A Market Scene in Yokohama

Samma was three pieces for only 100 yen!



Growing up, I used to see this type of local markets everywhere in Yokohama and
Tokyo, but not anymore. I hope this market won't disappear.

Ian Hideo Levy

I’ve been reading his books one after another since last week. Ribi Hideo (リービ英雄) is his Japanese name. He is an American author and a scholar on Japanese literature. He had translated Manyoushu, the oldest collection of Japanese poetry. He has been writing in Japanese for a long time. But like me, he doesn’t seem to translate his own works. I’m similar that way with a few exceptions. I hope to write my comments about his books later on.

Meantime, you can take a look at his sites below. I would say that he is remarkable in being patient with the Japanese society and people. In the past, I’ve never known any westerners who could speak as well as write Japanese well. I’m sure there are many westerners who love Japanese literature, but probably most of them were discouraged by the difficulty in blending into the Japanese society. I highly recommend his YouTube video. I think it’s excellent even for general audience. Enjoy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hideo_Levy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnNkwnx082w

Seven-Five-Three

I wanted to show you a funny picture, but I couldn't find it. I was seven in the picture. I wore a new kimono and made a funny face. Probably I can show it some other time. Instead, I uploaded this photo. My mother and me at my aunt's American-style house in Tokyo.




I was three with my mother and her sister's family at Meiji Jingu. The boy is my cousin. A Chauffer drove him to Yokohama International School daily. They were rich, and we were poor although I didn't know. Mother made my kimono out of her old kimono. It was beautiful deep purple with white cherry blossoms and a golden obi sash. I love that outfit so much. Even today, I want to wear that exact designed kimono and obi.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shichi-Go-San