Category Archives: Culture

Culture, Design, Environment, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Life, Life in Japan, Photography, Tourism

Drainspotting/Japanese Manhole Covers by Remo Camerota!

January 25, 2014 dragonlife 8 Comments

The cover represents a fire hydrant Manhole cover in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture!

Last Wednesday, my good friend Philip Kreiner made a man very happy when he gave a book called Drainspotting, Japanese manhole Covers by Remo Camerota!
Remo Camerota had an inspiration calling his book so as everyone has heard about the film, “Trainspotting”!

The book was issued by Mark Batty Publisher in New York in 2010 but I couldn’t manage to get in touch with them.
Maybe more information could be got through WHITEWALL STUDIOS.

Remo Camerota, a New York-based writer authored the book with his pictures and those of friends during a trip through Japan.
A must for all lovers of Urban Art, and Urban Art in Japan in Particular!

NOTE: If Remo happens to read this introduction, I would be extremely grateful to him for contacting me!

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-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
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-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

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HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Culture, Environment, 静岡県, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Manhole covers, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism

Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 22

January 17, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

A beautiful mint manhole cover in Arai, which has since been merged to Kosai City in Western Shizuoka Prefecture!

I still have quite a few pictures of manhole covers in Shizuoka (out of more than 400!) to show.
I’ll try to introduce them in some kind of related order.
Let me take to the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture today!

The same manhole cover in Arai but without the colors!

A private water access manhole cover in Arai!

A fairly old manhole cover in Kosai City!

A cute water access manhole cover in Mori Machi/Mori Town!

An ancient manhole cover in Hamaoka which has been merged with Omaezaki City since!

A cute manhole cover in Omaezaki marine Park, Hamaoka, Oamaezaki City!

Another water access manhole cover in Hamaoka, Omaezaki City!

Another manhole cover in Hamaoka, Omaezaki City!

A beautiful mint water access manhole cover in Yoshida Cho!

The same without the colors!

An old manhole cover for access to water provided by the Oi River!

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Japanese Festival: O Taiko Festival at Toyotsumi Shrine in Yui, Shizuoka City!

January 3, 2014 dragonlife 3 Comments

Yesterday I spent the whole day in Yui to have a look at the Toyotsumi Shrine and the O Taiko/Japanese Drums Festival in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!
Although it is a small, if not tiny festival, it is nonetheless important as it might be the oldest living Festival in Shizuoka Prefecture since it has been held since 977!

For all its small size the district (formerly a city of its own!) is still very proud of it!

Most participants these days belong to families tied with Yui fishing harbor and the sakura ebi/cherry shrimps and shirasu/sardine whiting trading!

Such families hang a paper lantern ourside their homes as the festival is held until late at night!
Unfortunately I had to back to to Shizuoka City by 6 p.m.
Next year I certainly plan to attend the last part of the festival held between midnight and half past midnight even if it means I have to sleep in the station until the first train in the morning!

The entrance to the Toyotsumi Shrine!

Big Drum Festival!

Thanks to the pictures you can’t miss it!

The “torii/鳥居/Shrine sacred bird gate (you will not find them at temples)!

Note the stone lanterns!

Old style stone plaque with the name of the shrines!

A monument marking the 1200th Anniversary of the Festival erected quite a few years ago!

I arrived there at 12:00, still 2 hours before the kids’ procession, which gave ample time to talk with the locals!

This kid actually volunteered for the picture!

The well of the shrine!

For the history buffs!
This shrine was erected by a local nobleman to thank the gods for a battle victory in 971 and the first festival was held in 977!

The shrine main building!

The “mon/文” of the shrine!

This mon representing a fan was the mon of the nobleman who erected this shrine!

The main drum used for the festival!

Japanese sake is an important feature at shrines at is originally meant “Food of the Gods”!
This particular sake “Shosetsu/正雪” is produced by Kanzawagawa Brewery in Yui!

