Recently a fellow member of the traditional Shakuhachi Society asked me if I could organize an event at Komyo-ji temple. He had a couple of Shakuhachi student s visiting Japan from overseas. England and Germany exactly. He felt it would be good for their growth to play in front of people. Since I am often organizing events at Komyo-ji he felt I would be the go to person.
I spoke with Osho-San the head monk at the temple and he agreed to the idea. I also asked about having a food trunk on hand so the people could eat and there would be no hassle about getting food. As it turned out the truck that agreed to attend served vegetarian food. Which was perfect as the visiting student were also vegetarian like myself. It worked perfectly.
Next step was arranging some other players. My friend and some times band mate Sa-Chan was ready to help. I contacted another friend was often at Komyo-ji , who I had in fact met via Komyo-ji and Sa-Chan. He played guitar and saying, turns out he was joined by another friend who is a percussionist. Hey would do a couple of songs and help with others as needed. Things were falling in place.
I asked Osho-San about his shakuhachi students who played Thai music as well. They at first had to check if they could take off from work but wanted to join. As it turns out they did .
My next invite was a shamisen player who I had meet there before and he played with another event we had. He was unsure as well since he may be in India. However once again things worked out and he was able to attend. He was a success as I figured.
A few days before the event I had spoken with the keyboard player from one of my bands, just casually talking, we spoke of the event. She was interested in attending and volunteered to play with an open freestyle song I was arranging with the Shamisen player. Wonderful. That was to be the main event personally for me.
The day of the event arrived, Sa-Chan could not attend as she was sick with the flu, I believe she got it at the show we did a few days before. 😥 . I myself was fighting a cold all week, however was well enough to attend. I spent the week sleeping and taking herbs. Anyway, I lost Sa-Chan as the translator for the event, but oh well I had to roll with it!
Another change in plan was Osho-San who I had scheduled for last in the show had to leave early to do a ceremony. I had a work round in place , but things changed…the event was to start at 1:00 I was out in front looking for a couple of people, so was expecting to start a little late. However Osho-San took over inside. He talked and played from the opening. He did some songs that I had expected to do later in the program, including a song I was going to play and one that was to play with him and Sa-Chan. Ok, not a big deal , rolled with it. I played a little of the song together which I had planned to play on Bass. No one knew but me the difference. So the opening went well, not as planned but still went well.
Next I got everyone started on their individual performances. They did their own announcements which was not a big deal since almost everyone spoke Japanese anyway. So that went on smoothly. The jam session took a little bit to setup but was worth the wait. It was interesting.
The last section was traditional Shakuhachi music. That part was the easiest on me. All I needed to do was tell the person going to play it was their turn. The final performance was to be a group shakuhachi song. The only catch to this was that everyone is playing with different keyed flutes. It would make for an interesting disharmonious sound. However I was told by my Sensei it could work, he had heard it before.
We started for me it was really weird and unsettling to hear the discord, with my musician ear. However after a few moments, it took on its own harmony. At least this was so when I listened to the recording of it. as I was playing it was a struggle for me to stay in place. The disharmony really threw me off. However on the video afterwards, it was not hard to listen too after all.
Ad so it ended well. Everyone was happy. Some of the group stayed and we ate and drink together after the return of Oshosan. One one point enjoying the sounds of the shakuhachi, watching a small campfire and sitting under the cut .branches of a Shakura tree.
The next morning I was up sort of early , I had my breakfast, showered and took off to buy lunch for the train ride home and do a little sightseeing. I found a Subway sandwich shop not too far from the hotel and got something to go. I was tired of Rice balls, so wanted a real sandwich with something I liked but not settled for. They did not serve meals on the Shinkansen so I needed to be ready for the four hour ride.
I got my food after a bit of search for the store, and from there I went to a Historic Shinto shrine, which I had seen before. After I got there, I remembered when I saw the landmark tower art.
From there, I went back to the first Temple I visited on the first day. I wanted to see the Big Buddha, which I passed up visiting on the first day. I paid my small fee and entered. Wow! It was so impressive to see, the size and detail of the statue. No photos were allowed! Bummer! It was said it took nine years to make this Buddha and it was all wood! The vibe from it was amazing. There was an area behind and under the Buddha where you could go and see some more art. Picture of the Buddha life and things on that line. I took a few pictures there, but none of the Great Buddha! I did get a picture of a poster of it and a small souvenir. I just remembered as I wrote this, I needed to find where I put it, so it would not get lost 🤔🥹
From there, I returned to the hotel to claim my suitcase, which I left so I could travel light. I had planned on going back to another park temple, but decided against it. I did not want to feel rushed to get to the train station, and I could go there and just relax for an hour or so before my train left. There would be a toilet and seats, so I could chill easily, wait for my train, and use my iPad on the free Wi-Fi.
