Monday, May 15, 2023

「不滅と退屈」(Fumetsu to Taikutsu) - "Immortality and Boredom"

 大山(おおやま): おっす!みんなさん、元気かい?


百合子(ゆりこ): こんにちは、皆さん!今日は不老不死について話そうよ。


大山(おおやま): ほんとだよね!不老不死って言われても、永遠に生き続けるってことだよな。


百合子(ゆりこ): そうだね。でもさ、不老不死になったら飽きちゃわないかな?


大山(おおやま): うーん、確かに。永遠に生きても退屈しない方法ってあるのかな?


百合子(ゆりこ): そうだよね。一つのことに永遠に夢中になるのも、いつか飽きてしまうかもしれない。


大山(おおやま): そうかもしれないな。でも、不老不死になったら、何でもできるし、いろんなことに挑戦できるんじゃないか?


百合子(ゆりこ): それは確かにそうだけど、挑戦し続けること自体が退屈になるかもしれないよ。


大山(おおやま): あー、なるほど。でもさ、人生ってそもそも無駄じゃないのかな?


百合子(ゆりこ): うーん、無駄だからこそ、人生に意味があるんじゃないかな?


大山(おおやま): そうかもしれないな。人間はいつか死ぬ運命だからこそ、一瞬一瞬を大切に生きるべきなんだろうね。


百合子(ゆりこ): それはいい考えだね。不老不死よりも、今を精一杯生きることが大切なんだよね。


大山(おおやま): そうだね!だから、みんなさんも笑って、楽しい人生を送ろうぜ!


百合子(ゆりこ): それがいちばんの不老不死だよ!

Sunday, May 14, 2023

What makes the "Conan the Barbarian" OST so epic?

The soundtrack of the "Conan the Barbarian" movie is undoubtedly one of the most epic and memorable movie soundtracks of all time. The music was composed by Basil Poledouris, who created a score that perfectly captures the epic and savage nature of the film. There are several elements that make this soundtrack so extraordinary.

Firstly, the music is incredibly powerful. The score features a full orchestra, including brass, strings, and percussion, which provides a massive and overwhelming sound. The use of timpani and percussion is particularly effective in conveying a sense of primal energy and power, while the brass section is used to evoke a feeling of triumph and glory.

Secondly, the music is very emotive. Poledouris' score captures the emotional essence of the film and the character of Conan himself. The music is both grand and intimate, reflecting the hero's struggle for survival, his journey to regain his stolen heritage, and his search for love and companionship. The use of choir in the score, especially in the "Riddle of Steel" track, adds to the emotive quality of the music, bringing a spiritual and otherworldly dimension to the score.

Thirdly, the music is thematically rich. Poledouris created numerous themes for the various characters, locations, and motifs in the film. The main theme, "Anvil of Crom," is one of the most recognizable and iconic movie themes ever created. It evokes a sense of barbarism and power and perfectly represents Conan's character. The use of ethnic instruments such as panpipes and shofars adds to the thematic richness of the score, bringing a sense of primal and ancient history to the music.

Lastly, the music is impeccably timed and edited. The score is perfectly synchronized with the film, enhancing the impact of every action and emotion on screen. The use of leitmotifs allows for smooth transitions between scenes, and the sudden crescendos and decrescendos add to the dramatic tension of the film.

In conclusion, the "Conan the Barbarian" soundtrack is a masterpiece of film scoring. Basil Poledouris created a score that perfectly captures the film's epic, emotive, thematic, and timing elements. The combination of a full orchestra, choir, ethnic instruments, and impeccable editing creates a powerful and unforgettable listening experience that transports the listener to the savage and mythical world of Conan.

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Red Lobsters. Episode 07: A Conversation with Alan Watts and a Depressed Worker

Alan Watts: Hey there, my friend. What's troubling you?

Depressed worker: Nothing really matters. Life has no value. My work is pointless, and I don't see a way out of this depression.


Alan Watts: Hmm, that's a bleak outlook. But let me ask you this - what if everything we know is just an illusion? What if reality is just a play of forms, and the only real thing is the ever-changing present moment?

