Shahjahan Siraj

Today 21st February, the International Language Day. Including Bangladesh all over the world are observing the International Mother Language Day through paying homage to the Language Movement martyrs. At midnight today, people from all walks of life walks barefoot to the Shaheed Minars across the country and place wreaths as a mark of respect to those who sacrificed their lives on the day, 53 years ago. I am sorry, I can not be joining in the unprecedented patriotic really in Shaheed Minars as I am now in Japan, but I don’t forgot my country. In brief, the background of language movement is, after the colonial period two religion-based states emerged: India and Pakistan in the Indian subcontinent. As a Muslim region, Bangladesh was then a part of Pakistan. But there were basic cultural differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Pakistani rulers tried to dominate Bengali culture in the name of Islam. They even denied the Bengali language the status of state language. On this day in 1...

Sento is the Japanese public bathhouses. Yesterday was my most interesting experiences in my life. I publicly took bath without cloth at Pivot Power city in Fukushima. To take bath hot bath in publicly is a part of general life in Japan. Pivot power city at Fukushima main city. For the Japanese case the equation is simple: “Sento = cleanliness + nakedness + togetherness”, but for me as like as another foreigners “Sento = hesitation + shyness + relax + satisfactions”. My experience was such, my relative guided by my bother in law to Sento. After arrived in power city we locked shoes in box. After get ticked electrically we enter main arena of Sento. After arrival he quickly put off his all cloths in front me but I was felling shy severely; but my appearance was bravely to absorb other culture as like world cultural activist. I was so surprised to see all people naked, just have one small white towel in hand! At last I also put off but did not forget to put my small white handkerchief ...

Sushi is the most delicious and favorites to among both Japanese and non Japanese. In Japan, Sushi is usually considered a special meal for special occasions or to guest. When I have arrived Japan I also was served with Sushi and Shashimi by my relatives. In Bangladesh also I ate one day Sushi, made by my wife. But in Fukushima by taking real test I am very impressed with its real flavors. In 3rd February there was a Japanese traditional ceremony Setsubun Three neighbors of my wife family presented delicious Sushi on the eve of Mamemaki and my visit. Please find one photo of Sushi was taken by me. There are many forms of Sushi. But one ingredient Sushi rice, (Japanese rice cooked with Sushi vinegar). The common forms are nigiri zushi (small rice balls with fish and other small pieces of food on top), gunkan zushi (seafood in small cups made of Sushi rice and seaweed), norimaki (Sushi rolls), temaki zushi (Sushi rice, seafood and other food in cones made of seaweed), chirashi zush...

Natto, is a traditional Japanese food. All Japanese, even my wife Misuzu san also like very much Natto! But I can not tolerate Natto’s smile and stickiness. Most of foreigners can not eat like me. They dislike the softness of the soybeans, the unique smell and the stickiness, which comes from the process of fermenting of soybeans. It is very popular as it contains all of the nutrition and ingredients that soybeans have, plus Natto has a unique enzyme, which is called Nattokinase. Nattokinase creates good blood circulation. It is effective in prevention of adult diseases. Young especially girls like Natto very much as during make it increases vitamin B2 contain in soybeans 3-4 times. Vitamin B2 burns fat, make slim the body and increase the beauty. In other words, eating Natto keeps your skin velvety-smooth. However, Natto contains vitamin K2, is not available in common food, which is a very important ingredient to keep bones healthy. Natto’s fiber also fix the balance of intestinal ba...

Greetings for Iino! For my family purpose I am now Iino, is a small town of the Fukushima Prefecture. It lies within 200 kilometers of Japan's capital of Tokyo. With a shape that resembles the country of Australia. Fukushima is the third largest land area of all prefectures in Japan. Fukushima Prefecture is one of the representative "hot springs paradises" of Japan. To go Fukushima it takes 4 hours by bus/ or 1.5 hours by Shinkansen (Japanese underground bullet train) from Tokyo . Now here winter, everyday average temperature is minus 1.2 – 4 º C. Even though outside always snow has falling, but life is not stopped. Every house has electronic hitter, sitting table ( Kotatsu) with hitter. Now I am also writing from Kotsu. After daylong hard work, drinking and taking delicious food as like as Japanese I also take ophuru ( hot water bath and shower ) night time. By taking ophuru just I become half boil, all of my body cell awakes up. I am very impressed by Iino’s life, sea f...

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Coronet, my first child born at 18th January, 2005 in the hospital of Fukushima. I am glad to recive him in family. His coming in our family makes sure the presence of God and True Parents. I would like to practice parental love by loving and educating him instead of God to make a social leader, educator as well as peace maker. This is my eternal desire. The meanings of cronet are - - A small crown worn by princes and princesses and by other nobles below the rank of sovereign. - A chaplet or headband decorated with gold or jewels. - The upper margin of a horse's hoof. But we explain as a "crown of Peace", "crown of True Love", "crown of God" which presented by His/Her sons and daughter in coronation ceremony.