Haru chan Dairy in Sanuki

Ogijima’s narcissus festival is held yearly on the 14th of
February. This year I went with Tamara (who is one of the
teachers at Epoch） and her friends to experience it. I then
later asked her what she thought about the event and
this is what she had to say.


“I have heard of people having dreams about being in, or
running through fields of fragrant flowers. This is the
closest I’ve ever been to having the experience. It’s just
beautiful!　It was raining up until yesterday’s eve but
today is a beautiful day to enjoy the outdoors.
What other place would you want to be? Not only are
there flowers in abundance but you also have the
breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea with mountains
outlining its coast.”

I think this is a very apt description especially
when viewing this picture. 　




“The flower trail takes about 30 to 40minutes from start
to finish. The hike is a little steep and could take a little
longer for others but overall is well worth it. The fresh
air mingled with the diverse but distinct and exotic
scents of nature, tingles and awakens the senses
leaving the body feeling refreshed.”




I was so charmed by both the beauty and fragrance of
these flowers .
"Setouchi International Art Festival" will be held this July.
Ogijima is one of the islands of the festival.
Why don't you come and enjoy the festival ?
  

Hi ! Have you ever noticed this art ?

Takamatsu is famous for having the longest
shopping arcade in Japan. This dynamic art locates
at the entrance of the Marugamemachi shopping street.　
Do you know who designed it ?　It was designed
by Takeshi Kawashima.
Takeshi Kawashima
He is one of the prominant artists in Kagawa.
He was born in Takamatsu and moved to New York
when he was 33 years old.　Since then he has been
working on his art everywhere in Japan.
The conspicuous characteristic of his art is large-scaled,
strong and coloful lines. It's abstract and inspires our
imagination.　You are the person who decides what it
represents. Besides, his art gives us energy to live. 　
I believe the fountain of the energy is from Takeshi
Kawashima himself.



You don't notice that you are walking on it when you are
shopping. You have no chance to see the whole design
unless you go to the upstairs of the Marugamemachi -
Ichibankan shopping building.

Please go upstairs and enjoy his art from a bird's eye
view !!
  

A Happy New Year !
How was your New Year's holiday ?　
Did you have a nice one ?
Recently, it has been really cold !!
I don't feel like going out !



When we walk on a street, we can find some traditional
New Year's decoration. As you can see below, this is
called "Kadomatsu" in Japanese. A pair of "Kadomatsu"
is usually displayed in front of shops, houses and company
buildings. It symbolizes long life and prosperity.


Kadomatsu





It is a decoration consisting of bamboo and pine branches.
You can also see a decorative kare,"habotan" in
Japanese, a kind of cabbage, adding brightness in
colorless winter.





They are displayed in front of a restraunt.





Shimekazari





It is one of the decorations made of a twisted strands of
rice straw, fern leaves, an orange and other items. It is
usually hung over doorways of houses and served
as a charm against evil sprits.





This is a kimono shop where traditional Japanese New
Years' items are dispalyed, such as fans, kites and
a kind of battlebore, "hagoita" in Japanese.
They look so beautiful !

In your county, do you have this type of decoration?

I hope you enjoy Japanese New Year through
these pictures !












  

Hi, everyone !
Today I will introduce a new spot in Naoshima.

As you know, Naoshima is famous for "Art House Project ",
"Chichu Art Museum" and "Benesse House". But, do you
know there is a new spot near Miyanoura Port? It's in the residential district.
That is "Naoshima Bath". Naoshima Bath　
It's a public bath,"Sento" in Japanese.

It was designed by artist Shinro Ohtake who also
designed "Haisha" in "Art House Project".





I entered and actually took a bath. I was not supposed to
take photos inside, so I couldn't show you how it was so
artistic !　There is a big elephont in the between wall
and many pieces of graphic pictures were painted
on the bottom of the bathtub. You will be surprised to
see tropical work, too. You might forget to get out of
the buthtub. You have to be careful not to get too hot !!





