This morning was freezing at 1°C, true winter cold, but later the temperature steadily rose, and now it’s a warm 15°C. Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, the temperature is expected to rise even further, reaching around 20°C on the 15th. The temperature will feel like early April, and in some areas it may even be record-breaking.　Plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and rapeseed flowers are blooming everywhere. The seasonal cycle seems to be progressing about half a month earlier than usual.
Yesterday, I had a meal with my grandchildren returning from Shanghai at a hotel in Nara. In the souvenir section, there were various colorful chocolates. When I thought about it, I realized that the 14th was Valentine’s Day. It’s the first time experiencing such a warm Valentine’s Day. I hope the chocolates don’t melt unnecessarily. On the dining table, there’s fresh winter yellowtail, firefly squid, and budding fuki (butterbur). The air is filled with the fragrance of spring, but the sherbet for dessert was the most delicious.

今朝は１℃と真冬の寒さでしたが、その後気温はどんどん上がり、現在は１５℃でポカポカ陽気です。明日，明後日はさらに気温が上昇し、明後日15日には２０℃前後になるそうです。４月上旬の気温で、地域によっては”記録破り”の気温になるかもしれません。梅も桜も菜の花もいたるところで花盛りです。例年よりも確実に半月あまり季節の巡りは早いようです。
昨日も上海から帰国中の孫たちと奈良のホテルで食事を共にしましたが、お土産売り場に色とりどりのチョコレートが並んでいます。不思議に思って考えてみたら、１４日はバレンタインデイだったんですね。こんな暖っかいバレンタインデイは初めてです。チョコレートが溶けないか、いらぬ心配が過ります。食卓には旬の寒ブリが並び、ホタルイカに蕗の薹、春の香り満載ですが、デザートのシャーベットが一番おいしかったです。

On this National Foundation Day, the “Agon no Hoshi Matsuri” was held within the precincts of the main hall of the Agon Shu in Yamashina Ward, Kyoto City. Amidst the resounding echoes of the conch shell horns played by Yamabushi (mountain ascetics), and the resonating chants and drum beats, approximately 600 practitioners clad in the attire of Yamabushi threw around 30 million Goma sticks into two Goma platforms. Instantly, towering columns of flames rose. At times resembling the figure of Dainichi Nyorai, and at other times taking on the appearance of Deva kings or demons, the flames assumed various expressions. The “Agon no Hoshi Matsuri” is the largest annual event in the Agon Shu and is renowned in the Kansai region as a prominent fire festival. The now 50,000 visitors pray for good health, prosperity in business, and other blessings while witnessing the towering flames representing the culmination of their year. Founded by Seiyu Kiriyama in 1978 (Showa 53), Agon Shu is one of the few new religious movements based on Hinayana Buddhism in Japan. The estimated number of believers is around 30,000 to 40,000, with an additional 200,000 estimated as members.

建国記念日の今日、「阿含（あごん）の星まつり」が京都市山科区の阿含宗総本殿境内で開催されました。山伏のホラガイの音が轟き、読経や太鼓が響く中、約600人の山伏姿の修行者らが2つの護摩壇に約3000万本の護摩木を投げ入れると、たちまち大きな火柱が立ち上がります。時には大日如来の様に、時には仁王や鬼の様に、炎は様々な表情を型作ります。「阿含の星まつり」は阿含宗最大の年中行事で、関西では有名な火祭りとして知られています。今や５万人の参拝者は立ち上がる火柱に今年1年の無病息災や商売繁盛などを祈ります。阿含宗は、桐山靖雄（きりやませいゆう）により1978年（昭和53年）に創設された、日本では数少ない小乗仏教系お前の新宗教です。信者数は３〜４万人と推定されていますが、その他会員が20万人はいるだろうと言われています。

Today is the New Year’s Day of the Lunar New Year. A friend heading to Tokyo sent me a photo of Mount Fuji along with a famous verse. It’s a verse that purely describes the dignified and beautiful appearance of Mount Fuji. I tried to compose a verse inspired by the same photo of Mount Fuji, but somehow, my attempt was overshadowed by rationality, and I couldn’t create a clever verse. I find myself getting entangled in the current state of affairs; it’s challenging to separate my thoughts from the Gaza Strip, Ukraine, the U.S. presidential election, and the political situation in Japan. The upcoming U.S. presidential election, with the lacking integrity Trump and the dementia-affected Biden, seems like a choice between two undesirable options, deepening the world’s confusion. On the other hand, Japan is governed by a ruling party dominated by lawmakers engrossed in creating backdoor funds, alongside a dysfunctional opposition. It appears there is no hope for the future. The situation on the Noto Peninsula, combined with the Osaka Expo amid these circumstances, is also a matter of concern.

