Cherry blossoms on Mt. Yoshino by Kumiko Jitsukawa

A few years ago, one of my friends showed me a photo of beautiful cherry blossoms on Mt. Yoshino in Nara Prefecture, Japan. While there are famous cherry blossom viewing spots all over Japan, Mt. Yoshino holds a special place as one of the most famous. Although I had seen thousands of cherry blossoms on Mt. Yoshino in magazines, when she excitedly described how splendid the cherry blossoms were with her photo, I was truly impressed. Don't you think these cherry blossoms are simply amazing?

Cherry blossoms on Mt.Yoshino in Nara, Japan

The cherry blossoms of Mt. Yoshino have been written in many waka, traditional Japanese poems, since ancient times. Even today, Mt. Yoshino remains abundant in nature, much like it was in ancient times, so looking at photos makes me feel as though I have been drawn into the world of waka poetry.

Unlike the cherry blossoms at other famous spots, the cherry blossoms on Mt. Yoshino are not just for cherry blossom viewing but are carefully protected as religious symbols closely related to mountain worship.

Approximately 1,300 years ago, Enno Gyoja (役行者)carved an image of Zao Gongen (蔵王権現) into a cherry tree and it is believed that the image would save the people in Japan and make the cherry tree a sacred symbol.

Since then, tree planting has continued, with approximately 30,000 trees currently planted, mainly Shiroyamazakura (白山桜). The best time to see them is in the order of Shimosenbon (下千本), Nakasenbon (中千本), Kamisenbon (上千本), and Okusenbon(奥千本), as they bloom from the bottom to the top of the mountain, offering a prolonged viewing period. This year, Shimosenbon will start to bloom from March 30th, followed by the Nakasenbon, Kamisenbon, and Okusenbon, with the latter expected to be in full bloom around April 14th. Currently, Mt. Yoshino is registered as a World Heritage Site.

While cherry blossoms can be seen in many places, viewing the cherry blossoms of Mt. Yoshino may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience I desire. I already missed a chance this year.

However, this month, I made cherry blossom-shaped Japanese sweets while thinking about Mt. Yoshino, and shared them at workshops and events. To my surprise, everyone loved the homemade Sakura Japanese sweets. Since the Sakura season is continuing, should I make more? Please enjoy the beautiful cherry blossom season!

Homemade cherry blossom-shaped Japanese sweets -Kohakuto (琥珀糖)

 

Winter's Pleasure - The Warmth of a Winter Tea Bowl by Kumiko Jitsukawa

This winter in New York has been relatively warm, and it seems like today will be even warmer. However, it's only the end of February, so it's still cold, sometimes below freezing. Lately, I've been enjoying matcha in a winter bowl, which is cylindrical shape and typically used during the coldest month of the year, February.

Winter tea bowl (Tsutsu Chawan) and Bamboo tea whisk (Chasen)

The small opening in the tea bowl is designed to keep the matcha warm and prevent it from cooling down quickly. As you carefully pour in the hot water, place the bamboo tea whisk, and fold the linen cloth, simply watching the steam slowly rising from the tea bowl warms your heart. And now, you begin to make matcha.

The Way of Tea known as the tea ceremony always reminds us of the importance of savoring the present moment. It seems like a simple concept, but it reflects the depth and spiritual richness of the Japanese people in the past.

 I believe that life today is much richer than it was in the past. However, I feel that this is different from whether the human spirit has become richer.

While I can't wait for the arrival of warm spring weather, I've also realized that some pleasures can only be enjoyed during the cold season. Perhaps one of the greatest joys of a cold winter is seeing steam rise from a tea bowl or cup, feeling its soothing warmth wrap around your hands, and enjoying a hot beverage. Even if it's snowing outside, our bodies and hearts are filled with warmth. Let's enjoy the beauty of the cold season and the simple pleasures it brings for a bit while.

February Snow in Kent, CT

Happy New Year 2024 by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Dear friends, 

A Happy New Year!  2024 is the year of Dragon. It is believed that a powerful and positive energy flows through everything, creating a lively and perfect atmosphere. The Year of the Dragon brings robust vitality, significant growth, and an overall sense of well-being.

The Dragon, called Tatsu (龍・辰)in Japanese, is the only mythical creature in the zodiac. It symbolizes power and prosperity, making it a year associated with career growth and gaining influence. So, 2024 is expected to offer many opportunities for advancing in your career and realizing personal power. 

