Pat's Blog

Dear readers,

Thank you for your support and encouragement and criticisms over the years. They are all useful, especially the criticisms. Pat’s Blog has relocated to ‘Art City Takamatsu’ from this month (October 2014). So myself & Cathy Hirano look forward to helping you with information at the new site. See you there ..

http://www.art-takamatsu.com
  

Franz Kline (1910~1962) the American mainly abstract Expressionist painter once said something I’ve always remembered; “The final test of a painting, theirs, mine, any other, is; does the painter’s emotions come across?”

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/200832464606218507/
Kline was heavily influenced by the power & emotion of Oriental calligraphy, particularly Japanese calligraphy. Unlike Kline’s oil paintings, in this art form there’s no room for second takes. It happens spontaneously and successfully or not at all.



In the Takamatsu City Gallery for this coming week, there is an exhibition of calligraphy that meets all of Kline’s criteria and then some more.

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/sightseeing/sees/takamatsu-city-museum-of-art.html



Almost always based on ‘kanji’ (Chinese characters) the paintings all have a power that cannot fail to be unrecognized and frankly it doesn’t really matter if one can read the kanji or not.



In fact some of the works are beyond the representation of kanji and move into the area of abstract expressionism.



This is an exciting exhibition and well worth a visit. Admission is free and it’s on the second floor of the gallery. Please do drop in to take a look.





** Upcoming events. “Takamatsu=Arts for the upcoming Media Art Festival” next year. Details available as they come to hand so please stay posted on Pat and Cathy’s blog her on the Ashita Sanuki’s Art Takamatsu site.

October 10th~ 19th The Takamatsu Autumn Festival A fireworks display and the 19th Daimyo’s (feudal lord’s) procession in Bushozan just outside Takamatsu and easily accessible by Kotoden train. This is a wonderful event in the historical Bushozan town. Highly recommended!


29th (Wed.) November~3rd November (Mon.) Takamatsu Bonsai Festival.

Details to be announced on this site or call (087) 837 6003.

29th Oct.~1st November (Sat.) Bonsai Stones exhibition at Hiunkaku Tamamo Park

29th Oct. ~1st November Garden light up in Tamamo Park

31st Oct~2nd Nov. Bonsai and garden plants exhibition in Ritsurin Garden (Kikugetsu-tei building)

#1st October~2nd Nov. The Great Bonsai Exhibition and sale in the Kokubunji Bonsai Center

For further information in English or Chinese, please call the Takamatsu City Information office at I-Pal Kagawa

(087) 837 6003

For more info on Takamatsu:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://tia-takamatsu.jp/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/eg/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/   

The city of Takamatsu in Kagawa is the home of udon. This flour-based noodle is deceptively simple, yet tricky to make well, as it takes years and years of practice and skill to get it just right. The subtle taste and texture vary from shop to shop with the famous ones having long lines outside, particularly at lunchtimes. So how do we choose our udon?



The answer is; by looking at the plastic food models which are often in the windows. They will tell you. Even if you can’t read Japanese these will give you both a pretty good idea of amounts and prices.



Like most foods, udon is basically hot or cold and both are equally delicious. Much of the flavor depends on skill of the maker to get the right ‘chewy’ texture and the condiments including green onions, chili spice (ichimi = one spice) or (chichi mi=seven spices) which will be on your table or near the cash register as you pay. Sloppy texture-less udon will never do!



Toppings & side dishes including tempura vegetables are also important for flavor is the addition of a little soy sauce according to taste. However if you’re in need of further classifications then a quick search on this site below will tell you the different kinds.

https://www.google.com/search?q=types+of+udon+dishes&biw=1536&bih=688&source=lnms&sa=X&ei=GrcbVNa2F8-j8AW544HwBg&ved=0CAUQ_AUoAA&dpr=1

Udon is primarily a cheap dish and very quick to prepare for a customer. So you really shouldn’t have to spend any more than $5.00 or so for a satisfying meal.




Writing about this made me hungry for udon so I went and bought a bowl (see photo)


** Upcoming events. “Takamatsu=Arts for the upcoming Media Art Festival” next year. Details available as they come to hand so please stay posted on Pat and Cathy’s blog her on the Ashita Sanuki’s Art Takamatsu site.


October 10 th~ 19 th The Takamatsu Autumn Festival A fireworks display and the 19 th Daimyo’s (feudal lord’s) procession in Bushozan just outside Takamatsu and easily accessible by Kotoden train. This is a wonderful event in the historical Bushozan town. Highly recommended!


