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kyotocollection · 6 years ago

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Moving to Japan: An Assistant English Teacher’s Life in a Small Town

If you want to teach English in Japan, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the plunge. That's just what I did back in '97 and I'm still here, with no plans to go back to Los Angeles.

I can personally attest that Japan offers many opportunities to native English speakers to live in the countryside as well as cities of various sizes and teach English, whether it’s at private English language schools or as an Assistant English Teacher (AET) on the state-sponsored JET program or similar private programs.

And if you have an advanced university degree and want to stay awhile, it's always possible that you'll be able to make the jump to university teaching if that's something that appeals to you.

There are also jobs in Japan for English speakers besides teaching, but they are obviously less plentiful, and it often takes an entrepreneurial spirit to create work for yourself. This website is in fact one such example-I retired from teaching almost ten years ago, and I now make my living dealing in new and vintage Japanese textiles, indulging my interest in traditional culture.

This post is a general primer on what life can be like in small town Japan, with some basic tips on how to get the most out of your experience. In future pieces I'll write about specific experiences that I've had in different locales and at different types of schools, as I've sampled various teaching and living scenarios in my decades here.

Before you actually visit the country your image of Japan may be influenced by popular media, which tends to focus on such aspects of Japanese culture as Lolita girls, surprising vending machines, manga and animé, pop stars and game shows. The more traditional side of Japan, such as its temples, its geisha, and its Shinto shrines tend to be portrayed in the west as somehow otherworldly and static, as if they belong to a different time.

The real Japan defies these stereotypes, especially in small towns and rural areas. Like any other country, Japan mixes its traditional culture with modern life and its alternative scenes with mainstream pop culture. It is also surprisingly cosmopolitan in terms of food, music and entertainment. You don’t need to be in the big cities to find excellent quality Italian food alongside the regular restaurants and ramen diners, and small towns will often have interesting venues for small bands and performers as well as traditional festivals and craft fairs. Small-town Japan is a vibrant place to live if you’re open-minded and willing to spend a little time getting to know it.

The Japanese countryside is strikingly beautiful. Forests cover about 67% of the land in Japan, so the mountains spend most of the year looking lush and green. Roads wind through the valleys beside rocky rivers of beautifully clear water. This is the kind of countryside in which you may well find yourself as an AET in a Japanese school or district. It can be tough to find your bearings if you don’t read Japanese, since English is used less outside of the cities. It’s far from impossible, though, and in fact, with the right approach, small-town Japanese life is very rewarding.

The first thing you’ll realize is that, if you don’t look Japanese, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Don’t be surprised if neighbors and co-workers seem to know more about you than you might expect. Looking different means that people notice you, and naturally people like to talk about the new person in town. This can seem invasive to non-Japanese people, so it’s important to bear in mind that talking to you about things you’ve been doing is often a Japanese person’s way of striking up a conversation and being friendly. Bear in mind that you’re noticeable, avoid doing anything you don’t want to be seen doing, and you’ll find in time that no one cares what you bought at the supermarket anymore.

Because Japan is often affected by earthquakes, its buildings must be earthquake proof. That means that Japanese houses and apartments tend not to have central heating systems to avoid the danger of fire in the case of earthquake damage. Of course the cities feel the cold, but in rural areas and small towns it will be colder.

Electric or paraffin heaters are usually used to heat apartments and houses. You will probably also use a kotatsu, which is a wonderful Japanese solution to cold weather. A kotatsu is a low table with a heater. Under the top of the table, you lay a quilt, so you have formed a quilted tent over the heater for your feet and legs. With a kotatsu to keep you warm, the winter may seem too hot instead of too cold.

It may also be necessary to have an all-night electric blanket to keep you warm at night, especially higher in the mountains. There are stories of AETs in particularly mountainous areas who have to keep their toothpaste from freezing overnight by putting it in the fridge. With those kind of temperatures inside, you need a little extra help to keep you warm at night.

Curiously, Japanese toilets seem to vary from the very high-tech, with rows of buttons and a multitude of functions, to the very low-tech, being little more than a pit in the ground. Rural Japan still has a significant proportion of pit toilets. If you find yourself living in a house with such a toilet, you may have to get used to treating it with certain chemicals and scheduling a waste removal service.

If you’re living in a small town or a rural area, owning a car is pretty much essential. Even simple things like shopping for groceries or meeting up with friends will be a challenge without a car. The good news is, used cars are very affordable in Japan. Your co-workers can advise you on where to find a good deal and the dealership will help you with tax and insurance.

One major advantage of living in or near the mountains is that you’re never far from a hike in the summer or a ski-slope in the winter. Japan has been host to the Winter Olympics, which took place in Nagano-ken in 1998. Winter sports are very popular and snowfall is usually heavy enough to allow a reasonably long skiing season. The season is longer in Hokkaido, where snowfall is usually significantly heavier than on the other islands.

As soon as you can after you’ve moved to Japan—or even before you’ve arrived, if possible—join any online groups that will keep you informed of events and activities in your area. AET networks are very helpful both for sharing professional resources and introducing newcomers to a ready-made social circle. It often takes some time to make Japanese friends, since Japanese people are typically reserved at first. In the meantime, other AET's or English teachers will provide a good support network while you settle in and will be able to give you any advice you need.

The stereotype of westerners making noisy neighbors is one that endures in Japan, so if you’re living in an apartment or if your house is close to others, be aware of the noise you make during the day and even more so in the evenings. Walls can be thin! And many Japanese people in rural areas go to sleep early and get up early. This is especially true of farming families. Being a thoughtful and considerate neighbor is the very best way of fitting in with your Japanese community.

Above all, learn Japanese. Even if you never hope to be capable of reading the newspaper or a Japanese novel, a little conversational Japanese will go a long way. Not only is it extremely useful, since most Japanese people outside of the large urban centers don’t speak English, but it’s also a sign to the people around you that you want to become part of the community.

Japan has a reputation for being alien and bizarre, and some aspects of its culture seem so to outsiders. Those things make up only a fraction of Japan’s culture, however, as you will find when you live in the country day to day.

There are challenges to life in Japan—as a gaijin, you will never entirely fit in—but it’s perfectly possible to find your own niche, even in the smallest of towns. Take things as they come, be open to new experiences, ask for help when you need it, and soon you’ll be right at home.

