Author Archives: Brian Policard

The experiences I had in Kyoto have lead me to introduce the trip as a journey into the aesthetics of Japan in my conversations with people when I try to explain what it was about. I think my awareness of … Continue reading →

Today we visited the home of Udaka-san, who’s been performing Noh since his childhood. He demonstrated several examples of the different components of Noh performance including Dance and Song and helped us connect a lot of the things we saw … Continue reading →

Today we were given an in-depth glance into the world of Japanese Textiles and how there are various components and staggeringly minute details that may go into one Obi, for example. We visited Tatsumura-san first, and he introduced us to … Continue reading →

Today we saw the performance of two Noh plays–Haku Rakuten and Ikkaku sennin (the horned hermit). With each performance I found out something new about this art as well as about myself. For one, I realized that I’m not physically capable … Continue reading →

Today we met with Dairiki Amae-san and got the opportunity to Experience his style of Tea ceremony and the preparation involved. There were a couple things that stood out to me as vital to a “successful” tea ceremony which Dairiki … Continue reading →

Today was a full day in many ways. It started with our bus ride and walk to Kyoca, where we met Diego Pellecchia who spoke to us about Noh production and performances. As the group sort of “in charge” of … Continue reading →

Today I tagged along with two others to Gojozaka to visit and see Kawai Kanjiro’s restored home. Kanjiro was a famous potter and key proponent of the traditional Japanese folk art, Mingei, during the beginning to middle portion of the … Continue reading →

Miyamoto-san gave us quite a view into his life and work today, for which I’m really appreciative. The refinement, skill, dedication and creativity with which he designs builds and reconstructs works is impressive–and results in quite a sight to behold. … Continue reading →

This first day presented me with the challenge and opportunity of adjusting my understanding of and appreciation for Zen Buddhism in Japan and its focus on aesthetics and culture. Professor Ludvik’s lecture was poignant and eye opening in several ways … Continue reading →