29 th (Wed.) November~3rd November (Mon.) Takamatsu Bonsai Festival.

Details to be announced on this site or call (087) 837 6003.

29 th Oct.~1st November (Sat.) Bonsai Stones exhibition at Hiunkaku Tamamo Park

29 th Oct. ~1st November Garden light up in Tamamo Park

31 st Oct~2 nd Nov. Bonsai and garden plants exhibition in Ritsurin Garden (Kikugetsu-tei building)

#1st October~2nd Nov. The Great Bonsai Exhibition and sale in the Kokubunji Bonsai Center

For further information in English or Chinese, please call the Takamatsu City Information office at I-Pal Kagawa

(087) 837 6003

For more info on Takamatsu:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://tia-takamatsu.jp/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/eg/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

  

The word ‘monosso’ is dialect for ‘tremendous, fantastic, colossal’ etc. in the Sanuki dialect. ‘Sanuki’ is of course the old name of our Kagawa prefecture, Japan’s smallest and one of the most vibrant prefectures in the country. Now that the 49th Takamatsu Festival is winding down, the spectacular fireworks over, the dancers all back at work and soon school;



I’m posting a few photos to show you just how much vibrancy we have here with our festivals in the hope that you as future tourists to Japan, may come next year and see what we have.



There are still some events running through August & September. The beautiful Tamamo Park right across from Takamatsu Central JR station is open with free admission in the evenings. Why not come and see the illuminated Hiunkaku Garden with its traditional lighting and lanterns? There will be a cool mist spray available.

From: Friday July 18th~Sunday August 31st.

Times: 7:00~9:00 pm



In Yashima near Takamatsu there is the Yashima Yu-Yakei (evening/night view) Festival

Dates: Every Friday and Saturday until September 13th

Times: 6:00 pm~9:00pm

Places: Yashima Summit Reigan-chaya and Momotaro chaya



Also, the Mure-Genpei Ishikari (stone lantern) Road

Period: Sat. August 9th~Sunday September 13th

In the Mure town area approximately 1 kilometer along the old Aji Shimo-kaido. Take the Kotoden train to Yakuri Station. Please refer to my previous blog in summer last year.



The Yashima “Tenku Music Live!

Catch live performances on the summit of Mt.Yashima

Times: 5:30~8:00 pm

Lineup: Sat. Aug. 23rd. Tibichi, Hau’oli’s Masako Aketa Hula Studio performance.

Fri. Sept. 5th Ukulele Heaven

The Shinoue Onsen (hot springs) Festival

Date: Saturday August 30th

Time: 1:00 pm~9:30 pm

Place: Hotaru-to-Bunka-no-Sato

Events include catching fish with bare hands!



Then there’s the Sunport Takamatsu Triathlon 2014

Date: Sunday, September 7th

Time: 7:00am~12:00 noon.

For any enquiries on any of these events in English or Chinese, please contact the Inter-governmental Exchange Office

Tourism and Exchange Section

Takamatsu City Hall

Tel: 839-2197

www.machikadomusic.net

Sunport is just north of the Takamatsu JR Central Station and very easy to find. The tourist information Center is just outside the Takamatsu JR Central Station, so things are easy to find and the friendly staff are multi-lingual to assist overseas travellers.


For more info on Takamatsu:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://tia-takamatsu.jp/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/eg/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/
  

The word ‘monosso’ is dialect for ‘tremendous, fantastic, colossal’ etc. in the Sanuki dialect. ‘Sanuki’ is of course the old name for our Kagawa prefecture, Japan’s smallest and one of the most vibrant places in the country.



Running from Wednesday August 12th~Thursday August 14th the 49th Summer Festival will host many events, some of which will coincide with some great summer music in the Sunport area right here in Takamatsu.

www.machikadomusic.net

Sunport is just north of the Takamatsu JR Central Station and very easy to find. The tourist information Center is just outside the station so things are easy to find and the friendly staff are multi-lingual to assist overseas travellers.



I dropped in to take a look at the opening ceremony and took some photos while the light was still good and before the crowds started arriving. Taiko, or Japanese traditional drums and their groups performed through the first part of the activities.



The Takamatsu Summer Festival is now considered one of the 4 major festivals in the island of Shikoku in Japan. Coinciding with the Inland Sea’s 80th anniversary and commemoration as a national park. The Inland Sea is of course, separating three of the four main islands in Japan.



