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The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, is the national space agency of Japan. The JAXA works on various projects and develops major works for aerospace exploration both Japanese and global.

The JAXA is responsible for investigations, technological developments, and satellite launches into orbit, developing many complex missions. For example, the exploration of asteroids and possible crewed explorations to the Moon. Its motto is One JAXA and its corporate slogan is Explore to Realize.

History of JAXA

The JAXA is the union of three organizations that were merged to form a single entity on October 1, 2003, to create the New JAXA: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). The JAXA was formed to be an independent administrative institution, however, managed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC).

Before the merger, ISAS was responsible for space and planetary research while NAL focused on aviation research. NASDA, founded on October 1, 1969, developed rockets, satellites, and also built the Japanese Experiment Module. NASDA also trained Japanese astronauts, who flew on U.S. Space Shuttles.

In 2012, new legislation changed the mandate of JAXA to allow it to include military space developments for peaceful purposes, such as early warning systems for future missiles in Japanese lands and skies. With the political control of JAXA moving from MEXT to the Prime Minister’s Office with the inclusion of a new Cabinet for Space Strategy.

Rockets

The JAXA uses the H-IIA rocket (H “two” A) belonging to the former NASDA along with its H-IIB variant for satellite launches for engineering tests, weather satellites, etc. For scientific missions that use, for example, X-ray astronomy, the JAXA uses the Epsilon rocket.

Japan launched its first satellite, Ōsumi, in 1970, using the L-4S rocket from ISAS. Before the merger, ISAS used small vehicles for space launches with solid fuel. Meanwhile, NASDA developed launch vehicles with greater payload capacity.

Initially, NASDA used licensed American models. The first launch vehicle model was made from the use of liquid fuel, the H-II model, from 1994. However, in the late 1990s, with two launch failures of the H-II, Japan began to be criticized regarding the technology of Japanese rockets.

The first space mission of Japan under the name of JAXA was the launch of an H-IIA on November 29, 2003. It ended in failure due to the great pressure of the moment. After a hiatus of 15 months, JAXA successfully launched the H-IIA rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center, placing a satellite into orbit on February 26, 2005.

JAXA’s Successes

Before the birth of JAXA, ISAS had performed very well in its space program in the field of X-ray astronomy during the 80s and 90s. Another successful area for Japan was Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) with the HALCA mission. Other successes included solar observation, magnetosphere research, among other areas.

NASDA was primarily active in the field of satellite communication technology. However, since the Japanese satellite market is completely open, it was only in 2005 that a Japanese company won a contract for a civil communication satellite. Another focus of NASDA was Earth climate observation.

The JAXA was awarded the John L. “Jack” Swigert, Jr. award from the Space Foundation for Space Exploration in 2008.

Human Space Programs

Japan has ten astronauts, but a crewed spacecraft has not yet been developed. A HOPE-X space project for the launch of an H-II, which was developed for several years, ended up being postponed. Several other projects have been proposed, some accepted, but postponed or not accepted.

The first Japanese citizen to fly in space was Toyohiro Akiyama, a journalist sponsored by TBS, who flew on the Soviet Soyuz TM-11 in December 1990. Akiyama spent more than 7 days in space at the Mir space station, considered by the Soviets as their first commercial space flight, which allowed them to earn about $14 million.

Japan participates in American and international programs, which include flights of Japanese astronauts. A mission for the space shuttle STS-47, in September 1992, was partially funded by Japan. This flight included the first astronaut from JAXA, Mamoru Mohri.

The Japanese have plans for a crewed lunar landing, which is in development. However, the plans were shelved in 2010 due to budget constraints.

In June 2014, the Japanese Ministry of Science and Technology stated that it was considering a space mission to Mars. In a document, it was mentioned an uncrewed exploration. Missions to Mars and long-term settlements on the Moon are objectives of JAXA, for which they seek international cooperation.

Uchuu Kyoudai

You can learn a lot about Japan’s space station by watching the anime Uchuu Kyoudai.

Uchuu Kyoudai tells the story of two brothers: Mutta and Hibito, with Mutta being the older brother. When they were children, the two witnessed a UFO, and since then they promised to go to space. Years pass, and only Hibito becomes an astronaut and is about to go to the Moon. Meanwhile, his brother Mutta ends up losing his job for headbutting his boss.