The trip home was easy and fast. I got home, not too late! It was a good trip, well worth it! I will return next year, my next adventure travel destination is Thailand. There, I will do a couple of meditation retreats.
Although I may do a visit to a temple in Kyoto for a mini retreat or Zazen. I was also asked recently by Komyo-ji Oshosan to participate in some events in Kyoto. There was a tour group event where we would play Shakuhachi in some temple. It was supposed to be the day after my return from Thailand, but I may change that trip to a later date, just in case…Because “life” happens!
Replacing a computer is expensive.more so when one is living off a retirement fixed income. Life can still be good, when you can live simple. When means being selective about spending. I have been a Mac user since Mac plus days. Whenever I upgrade it is with an older used model. They work and get the job done. These days since retirement my needs, requirements for a serious graphic work station has fallen off sharply. So old programs as long as they work is fine with me. These days mostly my work is touching up photos, some music making, a little bit of web stuff, surfing. Nothing hard core or xtra serious.
I did not too long ago upgrade my ram memory. That was a lift and thought I will be good for a while. Then little by little I get notices this or that will not work I need to upgrade my OS! Hmmmm. Ok so I went to do that however, the notice says , my computer will,not take the new upgrade. Grrrrrrrrrr.WTF!
By chance I came across a work around that would allow me to. Do the new system upgrade. Ok, great I thought. I will give it a shot. First though I will do a backup just in case something goes wrong. Wise move…
I next followed the instructions for the system upgrade. It took time I struggle with it for. A long time. It was an over night job, however should not have been. Finally I got it to work. I was so happy…
Until…
I found out things that did not work, programs I could not reinstall, no printer driver. Issue after issue. Ohhh crap! Ok, I thought I will just go back to my old system….
Oh snap! The backup was only part of stuff! it did not do a full backup. Files, and data were gone! It is not day two of this project that should have only been a few hours.
I had two problems now, lost data and a new OS that was quite right!
I needed to reevaluate things. I had a few months ago or last year experimented with Linux. I could run it on my Mac and it had versions of the Mac programs I could get and use for free! I could even with some effort run both systems on my Mac. After another day and LoL night work I got things setup. Both systems on the Mac, I could switch back and forth. However there were some limits and my printer would not work with either system. A new printer was needed. The wife agreed, since it would help her to have. Wi-Fi printer. Ok she would research that and find a deal. Printers cost had dropped a lot since my working days.
Meanwhile, I found a software that would do a recovery of data from my old Harddrive. Rather than try to rewrite and install things on my old one, 8 opted to upgrade the Hard drive to a SSD. Smaller but way faster. I could use that as an internal drive and store and run the files off external drives. Using only the internal for the OS and programs.
Meanwhile, I was using my brother’s old Mac to run the data recovery program. However, unless I wanted to spend a couple of hundred dollars to purchase I was limited on how much data I could pull off the Drive. I tried a work around, changing OS boot drives. Still it took hours and hours to do the search even then I could not get every thing, but did get some of the more important stuff. I am now of day four of the disaster.
For the most part things have settled down. I have Linux and Mac OS on my MacBook. However for the most part using Mac OS. I have everyday things configured and in use. IMovie is working, email, web-access, all good. If I need to use Photoshop I can use GIMP on the Mac side. As far as a Webdesign, no need for that right now. Later we’ll see, I do have one setup on the Linux side. I have been pretty busy traveling and stuff recently so not much computer stuff. I did buy a iPad mini 1st generation really cheap, because I can use that for band music, chart, song list and the like. Very convenient and everything all at one pace, instead of keeping a bunch of papers and folders.
So some post up coming, a three part trip to Nagoya…fun. I got my cycle again…fun
The computer drama is not over just on hold for now…
It was now my second of three days in Fukuoka. Today I was to meet the Icchokenji temple head monk. Today was the main day of my purpose to visit Fukuoka. This is the headquarters of the Fukuoka sect of Komuso. I had seen a few pictures and had a very brief chat on FB with the Head monk. We have the same Zen sect. Rinzai, and I had visited the temple where he did his training in Kyoto. Which was a very nice and large temple. So this was a special event for me. To speak with someone of my sect inJapan, who also was a Komuso. Also not just any Komuso, but a temple head.
I had my breakfast in the hotel restaurant, it was fair, I found enough to eat, to not be hungry. I was not to met the Oshosan until 2:00 in the afternoon. So I had plenty of time to kill. my plan was to walk to explore by walking around, since everything was fairly nearby. This was very handy.
My first stop was a temple called Shokufuki. It is the main temple within this complex I found out are several other temples. I entered Shokufuji and found a large garden with a lake. It was quite peaceful. Only a few people, here and there. It was still early. I walked around taking I the sights, the temple, peeking in where I could. Pictures are here, there will be a short video and more pictures linked on the other log post, or if you are subscribed to my channel you can see there,,,
I spend a fair amount of time here checking out what I could before leaving. Next I followed the map to where I thought was another temple, which may or may not have been Icchoken. I found the naming of the temples on the map confusing. When I looked at one map list it was icchokenji on another it was called something else. I figured I would just explore. So back on the street again and walked following the map and the wall around the temple in closure.