This year’s fireworks festival is tipped to be the largest in Takamatsu’s history. This will be held on August 13th from 8:00~8:50. The theme of this year’s fireworks display will be, ‘Marine Capital of the Seto Inland Sea’


Traffic will be regulated at the Sunport area so it may be best to walk or rent a bicycle from the underground bicycle rental station right in from of the Takamatsu JR central station.



And then the climax of these wonderful summer days will be of course, the Obon dancing in the central street (Chuo Dori) on Thursday night Aug. 14th. So why not join in? It’s perfectly ok to join in the last groups who will be without costumes! If there’s time, you may even be able to register for a quick training session at the I-Pal and get a dancing uniform. This will depend upon bookings so be quick!

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/en/whats-i-pal.html

Drop in and the I-Pal is centrally located and on the corner of the Central Park. Now what could be a better way to authenticate your Japan experience? Nothing … so if you have time, please get involved. I’ll see you all again soon.

Upcoming events in Kagawa!!

Kagawa Waterfront Festival;

July 19-August 8. Will include 15-minute hologram shows on a giant water screen in the sea. Come and enjoy art, dynamic historical storytelling, and entertainment. Shows are at 19:40, 20:30 and 21:20 at Sunport. For more details (in Japanese) see: http://www.pref.kagawa.jp/seto80/event/waterfront.html

Upcoming events in Kagawa!!

Kagawa Waterfront Festival;
July 19-August 8. Will include 15-minute hologram shows on a giant water screen in the sea. Come and enjoy art, dynamic historical storytelling, and entertainment. Shows are at 19:40, 20:30 and 21:20 at Sunport. For more details (in Japanese) see: http://www.pref.kagawa.jp/seto80/event/waterfront.html
Sensory Dining in Tamamo Park;

Gourmet cuisine together with works by top artists here in Kagawa and local craftspeople. This will be a special dining experience. Details are not up yet but last year this special event ran from August 10 through 18. Information will be posted on their website soon: http://www.takumikumo.com/shiro-cafe/

For more info on Takamatsu:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://tia-takamatsu.jp/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/eg/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/   

Quite a few years ago and old acquaintance and keen yachtsman took me cruising a few times around the Inland Sea in the Takamatsu area. This is the world’s busiest waterway and relatively shallow (average depth 37.3 meters).



But the sheer volume of sea traffic in unseen to the human eyes, runs through designated lanes. These traffic routes or shipping lanes, are supervised around the clock by radar, powerful binoculars and positioned cameras all over the highest points in the Inland Sea. Japan Coast Guard’s traffic control center staff high up on Aoyama in the town of Utazu are the overseers. So for yachtsmen it means there’s not much time to forget about vigilance.



Well over 800 very big, large and largish vessels pass under the Great Seto Bridge in a single day. Fishermen have rights to fish in any areas they see fit, so the coast guard must prioritize the position of fishing boats over large vessels. No easy task.



I have often snorkeled with friends in these waters and recall many happy memories of eating fresh abalone and drinking a few cold beers.




My good pal and fellow blogger Cathy Hirano wrote an excellent piece in her blog about the company Foucault. The site is in Japanese only, but they’re working on and English version to be posted soon.

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://www.foucault.co.jp/

https://www.facebook.com/foucault.setouchi

(insert 2 photos here)

I was also asked to experience a cruise with Foucault on one of their catamarans to write this piece. Life can be difficult .. Foucault is open to any ideas for cruising and will make a plan for you with what I think are reasonable fees. The Sunset Cruises are popular, the onboard staff very friendly and the experience unforgettable. Foucault will take you to any of over 100 deserted islands where you can swim, snorkel and have a BBQ. They can of course suggest a plan if you don’t have one. This company has my personal recommendation.

(Insert 2 photos here)

Upcoming events in Kagawa!!