Outside wall.　
How cool !!












Enjoy the site again !
Naoshima Bath


Near the port.　Nice view !

I can relax after taking a bath in the shadow.
Why don't you do that ?
See you again !  

Hi! This is Haruyo. Long time no talk. How have you been? Today I will introduce my friend Jack. He will talk about
lacquerware in Sanuki. Enjoy!



Hi! My name is Jack and I live in Takamatsu. I'm stepping in as a pinch-writer for Haru-chan.　This is me pretending to work.



Just a little background: I'm from Los Angeles and I've
been living in Tak for about 6 years working here and
there and enjoying the wonderful city that is Takamatsu.

This is actually my first time writing a blog entry (I've never even commented--how backwards can I be?)

Anyway, Haru-chan asked me to write about something
that interested me about Takamatsu.

Well, something I find fascinating are the craftspeople of
Japan and their arts. As a magician (oh, did I forget to
mention that I'm also a magician?), I admire and respect
people who create with their hands.

One such person is Tomiyama Shoji--I call him "Tomi". He is a friend of mine with a passion for lacquerware. I've been to his shop many times and I enjoy just looking at the
works he's created and chatting with him. Here is just one example of his work.



He not only makes dishes but also tea cups, chopsticks,
and many other beautiful works.
kosho
I think that anyone who visits his shop will enjoy the
craftmanship of his work and maybe even want to buy
something. I have, and I will again.

Thanks for reading.

Jack in Tak  

It was a very beautiful day！
"Great Tea Ceremony "was held on the three islands,
Noshima, Shodoshima and Megijima islands
on Nov. 8th. Hotels, temples and a personal
residences were used as a tea house.

The picture above is Benesse Park.
One of the tea ceremonies was held at the outside
by the pond. Some thin metal sticks in it,
which are a piece of art works, were swaying
in the autumn wind. It comforted my mind.




















Benesse Museum

It was so beautiful from the garden.
The view caught our eyes !!




















"Yellow Pumpkin ”by Kusama Yayoi


　　









One of the arts in Benesse Park


















We moved to Shodoshima by high speed boat.
When I was waiting for the boat, the nice weather
made me sleepy.























Tamonji Temple in Shodoshima.
It was a formal and dignified tea ceremony.
The ladies who were wearing kimonos were
so pretty.

I took eight students with me to this trip.
It was a good chance for them to know
how the tea ceremony was and how peaceful
the islands were.











  

Hello, everyone ! How are you doing ?
The days have been very beautiful recently.
Soon leaves will turn red and we will have a
nice travel seasoｎ.

I went to my favorite place on Shodoshima Island
to see Nakayama Farming Village　Kabuki
Stage last week. Do you know there is
"Tanada"(terraced paddies)behind it ?
I had wanted to visit there for a long time.





















This Tanada has been chosen to be one of
the 100 selections of Paddy Fields of Japan.
This field is also called "Senmaida", which
literally means " a thousand rice fields".
It has been preserved in the Nakayama region
in central Shodoshima Island.
















.



When I was walking
through the field,
I found a Ｒed Ｓpider lily
(Higanbana in Japanese).
Now I know why it is called
so in English. It really looks
like a spider !!











They use the tiny division of the mountain
slopes for cultivation. This is desigｎed as a
method of soil preservation to prevent water erosion
from run-off irrigation．




















This is Shodohima Island !
Isn't it beautiful?
There was no wind and no waves.
There was only the blue sky and
the blue sea !


















If you take a visit,
you will surely want to go back!!






  

Hello, everyone ! How are you doing ?
It has been cool and we have a good season to travel
now. Soon leaves will turn red and it will be more
beauｔiful.

Yesteraday I immediately got on a ferry when I saw
a gorgeous sunset.　I love watching a sunset !!


