Kabuki Way of Relation with Nature; Reciprocity
So what is eco-friendly about Kabuki?
According to Simon, it is first important to understand that Kabuki is an art with a history of cutting away every waste and surplus. Kabuki was originally a theatre performed by the lower class as an entertainment for ordinary people in the Edo period (around 1600). It evolved over the years, creating countless plays and rough rules called YOSHIKIBI, which means beauty of form. How the characters are dressed, how they move, how the music starts, everything is formatted so that the audiences know what is happening without superfluous explanation. Reality is created through surreal expression. This formatted beauty is the underlying concept of the simple stage setting.
Kabukiza follows the four seasons by putting on plays related to the season, and the food actors eat on stage are delicacies of the season too. These days we are able to eat all kinds of food throughout the year, but ecologically it is healthier to eat seasonal food. “SHUN” will be the Japanese word for seasonal, something very special to Japanese cuisine. (People order the plate if it says SHUN!)
The stage settings are traditionally eco-friendly too. Mud paints are used instead of lacquer, all for beauty, but good for the environment as a result. Also all the large props on stage are carefully designed so it can be easily built, taken down, and rebuilt again. After the play closes, all settings will be taken down neatly, and each pole or decoration will be numbered and stored so that it can be reused for another setting of another play. Those who ever built a prop for a class play must be aware of how difficult it is to design large props in such manners. These techniques have been descended for generations.
We must admit that not many Japanese industries remember this way of designing Cradle-to-Cradle, but Kabukiza is still realizing a sustainable business.
Simon analyzes Japan and probably the whole world of modern capitalism, that they put too much importance on the “Result” of work instead of cherishing process. There is too little space to enjoy loose sensibility, to enjoy the fun process of creating value. “ONKO CHISHIN （温故知新）” is a Japanese saying meaning to search in the past for new knowledge. “It is impossible to realize an ecological way of living if we keep losing our sensibility. I want more people to come see Kabuki and gain new ways of thinking from this traditional and dynamic art”.
Thank you Simon!
Link to Kabukibito → http://www.kabuki-bito.jp
Sorry only in Japanese, but you will get to see some pictures of Kabuki…
July 30, 2008
Meet a Professional: Simon, the Butler of Kabukiza Theatre (3/4)
Meeting the Most Dynamic Art in Japan
The first person related to Kabuki Simon met was Bando Tamasaburo, one of the most famous actors throughout the world. Actors and directors of Kabukiza were often staying at Hilton Nagoya for a performance tour, and during the one month stay Simon served them as Hilton Butler. “I was just surprised of how thorough Tamasaburo was as an artist. Hotel butlers get to see many VIPs, but he was genuine.” Nonetheless, Simon wasn’t interested in Kabuki at all in the beginning. The Kabuki actors came to stay at Hilton once in a while, every time for more than a month, and Simon became very close with them. “They invited me to see their performance at Kabukiza theatre, and I gradually became interested in Kabuki”. It took three years for Simon to decide that he was fond enough of this new world to change career and work at Kabukiza theatre. It was the relationship with the actors and staffs of Kabuki that moved him into this very Japanese world.
“Now I just love this art. Kabuki is an entertainment that started from the lower class, which is very unusual, since other traditional theatre arts of the world started from the upper class with the ruler as patron. Think of operas, ballet or Japanese NO. We don’t have sponsors and the customers are supporting our theatre. Kabuki will die if we lose our audiences. This is why Kabuki is so dynamic, so vital.” This good tension with the audience is the strength of Kabuki. So what else is attractive about Kabuki? “Kabuki is a living art. Other traditional Japanese art like NO or BUNRAKU are trying to conserve the traditional way, but Kabuki is still evolving. We perform traditional numbers too, but many new scripts come out. Actors are proud that they are creating a cutting edge art. Did you know that there are no stage directors for Kabuki? Actors discuss their own acting and stage settings, and make new KATA, meaning acting formats. It is all made from discussion. And the other strength of Kabuki is the fans. Audiences have been supporting Kabuki for generations, and are proud that they are fostering Kabuki.” This dynamism of culture, the beauty of reconstruction starting 400 years ago, is one expression of Japanese way of living. Of course there are many “Japanese” rules that hinder his challenges. Shochiku, the owner of the theatre is an old company, unwilling to change and rather stiff as organization, but Simon is now acting as a catalyst to bring in a new wind. The relationship with the actors and customers is his only-one value.
“After all these years, at last I know I am both Japanese and English. Japan, after all, brought me up to who I am. I know the good and dark parts of Japan, and I think it is my mission to communicate the importance of respecting culture from a worldwide viewpoint.” Simon is now planning to manage a non-profit children’s Kabuki theatre company using his private time. All our best to Simon, the butler of Japanese culture!
