Rocks in Japan have long been seen as sacred, John Dougill of Green Shinto points out. In Shinto there are ‘spirit-bodies’ made of rock which form the object of worship, the idea being that ancestral spirits descend into them and are made manifest. These special rocks, known as iwakura, are hung with rice rope and treated … Continue reading 重森三玲 Mirei Shigemori Residence and Rock Garden Kyoto
Japanese
In Photos: Traditional Japanese Najio-Gampi-shi 雁皮紙 Washi Paper Making 和紙
Traditional Japanese Najio-Gampi-shi washi paper-making process in Japan.
勿体無い Mottainai! As Supply Shortages Loom, Look to Traditional Japan and Thrive by Living With Less
The non-profit organization Mottainai Japan’s motto is, “In the spirit of mottainai, we continually give back to society,” The policy of selfishly wasting your enemies’ petroleum to keep up an alienated consumer lifestyle to profit global capital is over. Getting back to nature is in, and looking to Japan’s culture of Mottainai shows the way!
桜 Sakura: Beauty Alone Will Save Us
The cherry blossom season is in full bloom in most Japanese cities, and everybody is out because no more Covid restrictions for the first time in two years! This annual collective nature-gazing that reminds us of our connection to nature and eternal life is a celebration of beauty.
Nagasaki Kunchi 長崎くんち Dragon Dance Ja-Odori
Nagasaki Kunchi 長崎くんち Dragon Dance Ja-Odori rehearsal.
Lantern Festival at Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine
Video of a priest at Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine making a Hana Chochin, flower lantern, at the Chugen Mantoro lantern festival in Nara, Japan.
Oshie – Japanese Collage Art with Silk
Oshie is a three-dimensional picture made from silk. Sensei Shoho Konishi teaches the art at her school in Osaka and also at The Community House and Information Center (CHIC) in Kobe.
Haiku, Haibun, Book News, Mythology and More
Prize-winning photo of the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka is available at Studio Sol on Society6. The pandemic had a funny effect on me. After what seemed like two years sitting inside our Orlando living room staring at my husband, getting cast in independent films got me out in the world again. Hence, the slowdown … Continue reading Haiku, Haibun, Book News, Mythology and More
Japanese Zen Gardens for Peace – in Memory of Martin McKellar
Sudden News of a Friend’s Death is Never Easy Martin and I out front of the Harn Museum of Art in Gainesville, Florida in June 2021. My heart was shattered late January when I received a message from my friend Martin McKellar that he was saying goodbye— in December he had been diagnosed with stage … Continue reading Japanese Zen Gardens for Peace – in Memory of Martin McKellar
Favorite Japanese Super Foods: Sesame ごま
Goma ごま means sesame in Japanese, and this delicious superfood is everywhere to be found in Japanese cuisine.
Sydney In Osaka 