All the best,

Kumiko

A Favorable Turn of Fortune by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Time goes by so quickly, and this year is almost over. How has the year 2023 been for you? December 22nd marks the winter solstice, signifying the shortest day of the year.

 In Japanese, the winter solstice is called “Toji (冬至),” carrying the meaning of “Ichiyou raifuku (一陽来復),” a favorable turn of fortune.

This is because the winter solstice is the day when the sun's light is at its weakest, marking a turning point when the days become longer, and Yin (negative) is at its peak. Japanese tradition holds that things will turn Yang (positive) from that day onwards.

While it is typically a yearly cycle, looking back on the challenging period of the last few years, even though many issues persist globally, I sense a change in a positive direction. How do you reflect on 2023 and your journey over the years?

Throughout this year, I've had the pleasure of meeting many people through public and corporate workshops. It's been a great opportunity for me to learn that people seek a peaceful mind and deep spiritual fulfillment through Japanese culture. So, though small, I hope to continue sharing wisdom from our ancestors based on my experiences through these workshops, events, and this newsletter.

As we say good-bey to this year, may the symbolic turn on the winter solstice bring hope and positivity for all our tomorrows. I want to say thank you very much for supporting me and Ki-Chu New York. Wishing you peace, growth, and fulfillment in the coming year.

The Sunken Hearth Opening, and Matcha by Kumiko Jitsukawa

The beginning of November a very important season for those of us who learn of the way of tea, known as the tea ceremony.

Around this time, we have a special tea gathering to celebrate the opening of the sunken hearth, known as Robiraki in Japanese. ‘Ro (炉)refers to the sunken hearth, a square pit set beneath the flooring, flush with the tatami. ‘Biraki'(開き)’means to open, so Robiraki literally marks the opening of the sunken hearth.

Ukiyo-e print (浮世絵) depicting the art of the tea ceremony by Toshitaka Mizuno (水野年方 1866-1903) 

During winter, we use the sunken hearth instead of the floor brazier. The sunken hearth is an essential feature of a tea room and located almost centrally in the tea room, creating a warm atmosphere as everyone gathers around it. The Robiraki tea gathering signifies the initiation of a new cycle in the tea ceremony year. Almost two weeks ago, I attended a Robiraki tea gathering at our school, Urasenke Chanoyu Center, a delightful occasion where 25 people at each seat wore kimonos to celebrate and enjoy a bowl of matcha together.

There is another important thing in November. While the new season for green tea is in May, matcha's new season is in November. After harvesting fresh tea leaves, they age for half a year in a jar. In November, the jar is opened, and the aged tea leaves are ground using a stone mortar to make matcha powder. This marks the beginning of drinking new matcha for the season. When I visit Japan during this time, I always buy matcha for Robiraki at a small tea shop in Kyoto.

Speaking of matcha, a charming tea shop, Sorate opened in Soho just last month. The wonderful owner, Silvia, an Italian woman I met at a charity event for Ukraine last year, provided absolutely delicious matcha sourced from Uji, Kyoto.

 On Sorate’s website, Silvia shares in her "A LOVE LETTER TO JAPAN"

“AND ITALY, MY HOME COUNTRY.

The idea for starting Sorate came to mind after a period when I felt physically and emotionally depleted by the pressures of life. 

I decided to take a solo road trip through Japan to decompress. Making my way across the Japanese countryside, I discovered that the best way to keep my feet on the ground was to practice simple daily rituals. ….”

I knew she was learning the tea ceremony, but I was deeply moved when I saw a photo of her wearing a kimono and participating in a tea gathering held at Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto in the hot summer. I could feel her passion for Japanese culture and matcha.

Sorate, 13 Sullivan St. Soho, NYC

Sorate has a very cozy and relaxing atmosphere, especially in the morning. I enjoy delicious matcha accompanied by the pleasant sounds of jazz and Italian language. I feel the vibrant essence of New York City, a cosmopolitan city, a true melting pot. Each person has their own roots, but one can embrace and love any culture. At our school, Urasenke Chanoyu Center, there is an American instructor who has been teaching for a very long time and is highly respected by all students, not only as a teacher but also as a person.

These days, I feel that the way of Japanese tea is not only for the Japanese people but that this spirit will be passed down to the next generation by those who truly love Japanese culture.

On a beautiful autumn night in NYC by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Late in Autumn, the sky is clearer, the nights are longer, and the leaf colors are richer. Autumn is a very beautiful season. Initially, I had planned to write about autumn waka poems that describe what ancient people thought while looking at the beautiful nature, but I want to share with you a personal story that has become a milestone for Ki-Chu New York.