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News https://kyotocollection.com/blog/moving-to-japan-an-assistant-english-teachers-life-in-a-small-town/

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kyotocollection · 7 years ago

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Japanese Cat Names

Japanese cat names are an interesting window onto the culture. Are you looking for a Japanese name for your kitten? Or maybe you've seen a famous cat or two in manga or anime and are curious about what sort of names Japanese people choose for their feline friends. Whatever the basis for your curiosity, I'll do my best to share what I've learned as an animal lover living in Japan since 1997. I've enlisted the help of Japanese friends in this pursuit, to be sure that my understanding squares with theirs, and ended up learning as well as confirming a lot in the process!

Let's look at some names for male and female cats. More than just giving a name with a translation, I want to pass along some related information that will give you a better idea of naming conventions in Japan so that if you're looking for a name, you'll have more confidence in going with your inspiration and choosing something whether it's on a list or not.

I also want to introduce you to katakana, the relatively simple Japanese syllabary that's most often used to write pet names. And I'll mention a point that's often overlooked, natural intonation so that when you call to your cat, it sounds pretty much the same as it would if the owner were a native speaker. We'll also take a look at an important aspect of names in general in Japan, suffixes that add warmth and familiarity when used.

Foreign Pet Names-It Goes Both Ways

So let's dive in. First off, it's worth noting that In Japan, pet owners sometimes choose a western name over a Japanese one for the same reason you might be considering something Japanese-it's a novel way to express your interest in a culture outside your own and to be a bit different.

And when Japanese people choose a western name for a pet, it's often a person's name. A Japanese friend once had a dog named John, for example. I never asked her why she it, but I'd bet she liked an actor or singer by that name. The most famous Japanese cat with a western name is probably Michael of 'What's Michael?' fame. The manga was such a hit that it spawned a long running animated TV series in the 80's.

Japanese people sometimes choose the names of Japanese celebrities for their pets as well. So if there's a Japanese actor or musician you like, you might consider using a version of their name. Ichiro isn't likely to be offended if you're a baseball fan and name your cat after him!

Speaking of stars, Leo the Lion isn't just a constellation, he's also one one reason why there are so many cats in Japan with the name, pronounced 'Lay-Oh.'

In similar fashion, the Japanese word for tiger, Tora, works quite well as a name because it's short and it's no stretch to imagine most cats as mini tigers, especially if they have stripes. Most cat names in Japan seem to be two syllables, with some three-syllable monikers in the mix. Keeping it short and sweet is a good angle to approach things from, it seems.

Japanese Cat Names from Flowers and Plants

Flowers and plants are another source of inspiration. Japanese girls are often named after flowers and cats are, too. The Japanese word for flower is hana, and Hana is a very popular name for female cats.

You might well already know some Japanese plant names like Sakura(cherry) and Ume(plum). Momo(peach) and Sakura are also among the most popular female cat names in Japan. But don't stop there-other flowers such as Kiku(chrysanthemum) are also prime candidates! Mums have a rich, regal history in Japan and are associated with the Imperial family.

I thought up some names of fruits in Japanese and ran them by some Japanese friends, wondering if they would work as cat names. These are the ones that passed muster as cute, easy to say possibilities for female cats-Ichigo(strawberry), Suika(watermelon), Anzu(apricot), and Mikan(mandarin orange.)

Think of various aspects of these names and others. If for example, you got your cat in summer or she was born then or just strikes you as having a summery personality, referring to her as the Japanese word for watermelon might hit just the right note.

Another fruit name that got the thumb's up from Japanese friends was Ringo(apple), but I nixed it because though it's indeed catchy, you might be mistaken for a die-hard Beatles fan with that one, and could soon get fed up with explaining the real meaning behind the choice!

Use Your Cat's Appearance as Inspiration

Another fertile filed to plow when it comes to names is your cat's coloring. In Japan, the words for black(kuro) and white(shiro) are both standard choices for cats and dogs of both sexes.

If you happen to have a calico cat, you might consider the name Mi-ke. I added the hyphen to try and differentiate it from the common western name Mike, as it's pronounced Mee-kay. It literally means 'three-hair' and refers to the three colors of fur that calicoes sport. Japanese calicoes are usually predominantly white along with two other colors, and are a very popular breed in Japan and abroad. Many Japanese cat owners in fact name their calico Mi-ke, just as countless western dog lovers over the decades have named their pooches Spot.

Is your cat small? Then maybe something like 'Mame(pronounced (Mah-may) would be just right. Mame means bean in Japanese, and has a cute, diminutive sound to it. You might know this word already, as it's part of the word for soy beans, edamame(literally, branch bean). In a similar way, the name Mikan mentioned above has an endearing connotation, as it brings to mind something small and round.

Speaking of beans, the most popular female cat name in Japan taken from something edible might be 'Azuki.' Azuki is a type of bean that's often used in Japanese cuisine, especially in making traditional sweets. The notion of eating beans in sweets seems odd to many westerners, but take my word for it, bean based sweets are delicious and you shouldn't come to Japan without trying some!

So naming your female cat Azuki, pronounced 'Ah-zu-key, would be a great choice if you're looking for a name that is 'authentic' in the sense that Japanese cat owners favor it. And as with Mame, being a type of bean it carries with it the same cute, petite connotation. Since azuki beans are reddish brown, this name would work especially well if your cat has similar coloring. Do a net search for 'azuki' and you'll find photos of this culinary staple.

Traditional Seafood and Sweet Names Add a Wealth of Possibilities

All this talk about food is getting me hungry, so let's brainstorm with some words from Japanese cuisine that might strike your fancy.

Wasabi anyone? How about Matcha(green tea)? Or Toro(fatty tuna, a delicacy)? Then there's Wakame(a variety of seaweed), Ikura(salmon eggs), Saba(mackerel), Awabi(abalone), and the list goes on. In a similar way, many Japanese dog and cat owners choose names like 'Latte' and Mocha' these days. I think that names taken from seafood cuisine can be especially good fits with cat names, since they seem to enjoy such delicacies at least as much as we do!

I have a sweet tooth, so I'm partial to Mochi(pounded rice cake) sweets of all kinds. I also have a weakness for Dango(usually 3-4 small balls of mochi pounded rice on a stick). We could go on and on brainstorming with foods, and I encourage you to have some fun with this. But with foods and with this process in general, take care not to get too esoteric, because you might well come to regret choosing a name that only you and a friend or two can remember and understand.

