Hydrangeas in the Rain

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

Plum Blossoms and Waka Poem

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

Sustainability and Kimono

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

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

A fragrant breeze

Dear friends,

The definition of the Japanese word kunpū (薫風), used particularly in May, means a fragrant breeze in English. The first time I learned this word was at a tea ceremony class a long time ago; somehow, the word consists of two kanji characters that was very impressive to me because of its intricate appearance and pleasant sound. The term kunpū refers to a balmy breeze that brings new green leaves that are really fragrant in early summer. So every time I see or hear the word kunpū, it's as though I can smell young green leaves blowing into the beautiful blue sky. The breeze is invisible, but we can feel it, and imagine its fragrance when we inhale the fresh air.

Personally, I feel the month of May is one of the best seasons in NYC. The cold winter is finally over and the weather is beautiful every day, which gives me a very positive feeling. Please enjoy the fragrant breeze.

All the best,

Kumiko

 Edited by Janice Ensminger

Spring arrival

Dear friends,

Although there still snow on the ground in Kent CT, I feel the spring air coming on. The sun is brighter and it rises earlier, and also I hear the birds singing.

Many people are waiting for spring flowers to bloom. Speaking of spring flowers, first I can imagine cherry blossoms.  When feeling a sign of spring, I always become craving a Japanese sweet called sakura-mochi, which is one of the most popular spring confections in Japan. It contains rice cake made from sticky rice flour with red bean paste inside it's wrapped in a salty leaf picked from a cherry blossom tree, which smells fragrant like the cherry blossom leaves. Sakura-mochi is only available in the spring, which make me want it more. 

You can purchase sakura-mochi at Japanese sweet shops even in NYC so I urge you try this you will enjoy it. I used to make Sakura-mochi, however, I have been unable to get the ingredients here locally this year.

Sakura-mochi

Simply said the Japanese culture savors all the changes in the seasons. In Japan, people enjoy the seasons not only with food but also poetry and kimono. Seasonal ones are more luxurious than anything else, as we can only be used at that particular time. Seasons are changing anyway. Each moment is different so we should cherish each encounter. It would be wonderful if I could make matcha for you using such a tea caddy pictured below to celebrate the arrival of spring together. I really hope such a day will come very soon.

Kamakura-bori (Sakura floating in the waves) by Hakkodo

All the best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger

A Happy New Year 2021!

Dear friends,

Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year 2021! This is a new year, and a new beginning. The things will change.

Japan is now in the Reiwa (令和) era, which translates to “Beautiful Harmony” in English. It is such a beautiful name.  This year, 2021 is Reiwa 3.

The two kanji characters of Reiwa were chosen from the Manyoshu (万葉集), which is the oldest existing collection of Japanese poetry compiled in late 8th century. At the beginning of Reiwa era, the former Prime minister said the Reiwa represents “people are coming together in harmony, creating and nurturing our culture.”

I hope that we will remember the meaning of Reiwa and that the year of 2021 will be a year of beautiful harmony in the world.

All the best,

Kumiko

A Grape Leaf-Shaped Plate

View fullsize

Dear friends,

New York City has shut down indoor dining again, we have to cook at home most of time. People are probably tired of cooking and eating at home every day. I really hope the pandemic will be over soon.

Today I have a suggestion that may change your perspective. There is a word  "tableware is clothes of food.” This is the opinion of Rosanjin Kitaoji who was one of the most famous ceramic artists in Japan. His words show how important tableware was to him. He was so particular that he even started making his own tableware to enjoy his cooking more. I agree with what he said.

For example, if you are served a great food on a plastic plate, can you fully enjoy the meals?  On the other hand, no matter how simple the dishes, if it is served on beautiful plates, it would be feast for you. My suggestion is to find your favorite tableware and use it in your daily life. It will change your mood and make your meal at home more special.

My recent favorite is to use the grape leaf shaped-kamakurabori plate for finger foods when I enjoy a glass of wine.  It looks like it's made of metal, but it is actually made of wood.  After applying urushi many times, sprinkle pewter on the surface. Therefore, it is surprisingly lightweight.  It feels like I am at an elegant bar.  Urushi is a durable material, it can be gently washed with dish soap.

Small things can change your life. Everyday will be a good day for you!

All the best,

Kumiko

It is available to purchase from our online store .

"Beautiful Harmony" - Reiwa sakecup

Dear friends,

 There's only one month left in 2020, and it has passed so quickly, however, memories from earlier this year seemed to have happened such a long time ago. I'm wondering if you feel the same way?

I've already forgotten that a new era, Reiwa (令和), started in Japan almost a year and a half ago. Reiwa, in English, means "beautiful harmony". It is such a beautiful name and this is what's expected for the future. Unfortunately, it has been a challenging year, consequently, it was difficult to express it as a "beautiful harmony."

The Reiwa sake cup was created by the ceramic artist Kifumi Kawamura to celebrate the Reiwa emperor's birthday for the first time on February 23 of 2020. We finally begin to feel hopeful around this time of the year, so Ki-Chu New York starts selling the Reiwa sake cup which will bring "beautiful harmony" to you. This sake cup is limited and made exclusively for Ki-Chu New York. It makes a great gift for family member, friends, or even yourself.

 PLEASE GO TO: https://www.kichuny.com/new-products/sake-cup-m-ftfj3

If you have any questions, please contact me anytime.  

I wish your future will be filled with "beautiful harmony."

With Love,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Esminger

An Art Progression from Buddhist Carving to Urushi ware, Kamakura-bori

We are very pleased to announce the virtual exhibition “An Art Progression from Buddhist Carving to Urushi ware” at the Japan Society. We hope you will enjoy the virtual exhibition.

https://www.japansociety.org/page/programs/talks/kanagawa/virtual-exhibition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IKjjNyPk9I&feature=emb_logo 

Kamakura-bori by Hakkodo

Dear friends,

Last month I talked about my mother's hobby the Kamakura-bori tray in this newsletter. Kamakura-bori is commonly known as a slightly masculine style of craft; so if you're familiar with the conventional pieces, you may not think this plate is genuine Kamakura-bori. Please observe that all the lines extending toward the inside are very straight and meet beautifully in the center of the piece. The design is sharp, delicate, and modern; moreover, it still keeps the impression of bold strength typical of Kamakura-bori.  This is made by Hakkodo which is the oldest store of Kamakura-bori.

Many people are not aware that Kamakura-bori originated from Buddhist sculptors 800 years ago when Zen Buddhism was first introduced to Japan from China. Next month the virtual exhibit, "An Art Progression from Buddhist Carving to Urushi ware, Kamakura-bori" will be held at the Japan Society. You will learn about history and how to survive through turbulent times. I benefited immensely from this history and it helped me through the challenge while I was working on this exhibit. We may all be encouraged by this history that helped so many through difficult times similar to what we are now experiencing in our society. This will soon be announced. Please stay tuned.

Best,

Kumiko

Edited by Janice Ensminger