(continued)
The first person related to Kabuki Simon met was Bando Tamasaburo, one of the most famous actors throughout the world. Actors and directors of Kabukiza were often staying at Hilton Nagoya for a performance tour, and during the one month stay Simon served them as Hilton Butler. “I was just surprised of how thorough Tamasaburo was as an artist. Hotel butlers get to see many VIPs, but he was genuine.” Nonetheless, Simon wasn’t interested in Kabuki at all in the beginning. The Kabuki actors came to stay at Hilton once in a while, every time for more than a month, and Simon became very close with them. “They invited me to see their performance at Kabukiza theatre, and I gradually became interested in Kabuki”. It took three years for Simon to decide that he was fond enough of this new world to change career and work at Kabukiza theatre. It was the relationship with the actors and staffs of Kabuki that moved him into this very Japanese world.
“Now I just love this art. Kabuki is an entertainment that started from the lower class, which is very unusual, since other traditional theatre arts of the world started from the upper class with the ruler as patron. Think of operas, ballet or Japanese NO. We don’t have sponsors and the customers are supporting our theatre. Kabuki will die if we lose our audiences. This is why Kabuki is so dynamic, so vital.” This good tension with the audience is the strength of Kabuki. So what else is attractive about Kabuki? “Kabuki is a living art. Other traditional Japanese art like NO or BUNRAKU are trying to conserve the traditional way, but Kabuki is still evolving. We perform traditional numbers too, but many new scripts come out. Actors are proud that they are creating a cutting edge art. Did you know that there are no stage directors for Kabuki? Actors discuss their own acting and stage settings, and make new KATA, meaning acting formats. It is all made from discussion. And the other strength of Kabuki is the fans. Audiences have been supporting Kabuki for generations, and are proud that they are fostering Kabuki.” This dynamism of culture, the beauty of reconstruction starting 400 years ago, is one expression of Japanese way of living. Of course there are many “Japanese” rules that hinder his challenges. Shochiku, the owner of the theatre is an old company, unwilling to change and rather stiff as organization, but Simon is now acting as a catalyst to bring in a new wind. The relationship with the actors and customers is his only-one value.
“After all these years, at last I know I am both Japanese and English. Japan, after all, brought me up to who I am. I know the good and dark parts of Japan, and I think it is my mission to communicate the importance of respecting culture from a worldwide viewpoint.” Simon is now planning to manage a non-profit children’s Kabuki theatre company using his private time. All our best to Simon, the butler of Japanese culture!
(continued)
July 29, 2008
Meet a Professional: Simon, the Butler of Kabukiza Theatre (2/4)
Not Only Luck; As a Hilton Butler
After graduating high school Simon decides to start working instead of going on with education because he “didn’t have anything to expect from university.” He experiences various jobs from a construction worker to a hotel butler of Hilton Nagoya. The Hilton Butler is a staff specialized in hosting VIP customers. Simon was applying for a restaurant waiter, but a few lucky coincidences (or it could have been fate?) guided him to this new-made position. “My mother was strict about manners,” laughs Simon. Apparently the hotel manager noticed his aptitude and gave him this big chance. Simon didn’t wallow in his suddenly given high position, but instead gained on-the-job training for all sections of the hotel using time after his own work shift. “Well, I didn’t want others to be envying me for my luck. All I could do was to make enough effort to deserve the position”. He improved his skill as a hotelman, creating many VIP fans on the way. The directing manager of Kabukiza was one of them.
If you have a chance of meeting Simon --- which is not difficult if you go to see Kabuki --- you will be able to feel his remarkable sense of hospitality. “KIZUKAI” will be the Japanese word for “solicitous” or “hospitality”, the ability to realize what the other person is looking for. His sense of noticing others’ needs could have been a given talent, but the gentle atmosphere and “Kizukai” he creates is definitely a trained one. The expectation for service of Japanese customers is very high, as you can see at traditional hotels (Ryokan) and restaurants (Ryotei) even if the price is not that high. There are many subtle and delicate points of expectations, and many attendants just overwhelm the expectations by skilled manners and wit. It is interesting how Simon developed a very Japanese sense of detecting needs, and creatively uses both Western and Japanese manners according to the situation. He definitely knows how to maximize the effect of his “foreigner” mask and “Japanese” cultural background.
(continued)
After graduating high school Simon decides to start working instead of going on with education because he “didn’t have anything to expect from university.” He experiences various jobs from a construction worker to a hotel butler of Hilton Nagoya. The Hilton Butler is a staff specialized in hosting VIP customers. Simon was applying for a restaurant waiter, but a few lucky coincidences (or it could have been fate?) guided him to this new-made position. “My mother was strict about manners,” laughs Simon. Apparently the hotel manager noticed his aptitude and gave him this big chance. Simon didn’t wallow in his suddenly given high position, but instead gained on-the-job training for all sections of the hotel using time after his own work shift. “Well, I didn’t want others to be envying me for my luck. All I could do was to make enough effort to deserve the position”. He improved his skill as a hotelman, creating many VIP fans on the way. The directing manager of Kabukiza was one of them.