More information for the history buffs!

The fountain you will find in any shrine to wash your hands before praying for good fortune!

One of the two lion guards!

Some of the trees there are truly enormous and ancient! I wonder how many generations they have witnessed passing by!
I truly wish some of them could talk!

After the visit to the shrine I had lunch with a friend to sample the local sakura ebi kakiage.
When I came back the kids procession had already started under tight supervision as the main road is narrow and cars are a certain risk!

The kids certainly didn’t mind being hemmed in!

Cute little girls!

Adults taking part in the second procession were giving a hand!

The kids said hello to me in English! One of them even said, “this is Japanese samba!”!

Kids took turns to lustily hit the drum!

A volunteer warden!

While the kids were holding thier procession the adults had a drink or two inside the shrine!

The kids finally arriving back at the shrine after a two-hour procession!

These two young adults carried the drum for them all the time!

Some kids were still willing to hit the drum!

A fire was waiting for those sensitive to the cold!

At around 4:30 the participants got ready for the adults evening procession!

Some practice for the photographers!

The evening procession finally taking off!

The procession moving on to the encouraging chants of the older participants!

A great way to keep yourselves warm!

Coming out of the shrine street!
The procession turned into the street to greet the houses of the participatat and sponsors!

Taking turns at the drum!

Food and drinks being prepare at the abode of one of the sponsors!

Waiting for the procession!

Japanese soul food!

Greetings!

Great concept for a party!

See at midnight same day next year!

Toyotsumi Shrine/豊積神社

The exact address is 静岡県静岡市清水区由比町町屋原185/Shizuoka Prefecture, Shimizu Ku, Yui Machi, Machiharaya, 185.
Get down at Yui JR Station and walk down the road on your right hand side. Walk past the harbor, turn left after Ando Dental Clinic and walk up all the way.

Held from January 1st at noon to the 3rd at 00:30 a.m.!

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Culture, 静岡県, 静岡市, 観光, History, Japan, Japanese Culture, Photography, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Tourism, Yui

Koike Village Chief House in Yui!

January 1, 2014 dragonlife Leave a comment

Because Shizuoka City and Prefecture were more an area of intense travelling than Kyoto or Tokyo where people gathered and built according to the size of their population (and money), it seems that our region lacks in historical and cultural assets.
Actually, until Tokugawa Ieyasu made his retreat at the beginning of the 17th Century in Sumpu (Shizuoka City) travelers had still to stay there overnight and eat and drink. Accordingly, many old houses and lodgings can still be discovered along the Old Tokaido Route.
Tourists should not overlook them as their smaller size, easier access and cheap/free entrances provide them with a rare glimpse of life of past times. Sometimes such sightseeing off the beaten tracks is more rewarding than grandiose but crowded monuments!
One house worthy of a visit lies along the Old Tokaido Route in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, only a few minutes away on foot from Yui JR Station: Koike Village House which was incidentally registered as a National Important Cultural Asset in October 1998.

The entrance!

Note the “namako/seaslug wall”!

Time to study Japanese! Don’t worry most of what is written on the board is mentioned in this article! LOL

The entrance and the noren/暖簾/entrance curtain!
Such a village house would also serve as a registar house in Edo Times hence another historical source of importance!

A small room has been refurbished into a small museum you will get into through another noren!

Take time to look at old pictures of Yui Village!

Through the bay window of the small museum you will discover a tiny but adorable Japanese garden!

Important documents are still preserved there!

Life articles of a time past!

The modest size of the very well preserved living quarters will give you a chance for great photogtraphy of a true Japanese abode of yore.

You actually may walk inside if you take your shoes off! That will permit you to not only take great photographs but experience a real feel under the soles of your feet!

Contrary to the interminable lodgings of ancient nobles, it has the merit to introduce you to a real size living house!

If you are am antique buff you will be surprised to find this very heavy antique shave ice machine worth a fortune at auctions!

