Letters from DAIBA TOKYO - フジテレビ

Washi Paper-making

Mar 19, 2010

Dear Frenz,

(Click photos to enlarge)
I have relatives in Shimane Prefecture. One of my relatives, the Abe Family, makes handmade washi called "Izumo Mingeishi", or Izumo Folkcraft Paper. What is washi? Washi is Japan’s traditional hand-molded paper. Although it’s very delicate in texture, it’s extremely durable and strong. Washi comes in so many different colors. These photos only show a portion of the colorful washi.

Washi is used in various products. Some include fusuma and shoji screens, lamps, business cards, letter sets, calendars, graduation certificates, and more!!! Product Photos

This is a shoji screen in my house which uses washi made by the Abe Family. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

Some years ago, I had the chance to watch the washi-making process. It’s such a long and complicated process, so you should see their website that has many pictures and English explanations. There’s an English link available. Official Website

This unique horizontal design is patented. This is a one-of-a-kind design in the world.

Currently, brothers Shinichiro and Norimasa mainly make the paper together, but the entire family takes part in the various processes of paper making. Their grandfather, the late Eishiro Abe, was designated a Living National Treasure, or “Ningen Kokuho”. Until passing away in 1984, he held exhibitions in Paris, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Beijing. He has demonstrated his paper-making in front of the Emperor, Empress, and the Imperial Family.

Eishiro Abe was also a well-known calligraphy artist. Let me show you some of his masterpieces that I have at home. This one reads “Seishin”. It means “A quiet and peaceful mind”.

Top left: “Michi” meaning “path” or “road”.
Top right: “If you wish hard, the flower will bloom”.
Bottom left: “Wako” meaning “delicate light”.
Bottom right: “raku” meaning “relaxed”, “comfort”, or “to have fun”.

This ceramic was made by a potter in Okinawa. The letter "Zui", meaning "auspicious", was written by Mr. Abe. It's to store and hang awamori, a kind of distilled beverage made in Okinawa.

There is also a memorial hall dedicated to Mr. Abe. Here, you can see priceless literature, artwork, and washi items. There is also an area where visitors can experience washi paper-making.
Abe Eishiro Memorial Hall (Japanese page only)
http://abe-eishirou.jp/

I am planning on visiting Shimane again soon, so please look forward to my next Shimane blog!

Luv Always,

Lily

Posted by.Lily | Individual | Comment (0)

Skiing in Fukushima

Mar 18, 2010

Dear Friends,

We went

skiing

again 2 weeks ago, our last skiing for this season

This time, we chose

Listel Ski Fantasia in Inawashiro, which is located in Fukushima Prefecture, 120 miles away from Tokyo. It took us approximately 4 hours by car on the highway

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t pleasant. It rained

all day on the first day and snowed

on the second day. Too bad all the pictures shown here look dark...

We arrived there around 12 pm and took our kids to skiing school. It’s always nice to travel with family friends so kids can enjoy themselves.

The school ran for 2 hours, and what was so surprising was that I saw my 4-year old daughter sitting ALONE on the ski lift while I took the first slide down the hill.
My daughter ALONE on the lift???
I could hardly believe my eyes

when I saw her, but my sweetie was waving to me saying “Hi Mommy

Look at me

” with a proud smile on her face

It was quite impressive

But then, I rushed myself to get on the lift to see if she is doing ok going down the slope.

Look at this picture

Amazing

She can ski

Coincidentally, the 2010 FIS Freestyle World Championshipswas taking place at the venue.

Because I am not so familiar with freestyle, I wasn’t able to recognize the foreign athletes but one Japanese athlete, Aiko Uemura, who participated in the Vancouver Winter Olympics in the Mogul competition, was attending the championship. Just when I got off the lift uphill, I saw her making aerial turns

Wow

It was the perfect timing, but I missed my photo

chance…

The championship carried over to next day due to bad weather condition, but Aiko Uemura won the top spot.

What’s nice about Listel Ski Fantasia, is that a hotel, Listel Inawashiro, is next door. So you don’t need to worry about carrying all your belongings. Also, it’s perfect for kids who are ready to learn skiing because the first main snow slope is long and gentle. Nice environment for ski beginners. Listel Ski Fantasia is actually known as Japan’s official venue for the Freestyle World Championships. I am sure advanced skiers would enjoy it.

If you have a chance to ski this season, it’s probably still not too late

Enjoy it

Ciao,

Coco xoxo

Posted by.Coco | Individual | Comment (0)

Lunchtime Duty

Mar 17, 2010

Dear Friends,

I might have mentioned this before, but I put a heavy emphasis on lunchtime

.
It is the time which I can truly enjoy myself free from any disturbance and annoyance caused by kids

“I want tea!”