I came upon a small gate entrance to a small temple. I looked in as the grounds were open. I had gone past another couple of temples before the last one and the grounds were closed. This was open, I went into the parking lot to peek. As I got closer I thought , hmmmm this place looks familiar, is it where I want to go? Icchokenji. I checked the website photo and yea, it was the temple. I just happened to luck upon it easily! Wow this is great! I am way too early but at least I know where it is now. I take a few more photos and I went back on the street to explore more. I found another temple however, it was closed off. So a no go there, just a peek through the gate. I walked on, I found another temple. Another small one. Unlike the ones I had found earlier this one had a cemetery. I looked around some, took some photos then back on the road.
I ended up coming out the back side of the first temple I visited. At that point the ground complex made more sense of being connected. I slowly made my way back to the hotel to hang out for a while, until it was time to meet the Oshosan.
At a good time I took off again for the temple. I was able to take a leisurely stroll since I know where to go now. I arrived at the correct the time and entered the grounds. Oshosan saw me in the garden filming and came to the door to greet me, we went into a small side room at the entrance. We did the greetings and he served me tea.
I enjoy green tea, the only problem with it is it makes me go to the loo …a lot! Which I had to do a lot during the visit! Maybe every 15 min or so. Embarrassing but could not be helped. I explained to Oshosan so he would not be concerned. LoL.
We sat and did a small chat on misc things, then he suggested we go into the Hondo. Which is the main temple Altar room, where I could play at the Altar. We walked into the main section of the building. It was a small but comfortable size room. I enjoyed seeing some of the older pottery displayed and the calligraphy. He showed me the Altar close up and I go to see some historical statues. One of a Komuso another of the historical figurehead of the Fuke sect.
Next I sat and played Tamuke at the Altar, a sign of respect. A big personal moment for me. I have been to the Wakayama, Komuso temple, but only got to play at the gate.
From there we went into a smaller side room. OshoSan showed me his flutes and those he has for students. We discussed the size used at this temple. Which is 2.0 as their standard. I have come to understand each place is different. Myoanji uses, 1.9 for classes, we at the Classical Shakuhachi Society even though setup by a Myoanji member we use 2.5 . However we all the group get together they play Choshi on a 1.8. On an added note told to me by my Sensei, who was invited once to Kokokuji where they all play different sizes when doing Choshi. Anyway, after some misc talk, we played Choshi together. Both using 2.4 since that is what I had with me.
Oshi-San showed me a flute he made some 20 years ago. He does not regularly make flutes. I think he said this was the only one. It was quite nice. Next he played a honkyuku for me. It was not fancy, just a simple song, not complex impressive. I recorded it, although he asked not to post it, so it is a private. Later my Shakuhachi Sensei told me after listening to it, he thought it was an old traditional song only played at that temple these days, pretty rare. He was not sure but if it was that song, he told me it was a rare honor to hear it from the master of temple.
After a while we moved back to the first room. I think because it was closer to the toilet for me, who had to go often 🥹😅
Back in the main room we spoke about small miscellaneous topic. It was not a flowing talk, there were a lot of dead spots, because he spoke only a little English and was not a big talker, unlike the Sensei in Nagoya. So I had to keep the chat going with questions. I suppose that was good training for me. I did get to find out some things I was curious about, which was the point of going. Including some Zen topics. It was a good chance for that since he is a Zen Master. A true Zen Master, the first I actually got to meet and speak with in Japan so that was great!
There is a sign on the front gate of the temple saying there is a Zazen class on the first of every month. My next visit I will the time the visit so so I can attend.
So we spent a while there in the room, his wife came and took our picture. He then suggested I return to my hotel he would meet there in about an hour and we would go to dinner! We had a reservation for 6:00 pm. I thanked him and returned to my hotel for a short while. It was a good break for me to not have to think of talking. I was talked out, I am better at listening.
An hour later Oshosan came to the lobby where I was waiting and we walked a few blocks to the eating place, he had said an Izakaya. I was expecting a small little hole in the wall, however it was an upscale place! Not extreme but not cheap either. The give away was that they served real Wasabi with the food, not the cheaper paste.
After a small bit of discussion on what I could eat Oshosan ordered. I was shocked when they placed down raw squid! Wow! Ok, I could not be insulting so I had some. I would just deal and roll with it. I was surprised it was really ok. Not the taste I expected. With Soyu and wasabi it was good. I ate a few slices of and the rest was taken and made into tempura. I loved that! So fresh tasting, not oily, but a good crispness!