Take all your time to admire the small exquisite garden full of surprises!

I have never seen that lantern-supporting sumo wrestler anywhere before!

Every season will offer you a different glimpse!

Very unusual moss!

An ancient well!

Having a second look before departing…
Irori/firplace!

Mobile partition!

Old hanging scroll!

I would advise you to take a good camera along as the place is dark inside, but you must have also a look at the raftings, the ceiling and theattic!

KOIKE VILLAGE CHIEF HOUSE/小池邸

421-3112 Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City, Shimizu Ku, Yui, Terao, 464-9 (10 minutes on foot from Yui JR Station. Proceed left of the Station exit!)
Tel.: 054-376-0611
Opening hours: 09:30~16:30 (March~October), 09:30~16:00 (November~February)
Closed on Mondays and National Holidays (except if happening on week-ends), December 26th~January 5th
Entrance: free
Parking for 6 cars

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Japanese High Gastronomy: Dinner at Kamoshibito in Shizuoka City!

December 28, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

Service: Shy but very friendly and informative
Facilities & Equipment: Very clean overall. Superb washroom
Prices: Slightly expensive but appropriate and very good value
Strong points: Authentic Japanese High Gastronomy mainly achieved with local seasonal products. Great sake and wines! Entirely non-smoking!

Kamoshibito is arguably the best Japanese Cuisine Restaurant in the Prefecture for many reasons: most of the ingredients ar locally grown, bred or caught. Although the menus are set, the food is both modern and traditional with no ostentation and in true harmony with seasons and local gastronomy.
When you know that Chef Shigeharu Sano/佐野茂治さん is no less than a former apprentice and disciple of Toru Okuda, owner-chef of 3-Star Michelin Restaurant in Ginza. Tokyo, from the years in Shizuoka City to the time Toru Okuda moved to Tokyo in 2003 and beyond, you stop wondering why such high gastronomy exists in Shizuoka City!

When you realize that Kamoshibito is entirely non-smoking, you come to realize that Chef Shigeharu Sano does care about the true aromas taste of his creations!

The establishment is small with only a maximum of 4 seats at the counter and 5 more inside the dining room.
You do need to reserve in advance or at least check on the phone well in advance!

The menus are all sets from 3~4000 yen to 8~9000 yen. We cose the medium-priced one, which Shihgeharu said would be enough by a distance!

Right from the first appetizer you understand where you are!
Sea urchin with tofu sheets, simmered cod roe, Home-made roastbeef with Shizuoka-bred beef, and oyster escabeche!

Snow crab chawan mushi (Japanese-style salted pudding)!

When Shigeharu, who knows me well, saw me slowly scooping the the snow crab away he gently scolded and advised me to eat together with the pudding under it!

he was absolutely right when I discovered plenty of tidbits contained inside the pudding while the very bottom of it was a mixture of pudding and snow crab brains/kanimiso!

Although the tiny kitchen is a bit overflowing with utensils, it is a joy to sit at the counter and watch the sashimi being prepared!

The fresh grated wasabi root is naturally from Shizuoka City, but grown by Mr. Masahiro Sugiyama In Umegashima!

The sashimi plate!

Tuna/maguro, sole/hirame/lightly pickled mackerel/shimesaba and octopus/mizudago!

Shizuoka-bred beef steamed with vegetables and home-made ooba miso!

You certainly don’t need forks or knives with such a tender meat!

More Shizuoka-bred beef!

This time as hot roastbeef seasoned with home-made kinsanji miso!

A favorite Japanese delicacy of mine!

Foil paper grilled shirako/cod sperm sacs!

Now, this is true fusion gastronomy with Japanese and french influences!

Snow crab on chigensai/green pak choi with a sauce combining gomadare/sesame sauce and mild blue cheese!

From another angle!
Now, where could you find this in France?