Japanese culture is finely tuned to the seasons and the natural world, and the cuisine reflects that. You'll see ample evidence of this focus on nature in names like Sora, the word for sky. It's a staple on recent ranking lists for popular Japanese cat names and can be used for both males and females. Note that the 'r' in sora is pronounced a bit differently than in English.

Famous Japanese Cats

I've already mentioned a famous cat, Michael, though he only exists in the world of comics and animation. Ask about the most famous Japanese cat who's ever lived, and the name Tama is bound to come up. Perhaps because she gained fame so recently. In any case, she was certainly a phenomenon!

Tama was a female calico who died in 2015 after going viral as the station master at Kishi Station in western Japan. She gained an international following and was responsible for a huge surge in tourism to the area. The name Tama is a cat name with a long history in Japan, much as the name Socks is thought of as a traditional cat name in some English speaking countries. As a name it doesn't carry any special meaning, its popularity is mainly due to the way it sounds-short, easy to say and somehow endearing.

Sometimes a good name can boil down simply that. And having such a common name certainly never held Tama back! If anything, it made her even more memorable. Of course the little station master's cap she wore at a jaunty angle also made her hard to forget!

If you happen to be a fan of the perennially popular manga Sazae-san about a family and their foibles that was first published in the 40's, you'll also know that the family's male cat was called Tama.

And Tama was also the name chosen by the company that produces a series of cat themed furoshiki Japanese fabric cloths that I feature in my shop, as well. This particular Tama is quite active with an eye for scenic spots, including the charming traditional buildings accented by cherry blossoms in full bloom on the furoshiki cloth below:

Other Key Cultural Notes

Now let's move to some general points about Japanese cat names. First, intonation for names is basically flat. So all syllables get similar stress. It's common for native English speakers to pronounce the names of Japanese people as well as pets as they would in English, which often results in unnatural pronunciation. This often happens with three syllable words, as the middle syllable often gets stressed when it shouldn't get such special attention. I have a Japanese friend named Yumiko who lives in the states, for example, who is often called 'Yu-MI-ko with the middle part stressed. Similarly, Yukiko is known as 'Yu-KI-ko.'

This tendency doesn't manifest much in two syllable words, and since most common pet names are short, like Tama, they end up being pronounced pretty much as they should be, with equal stress given to both syllables. But others, like Azuki that we looked at above, can become 'Ah-ZU-ki' if you're not aware of this aspect of Japanese language.

Then there's the custom of adding suffixes to names. This is a key point to keep in mind, as it might steer you toward choosing one cat name over another, depending on how the name sounds in this form.

If you're an anime or manga fan, you're probably already well aware of the propensity to add 'chan' and 'kun' to the end of names. Kun is basically used for boys and men, and like chan, conveys a familiarity and warmth. Chan can be used for young boys as well as for girls and women. Adults can use these honorific suffixes with friends to show affection, though it's rude to use these suffixes to address a superior. The first three letters of 'chan' are pronounced as in the name of the Cuban dance known as the Cha-Cha.

When we consider pet names, chan is the one to focus on, because it covers both sexes when it comes to animals. And since pets are more often than not seen as cute and endearing, it's very natural to add chan to the end of their names. So, Sora becomes Sora-chan. Tama is Tama-chan. Presto! What was a cute name to start with gets even more so.

Some names lend themselves better to the 'chan' treatment, in terms of how easily it all rolls off your tongue. Take for instance the sweets mochi and dango I mentioned above as possibilities. 'Mochi-chan' is a bit harder to say than 'dango-chan' so based strictly on that, the latter would win out.

One thing to keep in mind with this-chan is usually something you use to refer to someone else's child or pet, not your own. It's not rude or inappropriate to use it for your own pet, but it's most often a way for others to express a sense of affection and closeness for someone outside their own immediate family. So if you choose a Japanese name for your cat, informing those around you of this 'chan' add-on will pay dividends!

Finally, I'd like to make a list of all the names we've covered here, includes my brainstorms and some cat names that are among the most popular in Japan. When there's a meaning, I'll include that, and I'll also add the name as it's written in the katakana alphabet. Often there is a kanji character for a name, but even then, the katakana is preferred when its used as a pet's name. I've included the kanji characters mainly to illustrate just how simple the katakana is by comparison!

So if you have an interest in what a name looks like when written, don't make it unnecessarily hard by considering kanji characters. Katakana characters are not only simple in their minimal number of angular strokes, but they're also preferred according to convention in this context. Knowing a bit more about Japanese cat names, including not only their meanings but how they're used can be a great way to delve more deeply into the culture in general. If you have any questions related to this topic, please leave a comment!

Name Katakana/Kanji sex meaning/reference Ichiro イチロー M Baseball player Tora トラ　虎 M/F tiger Hana ハナ　花 F flower Sakura サクラ　桜 F cherry, cherry blossom Ume ウメ　梅 F plum, plum blossom Momo モモ　　　桃F peach, peach blossom Ichigoイチゴ　苺F strawberrySuikaスイカ　西瓜F watermelonAnzuアンズ　F apricotMikan ミカン　F mandarin orange Kuro クロ　黒M/F blackShiroシロ　白M/F whiteMi-keミケ　三毛M/F calicoMameマメ　豆M/F beanWasabiワサビ　M/F Japanese horseradish Matchaマッチャ　抹茶M/F Japanese green tea ToroトロM/F high grade cut of tuna IkuraイクラM/Fsalmon eggs Sabaサバ　　鯖M/FmackerelWakameワカメ　若布M/F seaweedAwabiアワビ　 M/F abaloneMochiモチ　餅M/F pounded rice cakes Dangoダンゴ　団子M/F skewered pounded rice cakes Soraソラ　空M/F skyTamaタマM/F ------ Kikuキク　菊F chrysanthemum

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/japanese-cat-names/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Cat Fabric with a Japanese Flair

Japan is crazy about its cats, so it will come as no surprise that cat fabric can be found is a wide array of cute designs. There are cat cafes, various 'cat islands' with large numbers of 'neko' as they are known in Japanese. And one cat named Tama was even elevated to the position of station master at a Wakayama Prefecture train station, where she attracted thousands of fans and lots of merchandise sales.

Tama is also the name of the cat featured on a series of twelve furoshiki I offer in my store. But this is just coincidence, as Tama is among the most popular and well known names for cats in Japan. Tama also happens to mean 'ball' in Japanese, but the name doesn't carry that meaning-it's simply made up of sounds that are pleasing to the ear and have come to have an endearing ring to them.

