I've written a brief commentary on the Japanese signature seal and some difficulties it has caused during the COVID-19 pandemic. I think it is inevitable that hanko use will continue to decline, it's just a question of how quick. Yet another piece of the puzzle that is Japan. (Archived article originally published by Tokyo Weekender)
This article describes an afternoon of tea tasting in Fukuoka's Hoshino-mura, not far from the place were tea was first cultivated in Japan some 800 years ago. (Archived article originally published by Japan Today)
This morning my doorbell rang just as I was finishing my hausfrau duties (dishes, laundry, etc.). It was my friendly, neighborhood Sagawa Kyubin delivery man with a small box, a care package from my friend Kana. Kana lives in her family home in Nagano Prefecture and, like many "country folk", has a big fruit and … Continue reading Making Umeshu: a sign of early summer
Although it is often said that Japanese people are change averse, if one looks closely, signs of change, both past and present, are everywhere. Sometimes the changes are extreme and other times the changes are incremental. This 5-6 km. walk through hills above Gotanda and Meguro stations into the Meguro River valley explores various changes … Continue reading Gotanda and Meguro: a walk exploring changing times
In this time when safety restrictions are slowly being relaxed and summer weather is upon us, many people want to get out a bit, while minimizing any health risks of doing so. How about a nice urban walk with plenty of history and greenery and not too many crowded places? This easy walk of about … Continue reading Walking history on the outskirts of old Edo
Nakatsu Castle, with its moats fed by tidal sea water from the Seto Inland Sea, is one of Japan's three so-called "seaside castles". The others are Takamatsu Castle in Kagawa and Imabari Castle in Ehime. Nakatsu Castle sits on the Yamakuni River delta, about half a kilometer south of the river's mouth, the tidal river … Continue reading Nakatsu Castle: provincial river guardian
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