Once again I have to congratulate Jay Klaphake and his TEDxKyoto team of volunteers for organizing a splendid event at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies today! It was a delight to see Patrick Linehan speak here again, this time on the effect his last speech at TEDxKyoto has had on his life and also on the lives of others. In September he told us to embrace the qualities … [Read more...] about To Boldly Go – TEDxKyoto x George Takei & Patrick Linehan
World Saving
Three years ago today…
On this day of remembrance, I would like to share with you some simple memories of March 11th that have taken me three years to properly digest. I was far removed from the disaster then, but of course the events of the day made a big impression on me. I remember clearly where I was, what was on my mind and those who were about me. I remember most of all their grace, their … [Read more...] about Three years ago today…
On Herbs, Serendipity & Fair Trade in Kyoto
Za'Atar is an Arabic spice mix "made from mixing dried za'atar leaves together with varying combinations of other spices such as sesame seeds, thyme, marjoram, sumac and more." We bought a jar at the IDRO Japan charity sale last year, and then found ourselves wondering what to do with it. I can't remember who donated it, but they suggested we mix it with olive oil and use it as … [Read more...] about On Herbs, Serendipity & Fair Trade in Kyoto
Ten Days in Tohoku
As regular readers will remember, in early March I spent ten days up in Miyagi prefecture volunteering with IDRO JAPAN. As the charity sale for IDRO approaches, I think it's time I finally sat down and wrote about the work I took part in up there, and put down some thoughts about my experiences. So here goes... The Importance of Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone First off, … [Read more...] about Ten Days in Tohoku
An Interview with Rob Mangold, the Founder of IDRO JAPAN
I arrived in Ishinomaki about 1pm yesterday. A lot has changed in the last two months. The city seems to be very busy, the area around the train station still has a lot of shuttered shops, but energy is high. Only a couple of quick stops before heading out to the peninsula. On the 21st of this month a temporary store opened on the Ogatsu peninsula. The first time people have … [Read more...] about An Interview with Rob Mangold, the Founder of IDRO JAPAN
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
Kozmoz International
Kozmoz New York Coffee is an American style cafe/diner tucked away in Fushimi Momoyama, that specializes in such dishes as the Philly Cheesesteak, the Hot Italian Sausage, bagels, muffins, apple pies and cheesecake… What makes this establishment a little bit different from other cafes though, is that every yen made from your hotdog or cheesesteak, (and also all the profits … [Read more...] about Kozmoz International
The Artist Brian Williams
Last week I visited the artist Brian Williams at his studio, sat down for a chat and had a sneak preview of his upcoming exhibition at Kiyomizu Temple. Brian is due to have a special one night exhibit of his parabolic paintings this Saturday evening (May 14th) - the first time ever in 1200 years that any art has been exhibited on the famous Kiyomizu balcony. Brian is famous … [Read more...] about The Artist Brian Williams
Clearing up the Mountain
Lovely view, isn't it? Sadly, right below where I stood to take this picture there are piles of rubbish that people have illegally tipped down the wooded slopes of Mount Ogura. A lot of the discarded trash is domestic; buckets, bicycles, old refrigerators, motorbikes... But in this case a building company seems to have dumped some unwanted bags of cement. … [Read more...] about Clearing up the Mountain
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
People Together for Mt. Ogura – The Poets’ Mountain
...to feel the presence of this graceful Poet's Mount, we should go there. If possible, climb up a bit and take in the view. Listen, as the sounds of the city dwindle and those of nature take over. The trail at your feet will soon turn to earth and rock... - Stephen Gill For the last two weekends I've been taking part in conservation work with the environmental action group … [Read more...] about People Together for Mt. Ogura – The Poets’ Mountain
