Old Yatsushiro comments

Four years ago a plate slid off the kitchen counter for no apparent reason and broke, Eastern Standard Time. I learned soon after that a strong earthquake had hit Kumamoto Ken, where I grew up. As others have said, thoughts are with the families who lost their lives ones, and those who still lack housing. And, @starpunk yes, absolutely beautiful flower display.

@Johnkmilonas Yes, Shigeru Ban has a humane and beautiful attitude. The little shelters of cardboard tubes and cream or white curtains in the great hall have a sense of dignity. Long term thinking for opportunities for individuals who are homeless is of course essential. But this well-known architect opened his heart to the immediate need. Yesterday, the report that internet cafes were going to have to close had moving statements from the people running the cafes, saying people who needed shelter would be on the streets if this happened.

sorry spell check corrected Ms. Yarrow to Ms. Harris. Got to be more diligent!

Yes, as Ms. Harris says, very well done and interesting.

Someone commenting on this year's "don't choke on mochi" article mentioned that osechi is from the less appealing of the many wonderful Japanese foods. That made me think. I have always liked the tradition of it, but now that you mention it, there are lots more tasty foods than the ones featured in the beautiful stacked ojyuubako. That commenter also said the foods were from Meiji era, and that made me also wonder about how old these traditions are.

Any info on who painted the (nihonga?) picture hung on the drab pegboard? Any story behind the choice?

Sending love and prayers from Philadelphia. Moved with my family to Yatsushiro in 1959 as a child and my parents lived there until I was almost out of high school. Relieved to see that so far no casualties from this quake.