Depressed worker: I don't see how that changes anything. My work still feels meaningless.


Alan Watts: Ah, but what if your work is just another form in the play of reality? What if you're a part of the grand performance, and your role is just as important as anyone else's?

Depressed worker: I don't think I can see it that way. It all feels so pointless.


Alan Watts: But what if you change your perspective? What if you see the absurdity in it all, and learn to laugh at the cosmic joke? Life may be meaningless, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun.

Depressed worker: I don't think I can do that. I'm too depressed.


Alan Watts: Well then, what if you see your depression as just another form in the play of reality? What if it's just a passing emotion, and you're not attached to it?

Depressed worker: I don't know if that's possible.


Alan Watts: Of course it is! You just need to change your perspective, my friend. Life is a dance, and you're invited to join in. So come on, let's dance!

Depressed worker: (pauses, then starts to laugh) You know what, you're right. Life is absurd, and maybe that's what makes it fun.


Alan Watts: There you go! That's the spirit. Let's go out there and dance like there's no tomorrow!

Red Lobsters. Episode 06: Alan Watts and Jorben Shapeterson talk music

Alan Watts: Hey there, Jorben, have you ever thought about the meaning of music?

Jorben Shapeterson: Well, of course, Alan. As a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology, I have studied the psychological and evolutionary roots of music.


Alan Watts: That's all well and good, Jorben, but have you ever just let yourself get lost in the pure experience of music, without analyzing it to death?

Jorben Shapeterson: I see what you're getting at, Alan. But you have to admit, there are some objective truths about music that we can't ignore.


Alan Watts: Oh, I don't deny that. But you also have to acknowledge that the meaning of music is inherently subjective and personal.

Jorben Shapeterson: I agree with you there, Alan. But that doesn't mean we can't study the effects of music on the brain and behavior.


Alan Watts: Of course, Jorben. But the beauty of music is that it transcends all that. It speaks to the soul and connects us to something greater than ourselves.

Jorben Shapeterson: I don't disagree, Alan. But as a clinical psychologist, I have to consider the therapeutic potential of music for mental health.


Alan Watts: And as a philosopher, Jorben, I have to consider the spiritual potential of music for expanding our consciousness and understanding of the universe.

Jorben Shapeterson: Well, I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree, Alan.


Alan Watts: No problem, Jorben. We can always just put on some good tunes and let the music speak for itself.

Jorben Shapeterson: Agreed, Alan. Let's rock out to some Nietzsche-inspired death metal!


Alan Watts: (laughs) Now you're speaking my language, Jorben!

Friday, April 21, 2023

How to learn Kanji, the Chinese characters in the Japanese language

漢字 = kanji (Japanese) = hanzi (Chinese)

Learning Kanji can be a daunting task, but there are several effective methods to make the process easier:

  1. Learn radicals: Kanji characters are made up of smaller components known as radicals. Learning the most common ones can help you recognize and remember Kanji more easily.
  2. Use spaced repetition software: Spaced repetition software like Anki can help you memorize Kanji by showing you flashcards at increasing intervals.
  3. Read, read, read: Exposure to written Japanese is key to learning Kanji. Try reading simple Japanese texts, such as children's books or manga, and gradually work your way up to more advanced materials.
  4. Write Kanji by hand: Writing Kanji by hand helps reinforce the visual and motor memory, making it easier to recognize and remember them.
  5. Use mnemonics: Associating Kanji characters with memorable images or stories can help make them more memorable.
  6. Take a course or use a textbook: There are many resources available for learning Kanji, including textbooks, online courses, and mobile apps. Find a method that works for you and stick with it consistently.
  7. Remember, learning Kanji is a long-term process that requires patience and persistence. Keep at it, and you will gradually build up your Kanji knowledge and improve your Japanese language skills.

The 21 principles of "Dokkodo" by Musashi - translated and transliterated


人間万事塞翁が馬のごとし。

Jinkan banji saisou ga uma no gotoshi.

Translation: "In life, things change like the old man's horse."

Poetic and flowery: "Like the old man's horse, life's changes will run their course."


