Blog
Former Maeda Residence and Kamakura Museum of Literature
Another Western-style building stands at the Kamakura Museum of Literature. It is the former Maeda Residence. However, this tangible cultural property will be dismantled and disappear. Before that happens, I had the opportunity to enter the site and take photographs, so I wish to leave a small record of it here. Along with this, I will also include photographs of the Kamakura Museum of Literature before its renovation work.
Kamakura Takigi Noh
This is a report on the Kamakura Takigi Noh performance in the fall of 2025. The Noh play performed was “Hagoromo.” It's one of my favorite plays. It centers on the Hagoromo(feather robe), depicting the conflicting roles of the celestial maiden and the fisherman. The celestial maiden's words, sharp as arrows, pierce the fisherman, yet he immediately returns the robe in response to her words. I believe this contains a message of human harmony.
Yukio Mishima and Montblanc fountain pens
This is the Mishima Yukio Literary Museum in Lake Yamanaka. Inside the museum, Mishima's study has been recreated, and on his desk is his favorite Montblanc fountain pen. The fountain pen in the photo is the Montblanc fountain pen that I use, in imitation of Mishima.
Yasunari Kawabata and Antique Art
Yasunari Kawabata, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature, was also famous as a collector of antique art.He left behind the following memorable passage:"When I look at works of art, especially antiques, it is only then that I feel connected to life."
The silence of the depths of Kamakura
Juniso is a mountainous area rich in nature. Fireflies fly, cuckoos sing, owls hoot, and hawks soar overhead. Old temples and shrines nestle quietly among the mountains. Among them is Kosokuji Temple, which is tucked away in a secluded area of Kamakura and has many attractions.
Kamakura: The City of the Dead
Yagura are remains that can especially be seen in Kamakura. In a sense, they best symbolize Kamakura. Although our lives are buried underground once they are over, it is no exaggeration to call Kamakura the "city of the dead." Some people with strong spiritual abilities have reported seeing a procession of warriors in Kita-Kamakura.
Bonbori Festival
The Bonbori Festival takes place every year in early August at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura. Countless bonbori lanterns are lit up within the shrine grounds during the festival.The photo above is of an actress named Fujiko Yamamoto's lantern. The Bonbori Festival, held on August 9, is also known as the Sanetomo Festival.
Kamakura vegetables, fruits, and fish
I'd like to introduce you to two of my favorite fish shops and produce stores in Kamakura. Both have wonderful selections. The first is Kamaman and the second is Kamakura Agricultural Cooperative Market, also known as Rembai.
The Kamakura Museum of National Treasures
The Kamakura Museum of National Treasures: The cultural properties stored and displayed there are stunning, and the building itself is a nationally designated tangible cultural property. After visiting the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, be sure to stop by.