That was really good 👍🏾! Much more of to my taste. We had some other misc dishes, nothing else that was really outrageous for my mind and taste. It was nice. I had some Sake which was very good, Osho-San just had tea.
After the meal, Oshosan got up and paid. I asked to pay half, he said no! Then we walked back to my hotel and said our good byes and I gave more thanks! He said when I return to Fukuoka be sure to contact him!
I was very pleased with the visit. It was a success!
————————— finale
The next morning I was up sort of early , I had my breakfast, showered and took off to buy lunch for the train ride home and do a little sightseeing. I found a Subway sandwich shop not too far from the hotel and got something’s to go. I was tired of Rice balls, so wanted a real sandwich with something I liked not settled for. They did not serve meals on the Shinkansen so I needed to be ready for the four hour ride.
I got my food after a bit of search for the store, from there I went to a Historic Shinto shrine, which I had seen before. After I got there I remembered when I saw the landmark tower art.
From there I went back to the first Temple I visited on the first day. I wanted to see the Big Buddha I passed up visiting on the first day. I paid my small fee and entered. Wow! It was so impressive to see, the size and detail of the statue. No photos were allowed! Bummer! It was said it took nine years to make this Buddha and it was all wood! The vibe from it was amazing. There was an area behind and under the Buddha you could go and see some more art. Picture of the Buddha life and things on that line. I took a few pictures there, but none of the Great Buddha! I did get a picture of a poster of it and a small souvenir. That I just remembered as I wrote this, I need to find where I put it, so it would not get lost 🤔🥹
From there I returned to the hotel to claim my suitcase which I left so I could travel light. I had planned on going back to another park temple, but decided against it. I did not want to feel rushed to get to the train station, and I could go there and just relax for the hour or so before my train left. There would be a toilet and seats so I could chill easily and wait for my train and use my iPad on the free Wi-Fi.
The trip home was easy and fast. I got home not too late! It was a good trip, well worthwhile! I will return next year, my next adventure travel is Thailand. there I will do a couple of Meditation retreats.
Although I may do a visit to a Temple in Kyoto for a mini retreat or Zane. I was also asked recently by Komyo-ji Oshosan to participate in some event in Kyoto. Some tour group event where we would play Shakuhachi in some temple. it was suppose to be the day after my return from Thailand but I may change that trip to a later date, just in case…. Because “life” happens!
I had been wanting to go to Fukuoka for a while. Mainly to visit the Komuso Temple there, there were a number of other temples as well,,but they were of second thought. At the last Myoanji Komuso gathering, I got to meet the Abbot from the Fukuoka Temple in person and he spoke some English. He is a Zen monk.
We had had some very brief Chats in the past on Facebook, but nothing in-depth. So now having met in person made me feel more connected.
My wife made arrangements for me to take the Shinkansen, as an elder I get a discount ticket. Cool, there are some perks to getting old.
The night before traveling, it rained … a lot. The day of my trip, it rained…a lot! I ended up taking a taxi to the train station. Once on the train it was all good. At the Bullet train station I could see outside it was still a fairly heavy downpour as we left the station for Fukuoka. It was rather nice riding on a speeding train watching the weather, rain clouds and mist in the mountains. Quite enjoyable and comfortable. I took some photos and made a short video.
It was about a four trip but did not feel like it much. I did iPad stuff, ate, filmed, edited, and napped toward the end. The trip went easy and smooth.
Next, I needed to find my way to the hotel. That turned out to be also rather easy for the most part. My wife had given me directions on how to take a local train, however after some research, it was close enough for me to walk since I had time before the check in. I did that and made it there and still had to wait about 15 min before check-in was open.
I got settle into my room easy, it was a small business hotel room which was fine for me. I had noticed in my map research there were a couple of Temples nearby, one almost across the street. Well really it was across the street and just down one block. After chilling out for a while I took the walk to the temple.
I read it is the oldest Shingon temple on Kyushu . Tochoji temple. It is known now for the massive wooden Buddha statue. The ground were fairly simple but nice. The main temple was open one could go inside to look, up to a certain point. The main tourist draw for this place was the Huge Buddha statue made of wood. There was a charge to see that. It was only fifty cent but I did not go. I figured it was close to closing time so I would do it another day before I left.
So I just walked around the grounds, taking video, taking pictures trying to avoid the large group of tourist that suddenly showed up and were everywhere taking selfies.
After I got my fill I went back to the hotel and gave some thought to dinner. There was not a lot in the immediate area that seemed interesting for me to eat. So I settled for convenience store food. Some rice balls, a salad, chips, chuhai, not too bad. It was filling and ok for the evening. I would have a buffet breakfast at the hotel. I did not know what to exspect, but figured it would be something reasonable to eat. After the last hotel breakfast in Nagoya I had low expectations. Which turned out to be correct…
Then I settled in to watching a Netflix movie I had been watching the last few days. Bulgasal, interesting Korean movie. Sort of Vampire sort of not, an immortal’s love story about reincarnation. Weird, I like weird stories.