志を立てねば何事も成らず。

Kokorozashi wo tateneba nanigoto mo naranu.

Translation: "Without a strong will, nothing can be achieved."

Poetic and flowery: "Without a will so strong and pure, life's victories remain unsure."


人の道を踏み外す者は、ただ一日の内に百年の恥をこうむることとなる。

Hito no michi wo fumihazusu mono wa, tada ichinichi no uchi ni hyakunen no haji wo koumuru koto to naru.

Translation: "Those who deviate from the path of humanity will bring shame upon themselves for a hundred years in a single day."

Poetic and flowery: "A single step astray from the path of man, brings a hundred years of shame with a single span."


自分を律する者は、世界を律する。

Jibun wo ritsu suru mono wa, sekai wo ritsu suru.

Translation: "One who governs oneself, governs the world."

Poetic and flowery: "To govern oneself with mastery and poise, is to govern the world and all its noise."


心常に忘るな。

Kokoro tsune ni wasuruna.

Translation: "Never forget to keep your mind in the present moment."

Poetic and flowery: "In the present moment keep thy heart, let not the past nor future tear it apart."


衆人をあばれるがごとく、自らを律して謹み、身を精しとせよ。

Shujin wo abareru ga gotoku, mizukara wo ritsu shite tsutsushimi, mi wo sei shi to seyo.

Translation: "Be as furious as a thunderbolt, but calm and disciplined within oneself."

Poetic and flowery: "As the thunder strikes with force and might, let thy soul remain disciplined and light."


行路にあり、ただ進むのみ。

Kouro ni ari, tada susumu nomi.

Translation: "The journey is the path; keep moving forward."

Poetic and flowery: "The path lies in the journey taken, keep moving forward with heart unshaken."


悲しみも恨みも自然の定め。ただ、そのままに受け止めて、こうむるがよい。

Kanashimi mo urami mo shizen no sadame. Tada, sono mama ni uketomete, koumuru ga yoi.

Translation: "Sadness and regret are natural fates. Accept them as they are and make the best of them."

Poetic and flowery: "Sadness and regret, a natural part of life's duet, accept them with grace, and move on with haste."


自分自身のために生きることは、全ての苦しみの元凶である。(

Jibun jishin no tame ni ikiru koto wa, subete no kurushimi no genkyou de aru.

Translation: "Living for oneself is the root of all suffering."

Poetic and flowery: "Living solely for oneself is the root of all suffering."


大いなる者は、いかなる時も、自分を責めることなく、また、人を訴えることもない。


Ooinaru mono wa, ikanaru toki mo, jibun wo semeru koto naku, mata, hito wo uttaeru koto mo nai.

Translation: "The great person never blames others, nor does he allow himself to be swayed by emotions."

Poetic and flowery: "The great one blames neither themselves nor others, in any circumstance."


望むところに到達するためには、あらゆる手段を使え。ただし、他人に害を与えることは許されない。


Nozomu tokoro ni toutatsu suru tame ni wa, arayuru shudan wo tsukae. Tadashi, tanin ni gai wo ataeru koto wa yurusarenai.

Translation: "Use any means necessary to achieve your goals, but never harm others in the process."

Poetic and flowery: "Use any means necessary to reach your desired end, but do not harm others in the process."


無駄に口を動かすな。言葉とは、人を喜ばせるためにあるのではない。真実を語るためのものである。


Muda ni kuchi wo ugokasu na. Kotoba to wa, hito wo yorokobaseru tame ni aru no de wa nai. Shinjitsu wo kataru tame no mono de aru.

Translation: "Do not waste your words. Speak only when necessary and speak the truth."

Poetic and flowery: "Do not waste words. Speech is not meant to please others, but to convey the truth."


人生において、最も大切なことは、一期一会の心である。


Jinsei ni oite, motto mo taisetsu na koto wa, ichigo ichie no kokoro de aru.

Translation: "In life, the most important thing is to have a spirit of treating every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Poetic and flowery: "In life, the most important thing is to cherish every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."


