Japan. Travel futures and logs!

[rdl]

thanks for the replies john. you can edit this question if it's too vague but do you think it is just time - or "the time" for japanese artists to want to look beyond, or are there unique and exciting techniques you for example are using that they are not?
my experience with ceramics is just what i see and pieces i own. your insights into creating pieces is always appreciated.
thanks again.

[blairswhitaker]

Hello Tea friends, I have been quite absent from this forum over the past year. A lot was going on in my life and still is, and a lot of it has to do with tea. I was accepted into Urasenke's Midorikai program. This is a program for non Japanese residents to live in kyoto for a year and study Chado at the Urasenke center. I was awarded a full scholarship and a sponsorship so I am completely free to put all my focus on my studies. I would love some input from my fellow tea enthusiast on sights to see, places to drink tea, and experiences you would recommend during my years stay here. I will be extremely busy with my studies but I will have some free time. A large part of my studies includes seeing temples, museums, historical sites, and also meeting a lot of different types of people in the tea world. Your input is greatly appreciated.

[Pig Hog]

Can't really help you out but it sounds like an amazing opportunity and really hope that you enjoy it!

[Chip]

Sincere congratulations, blairswhitaker!

When do you begin your journey/studies? Hopefully there will be time to share with us from time to time.

Hopefully someone with experience in Japan will assist you.

[JBaymore]

WOW....... congratulations, blairswhitaker!!!!! Awesome news.

Is this your first time in Japan? First time in Kyoto?

Your hosts will have tons of suggestions. And with a year there... you'll have time to get to know Kyoto a bit (my favoirte Japanese city).

best,

...............john

[blairswhitaker]

I have been here a little over a week now. They have really had an intense schedule for right from the start. I will post a few photos and some info about the trip soon. I have been enjoying a lot of good matcha and seeing some amazing tea ware. The midorikai program defiantly gives us a special access pass to things not available to tourists or even most Japanese residents.

[blairswhitaker]

Thought I would share some pics of my daily life here.
My first floral arrangement for keiko



Two of my fellow students preparing a binkake.



I
One of my fellow students in the mizuya.



My first attempt a higata.


The garden for the keiko rooms.

[Peacock]

I really enjoy the photos. Keep us posted.

[Pig Hog]

Seconded!

[Poseidon]

Seems like a once in a life time oppritunity! Enjoy my friend!

[blairswhitaker]

Today was interesting Oiemoto Zabosai preformed a memorial for hideyoshi at his grave site (if you know the history behind hideyoshi and rikyu this would seem very odd). We then attended a kenchashiki and enjoyed great tea and a great meal. Sadly no photos are allowed in the historical tea rooms. (Or almost any tea room during Chado for that matter.) I did get a few photos of the outside portion though.
This is the ceremonial Dana used, notice the white fukusa and the in unlacquered natsume.




The Kama for the ritual tea offering.



An exquisite ginbin used during a quick outdoor rakyubon temae.


The scroll that accompanied the rakyubon.

the steps leading to hideyoshi's grave.

[JBaymore]

Blairswhitaker,

Have I mentioned the shades of green that I an turning?

best,

................john

[blairswhitaker]

Forgot to mention, Richard milgrim was among the notable guests for those of who like his work.

[JBaymore]

Tell Richard (and Mari) "hi" for me if you see him again. I know him (and her).

best,

...................john

[blairswhitaker]

Will do john. Hoping to have a chance to ask him some questions about his work.


Here is another view of the garden for the keiko rooms. Never get tired of this sight.