With sadness we note the passing of Clifton Karhu on March 24 at age 79, the great American-born blockprint artist who made Kyoto his home. Karhu's prints are known for their strong lines and vivid colors and his themes pay tribute to the beauty of Japan's old capital. Norman Tolman, founder of the Tolman Collection gallery and friend of Karhu, wrote a memorial in the Japan Times.
Businessweek.com carries an interesting report on Japanese temple builder Kongo Gumi, which until its demise last year, was probably the world's oldest continuously operating family business - since 578! Building temples, apparently, has been a very stable sector of Japanese industry through the ages. Why the company went under? Greed - the company invested heavily in real estate during the bubble years and was brought down by its accumulated debts.
While Nagoya is transforming its cityscape with the proliferation of new highrises around the central station, the old shopping arcades (shotengai) in the city hope to keep afloat on the broad back of nostalgia, as Asahi.com reports.
April 20, 2007
April 12, 2007
National Parks in Hokkaido - factsheet
Hokkaido has the following six National Parks:
1. Daisetsuzan National Park:
The largest national park in Japan, more or less in the center of Hokkaido, near Asahikawa. Called the "Roof of Japan" for its large volcanoes as Mt Asahidake (2290 meters high), Mt Tomuraushi and Mt Tokachi. There are extensive fir and spruce forests on the slopes, and higher up the area is known for its alpine flora. Picturesque gorges are the Sounkyo Gorge and Tenninkyo Gorge, which feature hot springs.
2. Akan National Park:
A dramatic landscape with large volcanoes and caldera lakes. The lakes are Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu (known as a "mysterious lake" for its particular water clarity). In Lake Akan a rare plant, the mashimo, is found. The lakes are hemmed in by the volcanoes Mt Meakan, Mt Oakan and Mt Kamuinupuri, their flanks covered with spruce and fir forests. There are splendid views from the Bihoro Pass and Lake Mashu. Hot spring resorts can be found on the shores of Lake Akan and in Kawayu and Teshikaga.
3. Shiretoko National Park:
A 65 km long peninsula on the NE side of Hokkaido, protruding into the Sea of Ochotsk. The backbone of the peninsula is formed by a series of volcanoes as Mt Rausu, Mt Iwo and Mt Shiretoko. There are also primeval fir and spruce forests and beautifully dramatic cliffs, from which waterfalls drop directly into the sea. Ezo brown bears live in the interior, as well as deer and foxes, a wide variety of while seafowls breed on the coast. Shiretoko ("the end of the earth" in the Ainu langauge) is the most unspoiled of all national parks in Japan. Roads only lead partly into the peninsula. In 2005 Shiretoko was put on the Unesco World heritage list for its biodiversity and valuable ecosystem.
4. The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park:
The Kushiro marsh is the largest wetland in Japan. It consists of a vast reed plain, alder forests, and the meandering Kushiro River, all hemmed in on the far horizon by the Akan mountains. It is known for its sacred cranes, but also dragonflies and salamanders. It is the first registered Ramsar Convention site in Japan.
5. Reshiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park:
The most northern one, consisting of the coastal area of Wakkanai, the Sarobetsu Plain and the islands Rishiri and Rebun. Rishiri is a large volcano (called Rishiri-Fuji), 20 km off the coast, and almost round in form, 15 kilometers in diameter. It stands 1721 meters high and is a hard climb. Rebun is 10 kilometers NW of Rishiri and is flatter (though hilly) and known for its wildflowers. It is 25 kilometers long and the west coast is beautifully eroded by the sea. Sarobetsu is a large wetland, as well as a series of sand dunes.
6. Shikotsu-Toya National Park:
Located in SW Hokkaido, the park in fact consists of three separate areas, Mt Yotei (also called Ezo-Fuji), Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu. Lake Shikotsu is encircled by active volcanoes as Mt Eniwa and Mt Tarumae. South of the lake are the popular Jozankei and Noboribetsu spas. Lake Toya is a caldera lake with new volcanoes as Mt Usu and Mt Showa-Shinzan - that last one rose from the plain in 1944. On the lakeside lies Toyako spa. In 2000 Mt Usu again erupted; since then, the spa town has recovered from the damage.
[for Japan's National Parks, see also the homepage of the Ministry of the Environment]
1. Daisetsuzan National Park:
The largest national park in Japan, more or less in the center of Hokkaido, near Asahikawa. Called the "Roof of Japan" for its large volcanoes as Mt Asahidake (2290 meters high), Mt Tomuraushi and Mt Tokachi. There are extensive fir and spruce forests on the slopes, and higher up the area is known for its alpine flora. Picturesque gorges are the Sounkyo Gorge and Tenninkyo Gorge, which feature hot springs.
