For the peasants, it was a day to enjoy the chestnut. We now know the chestnut as being a health food rich in vitamin C, and wellbalanced in terms of protein and fat. People in the past knew this from experience and eating this in the hopes of longevity on day of the Choyo is a festival tradition that cannot be missed. 庶民にとってのこの日は栗 を楽しむ日だった。現在の 栄 養 学 の 見 地 か ら み て も、 ビタミン C を多く含み、タ ンパク質と脂質のバランス も 良 い 栗 は 健 康 的 な 食 品。 昔の人々も経験からその栄 養価の高さに気がつき、健 やかに長生きできることを 願って、重陽の祭には欠か せないものとなった。
The "yang" of the "yin-yang" concept
endangered. In order to avert that danger
is thought to become too strong and
and pray for a long life, chrysanthemum
hence inauspicious on dates which are
flowers are soaked in water or sake and
odd-numbered in both day and month.
drunk for its blood-cleansing properties.
The Sekku, or seasonal festival, became
In a time when most illnesses were
an event to counter this threat. Within
thought to be caused by impurities in the
these days, September 9th is known
blood, the chrysanthemum was a type of
as the Choyo no Sekku, as it is the day
precious kampo medicine that only the
when the number strongest in "yang" is
royalty could afford.
doubled. It has long been believed that
陰陽の “ 陽 ” にあたる奇数が重なる月日は陽 の気が強くなりすぎるため不吉とされ、節供は それを祓う行事として行われるようになった。 なかでも、９月９日の重陽の節供は、最も強い
when the power of the nature becomes too overbearing, the life of mankind is
陽の数９が二つ重なる日として、天の力が 増すため、人の命が危うくなると昔の人は 用心した。そこで長命を願い、食すると血 をキレイにすると信じられていた菊の花を 水や酒に浸してたしなんだ。大方の病の原 因が血の汚れと考えられていた時代におい て、菊は漢方薬として貴族しか手に入れら れない貴重なものでもあった。
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Words of Japan
vol.01
A Clean State Of Heart
「洗心」 心を美しく… 「禅」 の言葉 Senshin – To beautify one’s heart…a word of Zen Cleanliness is a very key part of everyday life in Japan. This is evident in the Japanese love for baths, wet hand wipes and proper disposal of rubbish. It can be said to stem from the main Japanese religious beliefs such as Shintoism and Buddhism, and in cultural traditions such as sado, or tea ceremonies. The word 「洗心」 , pronounced as senshin, is often used in the context of Zen Buddhism and sado. It literally means to wash one’s heart. Indeed, the act of washing – be it of one’s hands and mouth before entering a shrine, or of a gravestone when visiting – is more than just a physical cleansing, but symbolic of a removal of the impurities that have unknowingly accumulated in our hearts and souls with the passage of time. It carries the hope of refreshing one’s spirit and soul for a new start. Senshin refers to a cleansing of the heart symbolized by the washing of objects and bodies. This entails resetting the heart from unpleasant thoughts, feelings of anger, worries and unhappiness. To be able to free one’s heart from such negative emotions is to cleanse one’s heart.
But how can this be achieved? One way is to enrich one’s spiritual state through physical encounters – such as the viewing of breathtaking scenery or the partaking of delicious food. This is why when Japanese witness the beauty of nature or the brilliance of a cultural performance, they often express their wonder as, “I feel as if my heart has been cleansed!” Another way is to practice zazen, or zen meditation, as is done daily by zen practitioners. Also, before the start of a tea ceremony, one washes one’s hands and mouth, to prepare oneself for the ceremony with a clean slate of emotions. To express the purging of negative feelings in the act of cleansing, the calligrapher Koran Onishi has chosen strong clear strokes in a flowing style to write 「洗心」 . Lastly, in order to cleanse one’s heart, one needs time to reflect upon oneself. This autumn season, with just a few months to spare before the year end and new year, is a good time to cleanse one’s heart to welcome the new year afresh.
Profile of Koran Onishi
A contemporary Japanese calligrapher who has received numerous accolades, such as the Shodo Geijutsuin first prize, and most recently the Excellent Work Award at the 67th Mainichi Shodo Competition. Also a member of the Kansai Calligraphy Association and a jury member of the Shodo Geijutsuin.
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The “DATE Culture” Fostered by Masamune On the grounds of the Sendai Castle ruins is an imposing statue
More than Just a Warrior
of a samurai on horseback, wearing an eye patch and a crescent-
Born in a time when Japan was plagued by civil wars during the Sengoku period (mid 15th century - early 17th centur y), Masamune rose quickly to become a t ac t ful, ruthless and ambitious warrior from a young age, earning the name “Dokuganr yu” (OneEyed Dragon, as he had lost an eye to smallpox at a young age). In 1604, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the daimyo who completed the unification of Japan under central rule, awarded Masamune lordship of the Sendai Domain for his loyalty, making him the most powerful daimyo.
