Goal trip reflect
Photo #1
This trip had many goals large and small; however, I was not expecting there to be so many awesome things, places and people. This country keeps to what I have heard, a site and place of beauty and interest. Aside from my personal ones of seeing a Gargoyle concert and seeing friends, it has been most enjoyable. I was able to experience and see so many great art forms, from early Kyoto and Nara architecture to the vast modern uses of typography. The designs are far from just interesting, but inspirational.
The temple stay and Osaka castle were two major excitements of the trip. In my analysis of concepts from the first set of entries one already knew I have a very deep study in the samurai way, Bushido, sengoku jidai, battle of sekigahara and the reunification of Japan. To see the artifacts and relics from 1600, of the main war fought by Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hideyoshi Toyotomi, my mind was blown. The elaborate attire of the greatest samurai and Shoguns, truly breath taking. Each uniform fit and designed for so many warriors. Dying by both families and brothers. It did however intrigue me; most of the warriors documentation was Leyasu’s children, sons. I did not know this, and now paints a bigger picture of the war.
So, all in all, most of my history goals were met, and hopefully I will get some of more of my designer goals accomplished in Tokyo. Much like New York, this city is an ocean of wonderful modern contemporary design. To much more to discover, the trip will go on.
Impact pictures
Photo #2
This is the deepest person location yet, besides the temple. This may just look like an apartment building to some, but this is the location of Bahama Muse. Behind this door housed many indie bands, and on July 15, 1987, was the location of Gargoyle’s first concert. Silly to some, but this was much like a cradle of my art, my passions. To think that this location is what kindled the flame that burns for over a decade. Little did I know about 7 years before I was born this would be my reason for why I stand in Japan today, why I am blessed with so many friends and a wonderful family. It feels as if part of me has been laid to rest at this door, and another part of me born to live another day. So to that I could say more of just this one spot, but I will leave it with a thank you. I shall return and I will not give up on my passions.
Friends Day #2
Photo #3
Friends meet up again, and the many concepts I learned. I knew from them that there was different dialects like back in the USA, and with that they taught me “Ookini” is how one says thank you in the Osaka dialect. It was great to try this out and have so many faces light up to a foreigner using this word.
Then, as stated above about the location of Bahama Muse, I learned through that about true wabi-sabi, the building to us should never fall, the wanting to keep this sacred place standing as long as time will tell. This is when shudan ishiki came in to play. Even though there was a language barrier like before. we a had a great time, feeling each other via consciousness and passions it was truly great, this was truly a night of singing, drinking, and just a good time.
Lastly is the concept of Uchi Soto. The feeling of being a foreigner in Japan is thick, people know, but that time with my friends it was a deeper Uchi Soto, it made no difference if we were Japanese or American or whichever. We are Gargoyles that developed our own sect and our own family. With that comes a great day of discovery in the big city of Osaka and tomorrow the land of Tokyo.