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3. Words that express the beauty of nature

   When we look at nature's beauty, we often have difficulty describing it 
due to its magnificence, but through understanding of nature’s beauty 
we can learn how to express our appreciation for it.
    

Thunder as an incarnation of God
   As you know, there are a lot of mythologies which are considered 
as the proof of the existence of god. 
Some examples can be seen with the existence Zeus in Greek mythology and 
Thor in Northern Europe. In Japan, we also have similar examples that 
thunder is considered as God named Ikazuchi or Mikazuchi. In Kyoto, 
there is a shrine called "Kamigamo-Jinja" (built in the 7th century) 
which enshrines the deity Kamo-wake-ikazuchi-no-kami which 
translates to god of Ikazuchi. This shrine is registered as a world 
heritage site.

Kyoto
 This is the center of Japanese history, tradition, and culture.    
It was also the meeting place for COP3 global warming prevention 
in 1997.

Cherry blossoms and new life
   We would also like to introduce one unique custom that is 
connected to our culture as well. Cherry blossom viewing! 
The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts and announces to the 
public every year when the cherry blossoms will bloom . 
   
   Cherry blossom trees usually start blooming in the southern 
part of Japan before March, around the last ten days of March 
in Tokyo and finally in May in the northern part of Japan. 
The first blooming date in the year is monitored at 100 different 
spots around the country. If it blooms too early it is supposed 
to be sometiing abnormal in climate. 
People in Japan always look forward to the blooming of the cherry 
flowers and enjoy having picnics under them. 
Not only do flowers bloom in the beginning of spring but 
our lives change dramatically as well. School in Japan starts 
in April. Winter clothes are put away and cooler ones are 
brought out. The cherry blossom gives us the good indication for
spring.

Rain and land
   By the way, what do you think are the reasons for the daily 
weather changes in Japan ? 
   The main reason is that our country is located in the middle of the 
south-eastern monsoon Asia region. We are between sub-tropical 
and sub-frigid zones that bring warm and cold air flows which cause 
cold and warm fronts. Due to these fronts and water vapor supplied 
from the surrounding ocean, we have constantly changing weather 
and substantial rainfall every year. This rainfall affects the riparian 
work and irrigation for rice.

An attachment to one's native land
   Through the rainy season and rice plantation, we have cultivated, 
developed and advanced the Japanese culture and mind to enjoy nature 
itself. Therefore we have an attachment to the land where we were born
and where we are living. We always enjoy the fruits from our land.
 
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