Japan's 'godless' lake warns of creeping climate change

<br><br>**The Vanishing God's Crossing Japan's Godless Lake Warns of Creeping Climate Change**<br><br>As I reflect on the significance of Japan's godless lake, Lake Suwa, I am reminded of the importance of preserving our planet's natural wonders. For centuries, this sacred site has been a hub of spiritual and scientific intrigue, with its annual God's Crossing phenomenon drawing pilgrims and scientists alike. However, as climate change continues to exact a devastating toll on our environment, this once-reliable event is becoming increasingly rare.<br><br>The God's Crossing, also known as miwatari, occurs when the frozen lake surface cracks open, allowing shards of thinner ice to break through and form a ridge where local deities are believed to cross. This phenomenon has been meticulously recorded since 1443 by the priests of Yatsurugi Shrine, who have tracked temperature readings, ice thickness, and the presence or absence of the crossing.<br><br>In recent years, the God's Crossing has failed to appear since 2018, a trend attributed to climate change. The lack of freezing temperatures has resulted in the lake surface remaining open, with only brief periods of freezing followed by rapid melting.<br><br>The significance of this phenomenon cannot be overstated. As Takehiko Mikami, a professor emeritus at Tokyo Metropolitan University, astutely notes, This is a warning from nature. The disappearance of the God's Crossing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on our planet.<br><br>As we navigate the challenges posed by this crisis, it is essential that we prioritize preserving our natural wonders and the rich cultural heritage that surrounds them. By supporting efforts to mitigate climate change, we can ensure that future generations continue to marvel at the beauty and majesty of Lake Suwa's God's Crossing.<br><br>**The Significance of the God's Crossing**<br><br>Lake Suwa's God's Crossing has been a revered phenomenon for centuries, with its annual occurrence drawing pilgrims and scientists alike. The significance of this event cannot be overstated, serving as a testament to the cultural and spiritual importance of natural wonders like Lake Suwa.<br><br>**A Warning from Nature**<br><br>The disappearance of the God's Crossing serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on our planet. As we navigate the challenges posed by this crisis, it is essential that we prioritize preserving our natural wonders and the rich cultural heritage that surrounds them.<br><br>**Preserving Our Natural Wonders**<br><br>By supporting efforts to mitigate climate change, we can ensure that future generations continue to marvel at the beauty and majesty of Lake Suwa's God's Crossing. It is our responsibility to preserve these natural wonders for the benefit of all, serving as a testament to the importance of protecting our planet.<br><br>**Keywords** Climate Change, Japan, Lake Suwa, God's Crossing, Miwatari, Yatsurugi Shrine