The cotton fabric pictured below is from the Tama the cat furoshiki series and is one of my favorites because it includes various aspects of the culture that I know well from many winter days spent indoors in old, drafty houses without central heating.

Tama is a native breed called a Japanese Bobtail. They come in various colors, but the calico(mi-ke) variety is the most well known abroad and also has wide popularity in Japan. As such, it's a good bet that if you see cat fabric that comes from Japan, it could well feature this beloved breed. Though Tama is snoozing in this scene, as Japanese Bobtails are naturally active and playful, she can be seen out and about among some vivid seasonal scenery in the other designs I have.

Those 'kotatsu' low tables with heating elements and blankets to retain the heat below are indeed magnets for not only cats but also their owners! And the 'mikan' mandarin oranges in the bowl are also fixtures of the season. It's a good thing they're so easy to peel, because a little time spent with your legs under a table like this will make anything that takes more than a modicum of effort seem like its just not worth the bother!

Depictions of cats in Japanese art have a long history, including the work of noted masters of 'Ukiyo-e' woodblock prints. Paramount among them is Utagawa Kuniyoshi, who created numerous works featuring cats in the 19th century. His inspiration was never far away-it's said that his studio was full of his feline muses!

Recently, in recognition of this, a Japanese furoshiki maker has produced cat fabric that is sure to please cat lovers in and outside of Japan. It incorporates a multitude of cats in fanciful poses taken from his works. Have a look blow and you'll be hard pressed not to get a sense of just how devoted he was to his models!

Whether you find it as furoshiki squares as above or as yardage or in another form, cat fabric from Japan has a spirit and a flair all its own. Look carefully and you'll see that like Japanese textiles in general, many interesting aspects of this fascinating culture are also illuminated, and the longer you look, the more you'll find to enjoy!

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/cat-fabric-with-a-japanese-flair/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Black Crested Formal Kimono Dyeing in Nagoya

Before I read an English version in the Japan Times this week of an article that originally ran in the Chunichi Shinbun newspaper, I had admittedly begun to take black crested formal kimono for granted. As elegant as they are, I've seen hundreds of used kimono like this at Kyoto's famed monthly markets at Toji Temple and Kitano Tenmanghu Shrine.

I've bought many of them over the years for resale, and the prices are always very reasonable because when Japanese people do buy vintage kimono for wear or projects these days, this type is of relatively limited use. As formal kimono they include family crests, and it's always interesting to look at a crest to see if it's an often seen one or not. There are hundreds of crests, with many that look quite similar with small variations. Some crests are more common in certain parts of Japan, so there is a geographical component to them as well.

Other than the crests, well, black is elegant, but black's black, or so I've always thought. That's what was so enlightening about the story about a Nagoya dye company and the two brothers who are striving to adapt to a changing marketplace. It turns out that traditionally made black crested kimono have an especially deep tone which includes just a bit of blue and red.

Living as I do in Nishijin, traditionally Kyoto's weaving center, I'll well acquainted with the challenges that traditional kimono and obi makers face, and I've seen numerous attempts at changing their product lines to combat sagging sales as fewer and fewer Japanese wear kimono. I've even seen dog wear made of silk brocade of the type traditionally associated with fine obi.

Nagoya's Nakamura brothers are betting that their dyeing and designing skills will make such new products such as t-shirts and stoles appealing to a new generation. Other companies, including at least one in Kyoto, specialize in dyeing their clients' old clothes black. Which seems like another great way to put traditional skills to use, and also to give used clothing a new lease on life.

I didn't know that Nagoya has long been a center of kuro-montsuki black crested kimono dyeing. But thanks to this article, I looked and in no time ran across an informative English video about another Nagoya dyeing company! This one is run by the Takeda family. Mr. Takeda is seen below dyeing various kimono, and the focus shifts to black dyeing and family crests just after the five-minute mark.

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from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/black-crested-formal-kimono-dyeing-in-nagoya/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Shinmei-ichi Festival: Home of the Largest Daruma Doll in Japan?

I've been writing a lot about daruma dolls this week and found a column from 2004 on the Japan Times website by Amy Chavez, who chronicled her quest to buy a daruma doll at the Shinmei-ichi Daruma Doll Festival in Mihara with her usual flair.

I hadn't heard of the festival before, and it sounds like a good excuse to get to know that beautiful area on the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture better. As the festival has just come and gone for another year though, I'll have to wait a while before the chance comes around again!

I also learned that Shinmei is another name for the sun goddess Amaterasu, a major deity in the shinto faith.

If you happen to be in Japan some future February, it seems like a fun way to sample local cuisine as well as see lots of daruma dolls! It's been held for over 400 years, so it seems safe to assume that it will continue to be a festive February option.

Hundreds of street stalls offer a variety of temptations. And then there are the daruma dolls. A huge daruma doll is on display and proudly bears the kanji characters 日本一(Nihon Ichi) to signify that it's the largest in Japan. Check the short video below to see what it you can expect if you go. At 30 seconds into the clip you'll see a row of daruma dolls lined up for sale according to size and the camera pans from big to small. In case you're curious, here are the prices for the largest three: 15 was going for ¥20000($175USD), 14 for ¥15000($132USD) and 13 for ¥10000($89). I don't know if I'd be willing to part with mine after a year at those prices!

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from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/shinmeiichi-festival-home-of-the-largest-daruma-doll-in-japan/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Yukidaruma

I've been writing about daruma dolls this week and as a student of the language, it brought to mind one of my favorite compound nouns in Japanese. If you know the word for 'snow' in Japanese and pair it with 'daruma' you also now know how to say 'snowman'!

Have you ever made a yukidaruma? Growing up in L.A. I didn't have the chance, and it only snows enough in Kyoto City these days to make it possible a few times every winter. This winter we did it once, and the 'yuki' had mostly melted just a few hours later. Neighbors in their 80's have told me stories over the years of snow falling more often and they have memories of significant accumulation.

For better or worse, snow these days is a novelty and something to be savored, at least in the city proper. It just doesn't seem to stick once it lands.

That certainly makes winters more convenient, but I hope the trend doesn't continue-it would be a shame not to have the chance to hear the crunch of a couple centimeters of fresh snow underfoot while scanning the streets for the neighbors' kids' yukidaruma before they disappear. Cherry blossoms are celebrated as a reminder of transience, but they seem to last an eternity compared with the yukidaruma in these parts!

