For our fifth "Book of the Day," we have "Bonfire and Tools" by Masaya Ino, who holds the title of Bonfire Meister. In 2019, he even appeared on "Matsuko's World" as a master of the bonfire world.
The act of controlling fire has long been said to be a mystical ability performed only by humans.
Although fire is used in nature, animals don't cook, warm themselves, or use smoke to ward off insects.
"Fire" is essential for "humans" to survive in nature, and it's so symbolic that even in the great outdoors, wherever there's fire, there are always humans, and wherever there isn't, there are only wild animals.
In Disney's masterpiece "The Jungle Book," fire was referred to by the animals as "the red flower," depicted as a magical force wielded by humans that incinerates everything it touches.
The act of lighting a fire and gathering around it—a "bonfire"—has a mysterious power.
In this book, Ino says that a bonfire isn't just an act; when people are in front of a flame, they naturally want to reveal anything and everything. Even if there's something important to discuss, they don't look each other in the eye but simply gaze at the flame and talk, making it a "communication tool."
And if you have an iron skillet with that "bonfire" as a "communication tool," you can grill meat, cook other ingredients, and create delicious food one after another for people. It's truly amazing.
When you think about it that way, it's clear that a bonfire has incredible power, far beyond just lighting a fire and sitting in front of it.
Just as people have different communication habits and preferences, the way they enjoy a bonfire can also vary.
You can easily start a fire with a fire starter,
or you can start by making feather sticks to get the fire going.
It's truly about diversity.
This book is packed with engaging content, including stories about the tools Ino has cherished over the years and his honest, straightforward, and enjoyable annotations.
Why not pick up this book and have a "bonfire" during your next long break?