今日は旧正月の元旦です。東京に向かう友人から名句を添えて富士山の写真を送ってきました。純粋に富士山の凛々しくも美しい姿を詠った句です。その同じ富士山の写真を見て一句作ろうとしたのですが、どうも理屈が先に立ってうまい句ができません。世相が気になって、ついそれに引っ掛けて作句しようとするからです。ガザ地区のこと、ウクライナのことはもちろんですが、アメリカ大統領選のこと、日本の政治情勢のことがとても気になります。品性に欠けるトランプと痴呆症気味のバイデンの二者択一になりそうなアメリカ大統領選は、世界をますます混迷に深めるでしょう。一方の日本は、裏金作りに専心する議員が牛耳る政権党と体たらくな野党で、これも将来希望なし。能登半島のこんな状況下での大阪万博も気になるところです。

At Eishin-in, known as the ‘Temple of Flowers’ in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, bright red boke blossoms are in full bloom. Due to the recent cold weather, there are few people around, but it still has a gorgeous atmosphere. Eishin-in is about a 15-minute walk from JR Uji Station and approximately 10 minutes on foot from Keihan Uji Station.
The origins of this temple are associated with the ancient Ryusen-ji, but it was later revived by the renowned monk Eshin Sozu Genshin (恵心僧都源信), famous as the author of ‘Ojo Yoshu’ (往生要集). Eventually, it came to be known as Eishin-in. Eshin Sozu is said to have rescued Ukihune, the heroine of the ‘Tale of Genji’ Uji Chapters, who had plunged into the Uji River in distress due to a love triangle. He is considered the model for the monk Yokawa (横川の僧都) in the tale.
Eshin’s Pure Land Buddhism, expounded in ‘Ojo Yoshu,’ had a significant influence on later figures like Honen and Shinran. Even in today’s discussions on end-of-life matters, his teachings, presented in a simple and accessible manner, continue to offer valuable insights.

「花の寺」で知られる、京都府宇治市にある恵心院に真っ赤な木瓜の花が咲いています。折からの寒波で人影はまばらですが、華やかな雰囲気を漂わせています。恵心院へはJR奈良線の宇治駅からは徒歩で15分、京阪宇治線の宇治駅からは徒歩10分ほどでたどり着くことができます。
当寺のはじまりは、古刹龍泉寺と伝えられていますが、やがて「往生要集」の著者として名高い恵心僧都源信（えしんそうずげんしん）によって再興され、恵心院と称するようになりました。源信は、二人の愛人の板挟みになり、その苦悩から宇治川に入水した源氏物語宇治十帖のヒロイン浮舟を助け、新たな道を歩ませることとなった横川の僧都(よかわのそうず)のモデルともいわれている僧侶です。
源信が「往生要集」の中で説いた浄土念仏の思想は、後の法然や親鸞に大きな影響を与えましたし、終活が話題になる現代においても示唆に富む教えが易しく説かれています。

According to JTB’s survey on “Travel Trends Outlook for 2024 (January to December),” it is anticipated that the number of inbound tourists to Japan will continue to increase even further in 2024, following a rapid recovery in 2023. Regarding China, where recovery has been significantly delayed, it is assumed that individual travel will lead the recovery in 2024. For inbound tourists (foreign visitors to Japan), it is expected to reach a record high of 33.1 million people, a 131.3% increase compared to the previous year (103.8% compared to 2019).
Moreover, travelers’ awareness is undergoing significant changes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with a growing emphasis on Sustainable Tourism. Sustainable Tourism aims to seek and practice tourism that respects the natural environment, local communities, social and cultural aspects, and the economy. It seeks to avoid the environmental and cultural degradation and excessive commercialization often associated with mass tourism. The focus is on experiencing the true essence of tourist destinations.
Rather than hurried travel, Sustainable Tourism encourages staying for several days, immersing oneself in the natural and cultural aspects of the region, and taking the time to reflect. Such travelers are actively featured in the media. Recently, The New York Times highlighted “Yamaguchi Prefecture” as the most inquired-about destination in Japan, and there have been overseas magazines featuring “Morioka City.” Japan boasts a traditional and profound culture that aligns with Sustainable Tourism.
An American scholar predicts that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan will soon exceed 100 million.