Last week, I attended a beautiful dinner on the 54th floor with stunning views of New York, hosted by contemporary fine jewelry brand, Authorne. This brand was founded by a very talented Canadian-Chinese jewelry artist, Rachel Bu, just last year. In fact, she was my first client and has been supporting Ki-Chu New York ever since. She is a visual artist and has a deep love for Japanese culture, so I have been sharing all that I know with her.

Her jewelry features contemporary designs using 18K gold, diamonds, and emeralds. So when she asked me to collaborate on an event, I had no idea how fine jewelry and traditional Japanese ceramics could work together.

Then, she showed me her collections. What struck me was the incorporation of traditional Japanese techniques, such as raden and maki-e, into some of her contemporary jewelry. She asked me to wear raden earrings at the dinner. Raden (螺鈿) is a decorative technique that uses the iridescent inner layer of abalone shell, turban shell, or pearl oyster shell, and it is typically used in traditional Japanese art pieces. I had never thought it could be incorporated into fine jewelry. It was the moment when I could see that my thoughts unexpectedly took out a wonderful way.

I am the founder of Ki-Chu New York, and we specialize in helping people enjoy traditional Japanese culture. Specifically, we sell ceramics and urushi ware. Our mission extends to workshops and events, where we share Japanese traditions and foster cultural appreciation in everyday life. We are dedicated to preserving and passing down our rich cultural heritage.

On that night, I wore the raden earrings. At the end of dinner, I explained the reason for removing all jewelry in the tea room, removed the beautiful earrings, and served matcha to all the guests.

This was a casual way, but it was a great opportunity for the guests to experience a sense of Japanese traditional culture.

I believe Authorne represents a fresh approach to utilizing these techniques—a rich cultural heritage passed down since ancient times—paving the way for the future.

It was the beautiful autumn night in NYC.

 

Holding small Earth by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Last week, I came back from Japan with perfect timing. Why do I think? It is because fortunately, I could meet Urasenke’s Grand Tea Master at his welcoming party held at the Harvard Club in NYC. Amazingly, he is 100 years old and flew from Kyoto to NYC to host a Kencha-Shiki, Ceremonial Tea Offering for Peace at the United Nations.

I met him for the first time and was deeply moved by the speech heard directly from him, so I would like to share it with you.

Grand Tea Master Dr.Genshitsu Sen, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador&longstanding supporter of the UN

I knew he was doing well and still traveling abroad, but I was very impressed by the way he entered the room with his back straight and steady steps, emitting an incredible aura.

Many people wanted to talk to him and take pictures with him, and everyone was very excited for the 100-year-old Grand Tea Master. Of course, I was one of them. He is very charming and has a great sense of humor. It may sound exaggerated, but his mere presence is amazing.

In his speech, he mentioned that he saw Henry Kissinger for the first time in a while. They are the same age. Kissinger is in a wheelchair and asked him, "Why do you stay in such good shape?" The tea master replied, "Because I drink matcha every day." His answer confirms the health benefits of matcha, which was very convincing.

You might think that he is an exceptionally fortunate individual for maintaining good health, traveling all over the world, and being loved by many people at the age of 100. However,  if you know that he has gone through very painful and sad experiences in his life, you will understand the weight of his words and his presence.

During World War II, he was drafted at the age of 20 and later volunteered for the kamikaze pilot (which means Suicide Squad). Before he was ordered to go out, the war was over. Fortunately, he survived, but tragically most of his friends died that makes him very much suffer.

Later, he decided to overcome this painful experience and dedicate his life to spreading the message of peace throughout the world with a bowl of tea, as he was born as a descendant of the Great Tea Master Sen no Rikyu.

Continuing in his speech, he said, "A tea bowl is round; it has the shape of the Earth, and when we hold it with both hands, we hold our small Earth. Matcha is green. What will we do if the green disappeared from Earth due to war? Let's take good care of the green. Inside the tea bowl, there is much green. Please become one with the green inside the tea bowl when you drink tea. If you take a part of the tea and pray deeply in your heart for peace, I guarantee that people in the world will achieve peace and happiness."

Meeting him in person deepened my feelings toward a bowl of tea so I would like to continue sharing his message through the activity of Ki-Chu New York. Thank you very much for reading until the end.

You can watch the video of Ceremonial Tea Offering for Peace held at the UN on September 13th, 2023 from here:

It starts with something simple by Kumiko Jitsukawa

I didn't even know where to start, but the primary motivation for founding Ki-Chu New York is that the tactile sensation of Japanese tableware, called 'utsuwa' in Japanese, greatly influences the flavor of food and drink. This fundamental idea remains unchanged.

