At 2:46, I observed a moment of silence in alignment with the television screen. The term ‘East Japan Great Earthquake’ encompasses both the natural disaster known as the ‘Tohoku Region Pacific Offshore Earthquake’ and the man-made disaster of the ‘Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident.’ However, it is crucial to make a clear distinction between the two. A natural disaster is an event caused by nature, such as earthquakes, typhoons, lightning, floods, and other natural phenomena, resulting in disasters that are difficult to avoid artificially. On the other hand, a man-made disaster is caused by human negligence or carelessness. In some cases, incidents like water-related disasters classified as natural disasters may be considered man-made if sufficient precautions were not taken.
In the case of the East Japan Great Earthquake, I previously discussed it in detail ( https://bit.ly/3J79ioq), emphasizing that the ‘Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident’ is a quintessential man-made disaster. It compelled a shift in Japan’s energy policy and had a profound impact on the economy, Japan’s reputation, and more. The aftermath of the incident continues to pose a significant challenge, especially concerning the decommissioning issue, which carries the burden of whether it can be resolved within the next 40 years. I believe there is still much room for improvement in this evaluation.

２時46分テレビ画面に合わせて黙祷しました。東日本大震災とは、天災としての「東北地方太平洋沖地震」と、人災としての「福島第一原発事故」を合わせて言うのでしょうが、これは明確に区別しなければなりません。天災とは、自然によってもたらされる災害で、地震・台風・落雷・洪水など自然現象によって起こり、人為的に避けにくい災害です。一方、人災とは、人間の不注意や怠慢が原因で起こる災害です。また天災とされる水害などについて、十分な対策が講じられていなかったような場合も人災とされる場合があるでしょう。
東北大震災の場合、以前にも詳しく論じました(https://bit.ly/3J79ioq) が、「福島第一原発事故」は典型的な人災で、その後の日本のエネルギー政策の転換を余儀なくさせ、経済の停滞、日本の評価などに多大な影響を与えました。廃炉問題に至ってはこの先40年で解決できるかどうかと言う難題を背負っているわけです。この検証がまだまだ甘いと思います。

The fragrance of plum blossoms is in excellent condition. Inhaling deeply, it feels like the entire body is being purified. Closing my eyes, my mind clears, and a screen appears before me, displaying various scenes.
On March 11, 2011, a little after 2:30 in the afternoon, while crossing a JR railroad crossing in a car, an emergency earthquake alert sounded from the car radio. It was reported that a fairly strong earthquake had occurred in the Tohoku region. Despite being in Osaka, the fact that the alert sounded indicates the earthquake’s considerable strength. As my home was nearby, I quickly turned on the television upon returning. Unbelievable scenes were being broadcasted. In the distance, a highway ran, and in front of it, it seemed as if we were in a gigantic washing machine. Amidst the raging waves, numerous cars and fishing boats were tossed and swayed, becoming a chaotic mix. It was nothing short of astonishment. This is still the vivid first scene from that day etched in my memory.
Needless to say, what happened afterward is well known. After all, the massive earthquake that led to the Great East Japan Earthquake had a magnitude of 9.0, making it the fourth-largest earthquake in the world since 1900, surpassed only by the 1960 Chilean earthquake (magnitude 9.5) and the 2004 Indonesia Sumatra earthquake, among others. For reference, the magnitude of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake was 7.3, and the Noto earthquake at the beginning of this year was 7.6.
Once again, we sincerely pray for the repose of those who lost their lives in such massive earthquakes.