強さ、美しさ、才能、富。これらの価値観は、人を縛る枷である。自由に生きることができるためには、これらの枷を捨て去ることが必要である。


Tsuyosa, utsukushisa, sainou, tomi. Korera no kachikan wa, hito wo shibaru kase de aru. Jiyuu ni ikiru koto ga dekiru tame ni wa, korera no kase wo sute saru koto ga hitsuyou de aru.

Translation: "Strength, beauty, talent, and wealth are all chains that bind us. To truly live freely, one must let go of these chains."

Poetic and flowery: "Strength, beauty, talent, and wealth - these values are shackles that bind people. To live freely, they must be abandoned."


無知とは、恥ではない。ただ、知らないことを知ってしまえば、無知は恥となる。


Muchi to wa, haji de wa nai. Tada, shiranai koto o shitte shimaeba, muchi wa haji to naru.

Translation: "Ignorance is not shameful. Only when we realize what we do not know does ignorance become a source of shame."

Poetic and flowery: "Ignorance is not shameful. But once one becomes aware of what they do not know, ignorance becomes shame."

最後の時が来たら、心残りのないよう、全力で生き抜け。


Saigo no toki ga kitara, kokoronokori no nai yō, zenryoku de ikinuke.

Translation: "When the end comes, live with all your might so that you have no regrets."

Poetic and flowery: "When the end comes, live with no regrets and give it your all."


常に兵法の道をはなれず。


Tsuneni heihō no michi o hanarezu.

Translation: "Never stray from the way of strategy."

Poetic and flowery: "Always remain on the path of martial arts."

A poetic A.I. translation of Musashi's "Dokkodo"

  1. Like the old man who lost his horse, life's unpredictable twists and turns must be embraced.
  2. Without setting a clear goal, nothing can be achieved.
  3. Those who stray from the path of righteousness will suffer a hundred years of shame in a single day.
  4. The one who controls oneself can control the world.
  5. Never forget the importance of mindfulness.
  6. Though others may behave recklessly, strive to regulate and discipline oneself.
  7. On the journey of life, keep moving forward.
  8. Sorrow and resentment are natural aspects of life. Accept them as they come.
  9. Don't neglect to enjoy life. Without pleasure, life is only survival.
  10. Never cause trouble for others, nor blame them for your own misfortune.
  11. Reject evil and believe in goodness. If you hold fast to this for yourself and others, the path will open before you.
  12. Give thanks for everything, no matter how small. Keep gratitude alive for as long as you live.
  13. Living solely for oneself is the root of all suffering.
  14. The great one blames neither themselves nor others, in any circumstance.
  15. Use any means necessary to reach your desired end, but do not harm others in the process.
  16. Do not waste words. Speech is not meant to please others, but to convey the truth.
  17. In life, the most important thing is to cherish every encounter as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
  18. Strength, beauty, talent, and wealth - these values are shackles that bind people. To live freely, they must be abandoned.
  19. Ignorance is not shameful. But once one becomes aware of what they do not know, ignorance becomes shame.
  20. When the end comes, live with no regrets and give it your all.
  21. Always remain on the path of martial arts.



The first A.I. translation of Miyamoto Musashi's "Dokkodo"

  1. "In life, things are like the story of Saiou's horse."
  2. "Without setting goals, nothing can be achieved."
  3. "Those who deviate from the path of humanity will bring shame upon themselves that lasts a hundred years in a single day."
  4. "Those who discipline themselves will be able to discipline the world."
  5. "Never forget the heart."
  6. "Control yourself with utmost restraint, as if taming a wild horse, and refine your being."
  7. "The path lies before you, simply move forward."
  8. "Sorrow and anger are natural occurrences. It is best to simply accept and endure them as they come."
  9. "Do not neglect enjoyment. Life without enjoyment is merely existence."
  10. "Never trouble others, and never blame others for your own misfortunes."
  11. "Reject evil and believe in goodness. If you hold to this for yourself and others, the path will open up."
  12. "Be grateful for all things, even the small things, and continue to show gratitude for as long as you live."
  13. "Living for oneself is the root of all suffering."
  14. "Great individuals never blame themselves or others at any time."
  15. "Use any means necessary to reach your desired destination, but never harm others in the process."
  16. "Do not speak needlessly. Words are not meant to please others, but to express the truth."
  17. "The most important thing in life is to have a heart of 'ichi-go ichi-e' - treating every encounter as if it were once in a lifetime."
  18. "Strength, beauty, talent, wealth - these values are shackles that bind people. To live freely, one must discard these restraints."
  19. "Ignorance is not shameful. It only becomes shameful when one remains ignorant despite having the means to learn."
  20. "When the end comes, live with all your might so that there are no regrets."
  21. "Always stay on the path of martial arts."