It's always a good bet to use a literal translation from your mother tongue when you're trying to communicate in another language, and even if it's not exactly right, chances are you'll be able to express what you wanted to say. Using that strategy with the word 'snowman' however would likely raise eyebrows and might even illicit an incredulous giggle. In Japanese, knowing the word for man, 'otoko', might lead you to create the compound noun 'yukiotoko' for 'snowman.' It's a good guess, but it actually refers to that elusive creature we call yeti or the abominable snowman!

The furoshiki above can be found in my store and features a yukidaruma on a snowy day and a cat curled up on a heated low table called a kotatsu. There's a heating element underneath and the blanket keeps the warm air from escaping. It's a lovely way to pass the time on a cold winter's day, but as you can see, it's all too easy to doze off!

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/yukidaruma/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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The Making of a Daruma Doll

What is a daruma doll made out of? Ask me and I'll say something about papier mache, which sounds so much better in its original French than the literal English translation of chewed paper! Beyond that I really had never seen anyone make one. I was curious to know more about the process involved in making daruma, and I've also been wanting to get some Japanese language practice watching Japanese videos on youtube.

I came across a very well done short video produced by a Japanese company in Japanese. It's one of many interesting installments in a series they're chosen an English name for, 'The Making.' The episodes are both entertaining and educational and show how various things are made. This episode features daruma dolls and is 14 minutes long. It uses Japanese subtitles to illuminate the steps shown without any spoken words. The only audio is a pleasant soundtrack. So it happens to be very accessible even if you speak no Japanese at all.

The first 3 1/2 minutes of the video shows how to make a daruma doll by hand, and the video was shot at Shorinzan temple in Gunma Prefecture, also known as 'daruma-ji.'

The temple was a natural location for this video because it's considered the birthplace of the Takasaki daruma doll. These are the most famed daruma dolls in Japan and the local city of Takasaki still is a major producer, accounting for about 80% of Japan's daruma dolls!

You'll notice that a key component of this handmade method is a daruma to use as a form on which to base the shape of the new doll. So if you don't already have a daruma doll to use in this way, it's not practical for the beginner who wants to make their own daruma doll. Still, it's quite interesting and shows quite clearly how daruma dolls have been made over the centuries, before more mechanized methods came into use.

at the 3 1/2 minute mark the focus shifts to more modern methods of mass production, and this takes up the bulk of the show. Notice that the facial features are still painted by hand, even with the modern approach! One of my favorites parts was watching the craftsman so deftly adding the characteristic facial hair to the dolls!

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from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/the-making-of-a-daruma-doll/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Daruma Dolls: How Long Can I Keep Mine?

What do you do with a Daruma after you've achieved your goal and colored the second eye? It's a good question, because there is indeed a protocol for daruma, and for good luck charms in general, and a daruma doll offers itself as a wonderful window onto interesting aspects of traditional Japanese culture. But at the same time, as you'll see, there's no need to feel compelled to do any particular thing, and the key is to act according to your own feelings.

Daruma dolls are associated with New Year’s in Japan and are usually bought at this time. 12 months later at the start of the new year they’re taken to a temple where they’re ceremonially burned in a ceremony called Daruma Kuyou, and a new one is bought. So If you happen to live near a Buddhist temple that has such an event and you are so inclined, you might take advantage of it. This is a sort of memorial service that offers a chance to reflect on the year that just ended and express gratitude for the good things it brought. It’s a poignant way to usher in a new year of possibilities, and perhaps to buy a new daruma doll, too! As with other Japanese charms, simply throwing it in the trash is inappropriate.

But having said this, parting with your daruma doll is only an option, not a requirement. The subject of dolls in this context brings hina dolls to my mind as a contrast. Hina ningyo are the set of dolls including an emperor and empress and their court that are displayed at home by families with daughters for Girls' Day, which is celebrated on March 3rd. As lovely as the display is, you’ll be very challenged to find any still out after March 4th, as according to tradition, families that don’t put the dolls back in their storage boxes by the 4th risk late marriages for their daughters!

Daruma dolls don't come with any such caveat and can be kept and displayed indefinitely, if you so choose. One cozy little restaurant that I frequent has one rather large daruma on a shelf on permanent display for each year they’ve been open. It’s a fun way for them to commemorate their years in business and show appreciation to their customers for their shop’s longevity. Obviously they have no fear of incurring bad luck by keeping their menagerie! Now that they’ve been in business for a dozen years or so, they have quite an impressive row of daruma dolls standing sentinel. It won’t be long before they need another shelf!

When we visited Kyoto's Daruma-dera recently, which is a temple here known for its collection of over 8,000 daruma dolls, the priest's wife mentioned one parishioner who kept the same daruma doll for some 30 years, not wanting to part with it. In the end, it was placed in his coffin before his cremation. This underscored for us her belief that there are no hard and fast rules with this, and the story and the beautiful way in which she took the time to relate it to us gave me a deep sense of her focus on the spirit that the dolls are meant to convey rather than details.

So if you prefer to hang onto your daruma after a year has passed, you should by all means do that. One thing to remember is this-display your daruma doll in a place where you can see him, so that you’ll be reminded to take steps, however small, toward the goal you had in mind when you gave him his first eye. He will serve as a gentle reminder of the principles that bring happiness, which is much more valuable than any luck. This is really where the Daruma’s true power lies, after all.

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/daruma-dolls-how-long-can-i-keep-mine/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Daruma Dolls: Kanji and Color Meanings

In sitting down to write about the rainbow of colors that daruma dolls come in these days, I'm reminded of a TED talk by the author Malcolm Gladwell called 'Choice, happiness and spaghetti sauce' that related the story of a consultant, one of Mr. Gladwell's personal heroes, who has been hired by various companies over the years to identify consumer taste preferences.

What was so interesting about the talk was the revelation that the genius of Howard Moskowitz is that he realized that the very notion of the perfect Pepsi or Prego sauce was was ill conceived. Instead of searching for the holy grail in terms of taste profiles, companies came to see that there is no perfect Pepsi, but rather perfect Pepsi's. There's no one formula that will make the multitudes happy. So why not offer a variety to serve various preferences and through that, increase market share? Curious, I went to Prego's website and counted at least 40 kinds of pasta sauce!

Red Daruma Dolls

Red is traditionally the color most associated with these dolls, and I'd bet that it's still the most popular one for dolls sold in Japan. Red is an auspicious color that some believe has the power to ward off evil spirits, disaster and illness. The traditional red daruma is said to be modeled on Buddhist priest robes. Shinto too seems to venerate this color, as torii shrine gates through which parishioners pass are either red or vermilion.

