Tsukuba`s Sengen (千現) District is not only a conveniently located upscale residential neighborhood (within easy reach of both the TX rail and JR Highway Bus Stations), but it is also home to an internationally renowned research institute (NIMS) and a major facility for Japan`s Space Agency, JAXSA ( I should also mention the presence of the tastefully appointed flower shop- Blomster Anna ). Thus, I guess [...]
Though it is now the height of their breeding season, it is not until July that they really stand out. It is then that they can be seen darting about, like little fighter planes, over the ripening paddy fields, gracefully grabbing up mosquitoes and other harmful bugs. They are working at a frenzied pace, as their young [...]
When they followed their traditional LUNISOLAR calendar, now referred to as the kyu-reki (旧暦, former calendar) or inreki (陰暦), the Japanese were always in tune with the MOON and its PHASES. In fact, under that old system of ordering the days, months and seasons ( first introduced to Japan from Tang China via Korea sometime in the mid- 6th century), the days [...]
Continue reading about A Look at Moon-Viewing ( O-Tsukimi, お月見) in Japan
A visit to The Tsukuba Museum Of Art is almost always a stimulating and worthwhile experience. Whether for a show of one of the surprisingly impressive local art circles (which could be of painting, sculpture, calligraphy, photography, crafts etc.), student exhibitions (either university or high school) or to see the works of famous or not- so- famous professionals, [...]
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