Nikko...
Nikko is a UNESCO world heritage site half-way between here and Tokyo. It's about 2 hours away and part of the national park actually borders our area. It's one of Japan's most famous attractions, mainly due to the fabulous collection of temples and shrines. As well as being a working monestery and tourist attraction it is also home to the original carving of three famous monkeys. These date back to about 1650 and exist due to a simple play on words. Old Japanese grammar for "not listening/speaking/seeing" is very similar to a common word for monkey. So far from being anything to do with "speak no evil" it is apparently a 17th Century joke.
These are sake casks. The ones on the right are from Aizu, where I live.
Nikko is a UNESCO world heritage site half-way between here and Tokyo. It's about 2 hours away and part of the national park actually borders our area. It's one of Japan's most famous attractions, mainly due to the fabulous collection of temples and shrines. As well as being a working monestery and tourist attraction it is also home to the original carving of three famous monkeys. These date back to about 1650 and exist due to a simple play on words. Old Japanese grammar for "not listening/speaking/seeing" is very similar to a common word for monkey. So far from being anything to do with "speak no evil" it is apparently a 17th Century joke.
These are sake casks. The ones on the right are from Aizu, where I live.
posted by Matthew Fulford at 5:09 pm
3 Comments:
Hi Matt, it sounds like you're still having a wicked time! I read your blog all the time and it's great to hear about all the exciting things you've ben getting up to. You seem to be really quite happy and settled over there. Anyway, just thought I'd say hi so you know I'm thinking of you. Katie xx
Hi Matt,
Your my best friend in the world... yuk! I shouldnt take the piss really! Anyway, the blog does sound interesting, tah autumnal scene is amazing. As for British Hills that has inspired me to create a town called Japanese Hills. It will be based on Japan and be located in Gateshead... thus giving us a legitamate reason to banish Gateshead Folk to the actual hills. The centre piece will be a giant japanese flag carefully draped over South Sheilds. Yay!
Bests Simon
Simon - your spelling is bloody awful!
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