Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!

Demons out! Luck in!

In case you saw no Oni at which to throw your soybeans, here are some.

 

We didn't see any oni either, so that's good. Happy Setsubun!

"Searchlight Serenade: Big Bands in the Japanese American Incarceration"

This week, instead of regular okeiko, or practice, we went to see the premiere of "Searchlight Serenade: Big Bands in the Japanese American Incarceration." Producers Claire Reynolds and Sam Greene of our local PBS affiliate, KEET-TV, collaborated with local artist Amy Uyeki. Together they created a touching documentary which tells the stories of former internees who played music in the camps through interviews along with historical footage of the camps. 

Click here for more information about the documentary.

An animated segment based on actual events involving jazz bands in the camps was created by artist Amy Uyeki whose parents were both interned with their families at Gila River and Minidoka Internment Camps. The animation was created from woodblocks done in a traditional Japanese style, bringing to life some of the occurrences that happened with the bands in the camps.

"Searchlight Serenade" premiered Oct. 30 on KEET-TV and at Humboldt State University as part of the 15th Annual Campus Dialogue on Race.

Your local PBS affiliate can broadcast this film!

Contact your PBS station and let them know that KEET-TV is making this film available to them. They can download the documentary on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012, 12:30-1:30 p.m. ET, HD04. For more information, contact Claire Reynolds by email or at (707) 445-0813.

You can also purchase DVDs for yourself, schools or library for $25 from KEET-TV.

The four of us gave it two eight thumbs up!

Float a Lantern for Peace

Hiroshima lantern ceremony, 2010flickr.com/sueannsimon

Sunday's Cha-no-yu demonstration was attended by a couple involved in the annual Lantern Floating Ceremony in Arcata, Calif. Some details from the North Coast Journal:

The community is invited to the annual Lantern Floating Ceremony at Klopp Lake at the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sactuary on Saturday, Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. As in past years, lantern making materials and help will be available on the northwest side of the Arcata Plaza during the Farmers’ Market on the morning before the ceremony.

Lantern floating ceremonies have been traditional in Japan for many centuries. An event is held annually in Hiroshima to honor those who suffered and died in the bombing, but long before that, the lanterns carried messages of loving remembrance of friends and family who have passed away. Arcata’s ceremony has expanded to include this older meaning, as well as being a time for our community to rededicate itself to peace.

Everyone is invited to gather at the lake for a program including music and poetry, followed at dusk by the launching of the lanterns.

This year's event will also honor Kyoko Clark for her participation in the first Arcata Lantern Ceremony, 30 years ago. For information, call (707) 826-7233. Click here for map.

We look forward to seeing you there.

"Colorful Realm" on exhibit at the National Gallery of Art

Seeing news of this exhibit on PBS's Newshour last night left me speechless.

Silk painting by Ito Jakuchu, http://www.nga.gov/

Celebrating the centennial of Japan's gift of cherry trees to the nation's capital, this exhibition features one of Japan's most renowned cultural treasures, the 30-scroll set of bird-and-flower paintings by Itō Jakuchū. Titled Colorful Realm of Living Beings (J. Dōshoku sai-e; c. 1757–1766), these extraordinary scrolls are being lent to the National Gallery of Art by the Imperial Household. Their exhibition here—for one month only—provides a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: not only is it the first time all 30 paintings will be on view in the United States, but it is also the first time any of the works will be seen here after their six-year-long restoration.

— http://www.nga.gov/exhibitions/jakuchuinfo.shtm

  
The collection of paintings — animals, flowers, insects, together with a Shakyamuni tryptich — represents the Buddha teaching all creation. It reminded me of Elizbeth Coastworth book, The Cat Who Went to Heaven, wherein a painter is commissioned to create an image of the Buddha for a temple and in order to do so he paints a series of animals that were Buddha's previous incarnations. Visit the Newshour's website to see more of Jakuchu's remarkable paintings.

Colorful Realm: Japanese Bird-and-Flower Paintings by Itō Jakuchū will be on exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., from March 30 through April 29, 2012.

Happy Year of the Dragon!

Omizuya (water house), detail
Toshogu Shrine, Nikko, Japan

Ganbare Nihon! Media Exhibit

We attended the exhibit of the Ganbare Nihon! tsunami relief project this weekend. The photographs and multimedia presentation were incredibly moving.

Coordinator Fukiko Marshall and journalism student
Ashley Ward speak with guests at the exhibit.

This show will be up only from Sept. 2–7 at the Vance Hotel, 521 2nd Street (corner of Second and G streets) in Eureka's Old Town from 11:30 a.m.– 7 p.m.