While the visual presentation undoubtedly holds significance when savoring Japanese cuisine, my intention extends beyond that. It's about the art of savoring Japanese cuisine, and it starts with something as simple as a sake cup. Life is not just about what we see; it's about what we feel.

Let's talk a little more specifically.  For instance, if the taste of wine depends on what kind of wine glass, don’t you think that the taste of sake also depends on the sake cup?  

Ki-Chu New York is developing a new service that allows you to directly experience the difference in taste between sake served in a sake cup fired in a climbing kiln and sake served in a simple glass sake cup. It's not merely about drinking sake; it's an immersive experience where you listen to the story directly from the ceramic artist who crafted the sake cup at the very place where it was made. You can experience the uniqueness of ceramic works fired in a climbing kiln. It's about savoring it in a way that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. We hope you'll incorporate this experience into your daily life. If you are interested in this service, please send us a message. We are thrilled to announce this service very soon, so please stay tuned for more updates.

A Morning Glory by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Perhaps the first flower I grew was the morning glory. When I was a child, the morning glory was very familiar to me, but as I grew up, it gradually became a forgotten flower. Allow me to share with you a famous anecdote about a morning glory dating back to the 16th century. This story involves the renowned Samurai General, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and the great tea master Sen no Rikyu.

The samurai, Hideyoshi, heard that a lot of morning glories were blooming beautifully in Rikyu's garden. Curious to see them, Hideyoshi asked Rikyu to show him the flowers. Rikyu invited him. On that day Hideyoshi was looking forward to seeing beautiful morning glories but to Hideyoshi's surprise, all the flowers were cut, and there were no morning glories in the garden. Hideyoshi was probably taken aback or even angry. However, when he entered the tea room, he discovered a beautiful morning glory arranged in the alcove. Hideyoshi was deeply impressed by Rikyu's aesthetics. This anecdote is very famous and told for many years.

Initially, when I heard about this story, I was not very impressed that Rikyu had thrown away all the morning glories.

On a slightly different topic, last month, my garden in Connecticut was filled with many blooming peonies so I brought several big peony buds to my tea ceremony class for the tea room. A week after, I went to the tea class as usual. When I entered the tea room, my eyes caught a large peony bud gracefully arranged in the alcove, exuding a dignified beauty.

Peonies in the garden typically bloom for only two weeks, so I always pick as many as I can and place them in several large vases or share them with my friends. At home, I could not think of arranging a single peony, because all beautiful peonies should be admired evenly.  

The dignified beauty of that single peony in the tea room reminds me of the morning glory anecdote. It is said that Rikyu had an excellent sense of beauty, and this experience has convinced me of his aesthetic sense. Understanding the true essence of things takes time.

Suddenly, I wanted to see a certain book and started looking for it on my bookshelf, because the book shows Rikyu's morning glory which I am imagining. Simplicity is for emphasizing its beauty.

From the book, Imayoukadensho by Toshiro Kawase (川瀬俊朗 今様花伝書より)

Inspired by this realization, I decided to plant some morning glories in my garden last month. Unfortunately, they were eaten by animals, and most of their leaves were gone. My desire to see simple morning glories has grown stronger in me, and I plan to wait and plant them again next year.

Hydrangeas in the Rain by Kumiko Jitsukawa

It is already the end of June, and every year in June, it reminds me of blue-purple hydrangeas blooming in the rain. Hydrangea has a long history in Japan, and the flowers are mentioned in Japan's oldest collection of waka poems, "Manyoshu (万葉集)", which is said to have been compiled in the latter half of the 8th century.

"Shichihenge" (Hydrangea) / 「七変化」by Phoebe Ogawa

When hydrangeas get wet with rain, they become more glossy and stand out, appearing beautiful even in gloomy weather. They glisten with raindrops throughout the rainy season. When I imagine hydrangeas in the rain, I can almost hear the soothing sound of rain, which makes me feel calm and peaceful. For me, hydrangeas and rain always go hand in hand.

Usually, I definitely prefer the dry air, but at this time of year,  I miss a bit the humid air of the rainy season in Japan when thinking of hydrangeas.