If you have a chance of meeting Simon --- which is not difficult if you go to see Kabuki --- you will be able to feel his remarkable sense of hospitality. “KIZUKAI” will be the Japanese word for “solicitous” or “hospitality”, the ability to realize what the other person is looking for. His sense of noticing others’ needs could have been a given talent, but the gentle atmosphere and “Kizukai” he creates is definitely a trained one. The expectation for service of Japanese customers is very high, as you can see at traditional hotels (Ryokan) and restaurants (Ryotei) even if the price is not that high. There are many subtle and delicate points of expectations, and many attendants just overwhelm the expectations by skilled manners and wit. It is interesting how Simon developed a very Japanese sense of detecting needs, and creatively uses both Western and Japanese manners according to the situation. He definitely knows how to maximize the effect of his “foreigner” mask and “Japanese” cultural background.
(continued)
July 28, 2008
Meet a Professional: Simon, the Butler of Kabukiza Theatre (1/4)
Simon Yoshizumi is the operating manager of Kabukiza, the most traditional theatre in Japan. His hospitality plays a big role in customer satisfaction, and his understanding of Japanese culture makes him the face of Kabukiza theatre. Born between a Japanese father and English mother, Simon’s life in Japan wasn’t so easy. Through his story, we will uncover both the light and dark of Japanese culture.Losing Identity; Deep Rooted Exclusionism
Simon’s parents met in Germany, when his mother was traveling and his father was playing horn for an orchestra. After marriage they moved to Japan, and Simon was born in Nagoya, the fourth largest city of Japan. Simon, as you can see in the picture, looks like an English man rather than Japanese. This was a good reason for kindergarten kids to bully him as “Gaijin”, a rude way of calling foreigners. Sadly, this is a very common thing that happens in Japan. The mentality is different from ethnic discrimination--- exclusionism may be the right word, since Japanese from “outside” (meaning other areas of Japan or other countries) are most likely to face the same kind of bullying. Simon refused to go to kindergarten for this reason, but after entering elementary school he eventually fights back the bullies, making him mentally stronger and maybe a bit naughty. “I was always thinking that Japanese were uncool people, with such low ability to accept other countries,” says Simon. This was one reason why he enjoyed his annual summer vacation in London with his parents. Nobody pointed at him or called him names in England.
So where was his identity? Simon thought about this for a while and answered, “I wanted to live somewhere outside Japan till around 20. I wanted to be someone positioned outside nationality and ethnicity.” He was already living away from his parents when he was a high school student, a very mature teenager. He also backpacked around Europe and Asian countries for summer vacation, meeting friends that developed into a lifelong relationship. Simon wasn’t a Japanese or English at this time.
(continued)
July 26, 2008
CDM (Clean Development Mechanism)
What is CDM?
It is one of the emission trading mechanisms within the Kyoto Protocol. It is difficult for developed countries to achieve their CO2 reduction goals on their own, and on the other hand, it is obvious that developing countries need to reduce their CO2 emission, even though they don't have obligation. So this mechanism enables developed and developing countries to cooperate for CO2 emission reduction projects. Developed countries will be able to count the amount of reduction for their own goal.
The projects are certified by the UN, only if the mechanism becomes an incentive to reverses business as usual. For example, it is obviously cheaper to build a coal power plant than a solar one. However by using the clean development mechanism, emission credit will work as an incentive to reverse this economic viewpoint.
Projects must be connected to sustainable development and local needs. It may cost more than temporary CO2 reduction, but it means a lot more in the long run.
How can we join the movement?
As individuals, we can start by imagining how much CO2 was used to make products before buying. There aren't many carbon neutral products yet, and not many companies disclose the amount of emission, but we can always choose a product if it declares to be neutral. CO2 emission amount can become a factor of preference among prices and design. If you are willing to offset your own CO2 emission in addition, there are ways to invest in CDM projects too.
(based on an interview with Yoichi Mori from PEAR Carbon Offset Initiative)
It is one of the emission trading mechanisms within the Kyoto Protocol. It is difficult for developed countries to achieve their CO2 reduction goals on their own, and on the other hand, it is obvious that developing countries need to reduce their CO2 emission, even though they don't have obligation. So this mechanism enables developed and developing countries to cooperate for CO2 emission reduction projects. Developed countries will be able to count the amount of reduction for their own goal.
The projects are certified by the UN, only if the mechanism becomes an incentive to reverses business as usual. For example, it is obviously cheaper to build a coal power plant than a solar one. However by using the clean development mechanism, emission credit will work as an incentive to reverse this economic viewpoint.
Projects must be connected to sustainable development and local needs. It may cost more than temporary CO2 reduction, but it means a lot more in the long run.
How can we join the movement?
As individuals, we can start by imagining how much CO2 was used to make products before buying. There aren't many carbon neutral products yet, and not many companies disclose the amount of emission, but we can always choose a product if it declares to be neutral. CO2 emission amount can become a factor of preference among prices and design. If you are willing to offset your own CO2 emission in addition, there are ways to invest in CDM projects too.