梅の香りが絶好調です。体いっぱいに吸い込むと体全体が浄化される感じです。目を閉じると頭がすっきりし、眼前にスクリーンが現れ、いろんな光景が流れていきます。
2011年3月11日午後２時半過ぎ、JRの踏切を車で渡って間も無く、カーラジオから緊急地震警報がなりました。東北地方でかなり強い地震が発生したと言うことです。ここは大阪だから、それでも警報が鳴るくらいだから、かなり強い地震である事は間違いない。家はすぐ近くだったので、家に帰るとすぐにテレビを付けました。信じられない光景が写っています。向こうの方に高速道路が走っていて、その手前からこちらはまるで巨大な電気洗濯機の様です。荒れ狂う波間に沢山の自動車やら漁船がまぜこじゃになって揺れ動いています。唖然とするばかりです。これが今でも強烈に印象に残っているあの日の第一場面です。
それから後の事は言わずもがな。何しろ、東日本大震災をもたらした巨大地震はマグニチュード9.0で、 全世界でみても、1960年のチリ地震(マグニチュード9.5)や2004年のインドネシア・スマトラ島沖地震等に次ぐ、1900年以降世界４番目の巨大地震であったわけです。ちなみに、阪神淡路大地震のマグニチュードは7.3、今年初めの能登大地震は7.6です。
改めて、こうした巨大地震に遭われてお亡くなりになられた方々のご冥福を心よりお祈りいたします。

Several Katabami (wood sorrel) stand erect along the horizontally trimmed hedge along the road. Katabami are planted in the gaps of a hedge a little further away, blooming with numerous yellow flowers. Introduced to Japan in the late Edo period, initially embraced as ornamental plants, coreopsises eventually naturalized and can now be found along roadsides and fields throughout Japan. Despite their charming appearance, due to their strong reproductive ability, they are sometimes treated as troublesome weeds in certain locations.
In France and Spain, there is an Easter celebration around early April, coinciding with the blooming of Katabami flowers. As a result, they are also known as ‘Hallelujah.’ Additionally, as they bloom on joyous occasions associated with Christ, they are given the symbolic meaning of ‘joy.’ On the other hand, in Japan, coreopsis has long been used for polishing Buddhist implements and brass mirrors, earning it the alternative name of ‘Mirror Grass.’ This led to the flower language of ‘shining heart.’
The leaves and stems of Katabami contain oxalic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid. Known as ‘saku-sho-so’ in China, it has become a herbal medicine name in Japan, used for detoxification, inflammation reduction, and as an antidiarrheal. Katabami blossoms when the sun is shining, closes its flowers when the sun sets, and also on cloudy days.

道沿いの水平に刈り込んだ生垣から何本かのカタバミが屹立しています。少し離れた生垣の隙間にカタバミが植えられていて、黄色い花をいっぱい咲かせています。このカタバミ、日本には江戸末期に入ってきて、当初は園芸植物として親しまれていましたが、やがて野生化し、日本各地の道端や畑などに見られる様になりました。見た目は可愛らしいのですが、非常に繁殖力が強いことから、場所によっては迷惑な雑草として扱われています。
フランスやスペインでは、４月初め頃に復活祭がありますが、その時期にちょうど「カタバミ」の花が咲くことから、別名「ハレルヤ」という名が付けられています。また、キリストに由来のある喜ばしい日に咲くことから、「喜び」という花言葉も付けられました。一方の日本では、「カタバミ」は、古くから仏具や真鍮の鏡を磨くために用いられてきたことから、別名「鏡草」とも呼ばれます。このことから、「輝く心」という花言葉がつけられたそうです。
カタバミの葉や茎には、シュウ酸やクエン酸、酒石酸が含まれているからです。中国では酢漿草(さくしょうそう)と呼ばれ、日本ではそのまま生薬名になっていて、解毒や炎症を抑えたり、下痢止めとしても使われたりします。カタバミは日が照っている時は花を開き、日が落ちるとともに、また曇りの日には花を閉じます。