I know that Shigeharu has all kinds of sake from Shizuoka and beyond hidden in various parts of his establishment, and for once I opted for a superb sake not from Shizuoka Prefecture: Hakurakusei/伯楽星 Tokubetsu Junmai from Miyagi Prefecture!

Served both in a tasting glass and drinking earthenware!

Pickled vegetables and cuttlefish!

A superb light broth soup to warm you up ebfore going back into the cold!

Containing jidori chicken balls, scallops and turnips among others!
I like the notion (Chinese by the way) to be served a hot soup before dessert!

Yes, Shigeharu concocts his own desserts!

Chocolate and vanilla gateau de savoie with Shizuoka City-grown Bennihoppe/Red Cheeks strabweery mousse!

Must definitely pay another visit in early spring!

KAMOSHIBITO
420-0032 Shizuoka City, Aoi Ku, Ryougae Cho, 304, Ryogae Cho ST Bldg., 1F
Tel.: 054-653-2300
Opening hours: 17:30~
No fixed holidays
Cash only
Entirely non-smoking!

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Culture, 静岡県, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Mount Fuji, Shizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture, Stamps, Tourism

Mount Fuji on Stamps 2: 1935~1962 (partial)

December 18, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

There is a very interesting way to know more about Mount Fuji in Shizuoka Prefecture (and also Yamanashi Prefecture) by collecting or studying stamps which were issued on this subject inside Japan (there are of course more in the rest of the world)!

There are certainly more than one may think first as the Japanese Post Office printed regular not only commemorative stamps but also regular stamps well before WWII!

Here is an account spanning up to 2004 (2nd installment)
Past that year, I’m sure it will be a lot easier to investigate!

National Parks Commemorative First Series, First Stage: Fuji Hakone. October 10th, 1936

1 sen, dark brown. Akebono View of Mount Fuji.

3 sen, dark green. Lake Ashinoko View of mount Fuji.

6 sen, reddish mauve. Mittouge Pass view of Mount Fuji.

10 sen, dark blue. Mishima view of Mount Fuji.

New Year Stamp, printed and issued in 1935 for the year 1936

1 sen 5 rin, red

New Showa Regular Series. August 1st~8th, 1946

1 yen, dark blue, Mount Fuji by Hokusai. No perforation.

1 yen, light blue, Mount Fuji by Hokusai. No perforation.

1 yen, light blue, Mount Fuji by Hokusai. Philatelic Week Commemorative mini sheet.

20 sen, light blue. Mount Fuji & Cherry Tree (first design). Perforated.

20 sen, dark blue. Mount Fuji & Cherry Tree (second design). Perforated.

10 sen, orange. Mount Fuji & Cherry Tree (second design). No perforation.

20 sen, dark blue. Mount Fuji & Cherry Tree (second design). No perforation.

National Parks Commemorative First Series, Second Stage: Fuji Hakone. July 15th, 1949

2 yen, light brown. Mittouge Pass view of Mount Fuji.

8 yen. Greyish green. Lake Kawaguchi view of mount Fuji.

14 yen, Dark mauve. Mount Shichimen view of Mount Fuji.

24 yen, dark blue. Lake Yamanaka view of Mount Fuji.

Great Buddha Airmail Series: August 15th, 1953

80 yen, dark blue.

70 yen, brownish mauve.

115 yen, dark green.

145 yen, greenish blue

National Parks Commemorative First Series. Fuji Hakone Izu. January 16th, 1962

5 yen, dark green. Lake Ashinoko view of mount Fuji.

10 yen, reddish brown. Mittouge Pass view of Mount Fuji.

10 yen grey. Ose Cape view of Mount Fuji.

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Cinema Museum: Shichi Bura Cinema Street in Shizuoka City!

December 14, 2013 dragonlife 4 Comments

Before the movie theaters were closed and moved to Cenova Department Store and consequently their buildings pulled down the City of Shizuoka, following the example with the Hiroshige Ukiyo-e in Gofuku Cho Street, had the great idea to create an open air museum along Shichikrn Street just after it crosses the Showa Street!

