Monday, March 21, 2011

Kizuna 絆 (Our bond) - Ame nimo Makezu

We suffer a lot of damage, however, we can hear some good news day by day. I'm happy to hear.


A lot of Japanese artists act to support and help victims. Kizuna311 is a project to encourage them by Ken Watanabe who is famous Japanese actor and appear in Hollywood movies.
He recites a famous Japanese poet "Ame nimo makezu" for victims. It is a poet by Kenji Miyazawa who is well known for us. He was born in Iwate prefecture of Tohoke area. It is just devastated area now. I heard his recitation and read it again. I was so touched. I found why Tohoku people are so patient, strong and positive after reading it. The toughness is formed by severe climate in Tohoku area. I want to be strong like them. I want to introduce Ken's recitation. 


not losing to the rain
not losing to the wind
not losing to the snow nor to summer's heat
with a strong body
unfettered by desire
never losing temper
cultivating a quiet joy
every day four bowls of brown rice
miso and some vegetables to eat
in everything
count yourself last and put others before you
watching and listening, and understanding
and never forgetting
in the shade of the woods of the pines of the fields
being in a little thatched hut
if there is a sick child to the east
going and nursing over them
if there is a tired mother to the west
going and shouldering her sheaf of rice
if there is someone near death to the south
going and saying there's no need to be afraid
if there is a quarrel or a suit to the north
telling them to leave off with such waste
when there's drought, shedding tears of sympathy
when the summer's cold, wandering upset
called a blockhead by everyone
without being praised
without being blamed
such a person
I want to become

5 comments:

S said...

how beautiful and heatfelt words

all my support to Japan and Japanese people

what great and brave people!

ganbatte ne, we are all with you!

Ricky said...

Thank you for your encouragement. I hope that people in Tohoku can overcome thier sadness soon. And we want to help them.

Anonymous said...

I am a big fan of Ken Watanabe, those words are so touching and beautiful. Our thoughts and prayers are always for the people of Japan. Ganbare!!

Ricky said...

I'm a big fan, too. Some Japanese actors or singers announce their message or show their performances for us.

Jinchi said...

Hello and good day to all. Am just a random 'passerby' and found your page. Really love this poem Ame ni mo makezu. And to think it was written a century before. You can also check out the song derived from this poem by HK artistes for Japan at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFkUO8KwNDA&NR=1

So apt for the situation in Japan now. My highest regards for the Japanese for facing this challenge with such strength and faith. It is through a test like this that we can see that all humans are one. Forget which country you come from, what colour is your skin, what your history was and other differences - unity of humankind knows no boundaries. Hang in there, Japan. We are with you.