(based on an interview with Yoichi Mori from PEAR Carbon Offset Initiative)
July 25, 2008
Carbon offset
Meanings
Carbon emission offsetting can be used to offset the inevitable CO2 pollution after you have done your best to try to avoid the pollution in the first place. We must be sure to first make effort to reduce CO2 before paying money. When you offset, you will become "Carbon Neutral"...this term was the Oxford American Dictionary Word of the year 2006.
Examples
（Mr.Koizumi) Our manager gets snorty when he is angry. I think he should offset the amount of increased CO2 exhale.
(Mr.Fukuda) I agree. However, you should first try not to make him mad so often.
Issues
Carbon offsetting is spreading in Japan, and many companies are starting to offset their services and products. We must hope that the concept doesn't start walking on its own as a marketing tool, leaving behind the true objective to reduce CO2. (I wonder how many people know the difference between CDM and JI?)
Carbon emission offsetting can be used to offset the inevitable CO2 pollution after you have done your best to try to avoid the pollution in the first place. We must be sure to first make effort to reduce CO2 before paying money. When you offset, you will become "Carbon Neutral"...this term was the Oxford American Dictionary Word of the year 2006.
Examples
（Mr.Koizumi) Our manager gets snorty when he is angry. I think he should offset the amount of increased CO2 exhale.
(Mr.Fukuda) I agree. However, you should first try not to make him mad so often.
Issues
Carbon offsetting is spreading in Japan, and many companies are starting to offset their services and products. We must hope that the concept doesn't start walking on its own as a marketing tool, leaving behind the true objective to reduce CO2. (I wonder how many people know the difference between CDM and JI?)
July 24, 2008
Lunch with Ecotwaza Times
You might want to sit alone for lunch once in a while. Take an Ecotwaza Times with you...
July 23, 2008
Interview with Simon Yoshizumi
Interview with Simon; articles coming up July 28→30
If you ever have a chance of going to Kabuki-za Theatre, meet Simon Yoshizumi (35). As the operation manager of Shochiku, he is the concierge to Japanese traditional culture. Born between a Japanese father and English mother, life in Japan wasn’t so easy for Simon. His interview will illuminate both the light and dark of Japanese culture, and of course the relation with natural environment.
If you ever have a chance of going to Kabuki-za Theatre, meet Simon Yoshizumi (35). As the operation manager of Shochiku, he is the concierge to Japanese traditional culture. Born between a Japanese father and English mother, life in Japan wasn’t so easy for Simon. His interview will illuminate both the light and dark of Japanese culture, and of course the relation with natural environment.
July 22, 2008
Shakyo for Holiday
I went to Kamakura for holiday with a friend to experience SHAKYO.
What is Shakyo (写経)?
To write a Buddhist Sutra using Japanese brush and ink. It helps you concentrate and become "MU", a state of complete concentration.
This was the second time I experienced Shakyo. It is one of my favorite ways of spending holiday, time of inner-reflection. If you want to release stress from work, Shakyo is much better than partying.
And it is so difficult to concentrate while writing the chinese characters. Things just keep popping into mind. But at some point you might felt the "MU" concentration, and it is interesting to see how letters reflect the state of mind. The Buddhist sutra is about the relation between the world and human. How about spending two hours in a quiet tatami room, cicadas singing as BGM, and forgetting your noisy "real life"?
Where to experience:
Some buddhist temples rent out tools and room for Shakyo. These days, the original sutura is printed on paper with light ink so you can easily trace over it. Still takes about two hours to complete.
The temple I went was Hasedera Temple
http://www.hasedera.jp/words/english/e1.html
What is Shakyo (写経)?
To write a Buddhist Sutra using Japanese brush and ink. It helps you concentrate and become "MU", a state of complete concentration.
This was the second time I experienced Shakyo. It is one of my favorite ways of spending holiday, time of inner-reflection. If you want to release stress from work, Shakyo is much better than partying.
And it is so difficult to concentrate while writing the chinese characters. Things just keep popping into mind. But at some point you might felt the "MU" concentration, and it is interesting to see how letters reflect the state of mind. The Buddhist sutra is about the relation between the world and human. How about spending two hours in a quiet tatami room, cicadas singing as BGM, and forgetting your noisy "real life"?
Where to experience:
Some buddhist temples rent out tools and room for Shakyo. These days, the original sutura is printed on paper with light ink so you can easily trace over it. Still takes about two hours to complete.
The temple I went was Hasedera Temple
http://www.hasedera.jp/words/english/e1.html
July 21, 2008
The Revenge of Gaia
by James Lovelock
The reason why James Lovelock is supported by so many people is because of his deep and broad insight toward Earth, outside his profession as scientist. This book is my favorite because it gives us a great overview of global warming and the doing of human race. It is amazing how he looks at the future in terms of hundreds of years. (many books on environment nowadays only cast the next five to ten years. that won't solve the problem) His way of understanding nature, in other words his respect toward Gaia, the living Earth, must be new to those educated in the European-American way, but the basic philosophy is common among many Asian and Indiginous culture. The way he built a Gaia theory seems similar to quantum mechanics, in the sense that science proved intuitive human knowledge.