Red is a celebratory color in Japan and carries with it numerous positive connotations. When people turn 60 in Japan, they celebrate their 'kanreki' by donning a jaunty red vest and cap to mark the occasion, which is seen as a sort of rebirth and return to the beginning of the life cycle. Red also has strong associations with victory, which is why political candidates choose red daruma when they’re running for office.

I'm partial to red daruma, so I bought the small one pictured below the other day when we went to a Kyoto temple known for daruma dolls that's called Daruma-dera. It has a hole drilled in the bottom with an 'omikuji' fortune paper inside, and it's sitting on my table watching me at this moment!

Red daruma invite good fortune in the most general sense, so if you like red and want to go the traditional route, it's always a good choice. Mine has eyes that are already painted and a splash of festive hues in a floral pattern that gives it a cheery look.

Other Colors and Their Meanings

If you gravitate toward another color or have a specific goal in mind and want to put a finer point on things, there are daruma of various hues that will be happy to call your house their home. Sometimes they're sold in sets of five different colors, each with a specific power. Such sets are called goshiki daruma. The word goshiki literally means ‘five colors.'

Some colors and their qualities are:

Purple-health and longevity. Purple is a regal color that is associated with the imperial line, and it’s connected with such qualities as character and integrity.

Yellow-as with gold, there’s an expected association with financial good fortune as well as a more general connection to good fortune.

Gold-wealth and prosperity. The obvious choice of color when career advancement and economic gain are in sharp focus.

White-the color of choice for students studying for rigorous school entrance exams that are such a common and stressful rite of passage in Japan. More generally white is associated with goal attainment.

Black-success in business ventures. A good color for entrepreneurs.

Blue-success in school and the development of the intellect.

Silver-promotes self-awareness and self-development. Expectant mothers also sometimes choose silver because it’s said that it makes an easy delivery more likely.

Green-physical health. Also the development of talent and skill. This ties into the connection between the color green and plants budding, and calls to mind the English expression 'budding talent.'

Orange-couples who want children choose this color and it also offers protection against disaster.

Peach-this is a color of love and attracts romance and passion.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, as I've seen mention of different shades of blue and green, etc.! The furoshiki wrapping cloth below is one that's available in my store and it features just a few of the colors that daruma dolls now sport.

Daruma Doll Kanji Meaning

The three daruma dolls depicted on the fabric above happen to not only have different colors, but also different kanji characters written on them. The red one has the most often seen character, pronounced 'fuku.' This refers to good fortune in a general sense, which is why it's so common. The yellow daruma specifically attracts money, and so it includes the character for money, 'okane.' The purple doll has a character read as 'kotobuki' which is often used for weddings and other special occasions, as it carries the meaning of long life and longevity as well as congratulations. The two characters in the middle of the rising sun in back of the dolls are pronounced 'kai-un' which is another way to convey a message of good fortune. These two characters in fact are also sometimes written on daruma dolls as well.

What color is your daruma doll?

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/daruma-dolls-kanji-and-color-meanings-/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Daruma Dolls: Can I Keep Mine After my Goal is Reached?

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/daruma-dolls-can-i-keep-mine-after-my-goal-is-reached/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Daruma Dolls: History and Meaning

Daruma Dolls and Zen

What is a daruma doll? It's a representation of the Buddhist monk Bohidharma, who lived in the 5th or 6th century. Bodhidharma is recognized as the founder of the zen sect of Buddhism. Only the daruma doll's face is visible, the rest of the figure resembles a priest's robe. Zen Buddhism has garnered attention in the west as a means to cultivate mindfulness. Formal sitting meditation is but one aspect of this training. In general, it promotes a greater awareness of what's going on around you, of the reality that exists outside of ourselves and the narrative that our thoughts create, and the resulting lenses that we see the world through. In this spirit of seeing what is in front of us, I'd like to offer up a simple exercise-take a moment to really look at a daruma! It occurred to me in writing this that though I have seen hundreds of daruma over the decades of living here in Kyoto, if asked to make a cursory drawing of his face from memory or describe it, I would have little confidence in my ability to recall anything clearly aside from his eyes and his robe! Facial Features

Daruma dolls made in the traditional way feature a face framed by ample eyebrows and a beard. There's an understated line representing his mouth that gives him a stoic look, and his robe is embellished with bold but simple brush strokes, often in gold. I've read that if you look carefully at his stylized facial hair you'll find cranes in his eyebrows and turtle shells on his cheeks. That very well may be, and I went looking in his eyebrows for cranes and found them, one on each side-then I found others! So I ended up wondering what I was seeing and what I was imagining! Maybe I've found a new use for daruma dolls-as rorschach tests! Cranes and turtles are both symbols of longevity in Japan, with the crane said to live 1000 years and the turtle 10,000 years. This makes them very common symbols in Japanese art, especially in connection with auspicious occasions like weddings. One furoshiki in my shop in fact features a crane and turtle together, in a traditional pose with the crane standing on the turtle's back.

Meaning

Take a look at a daruma doll-what do you see? It's believed that daruma dolls were introduced in the 1700's by a priest at a temple in order to satisfy his parishioners' desire for new charms. As a talisman, there are different ways to look at a daruma. Some might color in an eye and make a wish in the same way you'd make a wish when blowing out the candles of a birthday cake. I can't remember being disappointed when such a wish didn't come true, because I never even deeply thought about what I would wish for before the cake was set in front of me, and I knew that I wasn't committing myself to doing anything to help to make the wish come true.

Personally, I think that having a daruma doll can be a great way to buoy yourself up when you're striving to attain some goal that you've chosen thoughtfully and are committed to working toward attaining. The reason for this lies in the doll's association with an often used Japanese proverb, 'nana korobi ya oki' which translates as 'Get knocked down seven times, get up eight.'

This saying has its roots in zen and quite pithily conveys the essence of that Buddhist sect in its message of perseverance in the face of adversity and resilience, and a stoic commitment to seeing something through. This dedication infers a focus on the present moment and what we can make of it.

Poke a daruma doll and you'll see why it has become so associated with this saying. Though it might look unstable at first glance and easy to topple, it comes right back up. You can't keep it down. I'm about to date myself and American pop culture references can't do justice to the wisdom and beauty of the expression above. But it does somehow take me back to a TV commercial that I must have seen a thousand times in the 70's......weebles wobble but they don't fall down! I've taken part in some meditation sessions and at times a priest would circulate among us 'sitters' and stop at times to hit someone on the shoulder with a piece of wood. It wasn't hard enough to hurt, but it certainly does tend to bring you back to the moment!

