Takeuchi Seihō (竹内 栖鳳 - his real name was Takeuchi Tsunekichi) lived from December 20, 1864 - August 23, 1942. He was an early master of nihonga art, and prior to World War II led a notable circle of painters in Kyoto. His former residence in Higashiyama still stands as The Sodoh - now a restaurant and event space. Ian Ropke writes, During Takeuchi’s early youth his … [Read more...] about Takeuchi Seihō – Japan’s most important modern Japanese-style painter
the能.com probably has pretty much everything you need to get started with Noh drama…
I have been following Diego Pellecchia's facinating Noh blog for a couple of months now. Diego is training with the Kongō school of Noh, here in Kyoto and his blog offers a kind of portal into that world. Wanting to learn more, last week I asked him if he could recommend any beginner's texts as an introduction to the world of Noh. Rather than a text he recommended this website, … [Read more...] about the能.com probably has pretty much everything you need to get started with Noh drama…
Meltdown – An Anthology of Haiku, Z – A
MELTDOWN メルトダウン (2013) An Anthology of Haiku, Z to A. ISBN: 978-4-9900822-5-3 Edited by Stephen Henry Gill Includes almost 500 haiku and a short 4-part seasonal renku cycle over 228 pages. Cover by Richard Steiner. Price:￥1,500; airmail $20, incl. p&p Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm. Covers feature a tactile matt paper finish. How to order: details are at the Hailstone Haiku … [Read more...] about Meltdown – An Anthology of Haiku, Z – A
Bellota Concha on Tominokoji
Bellota Concha is a Spanish style restaurant specializing in seafood fresh from the market. Mewby and I ate there once last year and enjoyed it, so I thought it would be a nice spot to celebrate our anniversary. They have two floors, so if you are upstairs you get one of these funky bells to call for service. We started our meal with a white asparagus and anchovy … [Read more...] about Bellota Concha on Tominokoji
Chakra Indian Restaurant
We found another great curry place! Mewby and I stumbled across Chakra last night while out for an evening stroll, and although we hadn't intended to eat out, we were tempted in at the thought of Bengal curry goodness... There are a lot of choices on the menu, and everything seems pretty reasonably priced. There are also a lot of vegetarian/vegan options: 8 different … [Read more...] about Chakra Indian Restaurant
Kyoto by the Sea Part #2: Kumihama in Winter
This is the second of two pieces on Tango, the northern seacoast of Kyoto prefecture. In the Part #1 I recounted last year's trip to the beach at Kotobikihama and our fortuitous view of a fireworks display at Amanohashidate. In this post: a winter trip to Kumihama, climbing a holy mountain and all the crab you can eat! In the first week of the New Year Mewby and I joined … [Read more...] about Kyoto by the Sea Part #2: Kumihama in Winter
Papa Jon’s Honten
On Saturday we took a stroll up to the Shimpukan, intending to grab a bite to eat at Papa Jon's Eatery.* Unfortunately for us, they were hosting a wedding party. However, very fortunately for us, we bumped into Charles Roche (the owner) on his way out, and he offered us a lift up to the 本店. Nice chap, isn't he? I'd noticed this place on the way to events at Impact Hub but … [Read more...] about Papa Jon’s Honten
Kyoto by the Sea Part #1: Kotobikihama & Amanohashidate
This is the first of two pieces on Tango, the northern seacoast of Kyoto prefecture. In this post: a summer trip to Kotobikihama and fireworks in Amanohashidate. Tango in the north of Kyoto Prefecture is recently being marketed as "Kyoto by the Sea", and certainly there is a lot to recommend a trip up there besides the well known scenic beauty of Amanohashidate … [Read more...] about Kyoto by the Sea Part #1: Kotobikihama & Amanohashidate
“Tone Poems” Exhibition: Joel Stewart’s Continuing Artistic Odyssey
A special review today by our good friend Richard Donovan Taking photos in Joel Stewart’s painting studio in North Kyoto, I struggle to contain his upcoming exhibition’s signature artwork, Odyssey, within the frame. A horizontal painting comprised of six separate 40-centimeter-square images painted on both paper and canvas, all mounted onto wooden panels and joined together. … [Read more...] about “Tone Poems” Exhibition: Joel Stewart’s Continuing Artistic Odyssey
A Trip to Inuyama
Here are some pictures from Inuyama in Aichi prefecture, which we visited last month. Inuyama Castle is supposed to be the oldest castle in Japan: the original fort was built in 1440, and the current structure was completed in 1537. However as you can see from the scaffolding in the picture above, it still needs a bit of maintenance from time to time. Despite the metal … [Read more...] about A Trip to Inuyama
Zuishin-in ~ A Refuge in Ono
As I posted a piece on the autumn leaves at Daigo-ji last week, I thought I might post some pictures I took earlier this year at the nearby Zuishin-in. These pictures were taken in June; the season for irises and azaleas. I think this temple would be good to visit in any season though. It has a very special atmosphere. You can see a slideshow of the gardens through the seasons … [Read more...] about Zuishin-in ~ A Refuge in Ono