2. Akan National Park:
A dramatic landscape with large volcanoes and caldera lakes. The lakes are Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu (known as a "mysterious lake" for its particular water clarity). In Lake Akan a rare plant, the mashimo, is found. The lakes are hemmed in by the volcanoes Mt Meakan, Mt Oakan and Mt Kamuinupuri, their flanks covered with spruce and fir forests. There are splendid views from the Bihoro Pass and Lake Mashu. Hot spring resorts can be found on the shores of Lake Akan and in Kawayu and Teshikaga.
3. Shiretoko National Park:
A 65 km long peninsula on the NE side of Hokkaido, protruding into the Sea of Ochotsk. The backbone of the peninsula is formed by a series of volcanoes as Mt Rausu, Mt Iwo and Mt Shiretoko. There are also primeval fir and spruce forests and beautifully dramatic cliffs, from which waterfalls drop directly into the sea. Ezo brown bears live in the interior, as well as deer and foxes, a wide variety of while seafowls breed on the coast. Shiretoko ("the end of the earth" in the Ainu langauge) is the most unspoiled of all national parks in Japan. Roads only lead partly into the peninsula. In 2005 Shiretoko was put on the Unesco World heritage list for its biodiversity and valuable ecosystem.
4. The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park:
The Kushiro marsh is the largest wetland in Japan. It consists of a vast reed plain, alder forests, and the meandering Kushiro River, all hemmed in on the far horizon by the Akan mountains. It is known for its sacred cranes, but also dragonflies and salamanders. It is the first registered Ramsar Convention site in Japan.
5. Reshiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park:
The most northern one, consisting of the coastal area of Wakkanai, the Sarobetsu Plain and the islands Rishiri and Rebun. Rishiri is a large volcano (called Rishiri-Fuji), 20 km off the coast, and almost round in form, 15 kilometers in diameter. It stands 1721 meters high and is a hard climb. Rebun is 10 kilometers NW of Rishiri and is flatter (though hilly) and known for its wildflowers. It is 25 kilometers long and the west coast is beautifully eroded by the sea. Sarobetsu is a large wetland, as well as a series of sand dunes.
6. Shikotsu-Toya National Park:
Located in SW Hokkaido, the park in fact consists of three separate areas, Mt Yotei (also called Ezo-Fuji), Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu. Lake Shikotsu is encircled by active volcanoes as Mt Eniwa and Mt Tarumae. South of the lake are the popular Jozankei and Noboribetsu spas. Lake Toya is a caldera lake with new volcanoes as Mt Usu and Mt Showa-Shinzan - that last one rose from the plain in 1944. On the lakeside lies Toyako spa. In 2000 Mt Usu again erupted; since then, the spa town has recovered from the damage.
[for Japan's National Parks, see also the homepage of the Ministry of the Environment]
April 9, 2007
Kyo-yasai or “Kyoto vegetables” factsheet (part 2)
List of Kyoto vegetables (A)
Kyo takenoko (bamboo shoot)
A spring vegetable grown in Nishiyama, the Western Hills. The young shoots of bamboo (raised by farmers) are eaten after boiling, but Kyo takenoko is also eaten uncooked, just after being dug up, and dipped in vinegared miso. The taste is sweet, the flesh soft.
Kyo myoga (mioga, a kind of ginger)
Mioga is indigenous to Japan. Only the fragrant buds and stems are eaten, thinly sliced and used as a garnish in soups. Also made into vinegared pickles. Taste is not hot (as ginger), but rather herbal.
Hanana (or nanohana, rape shoots)
The immature stem of rape with their buds. Looks a bit like small broccoli and is a symbol for spring. Used in cooked salads (aemono) with mustard dressing but also eaten in pickled form. Grown in Fushimi. The taste is slightly bitter.
Kyo udo (a fragrant plant of which the white stalks and leaves are eaten – resembles asparagus)
Grown in the Momoyama area of Fushimi, SE Kyoto. Blanched by growing it in the dark, by heaping soil on the young stalks in mid-March. The Kyoto variety is very fragrant. Udo is both eaten raw and used in clear soups (suimono), vinegared salads (sunomono), cooked salads (aemono) and as soused greens (ohitashi).
Kamo nasu (eggplant)
A summer vegetable. Kamo eggplant is grown in Kamigamo, in the northern part of Kyoto. They have a distinct rounded shape, a deep purple color and weigh from 300 to 400 grams. Richly flavored, they are well-suited to be boiled and seasoned, or grilled with oil. A famous dish is Nasu Dengaku (nasu grilled on skewers and topped with a sweetened miso topping). Other famous eggplant varieties from Kyoto include Yamashina nasu, from the eastern suburb of Kyoto, a small (80 grams) and delicate variety of superb taste, and Mogi nasu, an even smaller variety also from Yamashina.
