It’s Just a Cup of Tea

It’s Just a Cup of Tea

by | Oct 21, 2020 | Japanese Culture

For part one of this story, see previous post, My first—and only—Omiai. And you thought omiai were just for fictional characters in Japanese novels! It was April 1977.  I had a dance recital in the large auditorium of a fancy hotel across from Hakata Station.  I had...
My first—and only—Omiai

My first—and only—Omiai

by | Oct 7, 2020 | Japanese Culture

In Tanizaki Jun’ichirō’s novel, Sasameyuki (serialized 1943-1948; translated The Makioka Sisters by Edward Seidensticker, 1957), the action centers around finding the third sister a suitable marriage partner.  Matchmakers busily scour the field in search of...
Cherry Blossoms and Samurai Drinking Songs

Cherry Blossoms and Samurai Drinking Songs

by | Sep 9, 2020 | Japanese Culture

I learned three dances that year. I started with “Sakura” (Cherry blossom). Everyone starts with “Sakura.” Lydia was ahead of me in her lessons. So Ura Sensei taught her the more difficult “Kuroda bushi” or “Song of the Kuroda Samurai,” ostensibly a “drinking song”...