The magnolia flowers have begun to catch the eye here and there. There are two types of magnolias, the purple magnolia and the white magnolia, and when we talk about magnolias, we usually refer to the purple ones. Magnolias are said to be the oldest flowering trees on Earth, and fossils have been excavated from the Cretaceous strata, the era when dinosaurs thrived. Magnolias have been displaying their beautiful forms like today for over 100 million years. Dinosaurs probably enjoyed magnolia flowers as well. Magnolias have various medicinal effects, and they were introduced to Japan as Chinese herbal medicine before the Heian period. Nowadays, they are also used as herbal medicine to alleviate symptoms of hay fever. Additionally, magnolias are known for their magnolia perfume and are counted among the three major flowering trees along with camellias and azaleas. Their sweet, vibrant, yet deep fragrance captivates people. While magnolias are medium-sized trees reaching about 4-5 meters in height, the upcoming white magnolia can grow up to 20 meters, with flowers measuring 8-10 cm. The petals do not fully open, and the flowers bloom upwards. When the white magnolias are in full bloom, it will be time for the kobushi (Japanese snowbell) flowers to start blooming. The flowers measure 4-5 cm, with fully opened petals, and a mix of horizontally and upward-facing blossoms.

木蓮の花があちらこちらに目につき始めました。木蓮には紫木蓮と白木蓮があり、木蓮と言えば普通には紫木蓮を指します。木蓮は、地球上で最古の花木といわれており、恐竜が栄えたと言われる白亜紀の地層からも化石が発掘されています。１億年以上も昔から今のような美しい姿を見せてくれてきたのが木蓮です。おそらく恐竜も木蓮の花を食べたに違いありません。木蓮には様々な薬効があり、日本にも平安時代以前に漢方薬として渡来し、今は、花粉症の症状緩和のための生薬としても使われています。また、木蓮はマグノリア香水としても知られ、ツバキ、ツツジとともに三大花木に数えられています。その甘く華やかでありながらも深みのある香りが人々を魅了します。木蓮は樹高4～5ｍほどの中高木ですが、これから咲き始めるハクモクレンは樹高20mにも達し、花の大きさも8～10cm、花びらは開ききらず、上向きに咲きます。ハクモクレンが咲き切った頃に、今度は、コブシの花が咲き始めます。花の大きさは4～5cm、花びらは開ききり、横向きのものと上向きのものが交じります。

In Masaoka Shiki’s haiku, there is a verse that goes, ‘In my hometown, whichever way I look, the mountains are smiling.’ This personifies the spring mountains that undergo a complete transformation from the winter scenery, as the grass and trees sprout, and vibrant flowers bring forth a sense of splendor. For Shiki, who spent much time confined to a sickbed, the landscape of budding spring, especially in the early days of the New Year, must have held a particularly poignant significance. Even when looking at distant mountains, with the new buds of trees bursting forth, the entire mountain resembles a soft sofa. When gazing at the sky, flocks of migratory birds can be seen flying either north or south, forming groups as they soar through the air. From the nearby lakes, the sound of fish leaping can be heard. On the ground, mountain vegetables emerge from the soil, and grass and flowers display a lively appearance. Amidst the trees and flowers, one can imagine the joyful presence of birds and small animals. Among Japan’s rich and varied seasons, this time of year is when the joy of living and courage bubble up the most. If possible, one would wish for a world that is more peaceful, but alas, that is not the case.

正岡子規の俳句に、「故郷や どちらを見ても 山笑う」というのがあります。冬景色から一変して草木が芽吹き、色とりどりの花で華やぎだした春の山を「笑う」と擬人化したわけです。病床に伏せることの多かった子規にとって、新春の芽吹きの風景はことさら感じさせるものがあったに違いありません。遠くの山を見ても、木々の新芽が吹き出して、山全体が柔らかいソファの様です。空を見上げたら、渡り鳥が北に飛んで行くのか南に飛んで行くのか、集団になって飛んで行きます。前の湖沼からは、魚の飛び跳ねる水音が聞こえてきます。地面では山菜が土の中から顔を出し、草花も生き生きとした様子を見せてくれます。樹々や草花の間には、鳥や小動物などの喜ぶ姿もあるでしょう。日本の豊かな四季折々の中でも、生きる喜びと勇気がふつふつと湧き出てくるのがこの時期です。できる事なら、世界がもっと平和であってくれたら言う事はないのですが。

