The joys and sorrows of life

Hijikata Hosotan part 1


I knew Hijikata(1928-1986).
But it was only his photographs.
We can watch Hijikata in youtube now.
I was fortunate in my choice.
Hijikata in youtube reminded me that SHINICHI SAITO painted in oils of GOZE.




GOZE (Japanese 瞽女)Wikipedia
visually impaired Japanese women, most of whom worked as musicians.
They was itinerant entertainer.
Photographs(quotation from GEIJUTU-SHINCHO Octber 1977).

Hannya Noh Mask

Hannya mask expresses the fury of a woman.

Onibaba (鬼婆) (1964) (video)
Kaneto Shindo(April 28, 1912 (age 95) Film director)
I like his works.

dojoji(Noh)

Hannya mask is used in plays of "Dojoji" and " Aoi" (Noh)

Shinto shrine

I went to shrine near my house

The first sunrise of a new year

A Happy New Year 2008(video)




We have a custom of eating noodles on New Year's Eve.
When 108 gongs are sounded, the old year is over and the new year begins.
Very early on New Year's Day, many people pray the first visit to temple or shrine.
Many people watch the first sunrise of a new year with reverence.

Shinto and Buddhism are the two major religions in Japan.
Some people say Shinto is not a religion in a strict sense.

bird watching

Anas penelope from tomoe on Vimeo.





Cast: tomoe