The Ganbare Nihon Project

Ganbare Nihon! is a media exhibition of tsunami disaster/relief in Japan. The exhibit features photos and videos by Fukiko Marshall and three students from Humboldt State University who traveled to Japan last spring.

This show will be up only for a short time from Sept. 2–7 at the Vance Hotel, 521 2nd Street, in Eureka's Old Town from 11:30 a.m.– 7 p.m. The opening reception is during Arts Alive! Saturday Sept. 3, 6–9:00 p.m. 

Read more >> http://now.humboldt.edu/news/student-journeys-to-japan-to-cover-aftermath-of-mega-disaster/

Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo

"Carefully look at nature, including insects. It's a way of life."

-- From Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo

What sounded like a Saturday monster movie matinee turned out to be a charming and thoughtful examination of the relationship of insects and Japanese people and culture. A must-see for lovers of Asian culture and insects alike:

"Like a detective story, the film untangles the web of influences behind Japan’s captivation with insects. It opens in modern-day Tokyo where a single beetle recently sold for $90,000 then slips back to the early 1800s, to the first cricket-selling business and the development of haiku and other forms of insect literature and art. Through history and adventure, Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo travels all the way back in time to stories of the fabled first emperor who named Japan the 'Isle of the Dragonflies.'"

 Visit the website and view the trailer here: http://www.beetlequeen.com

12th Annual Hakone Matsuri

At Hakone Gardens, Saratoga, California
Sunday, May 15, 2011, 11 AM – 4 PM

A yearly event to enjoy mouth-watering chicken yakitori and other dishes, musical and dance performances, a silent auction and various other cultural events. Admission is free.

Highlights of the Event

Program: Mochi Pounding Performance, Tea Ceremony, Tsugaru Shamisen, Koto and Flute Performance, Japanese Kimono/Obi demonstration, Shorinji Kempo, Flower Arrangement, Okinawa Dance, Children's games. Silent Auction: includes round trip air tickets to Japan, electronic gadgets, Kimonos. Foods: Chicken Yakitori, Gyoza, Kagami Biraki, sake tasting, and more.

Supported by Consulate General of Japan, San Francisco

Parking: Free parking at the Saratoga High School, 20300, 20300 Herriman Ave., Saratoga. Take free shuttle buses to Hakone. Hakaone Parking is $15 per vehicle and upon availability.

Busshôe, April 8

"Every temple celebrates Buddha's birthday. Since Buddha is said to have declared at the moment of his birth, 'I am my own Lord throughout heaven and earth,' a Buddhist statue [or its picture], with is right hand pointing to heaven and left hand to earth, is placed in a basin, and based upon the legent that he was given his first bath by Hachidai Ryûô (The God of Eight Big Dragons) with honeydew, ama-cha (tea of heaven or hydrangea tea) is poured over the statue. This is called kambutsu, and the place where this takes place is called hana-mido (a flower chapel) as it is decorated with flowers. It is celebrated on May 8th in some districts, but April may be preferable because there is a larger variety of flowers blooming in April and this provides us with more merriment when we put the kettle on."

-- Sasaki Sanmi, "Chado"

Blessing Buddha with ama-cha at Ueno Park's Kiyomizu Kannon-Do, Tokyo.

Hana-mido (center of photo) at Kita-in temple (specifically, Narita-san
Shin-shoji) in Kawagoe. At right is a statue of Binzuru.

Ohanami!

A hypnotic pink froth entrances young and old, 

Lures us into parks and down tree-lined allées, 

Invites us to pause in the shower of delicate petals 

And drink our fill of spring.

Kyoto, Japan

Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

Sakura to go, Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

Celebrating the Buddha's birth, Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

Sankei-en, Yokohama, Japan

Salted cherry blossoms

Wagashi shaped like a cherry blossom

Sakura mochi, Kyoto-style

More photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/105060227937518922873/SakuraMadness#

Helping Pets in Japan

This is from Care2.com:

Below is a list of a few organizations helping animals in Japan. I’m sure there are many more, so please feel free to list them in your comments below. All of these organizations can use donations, and I’ve provided a link so you can easily make yours. Japan is a country who loves it’s pets, and while the animal lives are not valued more than people’s, they are still valued. Thanks for not forgetting them in the aftermath of this terrible tragedy.

Animal Refuge Kansai (ARK) gives homeless animals the chance to live a happy life, free from fear or danger, in a loving home. No discrimination here. They often take in abused, abandoned, unwanted, sick, injured, and senior animals. So, it’s no surprise that they are doing their best to take in as many animals as they can manage who became suddenly homeless on March 11 as a result of the Tohoku-Pacific earthquake and tsunami. Your online donation will help them provide care for more homeless animals. You’ll find a direct link for donations through paypal on their home page.