Can you seen a shining ring of cloud? It's unusual I think.
Is it a good sign?　Yes ! I believe so !!
Isn't it beatiful !! It was about 6 p.m.

When you visit Takamatsu someday and take this kind
of ferry, you can feel how the suneset matches the islands
and the sea.



















The Simbol Tower（on the right） in Sunport and the sunset



















It is about one hour ride from Takamatsu to Okayama.
On the way, you can find a triangle shaped mountain
Ozuchi. It's nice. I always take pictures here.



















I have no words to say. Still there is a ring of cloud.

















It took about 2 hours and a half to get back to Takamatsu.
This is a picture of Takamatsu JR station, which is the
main entrance of Shikoku Island.

















The picture taken at night is surprisingly nice !!
There are so many shining marbles spreading on the
ground. They are like starts in the universe !

Some people are waiting for someone,
some are killing time.
If you take JR lines, you can reach here.

I hope you can remind you of this photos when you arrive
in Takamatsu. And please enjoy the beauty of the Seto
Inland sea.

Thank you for reading my blog. See you soon !  

Hello, everyone ! How are you doing?
It's still very hot in Takamatsu in Kagawa.
We are always worried about water shortage,
but fortunately this summer we have had enough so far.

During Bon（August 13-15） Holiday, I visited Naoshima
which is now very famous for mordern art throughout
the world. You can find a lot of interseting art works
in the south of the island.

When you get to Miyanoura Port, the first thing that
captures your eyes is "Red Pumpkin", the simbol
of Naoshima, made by Kusama Yayoi who is
one of the most well-known Jananese artists.




You can go to the pumpkin, touch, enter
or even climb it.



　　　　　　　　　　Miyanoura Port Square

I like these silver seats !!　Are they beans or clouds ?


　　　　　　　Each house has its own ambience.


You can see more of these kinds of houses
on this island.




I'm sure you can enjoy not only the museums
but the local houses.

Take your time and immerse yourself in
the Naoshima World !!
See you there !!

  

I often take Kokudo ferry alone on Sunday
and like to see sunset. It makes me really
calm and relaxed.

Isn't it beautiful ?























Somebody said Sunport Takamatsu lookｓ like
"New York" from ferries.　Maybe, small New York ?
But, IT IS beautiful !! Once I felt this excitement,
I can't stop taking the ferry and watching sunset.
.
This is the moment I realize I'm very happy
I was born in Sanuki Kagawa.



This is another beautiful photo.
It's my favorite.























I wonder ｗhat I was thinking about at that time?
Maybe、..... nothing....nothing.
I was just fascinated by the sunset.
That's way I love the sea and sunset !!!

We have beautiful mountains and the sea.
And a lot of precious islands !
They all are valuable things to us !!!

I hope you are enjoying my dairy.
See you again !
  

I first visited this island about twelve years ago.
Recently I had a chance to revisit by chance.
I somehow I felt something that connected
to it.

Actually, this islnad has been known for dumping
illegally industrial wastes. It has a long history which
Teshima pepole have been still strongly telling and
in this case, it was very difficult for them.


Now people are living peacefully.
Look at this blue sky ! What a nice day !























There is a cosy rest house near here. It is
an old house which was renovated nicely and
my friend serves nice wine and food.
Why don't you come when you want to escape
from busyness ?
























These stones, they represent a type of shrine which
is called "Ebisu san". Look at the center stone!
Notice how this large stone is used as a roof.
It is very unique.

The wastes has been cleared off year by year.
I'm sure I will visit there constantly from now on.

Lastly, I want you to visit this island and to know
what was happened in the past.
And I want you to see this island with not only
your eyes but also with your mind's eyes.

Meanwhile, you can relax yourself in Teshima Island.
I like Teshima.
  

It is cloudy Friday afternoon I went out of
the office and I took some pictures.

This is the downtown area, the center of Takamatsu.
You can see the enterace of the Marugame－machi
shopping mall. A lot of people are waiting at the signal.






