The spring heralding ikanago in the Seto Inland Sea is predicted to face its eighth consecutive year of poor catches in 2024, with expectations that there will be “virtually no catch.” The small-sized ikanago, measuring 3 to 5 centimeters in length, is known as “shinco.” It is highly valued in local cuisine, being prepared in dishes such as the sweet and savory “kugini” cooked with soy sauce and sugar, the blanched “kamaage,” and the dried delicacy known as “kanagichirimen.” Shinco caught in the fishing grounds of the Harima Sea, Osaka Bay, and the Kii Channel are landed in major coastal fishing ports. Freshness is crucial, and many people prefer to buy directly from the fishing ports.
However, the Shinco catch, which exceeded 10,000 tons until 2016, sharply decreased to 1,001 tons in 2017, representing a reduction of more than 90% from the previous year. Since then, there has been no year with a catch exceeding 2,000 tons due to continued poor catches. This year, the decision has been made to suspend fishing in Osaka Bay, while the fishing in the Harima Sea is scheduled to be lifted on March 9, with the fishing season to be determined considering landings after the lifting of the ban. The primary cause is believed to be a shortage of nitrogen, a nutrient source for fish and seafood, resulting from improvements in water quality. It is ironically noted that the once infamous “sludge sea” of Osaka Bay has significantly improved as a consequence.

瀬戸内に春を告げるイカナゴが8年連続「不漁」予測で、2024年は”ほぼ漁獲見込まれず”らしいです。全長３～５センチの小さなサイズのイカナゴは「シンコ（新子）」と呼ばれ、地元の郷土料理である醤油と砂糖で甘辛く炊いた「くぎ煮」や、湯引きした「釜揚げ」、干した「かなぎちりめん」として珍重されています。播磨灘、大阪湾、紀伊水道の漁場で取れたシンコは沿岸の主要な漁港に水揚げされます。鮮度が大切で、直接漁港に買いに行く人も多くいます。
しかし、2016年までは1万トンを超えていたシンコ漁が、2017年に前年比1割以下の1001トンに急減しました。以降、不漁続きで2000トンを超えた年はありません。今年は、大阪湾での漁を見送り、播磨灘の漁は３月９日を解禁日とすることを決め、漁期は解禁後の水揚げなどを考慮して決めるそうです。原因として考えられるのは、水質の改善による魚介の栄養源の窒素不足によるところが大きいとみられています。”ヘドロの海”大阪湾が大幅に改善された結果とは何とも皮肉な事です。

From today until the 19th is “Keichitsu” (Awakening of Insects). From the 20th, it will be the Vernal Equinox. Since, according to the calendar, it is still winter until the Vernal Equinox, we can now say that winter is finally reaching its end. Keichitsu is divided into three segments: the first segment (5th to 9th) is “蟄虫啓戸” (Insects emerge and doors open). This is the time when insects that have been hibernating in the soil start emerging under the warm spring sunlight. The second segment (10th to 14th) is “桃始笑” (Peach blossoms begin to smile), representing the time when peach buds open, and flowers begin to bloom. The last segment (15th to 19th) is “菜虫化蝶” (Caterpillars become butterflies), symbolizing the emergence of butterflies from the chrysalis after enduring the harsh winter and taking flight when their wings are ready.
Even on today’s television, there was news about removing straw mats protecting pine trees from pests. However, the first and second segments have already passed, and as shown in the photo, rapeseed flowers are in full bloom with ladybugs and butterflies dancing around. This winter seems to have been exceptionally warm, and scenes where it’s difficult to distinguish between winter and spring have been observed all over the country. Considering the impact of global warming, it’s not something to rejoice about without reservation.