The pole indicating the starting point of Shichi Bura Cinema Street!

They even indicated the project on the wrought iron grids surrounding the trees!

Also announced on each display box!

Like in Gofuku Street they use the same red granite abundantly even on the pavement to show the emblem bird of Shizuoka City,…

the emblem tree of Shizuoka City. or…

the emblem flower of Shizuoka City!

Each display pedestal is flanked with seats made of the same red granite. Unfortunately their access is somtimes blocked by bicycles or nearby building works!

The displays inside the boxes are really intriguing and deserve some research: reverse film apparatus!

Great sight in store!

Ancient movie camera!

What’s next?

Sun spot!

Now, what are those two?

Enormous microphones!

The works on the right are a real eyesore!

Suspension flight light and solar spot light!

Machine head!

And to finish a genuine antique 1971 movie program poster!

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Manhole Covers in Shizuoka Prefecture 10

December 7, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Beautiful Shimizu City (before it was merged with Shizuoka City) manhole cover for “river waters” discovered by my good friend Atsuko Kurata in Sodeshi, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

For this particular blog let me come back to Shizuoka City where I found more “technical information”!

The “mint” of the above manhole cover!

An old manhole cover in Shimizu City (now Ku) for soil running.

A yellow version of the original orange type in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

The same without enamel coating!

An old Shimizu City (now Ku) sewer manhole cover!

A big double manhole cover in Shimizu City (now Ku)!

I found this one on the Internet describing a commemorative manhole cover inside the Shizuoka Prefectural Park, Suruga Ku, Shizuoka City!

I will have to investigate for bigger pictures!

The same as above in different colors!

Unknown motif on a manhole cover in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

A beautiful Fire Hydrant manhole cover in Yui Cho before it became Yui in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

Another fire hydrant manhole cover in Yui Cho before it became Yui in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

A gate bulb Manhole cover manhole cover in Yui Cho before it became Yui in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!
Note the sakura ebi/cherry shrimp motif!

The same as above in different color over a fire hydrant!
Also not Mount Fuji you can see from Yui!

Fire hydrant Manhole cover in Kambara, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City!

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Hiroshige Wood Block Prints for All in Gofuku Cho Street in Shizuoka City! 31~45

December 3, 2013 dragonlife 2 Comments

Wood Block Print 31)
Hamamatsu (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

SYNOPSIS

Utagawa Hiroshige (Japanese: 歌川広重), also Andō Hiroshige (Japanese: 安藤広重; 1797 – 12 October 1858) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.
Hiroshige is best known for his landscapes, such as the series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō.

Although you can see all 53 wood block prints at the Hiroshige Museum in Yui, Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City, did you know you can see 45 (at the final check today!) of them daily if you walk along Gofuku Cho Street?

I’m preparing a total compilation of the ukiyo-e only, including the ones missing, that is a total of 53+2= 57!

Before I proceed with the last ukiyo-e of this series I want to show you a few more pictures of art works created with them!

Gofuku Cho Street Sign at the entrance of Gofuku Cho Street!

Double bar bench?

Geisha’s Face!

Geisha and Suitor’s faces!

Alright, let’s proceed to the pedestals and wood block prints!

Pedestal 31)
Geisha in the Wind!

Pedestal 32)
Traveling Porter!

Wood Block Print 32)
27th Station: Fukuroi (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 33)
Traveling Mother and Child!

Wood Block Print 33)
25th Station: Nissaka (presently in Kakekagawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 34)
Shamisen-Playing Geisha!

Wood Block Print 34)
23rd Station: Shimada (Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 35)
Mother Carrying Child on her Back!

Wood Block Print 35)
21st Station: Okabe (presently in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

Pedestal 36)
Mother Carrying her Son on her Back!

