Review Presentations

Here are links to our recent class meeting presentations:

• September 27
• September 20
• September 13
• September 06
• Basic Japanese Grammar (we didn't cover this in a meeting)
• Basic Japanese Grammar: Verbs
• Japanese Yen

If you have any questions, give me a call.

Homework for September 20: Wajima

One of our day trips will be to the town of Wajima on the north coast of the Noto Peninsula.  This town is famous for laquerware.  Research the following facts:

• When did laquerware start in Wajima?  
• What is “ochre?”
• How is “jinoko” made?
• What is “maki-e?”

A stop on the way home will be at Ganmon, an area on the Japan Sea coast that resembles Big Sur.

Homework for September 6: Kyoto

Think about this: the city of Monterey was founded in 1777, which puts it at the time of George Washington and the Revolutionary War. That's old.  The adobes, Custom House, Colton Hall and so on all remind us daily of our local history since then.  Now think about this: the city of Kyoto was founded in 794.  That's right, seven ninety-four.  Kyoto is nearly 1,000 years older than Monterey!  As we walk about the streets of this ancient city, we will be visiting temples and castles, and other sites that reflect its long, long history.

Specifically, we will be visiting five of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (a World Heritage Site) listed below, but first, what does this designation mean?  Why is it important?  See Culture Criteria. 

Now your homework: find the founding dates and three other facts for each of the following:

• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion Temple)
• Ryoanji Temple (Temple of the Peaceful Dragon)
• Nijo Castle (Second Street Castle)
• Kiyomizu Temple (Pure Water Temple)
• Imperial Palace

To put these sites in context, see what you can find on the history of Kyoto.  Can you find these places on the Kyoto City map?  Can you find our youth hostel near Ryoanji Temple?

• See what you can learn about these two real people: Yoshitsune and Benkei.
• Here is a video drama of their first meeting on the Gojo Bridge: Yoshitsune vs. Benkei video.
• Here is a detailed history of Yoshitsune and the downfall of Kyoto.

Have fun!