Fun times

Family Inn Saiko

Kanemecho

 Here we are in Japan!  What a mad three days we`ve had in Tokyo.  Total sensory overload.  We arrived at 9.30am Tokyo time after flying all day and into the future - our journey was no way finished and we caught a train into the city which took 2 and a half hours, then two subway trains and a taxi to our accommodation.  We were exhausted but it was only 3.30pm!  Fortunately, the Saiko family made us feel very welcome and showed us to our Japanese style room (tatami mats, futons and space age toilet).  A much needed shower then back out to negotiate the unfamiliar streets of Kanemecho.  What a fascinating place, row upon row of tiny family run shops selling anything from soba noodles to tatami mats.  All products made on the premises.  After our meal of soba and seaweed we crawled back to our second home and crashed out at 7pm!

I can`t recommend Family Inn Saiko enough.  If you are looking for a truly Japanese experience it is a must.  It is the equivalent to a good British `B and B` where the hosts really make you feel at home.  You can even experience Japanese bathtime.  The house is immaculate, both contemporary and traditional.  A great experience. 

Outside　Bandai　shop

Sensoji　Temple

Fuji　TV　Building

 The Fuji TV Building is in the newest entertainment area in Tokyo.  It is an area named Odaiba and was built at great expense on reclaimed land from the sea.  Arriving by monorail you really feel like you are travelling to the future.

Japanese　Craft　Museum

 This was fantastic - a celebration of craft from all corners of Japan.  The above picture is their window display that shows summer in Japan  with wind chimes, fans and bamboo products.  Well made regional crafts are respected and sought after in Japan.  It is such a shame that many British people have lost this connection to handcrafted products and wares.  I bought a sake set from a pottery that lost everything during the earthquake/tsunami this March.  I wonder if they will ever be able to start their business again.

Cat　Cafe

Of course I had to try one of the many cat cafes in Tokyo.  For an hour or more you can enjoy the company of some very pampered cats.  It was such a surreal experience.  I can see why people go there as it was serene and calm compared to the noise and madness that is Tokyo.  I don`t think `Our Mabel` would find employment here.  She is very picky as to who she lets stroke her.

Shinkansen

Higashi　Honganji　Temple　Kyoto

 Our first temple visit in Kyoto.  Really beautiful and calm.  The temple shown has been restored to a fantastic standard.  The modern looking part on the left is a protective covering as they restore that side.  It is the largest wooden structure in the world.  Whole tree trunks were used as supporting columns.

Tropical　weather

Ryokan　in　Kyoto

Ichi ...

Finally, the months of preparation and the mounting anticipation have reached a crescendo ...we are off to Japan tomorrow!!!  The land of cat cafes, Bladerunner-esque cities, Shinto temples, anime characters and best of all great design and inspirational craft.  Hopefully, I'll be updating my blog as we go along so keep reading.

Our intended route

Finished penguin cups to be left along our tour of Japan

Exhibitions of note

I've been to see two interesting exhibitions this week. The first, at Laing Art Gallery, was showing ukiyo or 'floating world' prints. Alongside the woodblock prints depicting life at that time were lacquerware boxes. I am fascinated by these beautiful, intricate and well made objects. There are numerous types of boxes for picnics, writing and incense etc. They all have a ceremonial quality and ritual aspect to them. I am currently researching this area for my ceramic work.

The second exhibition about the life and work of Edward Hughes was intriguing, in particular his training in Japan.

Please find details of the exhibitions below.

Japanese Wave at Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle

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Under the Wave, off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai

01 May - 05 Sep 2010

Highlights from Laing's collection of Japanese prints and artefacts will be on show in a new exhibition called Japanese Wave. It will be the first time many of the items have been on show to the public for almost a decade.

The exhibition focuses on Japanese imagery from the 19th century and includes depictions of geisha, Japanese theatre and landscape.

As well as iconic images such as printmaker Hokusai's Under the Wave, off Kanagawa, the exhibition includes many prints which give an insight into life in 19th century Japan. Images of geisha are on show as well as depictions of Kabuki theatre, alongside decorative artefacts reflecting the themes seen in the prints such as combs, mirrors and fans designed for use by fashionable Japanese ladies of the day.

*** Excerpt taken from Laing Art Gallery's website.

A Japanese Passion: the pottery of Edward Hughes

8th March 2010 - 12th June 2010

MMU Special Collections Gallery
3rd floor, Sir Kenneth Green Library
All Saints

Edward Hughes (October 16, 1953 - March 31, 2006) was one of Britain's very finest potters. Sometimes called "one of studio pottery's best kept secrets" his work was extremely popular in Japan, his life's work was dedicated to making pots for others to use and he spoke about this with a passion.

This is a retrospective exhibition of Hughes' work and includes examples of his work from all periods, from his formative years when studying pottery through to the mature work made in his studios in Japan and Cumbria. The work shown shows his mastery of all aspects of the ceramicists art.

*** Excerpt taken from Manchester Metropolitan University's website.