Thanks for the stories and art! I was extremely excited to see the Lake Biwa by Tokuriki Tomikichiro. My Grandfather had brought home 10 prints from Japan, so I grew up seeing these prints but never knew the artist.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. How wonderful to grow up seeing those prints, I only just discovered the Lake Biwa one when I was putting this article together.
Thanks so much James. I was/am feeling a bit disillusioned about the internet and AI and needed to just take a month off and think about what I wanted to do moving forward. I'm still not 100% sure but it seems like some people find value in what I share so that's really heartening. I appreciate you reading and commenting, thank you.
I understand the feeling… since the end of last year, I’ve been quietly leaving a lot of social media and internet spaces to spend more time in the real world. I’ve been on a “little break” from sharing for a lot longer than I originally intended.
I do like Substack though. It still feels like I can hear from people directly and have actual dialogue rather than having to wade through an ocean of sponsored garbage and ads, unlike Instagram or YouTube.
Wonderful curation of stories and images as always. Do you know Mushishi, the manga/anime? It often features Nushi as a concept. Mushishi is my absolute favourite. I think you would really love it.
Thanks for your kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m not a big anime fan but I’d heard of Mushishi and just recently I watched the first couple of episodes and you are right, I really, really enjoyed it. Thank you for reminding me that I need to make time to watch some more.
Thank you so much for crafting the informative Water Spirits article. I enjoyed reading the spirited tales over morning coffee and circled back for a second read over evening tea. I lingered over your selection of waterfall prints as each is spectacular; the print by Kawase Hasui (1951) is one of my favorites. I regret that I missed your article featuring turtles and kappa lore; I may be brewing another cup of tea! I am fascinated by tales of the kappa yet some information is just beyond my background knowledge reach - thank you for writing in such a manner that is enjoyed and appreciated by all!
Thanks for your kind words Marianne, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading the post. Sometimes I worry that I'm including too many prints, but it is often hard to decide which ones to leave out. I love the waterfall prints too. As for kappa lore, it is very complex and there is so much information and so many different types throughout Japan. I am definitely not an expert but if you have any questions, please ask and I might be able to find out the answers for you.
What beautiful stories, so full of intrigue. The pictures are glorious. Loved the one of the Tori gate near the lake. Thanks for the gift of these legends of place. It was also great to see the real waterfall where the spider woman once reigned. Thank you!!
Thanks so much Debbie, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I always love when I see photographs of the places that were portrayed in woodblock prints, or in folktales. :)
Thanks for the stories and art! I was extremely excited to see the Lake Biwa by Tokuriki Tomikichiro. My Grandfather had brought home 10 prints from Japan, so I grew up seeing these prints but never knew the artist.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the post. How wonderful to grow up seeing those prints, I only just discovered the Lake Biwa one when I was putting this article together.
Welcome back :)
Thanks for sharing more myths and stories. Great stuff, as usual!
Thanks so much James. I was/am feeling a bit disillusioned about the internet and AI and needed to just take a month off and think about what I wanted to do moving forward. I'm still not 100% sure but it seems like some people find value in what I share so that's really heartening. I appreciate you reading and commenting, thank you.
I understand the feeling… since the end of last year, I’ve been quietly leaving a lot of social media and internet spaces to spend more time in the real world. I’ve been on a “little break” from sharing for a lot longer than I originally intended.
I do like Substack though. It still feels like I can hear from people directly and have actual dialogue rather than having to wade through an ocean of sponsored garbage and ads, unlike Instagram or YouTube.
Love Japanese folklore & well just folklore in general
Me too 😊
Thanks so much for reading.
Wonderful curation of stories and images as always. Do you know Mushishi, the manga/anime? It often features Nushi as a concept. Mushishi is my absolute favourite. I think you would really love it.
Thanks for your kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m not a big anime fan but I’d heard of Mushishi and just recently I watched the first couple of episodes and you are right, I really, really enjoyed it. Thank you for reminding me that I need to make time to watch some more.
Thank you so much for crafting the informative Water Spirits article. I enjoyed reading the spirited tales over morning coffee and circled back for a second read over evening tea. I lingered over your selection of waterfall prints as each is spectacular; the print by Kawase Hasui (1951) is one of my favorites. I regret that I missed your article featuring turtles and kappa lore; I may be brewing another cup of tea! I am fascinated by tales of the kappa yet some information is just beyond my background knowledge reach - thank you for writing in such a manner that is enjoyed and appreciated by all!
Thanks for your kind words Marianne, I'm so glad you enjoyed reading the post. Sometimes I worry that I'm including too many prints, but it is often hard to decide which ones to leave out. I love the waterfall prints too. As for kappa lore, it is very complex and there is so much information and so many different types throughout Japan. I am definitely not an expert but if you have any questions, please ask and I might be able to find out the answers for you.
Lovely read, thank you for writing!
Thank you so much for reading, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
What beautiful stories, so full of intrigue. The pictures are glorious. Loved the one of the Tori gate near the lake. Thanks for the gift of these legends of place. It was also great to see the real waterfall where the spider woman once reigned. Thank you!!
Thanks so much Debbie, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I always love when I see photographs of the places that were portrayed in woodblock prints, or in folktales. :)