What is Kenzan? It’ s a useful tool to place flowers when making Ikebana arrangement. Western flower arrangements use green floral foams. I sometimes use them, too. One thing I don’t like about the floral foams is that you can’t reuse them. Made of metal, Kenzan is durable and you can use it again and …
This old Japanology video on NHK made me almost cry… It’s a rather long video, but I hope at least you watch the part starting at 19:00 and 26:26. Please let me know what you thought after watching these parts. “The important thing is that the host and the guests get together and enjoy each …
In my previous blog post “Wearing Gold – Japanese Way”, I mentioned about my obi that is woven with 24K gold thread. It is not easy to imagine how that is possible with only still photos. Thanks to NHK’s on-demand video, I can share with you how it is done. The video is available until …
I have stumbled upon this old video on Vimeo. This was my first time listening to Bernard Leach talk (he would be 133 if he were alive). He is talking so passionately about handmade pottery. What is mingei? Who is Bernard Leach? You may have a lot of questions. I will try to share with …
Watch This Video While It’s Free – What is Mingei Read More »
About this time of the year in the last five years, I had been busy wearing kimono and serving tea for 4 consecutive days, for the Senses from Japan event. Twice a year, in the spring and the fall, people would gather for a bowl of tea and Fran’s white chocolate truffle. Members of Urasenke …
When I was in grade school (I admit it was half a century ago), we students had to memorize map symbols. This symbol means a school, that one means a police station… It was sort of fun, but there was one symbol I wondered why I had to memorize. Hint. See the photo above….Yes, mulberry …
We Love Kimono Project #5 Mr. Nagamura of Mamiya sent me photos of my obi design. At first I was surprised, because the colors were no where close to ones that I have chosen. What is this? Only after reading Mr. Nagamura’s explanation was I relieved. The photos were of “Monzu 紋図” , some kind …
This documentary is a beautiful journey of a woman from Equador learning Yuzen hand dyeing technique in Japan. Please enjoy!