Top Ten Kiwi Yamabushi Posts for 2025
In case you missed them, or just want a refresher.
Happy holidays! Here are the top ten Kiwi Yamabushi posts for 2025. If you got any enjoyment out of them, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. I honestly do this in any spare time I have, usually early mornings before my house wakes up (literally the only time I’m not working or looking after my family).
Or you could always share this with your mum (you know you want to).
First up, Kadowaki-san in Tsuruoka.
The guy is about as grumpy as it gets, but he definitely knows his stuff!
Next, on the Yamabushi Jingle
I have since found out the reason for the bells in the first place, and it has nothing to do with bears! Stay tuned for more on this.
Why Buddhist Monks and Yamabushi Jingle When They Walk
If you missed part one on what makes a Shakujo a Shakujo, you can read it here, or read the whole thing as one here (just don’t miss the extras at the bottom of this post).
And its companion article:
The Shakujo Staff: Half Ritualistic, Half Bear Bell, 100% Yamabushi
A reader kindly asked me to write about Shakujo staffs, one of the tools of the yamabushi. If you’d love me to explore anything yamabushi or even remotely Japan-related, you can leave a comment on Kiwiyamabushi.com or reach out in the chat section there. Alternatively, just reply to this email and I’ll see what I can do.
It wouldn’t be Japan without a Conbini!
“Mild” Adultery at the Conbini (Japanese Convenience Store)
“Mild” Adultery at the Conbini (Japanese Convenience Store)
This is probably the one I most want you to read:
How this little-known Japanese craft changed my life forever
If you like Japan and want to hear how a very small craft contributed directly to international relations, read on.
This one needs no explanation.
The Japanese 'Tradition' That Refuses to Die
Japan is somehow both hyper-efficient and completely inefficient at the same time.
Same with this, I guess.
Idiots on the Mountain: How NOT to climb Japanese peaks
First up: I’ll be having a conversation with Mark Kennedy of Real Gaijin this Sunday from 8am JST, come join us!
This was a great chance for reflection.
This series is extremely popular!
More here, and here, and here, and here.
Tears.
My Proudest Yamabushi Moment (to date)
We got back to Daishobo pilgrim’s lodge on Monday night at about 7:30. As quick as possible, the 30 or so of us who belong to Daishobo had showers, and all sat down for our first post-Shugyo (yamabushi training) meal. Or rather, the finale:
This was a whole lot of fun to make! Sorry to that one guy who thought it was for real!
Here was the original comment on LinkedIn:
Thanks! Happy holidays, and here’s to another year of Kiwi Yamabushi posts!
Daily Yamabushi for The Week
Daily Yamabushi posts for the week of December 19 to 25, 2025.
Read Daily Yamabushi at timbunting.com/blog. Most popular articles here.