Crazy about Japanese Culture: A series in which we ask "gaijin" (foreigners) who are experts in traditional Japanese culture about their fascination with the culture
Shamisen, pottery, poetry recitation, martial arts, kimono...Americans who are experts in these fields talk about their encounters with Japanese culture and its fascinations. (Reprinted from US FrontLine in 2009.)
Stories from this series
Episode 11 (final episode) "Reciting the world of the samurai" - Lothar W. Ormischen -
Feb. 17, 2010 • Keiko Fukuda
Shigin is a form of poetry that began in the late Edo period, where Chinese or Japanese poetry is recited in a unique rhythm (melodic style). There are many Shigin enthusiasts in the United States, and there are eight clubs, large and small, in Los Angeles. The Kokusoryu Shigin Society is one of them. The only white member of the society, which was founded in 2004 (his master is Japanese-American, and all the other members are Asian), is Lothar W. …
No.10 Martial arts that teaches coexistence with others - Pankage Rastogi
Feb. 3, 2010 • Keiko Fukuda
While I was searching for "Americans who have mastered Japanese culture," I received this message one day. "I would like to introduce you to an Indian American who is known as 'Ittetsu' and is devoted to Shorinji Kempo." The man in question was Pankage Rastogi. He has been running a dojo in Westminster, Orange County, a suburb of Los Angeles, for five years. I immediately requested an interview.Differences with American "me culture" When I arrived at the dojo, about 10 …
No.9 "Naginata as a human training" - Andrea Vyas
Jan. 22, 2010 • Keiko Fukuda
When I hear the word "naginata," I imagine a scene from a period drama in which a samurai woman holds a naginata. Even for ordinary Japanese people, naginata may not be very familiar. However, I was surprised to learn that there are naginata dojos all over the United States and that people are even competing in the World Championships. I immediately went to meet Andrea Vyas, who won a silver medal in a past championship. Silver Medal in the Women's …
No.8 "The spirit of tea taught me concentration" - Bruce Chernoff
Dec. 2, 2009 • Keiko Fukuda
Sosei Matsumoto, an honorary master of the Urasenke tea ceremony, has been based in Los Angeles for more than half a century and has more than 3,000 students, including Bruce Chernoff, a doctor who runs a medical welfare organization. The taste of tea that captivated me in Kyoto Bruce first encountered tea during a trip to Kyoto in 1999. "When I took a walking tour of temples and Japanese gardens, the monks at every temple served us tea, and I …
No. 7 "Bonsai are my precious family and best friend" - Marybelle Verandah
Nov. 9, 2009 • Keiko Fukuda
Bonsai is said to have originated in the Tang Dynasty in China, and was introduced to Japan during the Heian period, where it flourished. Now, bonsai is gaining popularity in America. The late John Naka is credited with spreading bonsai in America. He learned bonsai from his grandfather as a child growing up in Japan, and after returning to America, he continued to teach people about it through demonstrations and lectures. The American woman we are introducing this time was …
Part 6: "Aikido: Transforming Inner Energy into Power" - Robert Hyatt
Oct. 15, 2009 • Keiko Fukuda
Robert, who runs a dojo in Tarzana, near Los Angeles, first encountered Aikido 17 years ago when he had the chance to see a demonstration. He immediately visited the dojo with his wife, Nancy, who was his girlfriend at the time, and recalls that they both "fell in love" with Aikido on the spot. The ultimate self-defense method that doesn't hurt anyone"I had always been interested in martial arts after watching a TV program called 'Kung Fu Theater,' which featured …
Discover Nikkei Updates
See exciting new changes to Discover Nikkei. Find out what’s new and what’s coming soon!