The Japan Times Monday, March 24, 2014 3 national head

Eric Johnston evening. STAFF WRITER Even as osaka aspires to be- Osaka come an international jazz mec- ca like Paris or Stockholm, the during his re-election campaign region will continue to promote these past two weeks, one of the itself as an asian gateway. lesser known successes osaka Indeed, since Kansai Interna- Mayor To ru ha shi mo to touted tional airport opened in 1994, was creating the osaka Govern- touting its asian connections has The city of Nara’s Sento-kun mascot welcomes visitors at JR ment Tourism Bureau to pro- been the one consistent theme Nara Station in April 2010. kyodo mote the area to tourists and in the otherwise numerous, and convention organizers. at times schizophrenic, efforts to ‘culture creation’ often The new bureau marks the create a lasting domestic and in- latest effort by a local govern- ternational image. yet what those ment in Kansai to distinguish connections are, beyond trade easier than it looks itself and grab a piece of the do- relations, or why asian tour- Eric Johnston dents of the dada school need mestic and international tourism ists should automatically prefer STAFF WRITER apply. modern Kansai over other parts Osaka Second, there should be a of the country is never made connection to the image of the clear. For all the official rhetoric about locality held by the rest of the na- KANSAI With the central government the need for the prefectures in tion or the world, although just announcing earlier this year that Kansai to distinguish themselves how obvious that connection PERSPECTIVE it hopes to attract 20 million for- from each other, let alone from should be to those unfamiliar eign visitors to Japan by the 2020 the rest of the country, there with the region’s history is the pie. But when promoting their Tokyo olympics — about double is too often a herd mentality subject of much debate. areas overseas and, to a lesser the number of visitors in 2013 — among the local bureaucracies nara’s Sento-kun, a Buddha- extent domestically, the first and local governments around Japan when it comes to planning and like boy wearing a set of deer most fundamental problem offi- Top: Yoshihiro Murata (center), tained Kyo to, not Shi ga, leeks are expected to increase their promoting tourism campaigns. antlers to symbolize nara as the cials in Kansai face is the region’s master chef for Kikunoi after you’ve returned home, or promotional efforts. over the one formula for success as home of Todaiji Temple and the image, or lack of one, among Japanese restaurant and care much about the difference next six years, we can look for- Kansai officialdom defines it (i.e. wild deer in nara Park, was fairly would-be visitors. chairman of the Japanese between Kobe beef and Tottori ward to all manner of attempts continued funding for ever-big- straightforward. But hyogo Pre- despite recent efforts to co- Culinary Academy, cooks in beef. by prefectures, towns and even ger local tourism budgets) begins fecture’s haba-tan, a baby phoe- ordinate tourism promotion ef- the restaurant kitchen during and what about osaka? after villages to create a recognizable with the concept of “bun ka zu ku- nix mascot, requires immediately forts, local politicians are still a media tour arranged by the years of trying to promote the image that will lead to increased ri,” or “culture creation.” remembering that Kobe had an very much in competition with Foreign Press Center/Japan city as the “kitchen of Japan” tourism revenue or at least sales Ideally, such culture is pegged earthquake in January 1995, each other, and even well-known (FPCJ) in Tokyo on Dec. 11. A — efforts which met only with of local products. to local characteristics or locally from which it has recovered — Kansai cities are seeking new bento box is served for lunch mixed success — officials have Such efforts may seem a bit produced ideas turned into a like a phoenix. ways to “re-brand” themselves. at the Kikunoi during the somewhat switched gears and desperate. But Kansai-area offi- reason for tourists to visit. But Finally, the mascot must be one way is through food. same media tour. bloombERg are now attempting to promote cials in particular worry that un- how to first grab the attention of marketable. Tourists will be ex- not too long ago, relatively little the city as an entertainment cen- less foreign visitors have a strong jaded tourists once the bureau- pected not only to immediately thought was given to local cui- cultural capital, appears to have ter. image of the region as a whole crats, politicians and corporate associate the mascot with the sine’s potential as a tourist draw. the least to be concerned about When it comes to Western, or by then, those who do venture types decide what constitutes town or locale they visited but But now fussy foodies in search when it comes to creating an american, music, Kobe has long outside of Tokyo in search of profitable local culture? also stock up on all sorts of con- of the perfect can’t-find-it-in- image. But thanks to the new now proudly