Wood Block Print 36)
19th Station: Fuchu (presently Shizuoka City)!

Pedestal 37)
Two-Sword Samurai in the Wind!

Wood Block Print 37)
17th Station: Okitsu (presently in Shimizu Ku, Shizuoka City)!

Pedestal 38)
Housewife!

Wood Block Print 38)
10th Station: Hakone (Hakone, Kanagawa prefecture)!

Pedestal 39)
Farmer’s Wife Carrying Produce on her Head and Son on her back!

Wood Block Print 39)
5th Station: Totsuka (presently Totsuka Ku, Yokohamam City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 40)
Porter!

Wood Block Print 40)
2nd Station: Kawasaki (Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 41)
Resting Mother and Two Children!

Wood Block Print 41)
Not a Station but the starting point at Nihonbashi, The Bridge o Japan in Edo (presently Tokyo)!

Pedestal 42)
Young Girl with Umbrella!

Wood Block Print 42)
1st Station: Shinagawa (presently in Tokyo)!

Pedestal 43)
Horse Rider!

Wood Block Print 43)
4th Station: Hodogaya (presently Hodogaya Ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 44)
Mother Carrying Child on her Back under Unbrella!

Wood Block Print 44)
6th Station: Fujisawa (Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture)!

Pedestal 45)
Mother and Grandmother Playing with Child!

Wood Block Print 45)
11th Station: Mishiima (Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture)!

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Weird Japan (36): Cut Factory!

October 4, 2013 dragonlife Leave a comment

When English could be interpreted in so many ways!

Mind you, since it is a very cheap hairdresser offering haircuts for a mere 1,000 yen, it could be thought of as a chain cutting factory!

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Shop with Intent by Debbie
BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Culture, 美術, 静岡市, 静岡市美術館, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka City Museum of Art, Tourism, 博物館

Japanese Art: Symbiosis: Dissolving My Self Like a Mushroom Exhibition by Hajime Imamura at the Shizuoka City Museum of Art (Until October 27th)

September 3, 2013 dragonlife 4 Comments

The Shizuoka City Musuem of Art which has been in existence for about 5 years under the auspices of the Shizuoka City Government began some time ago to use their vast lobby room as a free exhibition space for the pleasure of all comers. Since you can also enjoy the same space for shopping and lounging in a cafe it makes for a perfect venue on a rainy day or on a sweltering summer day!
This is the 3rd exhibition of the kind which will last until October 17th.

Hajime Imamura/今村源さん was born in Osaka City in 1957 and presently works in Kyoto City in the Kansai region where he has acquired fame and recognition.
He started to actively exhibit in 2006 and is supported by Shiseido Company as well as Gallery Nomart in Osaka City.
His art is resolutely modern and tends to blend in everyday apparels with nature (at least recently!)

This particular exhibition is titled: Dissolving My Self Like a Mushroom. For those who can read Japanese they will find a pun in the same title: “わた死としてのキノコ”!
And you will find mushrooms everywhere! But the concept is more about hidden life represented by long aluminum “threads” depicting the underground mycelium filaments whose life and role will appear in the shape of so-called mushrooms we see popping out all year round in their natural environment!

Served directly on a dining table? (2003)

It will actually oscillate if you blow on it!

Mycelium and a mushroom reflected on a mirror…… (2013)

Actually it might be a goof idea to browse (or buy) all kinds of books on mushrooms and mushroom design at the Museum shop!

Can you see the mushrooms inside the hollow head?
“Inside Mushrooms” (2010)

Now, it is wide open to interpretation!

Mycelium in shape of a human blody! (2010)

Have you ever realized that our bodies are full of it? Actually would not be possible on earth without it!

Other works of Hajime Imamura are also featured, some with mycelium like this sofa, some without it.

Upside down life?

A squashed flat chair?

“Fridge and kettle” (2003)

Yes, this is a mobile!

And another one!

