It is sad that a small group of liberal younger people are doing away with such values and virtues of years past. SAD is the word and like you say, what is taking its place? Nothing better or safer...
    Hugs to you my philosopher,
    Mariette

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  6. Oh, I hope they don't all disappear!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  7. Hello Miyako,
    very interesting story of this philosopher,where ever your country..as always there the group of people who wants to remove the past culture..very sad indeed.
    I love the old statue ;)
    have a good day darl

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  8. Hello Miyako!
    How sad that this statue isn't going to be outside schools anymore, I think he must be a great symbol of overcoming your social status using education and it's a happy statue too.
    I love the photos of the ornamental trees.
    My primary school had Japanese cherry trees!

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  9. It is sad to hear this statue is going to disappear. When I was a little child, this statue was very familiar to us and we could see it in many places, especially schools.
    I realized I have not seen him for a long long time. I miss him. I hope someday he will make a comeback again.
    Thanks a lot for sharing a great story and photos!
    keiko

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  10. Our elementary school had the statue of Ninomiya Kinjiro. It is sad to know it's disappearing. Kind of spirit he had may not be valued much by younger people any more...but I hope it remains.

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  11. That is a lovely statue!

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  12. I wonder about the reason for taking away these statues and feel sad that this is happening. I'm glad you captured Ninomiya Kinjiro. His story is one that would inspire the students.

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  13. Thank you for your post.It is good that you are educating people about Kinjiro so he will not be forgotten.

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  14. Wonderful photography ~ your country is so beautiful and this statue is a treasure ~

    (A Creative Harbor) ^_^ aka ArtMuseDog and Carol

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  15. That's too bad. I like them. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  16. Oh my it has been so long since I have been here bad Jo-Anne.......(slaps wrist here).....lol

    I think these things happen in every country so often the young do not appreciate these things and thing why bother which is such a shame....

    Love the photos

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  17. Hello Miyako, what lovely statues, sad to see them disappear. He sounds like someone everyone should look up to and strive to be like him. Great post and photos. Have a happy day!

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