The weather cleared up after the big rain yesterday. Temps were ok, too. I skipped breakfast at the hotel. It was not that great and not free, so it was not worth it. I ate a bunch of snacks the night before, so I felt it was good to take a food break. So no breakfast. I would wait until lunch time, when I was supposed to meet the Sensei for…? I would see what happens from there.
I was somewhat nervous, meeting someone who spoke no English. Once again, I am stepping outside my comfort zone, but that is how one grows. I would just do my best, if really needed, I could use my smartphone. It was all part of the adventure!
This is the third day of the Nagoya Pilgrimage, but I am doing this part first, and it is the part that goes into the Komuso blog, which does not get that much “love.”. Therefore, I am updating it first.
Sensei had asked me to meet him at the Nagoya Station Sakura exit. He would pick me up in his car. Lucky for me, I went to the pickup spot the day before to check it out and make sure I was in the correct place. I took a picture and sent it to him, and he confirmed it! So I was good with the meeting spot. He had seen my picture, so he knew what I looked like and there were not many around that looked like me. I had also seen his photo, so there was no mix up.
I arrived early, so I just spent some time inside waiting. At the correct time, I went to the meetup point. He was just stepping out of his car when I walked up. I spotted him right away, as he was in Komuso wear. That made it easy. We greeted at his car and I got in. My concern about speaking went away early, as he was very relaxed and talkative. There was nothing complicated about it that I could not follow for the most part. I am also pretty good at making the correct sounds to keep the person talking, as long as they are not asking me too many questions! LoL!
The plan was that we were going to the Nagoya Castle grounds, and he would do Takuhatsu. It was a great day for me. When we arrived , there were not many people. He took me inside one of the side buildings where the Noh plates are held.
It was interesting.
Then we went outside, and he was ready to do Takuhatsu. He started at a spot in front of the museum, then we moved to another spot right on Main Street. There were more tourists there. Many took pictures, but no one approached him or made a donation. One guy who looked like he spoke English I debated with myself if I should suggest that he do so. Sensei did not continue to be placed on the ground, he wore the traditional neck box. I could see how people would be hesitant about making a donation or knowing about that in the box around his neck.
The crowd was small, so we did not stay long, He played a couple of songs, then we left. Our next stop was to be his apt. We were with his girl friend, so it was really their Apt. It was not far from where we were.
At the apartment, I was offered tea and some rice crackers. I felt a bit bad, as I did bring a gift with me , as I was expecting to buy him lunch. However, that did not seem to be his plan. I rolled with. He showed me some of his shakuhachi and played a few small pieces. It was excellent. He asked to see my Shakuhachi, and I took it out and explained it was a travel flute. He told me a few things about some of his flutes, some of which had seven holes, not the standard five. He even had. Couple given to him by John Neptune.
The curved one is made by John Neptune, he has two, another is on the table…
I was impressed with that, as was Sensei’s playing. I had heard his Facebook videos, and he played standard honkyoku. Here he played different , modern songs. I was seriously impressed.
We spoke on various Shakuhachi topics, some on styles, music, philosophy, and the like. Mostly, he spoke. I listened, tried to follow, and asked enough questions to keep him talking. I showed him some of the songs I have played, which were on my iPad. He asked me to play one. I tried not to choke. I could not hear it in my head to get it to sound correct, even though I was reading it. Sometimes it sounded weird. So I gave up. However, a bit later, I played some of Tamuke, he joined me with that, and we played a bit together. I felt redeemed.
A bit later, he took out his biwa and played. But then, as suggested, we freestyled together. I had some issues blending; I was searching for a beat a pulse, but could not find it. I settled on just trying to hear his note and rhythm. A couple of times, it fit for a moment, then it was gone. So it reminded me of Advanguard Jazz. It was not my best performance, but it was nice to play with a master, even loosely.
We chatted a bit more, and he told me his uncle or grandfather got him started on Shakuhachi when he was very young. He has been playing now for 60 years. When he came across a shakuhachi put away in a closet out of use because traditional Japanese music was going out of fashion at that time,. It was the change over to the Western style of everything.
We talked about things, mostly with him, for a while longer, then it was time for me to head out. I was taken to the station and thanked for the visit, which was really my pleasure. I will return one day for another visit, maybe go out with him for Takuhatstu.
I went to breakfast somewhat early but not too much, I wanted to sleep in a bit. I arrived for breakfast about 8:30. I Figured to get to the tournament about 10:30 or so.
