Book Review: Japan and the Culture of the Four Seasons by Haruo Shirane

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen

After  reading Japan and the Culture of the Four Seasons: Nature, Literature and the Arts by Columbia University professor Haruo Shirane, anyone interested in Japanese culture will learn how the four seasons are foundational to what it is to be Japanese. This cultural underpinning is a construct because there are actually five climatic seasons in Japan, but the rainy/monsoon season (like other disagreeable facts) is conveniently overlooked in the service of art. Continue reading →

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Memorial 11.3.2015

Posted on March 11, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen
Photo Credit to Free Images at pixabay.com

Photo Credit to Free Images at pixabay.com

We cry out for what we have lost, and we remember you again.

~ Leonard Cohen ~

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A Review of KAIZEN: Joining Hands, Changing Lives

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen

I will continue to share reviews of programs commissioned by Japan International Broadcasting  (JIBTV) from time to time. Please note: The content of this post is the sole property of JIBTV and may not be reproduced in any way without consent. This content is posted with permission of JIBTV.

 

JIBTV’s KAIZEN: Joining Hands, Changing Lives follows the work of Nobuo Kanai and Hideo Sonoda as they help locals to implement the Kaizen system in various factories throughout Ethiopia. Continue reading →

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More on Japanese Toilets

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen

I will continue to share reviews of programs commissioned by Japan International Broadcasting  (JIBTV) from time to time. Please note: The content of this post is the sole property of JIBTV and may not be reproduced in any way without consent. This content is posted with permission of JIBTV.

There’s an ongoing fascination with Japanese washrooms and toilets—both the traditional squat in back catcher position ones and the Western styled options which I wrote about earlier. I thought I’d written pretty much all I had to say on the subject, but episode 21 of MoshiMoshi Nippon proved me wrong. Continue reading →

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In memoriam: Lux perpetua luceat ei

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen

Lloyd

Lloyd Henry Dykk [Oct 15, 1945 – Feb. 7, 2012] entered my life on words. His postage-stamp photo beside his Vancouver Sun byline. His mug with my coffee, most mornings for many years. Continue reading →

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This is Japanese Seafood: a Review

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen

Since October 2014 I have reviewed television programs for Japan International Broadcasting (JIBTV). The content of this post is the sole property of JIBTV and may not be reproduced in any way without consent. Posted with permission of JIBTV.

I grew up with a mother who disliked most meat but fish especially. Seafood was not something found on the dinner table. However, my grandfather was an avid fisherman and enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing. Continue reading →

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A Tribute to Toller Cranston

Posted on January 25, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen

Toller Cranston, the man who changed men’s figure skating for the better and forever, is dead.

Toller Cranston. Photo Credit to Frank Lennon.

Toller Cranston. Photo Credit to Frank Lennon.

He was the forerunner to the top competitors today—Patrick Chan, Yuzuru Hanyu, Denis Ten, Tatsuki Machida, Daisuke Takahashi. Continue reading →

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Running for the Train

Posted on January 17, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen
Station Platform Japan. Photo credit to MØller Thomsen.

Station Platform Japan. Photo credit to MØller Thomsen.

After the performance we—and thousands of others—are half running down the station steps. A thunderous clatter of shoes on stone. Continue reading →

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Overlooked Beauty

Posted on January 6, 2015 by Lynda Philippsen

Driving to a dinner party with a colleague I watch the day’s light fade in the narrow ribbon of sky overhead. I remark how beautiful little Japanese streets are. Continue reading →

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A Meditation on Monotones

Posted on December 19, 2014 by Lynda Philippsen

In Japan the understanding of what is beautiful is based on aesthetic traditions and principles which often have names, ideals and rules going back centuries. These are basic to daily life, not just high culture or art. Continue reading →

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