As you can see this photo, some people are riding bikes.
Takamatsu pepole have at least one bike.
Yes ! I have one, of course ! It is very convenient for us
to commute or go shopping.
You'll be surprised to see so many bikes parked
beside the roads.


















This road is Route 11 and many cars are going and
coming. There are many green trees along the road !!
They make us feel good for our eyes when driving.




























Please drop by the downtown area after comig back
from the islands you visited. And let's have a drink over
talking about ｔhe trip !
Have a good day!!!

  

Hi! Time goes so fast ! It's already Thursday.
Now I'm enjoying introducing nice spots in Takamatsu.

Well, it is a little bit before, but I want to tell you
another way to enjoy Ritsurin Garden.

In April, it's a beautifu season which cherry blossoms are
in full bloom. People have a picnic under the cherry trees.
I'm not an exception. I always bring my school students to
the garden. Maybe, in foreign countries they don't have
such a custom. We Japanese enjoy the beautiful season
with their friends and families over eating home-made
lunch.


I love cherry blossoｍs !! Sooooo~beautiful !!
Look at this gorgeous cherry tree !!
THIS IS RITSURIN GARDEN !!












To tell the truth, I like cooking. Well, these are lunch food
I made for the picnic !! I made popular menu which are
rolled-eggs, salad, fried chicken and rice balls.




























You can take a walk in the garden or have a picnic
under the trees.......
It is free how you enjoy in Ritsurin Garden !!!









  

Hi !　It has been pouring all day today ! But I told you
yesterday it was good rain for Kagawa pref. Then
We don't have to worry about water in summer.

Well. I checked the photos I took recently and
I found some of Shodoshima Island.

Let me introduce this island today.

It is north from Takamatsu city and it takes one hour
by ferry. As you know, there are so many islands
in the Seto inland sea. It is the biggest one.
It is famous for olives, soy sauce and Tsukudani
(preserved sea weed boiled down in soy sauce) ,so on.

This is the view from the top of the mountain !
I kept watching and I couldn't move for a while.



















I visited a shoyu (soy sauce) factory.
This is the way they make shoyu by using
traditonal ways. It must be good !!!




















This is called "Angel Road" which was in the afternoon TV drama.
It became very famous among young couples.
They walked this road with hand in hand when the tide is
at low tide.　Maybe ?





















And this is me ! It is said that couples will be happy
if they pass this hole.


















Yes!　I want to be happy !
Why don't we visit Shodoshima Island and be happy
together !!!!!  

Hi, there ! How are you doing ? I'm pretty good.
It finally rained a lot today ! I felt really relieved.
Do you know Takamatsu is famous for
lack of water in summer ? Yes ! It is true !

By the way, I went to Ogi-Island a few weeks ago.
According to the Ganji, "O" means "man and "gi"menas
tree in this case. There is Megi-Island which means
"woman" and "tree" near this island.

I went there by small ferry.
And the first veiw which caught my eyes was THIS !!



















Waooooow~! I was really moved to see this scenery
in front of me !
I like this island very much now !




















I walked into the old housing areas which are surrounded by
stones to protect the strong wind from the sea.
It's soooooo calm.

I want you to visit Ogi-Island when you are tired.
I'm sure that it will make you feel relaxed !!!




  

Hi ! I'm Haru chan. I'm in the building all day for work.
So I often think I want to go out. Then I recently enjoying
visiting islands I used to go when I was young. I realized
again they were so nice to visit !!!
Well, let me introduce the places I visited.

There was a gathering at Tamamo Park yesterday.
I met people who are writing in this blog.

Look ! Isn't it gorgerous !!





















This is an inner garden in Tamamo Park.
I like the trimmed pine tree !! It's so beautiful !!
There are many old pine and palm trees there, and
stepping stones, too. You can also see its tea house
behind it. It is really old and dignified.

I hope you can enjoy Tamamo Park.
It makes you feel like you are back to the old days !