One of the nicknames for the machiya is ‘eel beds’ (unagi no nedoko) Taxes in Kyoto were paid according to the plot’s width. So most of the houses have a small front and are deep to the back. This explains this nickname. But Japanese also have a concept for creating Lees verder
Taking off your shoes is not very common in the west. At home I take of my shoes in the evening, but not during daytime. But here in Kyoto it’s an ungoing activity. – entering the house/temple -> take off my shoes, – go in the garden -> put slippers Lees verder
The relationship between Japan and China is one of a long history and many different qualities. The Japanese written language (Kanji) is based on the chinese ideograms (pictorially based symbols that stand for a word). So although they can communicate by using the same Kanji, the meaning of the characters Lees verder
Today I saw in the National Museum of Modern Art this building made out of cardboard and wood. A teahouse with tokonoma inside presented at the entrance of the museum. Here you had to bow even deeper than at the House of Joke (see yesterday’s blog) to get inside. Students Lees verder
Although we observe differences in color, size and form, it’s difficult to understand it’s meaning. This morning I visited the Imperial Palace. In a big waiting area that was divided by sliding doors, the stripes on the tatami mats differed in color. The guide told us that the room with Lees verder
Suwa-san talked about another important issue in relation to language and culture. The japanese are sparing with words: ‘a word spoken will never come back.’ ’to speak is a big responsibility.’ ’the art of not speaking in a sophisticated way.’ This totally different way of communication, is hard for us Lees verder