Daruma dolls are very useful for goal setting and achievement as reminders of the goal we've set for ourselves. We take the time to clarify the goal and to imagine achieving it when we color in the first eye, and put the daruma doll in a place where it can be seen(and where it can see us!). Over the next year, it serves as a physical manifestation of the commitment felt on that day when a pupil was drawn in that blank space where eyes should be.

Let the daruma doll remind you of that as you use your days to challenge yourself by devoting time and effort to your goal, no matter how uphill the process feels at times. And just remember that for better or worse you won't be pulled back to your focus with a sudden whack on your shoulder, but with a watchful eye!

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/daruma-dolls-history-and-meaning/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Daruma Dolls: Which Eye First?

It’s only after you've already bought a daruma doll and are gazing at its curious countenance while cradling it in one palm that you're likely to consider this question.

'Which daruma doll eye should I color first?' Daruma are sold without eyes being painted on them, and the pupils are filled in by the owner. The first pupil is drawn when you decide on the goal you want to enlist the doll's help in attaining, and the other gets filled in at some point during the next 12 months when you've reached it. Many sources say that you should color the left eye first. And by this, by the way, they mean the doll's left eye, not the eye that is on your left as you face him. Knowing this important detail will certainly clarify things if you saw such advice online and were wondering whose left it was referring to! But now that I’ve cleared that up, I’m going to say something that makes it moot. Because in fact, it doesn’t matter which eye you color when you make your wish or goal.

Even though I’ve lived in Japan since 1997 and have colored my share of daruma doll eyes, I wasn’t really sure which pupil should be filled in first until I started writing this article, as I assumed there was a right and a wrong way to do this and I'd forgotten which eye I'd chosen in the not so recent past! For the answer, I went straight to the horse’s mouth. In this case, since my daruma doll itself was mum on the subject, that means I checked with an organization of daruma doll makers called Gunma Daruma Doll Manufacturers’ Cooperative Union. Gunma is a prefecture that includes Takasaki City, where about 80% of Japan’s daruma dolls are made. On their website the association notes the prevailing advice about the left eye, but goes on to refute it by saying that ‘there is no correct order of painting eyes on a daruma doll.’

So why is it mentioned in so many places that a certain eye should be colored first? When it comes to getting assistance of the kind that the daruma doll is said to offer, there are certain prescribed steps that must be taken, to be sure. But it seems to me that there’s also a natural tendency to think that the more steps that are involved and the more specific they are, the better the chance of a positive outcome! And then there’s the cultural predilection for process in Japan. The way something is done often seems to rival the result itself in importance. So there you have it. Gunma Prefecture itself also has a website by the way, which is a more general resource that covers a plethora of topics related to goings on all over the prefecture, with a mention included about the daruma doll makers in Takasaki City. Interestingly, the writers of this Gunma Prefecture site, despite their proximity to the center of Japan's daruma doll production, seem to have accepted conventional wisdom because they mention that when a wish or goal decided on, the left eye is colored in! But that just goes to show how hard it can be to pin down information these days when we have so many resources to choose from on the web! I’m still going with the makers’ association’s site. It seems to me that if those folks don’t know what they’re talking about, I think we really are out of luck!

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/-daruma-dolls-which-eye-first/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Sen, The Japanese Princess

Do you want to travel in Japan one day to view the beautiful places like rivers, lakes, the cherry blossom trees every summer or perhaps eat good food? Most people want to travel to experience these things, but what you do not know is that there is a place in Kyoto that tourists like to visit apart from all mentioned. It is the grave of the late Princess Sen. She played a big role in her family’s success back then. In this article, we will travel back in time to learn more about why her grave is a tourist spot in Kyoto. Princess Sen’s grandfather is Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate which were Jodo sector believers. Her remains lie in Kyoto in the Chionin temple. Chionin temple is known as the leader of the Pure Land or what others call “Jodo”.

Perhaps one day, if you really decide to make a list of nice places in Japan for you to visit, we have compiled some of the interesting stories about the late princess. If you have more ideas on who she is, you will likely become more interested to see her sleeping place.

The Life of Princess Sen

She was the first daughter of Tokugawa Hidetada and was born beautifully in the year 1597. Princess Sen or “Senhime” lived her life for the succession of her family. She grew up to be a very obedient girl, even if it led to a marriage at the age of 7 years old only. Even if it was hard for her, or perhaps for everyone her age to be wed, she did everything she can to help her family. The marriage was a part of political arrangement. She was then sent to Osaka Castle which is very far away from her hometown Edo. Everything about her marriage was arrange by her father. For the sake of peace between Tokugawa and Toyotami families, she sacrificed herself. Though apparently, she wasn’t uncomfortable, she had to endure everything for the sake of the nation. Her situation was not easy because she lived a life like of a hostage.

Princess Sen’s Escape and Marriage

Time passed by for princess Sen. She was 18 years old back then in the year 1615 when families started clashing again. It was summer when another war broke out in Osaka when the Tokugawas won the war. During those difficult times, the princess still stayed with her husband. It was not long when Shogun Ieyasu finally rescued her to live with them again. She tried her best to convince Ieyasu to forgive her husband, but to no avail. The princess’ saviour, Sakazaki Naomori has asked her to marry him. She did not love him, and finally had the chance to decide for herself for the first time. She married Honda Tadatoki and lived in Himeji Castle with him. Her happiness was unlimited during their bond. Their happy marriage led to having two children: princess Katsu and prince Kochiyo. Unfortunately, her luck didn’t seem to last. At the age of 25 years old, her son died followed by the death of her husband from tuberculosis.

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/sen-the-japanese-princess/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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The Kyoto Kouyou Experience

The Kouyou Experience in Kyoto

One of the best views in Japan is during the autumn season. The notable Kyoto leaves that fall in a bright red, orange, brown and yellow is such a charming display, locals call it the “Kouyou” season. In this particular season, people are amazed with such beauty of the leaves that changes colors depending on the temperature, specifically during autumn up to winter. It’s spectacular and quite notable how the leaves change their color from green to red, yellow to brown and some other leaves turn to red. Of course, the color depends on the specie of the tree and the environment. But sadly, the color quality of the leaves change thanks to typhoons during the summer or fall.

The Beauty of Kouyou

The world-famous Kouyou in Japan is not only popular in their country but also with foreigners. Many people want to visit Japan just to witness this breathtaking beauty of nature. Visitors take time to visit shrines not only because of their rich culture, but also to see its gardens in Tokyo. Visitors, most of the time like to see shrines in Tokyo during fall season because of its rich culture and remarkable beauty. People enjoy the Japanese culture and the view, that alone makes their vacation stay extraordinary. Places like these have become a great tourist spot in Japan, one of the many reasons why it is being protected.

There is also what they call Kiyomizu temple, a tourist spot in Kyoto. It is famed for its majestic red leaves during the evening when they are lit up. Tourists consider this as an extraordinary experience. In Arashiyama district, people can enjoy trolling in the west side to watch the breathtaking nature. To be able to witness this amazing view, try to visit Kyoto. The Kouyou view will never disappoint you.

Autumn Leaf Types

Momiji and Kaede are the two terms locals are using referring to maple tree family species. These trees produce vibrant red colors during fall season.

Momiji or Japanese maple tree

Japan has a native maple tree called Momiji or Acer Palmatum. As a matter of fact, Kouyou is sometimes read as “Momiji” or Kouyou”. Therefore, Momiji is a great symbol of what they call Kouyou experience in Japan.

Kaede

In Japan, ‘Kaede’ is the common term for maple trees. It can also refer to Momiji. Specifically, Momiji’s leaves are known for their particular structure and appearance. These trees can be distinguished thanks to their small, 5 pointed and sharp leaves. On the contrary, Kaede’s leaves are larger and has a 3 pointed leaf structure.

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/the-kyoto-kouyou-experience/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Mystery of Maiko

Where to find a Maiko

Looking for a place where you can see a “Maiko?” Gion district is a very popular place to spot a Maiko which is in Kyoto, some call these places “Hanamachi”. You will definitely have a chance to see a Maiko everyday during early in the morning or sometimes late in the evening, that is if you are lucky enough of course. Their beauty is timeless. Such kissable, red vibrant lips and white as snow skin, there’s no way to escape their charm. These traits make men of any age flock around them, regardless of their age. Falling in love with a Maiko is normal in Japan. Who wouldn’t? Many women wants to be an attractive Maiko.

The Reason Why Girls Want to Become a Maiko

There are a lot of TV shows nowadays, even in animes, manga or any famous Japanese shows that showcase the beauty of a Maiko. To be exact, there was once a TV show and the topic is about a little girl, about 15 years of age who wanted to become a Maiko. In that specific program, the girl wanted to live in the mysterious society in a traditional way. She always had this drive and compassion to be a part of something so meaningful, something that has been passed down to the next generations, including her. After that show, I came to a realization point that girls who felt the same way as she did were destined to become a Maiko and live their lives in Hanamachi. At the end of the day, I was overwhelmed and felt happy. The fact that there are still people out there who want to become a part of the a rich tradition is quite moving.

Be a Maiko in a Day

Actually, getting a transformation to be a Maiko for a day is considered as one of the tourist attractions in Kyoto. If you dream of being as pretty as a Maiko, you should definitely visit Kyoto soon! This experience is a remarkable one, thanks to the tradition and culture in Japan that they have taken cared of over the centuries. Imagine being a part of something they have cherished over the years, I personally wonder how cool it would be. In Japan, if your age has reached 16, it is already too late to a Maiko, but if you’re a tourist, you can for a day. It is definitely worth the try.

While many of us are curious about how to become a Maiko, some wonder what a Maiko is and what they do. Maiko actually means “dance child”. It is basically learning how to become a Geisha. After they graduate, their ranks will be higher through a ceremony they called “Erikae”.

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/mystery-of-maiko/

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kyotocollection · 8 years ago

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Coffee in Kyoto Japan

Kyoto Coffee

Who does not like sipping a cup of traditional coffee during a stay-cation? Come and take a break for a while and visit coffee shops in Kyoto. If you are planning an Asian visit soon, Kyoto is one of the best places to come by especially when you are fond of coffee. We have gathered some information about the two best coffee shops in Kyoto to suit your taste. We call it here “Kyoto Styled Coffee”.

Ever tried coffee from Ogawa? The inviting and soothing smell will keep you company for a while. Ogawa has 43 branches, so wherever you are in Kyoto, you have access to this fine coffee. This company has selected brews and sell their very own roasted beans at every shop. No need to imagine partnering this yummy drink with cakes and biscuits, they offer these at their shops too! They have homemade and original cupcakes too in each cafes. You will be amazed with their staff’s hospitality when you enter a shop.

Hand and Hand With Society

Apart of all the luscious drinks and cakes available from Kyoto’s Ogawa Coffee Shop, they also offer a seminar or “coffee lecture” to everyone. This coffee lecture is available twice a week for people who wants to learn about it. A professional in coffee is the one conducting the seminar offering ideas on how to make the best coffee using a method called “paper dripping”. Participants are given enough time to individually showcase what they have learned. In return, they get advises from the instructor so they can improve their skills and hopefully perfect the method next time around. Participants’ favorite time is after the session. The coffee they brewed themselves are shared with one another with cakes. Pretty fun, right?

Ogawa’s History

1999 was a lucky year for Mr. and Mrs. Murakami. They have successfully launched their coffee shop business thanks to its popularity. Back then, they were also selling coffee beans for the purposes of having their heavenly coffee tasted by the people. They are not just business people, they have a thriving passion towards coffee. Having their own shop gave them an extraordinary experience. Finally, they were able to put up a cafe with cakes a couple of years ago. As a family, they helped one another to make their dreams come true.

Ogawa’s Iced Coffee

Just like any other coffee shops, Ogawa has a specialization too. They are best known for their original iced coffee made from special coffee beans and good quality water only found in Kyoto. They are using glass bottles instead of plastic ones to avoid bad smell. Though it’s a little expensive, it is definitely worth it.

Special Coffee Beans

The freshest, highest quality of coffee beans are imported to make your day. They have an original way of roasting the beans, the reason why it has a specific aroma. You can also buy coffee beans per gram and have it packed in a special aluminum bag to keep its freshness. And guess what? You can also choose a method to roast your beans, according to your taste.And to take your beans home use a nice furoshiki from Kyoto Collection just like they really do in Japan!

from Kyoto Collection: Latest News http://kyotocollection.com/blog/coffee-in-kyoto-japan/

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