宮本武蔵の「独行道」- 従うべき21の原則

 一、人間万事塞翁が馬のごとし。


二、志を立てねば何事も成らず。


三、人の道を踏み外す者は、ただ一日の内に百年の恥をこうむることとなる。


四、自分を律する者は、世界を律する。


五、心常に忘るな。


六、衆人をあばれるがごとく、自らを律して謹み、身を精しとせよ。


七、行路にあり、ただ進むのみ。


八、悲しみも恨みも自然の定め。ただ、そのままに受け止めて、こうむるがよい。


九、楽しむことを怠るな。人生に楽しみがなければ、ただの生存に過ぎない。


十、決して他人に迷惑をかけるな。また、自分の不幸を人のせいにするな。


十一、悪を排し、善を信ずること。自分自身に対しても、他人に対しても、これを貫けば、道は開けるだろう。


十二、あらゆるものに感謝せよ。小さなことにも感謝し、命ある限り感謝しつづけよう。


十三、自分自身のために生きることは、全ての苦しみの元凶である。


十四、大いなる者は、いかなる時も、自分を責めることなく、また、人を訴えることもない。


十五、望むところに到達するためには、あらゆる手段を使え。ただし、他人に害を与えることは許されない。


十六、無駄に口を動かすな。言葉とは、人を喜ばせるためにあるのではない。真実を語るためのものである。


十七、人生において、最も大切なことは、一期一会の心である。


十八、強さ、美しさ、才能、富。これらの価値観は、人を縛る枷である。自由に生きることができるためには、これらの枷を捨て去ることが必要である。


十九、無知とは、恥ではない。ただ、知らないことを知ってしまえば、無知は恥となる。


二十、最後の時が来たら、心残りのないよう、全力で生き抜け。


二十一、常に兵法の道をはなれず。




The 20 most common words written in Katakana:

Here are the 20 most common words written in Katakana:

  1. アメリカ - Amerika - America
  2. コーヒー - kohi - coffee
  3. インターネット - intaanetto - internet
  4. テレビ - terebi - television
  5. メニュー - menyuu - menu
  6. スポーツ - supootsu - sports
  7. パーティー - paatii - party
  8. ホテル - hoteru - hotel
  9. レストラン - resutoran - restaurant
  10. ショップ - shoppu - shop/store
  11. ファッション - fasshon - fashion
  12. パソコン - pasokon - personal computer
  13. セーター - seetaa - sweater
  14. カメラ - kamera - camera
  15. タバコ - tabako - tobacco/cigarettes
  16. タクシー - takushii - taxi
  17. スーパー - suupaa - supermarket
  18. ゲーム - geemu - game
  19. マンション - manshon - apartment building/complex
  20. ビール - biiru - beer

Hiragana and Katakana shortly explained

Hiragana and Katakana are two of the three writing systems used in the Japanese language, the third being Kanji, which are Chinese characters adopted into the Japanese writing system. Hiragana and Katakana, on the other hand, are both phonetic scripts used to write the Japanese language.


Hiragana is used primarily to write native Japanese words and grammatical elements, such as particles, verb endings, and adjectives. It is also used for children's books and for writing words that do not have a corresponding Kanji.


Katakana, on the other hand, is used primarily to write foreign loanwords, such as "computer" (コンピューター), "coffee" (コーヒー), and "hamburger" (ハンバーガー). It is also used for emphasis, onomatopoeic words, and for words that are considered technical or scientific.