Mutta remembers his old dream, which due to everyday problems was completely forgotten. With the help of his brother, that dream could somehow be achieved. The anime shows the entire process necessary to apply and become an astronaut.

Japanese has few syllables, which is why many Japanese words are the same. This is usually not a problem thanks to the context. The big issue is the numerous meanings that are present in a single word. In today’s article, we will see some words that can confuse people. Words that even the Japanese themselves struggle to differentiate or explain, making Japanese vague.

We already know words that are the same with different meanings and ideograms. Take the example of the word Hashi, which can mean bridge, chopsticks, edge, and bank. Another example is the word Kami, which can mean God, Paper, or hair. We have already addressed this in the article words that are the same with completely different meanings. But today we will address words that are the same but can give the opposite sense of their meaning.

Words with vague and opposite meanings

This happens even with words we use in our daily lives, but we never stop to think about it. In Portuguese, this also happens when a person ends up offering something to us, and we say it’s okay or thank you; sometimes the person gets confused about whether we are accepting or not. The same thing happens in Japanese with the word daijoubu 大丈夫.

The word daijoubu means to be fine; it is usually used as a response after something bad happens. Just like thank you, you can use it to reject something that is offered to you, saying that everything is fine and you don’t need it.

Something similar happens with the word ii “いい”; in this case, it can be an abbreviation of 2 different words, 良い which means good and いいえ which means no. Suppose you invite someone to do something, and they respond sore wa ii – それはいい, it is more likely that you think they accepted, but it can happen that this いい means no.

Another example that confuses any Japanese student is the phrase それ好きかも (sore suki kamo); some people end up using this phrase to say they like someone. The big problem is that the word かも means possibly, maybe, could, or can. So does this mean they like the person or not?

Another quite vague response you might hear in Japanese is どっちでも (dotchidemo), which means either one or whatever. It may seem that the person does not care about the conversation or really does not want something.

Why is Japanese so vague?

Another confusing word is yabai, which can mean something good or bad; we wrote an article discussing this word, you can read it by clicking here. Another slang is the word Ukero, which means to receive or take, but young people use it to mean ridiculous or hilarious. These are just a few of the thousands of vague words that exist in Japanese. Paying attention and knowing the context is the best way to identify its meaning.

Japanese is full of vague expressions, and truly understanding the real meaning is not easy. Vague words prevent shy Japanese people from saying yes or no directly or clearly. Japanese people like to give vague answers to avoid hurting or saying something that is bad for another person; they also have difficulties expressing what they really think or their feelings. Perhaps this is one of the main reasons why Japanese has very vague words without a defined meaning.

This article was inspired by episode 9 of the drama Nihonjin no Shiranai Nihongo, which I highly recommend for those who are learning Japanese. What do you think about these vague and undefined words in the Japanese language? Can you understand their meaning?

Many Westerners have deep-rooted prejudices about Japan and the Japanese, perpetuated by rumors and misinformation that have circulated for decades. Among the most popular are stories that the Japanese consume foods considered “disgusting,” such as rats, insects, dogs, frogs, and even human flesh. But does this have any basis in reality? Why do such myths continue to exist in the 21st century? This article explores these questions, providing an objective and fact-based analysis.

Japanese cuisine is one of the richest and most respected in the world, known for its sophistication and nutritional balance. The association with unusual eating practices attributed to Japan generally arises from cultural confusions and misdirected prejudices. Let’s better understand the origins of these ideas and clarify what really is part of the Japanese diet.

Do Japanese people eat dog meat?

No, Japanese people do not eat dog meat.

Unlike some Asian countries like China and South Korea, where the consumption of dog meat has been recorded in historical contexts, this practice is nonexistent in Japan. Dogs are widely seen as pets and treated as family members. Additionally, the cost and regulation of dog breeding in Japan make any idea of consumption unfeasible.

The relationship of the Japanese with dogs is marked by care and respect, with many investments in veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and even spas for animals.

Read also: Consumption of dog meat

Do Japanese people eat insects?

Yes, but in extremely specific contexts.

The consumption of insects in Japan is very rare and generally restricted to rural areas or traditional events. In some regions, such as Nagano, there is a custom of consuming inago (grasshoppers cooked with soy sauce) or hachinoko (bee larvae), but these dishes are exceptions and do not represent the modern Japanese diet.

