Scintilla: February 2024
scintilla /sɪnˈtɪlə/ noun a tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling
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Welcome to February’s scintilla a round up of what’s on my cultural radar this month.
Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind
Tate Modern are holding a retrospective of Yoko Ono’s artwork and performances from 15 February - 1 September.
Yoko Ono has been a leading figure in conceptual and performance art, experimental film and music. Developing her practice in America, Japan and the UK, she is renowned for her activism, work for world peace, and environmental campaigns. Ideas are central to her art, often expressed in poetic, humorous and radical ways.
Spanning more than seven decades, the exhibition focuses on key moments in Ono’s career, including her years in London from 1966 to 1971, where she met John Lennon.
Japanese Literature in translation
Japanese literature is becoming ever more popular in translation. Here are some new books to look forward to this year.
Secrets of the Sun: A Memoir by Mako Yoshikawa.
The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai, translated by Jesse Kirkwood.
Point Zero by Seicho Matsumoto, translated by Louise Heal Kawai.
Harlequin Butterfly by Toh En Joe, translated by David Boyd.
Someone to Watch Over You by Kumi Kimura, translated by Asa Yoneda.
Cannibals by Shinya Tanaka, translated by Kalau Almony.
The Snow Woman and Other Yokai Stories from Japan by Noboru Wada,
translated by William Scott Wilson.The Night of Baba Yaga by Akira Otani, translated by Sam Bett.
Mina’s Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa, translated by Stephen B. Snyder.
First Love by Rio Shimamoto, translated by Louise Heal Kawai
Find a summary and release date for these in a recent Tokyo Weekender.
Japan Society Bookclub 2024
Perhaps you want to read some Japanese literature then have a chance to discuss it with others? In which case I recommend the Japan Society Bookclub. Each second Monday of each month for The Japan Society Book Club meets either in person in London or online. The intention is simple: to explore the themes of the book, express personal opinions on the style and content, discuss how the book has changed (or not) in translation and to have a relaxed discussion with others who have similar interests.
There is no restriction on the nationality of the authors read, but books should be available in translation in both Japanese and English. The discussion is conducted mainly in English, but you can choose the language in which you read the book.
Find our more about the list of books for 2024
Last, but not least I just want to let you know I have a new course on Insight Timer called The Art of Slowing Down. It’s a meditation and reflection course over 6 sessions.
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A monthly ‘Scintilla’ newsletter - a round up of what’s on my cultural radar
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About me: I am a western Buddhist in the Triratna tradition and have been practising since 1986. I have a love and admiration for the simplicity and beauty of Japanese culture and aesthetics which appeals to my zen minded being. I am also a mindfulness and movement teacher, writer, and creative health professional.