Breakfast was fair. A buffet, however not a lot of selections at least for me. There were a lot of tourists, I suppose that is expected and the reason the hotels are there. Any way the choices were slim for me, however I made do, and just rolled with it!. A salad, some small fish something and a tofu something. Drinks selection were bleak. I did find some veggie fruit drink ok enough to down several glasses. One should not mix fruit and veggies in a drink, but …oh well.
I made my way to the Kyudo venue without any problems. I was quite shocked to see the amount of security to get in. Electronic scan, check bags, I even had to drink some of my water, to make sure it was not something else. I found out later it was because the Princess was there. She is the President of the Kyudo something. I am sure it is just an honorary position, not because she shoots.
Once that was done and I went in. Right away I saw someone I wanted to met. A sensei who has a YouTube channel and is very active on teaching beginners. I asked her a couple of questions in the past and she reviews my video with some feed back. A nice woman, a 6th Dan. She was engaged with talking to a few people. I waited for a small opening and just greeted her, we shook hands, then I left, not wanting to intrude. I walked around a bit looking for anyone I knew. I saw no one, so I found a seat, with a decent view of the shooting.
After a short while I heard Canada announced, however I was not sure what was going on, if they finished or were up. I had a friend to meet up with from there. I scanned the shooters. At one point I used my long range camera lens as a sight, and found what looked like my friend up at the shooting line. It was so far away I was not sure, but I had a feeling so I took a few pictures, just as he was finishing. It turned out to be him. Good timing to at least see the ending of his group and him. We first met at the first International Kyudo tournament in Tokyo, this one is the fourth. He was a Nidan then, he is now a Go-Dan. Also appearing in the new Shogun movie. Cool for him.
I had no idea where the group was gathering, so I stayed where I was. A while later I saw him in the stands, looking for me, however on the other side of the seating area. I figured he would come to my side later. So I sat still. I watch some more of the shooting. Then a break was called. I hung out for awhile , then as I was getting ready to leave I saw someone I knew from California. I waited until she came over to my area and spoke. She is another Sempai. She remembered me, was surprised and we spoke for a while. The I left to find anyone else.
I walked around some and saw no one. I did see one guy who had on a USA team kyudo. I stopped him and asked where he was from. Turns out he knew of me from Facebook, but I knew nothing of him or his school since it was in Seattle Washington.
Ok, I looked around more for a familiar faces, with no luck. I decided to take a seat near the door, so I could see anyone coming back in the arena from break. It worked, it did take long before my friend and I spotted each other. We chatted for a while, and soon a woman I had met from Brazil, who had came by my dojo in Kishiwada also came by. We spoke briefly as she was looking for someone.
My Canadian friend and I spoke for a while, then went out to look for some food for me. We went downstairs to the restaurant. There I saw another person, a sensei I knew from the States. I like her, we chatted and bit, then I continued on my food search. The restaurant was closed, oh well. So my friend said he had some gifts for me, since I was going to take off and not stay for the finals, because I knew no one in it. He gave me a few small gifts from his Dojo in Canada and we made arrangements to met later that evening. I headed back to the Hotel.
I picked up a few things at the 7/11 and ate light in my room. It started to rain, but was suppose to be over soon. I received a message from my friend about meeting, we set it up, I would meet him near his hotel. I did not know it was still raining and hard or I would have passed. However, it was too late for that so I got an umbrella from the hotel and went out. It was not too far from my hotel.
I had some issues finding the meeting spot, but finally did. We went to a Izakaya type place. For me it was disappointing! I ordered by mistake some thing which had meat and the only veggie item took forever to get! oh well..
We talked for a while, then I left. I went back to my hotel. I figured I would go to a Mexican Bar I saw on my first day. It was still raining!
I made my way to the bar, I was surprised how many people there were out in the street. This was a hustle district, where guys and cute girls try to get customers into the bar or girlie shows, whatever. I made my way to the Mexican bar. It was almost empty. I took seat and ordered a Mango Margarita and some nachos. Both were again disappointing, the nachos especially! They were not even Nacho just some avocado chopped up with a little salsa and some huge chips. About 5 of them. Oh well, this is Japan.
Ok, so I was just about to finished up and leave, when two guys come in and look at me, kind of long…and then speak to each other. Next they come over to me. They were polite and ask if I speak English and could they practice with me? I answered them in Spanish. The look they had was great! I laughed and said yeah ok, for a short time. They sat next to me and spoke of small things. The main guy brought me a drink. Turns out they worked together , one was the boss, they were out drinking. Both were from Kansai, which is where I live. Nice guys. We talked misc stuff for a while then I had enough. They said they would contact me when they came to Osaka, I said yeah sure, 👍🏾. I doubt that will happen. However said ok. Right! People say many things…
I headed back to my hotel, in the rain. I was still amazed at all the hustling going on in the street, in the rain. Young Yakuza or wannabes at work I guessed.
