Category Archives: Japan, Travel & Culture

Merry Christmas from Victoria

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

I was surprised during a visit to a local mall to view a Christmas tree display to find a compass rose pointing to Tokyo more than 7500 kilometers distant. Sometimes it feels as if it were that many days.

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Lunch at Lature

Posted on December 22, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

Over the years Anne has been a splendid dinner companion with whom I’ve enjoyed numerous restaurants in the Vancouver area. There’s never been a dud among the numerous options she’s suggested.

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 5

Posted on December 16, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[18] In a Suiban without Kenzan Alder (Alnus) branches and long-stemmed green roses (Rosa) in a green suiban (flat dish).

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 4

Posted on December 8, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[15] Keeping in Mind the view from Above Japanese witch hazel (Hamamalis japonica) branches and cosmos (Cosmos), also known as the cherry blossoms of autumn in Japan, in a two-toned blue container with five openings. In an arrangement for a … Continue reading →

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Small Successes in my Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 3

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[14] Keeping in Mind the View from Below Asparagus fern and mauve Phalaenopsis orchids in a three-throated, cream-coloured, tubular vase. Some arrangements are placed above eye level and the composition must reflect that point of view.

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 2

Posted on November 24, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[12] Focusing on the Uses of Water Fruiting Mikan (Citrus unshiu, or satsuma mandarin) and Pincushion Protea (Leucospermum) in a brown pottery suiban (flat dish). Not fixed with a kenzan (spiky frog). In this arrangement attention is given to the … Continue reading →

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Small Successes in My Ikebana Studies in Tokyo 1

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

4—[8] Simplified arrangement Japanese winterberry (Illix serrata) in a red vase with two throats The objective of the arrangement is to manipulate the material by cutting, bending and removing unnecessary parts until nothing more can be removed. The ultimate aim … Continue reading →

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Ikebana Progress

Posted on November 22, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

It’s almost possible to forget that I am in Tokyo—glorious autumnal Tokyo—to study ikebana. Classes ended for an extended period between the 20th and 29th of October due to a major exhibition at month’s end. Given that amount of time … Continue reading →

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Finding Dinner

Posted on November 16, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

Though I often choose to enjoy my large meal at lunch (because a large meal mid-day is about half the price for the same standard of food and service), every day, no matter where I am, I face the question … Continue reading →

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Rias Kammerchor Berlin in Tokyo

Posted on November 13, 2018 by Lynda Philippsen

During my recent two-week recess from classes, extensive travels followed by technical difficulties with WiFi connection and balky computer performance, I continued to enjoy the pleasures of Tokyo’s various wards. In early November as part of a five-concert tour of … Continue reading →

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