Where do those stairs lead to? (199)

To a slide of course (1998)!

incidentally the artist and a mycology (science of mycelium and mushrooms) will be hold a talk (free entrance) inside the lobby conference space (50 seats) on mushrooms and art on September 21st ((Saturday) from 14:00 to 16:00!

SHIZUOKA CITY MUSEUM of ART
静岡市美術館

420-0852 Shizuoka Cuty, Aoi Ku, Koya Machi, 17-1, Aoi Tower. 3F (across from shizuoka JR Station North Exit)
Tel.: 054-273-1515
Opening hours: 10:00~19:00 (Shop & Cafe included)
Public Exhibition Space free. Designated exhibitions fee varying.
Closed on Mondays (or on Tuesdays if Monday is a national Holidays. Also closed on friday September 13th)
HOMEPAGE (English only for the moment)

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

BULA KANA in Fiji
Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Culture, 静岡市, 観光, 農業, Japan, Japanese Gastronomy, Shizuoka, Shizuoka agricultural products, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Cuisine, Tourism

Japanese Culture & History: Oomura Family House and tea Fields in Shizuoka City!

August 29, 2013 dragonlife 5 Comments

if you know where to look or if you keep your ears (and other senses) open, there will always be a time for a new discovery in Japan. The deeper in the country you venture the better chance to discover true history in the guise of a farmhouse for example!

Oumura Family House is located up the Abe River in Shizuoka City perched high above the water by its own green tea fields.
It has been an official Shizuoka Prefecture designated (and protected) cultural asset for ages.
But the House and the (restored) farm and its original tea fields have been there since Edo Era, that is more than 150 years!

Green tea has been grown there for even longer, for hundred of years!

It is heaven for photographers as pictures are possible from an infinite number of angles, be they at ground level or from above!

All the walls and roofs have been preserved or restored all the time to reveal the grand house of a rich farming family of yore!

Traditional Japanese carp pond! At such an altitude, it is a wonder!

Under the thatched roof eaves…
We cannot visit the inside but from I could judge from outside it was full of antiques!

This wall was built in the Edo Era manner. How old could it be?

But now this is a very old and authentic wall of the Edo Era. i was told it was more than 200 years old!
Pity we couldn’t visit the place as the family still lives inside and grows green tea!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents

HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City

Culture, Daidogei, 観光, Face Painting, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Face Painting by Lucie Brouillard at Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City! The Compilation!

November 3, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

The Artist, Lucie Brouillard and the model or some of the models of the day!

Yesterday I managed to steal some time to pay another visit to Lucie Brouillard at work durig the Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City. Lucie who hails from Alberta State and Quebec in Canada (we spoke in French all the time!) graduated in Art at High School and has been working in face painting and body painting for last 25 years. It is quite incredible to realize that she taught herself an art that she calls “writing a story on a body”!
Check Lucie Brouillard’s homepage for her art portfolio!
You will understand why she became the Bodypainting World Champion in 2009 and the Facepainting World Champion in 2009!

Interestingly enough Lucie pointed out that the Japanese people are the best to paint on their faces and bodies as they very few wrinkles and stay quiet and immobile while being decorated!

here is a compilation of her art I had the joy to witness!

A cute little peacock!

Fairy wings!

Beautifully combining the design color with that of the clothing!

The eye of a legendary bird?

A brace of mature felines!

Lady Butterfly!

A rejuvenated witch?
My favorite!

Another pixie just out of the woods!

That pixie came fleeting out the sky!

Now, who could be this macabre Bacchus?

Can you guess?

A half mask for the Carnival!

Another Lady Butterfly?

A growling lion from The Philippines!

A Pink Phoenix!

A bank employee?
Lucie confided this was the first time she had painted a squirrel on a face!

A howling dragon and a grinning frog!
Drawn on request!
Lucie didn’t want me to publish that particular design but I decided to show it to demonstrate that my friend will satisfy any design if reasonable!

