Recently, a little pottery workshop has opened up along a street which I frequently pass, in Tsukuba’s Saiki neighborhood. In the early mornings I have sometimes seen the proprietress solemnly sweeping out front, getting ready to start the day. I have not yet been INSIDE to find out what kind of classes they have to offer, but what I [...]
Continue reading about A More Comprehesive View Of MORIJIO Salt Piles (盛塩)
From the TAIRA mailing list:
A new Restaurant called “THE HUB RESTAURANT & BAR” has just opened in Tsukuba. It’s an African restaurant with delicious and traditional African meals. It’s located on the second floor of the Richmond Building, room 203, at Amakubo 1-10-18. It’s the 4th building behind the 7/11 at Amakubo, close to the [...]
Continue reading about African Restaurant in Tsukuba: The Hub
The Japanese never go very long without taking care of their ancestors or departed loved ones. In fact, there are many who pray and make offerings at their family altar (butsudan) every single day. In addition, as part of the annual cycle of events, there are four times a year (besides individual memorial days) for special ceremonies in which extra efforts [...]
Continue reading about Ancestors Remembered Around the Autumnal Equinox
I was on my way to a little adventure in the woods surrounding the ruins of Konda Castle, near Sakura Junior High School. As I turned off the road and headed onto a little dirt trail, I noticed a neighbor of mine busily doing something by a bush of some sort. I called out a greeting so as not to [...]
Continue reading about And Still More Food For Autumn Foraging In Tsukuba: MUKAGO (or NUKAGO)
Before a meeting with Junko Yamamoto, I`m always filled with anticipation. This is because, more often than not, she comes bearing surprising OMIYAGE (gifts), from the seemingly endless stream of interesting places she visits both in Japan and abroad (though what I really do look forward to is her smiling face and lively stories!).
Last Thursday, when I arrived at the Community Center in Hojo, she handed [...]
Continue reading about And yet more FORAGING in Tsukuba-MUBE ( むべ)- and the etymology of its name
tsukubans speak