Historically, during periods of food scarcity, such as in the post-war era, the consumption of insects was a necessity for some rural populations. Today, such dishes are seen as cultural curiosities or a way to preserve regional traditions.

Do Japanese people eat cockroaches?

No, cockroaches are not part of Japanese cuisine.

Contrary to what some rumors suggest, cockroaches are not consumed in Japan and are seen as pests, just like in most countries. The confusion may come from countries like Thailand, where various insects, including cockroaches, are sold in street markets. In Japan, the focus is on fresh, high-quality foods, something that does not include unwanted insects like cockroaches.

Do Japanese people eat human flesh?

Absolutely not.

Japan has strict laws prohibiting cannibalism. This absurd idea is usually the result of urban legends or an attempt at sensationalism to denigrate Japanese culture, further increasing prejudice. Respect for human life and cultural traditions is a deeply rooted value in Japanese society.

Do Japanese people eat live creatures?

Not exactly.

A famous and often misunderstood dish is the Katsu Ika Odori-don, where the squid “dances” when served. However, it is important to clarify that the squid used is already dead at the time of preparation. Its head is severed beforehand, and the movements that seem “alive” are muscle reflexes activated when soy sauce is added, due to the sodium.

This practice is not common in Japan and is usually offered as a culinary experience in specific restaurants. Despite being controversial for some, it reflects more of a scientific curiosity than a widespread eating habit.

Do Japanese people eat frogs?

Yes, but rarely.

In some specialized restaurants, frogs can be found on the menu, usually in dishes like stews or fried preparations. However, the consumption of frogs is very rare and does not form part of everyday life or traditional Japanese cuisine.

Comparatively, in various regions of Brazil, such as the interior of São Paulo, frog meat is also appreciated and recognized for its flavor and texture. Just like in Japan, it is a delicacy consumed by a very restricted audience and in specific contexts.

Do Japanese people eat whale?

Yes, but in specific contexts and increasingly less frequently.

The consumption of whale meat in Japan is a historical practice that dates back centuries, especially in coastal regions where communities relied on fishing and hunting for their livelihood. In the post-World War II period, whale meat was widely consumed due to food scarcity, but today it plays a much smaller role in the Japanese diet.

We recommend reading: Whaling in Japan – Lies and Truths

The origin of the myths

The perpetuation of rumors about Japanese food often originates from a stereotypical and simplistic view that “Orientals are all the same.” This mentality ignores the cultural differences between Asian countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan.

The Chinese influence on prejudices

In China, the consumption of dog meat, insects, and other animals was a historically recorded practice, especially during periods of famine. Today, such customs are increasingly rare and subject to criticism both internally and externally. Still, this reality is often mistakenly associated with Japan, even though the two countries have completely distinct cultures.

Sensationalism and lack of information

Sensationalist media and videos about “shocking scenes” from Asian markets have contributed to the spread of these rumors. The absence of historical and cultural context fuels prejudices and creates a distorted view of Asian countries, including Japan.

The True Japanese Cuisine

The traditional Japanese diet, based on rice, fish, vegetables, and soy, is considered one of the healthiest in the world. The longevity of the Japanese is often attributed to these eating habits. Furthermore, Japanese cuisine has evolved to incorporate international influences while maintaining its essence and quality.

To conclude that the Japanese consume “disgusting foods” is not only unfair but also misinformed. It is essential to deconstruct these prejudices and appreciate the richness and complexity of Japanese culture. How about taking the opportunity to try fresh sushi or artisanal ramen? You might be surprised by the delicacy and flavor of true Japanese cuisine.

Since always, man has been inspired by nature to create his inventions. Did you know that the nose of the bullet train, the shinkansen, was inspired by nature? In this article, we will understand a little about why the bullet train has a nose and what led it to have this.

The first bullet trains in Japan reached an average speed of 200km/h. Japanese researchers always tried to improve the speed of the bullet train, however, they encountered a big problem. The sound emitted by the bullet train was very loud; when exiting a tunnel, a sonic boom occurred, and a vibration reached up to 400 meters away. The sound was waking up people living nearby and disturbing wildlife.

