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Saturday, October 21, 2023

" Shine " Japanese calligraphy


 








   "" (kou, hikari). It is translated as happy, light, brilliant, shine, beam, ray, only, etc.
This character is written by Kanzi, Regular script.

Etymology : hieroglyph
The kneeled person is holding it above one's head while bowing.
""  The state to hold it above one's head.
+  ""  The person who kneeled.



Yes. The light is important for a human being.
It shines on the darkness.


What kind of kanji/calligraphy do you want?

Please tell me in your native language, and write it in the comments section.

Maybe I can accommodate your request.

Don't you think it's a good idea?







 One of the most beautiful hot springs in Japan [Ginzan Onsen]
These are the images.

Do you recognize this scenery?
That's right, if you're a fan of Japanese animation you'll know that.

How about a warm and beautiful hot spring?
Here is Yamagata Prefecture.





Saturday, July 22, 2023

In Praise of Shadows " Japanese traditional aesthetics and culture "

 


There are shadows to the same extent as light. Humans may only see the light side.

Japanese culture and traditions have valued shadows.
But it can be hard to feel.

Maybe you know little of the shadow side. It can't be helped. 






 The beauty of the contrast has been adopted for interior decoration.
 The constant change gives deep interest for a one-day flow.

 Reflection. Fusion. Mixture.






 Clay wall, Wooden floor, and Wooden pillar.
 Long time and space melts in them.

 Transmission. Convergence. Dimness.









 Hope to be prolonged from darkness, ... returned in the shadow again.
 At the same time, limited life time.

 The contradiction will continue like ripples...





 ********************************************

 In Praise of Shadows " 陰翳礼讃 : In'ei Raisan "
 It is an essay on Japanese aesthetics by the Japanese author and novelist Jun'ichirō Tanizaki.
 

Produced by Japan's national broadcaster (NHK). 
Worth watching if you want to understand the spirit of Japanese culture.
Sublime beauties and works of art will appear.

Copyright prevents me from displaying it here. Please pardon.







Wednesday, July 19, 2023

" Festival " Japanese calligraphy

 



  "" (sai, matsuri). It is translated as sacrifice to, ceremonial, festival, etc.
  This character is written by Kanzi, Semi-cursive script.

  Etymology : Ideogrammic compound
  ⺼ (meat)  +  手 (hand)  +  示 (ceremony)

  The sound of these words is good for Japanese summer season.
  Cheer is remembered by itself.



Kyoto Gion Festival, Welcome lanterns, 
Mikoshi washing ceremony ( July 10, 2023 )
 Japan's three major festivals, 
Kyoto dance entertainment dedication, 
Yasaka Shrine → Shijo Street → Kawaramachi



Before the departure of the Yamaboko Junko of the Gion Matsuri ( 2023.7.17 )


Miyabikai Misendo Yasaka Shrine Maiko and Geisha


Kuze Komagata Chigo "Ceremony of Shrine Attendance"



Festival departure




Night view of festival


Traditional summer festivals are held all over the country.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

" ZEN " Japanese calligraphy



 



    "禪" (zen). It is translated in ZEN.













Monday, June 19, 2023

" Last Samurai " existed, Kaishū Katsu



勝 海舟 : Kaishū Katsu  ( 1823 - 1899 )
The vassal and scholar of the Edo Shogunate,  politician after the Meiji Restoration.

Every Japanese knows his name, even now.





   He was the master of Japanese sword ( katana ) , had getted the full mastership (Menkyo Kaiden).
   However, he seems to have never cut down the person throughout his life, 
despite always encountering the danger of assassination.

He was too strong, excellent, and sublime that the enemy was overwhelmed and unable to even move forward.
If pointed the katana at Katsu, the moment the man will definitely fall to the ground with the katana.
 All knew it would happen.

His sword sealed not to bring down any person.
There was no need to remove it.

   The true samurai had tough spiritual strength, and divine power.





The samurai era ended with him.




You can see how fast the master's "drawing sword" is in this video. 
In the olden days, if a samurai drew his sword, the enemy would fall at that moment.



It is very difficult to stand up to the masters. The man can't even get a hold of it. 
Watch this video to see how great samurai didn't need swords. 
The samurai of the Edo period were far superior to the modern masters.