“I dropped food”

“My hands are oily”

“I want ketchup”

“Feed me!”

“Oops, my soup spilled on the floor”.

During lunchtime, I get freed from all THAT!

Generally speaking, 12pm to 1pm is lunch hour in Japan.
Most of the people leave their office to have a relaxed

and enjoyable chatting time

However, I was in the office yesterday because of my “lunchtime duty”.

I don’t know whether “lunchtime duty” is familiar in your country, but it is quite common in Japanese companies.
In my case, I take turns 2 to 3 times a month.

Japanese people are known for their hard work.(Really

)
We don’t want to miss a call during lunchtime. (Really

)

So we take turns eating lunch at the office to take phone calls.
It is also considered rude not to answer a phone.(Really

)

Does it sound weird to you or is this an understandable custom in your country as well?

This is the bento I had yesterday.

I have to admit, I prefer to have lunch outside with my friends

Love Always,

Elena

Posted by.ELENA | Individual | Comment (0)

5 Ways to Survive Raising Twins

Mar 16, 2010

Dear friends,

Ever since my ultrasound scan revealed 2 little beanies 'on board', I realized that we were in for an adventure to the unknown world of twins. The early days came as a series of sleepless nights and endless days.

Everything had to be done twice. Everything had to be done twice.

I would buy enough diapers to last us for the next decade but somehow they would run out in a flash. We were in constant need of a double stock of formula milk, wipes, clothes and practically everything.

AND, these are some survival tips and strategies that I have learned;

#1 Take Whatever Help You Can Get

My eldest son was the most reliable 6-year-old in the universe. He had just turned 6 when the twins arrived. This is him doing the 'double feeding' trick. He even would prepare their bottles, watch after them and took great pride in being the big guy.

I also never hesitated to call out for a professional baby sitter when things started to get out of hand.

#2 Get Whatever Product that Might Reduce Your Load

Double Stroller

I owe so much to this side-by-side double stroller. It can be folded like an umbrella and only weighs 4.9 kilograms (approx 10 lbs). It has traveled with us everywhere.

Play Yard

This was quite effective at first, until they realized that if they wanted to go somewhere, all they had to do was push the whole yard in that direction. Then, I reversed my way of thinking and put myself inside. For a while, this became mommy’s shelter to eat meals and get paperwork done without being raided.

Twin Baby Carry

I found this on the internet and purchased it right away. This is what it looks like when in use. I bet the amount of exercise I got from this product could beat a full scale muscle training machine.

#3 Pretend Not to See the Minor Stuff

Sticking their heads in the washing machine, taking stuff out of the laundry basket, bathing in the sink…SURE, WHY NOT!? Spilling milk, tossing food…NO PROBLEM! Just make sure that nobody gets hurt.

#4 Provide Them With 'Comfort Objects'

My twins are literally attached to two things, their pacifiers and blankets. They may be old enough to get off the pacifier, but I don’t want to take away the feeling of security that it gives them yet.

#5 Go Out and Get Treated Like a Superstar

The amount of attention you draw when you go out with twins is overwhelming. You end up having to answer the same questions a trillion

times, such as "Are they boys or girls?" or "Are they fraternal or identical?" or "Does your family have a history of twins?", but aside from this all the attention is not a such bad thing.

I cannot imagine what challenges might lay ahead in my path, but I am determined to survive and enjoy each moment.
PLEASE, any tips are appreciated!

Wishing you the very best,

Anna

Posted by.Anna | Individual | Comment (0)

Pleasure of Books

Mar 15, 2010

Hi, friends,

That was my second time to read it.
"One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
I got much a stronger impression than when I read it a long time ago.
Maybe the energy of the people.
Maybe the passion of the author.
Actually it's hard to finish.
A couple of times I tossed the book away from me.
But the next moment I would realize I was in the village of Macond again.
That means, I think, I was drawn to the story.

If you register as a member of "FUJI TV CLUB", you will receive FUJI TV newsletters called
"Abia-do" four times a year.
You can get a lot of information about FUJI TV programs, including the
interviews of the drama actors and actresses.

I have a column called "Book Review" in it.
It's fun to think what book I shall introduce to the readers every time.

I selected "One Hundred Years of Solitude" in the column a couple of month ago.
I'm now thinking of a book for the next issue.
I have just read "The Broken Window" by Jeffery Deaver and "The Power Of
The Dog" by Don Winslow.
They are good but my search is still going on.

I really want your information.
If you have a good book to recomend please get in touch with us.
I'd like to share the pleasure of reading with you!

Clarence

Posted by.Clarence | Individual | Comment (0)

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