Recently, I've been asked a lot about Japanese sweets, so I want to introduce traditional Japanese sweets made by Phoebe Ogawa, a former wagashi chef at the Japanese fine dining restaurant Kajitsu and its cafe, Kokage. Unfortunately, the restaurants closed last year, but her traditional Japanese sweets are now sold at Mogmog, a small Japanese supermarket in Long Island City. So I went there to buy some. It's a little far for me, but it's worth it to buy these specific Japanese sweets and travel a distance. Her sweets are so pretty that while I was heading back home on the subway, I was thinking of the hydrangeas that were drenched in the rain at Meigetsu-in Temple (明月院) in Kamakura City. It is so famous for hydrangeas that it is called a temple of hydrangeas.

Perhaps because I went all the way to buy these Japanese sweets, the bowl of matcha I had with the sweet tasted exceptionally delicious. The taste of food and drink may feel even more delicious in proportion to my thoughts.

It has been a little cooler this year, so the hydrangeas in our garden in CT are taking longer to bloom. It is not like Japan, but I am eagerly anticipating the sight of beautiful hydrangeas in our garden even after June passes.

Hydrangea buds in our garden

Japanese Irises by Kumiko Jitsukawa

While walking around the West Village the other day, I came across a stunning bluish-violet iris blooming in the public garden. The iris is one of the flowers representing May in Japan. There are three kinds of irises in Japan; however, in most cases, they are all translated as "irises" in English.

These are “Hanashōbu (花菖蒲)”, which grows in wetlands, “Kakitsubata (燕子花)”, which grows in semi-wetlands, and Ayame “あやめ”, which grows in dry lands. Among them, “Kakitsubata (燕子花)” is used as a motif in a very famous painting, and I really want to see that painting at this time of year.

The painting is a masterpiece titled “Irises Screen (燕子花図)”, depicting a splendid Kakitsubata on a pair of six-panel screens by Korin Ogata (尾形光琳, 1658 – 1716). The Irises Screen is considered a national treasure and stands as one of the symbols of Japanese painting history. The pair of screens is displayed at the Nezu Museum in Tokyo around the Golden Week holidays in May every year, but this year's exhibition has already ended.

Another wonderful thing is that you can appreciate the blooming Kakitsubata flowers in the museum's extensive Japanese-style garden along with the famous painting. The Nezu Museum houses pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art. Please check it out and enjoy Japanese art and the museum garden if you visit Japan.

There is also another pair of six-panel folding screens titled “Irises at Yatsuhashi -Eight Bridges- (八橋図屏風)” with the same theme of irises by the same artist, which is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Eight Bridges refers to a famous irises site where the main character of the tale of Ise wrote a famous nostalgic love waka poem. The poem is explained on the MET website.

While remembering these famous paintings and the flower I found the other day, I made a Japanese sweet inspired by irises and served it to a guest. I asked him what it looked like. He said it looked like a fig! I laughed a lot because it does look like one. It is hard to imagine without knowing that irises are one of the symbols of May. I really hope that someday everyone can enjoy the beautiful iris paintings of May.

Japanese Culture and Information Technology by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Cherry Blossoms on Greenwich Village in NYC

Come spring, you'll notice that there are many cherry blossom trees in New York City besides Central Park. For Japanese people, cherry blossoms are very special flowers, so seeing them in bloom brings great joy.

In Japanese culture, appreciating the four seasons is important, and flowers and plants have been used as motifs in arts and crafts. Cherry blossom is one of the typical motifs, and the arts and crafts with a cherry blossom pattern can be seen around this season to enjoy the springtime. The motif of the four seasons evokes the beauty of nature and enriches our minds.

Last month, during Asia Week, I visited the IPPODO Gallery on the Upper East Side and saw some stunning artworks created by a young and talented Japanese artist, Terumasa Ikeda. He specializes in raden (螺鈿), a Japanese traditional method of inserting a cut-out piece of mother of pearl into the carved surface of urushi lacquer or wood.

 What surprised me was that Ikeda uses computer screens and digital signals as motifs for his works. He explained that he grew up playing internet games and wants to express things that can only be represented in this era. He believes that the symbol of this era's power is the information technology and science, and he wants to capture what he finds beautiful. I was impressed by Ikeda's unique approach to traditional Japanese art.

“Labyrinth” Incense Container by Terumasa Ikeda

If you look at these works in the future, they may be an important factor in understanding what is happening in this era. Before the internet existed, these works could not exist.

His work made me think about many things. I could not imagine that technology could develop to the point where humans could be overtaken by AI, but now it seems very real.

 I feel that the world is evolving at a tremendous speed these days, but no matter how much technology progresses, I do not want to forget the spirit of enjoying the changing seasons.

Japanese culture is very important to me because it reminds me that humans should live in harmony with nature and appreciate its beauty. Cherry blossoms, in particular, teach us the beauty of spring and its fleeting nature, and that we must enjoy the moment. I think that sensitivity is a pleasure as a human being, so I am continuing to share the story of Japanese culture. Please enjoy the beautiful spring.

PS Terumasa Ikeda’s exhibition is being held tomorrow at Ippodo Gallery, April 20, 2023

Sen no Rikyu by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Urasenke Chanoyu Center in NYC. This building used to be Mark Rothko's studio.

Last Friday, I attended one of the most important tea gatherings at my tea ceremony school, the Urasenke Chanoyu Center located on the Upper East Side in NYC.

This tea gathering, called "Rikyuki," is the memorial service of Sen no Rikyu, the greatest tea master who had a profound influence on the Japanese way of tea, known as the tea ceremony. Even though he died in 1591, more than 400 years ago, his teachings have been passed down, and now we are able to learn the way of tea not only in Japan but also here in NYC.

The Rikyuki used to be held every year, but our tea ceremony school could not hold any tea gatherings during the pandemic. Therefore, Rikyuki was held for the first time in three years.

The tea ceremony is a comprehensive Japanese art, and there are many things to learn, such as tea bowls, tea caddies, classic waka poems, Zen philosophy, and more. It is a never-ending journey for me, but ultimately, the tea ceremony is nothing but making a bowl of matcha.

I don’t know why, but I always feel great after the tea ceremony class. Perhaps it is because I am able to forget everything and focus on the moment.

Our tea ceremony school prohibits bringing mobile phones into the tea room. With small screens taking up so much of our time these days, it is hard to focus on being present. In our current lives, we rarely live without a mobile phone, so I greatly appreciate this rule.

At the Rikyuki, canola flowers are always used. The real reason for using the canola flowers is unknown, as there are various theories, such as that they bloomed when Sen no Rikyu died, or that he loved the flower so much. Yesterday, canola flower-shaped Japanese sweets were served with a bowl of matcha. It seemed that the yellow and light green colors of the sweets brought spring to the tea room. Instead of taking photos, I was able to fully enjoy the sweets, matcha, and the entire experience of the tea gathering.

Canola flower ”菜の花” 

Savoring the moment is a simple pleasure that can mean everything in our lives. Learning about the tea ceremony always reminds me of this simple and essential thing in my life.

It was a wonderful time to enjoy a bowl of matcha while reflecting on Sen no Rikyu's legacy.

Plum Blossoms and Waka Poem by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Dear friends,

Although there had been a few extremely cold days in New York, it’s been relatively warm this year, and it feels like spring is just around the corner. However, I'm not sure that's actually the case.

Recently, I received a photo of Japanese plum blossoms that heralds the arrival of spring.

Plum blossoms (Ume)

Blooming quietly in the cold air, plum blossoms are not as gorgeous as cherry blossoms, but they have been loved by people for their sweet scent since ancient times. They appear in many waka poems as a symbol of spring.

One of my favorite and most famous waka poems about ume blossoms goes like this:

 

As the human heart’s so fickle

your feelings may have changed,

but at least in my old home

the plum blossoms bloom as always

with a fragrance of the past.

- Ki no Tsurayuki


「人はいさ心も知らずふるさとは

 花ぞ昔の香ににほひける」

 紀貫之

                                            This poem expresses the contrast between the changeable human mind and the unchanging fragrance of flowers.

Whenever I see plum blossoms, I am reminded of this poem, and I feel as though the sweet scent of plum blossoms has remained unchanged for more than 1000 years, even as the times have changed. It makes me feel as if I have traveled back to the Heian period (794 to 1185) when the poem was written. While cherry blossoms are indeed beautiful, plum blossoms are also very attractive spring flowers.

The wagashi with the waka poem by Kanou Shoujuan ( 叶匠壽庵 あも歌留多)

By the way, translating a waka poem into English is not easy. As a native Japanese speaker, I can't fully understand a poem that was written over 1000 years ago without knowledge of classical Japanese. I am always afraid of missing hidden meanings. The translation above was done by Peter MacMillan, an Irish scholar who specializes in Japanese literature, and has won awards for his translations. I wonder if he also loves plum blossoms. I hope that spring will arrive in New York very soon.