The solution to this problem was found by Eiji Nakatsu, an engineer and bird watcher. Observing the kingfisher feeding, he noticed that the bird could dive at high speed without splashing much water. He wondered how the kingfisher adapts so quickly to the transition from low air resistance to high water resistance. Its English name KingFisher can be literally translated as king fisherman.

The beak of the kingfisher

The train was designed and conceived around 1989 and 1995. The goal was to allow passengers to travel from Osaka to Hakata in about 2 and a half hours, which required an average speed of 350 km/h. The problem was noise, vibration, and pressure waves.

The shape of the kingfisher’s head allows it to glide through the air and dive into the water to catch fish. It is the most efficient animal when it comes to transitioning from low pressure to high pressure. Thus, Eiji Nakatsu reshaped the nose of the bullet train imitating the kingfisher and eliminating the noise.

Thanks to the kingfisher, the air pressure produced by the train was reduced by 30%, it travels more quietly, 10% faster, and uses 15% less electricity. Thus, when the shinkansen passes through a tunnel, it does not produce a loud bang.

Other inspirations from nature for the bullet train

The kingfisher is not the only animal that inspired parts of the bullet train. The pantograph, a piece that connects the train to the power source, also used to make noise. Japanese researchers used the concave face of the owl and its serrated wings to reshape the pantograph and absorb this noise.

Another animal that influenced the modeling of the pantograph was the penguin. It has a shape that allows it to move easily through the water to catch fish. The support axis of the pantograph was reshaped like the body of a penguin to reduce wind resistance and thus decrease aerodynamic noise.

Thanks to these inspirations from nature, the generation of bullet trains in Japan has become faster and quieter. Thus, more than 64 million people can travel safely and peacefully on one of the best-designed and safest inventions in the world. The Japanese trust their designs so much that the bullet train doesn’t even have seat belts. Rail transport produces the least amount of greenhouse gases, in addition to being faster and safer. Thanks to the shinkansen, more than 2,000 traffic deaths are avoided in Japan.

Not only the bullet train, but several other human inventions have been inspired by nature. What lesson can we take from this? I personally find it hard to believe that something like this came about by chance.

Being thin is part of the beauty standard in Japan and other Asian countries. You might be wondering, how do they manage to be so thin? There are several secrets and techniques that Japanese women use to keep their bodies slim and light.

In this article, we will reveal some of these secrets to help you lose weight and slim your waist. We have already written an article discussing the secret of Japanese beauty, but in this article, we will go further and reveal some important techniques for weight loss.

We also recommend reading:

• The secret of Japanese beauty, slimness, and longevity
• Misoshiro – The delicious Japanese Soy Soup
• Asagohan – Japanese Breakfast

Lose weight with the right diet

You should know that the Japanese diet helps a lot in keeping the waist slim. Japanese people drink a lot of tea, have miso soup daily, and consume plenty of vegetables and fish.

Japanese people also use light cooking techniques and low temperatures to preserve the nutrients in food. They usually season food with various ingredients but use little salt.

It is normal to eat rice, even at breakfast, which for some may cause weight gain due to being a large source of carbohydrates. But Japanese rice is richer in fiber than others. Noodles are also a nearly daily dish for the Japanese.

A Japanese meal consists of small portions, various accompaniments of light broths, and a slower and healthier eating pace; they eat more than 5 varieties of vegetables in one meal.

Japanese people also cook in an artistic way, which helps to satisfy and trick the stomach. They use chopsticks, which makes them eat less than a spoonful.

There is also a great Japanese technique for weight loss called Hara hachi bunme. While most people stop eating when they are completely full, those who use this technique stop eating when they are 80% full.

After 20 or 30 minutes, they decide if they are still hungry; if so, they have a small snack. The brain is not regular in indicating whether we are truly full or not, and this pause will help determine that.

Eating slowly also helps the brain in this decision. We recommend you take a look at the Japanese Food Pyramid. Japanese cuisine greatly helps the Japanese stay slim.

Also read: Japanese Food Pyramid – Japan’s dietary guide

Japanese people lose weight by breathing

A Japanese actor named Ryosuke Miki developed a technique that consists of spending two minutes a day focusing on taking long breaths and then exhaling aggressively. He was using this technique to alleviate back pain and noticed he was losing weight.