Just one thing I disagree is his protective stance toward nuclear energy. It is true that other "bio" or "reproductive" energy sources are all distroying nature as a price for reducing CO2, and he argues that atomic fission is the only practical technology to fill up the time until the next clean energy is ready. But the difficulty of disposing nuclear waste still seems to be a good reason of opposition. It is important to differenciate atomic fission from atomic fusion, which is a clean energy still on the road to practical application. Nonetheless this book is a must-read for those who are interested in environmental technology.
The reason why James Lovelock is supported by so many people is because of his deep and broad insight toward Earth, outside his profession as scientist. This book is my favorite because it gives us a great overview of global warming and the doing of human race. It is amazing how he looks at the future in terms of hundreds of years. (many books on environment nowadays only cast the next five to ten years. that won't solve the problem) His way of understanding nature, in other words his respect toward Gaia, the living Earth, must be new to those educated in the European-American way, but the basic philosophy is common among many Asian and Indiginous culture. The way he built a Gaia theory seems similar to quantum mechanics, in the sense that science proved intuitive human knowledge.
Just one thing I disagree is his protective stance toward nuclear energy. It is true that other "bio" or "reproductive" energy sources are all distroying nature as a price for reducing CO2, and he argues that atomic fission is the only practical technology to fill up the time until the next clean energy is ready. But the difficulty of disposing nuclear waste still seems to be a good reason of opposition. It is important to differenciate atomic fission from atomic fusion, which is a clean energy still on the road to practical application. Nonetheless this book is a must-read for those who are interested in environmental technology.
July 20, 2008
Difference between generations
It is interesting how many Japanese young people around 25 ~ 35 are very concerened about environmental issues. Maybe because of education. The way they think seem to be different from younger generations, who think of nature conservation as common sense, whereas over 25s have a stronger motivation to move the world. Possibly because we (i am 28 too) were old enough to understand the Rio Summit, Kyoto Protocol, and the Internet, but at the same time still young enough to take it for granted. It is interesting that our generation has a thick layer of social entrepreneurs and environmentalists.
People around 35 ~ 50 seem to be less interested in environment, apparantly because they experienced the bubble inflation and rapid growth in the 80s. People around 50 ~ 70 are concerned about nature because they feel both proud and guilty that they played a big roll in pushing up Japanese economy throughout the 60s to recent. They are the generation that fought the industrial pollutions. They are also the last generation that actually lived the "old" Japanese lifestyle. People even older have the wisdom of living with nature, only don't have much chance of decending their knowledge.
This is my private opinion, but it will be interesting to actually conduct a survey. If you are interested, have other opinions, or if you can tell us about your country, please leave a comment! let's discuss about this topic.
People around 35 ~ 50 seem to be less interested in environment, apparantly because they experienced the bubble inflation and rapid growth in the 80s. People around 50 ~ 70 are concerned about nature because they feel both proud and guilty that they played a big roll in pushing up Japanese economy throughout the 60s to recent. They are the generation that fought the industrial pollutions. They are also the last generation that actually lived the "old" Japanese lifestyle. People even older have the wisdom of living with nature, only don't have much chance of decending their knowledge.
This is my private opinion, but it will be interesting to actually conduct a survey. If you are interested, have other opinions, or if you can tell us about your country, please leave a comment! let's discuss about this topic.
July 19, 2008
Mottainai
Another basic vocabulary.
This word suddenly became common worldwide, thanks to Dr. Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Laureate from Kenya.
It is a Japanese concept meaning "it is a pity to waste".
hmm, difficult to translate its subtle meanings...
It's not accusing, but rather a word that comes out with a sigh. We use it when we don't want to throw away something, or when we think that a thing or person is not treated properly.
Examples
"It is mottainai to throw out leftovers. Eat it all!"
"How mottainai, we can still use this clothes"
This word suddenly became common worldwide, thanks to Dr. Wangari Maathai, a Nobel Peace Laureate from Kenya.
It is a Japanese concept meaning "it is a pity to waste".
hmm, difficult to translate its subtle meanings...
It's not accusing, but rather a word that comes out with a sigh. We use it when we don't want to throw away something, or when we think that a thing or person is not treated properly.
Examples
"It is mottainai to throw out leftovers. Eat it all!"
"How mottainai, we can still use this clothes"
Koan Inn
If you are planning a trip to somewhere nice and cool in summer,
Kawaguchi Lake is the place.
It is a resort area at the foot of Mount Fuji.
And if you are going to Kawaguchi Lake, Koan Inn, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Shimada, was one of the best petit hotels i've ever been to. They opened this hotel after retirement. Very nice people.
It is mainly Japanese cuisine, the main dish is Soba (Japanese noodle) freshly made by Mr. Shimada. Sooooo good. Tasty and good for your health. It is nice and quiet because of the surrounding trees.