Fushimi togarashi (peppers)
Already mentioned in writings from the Edo-period. From the Fushimi area, these peppers are also called aoto. They are not hot at all and used in simmered dishes (nimono), with grilled foods (yakimono) and as tempura. Other peppers are Tanaka togarashi (from Tanaka in the Sakyo ward) and Manganji togarashi from Maizuru.
Katsura uri (melon)
Melon from the Katsura area in SW Kyoto. Also used in Nara-zuke, Nara pickles. The taste is sweet and fragrant.
Hiragino sasage (cowpea, long thin-podded beans)
From the Hiragino area in northern Kyoto. The stalks with the beans can be as long as 80 or 90 centimeters. The immature beans are used as a vegetable in simmered dishes (nimono) and as soused greens (ohitashi). The beans themselves can be used as an alternative to azuki beans. A summer vegetable that is used as an offer at the Buddhist Obon festival in August.
Tanba kurodaizu (black soybeans)
From the Tanba area in the western part of Kyoto prefecture. Big beans that even keep their form when boiled. Used in New Year dishes. Often called the “No 1 Bean of Japan.” Also eaten with beer or sake straight from the boiled pods (edamame). Can be the base for miso, tofu and various traditional sweets.
Kyoto dainagon azuki (azuki, little red beans)
“Dainagon” is the title for the Great Councilor at the Heian court. In contrast to a samurai, these officials did not commit harakiri (seppuku) and the same is true of these beans: even when boiled, the skin does not break! Kyoto dainagon azuki are from Kameoka, a town NW of Kyoto. They are large and shiny and usually used as the main ingredient for Kyogashi, the traditional sweets.
Shishigatani kabocha (pumpkin or squash)
Produced near Shishigadani in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, near the Philosopher's Path. The shape, like a gourd, is very characteristic, so it is used not only for cooking but also as a flower vase or ornament. Watery and not very sweet, in contrast to other pumpkin varieties. Plays an important role in “Kabocha Kuyo”, an annual ceremony held at Anrakuji Temple in July.
(to be continued)
Kyo takenoko (bamboo shoot)
A spring vegetable grown in Nishiyama, the Western Hills. The young shoots of bamboo (raised by farmers) are eaten after boiling, but Kyo takenoko is also eaten uncooked, just after being dug up, and dipped in vinegared miso. The taste is sweet, the flesh soft.
Kyo myoga (mioga, a kind of ginger)
Mioga is indigenous to Japan. Only the fragrant buds and stems are eaten, thinly sliced and used as a garnish in soups. Also made into vinegared pickles. Taste is not hot (as ginger), but rather herbal.
Hanana (or nanohana, rape shoots)
The immature stem of rape with their buds. Looks a bit like small broccoli and is a symbol for spring. Used in cooked salads (aemono) with mustard dressing but also eaten in pickled form. Grown in Fushimi. The taste is slightly bitter.
Kyo udo (a fragrant plant of which the white stalks and leaves are eaten – resembles asparagus)
Grown in the Momoyama area of Fushimi, SE Kyoto. Blanched by growing it in the dark, by heaping soil on the young stalks in mid-March. The Kyoto variety is very fragrant. Udo is both eaten raw and used in clear soups (suimono), vinegared salads (sunomono), cooked salads (aemono) and as soused greens (ohitashi).
Kamo nasu (eggplant)
A summer vegetable. Kamo eggplant is grown in Kamigamo, in the northern part of Kyoto. They have a distinct rounded shape, a deep purple color and weigh from 300 to 400 grams. Richly flavored, they are well-suited to be boiled and seasoned, or grilled with oil. A famous dish is Nasu Dengaku (nasu grilled on skewers and topped with a sweetened miso topping). Other famous eggplant varieties from Kyoto include Yamashina nasu, from the eastern suburb of Kyoto, a small (80 grams) and delicate variety of superb taste, and Mogi nasu, an even smaller variety also from Yamashina.
Fushimi togarashi (peppers)
Already mentioned in writings from the Edo-period. From the Fushimi area, these peppers are also called aoto. They are not hot at all and used in simmered dishes (nimono), with grilled foods (yakimono) and as tempura. Other peppers are Tanaka togarashi (from Tanaka in the Sakyo ward) and Manganji togarashi from Maizuru.
Katsura uri (melon)
Melon from the Katsura area in SW Kyoto. Also used in Nara-zuke, Nara pickles. The taste is sweet and fragrant.