Kagawa Waterfront Festival;

July 19-August 8. Will include 15-minute hologram shows on a giant water screen in the sea. Come and enjoy art, dynamic historical storytelling, and entertainment. Shows are at 19:40, 20:30 and 21:20 at Sunport. For more details (in Japanese) see: http://www.pref.kagawa.jp/seto80/event/waterfront.html

Sensory Dining in Tamamo Park;

Gourmet cuisine together with works by top artists here in Kagawa and local craftspeople. This will be a special dining experience. Details are not up yet but last year this special event ran from August 10 through 18. Information will be posted on their website soon: http://www.takumikumo.com/shiro-cafe/

For more info on Takamatsu:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://tia-takamatsu.jp/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/eg/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/
  

Takamatsu’s waterfront area is world class. One of the best, and to commemorate the Inland Sea’s becoming the first national park 80 years ago, there will be some special events starting July 19th and running through until August 8th


There will be a hologram projected somehow on to a screen of water mist pumped in to the air with the theme of “Genpei Gasen” or the Genpei Wars, an historical battle between the Taira and Minamoto clans during the late-Heian period of Japan. A time of political turbulence and fierce clan rivalry for the Japanese throne.

I went to the Sunport area and watched the crew working on an anchored on a barge off the shoreline and testing this display. It looked pretty good but the photos I took didn’t, so I took these from the official promotion’s materials.


People watching will be able to interact with the hologram using smartphones with the link for the event. Fishing for fish created by the hologram, or catching hologram generated monsters created by the events creaters; TeamLab.

http://www.team-lab.net/en

As you can see from TeamLab’s English site, they’re a very creative group so this should be a wonderful event!

Along with the hologram displays, there will be a wide variety of other performances, street artists, jugglers, food stalls, music by a Self Defense Force big band in the white tent structure in Sunport etc.

Times: The events will start from 17:00 to 21:00, 3 times every night. The hologram display will be held 3 times per evening at the following times.

1st 19:40

2nd 20:30

3rd 21:20

This event will be popular and although free, due to limited numbers, you’ll need a ticket. You can get an advanced ticket (recommended) using Ticketpia at any Lawsons or 7/11 convenience store.

Alternatively, on the day starting at 5:00 at the ticket booth near the Mikayla restaurant on the foreshore and this is very easy to find. Mikayla has two sweeping white arches on either side and a large lit sign in English.

Other events and news!

An enjoyable collaboration of Japanese & Italian food and table wear created by artists. Together with jazz piano songs (available only with meal bookings)

7/19th ( Sat.) ~ 27th.(Sun) 23th off.

Link. http://www.takumikumo.com

place : Hiunkaku in Tamamo Park

time ; 17:45 ~ 19:45 20;00 ~ 22:00

charge 8,500 yen (including tax , not including drinks)

contact [mail] info@takumikumo.com

[tell] 087-881-2933 ( 10:00 ~ 17:00 ) weekdays only.

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/


Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html


  

In part one of this 2 part series, I visited an authentic ‘dagashi’ or old fashioned candy store, sweet store and was lucky enough to meet and talk with the lovely old couple running the place and couldn’t help noticing their warmth and kindness to the kids who are their customers.



In part 2, I wanted to show they types of toys, sweets, snacks etc. that these places sell. Just the colors alone made my visit a memorable one.



I recalled an art history class given by a visiting professor on the topic of color through history. His point was of course that we now live in a world flooded with colors that were never imaginable in ancient times. A darker version of a vermillion pigment was about as bright as it got in those days and a time traveller would be stunned to see even something as mundane, to us at least, as a modern day supermarket.



Visual senses saturated, it was time for the mouth so I bought a few candies and looked around at the snacks, gum, pop-rice cakes. Pop rice is made in much the same way as popcorn), lollipops and my favorites the paper toys. The multi colored paper balloons are great. (see photo) All we have to do is blow a little air in from the mouth and we have a wonderful little toy ball to play with. Great fun to tap around in the air indeed ..



Japan is losing many of its traditional things like these and that’s a pity. I didn’t see one kid flip open a game machine in the store and that was encouraging as this country is just full of people numbing their minds with cellphones, games, etc.



That’s the modern world and there’s no escaping it but a small respite from modern mayhem into another time, place and for older people, memories, is always welcome.



I’ll be back again soon.



There some upcoming events in Takamatsu that I’m sure will be of interest, so please keep the following in mind.
Summer events:
A water & lights & music festival held at the bay area in the center of Takamatsu. Some holograms will emerge on a huge water screen made by sending up sea water in the air. We’ll show unknown fine art & dynamic displays.

Historical tales and everyone can participate in some contents using smart phones.

On the summer nights, we’ll hold the entertainment show that is located in the Inland Sea.

1.　A movie on the theme of the Genpei War in the Tale of the Heike.

2.　Fishing games playing by using a smart phone

( a fun and participatory type game )

3. Video works created by Team Labo on the water screen

Water calligraphy by Team Labo.