You can access Koan by car or by bus from Kawaguchiko Station.
Unfortunately they don't have an English website, so if you are interested, contact us and we can arrange your reservation!
Check out their website. Only in Japanese, but you can see pictures
http://www.soba-koan.com/index.html
For reservation, contact Ecotwaza by phone or contact form
http://www.ecotwaza.com/contact/index.htm
Kawaguchi Lake is the place.
It is a resort area at the foot of Mount Fuji.
And if you are going to Kawaguchi Lake, Koan Inn, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Shimada, was one of the best petit hotels i've ever been to. They opened this hotel after retirement. Very nice people.
The interior is mainly antique English furniture,but you can feel some old Japanese taste in its layout.
Food is awsome.It is mainly Japanese cuisine, the main dish is Soba (Japanese noodle) freshly made by Mr. Shimada. Sooooo good. Tasty and good for your health. It is nice and quiet because of the surrounding trees.
You can access Koan by car or by bus from Kawaguchiko Station.
Unfortunately they don't have an English website, so if you are interested, contact us and we can arrange your reservation!
Check out their website. Only in Japanese, but you can see pictures
http://www.soba-koan.com/index.html
For reservation, contact Ecotwaza by phone or contact form
http://www.ecotwaza.com/contact/index.htm
July 18, 2008
Yukata (casual kimono)
Have you ever heard of YUKATA?
it is similar to kimono, but made of cotton whereas kimonos are made of silk.
yukatas were casual wears in the past.
nowadays, girls wear yukatas for summer festivals.
(the dark purple thing i am wearing in my profile picture is a Yukata)
Yukata used to be a very eco-friendly item.
When you buy a new Yukata, you first use it as a casual wear.
After a while, it becomes a nightwear.
When it is too crimpled to wear, you remake it into a diaper.
And after it is used as a diaper for a while, it will become a rag for cleaning.
Now this is REUSE.
This is possible because yukatas are made with straight cut cloth.
Very easy to remake.
If you have a chance of coming to Japan, try out some yukatas!
it is similar to kimono, but made of cotton whereas kimonos are made of silk.
yukatas were casual wears in the past.
nowadays, girls wear yukatas for summer festivals.
(the dark purple thing i am wearing in my profile picture is a Yukata)
Yukata used to be a very eco-friendly item.
When you buy a new Yukata, you first use it as a casual wear.
After a while, it becomes a nightwear.
When it is too crimpled to wear, you remake it into a diaper.
And after it is used as a diaper for a while, it will become a rag for cleaning.
Now this is REUSE.
This is possible because yukatas are made with straight cut cloth.
Very easy to remake.
If you have a chance of coming to Japan, try out some yukatas!
July 17, 2008
How Many Gods Are There?
This may be a strange question for some of you.
Only one God?
Well, that may be the truth for many people.
But in Japan, traditionally there are said to be 8 million gods.
Gods everywhere.
There are Tree God, Stone God, even God of bathrooms and God of kitchen.
We should respect God, and therefore we have to respect everything around us.
RESPECT is a key concept for thinking about our relation with nature.
I will write about some of our Gods again... ciao for now!
Only one God?
Well, that may be the truth for many people.
But in Japan, traditionally there are said to be 8 million gods.
Gods everywhere.
There are Tree God, Stone God, even God of bathrooms and God of kitchen.
We should respect God, and therefore we have to respect everything around us.
RESPECT is a key concept for thinking about our relation with nature.
I will write about some of our Gods again... ciao for now!
July 16, 2008
Types of rain
It is now the rainy season in Japan.
The season lasts for about a month, depending on the area but from the end of June to late July in Tokyo.
The rainy season is called "Tsuyu", and we write it "Plum rain season" in Chinese characters.
Beautiful, isn't it?
There are many names for each type of rain in Japan.
Yuudachi (Late afternoon rain)
Gouu (Very hard rain)
Kirisame (Foggy rain)
Hisame (Cold rain in winter)
Akisame (Rain in autumn)
Tooriame (Spontanious rain)
Niwakaame (Even more spontanious rain)
Samidare (Rain in May)
Tenkiame (Rain while the sun is out)
Nagame (Soft and long rain)
and much more!
they all include the chinese character "AME", meaning rain, when we write, but the pronounciation differ as you can see.
This variation shows how heavily we think about the weather.
Come to Japan to experience all kinds of rains!
The season lasts for about a month, depending on the area but from the end of June to late July in Tokyo.
The rainy season is called "Tsuyu", and we write it "Plum rain season" in Chinese characters.
Beautiful, isn't it?
There are many names for each type of rain in Japan.
Yuudachi (Late afternoon rain)
Gouu (Very hard rain)
Kirisame (Foggy rain)
Hisame (Cold rain in winter)
Akisame (Rain in autumn)
Tooriame (Spontanious rain)
Niwakaame (Even more spontanious rain)
Samidare (Rain in May)
Tenkiame (Rain while the sun is out)
Nagame (Soft and long rain)
and much more!
they all include the chinese character "AME", meaning rain, when we write, but the pronounciation differ as you can see.
