Niche Market in November 2009 was another very successful and enjoyable couple of days. Here are the photos from the Utas Academy of the Arts Events Website.
On our way to Tokyo from Osaka on the Shinkansen - Mt Fuji in all of it's glory.
Favourite Castle in Japan - Himeji Castle, where you can climb each storey to the top and then look out over the city. You can also wander the grounds and through the other building on site. Right next door is also a lovely garden where you can stop for a traditional green tea ceremony and sweet.
It's not every day you see a geisha and a business man taking a trip through the streets of Arashiyama - a beautiful town, a train trip from Kyoto. Another place if you are into craft is the Chiri-men Craft Museum or if you like English click here
This was taken just before you get to Den Den Town in Osaka - we were told it was for the Elections that were coming up very colourful and very noisy procession - but at least it got our attention.
Lastly a picture of Hachiko and a rather funny Japanese person who put their dog underneath - this is the most popular spot for meeting friends in Tokyo - the only problem is that there are so many people waiting it would be hard to find them anyway - Here is the story....
Nestled amid hoards of harried commuters, a variety of shops and department stores, and a giant television screen that covers half a skyscraper, a life sized bronze statue of a dog can be found at Tokyo's busy Shibuya Train Station. Despite the diminutive size of the statue in comparison to the massive neon flash of the city, it isn't difficult to find. Millions of Tokyoites have been meeting at the landmark since 1934 and continue to do so today.
Chu-ken Hachiko (lit. the faithful dog Hachiko) was born in Akita in 1923 and was first brought to Tokyo in 1924. He and his owner, Mr. Eisaburo Uyeno, were inseparable friends right from the start. Each day "Hachi" would accompany Eisaburo, a professor at the Imperial University, to the train station when he left for work. Upon returning, the professor would find the dog patiently waiting, tail wagging. This happy routine continued until one fateful day in 1925, when the professor was taken ill on the job and unfortunately died before he could return home. Despite the fact that Hachiko was less than two years old at the time, the bond between dog and owner was strong. Hachiko continued to wait each day at Shibuya station for a friend who was never coming back. At times, he wouldn't return home for days at a stretch.
The Akita became a familiar sight to commuters as he kept his vigil for over ten years. On March 8, 1935, Hachiko finally went to meet his master. He died on the very same spot he last saw his friend alive.
So now back to planning our next trip.
Organiser Selena from St Giles pictured on the left
The also had coin purses just like I have been making since last year for 50 pounds -wow!
I also came across this classic Motown song by The Contours "First I look at the Purse" very cool and appropriate as I am in the middle of making my Kimono Purses!
Well back to it....
Nara - I could have sat here forever
Kiyomizu-dera - wow this temple was build on the side of a mountain, made from wood and was absolutely amazing!
Lovely silver plated deep welled rings with a small piece of lovely silk inside - every one is different due to the Kimonos having such rich colours and unique designs - hence the name Bikkuri which means Surprise in Japanese. I currently sell these on etsy under the shop name isabellapoppi, I know your probably thinking this does not match. Unfortunately I created the name of the shop on Etsy before I found out you can't change it oops.
