Love for Japan, Textile, and Cats

As tsunami anniversary fast approaching, I have been thinking about Japan a lot this month. There are so many things make me proud to be a Japanese. A rich textile history is one of those things. Have you ever seen any design by Keisuke Serizawa? He is my favorite textile artist.

I love his symmetrical bold design and the color combination of these two kimonos.



Courtesy of Tohoku Fukushi University Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum




Courtesy of Tohoku Fukushi University Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum



Serizawa was a collector as well. This kimono with heavenly bamboo design is from his collection. 



Courtesy of Tohoku Fukushi University Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum


He designed more than textile. This stained glass design is based on the Finnish folktale, the Three Chests.


Courtesy of Tohoku Fukushi University Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum  



You can see more on Tohoku Fukushi University Serizawa Keisuke Art Museum website. The website is mostly in Japanese but do not be discouraged because his works and collections are so inspiring. When you click here you will be navigated to the page with a red circle and a green circle. If you want to see his art work, click the red circle; click bottom left picture; then click any picture to see more of the category. If you want to see his collection, click the green circle then click any picture to see more. 

On the side note, this museum had been closed after tsunami then partially reopened in October 2011. I am happy to read that it will be back to full operation in April 4, 2012.

Now for the animal lovers out there;

Perhaps you enjoy watching Animal Planet. Do you recognize this gentleman in the front?



Picture courtesy of Japan Cat Network

 Yep, he is John Fulton from Must Love Cats on Animal Planet! He visited Japan Cat Network and other  interesting places such as cat cafe and cat island to record  the newest episode, Cat Crazy in Japan.

 Japan Cat Network is a group of amazing people, including my lovely friend Sylvia, who rescue animals in Japan. Despite their name, they rescue not only cats but dogs and other animals. They are the type of people who do not hesitate to drive for hours and go inside the area restricted after tsunami to feed abandoned farm animals and rescue pets separated from their owner. (They do that with permission.) Their love for animals are tremendous! I see them as genuine heroes and heroines.

Please watch them on Animal Planet, Must Love Cats - Cat Crazy in Japan - this Saturday, March 10, 8 P.M. Eastern Time and visit their website Japan Cat Network (The website is in English.) !


John Fulton and Japan Cat Network
Picture courtesy of Japan Cat Network



Until next time, cheers to you all!