That one advantage Japanese and other cultures have, they have a connection to their past. They remember their ancestors. Sadly most people in the US forget after a few generation. Even my own parents only know a little about their grandparents, or great grandparents.
Every year I go back to Japan to celebrate Obon and visit my wife's grave. Is it in August in your part of Japan as it is in Hokkaido? I know some parts of Japan celebrate at different times.
@SpreadMyWings247 You have a very good eye for detail! This is actually just a ritual my wife's family does. The tradition started with my father-in-law and now everyone does it though I suspect none (including me) other than my father-in-law have any idea about the reason. Thanks for watching. Have a great day! ~Kurt :-)
I had premade assumptions before watching this video since I thought that visiting a graveyard would be a very serious matter but I'm glad the video came out in such a brilliant way! Very well put together and all the fun bits in there were really charming too!
@Sunkan86 I'm so glad you found this video interesting and that it was able to help give a more approachable picture of what Japan grave visits are really like (at least for some families). ~Kurt :-)
I miss going to the cemetery to visit my family but since it's overseas the most that I can do is go to temple. thanks for sharing kurt, it was very kind of you :)
Hi Kat, Our family always seems to find a way to work in a visit to the ice cream shop after every such event. I personally think it is an excellent way to wind up such a day! -Kurt :-)
Thanks Kurt for sharing this interesting video! It is a very nice tradition to pay respect for departed family members. I really enjoy learning about Japan! Also,did you and Yumiko ever make that trip to Kyoto yet?
Hello gtpluvr, I'm sorry for my late response. We did indeed make our trip to Kyoto and I have posted some videos to share. If you have not already seen them them please drop by and have a look. I hope that you might find the Kyoto videos entertaining and interesting. Thanks for watching and commenting! -Kurt :-)
Very interesting! When you bow with your hands folded, do you pray for something in particular? Is it for the blessings of the ancestors or for blessings on the ancestors or something else?
Hello watcher80, I am sorry for my late response. I'm not sure what other people do though when I pray at the grave I typically think about my family and those who have passed on. :-)
i have two question. why is wife's side of the family called suzuki cland and not the Suzuki by the last name. second how do japans acknowlde death in jappan?
Hello kidzero22, Sorry for my late reply... Could you please restate your first question as I fear I don't quite understand what you are asking? Regarding death: Japanese people seem to deal with it like folks in other countries with grieving, and acts of rememberance. Buddhism seems to be the preferred religion when dealing with death in this country.
Majority of Japanese think all religions are nonsense that includes Shinto and Buddhism but one thing, they take ancestor worship seriously. Even if Buddhism cease to exist, they will probably still worship their ancestors in one way or another.
"Shame to all your ancestors" is one of the most insulting comment they can give to their family member or relatives.
That one advantage Japanese and other cultures have, they have a connection to their past. They remember their ancestors. Sadly most people in the US forget after a few generation. Even my own parents only know a little about their grandparents, or great grandparents.
MiahTwilight 1 week ago
Haha, Emily's wearing Heelys?
SaintLouisX 7 months ago
what sect are your wives family members of? if thats not too personal, just curious
ginabanadab 9 months ago
水鉢の水を葉ですくって3度かけるんだね。
私の先祖の墓ではやったことない。
うちは曹洞宗だけど、宗派の違いなのかな？
単にウチがやり方を知らなかっただけなのかな？
湯のみ茶碗にお茶入れて出すけど。
akinasukizakura 10 months ago
Every year I go back to Japan to celebrate Obon and visit my wife's grave. Is it in August in your part of Japan as it is in Hokkaido? I know some parts of Japan celebrate at different times.
fuzzypaws17 10 months ago
So very beautiful, life is indeed worth living.
Pinkspiderable 11 months ago
Unagi: my favorite Nippon ryori!
cinecyclist 1 year ago
Why do they touch the water between the vases before they pray? To cleanse or...?