All the best,

Kumiko

 

A Happy New Year! by Kumiko Jitsukawa

The Japanese zodiac for 2023 is the year of the rabbit! As a rabbit 🐇 lives peacefully in groups, its symbol represents the “well-being of family “. Also, it symbolizes a “leap” because it jumps forward. Having both would be really great! May 2023 be a wonderful year!!
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A God of Fire by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Dear friends,  

These two bowls were fired in the same climbing kiln: at the same time, while using the same clay and glaze, moreover, both bowls were created by the same artist, so do you really wonder how this is possible and why they look different?

Kifumi Kawamura, is a well know ceramic artist. While looking at his work, I recall him saying something very interesting about the climbing kiln; "when I look inside the climbing kiln the fire is so beautiful that it makes me wonder if there is a God. On the other hand, even when I look into a gas kiln, which has the same temperature as the climbing kiln, I have never felt the same beauty of fire." Does the fire God exist in the climbing kiln?

This climbing kiln was inherited by Kifumi's grandfather from Rosanjin,  one of the most famous ceramic artists in Japan. After Rosanjin's death, the kiln was abandoned for a while, however, his grandfather fixed it and it has been used by his grandfather, his father, and himself.

The most difficult thing to control in a climbing kiln is the temperature: it is very difficult to distribute the firewood evenly in the kiln and to raise the temperature evenly. You must maintain a certain temperature for a period of time. The temperature should be increased eventually to 1300 Celsius degrees and should be decreased slowly. One can only rely on experience and intuition to make it work well. If the temperature control fails, the color development will be very poor and the results could be unsuccessful.  

When the firewood burns, the ash is in the air and falls onto the ceramic surface, and it undergoes a change called ash glaze. This change brings unique color and texture to the work this process cannot be controlled by the artist. The outcome is controlled by the power of fire, and the only thing the artist can do is throw firewood in the fire at the right time. The natural phenomena unfolding inside the climbing kiln will bring out the ultimate beauty of nature beyond human imagination. I can't help but wonder if there is a fire God in the climbing kiln. Please look at these tea bowls and you may find new and exciting things.

When the firewood burns, the ash is in the air and falls onto the ceramic surface, and it undergoes a change called ash glaze. This change brings unique color and texture to the work this process cannot be controlled by the artist. The outcome is controlled by the power of fire, and the only thing the artist can do is throw firewood in the fire at the right time. The natural phenomena unfolding inside the climbing kiln will bring out the ultimate beauty of nature beyond human imagination. I can't help but wonder if there is a fire God in the climbing kiln. Please look at these tea bowls and you may find new and exciting things.

All the best,

Kumiko

Photo by Toshiyuki Mizuta

Edited by Janice Ensminger

Sustainability and Kimono by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Dear friends,

You may know that the kimono is a Japanese traditional attire as well as the national dress of Japan. I really think the kimono is the ultimate sustainable fashion. Before telling you that reason, I would like to share my personal experience with you.

When I was young I didn't like the kimono I felt it was old-fashioned, and it took a great deal of time and effort to clean and maintain this garment compared to a dress that was easily put on the flip of a zipper. One incident completely changed my view of the kimono.

It was about five years ago when I attended my friend's beautiful wedding. I thought I should wear a kimono, however, I realized I did not have a formal kimono, but I realized my mother had given me a formal one many years ago. Soon my memory of going shopping with her for a kimono became clear. She insisted I should have a formal kimono for the future, in spite of the fact, that I had no interest in kimonos at all at that time. Honestly, I wanted her to buy something more current and fashionable.

I called my father in Japan and asked him to ship the formal kimono and obi, that my mother had purchased, and packed away in a kimono chest about twenty-five years ago. When I received it and tried it on it fit perfectly. She had already passed away but she knew that someday I would need a formal kimono. It was an emotional moment.

I would like to explain why I feel the kimono is a sustainable fashion. The interesting thing about the kimono is that even people with slightly different heights and body types can wear the same kimono depending on how they wear it. Many of my existing kimonos came from my mother, aunts, and friends. The traditional kimono was meant to be handed down from grandmother to mother and to daughter. The kimono can be re-dyed and re-sewn and the kimono can be remade into something different such as a kimono coat. The kimono is not cheap, but it is not expensive at all when you think about wearing it for a long time. Lastly, while western garments are made with a three-dimensional structure to fit the body, the kimono is made of straight-cut cloth so there is no waste of cloth.

These days people talk about sustainability; fashion is changing from fast fashion to sustainable and ethical fashion. Brand stores are collecting unwanted items and recycling them into new fibers. I can't help but wonder how much can be recycled.

