"K-ON!" sacred place visited by former Taiwanese President Lee

On July 30, the former President of Taiwan, Li Teng-hui, passed away.
I wish him the best of luck.
The former president is called the "father of Taiwan's democratization" because he promoted democratization such as direct presidential elections in Taiwan's politics, where he continued to have power.
The former president also helped promote friendly relations between Japan and Taiwan.

I knew that the former president had learned from Kyoto Imperial University, but on the front page of the Kyoto Shimbun, which is the local news paper, on August 1, the former president often took a walk in the "K-ON!" sacred place. I was surprised to learn that

I often walked around famous historic sites such as Ichijoji Sagarimatsu (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City) famous for Miyamoto Musashi-I told the interview of this paper 17 years ago

Kyoto Shimbun Morning Edition August 1, "Bongo"

The image below is the intersection of Ichijoji Sagarimatsu (the point where Shirakawa-dori and Manshuin-do intersect) that appears in the opening of "K-ON!"


(C) Kakifurai/Houbunsha/Sakurataka light music club/Kyoto Animation

In addition, a bus stop modeled after the bus stop "Ichijoji Sagarimatsu" will also appear in the second episode of the first period.


(C) Kakifurai/Houbunsha/Sakurataka light music club/Kyoto Animation

Of course, it was before World War II that the former president visited when he was a student, so I think that the atmosphere around Ichijoji Sagarimatsu Matsu has changed dramatically.
However, some things will not change.

Shisendo Temple and Hachidai Shrine, which were built in the Edo period(1903-1867), still convey their appearance to the ground of Ichijoji.
And the photo below is a memorial of the duel of Ichijoji Sagarimatsu, Downing Pine.
It is a famous duel that Musashi Miyamoto fought against Swordsman Yoshioka group.
A monument to commemorate this was erected in the Taisho era(1914-1926）.
The former president must have seen at a young age.




I passed by this stone monument today on August 2nd, and I was deeply moved by it.

Gion festival is over

Speaking of the festival in Kyoto, the Gion Festival in July is famous. 
This festival will be held throughout July. 

It is the pilgrimage of the Yamaboko that takes notice. Currently it is done twice. 

Kyoto citizens are looking forward to the night festival during the Gion festival. 
I also visited in late July. The picture below is that. So I enjoyed cooking stalls and appreciated the magic show. 

I could see the mountain pavilions on the road. It was a good night.
If you come to Kyoto in July you can enjoy!

Rokkakudo Hexagonal temple~ The birthplace of Ikebana ~

In the middle of bustling street near Karasuma Oike, there is a temple with hexagonal shape. 
This is a Buddhist temple Chouhouji known as Rokkakudo for its hexagonal shape of the main temple.

It is regarded as the birthplace of Ikebana which is Japanese  flower arrangement.

The spring willow is beautiful in Hakkodo. I like to watch this big willow in the spring.

Maiko in Kyoto

On the previous blog I wrote about maiko. 

Maiko is a symbol of Kyoto culture. 
Today, I saw the maiko at the square of Kyoto station of the subway. 
They came for PR of new crackers. 

Maiko is not uncommon in Kyoto city, but also attracted people's attention. 
A shooting corner was also set up.
I had my picture taken with maiko. 
It was a good time!

"Sentiment" with snow symbolized

It snowed in Kyoto during the weekend. 
On Monday I met sight of the photographs at the Kamogawa Riverside in Kyoto. 

「大」, this letter of "memorial" that fire on August 16 was symbolized in the snow. 
It means kanji meaning big. 
Nature sometimes does fun things!

Hatsumode ～to visit shrines at the beginning of the year～

In Japan it is customary to visit shrines at the beginning of the year. 
There are many people going regardless of religion. 
There are many shrines in Kyoto city with many customers at first. 
I went to Yasaka Shrine in Gion. ↓

I renewed gratitude and determination with prayer.
Especially this year I want to deliver original songs to overseas listeners and visitors.

New Year decoration

Happy New Year. In New Year's Japan, New Year decorations like photos are placed in shops and buildings. Now you can see these decorations in various places in Kyoto.