This long breathing diet should be done in a specific position, inhaling for 3 seconds and exhaling for 7 seconds. There are 2 techniques:

• 1 – Squeeze your buttocks to create ripples in your rear (check this by placing your fingers on the area formed by the compression), place one foot in front of your body, crossing your legs, putting 90% of your body weight on your back foot. You should inhale with your arms above your head;
• 2 – Squeeze your buttocks and place one hand on your belly and the other on your lower back;

In both techniques, you should inhale for 3 seconds and exhale for 7 seconds very strongly, tensing all the muscles.

It is believed that the long breathing diet increases muscle strength and speeds up your metabolism, raising oxygen levels in the blood. The results are excellent for the spine and abdomen, resulting in a slimmer waist.

Lose weight and improve posture lying down

There is another famous weight loss technique that is also good for posture, called Fukutsuji. It was created by Toshiki Fukutsuji, a doctor who was developing a method to prevent poor posture.

See also: Lose weight with the Japanese Fukutsuji method

The technique consists of taking a regular towel, rolling it up, and tying it to create a sausage shape. Then the person should lie on their back on a hard, flat surface and place the towel at the level of their navel, where the spine begins to curve.

When you are straight and in the correct position, you should place your feet shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing towards each other.

Stretch your arms above your head with your palms facing down and your pinky fingers touching each other. You should do this procedure for 5 minutes. It is recommended to do it 3 times a day for better results.

Another similar technique involves lying down and tying your big toes together with a hair elastic. This technique helps to position the pelvis correctly and prevents fat from concentrating in the abdominal area.

Losing weight with Japanese exercises

Another quite famous technique consists of taking a towel and holding each end, then making movements like the infinity symbol (∞) or a sideways 8.

Make 10 movements on each side with your back straight and arms extended. Only your arms should move; hold the towel firmly. It is not recommended for people with back problems. If it hurts, stop!

We notice that most of the exercises here involve contracting the abdomen and keeping the spine straight. Exactly, for weight loss, this is essential. I hope you enjoyed these Japanese techniques. Have you tried any of them? Leave your experiences in the comments.

To conclude the article, I will leave a video from my friend Roberto Pedraça teaching 3 tips on how to lose weight used by the Japanese:

What people complain about the most is the lack of time, even those who have a lot of free time end up not being able to take time to produce or do what they want. Some believe that working for themselves or having flexible hours is more than enough to accomplish what is necessary and desired. However, many end up wasting a lot of time browsing social media, sleeping, playing, and watching, and end up leaving important things aside.

How can you make better use of your time and produce more? In this article, we will talk about this and provide some tips that will help you manage your time better and be more productive.

Managing your time better

To produce more in less time, you need to manage your time better. To do this, we recommend that you define your priorities, plan, and simplify. You should also avoid things that steal your time.

Defining your priorities – Have you made a list of what you need to do and determined whether that task is important or not? One of the main things you need to do is organize yourself through a list, calendar, checklist, etc. Even mind maps can help you manage your time better and produce more.

Maybe you like to be free and don’t want every minute of your life to be controlled by a schedule. It’s not easy to define the importance of a task, much less to follow a list or calendar, but if you can’t do that, you won’t be able to manage your time well.

The first step is to define what is most important to you; if you can’t follow your list because of other things, try simply eliminating the useless things. Know how to say “no” to things that are not important or that consume time. Avoid trying to do too many tasks, otherwise, you will never be productive.

Don’t waste your time

The things that steal time the most, besides distractions, are indecision, procrastination, and perfectionism. Analyze each of these 4 points below calmly and make two changes! Eliminate what hinders you!

Distractions – Social media, music, YouTube, cell phones, WhatsApp, games, series, laziness, visits, etc. The number of distractions that steal your time never ends. But it is not possible to eliminate distractions; it is necessary to learn to live with them. It’s not hard to avoid using them when you are dedicating yourself entirely to productivity. Just close them, put them on silent, etc.

Indecision – I am super indecisive; I have a great difficulty in choosing things. Ideas are not lacking, but which one to start with? How to do it? How much time should I spend? If you have difficulty choosing, just pick any one and that’s it! Avoid wasting your time deciding what is best, otherwise, you will end up with nothing.

