Whispers from Japan

Japanese affinity for the awe-inspiring beauty of their mountains is deep-rooted in a curious mix of sacred myths, love of outdoors, and respect for nature. Nearly 70 percent of the Japanese archipela … read more

The Japanese character for rice paddy is ta. It is a simple, stylish character which depicts equally divided rice paddies, representing fairness and sharing. Rice farming is an integral weave in the … read more

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

April 7 marks the 102nd birthday of Satsue Mito (April 21, 1914 – April 7, 2012). I had the good fortune of meeting Mito-sensei, as everybody lovingly called her, in 2007. She was a tender woma … read more