今日から19日まで啓蟄(けいちつ)です。20日からは春分。暦的には春分までは冬ですから、いよいよ冬も最終盤と言う事になります。啓蟄は３候に分かれていて、初侯(５日〜９日)は「蟄虫啓戸(すごもりむしとをひらく)」で、土の中で冬眠をしていた虫たちが、暖かい春の日差しの下に出てき始める頃、次候(10日〜14日)は「桃始笑(ももはじめてさく)」で、桃のつぼみが開き、花が咲き始める頃、末候(15日〜19日)は「菜虫化蝶(なむしちょうとなる)」で、厳しい冬を越したさなぎが羽化し、美しい蝶へと生まれ変わり、羽ばたく頃、を表します。
今日のテレビでも、松の木を害虫から守るこも巻きを外すニュースが流れていましたが、初侯、次候はもうとっくに終えていて、写真の様に菜の花は満開で、てんとう虫やちょうが舞っています。今年の冬は特に暖かかった様で、冬か春か見分けがつかない光景が全国至る所で見られた様です。地球温暖化の影響を考えたら、手放しで喜んでもいられません。

In the flowerbed along the road, numerous daffodils are still blooming. In a corner next to them, the Himeryukinka (Princess Wands) glistens in the sunlight, its petals sparkling. The flowers are large and quite conspicuous, a stark contrast to the modestly blooming daffodils. However, this flower possesses an undeniable charm with its generous and welcoming presence. Although I mentioned petals, what appears as petals are actually sepals; in Himeryukinka, the petals are not developed. Himeryukinka belongs to the small buttercup family and grows in damp meadows and lakesides in mountainous areas of the United Kingdom and the European continent. Last year, there were more flowers in bloom, but this year they have already finished flowering, and the prominent feature now is the seed pods resembling sugar-coated candies, with the leaves turning yellow.

道に沿った花壇にはまだ沢山の水仙が花を咲かせています。その隣の一角に、ヒメリュウキンカ(姫立金花)が日を受けてキラキラと花びらを輝かせています。花も大きく、とても目立ちます。慎ましく咲いている水仙とは大違いです。しかし、決して憎めないおおらかさを持ち合わせている花です。花びらと言いましたが、花びらに見えるのは萼花弁と呼ばれるもので、ヒメリュウキンカには花びらは退化してありません。ヒメリュウキンカはイギリスやヨーロッパ大陸の山地の湿った草原や湖沼畔に生える、小型のキンポウゲの仲間です。昨年はもっと沢山な花が咲いていましたが、う今年はもう咲き終えて、金平糖のようなタネをつけ、葉が黄変しているのが目立ちます。

Today is Hinamatsuri, a day to wish for the healthy growth of girls and the birth of good babies. While there may be various theories, it is important to simplify things. Last week, Japanese media showed great interest in the news that South Korea’s birthrate dropped to a historic low of 0.72, the lowest in the world. In advanced countries, having a birthrate below the replacement level of 2.0 is common, and falling below 1.5 is labeled as ‘ultra-low birthrate,’ raising concerns about population decline. Japan’s birthrate has been below 1.5 since 1995, and although it seems to be stable at around 1.26 recently, we cannot be complacent.
Factors contributing to the declining birthrate include women’s social advancement, diversification of values leading to delayed marriage and childbirth. The Japanese government recognized the severity of the declining birthrate, especially after the “1.57 Shock” in 1990, and introduced various measures. However, compared to social security systems for the elderly established since the 1970s, measures for the declining birthrate are significantly lagging behind.
It might be an unconventional idea, but analyzing and researching countries with high birth rates worldwide could be crucial. As of 2023, there are nine countries with a birth rate of 5.0 or more and 105 countries with a rate of 2.0 or more. Instead of dismissing the high birth rates in these countries as solely due to less developed circumstances, it is essential to reassess and elevate the instinctive aspects of humanity overlooked by highly developed advanced nations, and promote their development. In simple terms, it involves not only aiming for the advancement of women’s status but also granting greater authority and rewards to men of appropriate age, enhancing their attractiveness and raising more reliable men. Modern society has socially and institutionally castrated men of appropriate age. Many men with far superior capabilities, both mentally and physically, compared to older men or those with higher education, remain buried and unnoticed.

