Ludwig II ― 2026/04/12 18:56
Book Report
Ludwig II, The King of the Holy Grail – Ripple of Materia Prima - (聖杯王ルードヴィヒ ― マテリアプリマの漣 ―)
Yuichiro Sato, 2026
Yuichiro Sato, 2026
A relative of my friend wrote this narrative. It partly reads like the author’s own pilgrimage report to Neuschwanstein Castle. I especially like the image of a swan pulling Lohengrin’s boat in the story.
Nude to Aikoku ― 2026/03/29 03:11
Book Review
Nude to Aikoku (Nudes and Patriotism)
Ikekawa Reiko, 2014
This book explores the representation of the nude in modern Japanese art, including painting, photography, film, and advertising posters.
Ranging from the three beauties depicted in Kuroda Seiki’s Meiji‑era oil paintings to contemporary PARCO posters directed by Ishioka Eiko, the author analyzes numerous examples from social and cultural perspectives.
The findings suggest that modern Japanese depictions of the nude often share an image of sacred femininity, exemplified by the iconic figure Chieko in Selection of Wisdom. Although regimes have attempted to use the nude for political purposes, beauty ultimately proves stronger than dogma.
Rakugo Show ― 2026/02/22 21:57
Rakugo Lecture & Show
Shinoharu Tachikawa, a master rakugo storyteller, talked about his background and then performed a classic rakugo piece called “Cha-no-Yu (Tea Ceremony).”
His life story was fascinating, and his performance had the entire audience laughing. According to his talk, he also performs rakugo in English. I would love to see his English rakugo someday.
Marimba ― 2026/02/15 22:35
Spring Concert at Fureai Hall, Abiko
Their rendition of Zigeunerweisen was truly impressive.
Arts in Shinjuku ― 2026/02/12 15:13
The City of Modern Art, Shinjuku (SOMPO Art Museum)
I finally visited the exhibition “The City of Modern Art, Shinjuku” at the SOMPO Art Museum, after once arriving on a day it was closed.
I finally visited the exhibition “The City of Modern Art, Shinjuku” at the SOMPO Art Museum, after once arriving on a day it was closed.
The portrait of Vasily Eroshenko (by Tsuruta), Saeki’s oil paintings, Matsumoto’s Standing Figure, and Takiguchi’s décalcomanie were all impressive.
I also enjoyed seeing the well‑known oil painting Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
Swedish Painting ― 2026/01/30 17:50
Masters of Swedish Painting
I saw the exhibition “Masters of Swedish Painting.”
A watercolor of a happy family by Larsson, Strindberg’s spiritual oil paintings, and other fantastic works were truly impressive.
A watercolor of a happy family by Larsson, Strindberg’s spiritual oil paintings, and other fantastic works were truly impressive.
After viewing the exhibition, I enjoyed a Napolitan pasta lunch at the museum’s restaurant.
Asakusa Kabuki ― 2026/01/11 23:11
A Day of Plays, Praying, and Eating
After that, I made a small pilgrimage to the nearby temple, Sensōji. It was so crowded that I could barely manage to pray.
Once I finished praying, I visited the nostalgic Kanaya Bar and enjoyed some drinks and dishes.
It really was a day of “trinity”—seeing plays, praying, and eating out.
トーハク初め ― 2026/01/10 22:59
□午年の特別展示
今年初めての東京国立博物館（トーハク）詣で。
今年も干支にちなんだ特別展示があった、つまり馬色々。昨年日本中を騒がせた熊の屏風絵もあった、実物よりも可愛らしい。さらには、長谷川等伯の「松林図屏風」も展示されていて、ゆったりと鑑賞できたのは思わぬ眼福であった。
初めて「ミュージアムシアター」にも入り、「VR洛中洛外図屏風」を観た。大画面で屏風絵などを細部まで解説してくれるのは有難い、と思ったら３月でシアター自体が店仕舞いするとのこと、残念だ。
東洋館のレストラン「ゆりの木」でお昼。手頃な値段の割にオークラ系列なので味は確かだ。次もここで食べよう。
オルセー印象派展 ― 2026/01/09 20:16
□やっぱり上手い
オルセー美術館からの印象派絵画の展覧会。
いまさら気づくのもなんなのだが、ルノアールってやっぱり上手い。
American Music C ― 2025/12/20 23:24
□American Music Concert（吉原 聡Gtr.Bnj. 上野高史Gtr. 青木 研Bnj.ら）
吉原 聡（ギター・バンジョー）と上野高史（ギター）のバークリー卒業生デュオにベースとドラムを加え、さらに昨年アメリカン・バンジョー・ミュージアムに殿堂入りした青木 研をゲストに迎えたクインテットによるアメリカ軽音楽を、アミュゼ柏で堪能した。
特に、吉原と青木のバンジョーの掛け合いは素晴らしく、二人羽織のような曲引きも含めて圧巻であった。曲目もGrandfather's Clock, The World is Waiting for the SunriseやCountry Roadのような古今の名曲から、今やジャズ系のコンサートでは定番となったSpainまでバラエティ豊かで、アンコールはクリスアスらしくWhen the Saints Go Marching inで〆てくれた。
ただ一つ残念だったのは、空席が目立ったこと。これだけのメンバーによる演奏が３０００円で聴けるのは今どき大バーゲンだと思ったのだが。惜しいことである。
次にまた柏で聴ける機会があれば、是非にと推薦する。
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