”Manekikanban” Signs to notify performers

The other day, I passed the front of "Minamiza" in Kyoto city.
Minamiza is said to be Japan's oldest theater that has continued since the Edo era, and a Kabuki play is being performed.

In December, Kabuki actors from the East and the West will be on stage. 
This performance is called "Kaomise". A lot of signs called "Manekikanban" are raised in Minamiza. It is Kyoto 's winter tradition.
They inform the performers.↓

This year will be held in Pontocho singing drama rather than Minamiza due to earthquake-resistant construction. 
However, "Manekikanban" is posted in Minamiza as usual.
This year is also about a week. Have a nice year - end.

Kyoto visit of His Majesty the Emperor

Late October, the Emperor and his wife visited Kyoto. 
They visited  Kamigamo shrine, Shimogamo shrine, but such as the Kyoto University research facility. 
And His Majesty attended the International College of Surgeons World General Assembly. 

Kyoto imperial palace

Kyoto has deep relationship with the imperial family. And, many of the citizens of Kyoto feels familiar to the imperial family.
Because the Imperial Palace has been there since more than a thousand years. Even now, there are many places related to the imperial family in Kyoto.

If you come to Kyoto, you can visit that kind of place. The places I recommend is, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kamigamo Shrine,  Shimogamo shrine. 
Those are very nice!

"Okuribi"Kyoto Great Bonfire Event

On August 16, "Okuribi", case ceremonial bonfire is celebrated in Kyoto. 
It was unfortunate rain this year. 

Published photograph of' the Kyoto Municipal Subway poster. "Okuribi" have been stylized to near the top.
It is good to look.

Gion Festival in Kyoto

Gion Festeval is held during July.
The first half of the parade of decorated floats of Gion Festival has ended on July 17 . Currently , it is the period of the second half of the festival .
Yesterday night , I went to see the floats . I was glad to see them.
They will parade the city of Kyoto on July 24.
Floats are also referred to as a museum to move.
I also agree.
New and old a variety of decoration has been decorated beautifully.

Flower arrangement of Japan that use the sunflower.

The other day, I saw sunflowers in Kyoto Karasuma Station.
These flowers has been used in "Ikebana" of Japan.
"Ikebana" is a traditional flower arrangement and an accomplishment.
Also in the "Ikebana", flowers are often used that handed down from foreign countries.
I like sunflower.
In "Ikebana", I felt the harmony of Japan and foreign culture.

Miniature of the carp streamer on the cake

I wrote about "carp streamer" in the May 1 day, 2 days. I met a photo of the cake in a cafe on May 3, yesterday.

 

 

 

By a small carp streamer, strawberry short cake looked more cute. Miniature of the carp streamer, it is an interesting design.
Culture that values the pretty things and a sense of the season has been alive in modern Japan.
Cake was delicious!

 

"Koinobori" (carp streamer) 2

I wrote about "Koinobori"(the carp streamer) of Japan in the last blog.
This is a traditional design.
The other day, I saw an interesting illumination in the grand staircase of the Kyoto Station Building. It's illumination of Koinoboriri.
I was struck by the fusion of traditional design and contemporary representation techniques.

"Koinobori" (carp streamer) 1

In Japan, May 5 day's the day of the children.
To this day, parents set a carp streamer, celebrate the growth of children.
This traditional customs have also been diminished than before.
However, it is possible to see a carp streamer also in urban areas.
I saw a carp streamer lined up a lot in the underground city of Kyoto Station.
My heart's calmed down.

Kitano Shrine in Kyoto

Kitano Shrine"Kitano Tenmangu" in Kyoto is famous as a place to pray for passing entrance examination and academic. 
In addition, it is also known as the attractions of the plum. Because Sugawara Mitizane who  have been enshrined love the plum. 

The photo above is what I took in the Kitano Shrine. 
I was able to enjoy also fragrant aroma of plum.

"Kadomatsu" The decoration greeting the New Year in Japan

After Christmas was over, the city of Kyoto was changed to an atmosphere to welcome the New Year.

The photograph is "Kadomatu" seen in hotels near Kyoto Station.
It attracted my eyes.
Kadomatsu is to thank welcomes the Holy Spirit of indigenous coming to the New Year.
Branches decorated of white and pink is  called "Mochibana" in Japanese.
A good New Year for you!