Blogs

Toko Shinoda is a leading Japanese avant-garde painter who just turned 104. For over seventy years she has kept on creating bold, evocative art which speaks from her heart. Toko-san created the p … read more

under cherry blossoms’ shade even those whom we don’t know are not strangers (Issa Kobayashi, 1819) When we can share feelings with others, they are no longer strangers. If we have em … read more

December is the time for traditions, celebrations, and expressing gratitude. It is also time for reflections, hopes, and positive thoughts.We have had a busy year, thanks to every single one of you. A … read more

Autumn has just arrived in Japan, and the mystical, other-worldly looking higanbana (red spider lily, Lycoris radiata) is in bloom. It's time for the Japanese to return to their family homes fo … read more

Ripe tomatoes, grilled salmon, aged cheese, baked mushrooms: What do these foods have in common? They all taste delicious — no matter how they range in the four basic tastes of sweet, bitter, … read more