今日はひな祭り。女の子が元気に育っていい赤ちゃんを産んでくれることを願う日です。いろいろ理屈はあるでしょうが、物事を単純化してみることも大切です。先週、韓国の出生率が過去最低の0.72人で世界最低水準に落ち込んだというニュースに日本メディアが大きな関心を寄せました。先進国においては、人口置換の水準とされる出生率2.0を切ることが一般的ですが、1.5を下回ると「超低出生率」と呼ばれ、人口減少の懸念が高まります。日本の出生率は、1995年以降1.5未満で、最近は超低出生ながらも1.26人あたりで安定しているようにも見えますが油断はできません。
少子化の要因としては、女性の社会進出・価値観の多様化に伴う非婚化・晩婚化・晩産化が挙げられます。日本政府も1990年の「1.57ショック」により厳しい少子化の現状が強く認識し、様々な施策を打ち出していますが、1970年代から整備された高齢者向け社会保障制度に比べて、少子化対策は非常に遅れをとっているのが現状です。
対策として突飛な発想かもしれませんが、世界の出生率の高い国々の分析・研究も大切ではないかと思うのです。ちなみに、2023年現在、出生率が5人以上の国が9か国、2人以上の国が105か国あります。こうした国々の出生率の高さを、ただ後進国的な事情によるものだと無視するのではなく、高度に発達した先進国に見落とされている人類本来の本能的側面を見直し、昇華発展させることです。ごく端的に言うならば、女性の地位向上を目指すと同時に、適齢期の男性にもっと大きな権限を与え、報酬を与えることです。男の魅力を倍加させ、頼りがいのある男性を多く育て上げることです。近代社会は社会的にも制度的にも適齢期の男性を去勢しています。高年齢の男性よりも、高学歴の男性よりも心身ともに遥かに優れた能力を持つ男性が多く埋もれたままになっています。

The annual ritual heralding spring in Nara, the ‘Omizutori’ of Todai-ji Temple, has commenced from the first day of March. Omizutori is a ritual within the Buddhist ceremony called Shunie, held at Todai-ji’s Nigatsu-do Hall. Originally, on the midnight of March 12th, the ceremony involved drawing ‘Kohshui’ (fragrant water) from the well called Wakasa-i in front of Nigatsu-do, to offer it to the Bodhisattva Kannon. During the procession from Wakasa-i to the Bodhisattva Kannon, torches were lit to illuminate the path. Currently, Omizutori takes place from March 1st to 14th, with 11 torches lit on the 12th and 10 on other days.
The purpose of this ritual is for the monks (ascetics) who have purified their minds and bodies to chant the sacred scriptures in front of the Eleven-faced Kannon, repent through ascetic practices, and pray for peace in the world. Legend has it that Wakasa-i is connected to the underground water of Wakasa in Fukui Prefecture. On March 2nd, the ‘Omizutori’ is conducted at Wakasa-unose in Wakasa, and it is said that the ‘Kohshui’ takes ten days to reach Wakasa-i at Todai-ji’s Nigatsu-do in Nara.

奈良の春を呼ぶ風物詩、東大寺のお水取りが１日から始まりました。お水取りは東大寺二月堂で行われる修二会(しゅにえ)という法会(人々を集めて説法する行事)の中の一行事です。元々は、3月12日深夜に、二月堂前の若狭井という井戸から観音菩薩にお供えする「お香水」を汲み上げる儀式でした。この「お香水」を若狭井から観音菩薩の仏前に運ぶ途中に、足元を照らす為に松明を灯しました。現在は、お水取りは3月1日から14日までおこなわれ、12日には11本、それ以外の日は10本の松明が灯されます。
目的は、心身を清めた僧（練行衆）が十一面観世音の前で宝号を唱え、荒行によって懺悔し、あわせて天下安穏などを祈願することです。若狭井は福井県の若狭と地下水で繋がっているといい伝説がある井戸です。若狭鵜の瀬では３月２日に「お水送り」が行われ、その「お香水」は、１０日間かけて奈良東大寺二月堂の「若狭井」に届くといわれています。