In Japan, the most extraordinary element is its forests. The Japanese have a long history of cherishing the trees in their forests.
The photo I am sharing was taken in Koyasan, a central monastery of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism located in a forest within the mountains of Wakayama Prefecture. In contrast to European churches located in city centers, the focal point of Japanese faith is nestled in remote forests.
The Japanese believe that forests are sacred, home to divine spirits. Destroying forests is not just an environmental concern, but a breach of spiritual sanctity. There is a strong belief that cutting down forest trees angers the gods and brings curses upon humans.
By 2050, it’s said that all the world’s rainforests might disappear. Humanity cannot survive without the greenery. Thus, halting the destruction of forests is a crucial task for the survival of humankind. Japan’s traditional religious beliefs and the philosophy of forest reverence could play a pivotal role in this rescue mission.
Yet, for the Osaka Expo, there are plans to transplant 1,500 trees to Yumeshima. Considering the sea breeze and the challenges of transplanting grown trees, this seems impractical.
Japan is blessed with magnificent forests. I urge our international visitors to explore not Yumeshima, but the revered and historical forests of Koyasan, Ise Jingu, and many others.
Hearing such news about the Expo, I am left speechless and dismayed at the lack of regard for Japan’s treasured natural heritage.
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