In early August, we stayed at Star Hills in Tanakayama for two nights and three days for Shiozawa could work on a new piece. With his mind fully focused, he finished the sketch in one go.

この山の大自然のロッジに居ると腰痛やちょっとした不調は治ってしまうと本気で思います。広いテラスに猫足のバスタブで夕暮れの湯につかるひと時は格別の心地良さです。

Dr. Mitsui, the owner of the Star Hills facility and a physician, invited some new guests, and a delightful gathering was held that evening. The sake served at the gathering was the celebratory sake we had received at the Kumano dedication ceremony.

Murakami, a tea ceremony master, and Mr. Takayoshi Sakabe, a painter, are both exceptionally talented. On this occasion, after dinner, Mrs. Murakami prepared tea using her own ceramic works, and Mr. Sakabe performed “Ankoku Butoh” (Dark Butoh), a style pioneered by the dancer Kazuo Ohno.

Tetsuro and Rina, a married couple of musicians, also joined us, and it turned into some sort of artistic drinking party.

All in all, it was a really fun gathering. Thank you, Doctor Mitsui!