Culture

Saint Oniisan, Japan's new Holy Book.

by Uwe Paschen | February 1, 2009 at 06:09 pm

5273 views | 62 Recommendations | 10 comments

Japan has a new Holy book off sorts, becoming very popular, it is in the form of a comic book and it is called “Saint Oniisan” (聖☆おにいさん [jp], lit. meaning, Saint Young Men) Written by Hikaru Nakamura (中村光) [jp]. A young Japanese manga author that had his interview published at Jump Square magazine recently. Nakamura was always interested in Christian iconography, yet is not a believer or a scholar of Theology. However as the Idea came to him to write a fictive story of two of the greatest religious figures coming back to Earth on a Holiday and living in a small apartment in Tokyo. Nakamura set out to research the two character and the topic in depth.

The manga is filed with Jokes and Gags that are set to be funny, amusing for every one, and yet very philosophical and deeply socio critical. They are some of course that do not appreciate this manga, those are the more religious orthodox followers rather then the masses of Japan’s modern society.

The manga is gaining in popularity dealing with all aspects of modern life from traditions to the environment and this in a rather appealing and humorous way contrasting the usual dogmatic approach to morals, challenges and problems by the established five larges religions on Earth.

Saint Oniisan, seems to reflect Japan’s approach to religion of embracing diverse cultures and celebration, with out becoming fanatic or radical about it, nor converting to any new faith or believe. Rather metamorphosing continually its own culture and faith and adapting it to the times and realities given.

An amazing gift in a way allowing for intellectual growth and spiritual freedom with out neither dogmas nor fanatics attached to it.

In this story, Buddha is more the pragmatic one and money wise, where as Jesus is more the impulsive one and a rather easy spender of the available income the two have. Buddha seems to be the long-term thinker and Jesus seems to live more in the moment not worrying too much about tomorrow. The ways the two interact with one another and society is fascinating and inspiring.

I would recommend this as must read for Pupils in schools as well as Dogmatic Fanatics.

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rumana husain

at 19:41 on February 1st, 2009

i hope it gets translated into other languages as well.

Uwe Paschen

at 19:45 on February 1st, 2009

I really hope so as well Rumana, it is a great book and now a great Comic Book as well. It would be well worth translating it. I have not fund out if there where any plans to that effect as of now. Maybe they are.

Fripouille

at 06:22 on February 2nd, 2009

What a wonderful idea this is!! As soon as it's available in english I'm going to get a copy.

I've always had a strong spiritual aspect to my life, and/but have my own reasons for being opposed to the very idea of "organised" religion.

If certain organised religions could ever get over their self-aggrandizing and pompous attitudes and actually try to reach out to people in fun ways instead of inviting them to feel guilty, they might just see more people in their places of worship...

Excellent post Paschen, and thanks.

mtammas

at 12:00 on February 2nd, 2009

I'm joining the list of those hoping and waiting for an English version. Thank you so much, Pashen.

158

at 12:32 on February 2nd, 2009

I agree.

I would very much like to read this.

Sanjay Jha

at 21:00 on February 2nd, 2009

Very interesting post. Keep up good work, Cheers

AidanB

at 21:23 on April 14th, 2009

I think this holy book would somehow enlighten people of Japan in times of recession. Japan as one of the most productive country in the world is also in at risk saving the economy. Like in the other country, faith to God is badly needed and is given attention.
The recession has in fact given a boost to education in New Zealand. International students hit by the world economic crisis are opting to study in New Zealand instead of traditional centers such as Britain and the United States to take advantage of New Zealand dollar’s sharply reduced exchange rate. However students with advanced degrees from quality institutions and international exposure would always have an edge in the job market at all times as recruiters realize the value they bring to organizations. The job situation is equally bad the world over and this situation is not unique to Japan alone. Regardless, it seems so much more important during a recession. More people are getting payday loans yet donations to foundations and charitable contributions have increased from some people. (Some no doubt in order to get a tax break, but hey – every little bit counts.) How do you feel about payday loans and money?