In Japan, there is a custom to “listen to insects. It makes us feel cool by listening to the insects singing while awaiting the arrival of the autumn season.
People continue to make traditional insect baskets using bamboo in traditional style. Children catching insects and storing them in a cage is a typical summer scene in Japan.
The color change of the maple is considered especially beautiful in Japan. Autumn is an extremely favorable season for visiting Japan because of the intense colors. At the height of autumn, the leaves are more flowery than flowers.
Gunbai, or “war fan” was a device used by samurai commanders to direct troops during battle maneuvers, and also a symbol of rank.
Nowadays, the gunbai is quite familiar to fans of Sumo wrestling as the referee’s device for conducting matches.
For this reason, the gunbai motif is used for boys’ kimono, demonstrating the wish that the wearer will be a leader, full of intelligence and determination.
Also, this motif is used for ladies’ kimono and obi to wish for guidance during the ordeals and turning points of life.
May the wearers be successful and achieve their aspirations.
The circle of flowers is based on a stone engraving on the arcade wall of a French museum.
The stone is carved like a burst of energy in creation, and the dynamism of life. Plum flowers and mum patterns are added to the design along with color.
This insect cage conveys the idea of insects living among the stems of the begonia flowers. In late summer the crickets begin to sing all at once like a symphony.
This piece asks that we work to meet the challenge of making treasure patterns in 3D with color.
Typical New Year’s toys for children: koma or spinning tops, buriburi or pull-toy, along with a wooden racquet called a hagoita. Together they create the atmosphere of the New Year, the biggest celebration in Japan.
From the window of the glowing moon, you can almost hear the sound of bell crickets amongst the bush clover.