JTBの調査「2024年（1月～12月）の旅行動向見通し」によると、訪日外国人客数は、2023年の急回復から2024年も一層の増加が見込まれるそうです。また、回復が大幅に遅れている中国については、2024 年は個人旅行を中心に回復が進むと想定したうえで、インバウンド（訪日外国人）は前年比131.3%の3310万人(2019年比103.8%)で過去最高になると見込んでいます。
また、旅行者の意識もコロナ禍の中で、大きく変わりつつあります。旅行先の自然環境や地域・社会文化、経済などに配慮したサステナブル・ツーリズムの浸透です。サステナブル・ツーリズムとは、「持続可能な観光」という意味で、マス・ツーリズム(大衆観光)の結果生じがちな、環境や文化の悪化、過度な商業化を避けつつ、観光地本来の姿を求めていこうとする考えおよびそれを実践する観光旅行です。
慌ただしく旅をするのではなく、数日間滞在して、ゆっくりとした時間の流れの中で地域の自然や文化に触れ、自身を見つめ直すことを目的とした旅行です。今そうした旅行者がテレビでも盛んに紹介されています。先だっても、ニューヨーク・タイムズが、日本で一番尋ねたい所として「山口県」を紹介して話題になりました。「盛岡市」を紹介する海外雑誌もありました。日本にはサステナブル・ツーリズムに応える伝統的かつ奥深い文化があります。
アメリカのある学者は、訪日外国人旅行者が近いうちに１億人を超えると予測しています。

In the hilly terrain of Jōyō City, located south of Kyoto City and midway to Nara City, lies the largest Aodani Ume Grove in Kyoto Prefecture. Covering an area of approximately 20 hectares, the grove boasts around 10,000 plum trees of five varieties, including the locally grown Jōshūhaku and Shirokaga. Although currently only 50% in bloom, from late February to mid-March, it transforms into a breathtaking spectacle with full blossoms, blanketing the entire area in a sea of white, resembling the spread of a large white cloth. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of plums.
While the exact origin of Aodani Ume Grove is unclear, it has long been renowned as one of Japan’s leading plum orchards. A waka poem composed by Prince Munenaga, a son of Emperor Go-Daigo, who once resided in this area, remains as a testament to its historical significance, suggesting that it was cherished by people as early as the Kamakura period. Umeboshi (pickled plums) made from Jōshūhaku are particularly popular for their large size, soft flesh, and a peach-like aroma. Additionally, the enticing fragrance is utilized to produce plum syrup and plum wine, which are also available for purchase.

京都市の南部、奈良市との中間に位置する城陽市の丘陵地に、京都府内最大の青谷梅林があります。約20haの面積に青谷梅林特産の城州白をはじめ、白加賀など５品種約１万本の梅が植えられています。今はまだ5分咲きですが、２月下旬から３月中旬にかけて満開になり、大きな白布を広げたように白一色となって、あたり一帯が梅の香りに包まれます。
この青谷梅林がいつごろからあるのか、その起源は定かではありませんが、古くから、日本でも有数の梅どころとして知られていました。後醍醐天皇の皇子である宗良(むねなが)親王がこの地で詠んだ和歌が残っていますから、鎌倉時代にはすでに人々に愛されていたことを物語っています。城州白で作った梅干しは大粒で果肉が柔らかく、まるで桃のような香りがすると評判です。またその香りを生かして梅シロップや梅酒も売り出されています。

Due to the impact of heavy snow, it seems that the cherry blossom festival in Kawazu Town, Izu, is experiencing a significant decline in visitors. In the Kanto and Koshin regions, snow continued to fall from the 5th to the morning of the 6th, with reports of a potential heavy snow warning even in the 23 wards of Tokyo. The Kawazu Sakura Festival, which used to start from February 10th until two years ago, is now affected by global warming, beginning on February 1st and running until the end of the month, the 29th. Despite attracting crowds mainly from the Kanto region, even on weekdays, today, as shown in the photo, there is not a single person around. It seems to be reserved exclusively for locals. As expected, it’s “Great Cold”. It is the ulterior motive that is trying to make you look forward to spring by imposing a final test.

大雪の影響で伊豆河津町のさくら祭りも客足がさっぱりだそうです。関東甲信は５日から6日の朝にかけて、広い範囲で雪が降り続き、東京23区でも警報級の大雪になるおそれがあると報じられていました。一昨年まで２月10日から開催されていた河津の桜まつりも、温暖化の影響で今は２月１日からの開催で、月末の29日まで開催されます。連日主に関東方面からの花見客で賑わい、平日でもかなりの人出だそうですが、今日は写真の様に人っ子一人もいません。地元貸し切りだそうです。さすが大寒。最後の試練を課して春を嘱望させようとする魂胆です。

I placed the kumquats we received in a bamboo basket by the window. As the afternoon turns to 5 o’clock, the once-dark dusk now bathes in sunlight. The rays illuminate each individual kumquat, creating as many sunsets as there are kumquats. Taking a bite, you experience a faint bitterness followed by a refreshing acidity, and then a prominent sweetness spreads in your mouth. It is truly a moment to feel the blessing of the sun. Since childhood, I have been fed kumquats with the belief that they prevent colds. Even now, when I visit the supermarket, I see them sold in mesh bags. Occasionally, I buy kumquat throat lozenges. Each one reminds me of the kumquats that used to grow in the backyard, creating a nostalgic and heartwarming feeling.

