On Thursday night I attended the Hailstone Haiku Circle's English Haiku class for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it! About 12 people were present including the British poet/artist Stephen Gill and Sean O'Connor an Irish poet/musician. The first part of the class was taken up with what Stephen called the 添削コーナー ("correction corner"). Here haiku that have been submitted … [Read more...] about Irish Haiku!
Two Poems by Amano Tadashi
Here's this month's poetry column from our friend Keiji Minato... Kobo-san (弘法さん) is the popular name of Toji Kobo-ichi (東寺弘法市; Toji Kobo Market), the monthly fair that takes place at Toji Temple. On the 21st every month, hundreds of stalls occupy its huge precincts and alleys all around and sell a wide variety of goods from food and drink through accessories and … [Read more...] about Two Poems by Amano Tadashi
The Art of Sarah Brayer
The artist, Sarah Brayer, is currently offering a selection of beautiful prints for the winter season to mark the 30+ years she has been in Kyoto, and on Sunday December 12th, from 1 till 6pm she will host a holiday show and get together at her studio. "There will be prints, paintings, note cards for sale in all price ranges," says Sarah, "All are welcome! And those who come, … [Read more...] about The Art of Sarah Brayer
The Photographs of Chris McCooey
Here’s this month’s addition to our ongoing series of profiles of Kyoto-based photographers. Each photographer chooses five of their own favorite pictures and tells us a little about what those pictures mean to them. This time I asked a former Kyoto resident, Chris McCooey. Before leaving Japan, Chris was the photographer for the excellent Time Out Shortlist Kyoto (which I have … [Read more...] about The Photographs of Chris McCooey
The Ultimate Japanese Phrasebook
I've never really used phrasebooks as such. Stopping mid-discussion to look something up always seemed like a conversation-killer. However, Kit Nagamura kindly sent me this one for free and having looked at it I have to admit that it's a pretty good reference and learning tool for improving your colloquial Japanese. Here's the blurb from the publisher: The book contains … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Japanese Phrasebook
Autumn Colours at Kinkakuji & Ryoanji
Yesterday Mewby and I braved the autumn weather to see the autumn leaves at Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. The Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji and the rock garden at Ryoanji are two of Kyoto's most iconic sites and worth a visit any time of year. Right now though the autumn leaves make it just magical! Ryoanji's gorgeous gardens are a twenty minute stroll away from Kinkakuji if you … [Read more...] about Autumn Colours at Kinkakuji & Ryoanji
月と六ペンス
I was talking to my friend Yutaka one day and telling him that I couldn't find the right sort of cafe. "Of course, I know lots of nice cafes," I said, "but they don't serve my needs. They are too popular, and crowded. I want somewhere quiet, and unpopular, where I can go by myself, be anti-social and just lose myself in a book without being bothered by anyone. I can't find … [Read more...] about 月と六ペンス
“A Lively Evening” by Murayama Kaita
Here's another post on Kyoto poets and poetry by our guest contributor, Keiji Minato. Keiji writes... Last time I took up Yosa Buson, a great poet-cum-painter in the 18th century. The topic this time is a man who also both wrote poetry and left great paintings, but in a totally different era. MURAYAMA Kaita (村山槐太; 1896-1919) was born in Yokohama but grew up in … [Read more...] about “A Lively Evening” by Murayama Kaita
One Hundred Poets on Mount Ogura, One Poem Each
朝に夕 眺めし小倉の 山にきて 幼き頃の 山路楽しむ To Ogura I have come, the hill I have looked at every morning and eve: enjoying again it's mountain paths I once walked as a child (Yoshihiro Tsuchida from the collection One Hundred Poets on Mount Ogura, One Poem Each) In a previous post I wrote about the environmental action group P.T.O. (People Together for Mt. Ogura) and the … [Read more...] about One Hundred Poets on Mount Ogura, One Poem Each
A Hokku of Yosa Buson
This is Keiji Minato's second article on the poets and poetry of Kyoto. Keiji writes... Yosa Buson (1716-83), one of the most popular haikai masters from the Edo period, lived most of his adult life in Kyoto City. ほととぎす平安城を筋違に 与謝蕪村 Hototogisu heianjo wo sujikai ni --- YOSA Buson lesser cuckoo crossing diagonally above Heianjo “Heianjo (平安城)” is the same as … [Read more...] about A Hokku of Yosa Buson
Kerala Indian Restaurant
Mewby and I ventured over to this fine establishment one evening when we were badly in need of a curry fix. Hands down this is the best Indian food I've eaten in Kyoto. The service is excellent too. The waiter (a charming, soft spoken chap) actually took the time to talk us through the various items on the menu and give his own recommendations. Here's what we … [Read more...] about Kerala Indian Restaurant
