In the year 889 A.D, the 23 year old Emperor of Japan writes a journal entry filled with awe and gushing praise for his beloved cat. “On the 6th Day of the 2nd Month of the First Year of the Kampo era. Taking a moment of my free time, I wish to express my joyContinue reading “In praise of Japan’s most majestic cat, circa 889 A.D”
Tag Archives: japan
Book Review The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
This is the perfect transportive holiday reading. An uplifting and psychedelic novel about a mystical and ephemeral cafe-on-wheels that appears on the full moon where gigantic cat waiters serve human passers-by with coffee, cake and an astrological reading of their past, present and future. If it sounds cosy, well it really is! It’s a bit like a Murakami novel but less dark and forboding and more heavy on the kawaii-cute.
Book Review – South of the Border, West of the Sun by Haruki Murakami
Big in scope, the story weaves through the life of Hajime, from being a young teenager to being a successful middle-class man, owner of several high-end bars in Tokyo. Hajime recalls with relish, (and we relive) his obsessive romantic fantasies. I will leave it there in terms of the plot to avoid any spoilers.
A really questionable culinary decision
What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it? Yet another thing that nobody ought give a crap about. This is more a reminder to myself. A good few years back…you know that time….the golden era and halcyon days when there was no world war, before Trump, before covid, beforeContinue reading “A really questionable culinary decision”
Comforting thought: A 10th century Japanese poem about courage
Although the wind
Blows terribly here
the moonlight also leaks
between the roof planks
of this ruined house
~ Izumi Shikibu, 10th Century Japanese poet
Travel: Oeshiki Festival of Light, Ikegami Tokyo
Oeskiki is an annual buddhist festival held on the 13th of October that commemorates the death of Nichiren in 1282. He was a revered buddhist teacher who lived during the Kamakura period, about 700 years ago. Although celebrated throughout Japan, the main Oeshiki festival is held at Ikegami Honmonji Temple located in the Ota ward in suburban Tokyo – the location where Nichiren died.
Book Review: A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki
Hi, my name is Nao. I am a time being. Do you know what a time being is? Well if you give me a moment, I will tell you.
A time being is someone who lives in time, and that means you, and me and every one of us who is, or ever was, or ever will be.
Book Review: Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
In this funny, odd-ball and deeply emotional novel by Japanese debut novelist Sayaka Murata, we follow the book’s heroine Keiko, who is in her late 30’s and is working as a sales assistant in a convenience store, while living unmarried and childless (a mortal sin in Japan).
Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism
The fauna of Japan, rich in diversity, is intricately woven into the tapestry of Shinto and Zen Buddhist traditions. Each animal is not just a part of the ecosystem but a bearer of profound spiritual messages and teachings. This article delves deeply into the shamanic symbolism of eight Japanese animals, revealing their roles in folklore,Continue reading “Exploring the Spiritual Wisdom of Japanese Wildlife: A Journey Through Shinto and Zen Buddhism”
10 Interesting Things I Found on the Internet #117
Edition #117 of Interesting Things I Found on the Internet includes the everywoman hair models, #Jungian depth #psychology, #medieval history , classic acid #techno and more #ContentCatnip
Content Catnip 