Procrastination – One of the most complicated things; I myself have a lot of difficulty with this. I ordered a book to study a language, and it has been two years and I have never picked it up to study the language, and this language is part of my work. Procrastination is the act of postponing things; avoid postponing things, be punctual. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.

Perfectionism – If you are a person who seeks perfectionism, it’s better to give up. Even with all the time in the world, you will not be able to produce perfect things. Don’t keep looking for perfection! Be aware that everyone makes mistakes, and you shouldn’t worry about that.

Tips to produce faster

There are several tips that people use to produce more in less time. Let’s list some and detail others, and you can try to apply them in your life.

• Get a good rest;
• Use methods that facilitate production;
• Maintain a good diet;
• Set aside a time just for producing;
• Have focus;
• Set a deadline;

To be productive, you must eliminate distractions and plan everything we talked about during this article. Also, have energy to produce; a good diet and rest are super necessary.

Do you work on the computer? Why not use tools to speed up your work? Why not try working standing up? This helps some people produce faster and avoid distractions. Remember that to produce, you need to have focus and a schedule. If you set deadlines and are a responsible person, you will try to meet them.

In this article, we will talk about a chemical element essential for human life that has influenced the longevity of the Japanese. We know that Japan is one of the countries with the highest number of centenarians in the world and an archipelago full of volcanoes. Japan has soil rich in magnesium, while Brazil is poor due to the use of chemical fertilizers.

Its presence in the soil makes the crops, water, including hot springs, rich in this and several other minerals. In Brazil, it is common to find Magnesium Chloride a type of supplement that can be consumed daily for health benefits.

In Japan, you can find Nigari a type of magnesium found in crystal form or a type of salt that is used in the preparation of tofu, soy milk, miso, and other beverages. Nigari is obtained from seawater through a process of filtration, centrifugation, and concentration that gives rise to Nigari crystals.

Types of Magnesium

Although magnesium is a chemical element, there are different types of magnesium that are marketed, each with a different function and indication.

• Magnesium Chloride – To detoxify cells and tissues, stimulate metabolism;
• Magnesium Hydroxide – Milk of magnesia
• Sulfate – Epsom salt / Bitter salt – To relieve asthma and relax muscles (dangerous);
• Citrate – Used as a mild laxative and for constipation;
• Oxide – Has a poor absorption rate;
• Chelate – For headaches and migraines;
• Taurate – For people with cardiovascular problems;
• Malate – For people suffering from fatigue;
• Glycinate – Less likely to induce diarrhea;
• Carbonate – For those suffering from indigestion and acid reflux;
• Glutamate and Aspartate – Avoid as it is dangerous;

Each type of Magnesium has other chemical compositions present, so we do not recommend taking any before consulting a doctor. The most common one that can be consumed without problems is magnesium chloride.

Benefits of Magnesium for Health

The benefits of Magnesium for health are enormous. It is essential for human life and has done a good job in Japan, making the Japanese appear youthful and preserving the lives of the elderly for longer. Below is a huge list of benefits of consuming Magnesium:

• Acts as a blood purifier;
• Is rich in calcium, strengthening bones;
• Helps eliminate acid that accumulates in the kidneys;
• Stimulates brain functions and nerve impulse transmission;
• Stimulates the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• Reduces levels of bad cholesterol;
• Is a powerful anti-stress agent;
• Prevents problems like hemorrhoids;
• Prevents cramps;
• Fights fatigue and helps prevent muscle tiredness;
• Fights and prevents muscle injuries;
• Regulates body temperature;
• Prevents prostate problems;
• Fights cancerous tumors;
• Strengthens the immune system;
• Prevents premature aging;
• Prevents osteoporosis;
• Prevents the formation of kidney stones;
• Reduces PMS symptoms and stimulates hormonal regulation;
• Fights free radicals, preventing tumors and warts;
• Promotes cleaning of the arteries, preventing arteriosclerosis;
• Helps regulate blood pressure and combat hypertension;
• Prevents stroke;
• Helps with intestinal problems and colic;
• Helps fight depression;
• Helps fight epilepsy;
• Helps fight multiple sclerosis;
• Helps fight Parkinson’s;
• Prevents kidney stones;
• Helps with dizziness and nausea;
• Helps against thyroid issues, bronchitis, and asthma;
• Helps maintain a healthy weight;
• Improves sleep;
• And many others;

The only contraindication for magnesium consumption is for people suffering from diarrhea, and some kidney diseases. Remember that taking antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of some of them.