boast of local straw- sai to create an image via a local been known as Kansai’s center adventure will go to a part of The creation of a cute mas- sumer goods with the mascot Tokyo-or-anywhere-else meal, UnESco status, Kyoto is also re- berries. In Wa ka ya ma Prefecture, food are likely to have limited for jazz while back in the 1970s the country that has managed cot always helps. Sometimes, prominently displayed. call it made with healthy, fresh ingredi- branding itself as a destination plum-based products, especially success overseas. For starters, Kyoto was famous for its blues to create not only a good image the mascot comes to life after the hello Kitty tourism promo- ents grown locally, are the target for healthy, locally famous foods homemade “ume-shu” liquor, there is a severe lack of informa- bars. Today, however, osaka is but also a unique one promis- ideas are publicly solicited and tion plan. of local promotion campaigns. such as the “ku jo ne gi,” a kind of are growing in availability at tion in English about restaurants attempting to reinvent itself as a ing something other than the approved. other times, the may- one might argue that the en- Such efforts are expected to leek. shops in Kansai that cater to in the localities where the food major international jazz center. same kind of food, music and or’s nephew or the daughter of ergy and the tax money going increase further since “wa sho- restaurants specializing in tourists. originates, or even restaurants To that end, it will host its entertainment that can be found the local head of the chamber into the creation of a mascot to ku” traditional Japanese cui- meals served with local produce and Tottori hopes beef-eaters in Kansai’s major cities that are Third International Jazz day, pretty much anywhere in Japan. of commerce is quietly commis- sell officially sanctioned Kansai sine was added in december to have been springing up in and in Kansai, after they’ve paid a dedicated to a particular local another UnESco-endorsed or the world. sioned to produce the mascot for culture might be better spent on UnESco’s Intangible cultural around the touristy Ki yo ma chi visit to Kobe, will come up to food or foods. project, on april 30. Presented a closed-door committee. things that actually benefit tour- heritage list. area. their prefecture and sample the In addition, unless you are in partnership with the Theloni- Kansai Perspective appears on But whoever does the work ists or have something to do with In Kansai, Kyoto’s restaurant other prefectures are also pro- local olein 55 beef that, despite as obsessed as those promot- ous Monk Institute of Jazz, the the fourth Monday of each must meet three criteria. real culture. But that presumes lo- industry played an influential moting local foods and drink. In its rather unappetizing name, ing their local cuisine with its event features workshops with month, focusing on Kansai- First, and most importantly, cal officials can, and want, to view role in publicly pushing for the na ra, long thought of as the one now enjoys the promotional sup- distinctive characteristics, it’s famous musicians from around area developments and events the mascot must be cute and tourists as something other than a status. place in Kan sai that is undistin- port of the national government. unlikely you’ll remember, for the world and concludes with a of national importance with a send a positive message. no stu- new revenue stream to be tapped. Well-known Kyoto, Japan’s guished food-wise, city officials yet efforts in and around Kan- example, the soup you ate con- concert in osaka castle Park that Kansai connection.

(Advertisement) AGON SHU HOSHI MATSURI 2014 in the morning, Kiriyama wore a traditional yamabushi Agon Shu unites Buddhist traditions in Fire Rites Festival costume. In the afternoon, he wore the costume of a high- more eclectic reli- Theravada Buddhism was of 7:30 a.m. as in previous yamabushi-costumed Agon ranking Bhutanese Buddhist gion, as opposed transmitted from India to Sri years. The schedule was Shu members called mondo priest. Kiriyama also wore t o s o m e o t h e r Lanka, and then to Thailand, changed to give as many visi- that tests their knowledge of magatama beads for the first types of Bud - Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia tors as possible the chance to Buddhist doctrine and prac- time this year. Magatama are dhism, which are and Vietnam. It is based on view the ceremony. The begin- tice. This was the second year accessories worn by the Shin- focused on their the Agama Sutras, the only ning of the festival was female yamabushi took part in to gods in ancient times. Kiri- own region.” scriptures directly taught by marked with brightly colored the mondo exchanges. In addi- yama, who has acquired the the historical Buddha. fireworks bursting spectacu- tion, a group called Yama- powers of both Shinto and Bud- Pure source M a h a y a n a B u d d h i s m larly against the morning sky. bushi YAN comprising male dhism, began to wear magata- So just what is spread from India to