Also, Gokan Dining
The artists in Sanuki will entertain you in an elegant atmosphere at the important cultural asset Hiunkaku which shows you the local history.

The enjoyable collaboration of Japanese & Italian food and table wear created by artists. Together with jazz piano songs (available for only people who book the meal)

7/19th ( Sat.) ~ 27th.(Sun) 23th will be off.

Link. http://www.takumikumo.com

place : Hiunkaku in Tamamo Park

time ; 17:45 ~ 19:45 20;00 ~ 22:00

charge 8,500 yen (including tax , not including drinks)

contact [mail] info@takumikumo.com

[tell] 087-881-2933 ( 10:00 ~ 17:00 ) weekdays only.

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/



Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html


  

As kids, most of us all remember those good old days of dime stores, cheap candy. A time when 10 cents could buy a small bag of sweets and go a long way to making for a great time especially watching a cowboy matinee show at a cinema on a saturday afternoon. 20 cents (or 1 shilling in my day) was a blowout on chewy luxury and enough sugar intake for a month. Dentists must have had a field day.



Japan has an equivalent named ‘dagashi’ often run by kind, old and retired people selling candy drops, rice crackers, dried squid and all kinds of small toys, spinning tops, paper balloons and other wonderful stuff that coin-clutching kids would carefully select in the hope that they’d win a lucky draw for another free snack by opening the lucky bag with the number inside.



Dagashi are disappearing rapidly and along with them another part of Japan’s unique culture and history. There has been an attempt to revive dagashi in some of the major department stores offering small dagashi shops within the stores, but the atmosphere is a little different.



I was lucky enough to find an old couple who still run a store and was impressed with the lovely way they talked with the kids and taught them little things.


The original meaning of the word ‘dagashi’ was for sweets of low quality, but eventually came to mean sweets that were affordable for young kids on small allowances.


I’ll be back with part two on dagishi soon.
There some upcoming events in Takamatsu that I’m sure will be of interest, so please keep the following in mind.
Summer events:
A water & lights & music festival held at the bay area in the center of Takamatsu. Some holograms will emerge on a huge water screen made by sending up sea water in the air. We’ll show unknown fine art & dynamic displays.

Historical tales and everyone can participate in some contents using smart phones.

On the summer nights, we’ll hold the entertainment show that is located in the Inland Sea.

1.　the movie of the Genpei War in the Tale of the Heike.

2.　the fishing game playing by smart phone

( the participatory type game )

3.　the video works created by Team Labo on the water screen

Water calligraphy by Team Labo.


Gokan Dining
The artists in Sanuki will entertain you in an elegant atmosphere at the important cultural asset Hiunkaku which shows you the local history.

The enjoyable collaboration of Japanese & Italian food and table wear created by artists. Together with jazz piano songs (available for only people who book the meal)

7/19th.(Sat.) ~ 27th.(Sun) 23th will be off.

Link. http://www.takumikumo.com

place : Hiunkaku in Tamamo Park

time ; 17:45 ~ 19:45 20;00 ~ 22:00

charge 8,500 yen (including tax , not including drinks)

contact [mail] info@takumikumo.com

[tell] 087-881-2933 ( 10:00 ~ 17:00 ) weekdays only.

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp

http://ogijima.com

http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/



Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html



  

The pilgrims’ route, or ‘henro’ pilgrimage in the Japanese island of Shikoku is and arduous walk of some 1,200 km taking anywhere between one or even two months to complete. The 88 temples of the Shingon or esoteric school of Buddhism dotted around this island and founded by the much-loved ‘Kukai’ as he is popularly called, or Kobo Daishi is becoming a world-class attraction.



The purpose of the pilgrimage taken by the faithful can be for any number of reasons; asceticism, healing, salvation, atonement & repentance. Or even just general wellbeing and exercise. It all depends upon the depth of belief and commitment to the faith. Stories of miraculous healings are legion. So are the devotees who make this journey a focal point of spiritual life especially towards the end of it. I’d like to think that one day I’ll do it myself as a few friends have already.



The circumambulation by foot around the island is expected of believers at least once in their lifetime but these days most undertake a bus trip instead of austerities on foot. A few ride bicycles, some even do the pilgrimage by taxi.



In these last twenty years or so, there have been any number if books about this pilgrimage and sad to say, they are pretty much all knock offs for profits & sales by people without much deep knowledge of what this is all about. I suggest reading the dated but beautiful book by Oliver Statler ‘Japanese Pilgrimage’ as it’s the standard by which all the others can be judged.



