重森三玲 Mirei Shigemori Residence and Rock Garden Kyoto

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 …

My Me & Mu 無 Haibun Published in The Haibun Journal

I wrote the haibun Me & Mu 無 after visiting the Saihō-ji 西芳寺 Zen Temple in 2018. We were required to do sutra copying before viewing its famous moss gardens and landscape, which prepared our minds for the sublime event. I’m grateful and honored to announce that Me & Mu 無 is published in The Haibun Journal 4:1. I …

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.

Itadakimasu いただきます— Japanese Mindful Way of Saying Gratitude for Receiving Food

The use of the Japanese itadakimasu いただきます Is still said here at home in the USA to take a moment to be mindful and express gratitude for the food I receive. A slideshow with lots of photos of gorgeous Japanese food and dishes too!

Experience Traditional Japanese Arts’ Meditative Effects with Maki-e 蒔絵 Lacquer Painting in Kyoto

Maki means “sprinkling” and “e” is a picture. It is the most basic technique of a pattern of lacquerware making that is traditionally painted on plates, trays, mirrors, cups, boxes and other objects made from bamboo or wood, but also sometimes paper, leather or basket materials.

揚げ出し豆腐 Agedashi Dōfu – Deep Fried Tofu is a Tasty Japanese Treat

Delicious agedashi dofu in Japan is a delicious deep-fried tofu snack.

日本の秋 Autumn in Japan – In Photographs

The splendor of autumn in Japan in photographs by Sydney Solis available as fine art prints and more at Estudio Sol on Society6.

Zen and The Art of Swordsmanship for Covid-19

I am moving all day and not moving at all. I am like the moon underneath the waves that ever go on rolling and rocking.

Wedding at Kyoto Botanical Garden – Photo

A photograph by Sydney Solis of a Chinese bride and groom in action at Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Japan.

Haiga and Haiku Exhibition in Kyoto: 170th Anniversary of Lafcadio Hearn’s Birth

Watch the video of the Kyoto Exhibition that celebrates 170th Anniversary of Lafcadio Hearn's Birth made by Masashi Nakamura of Japan.