頂いた金柑を竹籠に置いて窓際に置いてありました。午後も５時になれば暗かった夕暮れも、今は日差しが差し込みます。その日差しが金柑の一つ一つに照り生えて、金柑の数だけ夕日がある様です。一つ齧ると、ほのかな苦味と爽やかな酸味、そのあとに際立った甘さが口の中に広がります。これぞまさしく太陽の恵みと実感する瞬間です。小さな頃から金柑を食べると風邪をひかないとよく食べさせられたものです。今でもスーパーに行くと網袋に入れて売っています。金柑のど飴も時々買います。どれも口にすると、昔庭に成っていた金柑を思い出し、ほのぼのとした気分になります。

Continuing from yesterday, today marks the first day of spring in the 24 solar terms, signifying the beginning of the year. On the other hand, the year according to the lunar calendar (solar and lunar calendar) begins on February 10th this year, and this day marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. In Japan, the tradition of celebrating the ‘Old New Year’ persists in some regions, particularly in Okinawa and the southwestern islands. When we were children, we often heard about the Lunar New Year still. However, in contemporary Japan, New Year’s celebrations have firmly established themselves during the first three days of January in the Gregorian calendar.
The resurgence of interest in the Lunar New Year is attributed to China’s Spring Festival. With the rapid economic development of China, many Chinese people visit Japan during the Spring Festival, and the phenomenon of ‘explosive buying’ became a topic of conversation. Looking around neighboring countries, Japan is unique in celebrating the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. In China, Taiwan, and Singapore, it’s the ‘Spring Festival,’ in Korea, it’s ‘Seollal,’ in Vietnam, it’s ‘Tet,’ and in Malaysia, it’s the ‘Chinese New Year’—all of which are based on the old lunar calendar.
While Japan celebrates the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar, traditional events following the old lunar calendar and the 24 solar terms are abundant throughout the year, starting with today’s first day of spring. It’s a curious country.

昨日の続きになりますが、二十四節気では立春の初日の今日が１年の始まりです。一方旧暦（太陽太陰暦）の１年の始まりは、今年は２月10日で、この日を旧暦の元旦とし、旧正月が始まります。日本では、沖縄の一部地域や南西諸島辺りで「旧正月」を祝う風習が今も根強く残っていたり、私達の子供の頃には旧正月の事もまだよく耳にしたものです。しかし今では日本の正月は新暦の１月の三が日が完全に定着しています。
旧正月を思い起こさせたのは中国の春節です。急速に経済発展した中国から春節に沢山の中国人が日本を訪れ、「爆買い」が話題になってからです。日本周辺の国々を見渡しても、新暦で正月を祝うのは日本くらいで、中国や台湾、そしてシンガポールの「春節」、韓国の「ソルラル」、ベトナムの「テト」、マレーシアの「チャイニーズ・ニュー・イヤー」など、すべて旧正月です。
日本では正月は新暦ですが、今日の立春をはじめ、旧暦や二十四節気の伝統行事が一年中目白押しです。不思議な国です。

Today is Setsubun, tomorrow is the beginning of spring (Risshun), and the 10th is the New Year’s Day of the old lunar calendar. This time of year feels like spring is rapidly approaching. While Risshun marks the start of the year in the 24 solar terms based on the sun’s movement along the ecliptic, the old lunar New Year falls on the first day of the “old calendar,” determined by the phases of the moon. When combined with the new calendar’s January 1st, Japan has three different beginnings of the year. While the new calendar’s New Year is fixed on January 1st, the old lunar New Year varies between January 22nd and February 19th, depending on the new moon day, making it different each year. Although Japan’s New Year is almost always on January 1st, in countries like China, Taiwan, Korea, and some Southeast Asian nations, the old lunar New Year is celebrated as the New Year. China’s New Year, known as the Spring Festival (Chun Jie), is well-known in Japan as well. The Spring Festival in 2024 is an 8-day holiday from February 10th (Saturday) to February 17th (Saturday), and many Chinese visitors are expected in Japan during this period.

今日は節分の日で明日は立春、そして10日は旧正月の元旦です。一気に春が押し寄せた様な時期がこの時期です。立春が太陽の黄道上の動きを基準に決められる二十四節気での１年の始まりであるのに対して、旧正月は月の満ち欠けを基準とした“旧暦”の1月1日です。新暦の１月１日と合わせると、日本には１年の始まりが３回あることになります。新暦のお正月が1月１日と固定している一方、旧正月は1月22日から2月19日までの間で新月の日が元旦ですから、旧正月は年によって変わります。日本の正月は１月１日がほぼ確定していますが、中国や台湾、韓国を初め、東南アジアの一部の国々は旧正月が正月です。中国の正月は春節と言って、日本でもよく知られています。2024年の春節は2月10日（土）～2月17日（土）の8連休で、日本にも沢山の中国人がおとずれます。