moon-bearing helmet as he overlooks Sendai, the Tohoku region’s largest, most vibrant city. This is not just any samurai, though: It is Date Masamune (1567-1636), the founder of Sendai and the most power ful daimyo (feudal lord) of the Tohoku region. From manga (comic books), TV dramas and games, he continues to be one of Japan's most popular historical figures. The legendary stories of Masamune’s battle, betrayal, revenge and survival continue to capture the imaginations of all, but what some may not know is the vital influence he had on Tohoku culture in general.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Masamune was an educated man and a patron of the arts, Wanting Sendai to rival the Kyoto-Osaka region, he worked to expand trade and beautify the area. Tohoku, once a remote part of Japan, soon prospered as a popular destination for tourism, trade and prosperity. While Masamune embraced tradition, he also saw the need to embrace foreigners, especially their technology and knowledge. He encouraged foreigners to visit his region and even dispatched an embassy on board the San Juan Bautista, (a ship built with European techniques) to meet the Pope, while also visiting the Philippines, Spain and Mexico. In addition, Masamune had a distinct philosophy about hospitality that reflected his deep appreciation for the arts. Having a passion for food, when entertaining guests he personally created the menu, tasted the food and presented it, showing visitors the utmost care and attention with cuisine reflecting his sense of aesthetics, inspired by the Japanese tea ceremony and Noh (classical musical dramas). Far more than a typical general, Masamune expressed himself as a highly sophisticated and uniquely cultured individual. M a s a m u n e' s c u l t u r a l k n o w l e d ge , a s w e l l a s h i s governing policies, gave birth to the “DATE Culture” that spread throughout the castle town and eventually to the more distant Tohoku communities. But what exactly is ”DATE Culture”? It is a glamourous culture that respects the richness of tradition while embracing new ideas; in addition, it appreciates the highest beauty and perfection while remaining modest. Visitors cannot help but notice these principles on display as they explore Tohoku's traditional artwork, cuisine and way of life in general. http://datebunka.jp/en/
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Statue of Date Masamune overlooking the city of Sendai from the ruins of Sendai Castle, which is located on a plateau.
For Masamune-related spots, visit:
Sendai Castle Ruins After becoming Sendai's first feudal lord in 1603, Date Masamune build Sendai Castle on Mt. Aoba, which overlooks the city. Currently, only the stone walls remain, but it continues to be a symbol of Sendai City.
Masamune's Zuihoden Mausoleum Hours: 9am – 4:30pm (Until 4pm from Dec to Jan) Admission: 550 yen
Sendai City Museum Hours: 9am – 4:45pm (Last entry 4:15pm) Closed: Mondays, days following national holidays and Dec 28 – Jan 4. Also closed for renovations from Dec 28, 2017 – Mar 31, 2018. Admission: 460 yen
Experiencing Date Culture Today Sendai Tansu: A Treasured Craft Tansu were originally used as mobile pieces of furniture in which merchants and samurai could keep their personal items. Made from zelkova Japanese elm and chestnut, each tansu is painstakingly crafted, finished with kijiro-urushi (uncoloured) lacquer and embellished with embossed metal fittings of dragons, Chinese lions or peonies. At age 80, Eikichi Yaegashi is one of Sendai's most respected tansu craftsman, specializing in the creation of the decorative metal fittings. As the fourth generation in his family to continue the craft's tradition, he creates striking pieces of art that truly capture the undeniable beauty of “DATE Culture.”
A variety of metal fittings decorate the tansu.
Eikichi Yaegashi is a famous tansu craftsman who specializes in metal fittings.
The traditional Sendai Tansu were originally used for merchants and samurai to keep their personal items.
Shokeikaku: Food Culture Derived from Masamune's Aesthetics Once the residence of the Date clan, who relocated here af ter having to relinquish their domain in 1867 due to the Meiji Restoration, this two-storey wooden bungalow is now a popular restaurant and venue for special occasions. Overlooking a splendid Japanese garden, it features local cuisine presented in adorable, miniature Sendai tansu. Other highlights are the artefacts and heirlooms on display, including Masamune’s iconic black suit of armour and helmet with the golden crescent moon.
Shokeikaku is the former residence of the Date clan.
Shokeikaku: 143-3, Hitokita-nishi, Taihaku-ku, Sendai Taihaku-ku, Miyagi
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LA is always popping no matter what time of year. The County Fair pushes the envelope for families who call LA County home. You can explore Jurassic Planet’s reptilian heroes in all their glory, skate with grace at the Igloo ice rink, rock out with music’s most popular artists and test your palate with exquisite cuisine, alcoholic drinks and genius pairings between the two. Location: 1101 W McKinley Ave Pomona, CA For more information http://www.lacountyfair.com
This three day festival (September 15-17) will showcase over 20 anime films, including recently popular hits in Japan and also classic titles that are fan favorites. The festival will feature a full list of events in addition to the film screenings including an opening night red carpet gala and Q&A sessions with directors, voice actors, and film creators to further excite festivalgoers. All screenings will be held in a cinema featuring state-of-the-art equipment, high quality images, and high performance sound to deliver anime films in their full splendor to awaiting fans. Regal L.A. LIVE: A Barco Innovation Center 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Additional information https://www.la-aff.com/
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Mid-week fatigue is a familiar foe to many of us. Why not maximize your relaxation and join us for a Sound Bath at Lunchtime! There is no charge and no reservation required. All are welcome to come, sit, listen, and refresh!