World Vets is a non-government 501c3 nonprofit organization (NGO) providing veterinary aid around the globe in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, US and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad.  Their work spans 25 countries and 6 continents and addresses not only veterinary issues, but also human health issues impacted by zoo-notic diseases in developing countries.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/helping-pets-in-japan.html

Donate to Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Efforts

Updated Tues., March 15

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Red Cross officials say donors can text REDCROSS to 90999 and a $10 donation will automatically be charged to donor’s phone bill, or donations can be made directly on its Web site.

OBUBU TEA PLANTATION

"Among the generous supporters of Obubu in Japan, tea lovers who have helped us pursue our dream of spreading tea and tea farming around the world, we are announcing the From Tea Lover to Tea Lover Donation Campaign to help the 50 customers hit by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Northern Japan."

CAMELLIA TEAS ON BEHALF OF THE CANADIAN RED CROSS

"Please complete the form below to make your donation. On behalf of Camellia Teas of Ottawa, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your contribution."

In addition to the Red Cross, friends have also suggested these websites:

CIVIC-FORCE.ORG

JAPANESE CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY CENTER OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES

PEACE WINDS AMERICA

JAPAN SOCIETY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

And even if you're broke, you can try to raise awareness:

http://www.newser.com/story/114071/japan-earthquake-how-you-can-help.html?utm_source=part&utm_medium=inbox&utm_campaign=newser

This list is from the New York Times website. (More information about giving, for this and other causes, is available online from the GuideStar database and CharityWatch.org on nonprofit agencies and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.)

AMERICAN RED CROSS
Red Cross officials say donors can text REDCROSS to 90999 and a $10 donation will automatically be charged to donor’s phone bill, or donations can be made directly on its Web site.
AMERICARES
Information is available on the organization’s Web site.
CARE
CARE is one of the world’s largest private international humanitarian organizations. Their offices in Asia are on high alert and have ensured that staff are informed of the tsunami warnings and other related developments.
DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS
Information is available on the organization’s Web site.
GLOBALGIVING.ORG
GlobalGiving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground to disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donors can text JAPAN to 50555 to give $10, and larger increments can be submitted on GlobalGiving’s Web site.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS
Information is available on the organization’s Web site.
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL
Information is available on the organization’s Web site.
THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army has been providing food and shelter to Tokyo commuters who were stranded when public transportation was interrupted by the earthquake. They are to send a team to Sendai, a city about 250 miles Tokyo, to assess the situation there. Text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation. (Make sure to respond “YES” to the Thank You message you receive.) Donations can also be made on the organization’s Web site or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
SAVE THE CHILDREN
To make a donation, visit Save the Children’s Web site, call 1-800-728-3843, or text JAPAN to 20222 to donate $10.
SHELTERBOX.ORG
Shelterbox.org is a disaster-relief organization that focuses on providing survival materials such as tents and cooking equipment to families displaced by disasters.
UJA-FEDERATION OF NEW YORK
Information is available on the organization’s Web site or by calling (212) 836-1486.

"How to follow the Earthquake" from 'The Atlantic'

How to Follow the Japanese Earthquake on the Web

Mar 11 2011, 10:35 AM ET By Alexis Madrigal 2

A guide to news and information resources from across the Internet that will help you stay on top of this developing story.

A massive 8.9 earthquake struck about 80 miles off the coast of Japan, wreaking havoc on one of the world's most disaster-prepared countries and generating a devastating tsunami.
As in recent natural disasters, traditional news organizations, one-off sites, and Internet crisis agencies have swung into action. This is your guide for where to find information and resources about the 10th-largest quake since 1900.

News Resources

• AP summary
• BBC liveblog
• Wikipedia page for the Sendai quake
• Japanese New York Times' commenters write about the quake
• NPR Facebook page about the disaster
• CNN Video
• @earthquake_japan [updates in Japanese]
• The Atlantic's In Focus photo blog
• The Atlantic Wire liveblog
• Mostly English Twitter hashtags: #japanquake, #jpquake, #earthquake, #Japan, #tsunami, #hitsunami
• Mostly Japanese Twitter hashtags: #saigai, #eqjp
• Columbia journalism professor Sree Sreenivasan's link aggregation

General Resources

• CrisisWiki.org
• U.S. Geological Survey quake updates
• Humanitarian Early Warning Service

Resources for People in Japan

• Google Person Finder: a pop-up message board to post and find information about people missing. Almost 7000 records have been entered into the database.
• Global Voices' bloggers on the ground in Japan
• Japanese Fire and Disaster Management Agency

Resources for the Pacific

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
• Tsunami travel time map
• @HawaiiNewsNow
• HITsunami.com
• Live cam at Ocean Beach in San Francisco by Mat Honan
• Inundation map for the Bay Area [PDF]

8.9 Earthquake, Tsunami

At 5:30 this morning, we were awakened by a "reverse 911" phone call: an emergency service that alerted us to a tsunami warning created by earthquakes in Japan of magnitude 8.9. We are unable to reach our friends in Tokyo, Yokohama, Shizuoka, Choshi and Kamisu. We pray that they and their loved ones are well.

