Random Japanese Beauty

Dear Friends,
We have been coming to Japan for many years. During that time, we have seen beautiful temples, historical sites and more. But there is another group of sights which most tour guides do not consider points of interest on the usual tour.

These sights our children named long ago (for them) "Random Japanese Beauty." These vignettes are part of our hosts everyday life. Yet to us, the visitors, they are utsukusii (beautiful).

This is a roadside shrine set up by the neighbors.


A beautiful bed of tulips after a morning of rain. Always nice.


A shrine to commemorate the loss of young and old. A mix of styles. Sad yet sweet.


A garden stairway, beautiful statuary tucked in among the trees.


As we walk across a bridge or through a gate, we pause to reflect on all this beauty.


We love it here.
Sincerely,
David and Martha

Designing In Hiroshima

Dear Friends,
All is well here in Hiroshima. The design class has begun. And the students are off and running. This is their 11th year of studying design. To get this far, they have made the commitments to attend, study and paint their homework. Their commitment shows as the class moves very quickly. During the seminar, the students will bring their homework to be reviewed and discussed. It is a great method to show how different elements and colors are assembled for the style studied.


This year the Hiroshima students will study Rogaland, Romsdal and Telemark. After one day of discussing traditional elements and colors of Rogaland, they are already trying their hand at creating their own designs.


Tom has been David's translator for about 12 years. They have developed a great friendship. Tom likes the seminars. His favorite subject is color theory. He remembers the material from each year and often participates in the color theory discussions.

Our seminars each day are held at Hiroshima Raggedy Art Studio.



We are greeted each day by Kintaro.


Materials are prepared by Miko.


And yes, we have ice cream at 3:00.


I think everyone is here.


Sincerely,
David and Martha

Pictures of Japan

Dear Friends,
David and I have been in Japan for almost three weeks. We have gone from Osaka to Nagoya to Tokyo to Hiroshima. During all of this travel, we have enjoyed several sites that are unique to the Japan experience.

Riding the Shinkansen is great. You are moving at 180 mph. The schedule is precise. So be ready to board when the train pulls in. If you are not ready, they really will leave without you!




This is some of the Japanese beauty we see every day. Formal gardens to rice fields, all are laid out with precision. A joy to view from the train, car or from hotel window.


Our rooms have ranged from traditional western style hotels to the traditional tatami mat with tea service and futons. Don't be afraid. This is a very comfortable way to sleep. And the tatami grass smells so good!


Eating in Japan is both tasty and beautiful. Here are pictures of a traditional Japanese breakfast. Yes, we can get eggs, bacon and toast. But why? We are in Japan!



I got this for the train ride to Hiroshima.


So, where do you put your shoes at the traditional hotels? In the locker, of course!


This looks important.


We usually pick up gifts for the kids at their two favorite stores; Daiso and Uni Qlo.



We try to take advantage of the view at every opportunity. But sometimes work just has to get done.


We are so fortunate we have this opportunity.
Sincerely,
David and Martha

Tokyo Seminar

Dear Friends,
The Tokyo 2 day seminar finished last night. This is their first year of design. After day 1, one student was so excited she brought her first design to David. This is our first year with our translator, Yoshiko. As you can see, she worked well with David to explain the ideas of design.


These students have painted for several years. They are anxious to learn the material paint their own designs. Lots of questions. With some discussions continuing after class was officially over.


Lunch is spent with the class, enjoying an Obento lunch box. Very delicious. Ice Cream or cookies at 3:00!


At the end of the seminar, we present certificates to the students. Sometimes, there is a discussion about name pronunciation.



We finished a great seminar. Plans are in the works for next year's tour. But the pace is grueling. And it is hard to keep up with preparations, travel, business meeting and more. It takes its toll on all of us...


Next stop: Hirsoshima
Sincerely,
David and Martha

Hello Nagoya!

Dear Friends,
We have finished a great two day seminar in Nagoya. The students had been doing a lot of designing during the year. The review discussion was lively!








Setsuko has been David's translator for several years. Although not a artist, she is able to convey the emotion and heart of David's presentations very well.

This is the second year of design for Nagoya. They learned about Dutch, Chippendale and Rogaland designs elements and techniques. They are excited about this year"s homework.

Many ask what do I do during the seminars. Yes, I do go out walking. I enjoy "eye-shopping"(much to David's relief). But I spend a lot of time in the classroom ready to help David, preparing cerificates, and getting class supplies. Oh yes, and 3:00 is Ice Cream time! It is a delicious break.

Nagoya is a beautiful city. We visited the Tokugawa Garden on our last day. Kyoko, Yumiko and I have tea in the old Tokugawa family residence. Sugoyii!


Next stop: Tokyo!

Our Shinkansen arriving at the station. It is the bullet train to Tokyo that travels over 180 mph!
See you in Tokyo!
Sincerely,
David and Martha