China, That was followed by a proces- and female disciples aged ma because he wants to Agon Shu, and the Korean Peninsula and sion of Agon Shu members between 15 and 28 joined the spiritually boost all visitors by w h a t ’ s s p e c i a l finally Japan. And Tibetan dressed as yamabushi moun- mondo exchanges. using both his Buddhist power, about the type of Buddhism was transmitted tain priests entering the sanc- The highlight of the Fire which was strengthened by B u d d h i s m i t from India to Tibet, Nepal, tuary of the amphitheater at Rites Festival came when two the secret power of Bhutanese teaches? Agon Mongolia and Bhutan. Tibetan Agon Shu’s headquarters in huge goma-dan pyres in front Buddhism (which is part of The richly decorated main altar piled high with various Shu was founded Buddhism is mainly based on Kyoto’s eastern hills to the of the altar were ignited. This the Tibetan Buddhist tradi- offerings to Buddha, including a relic of the historical Buddha. in 1978 by the Rev. the Tantric Buddhism of late- sound of majestic music espe- year 31 million gomagi prayer tion) and the power of Shinto. Seiyu Kiriyama. stage Mahayana Buddhism. cially created for the Hoshi sticks were thrown onto the Among the foreign visitors ba as a monument for lasting Kyoto and is the first profes- For many years But Tibetan Buddhism also Matsuri by the late composer pyres throughout the day. at this year’s Fire Rites Festi- world peace. The monument sional Japanese triathlon ath- he had been try- has elements close to those of Toshiro Mayuzumi. The yam- Believers write their personal val were Jaime Arequipeno was formally dedicated at a lete to have competed in the ing to find a satis- early Buddhism. Tibetan Bud- abushi assembled in front of a prayers and desires on the and Norberto Gordillo from ceremony on Aug. 29. And on Triathlon World Cup. He is fying answer in dhism thus has a strong spiri- beautifully richly decorated gomagi. One pyre is called the Peru. “This event is very, very Sept. 15, Kiriyama held a spe- also a sports navigator. He his quest for spiri- tual power not seen in main altar piled high with var- Shinkai-dan and is for the interesting,” said Arequipeno. cial peace prayer fire-offering was joined by Hisanori Taka- Rev. Seiyu Kiriyama, founder of Agon Shu, tual truth. Kiriya- Theravada or Mahayana Bud- ious offerings to Buddha, prayers, requests and desires “It’s my first time here.” Com- service for the Middle East at ma, president of event-plan- performs a blessing while wearing the ma found it in the dhism. including a relic of the histori- of the living. The other pyre is mented Gordillo: “It’s another the dagoba in the Jerusalem ning and graphic design costume of a Bhutanese Buddhist priest. Agama Sutras, cal Buddha. called Bukkai-dan and is for way of knowing the culture of Peace and Friendship Park at company Cried Corp., and the purest source “Perfect Buddhism” the liberation of the afflicted Japan, and I’m very happy to Agon Shu’s main temple in Kozo Fujiwara from JTB The Japanese have always of Buddhist doctrine. Agon Kiriyama has mastered all Prayers offered spirits of the departed. be here.” Kyoto. The ceremony was Sports Station, which operates had a practical, down-to-earth Shu has since grown into a three branches of Buddhism. Attendants then carried Kiriyama performed a bless- This year the festival was attended by various Israeli websites for various sports attitude toward religion. The community of 400,000 mem- Agon Shu is thus the world’s Kiriyama into the sanctuary ing on the torches used by broadcast for the first time via dignitaries, who presented events. doctrinal disputes and sectari- bers in Japan and thousands only Buddhist group that has of the amphitheater on a attendants to ignite the goma- the Internet, including on Agon Agon Shu with a 1,500-year-old Agon Shu will also hold a an rivalries concerning spiri- more overseas. Agon Shu integrated the three branches palanquin. He took his place dan pyres. He also prayed to Shu’s YouTube channel and a olive tree, a symbol of peace, Dai Saito Gomaku ceremony tual matters that are found in advocates the spiritual path of the faith into one complete on the “Shishi-za” or “Lion the Buddha for his compassion special Chinese-subtitled live to wish for lasting friendship in Fukushima this fall to pray many cultures are largely taught by the Buddha in the whole, with the historical Bud- Seat,” which refers to the seat and to protect those present. webcast for the benefit of the between Israel and Agon Shu. for the victims of the March absent from the Japanese reli- belief that this is the only sure dha’s way of becoming Bud- on which the historical Bud- The attendants took the flam- Agon Shu faithful in Taiwan. And on Nov. 10, Kiriyama 2011 earthquake and tsunami. gious landscape. People don’t way to achieve personal liber- dha, which had been lost, as dha sat to give his teaching. ing torches and held them At a midday press confer- held a ceremony in which he The date for the ceremony has think of themselves as exclu- ation from