Cobblestone steps ascending to Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. Along the steep, cobblestone steps of the Kumano Kodō toward Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, you will find some souvenir shops, including a Shodo shop. Since I am a Shodo fanatic and love all things associated with it - washi paper, haiku and more, the one souvenir I … Continue reading 硯 Suzuri Inkstone Made from Kumano Kodō Rock
Japanese Cultural Junkie
熊野古道, Kumano Kodō: Oyunohara 大斎原
The Oyunohara (大斎原) Otorii Gate, the largest of the Kumano Kodo sanzan. Before 1889, 熊野古道, Kumano Kodō pilgrims arriving at Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine visited its original site of Oyunohara 大斎原, an island located at the fork of the Iwata River and the Otonashi River in Tanabe, Wakayama. Instead of Misogi, 禊 a Japanese Shinto practice of … Continue reading 熊野古道, Kumano Kodō: Oyunohara 大斎原
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.
Lafcadio in Japan Code – Seeking A Lost Spiritual Tradition Commemorative Exhibition Catalog Released 日本の文化
Japanese philosophy, mythology, and art lovers alike will fall in love with a unique new e-book Lafcadio in Japan Code - Seeking A Lost Spiritual Tradition. This Exhibition Catalog, doubling as a memory book of the April 22-25 Kyoto exhibition that commemorated the 170th anniversary of Lafcadio Hearn's birth, contains a plethora of art, photography, poetry and prose about Japanese culture from collaborators the world over.
Bringing Mindful Japanese Culture to Our American Home Part I – Food Presentation
How we bring the beauty of traditional Japanese lifestyle and mindfulness into our American home.
八咫烏 Yatagarasu – The Three-Legged Crow of Japanese Mythology – With Photos and Haiku
The divine messenger of the sun, the crow, is exemplified in Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow in Japanese mythology. With photos and haiku by Sydney Solis.
The Liquid Sky: When Art, Haiku and Japanese Myth Connect
Inner Connections of the Liquid Sky 43 Haiku and a Mythical Poem from the Kojiki by Maria Paptzelou and Masashi Nakamura is available as an Ebook.
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.
On Haiku, Bamboo, Poetry Writing, Conservation Work in Japan, and Some Contests Too
A variety of opportunities to appreciate and write haiku poetry are to be found in Japan. A few of my favorite experiences, from the Arashiyama Bamboo forest composure strolls to books, to haiku competitions.
Japan’s Living Mythic Tradition Comes Alive at Iwami Kagura Naniwa in Osaka
Ever since coming to Japan I have wanted to see Kagura, which means "entertaining the gods." It relates the myths of Japan, utilizing sacred Japanese dance and music dedicated to Shinto gods. This year Western Shimane Prefecture's Iwami Kagura Naniwa opened a Kagura theatre in Osaka. My daughter was in town, so we went as a … Continue reading Japan’s Living Mythic Tradition Comes Alive at Iwami Kagura Naniwa in Osaka
