FAQs
- 1. What are ying-yang and the Five Elements?
- These concepts represent astronomical and statistical sciences developed in ancient China and brought to Japan. It has been modified in the Japanese style and therefore are slightly different from the concepts in China. The concepts became widely accepted by the general population during the reign of Tokugawa Ieyasu and continues to live as practices in everyday Japanese living today.
- 2. Why Edo today?
- A comparison of the Edo period and contemporary times shows that the lifestyle
of the common folk has changed little. In the present age in which importance is placed on the peace of mind, the vitality and verve of Edo is the key. Looking only at superficial stylishness is not chic. The taste for smartness placing value on lifestyle accompanied by fashionable appearance is what vitality and verve of the Edo people is all about.
- 3. What exactly is Ukiyoe of today?
- Ukiyoe of today is unlike those of the Edo Period. Ukiyo in ukiyoe means floating world, making the modern ukiyoe a presentation of today while preserving the tradition of yesterday.
The difference between ukiyoe and traditional Japanese art probably lies in clear a wariness off tradition from the Edo Period.
- 4. Where did you study art?
- My individual style would not have developed when drawing techniques are taught by others. Art is created with the heart, and I have learned of the vitality and lifestyles of the Edo Period from the ukiyoe artists.
- 5. Why do you dedicate your drawings to shrines?
- Artists of the past were able to rise in recognition by posting their drawings in public space such as shrines and temples. Japanese tradition and mentality can be found in the shrine. I create my works in hope that they remain in such tradition long after I am gone.
- 6. Where will we be able to see your works?
- The original handwritten drawings can be seen at the shrines indicated on the web site, as well as at Artisan Ginza Miyuki-dori and Artisan Omotesando-eki-mae.
