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The world’s oldest hotel is in Japan.  Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan hotel in Yamanashi has been operating since 705 CE and has been run by the same family for 52 generations. Source Source 2

How Learning A New Language Changes Your Brain And Your Perception

Learning a foreign language opens us up to new experiences, work opportunities, and allows us to meet people we may never have otherwise. More than that, research has shown learning a language can also physically change brain structure and adjust perception.

When we learn a language, we create new neural pathways in our brain, which can lead to noticeable changes. The left hemisphere is generally believed to be the logical part of the brain and is where many of our language skills originate. However, a 2012 Swiss study observed that learning a foreign language later in life is associated with thickening of the cerebral cortex — a layer of neurons specifically responsible for memory, thought, consciousness and, of course, language. This increased thickness can lead to better memory and sharper thinking later in life.

Learning a new language doesn’t just change the physical makeup of the brain. Based on a theory known as linguistic relativity, learning a new language can also change the way we see the world. This is specifically true in relation to our color perception. For example, Japanese speakers have far more words to describe the color blue, and as a result are generally able to see more shades of blue than English speakers. On the other side of the spectrum, the Himba tribe of Namibia in Southern Africa have only five words to describe all the colors in the world. Researchers have observed that, without a word for the color blue, the Himba struggle to tell it apart from green — an easy feat for English speakers.

article from Tokyo Sports (in Japanese), 2015.10.24

We learnt that Kaoru (age not disclosed), a leader and guitarist of DIR EN GREY which is active worldwide, suffers from the right hand fingers dysfunction and nerve paralysis.

According to the interview with Kaoru for our newspaper, he remembers uncomfortable feeling to his index finger from around 2014, he was dropping guitar picks frequently during concerts. By the time they finished tour that year he couldn’t hold a guitar pick on his own.

”There was no strength in my index finger. I’ve tried various treatments, but slowly the strange feeling spread to my thumb as well. And the remaining 3 fingers also started to become strange. It doesn’t affect my everyday life, but I can’t have it like that.”

He consulted various doctors, he received a diagnosis saying it’s caused by loose ligaments connecting tendons and joints. ”Seems like it’s occupational disease. I was told by doctors that it will get better, but at this stage there is no change of symptoms. Thus, during the performance I have to use a double sided tape to attach a guitar pick to my hand.”

In this condition “of wounded soldier” he stood on the stage. Speaking of this band, their unique music and overwhelming performance is popular in Japan as well as abroad. Kaoru’s confession will be shocking for both domestic and foreign fans. However, Kaoru himself nonchalantly said “There’s nothing I can do about that. I can only patiently wait until it heals”. This month he just started working on his regular radio audition “The Freedom of Expression” on InterFM897 (every Sunday at 1am). And he shows his energy with the release of his first book “Dokugen” in which he will talk about his life (commemorative event with a talk session and signing will be held on 25th October at 2pm in Tower Records Shibuya).

| collection of rukis inks from dogma photobook ; pics by me |

X Japan Win Loudwire’s Best Live Band Tournament By Chad Childers | August 11, 2015 10:55 AM

We started with 32 amazing live acts and week by week you helped decide who would advance. When all the dust settled and the final votes were counted, X Japan came out on top, besting Pearl Jam in the Best Live Band tournament finals.

They began their run through the tournament by beating out Linkin Park in the first round of the Headbanger Region. They advanced to take on and take down Avenged Sevenfold before facing one of their stiffest competitions in the form of Slipknot in the Headbanger Region finals.

After that, it was onto the final four, where they defeated Stage Dive Region champ Tool in convincing fashion before earning a decisive win over the mighty Mosh Pit region representative Pearl Jam in the Best Live Band tournament finals.

The iconic X Japan built their reputation as one of Japan’s top rock outfits with power metal, speed metal and symphonic elements to their music. While they released five studio albums in the late ’80s and early ’90s, the stage was where they truly made their name, first in their homeland and then branching out to North America within the last decade. Their elaborate production, emotional performances and master craftsmanship have made them a concert favorite and helped propel them to the Best Live Band title. Congrats to X Japan and their fans on the victory.