Stepping into the latest exhibition at Shibuya's Toguri Museum of Art, I felt as if I was in heaven. The exhibition, entitled "Beautiful Glazes in Ko-Imari Ware", features the glazes used on Ko-Imari ware, some of Japan's earliest refined porcelains, dating back to the 17th century. The pieces on display are exquisite. It was refugee … Continue reading The colors of Ko-Imari: it’s all about the glaze
This article introduces readers to the gold mining legacy of the town of Toi, in western Izu. Through February 4, 2018, the site of the gold mine has a special night-time illumination of its early cherry blossoms, making this a great time to visit! (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Perhaps it's the result of a frugal upbringing or perhaps it's the fact that the day is cold and rainy and I want something to warm me, but as I am walking along the street, a sign that says "free coffee" catches my eye. What's weird is that a price is given just below those … Continue reading What does it mean to be free?
Old stone quarries are fascinating places to explore. They are full of man-made shapes and angles that nature is working to reclaim. At Nokogiriyama (lit. Sawtooth Mountain) in Chiba--a perfect distance for a day trip from Tokyo--, part of the mountain was quarried away over several decades, leaving lots of fun nooks and crannies to … Continue reading Nokogiriyama – stepping it up on Sawtooth Mountain
Old Edo was a firetrap. One and two-story structures, made mostly of wood, straw and paper, standing cheek-by-jowl with the neighbors, with everyone cooking and heating with open fires or charcoal braziers. Any little fire quickly got out of control and equally quickly spread to neighboring structures. Major fires were so common in the Edo … Continue reading Hashigo-nori (ladder-top acrobatics) at Ikegami Honmonji
Jigsaw Japan 