On Collecting Kimono

On Collecting Kimono

by | Jul 5, 2021 | Japanese Culture

Earlier this summer John Moore, a member of the Communications Office at Washington University, interviewed me about The Kimono Tattoo. The editor wanted a photograph of me with “my kimono collection.” I recognize that I have A LOT of kimonos, but I had never thought...
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...