I settled into my room at the hotel. I did a little shakuhachi practice and went to bed. I had another big adventure day tomorrow. Meeting a new person who spoke no English…a little nervous 😟
It was a little chilly starting out, and the train was crowded. I had to stand because, as usual, most people did not care if one was injured while riding the train. Their own comfort is important. If nothing else, I learned from the accident about the value of being considerate of others. Also, how little does the average “polite” Japanese care about others suffering.
However, after a short while, a seat became open, and one guy let me take it. There are still a few with class. I am always grateful as well as surprised these days. Funny thing, it was only six months ago that I was thinking I would go to the festival even on crutches because people would give me a seat in the priority area! Foolish thought, my wife , the nurse, , the doctor said don’t! I fully understand now why!
Anyway, I made it to the express train to Nagoya with no problem and early. Which was what I planned, early than rushing.
Super nice train, comfortable, fast clean, reasonable cost!
I arrived and made my way to the hotel, without any major issues. My wife had given me good directions. I checked partly in and left my luggage. From there, I set off on my first planned stop of the trip. I wanted to go to a temple called Otsu Kannon, dedicated to Kwan Yin. Besides wanting to see the temple, I wanted to visit the flea market that was held.
I found a route by train to the temple, and I also saw that walking was only 25 minutes. Even with my bad ankle, I chose to walk, figured I would, just take it slow, and get to see stuff I would mess up by train. It was a good plan! I found a Mexican bar and a Shri Lankin restaurant. The restaurant I stopped at on the way back to the hotel and had a vegan lunch at was good! I had had Shiri Lankin food three times and loved it each time. An interesting thing is that I have been taken for Shri Lankin on several occasions, and twice just that day! Which makes me understand more why I was chosen to play the Shri Lankin President on a TV spot in Japan. I may need to put that on my list of places I want to visit.
So back to the flea market. It was not a disappointment! They had a good selection of stuff. Not as big as the one at the Tannoji temple, but nice things. I purchased several small things. I was content. I also walked around, checked out the temple, and did a video.
Another first on my way back to the hotel. I stopped at a park to use the restroom… I was asked by a Japanese for money! I was shocked! This never happens. He started off with a little chatter, then hit me up for some change, saying he was homeless and hungry! At first, I said I had nothing, he asked again for just some change. My softhearted and priestly nature gave in. I gave him a 100¥ coin. When I get that doing, Takuhatsu, I am grateful. Of course, it does not feed me, but I am still grateful. This guy, however, complains that I did not give enough! I was shocked! I started to blow him off as ungrateful, but he said it cost more than that for a drink of water or juice. I thought for a second and gave him another coin. At this point, he thanked me as I was walking off! Several times, he said thanks. It was an interesting experience. I told myself, he asked, so it was my duty to help, but I kind of felt hustled. Still, he asked. The Bible says ask and you shall receive! Even though Buddhist I am still Christian. It is all just labels, the heart is important , not the label.
I continued on my way back to the hotel, with one stop at a Shinto shrine I came across. It was large and also on the video!
Back at the hotel, I just relaxed, practiced shakuhachi and went to bed,
A few weeks ago I was asked by an old band friend of 8 yrs or so now. We have played many bands together. He asked me to join him on a new project. Two keyboards, Drummer, Bass, and harmonica, the latter would be me.
He had played with the drummer before and the other pianists. He has played with I am guessing almost everyone who has played Blues in Osaka. He is a fixture, I can him a band hoe, he plays with anyone if he is free. That seems to be the standard for musicians in Japan or at least Osaka that I can tell.
Anyway, I had not met or played with the other two people, ladies. As it turns out I did meet one, the drummer the week before at a session there at Chicago Rock. She seemed nice enough and played well. The sheboardest I had not met, until that night at the club/bar. Again she was nice.
We did the band setup. There was a guy there helping, I thought he was her husband. However no, I found out later I knew him and he was the ex-boyfriend of my buddy and sometimes band member and Zen student Sa-Chan. He also played Bass and Harmonica, and tonight was with his own band playing guitar and singing. well, he was helping us get set up. We were the first to get in a little practice time. Next, his band would. Once set up we went quickly through a few songs, I was shocked to find I had forgotten some charts! Oh well, I could make do, it was going to be a loose evening and the one main song I needed it for the keyboard lady had her chart. I could look over her shoulder. No biggie.
Ok, so once we got set up, Sa-Chan showed up, she said she would come to support the band and was also friends with Jo Chan my band leader. Also, the ex-girlfriend of the other band leader. we had time to kill while the other band was rehearsing. My group and Sa-Chan went out to find food and drink. The place I had in mine was closed down, so we went to another place nearby. I was sad to find it was a standing bar…meaning one ate and drank standing. Therefore the name standing bar. Not that comfortable but cheap, because no chairs. I found this out later from my wife.
We ordered our refreshments and stood around chatting, getting to know those of us who did not know the others. It was a pleasant experience. We took a photo for the occasion.