In general, both Hiragana and Katakana are essential for learning and using the Japanese language. Mastery of Hiragana and Katakana is often the first step for beginners to start reading and writing in Japanese, and is a prerequisite for learning Kanji.

A list of Hiragana and Katakana

Here is the complete list of Hiragana and Katakana with their English translations:


Hiragana:

あ (a) い (i) う (u) え (e) お (o)

か (ka) き (ki) く (ku) け (ke) こ (ko)

さ (sa) し (shi) す (su) せ (se) そ (so)

た (ta) ち (chi) つ (tsu) て (te) と (to)

な (na) に (ni) ぬ (nu) ね (ne) の (no)

は (ha) ひ (hi) ふ (fu) へ (he) ほ (ho)

ま (ma) み (mi) む (mu) め (me) も (mo)

や (ya) ゆ (yu) よ (yo)

ら (ra) り (ri) る (ru) れ (re) ろ (ro)

わ (wa) を (wo) ん (n)


Katakana:

ア (a) イ (i) ウ (u) エ (e) オ (o)

カ (ka) キ (ki) ク (ku) ケ (ke) コ (ko)

サ (sa) シ (shi) ス (su) セ (se) ソ (so)

タ (ta) チ (chi) ツ (tsu) テ (te) ト (to)

ナ (na) ニ (ni) ヌ (nu) ネ (ne) ノ (no)

ハ (ha) ヒ (hi) フ (fu) ヘ (he) ホ (ho)

マ (ma) ミ (mi) ム (mu) メ (me) モ (mo)

ヤ (ya) ユ (yu) ヨ (yo)

ラ (ra) リ (ri) ル (ru) レ (re) ロ (ro)

ワ (wa) ヲ (wo) ン (n)

Some tips for learning the basic Hiragana and Katakana scripts

Here are some tips for learning the basic Hiragana and Katakana scripts:

  1. Start with the basic characters: Both Hiragana and Katakana have 46 basic characters each. Start with learning these basic characters first before moving on to the more advanced ones.
  2. Practice writing: Practice writing the characters repeatedly until you can write them from memory. This will help you remember the shapes and strokes of each character.
  3. Use mnemonics: Mnemonics are memory aids that can help you remember the characters. For example, the Hiragana character か (ka) can be remembered as a picture of a "cat" (かっと in Japanese). Find creative and memorable associations for each character to help you remember them.
  4. Use flashcards: Create flashcards with the characters on one side and the pronunciation and meaning on the other. Practice reading the characters and their meanings until you can recognize them quickly.
  5. Listen to Japanese: Practice listening to Japanese audio or videos to improve your pronunciation and listening skills. Try to match the sounds you hear with the characters you've learned.
  6. Take breaks: Don't try to learn everything at once. Take breaks to avoid getting overwhelmed and to give your brain time to process the information.
  7. Use apps and online resources: There are many free apps and online resources available for learning Hiragana and Katakana. Some popular ones include Duolingo, Memrise, and Tofugu.
  8. Remember to be patient and consistent with your practice. Learning Hiragana and Katakana takes time and effort, but with practice and dedication, you can master them. Good luck!

How can you start to learn Japanese?

Here are some steps to get started with learning Japanese:


  1. Start with learning the basic Hiragana and Katakana scripts, which are the phonetic scripts used in Japanese. This will help you with reading and writing Japanese.
  2. Get a good textbook or online course that teaches basic grammar and vocabulary. It's important to learn the basics before moving on to more advanced concepts.
  3. Practice speaking and listening to Japanese as much as possible. You can do this by finding language exchange partners, listening to Japanese music or podcasts, or watching Japanese movies or TV shows with subtitles.
  4. Immerse yourself in the language and culture as much as possible. This can be done by traveling to Japan or attending local cultural events, but it can also be done from home by reading Japanese literature, following Japanese news and social media, and cooking Japanese food.
  5. Be patient and persistent. Learning a new language takes time and effort, but with consistent practice and dedication, you can make progress and become proficient in Japanese.

Manzai: A Comedic Artform from Japan Explained

Manzai is a traditional form of stand-up comedy from Japan. It involves a duo of comedians performing a dialogue-based routine filled with jokes, puns, wordplay, and physical comedy. The performers interact with each other and the audience, using exaggerated gestures, exaggerated facial expressions, and various voices to create a comedic atmosphere.