Statler’s book is the best and I can’t stress this enough particularly after reading a couple of the others. It will give you a deeper understanding of what is going on as will the book ‘Kukai Major Works’ by Yoshihito Hakeda (translated into English) The beloved Kobo Daishi Kukai the founder of Shingon buddhism, saint, miracle worker, engineer, is by far the most influential force in Japanese religious and societal beliefs. Yet sadly most of us in the west have never heard of him.



I took these photos at the 83 Ichiyomiyaji temple on the outskirts of Takamatsu at a town named Enza and we can see pilgrims in their traditional white clothes. The same ones many will wear to be cremated. The stamps are from the temples in official recognition they have travelled the route and the ink writings on the clothes are religious formulae of the faith.




Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:

http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

  

This is one of the most striking and beautiful buildings I have seen. Nestled near the summit of Go Shiki Dai mountain, close to our Takamatsu city and it is well worth a visit if you’re in the Takamatsu area.


The design is a beautiful combination of the new and the old. Buttress like and built on a hillside with a heavily fortified appearance, dark grey stone is the predominant material of the cluster of buildings on multi levels that comprises the museum. The museum complex looks out across the Seto Inland Sea and its long history to which it was dedicated. Opened in 1973, the building was awarded the Japan Architect Society Award. No surprise really as it’s world class and a winner.


Staffed by many volunteers, the museum offers lectures and demonstrations on a variety of maritime topics and next June 14th (Saturday from 1:30~3:00) there will be a demonstration event about salt and its long history with this region.



With the faint smell of salt from the sea the environment is perfect. The museum is cooled naturally in the summer by the beautiful stone walls. The outside parapet like low walls are well laid out with seasonal flowers and well tended.




On the inside are many wooden vessels spanning the different eras and the tools used to make them. Of particular interest to me was a display of the efforts to keep the waterways free from plastics. Given that are seas everywhere are choking with plastic junk it’s good to see they are making a strong effort to educate people, especially the young, to realize that the sea is important.



The one drawback is access is limited but well worth the visit. A car is the best method and the map is on the site’s link below. It takes about 25 minutes from Takamatsu’s Central JR rail station. A taxi fare will be about 4,500 yen and unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a bus route.





Open from 9:00~5:00 with last visitors admitted at 4:30.
Closed on Mondays and please check the site’s calendar for the open days.



1412-2 Tarumi-cho‬, Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture ‪761-8001‬, Japan‬

+81 87-881-4707

Website: http://www.pref.kagawa.jp/setorekishi/

E-mail: setorekishi＠pref.kagawa.lg.jp

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/12754.html
Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html



  

The Takamatsu City Museum of Art has an interesting show running until the 24th of March this year. The work is lacquer ware made by the Japanese master artisan and national treasure, Isoi Joshin commemorating the 50th anniversary of his death.



Lacquer ware is difficult to make and whilst there are no rules as to the number of coats, it took time to apply the many layers in these pieces by building up strata band after band. The seasons affect the results of the piece and the results are beautiful with a depth that isn’t transparent nor opaque. Something in between.



A number of terms are used in Japanese to refer to lacquer ware. Shikki (漆器) means "lacquer ware" in the most literal sense, while nurimono (塗物) means "coated things", and urushi-nuri (漆塗) means "lacquer coating."



Often used in tea wear, lacquer often takes on a beautiful patina through usage over the years. The examples on show by the master have also been carved intricately and I really enjoyed the pieces with references to water and specifically the ‘covered food box with eddying current design’ circa 1931. It’s particularly beautiful and the colors very wabi-sabi indeed.



Lacquer ware techniques and designs are regional and styles vary widely. I’ll be looking at the museum of lacquer ware in the next blogs and suggest that if you an make this show before it finishes on the 23rd (Sunday) please drop in as it’s well worth it.





http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/12754.html
Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

  

The Takamatsu Stone Museum is located right in the heart of the stone masons’ area in beautiful Aji & Mure areas in Kagawa. This is stone country. More specifically hard granite country with seemingly hundreds of stone masons’ workshops and quarries.



The museum is one of the Gempai-Art Village Promotion Committee Office’s attractions in the Aji area and underscored as tourists attractions, as there is a great deal to see in this area for overseas visitors.