This variation shows how heavily we think about the weather.
Come to Japan to experience all kinds of rains!
July 15, 2008
ECO
Meanings
"Eco" will be the first vocabulary you want to cover to start exploring Japanese eco-friendly way of thinking.
Eco comes from "Ecology", or "Eco-friendly", as you might have guessed.
You see, Japanese people like to make words shorter, so we started using "Eco" meaning eco-friendly. Nowdays, the meaning is expanding, and anything related to environment is expressed "Eco". It is now becoming a new Japanese concept.
Examples
"Oh, this coffee is organic. How Eco (=Eco-friendly)!"
"We are seriously thinking about Eco (=the environment) through our business"
Issues
As you know, Japanese mass media is good at making people move drastically in the short term, but they seem to lose interest after a while. "ECO" has been a boom for the last half an year, and sadly, people are already starting to get sick of the marketing campaign of big companies. Let's hope that they will eventually realize how smaller and traditional industries are environmentally friendly...
"Eco" will be the first vocabulary you want to cover to start exploring Japanese eco-friendly way of thinking.
Eco comes from "Ecology", or "Eco-friendly", as you might have guessed.
You see, Japanese people like to make words shorter, so we started using "Eco" meaning eco-friendly. Nowdays, the meaning is expanding, and anything related to environment is expressed "Eco". It is now becoming a new Japanese concept.
Examples
"Oh, this coffee is organic. How Eco (=Eco-friendly)!"
"We are seriously thinking about Eco (=the environment) through our business"
Issues
As you know, Japanese mass media is good at making people move drastically in the short term, but they seem to lose interest after a while. "ECO" has been a boom for the last half an year, and sadly, people are already starting to get sick of the marketing campaign of big companies. Let's hope that they will eventually realize how smaller and traditional industries are environmentally friendly...
July 14, 2008
Japanese eco-friendly ideas
hi my name is Reina, i am Japanese, living in Tokyo.
I grew up in NY till 10 years old, and since moving to Japan,
i've always been surprised by the Japanese ways of thinking about nature.
so i decided to share some ideas and products that are eco-friendly in japan.
well, i might write about myself or my business once in a while too...
please leave comments so i can feel how people from other countries think about us!
(nice comments are more than welcome :) )
I grew up in NY till 10 years old, and since moving to Japan,
i've always been surprised by the Japanese ways of thinking about nature.
so i decided to share some ideas and products that are eco-friendly in japan.
well, i might write about myself or my business once in a while too...
please leave comments so i can feel how people from other countries think about us!
(nice comments are more than welcome :) )
July 10, 2008
MILKY WAY IN LOVE presented by Ecotwaza
ECO+WAZA Festival Vol.3
How to Create a Low Carbon Society
On July 6th, which was the day before Tohyako G8 Summit, and also the eve of Tanabata*, Ecotwaza launched a workshop-party at Gotanda, Tokyo. After a panel discussion by three professionals about low carbon society, all participants worked in groups to create a message from Tokyo to the whole world. Nothing will change until we can imagine an ideal world, a world with less carbon emission and lower ecological footprint. The participants realized that technology and market could be great tools for lessening CO2, but it is even more important to set your own goal of lifestyle, start buying eco-friendly products as a consumer, and communicate with others.
*Tanabata is a traditional Japanese festival based on a myth about two lovers in the sky who are separated by the Milky Way and able to see each other only once a year on July 7th. On the night of Tanabata, it is said that if we make a wish upon the Milky Way, it will come true.
Full version of panel discussion coming up in October.
How to Create a Low Carbon Society
On July 6th, which was the day before Tohyako G8 Summit, and also the eve of Tanabata*, Ecotwaza launched a workshop-party at Gotanda, Tokyo. After a panel discussion by three professionals about low carbon society, all participants worked in groups to create a message from Tokyo to the whole world. Nothing will change until we can imagine an ideal world, a world with less carbon emission and lower ecological footprint. The participants realized that technology and market could be great tools for lessening CO2, but it is even more important to set your own goal of lifestyle, start buying eco-friendly products as a consumer, and communicate with others.
*Tanabata is a traditional Japanese festival based on a myth about two lovers in the sky who are separated by the Milky Way and able to see each other only once a year on July 7th. On the night of Tanabata, it is said that if we make a wish upon the Milky Way, it will come true.
Full version of panel discussion coming up in October.
July 5, 2008
Where you can buy Ecotwaza Times
Ecotwaza Times is available at the following stores.
