The Tokyo Traveler » Museum

Mitsuo Aida – Calligrapher & Poet

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:00:07 +0000

Mitsuo Aida (1924-1991) was a traditional Japanese brush-and-ink calligrapher and poet who became well know for the simple and insightful way that he wrote about the challenges, pitfalls and joys that are part of daily life. His artful presentation of his writings utilizing the calligraphy skills that he learned as a young man are on display to great effect at the Mitsuo Aida Museum in Tokyo.

The museum bills itself and “A place to spend two hours of your life” and encompasses five exhibition rooms, a store and a relaxation or meditative space where you are free to pause and reflect on the exhibit and the words of Mitsuo Aida.

“You see, it doesn’t matter
how slow you are
the important thing is
to always look ahead
and walk your own path
with your own steps.”
Mitsuo Aida, 1959

The exhibits in the museum are written in Japanese script but an English translation is provided for many of the works. The space is open and contemplative and is an enjoyable place to spend “two hours of your life”, although it needn’t take that long, if you are short on time.

Three of Mitsuo Aida’s books have been translated into English by Timothy Grant Jensen and are available in the museum’s store. A Phrase by My Side: The Art, Ideas and Poetry of Mitsuo AidaTHE HEAR AND NOW, The Art, Ideas and Poetry of Mitsuo Aida in 1996, A phrase by my side in 2000 and Talking too… which appears to be out of print. In the words of Jensen, “Mitsuo Aida didn’t write about culture or history. He wrote about feelings, situations and emotions that are relevant to all human beings on this planet. I find that every time I read his poetry, I learn something new about myself and I truly believe that anyone who has the chance to read his work will walk away with a deeper understanding of themselves and the everyday situations they find themselves in.”

Some of the Mitsuo Aida Museum collection can be found online (without translation) or with translation at Calligrapher, Poet of Zen.

Details:

Website: Mitsuo Aida Museum
Hours: 10AM – 5:30PM, Closed on Mondays, except when Monday is a National Holiday;.
Admission: Adults Y800, High School Students and those over 70 Y500, Elementary School Students Y200 and free for younger children and the disabled with an escort.
Location: Tokyo International Forum, Floor B1 – a three minute walk from Yurakucho Station [Exit International Forum] or a five minute walk from Tokyo Station [Exit Marunouchi South] connected by B1 concourse with Keiyo Line at Tokyo Station [Exit 4]

Image Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Centuries of Traditional Craftsmanship

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:00:14 +0000

Toto Norenkai is an association of shops and businesses that have been in operation in Tokyo, formerly know as Edo, for over 100 years and three generations. In Japanese the single word “Toto” captures the essence of both old Edo and modern-day Tokyo, and “noren” refers to the traditional curtain-like sign that is hung over the doorway to announce the name of the shop and that it is open for business, while “kai” means “club” or “association”.

Established in 1951, as a way to preserve the traditions of old Edo while promoting their business to an evolving clientele that was moving away from the ‘old’ towards the ‘new’ after WWII, Toto Norenkai now has 53 members. From restaurants to kimono and fan makers, from traditional confectioners to to makers of fine Japanese Lacquer Ware, many great business are part of Toto Norenkai.

Nakasei Tempura Restaurant is a member, they have been making Edo-style tempura since 1870 featuring nothing but fish and shellfish caught in Tokyo Bay and deep-fried in aromatic sesame oil. (Near the Asakusa Station and marked by the green arrow on this map)

Kuroeya has been dealing in fine-quality lacquer ware since its founding in 1689. (B11 Exit from the Nihonbashi Station marked by the green arrow on this map)

Chikusen has been in business since 1842 and specializes in Edo Komon, a formal Kimono, and Yukata. (B3 Exit from the Nihonbashi Station marked by the green arrow on this map)

Miyamoto Unosuke has been manufacturing taiko drums since 1861 and has an interesting and interactive display in their Askakusa Museum (Near the Asakusa Station and marked by the green arrow on this map)

Take some time to visit some of the other businesses that are part of Toto Norenkai when you visit Tokyo and help support the preservation of the traditional arts and crafts that are unique to Japan.

Image Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

An Authentic Edo Village

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:03 +0000

Are you fascinated with how people live? Do you want to get a better understanding of how the village of Edo started out and grew to become the sprawling, multi-faceted metropolis that is Tokyo today? Then you should visit the Fukugawa Edo Museum. The Fukagawa Edo Museum presents a fascinating reproduction of downtown Edo in the mid-19th century. The warehouses and stores have been painstakingly recreated along with a typical street of row houses where you can see the humble abode of a fisherman, a typical kitchen from the era and the living room that must have belonged to one of the wealthier inhabitants of the town. Leave your shoes at the door to wander through the various rooms and you will leave with an appreciation for all the modern conveniences that we take for granted each day.

Even the sounds of life in an Edo village have been recreated. The residents woke to the crowing roosters and spent their days listening to the vendors noisily hawking their wares. The Fukugawa Edo Museum is not large, in fact the time between sunrise and sunset in this small town is 20 minutes. So why not stay for a few days to look around?

Details:
Hours: 9:30-5:00 (Closed on the 2nd & 4th Mondays of each month)
Admission：Adults 300 Yen, Children 50 Yen (up to the 3rd grade of junior high school)
Access： A three minute walk from either the Kiyosumi Shirakawa or Eidan (Exit A3) Stations (map)
Other: An brochure is available in English that will help you better understand the exhibits.

Image Credit: Flickr, Loveberry, street & kitchen

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Tokyo Museum Pass

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:00:11 +0000

“Tokyo Museums – Grutt Pass 2008” is a multi-museum admission ticket that allows visitors free or discounted admissions to 61 facilities, including museums, zoos and aquariums, in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

It can be purchased for Y2,000 (US $20) at various locations and is valid for two months from the first day of use. If you plan on visiting a few museums in Tokyo during your stay this pass will definitely save you some Yen.

Here are just a few of the participating institutions:

Photo Credit: Flickr, The Tokyo National Museum

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler