Scintilla
A new monthly round up of books, articles, art, film, music, podcasts, architecture and more…
Wabi Sabi Life is a carefully curated serving of the imperfectly beautiful and unconventional from a Western Buddhist with a love of Japanese culture and aesthetics. If you love it, consider supporting me by becoming a paid subscriber for only £1.00 a week. Access more in-depth content, audio meditations, and the whole archive.
Something new!
Regular subscribers will know by now I love a broad cultural diet. I work in the world of music and came from the world of dance. I’m also such a prolific and wide reader - just ask my local library where I am known by name and have reserves which take up most of one bookshelf - and I’m a fan of all kinds of arts and film. I thought I would write a regular extra monthly post for everyone on what is inspiring me.
Art and Photography
I was immersed in art on a recent trip to Amsterdam visiting both the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk. It was one of the best holidays I’ve had: just a beautiful city, with great food and art and the friendliest people.
This article from Tokyo Weekeneder was a delight: Photographer Herbie Yamaguchi Has a Message for You: Stay Punk! The photography and story so heartwarming. It’s not a photographer I had heard of until now but really like his work.
Architecture
Following on from my previous article on interesting places to stay in Japan. I have another one to add to the list: this recently renovated 100year old Japanese house in Kamogawa city, redesigned by Muji and now an Airbnb.Done with all the paired down minimisation style of Muji this place retains its heritage but with modern comfort.
Film & TV
I recently went to the cinema see Suzume written and directed by Makoto Shinkai. Suzume is a coming-of-age story for the 17-year-old protagonist, set in various disaster-stricken locations across Japan, where she must close the doors causing devastation. If you’ve seen Your Name (another great anime film) you’ll know the style and narrative are magical and mysterious. I’ve recently watched it again. I had originally seen it dubbed but prefer the Japanese with subtitles. By the way, I watch most of my anime on Netflix but have just discovered the streaming channel Crunchyroll which is dedicated anime streaming channel.
I am also beginning to work my way through the JFF+ INDEPENDENT CINEMA 2023, a special program streaming Japanese 12 independent movies for free. This year's program also introduces the present state of Japanese film culture by highlighting independent movie theaters - mini-theaters - around Japan.
Twelve films will be screened online for three months. All films are free of charge and can be enjoyed worldwide (some films are not available in all regions), excluding Japan, until October 31.
And Your Bird Can Sing (2018) by MIYAKE Sho
Follow the Light (2021) by NARITA Yoichi
LONELY GLORY (2022) by SAKON Keitaro
An Artisan's Legacy, Tsunekazu Nishioka (2012) by YAMAZAKI Yuji
Hey! Our dear Don-chan (2022) by OKITA Shuichi
A Muse Never Drowns (2022) by ASAO Nozomi
A Girl in My Room (2022) by TAKAHASHI Natsuki
TENZO (2019) by TOMITA Katsuya
HANAGATAMI (2017) by OBAYASHI Nobuhiko
BON-UTA, A Song from Home (2019) by NAKAE Yuji
Techno Brothers (2023) by WATANABE Hirobumi
Bachiranun (2021) by HIGASHIMORI Aika
Ten of the twelve films are recommended by mini-theaters that have continued to screen films throughout Japan. Videos introducing the mini-theaters will be posted on JFF's YouTube channel consecutively.
I really enjoyed Tenzo, This film explores the significance and existence of Buddhism and faith after the “3.11” Great East Japan Earthquake, centered around Dogen Zenji's "Instructions for the Cook”. The story follows two disciples, Ryugyo and Chiken, who completed their training at the main temple 10 years ago and returned to their respective temples. Chiken lives with his family in Yamanashi and remains actively engaged in various endeavours, such as providing counselling and teaching Shojin Ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine). On the other hand, Ryugyo lost everything including his temple, family, and followers, in the tsunami in Fukushima and is struggling to come to terms with his current life. When the Soto Zen nun Aoyama Shundo appears as a mentor in the film Buddhist wisdom is imparted through the medium of film
Also in my house we are binge watching the second series of the wonderful Heartstopper. This takes me straight back to being a teenager. Although the narrative is far more open about sexual identity than we ever were at school the whole feel of this programme leaves me with a warm glow for kids exploring who they are in the world.
Music 🎶
I work in the world of (classical) music and there have been far too many wonderful things I’ve had the privilege to hear to mention in full. But outside of my immediate world I’ve enjoyed listening to Matthew Halsall’s new album An Ever Changing View. Jazz is my go to music of choice.
Dance
I guess this counts as music too. Everything But The Girl (ETBTG) have a new album out after years of solo ventures and they are back on form, not least on their fantastic videos choreographed by Miranda Chambers.
Reading
I’ve been trying to pace myself through the new Polly Crosby novel savouring each chapter. I love her writing. She lives in East Anglia and there is always a local focal point or thread in her stories. The moated house of her first book The Illustrated Child I think is based on a house only about 5 minutes walk from me. Orford Ness features in her novel The Unravelling and in this latest book Vita and the Birds I believe Blythe Church and Walberswick are the setting.
Podcasts
I am an avid podcast listener. Here are a few of my current favourites:
Hidden Brain (a long time favourite) Eclectic and always interesting look at the human mind and human behaviour.
Making Sense All kinds of everything from Sam Harris on mind and life.
Zen Studies Podcast. This is fairly new to me and I’m still exploring it. But I like what I’ve heard so far.
I hope you’ve had a summer full of variety and creativity.
I’ll be back with another cultural round up in a month.
About me: I am a Buddhist, mindfulness and movement teacher, writer, creative health professional and Japanophile. Life - with all its beautiful imperfections and wonderful messiness - is my practice.
Such a treasure trove, thank you. Very glad to hear about the Matthew Halsall 🙏❤️
Do you speak any Japanese? I’m just learning, it’s hard but really fun!
Wow 🤩 you must live a 24 hr life or I’m spending far too much time scrolling or staring into space! Also hugely impressed by the sheer logistics of gathering all the information in one place! Inspiring! From a fellow creative health professional 😉😀