I feel when you choose a garment you might want to consider what you want and purchase something that will last a long time. Caring for a garment is necessary to keep it for a long time. When I was young, one of the reasons I disliked the kimono was all the care it required, but today I enjoy taking care of a garment and storing it so that it may last a long time and that may be the secret to making garments sustainable. I learned a lot about sustainability from the kimono.

All the best,

Kumiko

My friend's wedding in Canada

Edited by Janice Ensminger

Persimmons in Nara by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Dear friends,

Persimmon is a symbol of autumn. It reminds me of a famous Haiku poem by Shiki Masaoaka (1867 - 1902), “When I eat persimmons the bells of Horyu-ji Temple ring.”

When I first learned this haiku at school, I could clearly see the silhouette of the five-storied pagoda of Horyu-ji Temple*(法隆寺) in Nara against the beautiful autumn sky. Autumn makes me want to visit the Nara temples described in the poem. Horyuji Temple, built in the 7th Century, is one of the ancient temples in Japan and is famous as the oldest existing wooden structure in the world. It is amazing that this wooden structure has survived for over 1300 years. 

Several years ago I visited Nara and spent the night at an accommodation owned by an art school. It was an old private house located just behind Todai-ji Temple **(東大寺),  another ancient temple in Nara, which is famous for the Great Buddha.  I had heard that a Buddhist restorer lived in that house, and donated it to the art school; so that students and alumni could visit Nara and study Japanese art and antiquities. There is a persimmon tree in the courtyard of the house. I asked permission from the manager of the house to pick a persimmon and while I ate it I was thinking of the haiku. This was a remarkable experience. Since then, whenever I eat persimmons, I am reminded of the old temples in Nara.   

Finally, the Japanese government is allowing travel to Japan, and because the yen is so weak this is an excellent time to visit Japan. I hope you enjoy visiting Japan.

All the best,

Kumiko

Accommodation of the art school, located in Nara

Horyu-ji Temple *(法隆寺)became the first treasure of any kind in Japan to be selected by UNESCO.

Todai-ji Temple **(東大寺) is listed by UNESCO as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara".

Edited by Janice Ensmigner

My first sake cup by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Dear friends,

Almost 25 years ago a friend, whom I loved like an older sister, got married to a ceramic artist; she offered me the opportunity of taking part in her mother-in-law's kaseiki meal cooking class, which was offered at her home.

All the students were older than my mother, consequently, this made me nervous. To my surprise, it was a really great experience because not only did I learn how to make kaiseki meals, but I learned how to arrange the dish with the beautiful ceramics that were made by her father-in-law and her grandfather-in-law, who are great ceramic artists. 

Their works had similar colors but differed in nuance and they are so special. It was really what I considered a luxurious experience. During that time my friend's husband was working as his father's assistant and later progressed to him having his own exhibit at Takashimaya Gallery. At his first solo exhibit, I wanted to buy something but the works were pricey for me so, I carefully selected one sake cup.

One of the great things about Japanese tableware is that there is no need for a set, one piece is combined with different pieces made of different materials and designs. When I was young and purchased that sake cup I had no idea that I would be representing his works in New York City. As you may have guessed by now, the artist's name is Kifumi Kawamura. His current works are far more sophisticated.

I still love my sake cup and every time I use it I'm reminded of his first solo exhibit and how exciting it was. These items I've purchased enrich my daily life and bring back memories of a beautiful autumnal night.

All the best,

Kumiko

Providing coolness by Kumiko Jitsukawa

Dear friends,

A summer procedure in the Way of Tea, which is called "Araichakin," is one of my favorite tea ceremony procedures because I can actually feel the summer season. The host provides a shallow tea bowl filled with water, and coolness is felt by the guests in the tea room. Just seeing the water makes us feel cooler. The host now wrings the linen cloth that was submerged into the water and the sound of the dripping water echoes in the quiet tea room. The sound of the dripping water seems to penetrate deeply into my body, and I feel cooler. I now experience a sharper sense of hearing and vision and this reminds me that I am totally here and now. The host empties the bowl and prepares a bowl of matcha for the guests.

At this time everyone's mind is calm and the heat of the summer is forgotten. When the host starts making matcha, its aroma wafts through the air.  Then I appreciate it and drink a bowl of matcha. The taste of the matcha is exceptional.

NYC has been hot this summer. Japan and Europe are experiencing record-breaking heat.  I really like the summer season and I don't even mind the humidity; however, living without an air conditioner these days is not easy and it's a constant reminder of climate change. The summer procedure reminds me how important it is to be kind and considerate to others. And it brings calmness and happiness.  Please stay cool and enjoy the rest of the summer. 

All the best,

Kumiko