There is a wonderful volunteer group in Kagawa named SGG acronym for The Systematized Goodwill Guides, who freely give their time to anyone that contacts them and they speak English and more than happy to assist anyone who contacts them preferably in advance to make arrangements. I have a lot of respect for these people and they can make all the difference to a visit in any of their designated areas. They are well worth contacting if you’re coming to Takamatsu and visiting the areas nearby.
Mr. Narita was a tireless worker for the SGG and a dedicated leader of the SGG and for international understanding. http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/ENGLISH1/kankou/seto/bgaid/bgaid.html



The museum has some remarkably lifelike mannequins dressed in the period and one can sense the physical effort that the pre -industrialized era workers must have endured. No cranes, no trucks just hard grinding labor with mallets, chisels and hemp ropes. The accidents must have been horrific. And often …


All rocks are heavy but granite in particular is very dense, weighty and hard to move around. The museum has an excellent display of the tools from the period, so when you’re here, my suggestion is this; well before arriving, contact the SGG to help with a visit and please keep in mind these people do this as volunteers.
I’ll be back again soon.




*map
http://www.yashima-artvillage.jp/english/museum/index.html


1810 Mure, Mure-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture, 761-0121
Tel: +81-87-845-8484
■Admission: Adults: ¥200
College Students: ¥150
High-, Junior-High and Elementary School Students: Free
■Hours: 9：00～17：00
■Closed Mondays (or the following day if a national holiday)
■Parking available for up to 50 cars
http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/
kyouiku/bunkabu/rekisi/ishi_mure/index.htm


Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

  

Kosupure is a Japanese phenomenon now enjoyed all over the world. The name is mangled from the English ‘costume play’. Now regarded as an art form, kosupre fans are to be seen everywhere usually getting together for photos shoots and mutual admiration. Theatrical in a many ways, yet a subculture it is, and the entities come from the real world or the world of anime (Japanese animation) often with inanimate forms being given anthropomorphic ones and it is not unusual to see genders switched.



These kids were in the Sunport area and I happened upon this group by chance and asked if I could take a few photos.



I’m not entirely comfortable with kosupre but then again I grew up in a sports environment and a very different age.



Kosupre is a significant part of modern Japanese culture and there are many websites devoted to the topic. Costumes vary with attention to details, authenticity of characters and for these people this is after all a form of expression and a highly personal journey.



In the West we have steam punk and they are similar. steam punk kids (not always kids, mind you) make similar efforts to emulate usually Victorian era costumes that always remind me of coming from Jules Verne’s stories.



Live & let live ..
Some of the players have dedicated photographers on hand to capture their personal kosupre moments.



So when you visit Japan there’s every chance you will see a group of these people in the cities.
Where we are and how to get here and we hope you will visit. It’s really very easy especially if you’re already in Japan.

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu

http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

  

February is the coldest month in Japan and we’ve experienced two heavy falls of snow this month. As I’m always interested in what’s going on in the local galleries, I visited the Mure Stone museum in Mure cho, close by to Takamatsu.


By chance, and exciting exhibition of sculptures was on display by a local resident & Italian artist Luca Roma.


The work was of a very high standard as anything made by this very creative man and as I prefer natural light, I used the occasion to take some pictures of his work for the blog.


This exhibition will run through February and I will be writing about the Stone museum in more detail later this month.




Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu


http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/


http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html
  

At the end of each New Year’s festivities in Takamatsu, a couple of weeks later, there’s the interesting custom of burning the old decorations for the new year (see paper bag in photos) at the local shrine (Hachiman Shrine Takamatsu)



At the same time as burning the decorations, kagami mochi (round mochi rice cakes) small carefully made straw decorations that are placed at the front of houses and any other decorations from the new year are burned as offerings to the deities and for of course, good luck in the year ahead.



The shrine assistants take care of the burning and patrons buy oranges tied on to a wire and held by a pole. The purpose is to drape these across the flames then eat for good fortune upon returning home. Firefighters are also on hand should the flames get out of control.


This is a curious custom and I can’t say the burned mandarin oranges tasted any better or even tasted any good for that matter. Still, that’s not the purpose I was told. Luck and good fortune are the hoped for results.



An offertory box is near the fire and of course a donation required facilitating a deity’s intervention in the New Year’s and life’s matters.



Whilst there I saw a couple of young men on a suped up motorcycle. At the time of new year in Japan these motorcycles are to be seen everywhere and they’re colorful if not overly noisy charging through the streets on new year’s eve.


Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu


http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html


  

There is much to do in our city, Takamatsu. One of the successful initiatives of the local government and designed to stimulate the local economy and local producers, has been the Sunmerche market held in the Sunport area of the city



Usually held on Sundays, the market features local produce and is well worth a visit to see the wide variety of locally produced foodstuff from Kagawa.



This colorful Frenchman was making crepes and others had locally made breads for sale.



There are many soy producers on Shodo Island and some had set up a marquee and stools to allow prospective patrons to sample the differences between flavors of the local brewers.



The market is an early morning until early afternoon affair, so to sample what the vendors have; it’s a good idea to make an early start.


I’ll be back next week with more updates from Takamatsu.
Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu


http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html
  

The Takamatsu City Art Gallery is a gem and one of the very best I have seen anywhere in the world. I’ve spent a lot of time in different galleries and the atmosphere in this one is very conducive to the appreciation of fine art.
http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/12754.html



http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/sightseeing/sees/takamatsu-city-museum-of-art.html

This is a gallery that has been built in the very heart of Takamatsu which says much about the priorities of culture above commerce and sensible city planning. It is absolutely always a pleasure to drop in.


The internal environment of the gallery has been carefully thought out to work with the outside landscape and in a busy city provide some rest for the mind.


Upstairs on the 2nd floor is a public library with a very wide selection of reading materials on modern art, contemporary Japanese art, Western & oriental art. It really is quite wonderful to sit here and browse in the very comfortable surroundings.


But this time I want to talk about the annex in the gallery which holds exhibitions year round for the different art groups here in the city. Access to the annex just inside the south entrance and the admission is free.



I’ve always been very impressed with the very high standard of painting by amateur artists in Japan. This is self evident when visiting the many exhibitions in the annex, so when visiting



Takamatsu and the gallery please take the time to both visit the annex and enjoy the meditative and relaxing atmosphere.




Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu


http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html


  

The seasons are a very important part of Japan’s culture and the Japanese think about their identities & culture as connected with the cycles of seasonal change.



Every year in our Central Park here in Takamatsu, the Winter Festival is held from the week before and up until Christmas eve.



This year the stage events, food stalls, colorful people were all here and with the inclusion of a new Foods from Hokkaido event.



I was impressed with this new event and bought some mushroom soup and mushroom pasties from the Kamada company’s stall. They really did taste good. So good in fact I want back for a second helping of both.


Scallops, fish etc. from Hokkaido all seem to taste so wonderful.



If you’re in Takamatsu at this time of year please come and see our Winter Festival.
http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/sightseeing/event/takamatsu-winter-festival.html
I’ll be back next year with reports on what is going on in the area. If you have and suggestions, please leave a comment. Until then, please have an enjoyable and safe Christmas and New year!



Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu


http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu


http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html

  

Following up on the last blog on Takamatsu International Airport, I’ve added some extra material in the month’s blog, as there was just too much to cover in a single blog. So here we go ..



The airport has a great number of facilities and shops to while away the time and the selection of udon shops and sales of udon to take back as souvenirs from Kagawa are many.



This lovely woman in the previous blog this month, came out to the front of the store to both invite me in and also to explain the menu. Like many Japanese restaurants there are wax displays of food in the windows to help making choices easier. “Why don’t you try our tempura udon?” she asked with a smile and it was easy to tell her friendliness was genuine, so I did.

Another interesting thing is the “dashi tap” sic. We can try free samples. Dashi is the essential sauce for udon and connoisseurs of Japanese cuisine know all the good makers. There are many here in Kagawa including the excellent Kamada dashi stock, which is famous. Dashi is the base of many Japanese dishes, such as soups, dipping sauces, and nimono (simmered dishes).



So when you’re flying in or out of Kagawa the services are all here at this wonderful little and modern airport to take care of any souvenir worries.



I’ll be back soon with more news on Kagawa so please take care against the cold and see you soon!
http://www.takamatsu-airport.com/en/
Contact Information Takamatsu Airport Building General Information 087-835-8110
Other bloggers in Takamatsu of interest:
http://cathy.ashita-sanuki.jp
http://ogijima.com
http://ww8.tiki.ne.jp/~tmath/home/

Where we are:

http://wikitravel.org/en/Takamatsu


http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/

http://www.my-kagawa.jp/special/visitor/kanko/index.htm

http://www.i-pal.or.jp/profile/topics/kagawas-welcome-card.html