Street performers?

And an 11-year old flower pixie for the last finishing touch!

See you again next year!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pierre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento,Adventures in Bento Making, American Bent, Beanbento, Bento No, Bento Wo Tsukurimashou, Cooking Cute, Eula, Hapabento , Happy Bento, Jacki’s Bento Blog, Kitchen Cow, Leggo My Obento, Le Petit Journal Bento & CO (French), Lunch In A Box,
Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, The Herbed Kitchen, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Cooking Cute, Timeless Gourmet, Bento Bug, Ideal Meal, Bentosaurus, Mr. Foodie (London/UK), Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Good Beer & Country Boys, Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in kanzai by Nevitt Reagan!
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Culture, Daidogei, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Face Painting by Lucie Brouillard at Daidogei/Street Performance Festival in Shizuoka City!

November 1, 2012 dragonlife 6 Comments

The Artist, Lucie Brouillard and the model of the day, Stephanie!

The Daidogei or Street Performers Fetsival began today to last until Sunday and I can promise you that the center of Shizuoka City, especially Gofuku Street and Aoba Street will be busy with artists of all trends and spectators coming from the whole Prefecture and beyond to witness a major event recognized in the whole of Japan!

I had some time free this afternoon and I strolled in the streets in search of a worthy subject…. and I found it!
Face painting!
Actually it was a piece of luck to go out today as the interminable queues wouldn’t have allowed me much freedom for pictures and interview!

Through sheer coincidence I also happened to meet a fellow Burgundian residing in Shizuoka City, namely Stephanie, who is also very interested in face painting! Actually she has been studying the art for the last three years!

Considering the level of the art, 1,000 yen for a half mask and 2,000 yen for a full face were a real bargain!
Do have a try and surprise your friends!

Lucie Brouillard who hails from Alberta State and Quebec in Canada (we spoke in French all the time!) graduated in Art at High School and has been working in face painting and body painting for last 25 years. It is quite incredible to realize that she taught herself an art that she calls “writing a story on a body”!
Check Lucie Brouillard’s homepage for her art portfolio!
You will understand why she became the Bodypainting World Champion in 2009 and the Facepainting World Champion in 2009!

Stephanie wanted her face painted as it was part of her own study!

Most of Lucie’s creations are abstract art but she is willing to tackle any request!

“First steo”.

“Second step” in progress.
Lucie uses only natural watercolors that will not affect the skin and that also allow her to “reactivate” any time some repair or else is needed!

“Second step” completed!

“Third step” in progress!

“Third step” still in progress!
Lucie has been invited as a guest artist to the Shizuoka Daidogei and has participated to the event 12 times since 2000!

“Third step” completed!

“Fourth step”!

Now, that attracted TV cameras!

The local media started crowding the place!

How does it look?

Beautiful!

Quite a few men were also tempted…

But you certainly cannot beat Lucie’s art on Stephanie!

Lucie will be stationed on the right side of Gofuku Street at a short distance from Aoba Street!
Come early as queues from tomorrow will stretch over 50 meters (serious!)!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

Must-see tasting websites:

Culture, 静岡市, 観光, Japan, Japanese Culture, Shizuoka, Shizuoka City, Tourism

Japan Tourism: The 57 “Red Berets” at Kansyouin Temple in Mariko, Shizuoka City!

October 29, 2012 dragonlife 4 Comments

“Red Berets” or “Stooges?

The other day when I was strolling at the foot of the mountains surrounding Mariko I happened onto an unusual site!

It was just between the post indicating the old Kanshyouin Temple/歓昌院 and the actual entrance gate.

Stop and approach?

There no less than 57 small statues, all different with their heads covered with knitted red berets!
Of course this is all religion lore and I’m not going to talk about the reasons behind the phenomenon, but some of the statues were really interesting for their features!
Here are a few I chose for their more intriguing expressions!