Japan, an island country, is long and narrow from north to south. It has a full range of gorgeous seasonal changes and the greatest number of cherry tree varieties in the world. In spring, weather reports on TV and radio focus on where and when the cherry flowers will bloom.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This piece asks that we work to meet the challenge of making treasure patterns in 3D with color.
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Mountain grape vines decorate the scenery with their vivid colorful fruit. The grape is a rare motif in Japanese embroidery.
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You may have already seen this design because it has topped a mirror near the entrance of the JEC in Atlanta. It was completed by Mr. Shuji Tamura, founder and president of the Japanese Embroidery Center.
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Mountain grape vines decorate the scenery with their vivid colorful fruit. The grape is a rare motif in Japanese embroidery.
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Weeping cherry tree branches hang down like those of willows. Many pink, red, and white flowers bloom on each hanging branch. Also, the flowers hanging on the thin branches look as if they are hung on threads. It is called “Weeping thread cherry”. Some of these trees attain an excellent age of over 1000 years.
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Ears of rice turn golden when the husks of the rice plants have accumulated enough nutrients. About 40-45 days after the ears appear, the now golden ears of rice are hanging down, and it is time to harvest the rice.
The ears of rice that bend low, as if from recognition of its cultivation owed to nature’s blessings, represent an appreciation of blessings.