The next volume is coming out in September. (300 yen)
SEKKA
Gaienmae Station
http://www.sekka-jp.com/
Book 246
Aoyama Icchome Station
http://www.book246.com/
Natural Wood Furniture Nishioka
Asakusa Station
http://asakusa-kagu.jp/asakusa_shop_index.html
Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten
Asakusa Station
http://www.miyamoto-unosuke.co.jp/
Naturalisme
Gaienmae Station
http://www.naturalisme.jp/shop/index.html
Insolite
Hiroo Station
http://www.insolite.co.jp/index.html
Japan Center Bookstore
Picadelly Circle Station, London
http://www.japancentre.com/
Japanese Ambassy of UK
Green Park Station, London
(only for reading in library)
http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp
AKS
Omotesando Station
(only for reading)
http://aks-japan.com
If you are interested in selling Ecotwaza Times at your store, please contact info@ecotwaza.com or 042-573-5613. we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Thank you!
The next volume is coming out in September. (300 yen)
SEKKA
Gaienmae Station
http://www.sekka-jp.com/
Book 246
Aoyama Icchome Station
http://www.book246.com/
Natural Wood Furniture Nishioka
Asakusa Station
http://asakusa-kagu.jp/asakusa_shop_index.html
Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten
Asakusa Station
http://www.miyamoto-unosuke.co.jp/
Naturalisme
Gaienmae Station
http://www.naturalisme.jp/shop/index.html
Insolite
Hiroo Station
http://www.insolite.co.jp/index.html
Japan Center Bookstore
Picadelly Circle Station, London
http://www.japancentre.com/
Japanese Ambassy of UK
Green Park Station, London
(only for reading in library)
http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp
AKS
Omotesando Station
(only for reading)
http://aks-japan.com
If you are interested in selling Ecotwaza Times at your store, please contact info@ecotwaza.com or 042-573-5613. we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Thank you!
July 4, 2008
Editorial Policy of Ecotwaza Times
OUR MISSION
To lower the ecological footprint by spreading Japanese ecology and craftsmanship.
EDITORIAL POLICY
Always for the happiness of our readers, client companies, the Earth and us.
１．We will select only the best eco-friendly products / service / technology.
２．We will edit with LOVE, PASSION and RESPECT.
３．We will follow the spirit of “Small is Beautiful”.
MESSAGE FROM EDITORS
We hope to create small but tangible changes, a network of happy business owners and entrepreneurs that know the importance of ecology by heart. Let’s be the first ones to start making a change.
CONTACT US
If you are interested in posting Ads, press release, or if you know interesting Japanese companies you want to introduce, contact Ecotwaza Co., ltd
TEL +81-42-573-5613 FAX +81-50-
Email: info@ecotwaza.com
Visit our website at www.ecotwaza.com
To lower the ecological footprint by spreading Japanese ecology and craftsmanship.
EDITORIAL POLICY
Always for the happiness of our readers, client companies, the Earth and us.
１．We will select only the best eco-friendly products / service / technology.
２．We will edit with LOVE, PASSION and RESPECT.
３．We will follow the spirit of “Small is Beautiful”.
MESSAGE FROM EDITORS
We hope to create small but tangible changes, a network of happy business owners and entrepreneurs that know the importance of ecology by heart. Let’s be the first ones to start making a change.
CONTACT US
If you are interested in posting Ads, press release, or if you know interesting Japanese companies you want to introduce, contact Ecotwaza Co., ltd
TEL +81-42-573-5613 FAX +81-50-
Email: info@ecotwaza.com
Visit our website at www.ecotwaza.com
July 1, 2008
Who We Are
Ecotwaza is a company based in Kunitachi, the suburbs of Tokyo, Japan.
We are two 28 years old girls (or...women?), friends since junior high school.
Reina Otsuka (left) is the editor, Naomi Ogatsu (right) is the designer. Reina grew up in Westchester New York, went to university in Tokyo, and studied in UC Berkeley for a year. Reina has been interested in solving environmental issues through econimical means since high school, and her experience of 9.11 during her stay at the International House of Berkeley made her decide that it was her mission to tackle environmental problems from "communication" aspects. It is the last chance given by the Earth to human species to unite and cooperate. Naomi, on the other hand lived in Japan all her life, and never been outside Japan. She is a knowledge box of old Japanese ways of thinking, and small ideas to lessen ecological footprints of everyday life. The two are a combination, Reina with the eyes of a foreigner and Naomi as one stereo-type Japanese. The two will search for small superior eco-business seeds in Japan, and match you with the companies.
We are two 28 years old girls (or...women?), friends since junior high school.
Reina Otsuka (left) is the editor, Naomi Ogatsu (right) is the designer. Reina grew up in Westchester New York, went to university in Tokyo, and studied in UC Berkeley for a year. Reina has been interested in solving environmental issues through econimical means since high school, and her experience of 9.11 during her stay at the International House of Berkeley made her decide that it was her mission to tackle environmental problems from "communication" aspects. It is the last chance given by the Earth to human species to unite and cooperate. Naomi, on the other hand lived in Japan all her life, and never been outside Japan. She is a knowledge box of old Japanese ways of thinking, and small ideas to lessen ecological footprints of everyday life. The two are a combination, Reina with the eyes of a foreigner and Naomi as one stereo-type Japanese. The two will search for small superior eco-business seeds in Japan, and match you with the companies.
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