For the third Sunday in a row my friend Sachiko and I have headed off for a walk after church. Today we headed east to the Nakayama area of Ichikawa City. We visited a gallery there exhibiting the water color paintings of a local artist named Oshitani. He is a retired businessman who has been painting for only 14 years or so. I really like his pastel palette and his interpretation of water and sky elements. Many of the paintings were from his travels in Europe. We were invited to sit with the artist and enjoyed ocha and conversation.
Having walked along the JR line to get to Nakayama, we returned along the Keisei Line. We walked beside the Mama River at several points and looked at the cherry trees. I had read that Sakura had officially opened in the Tokyo area on March 31, however cold days followed and the trees have not yet really opened their blooms. Sachiko san says they are sleeping, waiting for warmer weather. However, we were rewarded with a chance encounter with a Taiko performance by some young people. I love Taiko. It's loud and rather primal. These kids, as is usual were well practiced and gave a really charming performance.
1 comment:
Driving into town for rice delivery this morning we noticed cherry trees here and there. Although there were some flowers opened, most were still promise in the bud. I can't imagine a party under those trees on such a cold night. My daughter plays in a taiko group. It is good exercise but requires lots of time for practice and much passion.
Post a Comment