SpreadMyWings247 1 year ago
@SpreadMyWings247 You have a very good eye for detail! This is actually just a ritual my wife's family does. The tradition started with my father-in-law and now everyone does it though I suspect none (including me) other than my father-in-law have any idea about the reason. Thanks for watching. Have a great day! ~Kurt :-)
softypapa 1 year ago
I have never seen anything like this before. Real nice vid.
HarpSama 1 year ago
@HarpSama I'm happy you found this video interesting. Thank you for letting me know. ~Kurt :-)
softypapa 1 year ago
I had premade assumptions before watching this video since I thought that visiting a graveyard would be a very serious matter but I'm glad the video came out in such a brilliant way! Very well put together and all the fun bits in there were really charming too!
ご家族の幸福を祈ります！：）
Sunkan86 1 year ago
@Sunkan86 I'm so glad you found this video interesting and that it was able to help give a more approachable picture of what Japan grave visits are really like (at least for some families). ~Kurt :-)
softypapa 1 year ago
Comment removed
Sunkan86 1 year ago
I miss going to the cemetery to visit my family but since it's overseas the most that I can do is go to temple. thanks for sharing kurt, it was very kind of you :)
splitza 2 years ago
Thanks for sharing that experience.
freakmrhyde 2 years ago
I had some thoughtful comments about how calm and relaxing the visit went..
..and now I want ice cream! XD
~Kat
Luminasita 2 years ago
Hi Kat, Our family always seems to find a way to work in a visit to the ice cream shop after every such event. I personally think it is an excellent way to wind up such a day! -Kurt :-)
softypapa 2 years ago
very nice and interesting video!
MissUberville 2 years ago
This was very interesting. Thank you! I love all your videos that tell about Japanese traditions.
BlueMew 2 years ago
Ice cream afterwards....."SWEET!" ;-)
TommyTurntables1 2 years ago
Thanks Kurt for sharing this interesting video! It is a very nice tradition to pay respect for departed family members. I really enjoy learning about Japan! Also,did you and Yumiko ever make that trip to Kyoto yet?
gtpluvr 2 years ago
Hello gtpluvr, I'm sorry for my late response. We did indeed make our trip to Kyoto and I have posted some videos to share. If you have not already seen them them please drop by and have a look. I hope that you might find the Kyoto videos entertaining and interesting. Thanks for watching and commenting! -Kurt :-)
softypapa 2 years ago
Very interesting! When you bow with your hands folded, do you pray for something in particular? Is it for the blessings of the ancestors or for blessings on the ancestors or something else?
watcher8o 2 years ago
Hello watcher80, I am sorry for my late response. I'm not sure what other people do though when I pray at the grave I typically think about my family and those who have passed on. :-)
softypapa 2 years ago
i have two question. why is wife's side of the family called suzuki cland and not the Suzuki by the last name. second how do japans acknowlde death in jappan?
kidzero22 2 years ago
Hello kidzero22, Sorry for my late reply... Could you please restate your first question as I fear I don't quite understand what you are asking? Regarding death: Japanese people seem to deal with it like folks in other countries with grieving, and acts of rememberance. Buddhism seems to be the preferred religion when dealing with death in this country.
softypapa 2 years ago
my question was why did you called your wife family the suzuki clan?
kidzero22 2 years ago
Very touching, Kurt. I honestly wish we did this in the states. Great work as always, and 5 stars. -Cole :-)
Bloozboy91 2 years ago
So, Emily is officially Emi-chan now? ^_^
Majority of Japanese think all religions are nonsense that includes Shinto and Buddhism but one thing, they take ancestor worship seriously. Even if Buddhism cease to exist, they will probably still worship their ancestors in one way or another.
"Shame to all your ancestors" is one of the most insulting comment they can give to their family member or relatives.
allgoo19 2 years ago
Incredible share! Felt like i was there! Thanks!
BeatsRoyale 2 years ago
The freshwater eel looked tasty : )
MicknFumi 2 years ago
Awesome video :)
ladyofthelake3 2 years ago
Wonderful video Kurt, keep them coming!
Mystek23 2 years ago 4
beautiful tradition
firzen711 2 years ago 4