karma and peace its core. Agon Shu calls this From here Kiriyama offered close to the pyres. Two col- ence, the head of Agon Shu’s prayed for world peace at not yet been decided. Since the sively Buddhist or Shintoist in and harmony in the world. For integrated Buddhism “perfect prayers to the Lord Buddha on umns of smoke spiraled into public relations department Agon Shu’s new Taiwan head disaster, Agon Shu has held the way, say, Christians, Mus- Agon Shu believers, the Lord Buddhism.” That was a major behalf of all the people taking the morning sky, followed by described the highlights of temple in Taipei. The ceremo- memorial services to pray for lims or Jews demarcate their Buddha is the ultimate object theme of this year’s Fire Rites part in the Fire Rites Festival, the eye-catching sight of Agon Shu’s activities in the ny was broadcast live via the the dead and wish for speedy creeds according to strictly of worship and is the first ele- Festival, which was attended and on behalf of all the living orange flames leaping out of past year. One was the Dai Internet to Agon Shu temples recovery from the disaster in defined tenets. ment of their faith. Next by 430,000 people. and the departed for whom the pyres and the loud, crack- Gomaku peace memorial cer- in Japan. Agon Shu received a Miyagi, Fukushima and Iwate This attitude of non-doctri- comes the dharma, which The festival is the most prayers were offered. ling sound of burning wood. emony at Maishima Arena in congratulatory message from prefectures. Agon Shu mem- naire eclecticism is an impor- comprises the Buddha’s teach- important event of the year A series of Shinto rites was Osaka on July 7. Kiriyama former Taiwanese President bers have also donated funds tant reason many people join ings and training methods. for Agon Shu and is the world’s followed by a question-and- Secret power prayed for safety from earth- Lee Teng-hui. and part of the revenue from a the Agon Shu Buddhist Associ- The third element is the com- biggest fire rites festival. answer exchange between the During the Buddhist service quakes and tsunami. He also February 2012 musical perfor- ation. Take Paul Mitchell, for munity of believers and its Besides drawing spiritual prayed for war and disaster Busy year ahead mance at the Minami-za the- example. The British native leaders, called the sangha. strength from the three major victims not only in Osaka and 2014 is shaping up to be ater in Kyoto to support the drew lots of attention with his Agon Shu is a sangha led by branches of Buddhism, the the rest of Japan, but also the another busy year for Agon reconstruction in disaster- yamabushi mountain priest Kiriyama. festival also blends rituals Middle East and East Asia, Shu. An event called “Yama- stricken areas. costume at Agon Shu’s annual Agon Shu prides itself on from Japan’s indigenous Shin- and for economic recovery bushi Shugyo Run” will be But now that Agon Shu has Fire Rites Festival, which was being unique among Japanese to faith with Buddhist rites. and world peace. held on the grounds of Agon found a suitable site in Fuku- held in Kyoto on Feb. 11, for Buddhist groups by its empha- “I’m a Nichiren Buddhist,” Shu’s main temple on April shima, a full-scale Dai Saito Building ties with Israel the 41st time. sis on returning to the original said Jahni Ferguson, a stu- 20th. The aim of the event is to Gomaku ceremony can be “I’ve been a member of Buddhist teachings. But as dent visiting Japan along with On the international front, develop the spirit of partici- held to pray for the souls of Agon Shu for about 20 years,” Mitchell notes, the organiza- other members of the Boys Agon Shu held a ceremony in pants and strengthen connec- victims and recovery of the says Mitchell. “Before I came tion also stresses an eclectic, and Girls Club of Boston in the Jerusalem on Aug. 28 during tions among friends and area. to Japan, I didn’t know too ecumenical style of spirituali- United States. “I think the which ashes of the historical colleagues. On hand at the Agon Shu also plans to hold much about Buddhism. After ty that draws on the best ele- Buddhism they do is actually Buddha were placed in a dago- Feb. 11 press conference to a big event to eliminate bad living here for two or three ments of the three main better, because it includes ba stone pillar in the Japanese talk about the “Yamabushi karma surrounding Japan. years, I began to be interested schools of Buddhism: Thera- Shinto rituals.” Flames leap from the goma-dan pyres in front of the garden at the Jerusalem Shugyo Run” was Taro Shira- Details have yet to be decided in Buddhism. Then I was intro- vada, Mahayana and Tibetan This year’s Fire Rites Festi- splendidly decorated altar during Agon Shu’s annual Fire Botanical Garden. Agon Shu to, who will serve as director and will be announced at a lat- duced to Agon Shu. Agon is a Buddhism. val started at 8:30 a.m. instead Rites Festival in Kyoto on Feb. 11. built the garden and the dago- of the event. Shirato is from er date.

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