We can do little but check FaceBook, Twitter and YouTube feeds for information. As the day progressed, we collected these links. Please share what information you have.


James Harada's blog and twitter feed from Kamisu, Ibaraki-ken
http://twitter.com/#!/jimkenhara
http://jimkenhara.wordpress.com/

Video of tsunami surge at Sendai
http://www.cdrole.fr/video-drole.php?vids=Video-exclusive-de-larrivee-du-Tsunami-sur-les-cotes-du-Japon

Japan Society of Northern California's relief effort
http://give2asia.org/japansociety

Encyclopedia of Shinto

Recently, Harvey found a darling picture of a Japanese shrine cat which reminded us of our cat, Nikko. The photo was taken at Umemiya Shrine in Kyoto. Curious, I did a quick Google search to find out about the shrine and came across this website:

http://eos.kokugakuin.ac.jp/modules/xwords/

This is a good introduction to Shinto, an important influence on Chado and Japanese culture in general.

Bakumatsu koshashin

You have a photo of yourself in kimono, perhaps meandering the roji, and you say to yourself, "I sure wish I could make make my photos look like they're from the Meiji era!" Well now you can, with the amazing Bakumatsu Koshashin!

http://labs.wanokoto.jp/olds

Just upload your photo then click the button to see yourself transported back in time!

After you've converted your entire iPhoto library, take a look at this Japanese language blog, http://www.tofugu.com/ It's where Harvey originally found Bakumatsu Koshashin. The rest of the site is interesting.

Spring tea harvest in Kyoto!

Kumi found this photo on Asahi Newspaper a few days ago. Enjoy!

Paper Hina-ningyo for Hinamatsuri

Upcoming tea practice falls on Hinamatsuri and since we don't have proper Hina ningyo to display, so I found this online to celebrate Hinamatsuri in proper fashion:

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/entertainment/papercraft/seasons/03/index.html

You can download the pdf, then print and cut out the tiny paper figures, then glue it up to make a three-tier display. I don't recommend this unless you have sharp scissors or xacto blade, magnifying glasses and an obsessive-compulsive personality. However, the figures are beautifully drawn and it's darling without being exceptionally cutesy. Also on the same website are paper crafts for other Japanese holidays, which promise to be equally challenging.

US/Japan Creative Artists Residency

Artist challenge! This just in courtesy of Libby Maynard, Executive Director, The Ink People Center for the Arts.

US/Japan Creative Artists Residency
Japan-US Friendship Commission

Each year leading contemporary and traditional artists from the United States spend five months in Japan as part of the United States/Japan Creative Artists Program. They go as seekers, as cultural visionaries, and as living liaisons to the traditional and contemporary cultural life of Japan. The outlook they bring home provides an unparalleled opportunity to promote cultural understanding between the United States and Japan.

Cultural understanding is at the heart of this program. It provides funds for up to five artists to complete the residency in Japan. Artists are free to interact with Japanese artists anywhere in the country and to pursue activities of greatest relevance to their creative process. While many artists chose to remain in Tokyo, others have undertaken their residencies in Kyoto or other cities, and still others have worked in rural settings or have visited a number of sites relevant to their work.

While artists will be predominantly on their own upon their arrival in Tokyo, International House of Japan provides in-depth orientation materials, expert advice and professional contacts, as well as logistical support during the residency period.

The Japan-US Friendship Commission works cooperatively with the National Endowment for the Arts to sponsor this program.

Grant Award
Each artist will receive:

• a monthly stipend of 400,000 yen for living expenses, 100,000 yen a month as a housing supplement, and up to 100,000 yen a month for professional support services. (While the yen value may fluctuate against the dollar, applicants should be assured that these funds will cover the cost of living and working in Japan.)
• a total of up to $6,000 for round-trip transportation for the artist, domestic partner and / or unmarried children (up to age 18) and a baggage/storage allowance, and any pre-departure Japanese language study in the United States.

Because of the limited number of awards, only one residency will be supported for artists who apply as a collaborative team. In addition, while artists may wish to apply for other grants concurrently with the application to this program, selected artists may not hold a second award for financial assistance during the period of support of the US /Japan Creative Artists-EProgram.

See program guidelines for more information, or the website for general info.

Website: http://www.jusfc.gov/creativeartists.asp
Grant link: http://www.jusfc.gov/programguidelines.asp
Deadline: 02-01-2009