When finished we head back to the Bar for our show start. As we were ready to enter, I had everyone stop and take another picture. I had been planning a shot there for a few days. I thought it would be a cool band photo.
The Lucky Joes’ Band.
Ok, we went in and took our places. it was show time. We started nice, there were a few issues with mics, but we overcame that. All in all, we sounded ok. I was not as pleased with my Bass sound as I would have liked. However, it went ok.
Another friend and band member from another two groups I play with also showed up. He plays Harmonica, and he joined us. Now we had two harps and two keyboards. I laid out mostly though I felt it was too much.. That went well, everyone was enjoying themselves. On one other song the guy who helped set up, the leader from the other band and ex of Sa-Chan sat in with us on a song. As we did not have a guitarist it was a good guitar song. He joined us. Another success. Last song, Sa-Chan was invited to do a song with us. Again everyone enjoyed, and we did well no fun. It was a good evening, loose and mostly unplanned.
Next month we play again. Wonder how that will go…it will be fun no matter.That is what playing in Japan is about.
Things are for the most part going ok. I went to my first session of the year last week. It was my return to Chicago Rock, a well known local Blues , soul Club/Bar. I did not do a great deal as usual it was pretty crowded. More so since this was the first open session in a while. The master stopped holding them for a while last year. So this first was kind of packed. On the other hand it does not take much to pack this place as it is so small.
I brought along my standard gear, Bass, harps, shakuhachi. I only got to play Bass on a couple of songs and keyboard. Which was ok and enough for me. I got some keyboard practice in and I was happy with that. Also another live test with my fretless Bass. So it was all good. Did not stay long, just long enough.
There is a Taoist saying, “one is rich when knowing one has enough”.
It was a rainy night so I was ok with leaving the crowded bar and going home. Another good part of the night was I got to meet to drummer for the new band I was joining next week and hear her play.
Another activity event there was a visit from a couple of Shakuhachi players from Finland that came to Oota Sensei’s Dojo. One spoke Japanese and Finnish, the other spoke some English and Finnish, I was able to speak pretty freely with him. I learned some interesting things about Finland and the Russian relationship since the war with Ukraine. The guy who spoke Japanese his Shakuhachi Sensei also was in attendance. I have met him before of a couple of occasions and played with him at a show and took a workshop once.
We sat and chatted for a while. The main guy from Finaland gave Oota sensei a souvenir, he had made in Finaland. A Shakuhachi wrapped with Birch tree bark. It was well done.
Next we went next door to Oota sensei’s workshop. There he explained the steps and techniques in making. shakuhachi. He showed and explained the various tools. How he looks inside the Bamboo while working to judge what to trim and remove. The types of mouth pieces and how they are set. It was all interesting , even though 8 did not understand all of it. I did a brief video.
Once we returned to the music dojo we had social time. We ate and drank. Another Sensei I knew joined us, we all chatted for another couple of hours. It was good time for all.
Besides getting back to a regular Kyudo practice. Where I am getting a better feel for things. I pickup small misc tips . Helpful to my “look” and feel of shooting.
There was another ZenCafe. The wether was cold however not too bad on that day, although there was a chance of rain, it did not happen. On this day I decided to go full on Komuso wear and not just Samue. So I came with my Kimono. I thought I would stand at the entrance longer on this day. I could get some practice time in and perhaps bring a few more people into the temple.
Once dressed I stood outside for about 45 min. It is difficult to stand I. One spot usually , however since the accident it is even more so challenging . After about 15 min my foot and ankle hurt, but I stayed with a Shugyo training outlook. I do not believe that people who have learned a few songs on the Shakuhachi, purchased a Tengai and call themselves Komuso appreciate the effort that goes into doing Takuhatsu. Which is the actual public work of traditional Komuso. Not just going to an indoor exhibition. Even without the ankle injury it takes will power and strength to play holding the shakuhachi for a period.
I received one small donation from a guy I saw inside the temple who took a picture of me playing. That was cool. It was also a day of photography for me. I got to try out my new-to-me Nikon lens.
I took a bunch of misc photos here and there around the temple. Testing and experimenting.
Early in the afternoon, a young and shows up. I had forgotten he was suppose to attend. He had written me about taking some Kung Fu or Tai chi training. I had forgotten he was coming and really did not expect t h8m to show. He did, I was surprised. He is from a country that was called Yugoslavia, now has another name. Maybe Solovia? Anyway he is Nineteen and in Japan learning Japanese. I had thought he was at a Un, but no, just a private school learning. We spoke for a while. He was very polite and seemed interested in at least trying a class to start. He said he may not stay in the area but move north. Whatever, I have grown not to expect much from people. We made a schedule for the next the ZenCafe. We’ll go from there, one class at a time and see what happens.
Zen's Sekai - Japan 2 @ 70 