Hiragino sasage (cowpea, long thin-podded beans)
From the Hiragino area in northern Kyoto. The stalks with the beans can be as long as 80 or 90 centimeters. The immature beans are used as a vegetable in simmered dishes (nimono) and as soused greens (ohitashi). The beans themselves can be used as an alternative to azuki beans. A summer vegetable that is used as an offer at the Buddhist Obon festival in August.
Tanba kurodaizu (black soybeans)
From the Tanba area in the western part of Kyoto prefecture. Big beans that even keep their form when boiled. Used in New Year dishes. Often called the “No 1 Bean of Japan.” Also eaten with beer or sake straight from the boiled pods (edamame). Can be the base for miso, tofu and various traditional sweets.
Kyoto dainagon azuki (azuki, little red beans)
“Dainagon” is the title for the Great Councilor at the Heian court. In contrast to a samurai, these officials did not commit harakiri (seppuku) and the same is true of these beans: even when boiled, the skin does not break! Kyoto dainagon azuki are from Kameoka, a town NW of Kyoto. They are large and shiny and usually used as the main ingredient for Kyogashi, the traditional sweets.
Shishigatani kabocha (pumpkin or squash)
Produced near Shishigadani in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, near the Philosopher's Path. The shape, like a gourd, is very characteristic, so it is used not only for cooking but also as a flower vase or ornament. Watery and not very sweet, in contrast to other pumpkin varieties. Plays an important role in “Kabocha Kuyo”, an annual ceremony held at Anrakuji Temple in July.
Explanations of general vegetables are based on A Dictionary of Japanese Food by Richard Hosking, an indispensable guide to the ingredients and culture of the Japanese cuisine. For specific Kyo-yasai information, I have used Kyoto Kankobunka Kenteishiken (Tankosha), the official textbook for the Kyoto Culture and Tourist Certification Test held every year in December.
(to be continued)
April 8, 2007
Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno
Japanese Schoolgirl Inferno: Tokyo Teen Fashion Subculture Handbook looks so much like a beautiful piece of candy that it is difficult to resist the temptation to pick a copy up when coming across it in a bookstore. And "eye candy" it certainly is, with great illustrations by Kazumi Nonaka and graphic design by Izumi Evers. The text was written by otaku-logist and Japan subculture specialist Patrick Macias (also the author of one of my favorite books on Japanese film, Tokyoscope, the Japanese Cult Film Companion). Even if you are not into street fashion and youth culture, the book is great fun. And who wouldn't want to learn what is in the heads of those Gothloli's?
But the book does more, it fills readers in on a nice piece of cultural background. Take the link with films. I have seen the Sukeban Girls ("delinquent girl bosses") of the late 60s and 70s in the Pinky Violence Collection, films about female bikers and girly gang fights, but never realized this was a fashion type like the "flowerpower" dancing Takenokozoku and the mad Manba's. A nice feature of the book is also that the ideal boyfriend is pictured - in this case none as these rough girls were not into love and that was rather a shock after seeing the films, which are after all "pink."
Another film link is in the rough and ready Lady's, the speed tribe girls of the mid 80s to mid 90s, one of whom is energetically played by Anna Tsuchiya in Kamikaze Girls. And here, too, the book fills you in on a lot of interesting details regarding this "type."
Closer to our own time we have the Kogal with their weird socks, the blackened Gonguro's and now we live in the age of the material Gals and the Decora's with their overload of cuteness. And so the scene keeps changing as fashions come and go, but one thing is certain: the next wave will be even weirder than the last one. It is good to have this guide as a map of what has gone before and it is to be hoped the authors will continue to follow this fascinating aspect of Japanese subculture.
But the book does more, it fills readers in on a nice piece of cultural background. Take the link with films. I have seen the Sukeban Girls ("delinquent girl bosses") of the late 60s and 70s in the Pinky Violence Collection, films about female bikers and girly gang fights, but never realized this was a fashion type like the "flowerpower" dancing Takenokozoku and the mad Manba's. A nice feature of the book is also that the ideal boyfriend is pictured - in this case none as these rough girls were not into love and that was rather a shock after seeing the films, which are after all "pink."
Another film link is in the rough and ready Lady's, the speed tribe girls of the mid 80s to mid 90s, one of whom is energetically played by Anna Tsuchiya in Kamikaze Girls. And here, too, the book fills you in on a lot of interesting details regarding this "type."
Closer to our own time we have the Kogal with their weird socks, the blackened Gonguro's and now we live in the age of the material Gals and the Decora's with their overload of cuteness. And so the scene keeps changing as fashions come and go, but one thing is certain: the next wave will be even weirder than the last one. It is good to have this guide as a map of what has gone before and it is to be hoped the authors will continue to follow this fascinating aspect of Japanese subculture.
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