Judith Clancy and Alex Kerr book-end this remarkable publication offering insight into the physical, spiritual and artistic elements of Kyoto.
Review by Renae Lucas-Hall
Judith Clancy and Alex Kerr book-end this remarkable anthology (edited by Rebecca Otowa and Karen Lee Tawarayama), a publication offering incredible insight into the physical, spiritual and artistic elements of Kyoto. In the Foreword, Clancy reminisces on the past fifty years she has spent in Japan’s ancient capital, commenting on how much the city has changed, while Kerr’s essay questions one’s reasons for touring top tourist destinations. He stresses the fragility of Kyoto’s culture and implores visitors to consider whether their presence in Japan’s former capital would be beneficial for the town itself and the people who live there.
In this 172-page book, the reader can expect a contribution by Rebecca Otowa on the aspects of tea and Kyoto as the home of chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) and Rona Conti shares her passion for calligraphy. During Conti’s lessons with her teacher Kobayashi-sensei, she faced a plethora of intercultural frustrations but took them all in her stride, as a result succeeding more than most.
Mark Hovane discloses a wealth of knowledge on Japanese Zen gardens in just seven pages in his essay “Rocks, Gravel, and a Bit of Moss.” Hovane gives the reader hints on how to fully appreciate Japanese dry landscapes or karesansui, like Ryoanji Temple. He says that when “Slowing down and considering what is ‘seen’ from the full gamut of sensory, philosophical and spiritual perspectives, a richer experience will emerge.”
“Sparrow Steps” by Amanda Huggins is a delightful short story on page 40. In this piece, romantic vows between a girl and a boy are exchanged at Kinkaku-ji Temple under the cherry blossom trees in autumn. Memories of sakura petals in springtime prompt the girl to suggest they meet there again ten years to the day if they ever drift apart. But will it be reciprocated? Felicity Tillack’s contribution “The River” is a brief reflection on her life as a teacher during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the day she connected with her students at Horikawa River for a memorable boat race.
John Dougill introduces three literary cafés in Kyoto and Jann Williams discusses her spiritual connection with gorinto grave markers. There’s also a charming kappa (water imp) story by Karen Lee Tawarayama set in 2050, to enjoy. The Kamogawa River is a centrepiece for several chapters including “Converging Waters” by Robert Weis, “Sunrise over the Kamogawa” by Ina Sanjana and a poem called “December” by Lauren E. Walker. Daimonji, the bonfire that is lit in the shape of a kanji character on a mountain northeast of Kyoto during the Obon Festival in August, is the subject of a poignant poem by Lisa Wilcut. There’s also an amusing short story featuring the Daimonji by Simon Rowe.
Catherine Pawasarat’s segment elaborates on the Kyoto’s Gion Festival. She touches on its history, explaining how it is deeply rooted in the suffering of the midsummer heat. It all began when the superstitious Emperor Seiwa insisted on a ritual in 869 to rid Kyoto of its angry onryo. The people of Kyoto believed these evil spirits caused all the bacteria, viruses and plagues that killed so many people that July. There’s much more on the Gion Festival as well as Buddhist theories to contemplate in Pawasarat’s offering.
There are many other pieces of fiction and non-fiction, poems and pictures within the pages of this short anthology by a variety of member authors and artists including Mike Freiling, Reggie Pawle, Edward J. Taylor, John Einarsen, Robert Yellin, Ken Rogers, Marianne Kimura, and WiK Writing Competition winners from 2019 and 2020. The beauty and sincerity of each contribution refines the heart, mind and soul.
(Note: This book is only available via Amazon)