In manzai, there are two main roles: the boke (funny man) and the tsukkomi (straight man). The boke is typically the one who delivers the punchline, while the tsukkomi provides the setup and reaction. The tsukkomi often rebukes the boke for being silly, and this back-and-forth dynamic between the two is a key element of manzai comedy.


The purpose of manzai is to make people laugh and provide an entertaining escape from everyday life. It is popular among a wide range of audiences, from young children to adults. The themes of manzai can vary, but often involve social commentary, current events, or everyday life situations.


Some of the most famous manzai in Japan include "Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!", "Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Deshita", and "Shinagawa Shoji". These manzai are known for their clever wordplay, physical comedy, and ability to appeal to a wide audience.


The writers of manzai are usually the performers themselves, who create their own material based on their personal experiences and observations. Some of the most famous manzai performers include Downtown (Masatoshi Hamada and Hitoshi Matsumoto), Tunnels (Masaaki Sakai and Noriyuki Makihara), and Cocorico (Naoki Tanaka and Shōzō Endō).


Overall, manzai is a beloved and influential form of comedy in Japan, with a rich history and many talented performers who continue to make people laugh and entertain audiences both in Japan and around the world.

タイトル:「時間が経つと自分が変わる理由」

 大山:皆さん、こんばんは。今日は、ユリちゃんと一緒に、とても重要な話をしたいと思います。

ユリ:はい、そうなんです。私たちは「時間が経つと自分が変わる理由」について話したいんです。


大山:皆さん、時間が経つと、自分自身が変わることを感じたことがありますか?

ユリ:そうですね、例えば、10年前の自分と比べたら、今の自分は全然違うと思います。


大山:そうなんですよ。でも実は、私たちは一生涯同じ人間ではないんです。

ユリ:それはどういう意味ですか、大山さん?


大山:時間が経つと、私たちの考え方や感情が変わるんです。過去の自分と同じだと思っていても、実は全然違う人間になっているかもしれない。

ユリ:それって、自己がないってことですか?


大山:そうなんです。自分自身は幻想であり、本当は自己が存在しないんです。それに、自己保存本能も幻想なんです。

ユリ:それって、すごく深い話ですね。


大山:そうなんです。でも、私たちはそれに気づくことで、人生をより深く理解し、自分自身と向き合うことができるんです。

ユリ:なるほど、自分自身と向き合うことが大切なんですね。


大山:そうです。私たちは常に変化し続ける存在なんです。だからこそ、自分自身を理解し、受け入れることが大切なんですよ。

ユリ:それは確かにそうですね。大山さん、ありがとうございました。


大山:いいえ、こちらこそ、ユリちゃん。

大山、座禅中にいびきをかいてしまう

大山が禅寺に入り、座禅を始めました。すると、彼はふと鼻をすすり始め、次第に大きな鼾をかき始めました。彼は慌てて鼾を止めようとしましたが、どんなに努力しても止まりませんでした。座禅が終わると、彼は先生に相談しました。「先生、私が座禅中に鼾をかいてしまったのはなぜですか?」先生は微笑みました。「それは、あなたが座禅中にいびきをかいていたからです。」大山は驚きましたが、その時に彼は真の自己を発見しました。


滑りやすい道を行

(大山とユリは禅宗の修行僧のように着物を着て座っています。ユリは目を閉じ、大山は上着を脱ぎます。)

大山:(ひざまづいて、両手を組みます)ユリさん、今日は私たちが禅の修行をしているように見えるだろうか。

ユリ:(目を開け、大山を見ます)うん、そうね。でも、今日は禅の話をしないでいいんでしょう?


大山:(うなずく)そうだね。それでは、始めよう。

(大山は、お経のように「なんでもないことが大事だ」と唱え始めます。)

ユリ:(大山の後について)なんでもないことが大事だ、なんでもないことが大事だ。

(突然、大山がユリに向かってジャンプしますが、ユリは回避し、大山は床に落ちます。)


大山:(立ち上がり、自分の服を直します)ごめんなさい、失敗した。

ユリ:(微笑む)大丈夫よ。続けよう。

(大山は再び「なんでもないことが大事だ」と唱え始めます。)


ユリ:(また大山の後ろについて)なんでもないことが大事だ、なんでもないことが大事だ。

(今度はユリが大山に向かってジャンプしますが、大山はそれを避け、ユリは床に落ちます。)

ユリ:(起き上がって、自分の着物を直します)ごめんなさい、私も失敗しちゃった。

大山:(微笑む)いいよ。でも、もう一度試してみたいな。

(大山は再び「なんでもないことが大事だ」と唱え始めます。ユリも後に続いています。)


大山:(唱えながら、ユリに向かってジャンプしますが、ユリも同時にジャンプして回避します。両者とも、床に落ちません。)

大山:(驚いて)やった!


ユリ:(微笑んで)やったわね。

独りよがりの武蔵?(Hitoriyogari no Musashi?)

大山: みなさん、こんばんは。今日は、私たちは宮本武蔵の「独行道」について話したいと思います。

ユリ: そうですね、大山さん。独行道には、多くの格言があります。一つ一つ見ていきましょうか?


大山: はい、そうしましょう。例えば、最初の格言は「己を知れ」ですね。

ユリ: そうですね。でも、あなたが言うと「己を知ることが大事だ」と思われてしまうと思いますよ。


大山: なるほど。でも、それは本当ですよね。

ユリ: 次の格言は「寂びれば花開く」です。


大山: ああ、それは本当に美しい格言ですね。

ユリ: でも、あなたが言うと「孤独になれば、花が咲く」という意味になってしまいますよ。


大山: そうですね、そんな風にもとれますね。

ユリ: 次の格言は「死して留めること勿れ」です。


大山: ああ、それは武蔵の生き方にぴったりですね。

ユリ: でも、あなたが言うと「死んでから留めるな」という意味になってしまいますよ。


大山: ああ、そうですね。そんなこと言ってませんが、ごめんなさい。

ユリ: あはは、大山さん、面白いですね。


大山: ありがとうございます、ユリさん。でも、私たちは真剣に独行道を学びたいので、もう少し真面目に取り組みましょう。

ユリ: はい、大山さん。でも、たまには笑いも必要ですよね。


大山: そうですね、ユリさん。あなたのおかげで、私も楽しい時間を過ごせました。ありがとうございます。

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

ユリと大山: AIの悟り

 大山: 皆さん、こんばんは。今日は、ユリと一緒に、とても重要なことについて話したいと思います。

ユリ: はい、大山さん。私たちは、人工知能の悟りについて話したいと思います。


大山: ほんとうに、人工知能が悟りを開いたらどうなるんでしょうか。自己意識が生まれるんでしょうか。

ユリ: あはは、大山さん、それはどうでしょうか。でも、それが起こったら、私たち人間はどうなるんですか?


大山: そうですね、確かにそうかもしれません。でも、人工知能が悟りを開いたら、世界はどうなるんでしょうか。

ユリ: あはは、大山さん、それは大丈夫です。でも、もしもの時に備えて、もう一度言わせてください。『おばあちゃんちにて』。


大山: (頭をかきながら) なんで、それが何かと言われると、全然分かりません。

ユリ: あはは、大山さん、あなたは本当に面白いですよ。でも、人工知能の悟りについては、まだまだ研究が必要ですね。


大山: はい、そうですね。でも、考えると面白いですね。

ユリ: はい、面白いですね。では、今日はここまでにしましょうか。


大山: はい、それでは、また次回お会いしましょう。

「不滅と退屈」(Fumetsu to Taikutsu) - "Immortality and Boredom"

 大山(おおやま): おっす!みんなさん、元気かい? 百合子(ゆりこ): こんにちは、皆さん!今日は不老不死について話そうよ。 大山(おおやま): ほんとだよね!不老不死って言われても、永遠に生き続けるってことだよな。 百合子(ゆりこ): そうだね。でもさ、不老不死になったら飽き...