Foods Rich in Magnesium

Magnesium is usually present in the sea and in the soil. So basically, most planted foods can be rich in magnesium if the country has soil rich in that sense. The fact that Japan is surrounded by the sea and has many volcanoes influences this. However, there is a list of foods where you can find Magnesium, let’s see below:

• Nuts, coconut, almonds and chestnuts;
• Seaweed, fish, leafy greens;
• Fruits like banana, apricot, peach, and plum;
• Pure cocoa and dark chocolate;
• Avocado, sweet potato, alfalfa sprouts;
• Cereals like oats and brown rice;
• Pumpkin seeds, sesame, sunflower, lentils, and peas;
• Brewer’s yeast, quinoa, and others;

Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency

If a person suffers from magnesium deficiency, they may experience the following symptoms:

Dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, headaches, vertigo, weakness, and constant fatigue, pressure in the chest, difficulty swallowing, sensation of a “lump” in the throat, tremors and insomnia.

If the deficiency is severe: frequent cramps, blurred vision, swelling and tingling in the extremities, photophobia (sensitivity to light), seizures, mood changes, hallucinations and delirium, abnormal heart rhythm, cartilage degeneration, and others.

Therefore, we strongly recommend foods rich in this mineral or even starting to take magnesium chloride for the sake of your health! What did you think of the article? Did you already know about these thousands of benefits? Have you felt the results?

Have you heard about the story of a Japanese dog named “Hachiko”? The story of this dog moved many Japanese people and people around the world, due to its living example of love and loyalty.

The story of Hachiko

Hachiko (ハチ公), or the faithful dog Hachikō (忠犬ハチ公), was an Akita breed dog, who is remembered even today, after so much time, for his example of loyalty to his owner. In 1924, Hachiko was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo. Professor Ueno, who had always been a dog lover, named Hachi (Hachiko) and filled him with love and affection.

Hachiko accompanied Ueno to the Shibuya train station, returning to meet him at the end of the day when Ueno came back from work. The sight of the two, arriving at the station in the morning and returning home together at night, deeply impressed everyone who passed by. The routine continued until the professor did not return on his train, as usual. Hachiko’s life as Professor Ueno’s pet was interrupted. Ueno suffered a Stroke (AVC) at the university where he worked and never returned to the station where Hachikō was waiting for him.

On May 21, 1925, Professor Ueno suffered a stroke during a meeting and died. The story goes that, at Ueno’s wake, Hachiko broke the glass doors of the house and made his way to the room where the body was placed and spent the night lying next to his master, refusing to leave.

After his owner died, Hachi went to live with relatives of the deceased professor, who also lived in Tokyo. But he escaped several times and returned to the house in Shibuya. Realizing that his owner no longer lived in the Shibuya house, Hachi began to go to the Shibuya station every day, as he had always done. And he stayed there, waiting for his deceased owner, day after day.

Hachiko in the Media

Hachi was later noticed by a former student of the deceased professor. He happened to be studying the Akita breed. This student would always visit Hachi and also wrote several articles about Hachiko’s incomparable loyalty. His story was sent to the 朝市新聞 (asashi shinbun), which was published in September 1932.

His story became known in Japan. Hachiko’s example was even used as an example to instruct children.

Hachi’s fame made no difference in his life, as he continued in the same way as always, waiting for his owner. In 1929, Hachi ended up getting mange, bringing him to the brink of death. Hachi was already covered in many wounds and was thin, to the point that one of his ears no longer stood up. He looked horrible.

On the night of March 8, 1935, Hachiko passed away, at the age of 11, still at the Shibuya station, waiting for his owner. Some tributes were made to Hachiko, such as a bronze statue, which is located at the Shibuya ticket office. Also, every March 8, a ceremony is held at the train station.

The story became so famous that even a movie was made called: “Always by Your Side.” The story is practically the same, the difference is that the movie is an American adaptation.

The story of Hachiko is a true example of love and loyalty to the owner. The Akita breed has been considered special in Japan for a long time. There are several reports of dogs of this breed that died nobly, trying to defend their owner.