The artist Sarah Brayer has a show in Kyoto at the end of this week that promises to be quite exciting. Those familiar with Sarah's work, know that while consistent in its grace and beauty, over the years it is has also undergone a remarkable series of transformations in both media and styles. Already known internationally for her poured washi paperworks and aquatint prints, … [Read more...] about Capturing Light ~ The Art of Sarah Brayer
A Ginko, at Seishu Netsuke-kan
Here’s this month’s poetry post from our friend, poet and translator, Keiji Minato. Have you tried a ginko (吟行)? A ginko is a group excursion to make haiku or senryu: you visit a landmark, a museum exhibition, or any place of interest and write poems based on the experience. Usually, a kukai (句会; a haiku or senryu meeting) takes place afterwards, and you can share your works … [Read more...] about A Ginko, at Seishu Netsuke-kan
Épice
Last Monday was Mewby's birthday and every year, on her birthday, I take her out to a restaurant that must fit two criteria: it must be somewhere new (for us) and it must be super posh! This year it was Épice, a French restaurant in an old wooden machiya townhouse not far from the Imperial Palace Park. It's a pleasant spot, and the food could best be described as … [Read more...] about Épice
The Kikakuza Haibun Contest Anthology
Kikakuza Haibun Contest ~ Decorated Works 2009~2011 Compiled by Nobuyuki Yuasa & Stephen Henry Gill Lovely little collection this. I purchased a copy last week at the Hibikiai Forum English Haiku Poems seminar, and as it rained solidly all the next day, I spent a very nice, lazy afternoon reading through it with the rainfall as perfect background music. Haibun (俳文) … [Read more...] about The Kikakuza Haibun Contest Anthology
Kasagake at Kamigamo on October 16th
John Dougill writes, There were traditionally three styles of horseback archery carried out for the entertainment of the kami. The most well-known is Yabusame, in which galloping riders shoot at a fixed target. Much rarer is Kasagake, to be performed this Sunday at Kamigamo Jinja. The other style involved firing at live dogs: thank goodness, it's no longer … [Read more...] about Kasagake at Kamigamo on October 16th
“Denga-ka Sanshu” by Yosa Buson
Here’s this month’s poetry post from our friend, poet and translator, Keiji Minato. My first article for Deep Kyoto took up the topic of YOSA Buson's (1716-1784) hokku (or haiku). As it says, and you all probably know, Buson was a great haiku master and painter, and I would like to add here that he was also an experimental poet who tried poetic styles that had never … [Read more...] about “Denga-ka Sanshu” by Yosa Buson
Kyoto Antiques: Shopping & Window Shopping
Ian Ropke writes, There are two areas in Kyoto known for antiques: Teramachi and Shinmonzen. Both areas are perfect for window shopping and, naturally, shopping. Teramachi, south of Marutamachi, north of Oike but mostly north of Nijo, is Kyoto’s newest antique center. It is more casual, and often quite a bit cheaper when it comes to antiques pure and simple … [Read more...] about Kyoto Antiques: Shopping & Window Shopping
Karasu Sumo at Kamigamo Shrine on September 9
John Dougill writes, Priests hopping and cawing like crows. Seven year old kids doing sumo. What’s that all got to do with Shinto, you may wonder? Kamigamo Jinja is Kyoto’s greenest shrine and probably the oldest. It was established by the Kamo clan long before Kammu founded the capital in 794. One of the clan, according to legend, helped guide Emperor Jimmu across Kii … [Read more...] about Karasu Sumo at Kamigamo Shrine on September 9
Hiking Along the Old Hozu River Towpath
Last Saturday I joined Stephen Gill and Okiharu Maeda of the conservation group P.T.O. for a hike along the Hozu River. The hike wasn't purely for the pleasure of getting out into the fresh country air though, Maeda-san and Mr. Gill were making a detailed report, with photographs of the exact location of trees on Mount Ogura that have been affected by a deadly oak disease. Even … [Read more...] about Hiking Along the Old Hozu River Towpath
Ikkyu Sojun’s Kyo’unshu
Here's this month's poetry post from our friend Keiji Minato. Ikkyu Sojun (一休宗純; 1394-1481) is one of the most famous monks in the history of Japan. Since his lifetime countless legends have been told about his weird acts and unmatchable wits. For contemporary Japanese he has become the most familiar figure as a Buddhist monk through the television anime series Ikkyu-san … [Read more...] about Ikkyu Sojun’s Kyo’unshu
Makimura Dental Clinic
Like most people I'm not keen on visits to the dentist and tend to put them off for as long as possible. However, if I want to keep this set of gnashers in good nick then it's important to get them checked out occasionally. When I do so, I want a dentist who can explain things to me in English and I want someone I trust. I've had bad experiences with unscrupulous dentists, in … [Read more...] about Makimura Dental Clinic
