Written on January 26, 1992 [Permalink]

January 24

Two newspaper calls today, the first one from the Yomiuri office in Hachioji wanting to know if they could interview etc., for an article to appear in the Tama page ... I guess they don't spend much time reading their own newspaper! I told him about the Hirano connection and yesterday's story, and that was that.

The other call was from the 'Kosei' newspaper, whatever that is. We set up to talk during the exhibition next week. That's two 'interviews' set up for the exhibition, and I don't know if that's really a good idea. I'd rather have the stories appear before the exhibition, and get more viewers. Besides, last year was quite busy, and I'd rather be talking to potential subscribers than to reporters.

Mark Roberts also called. I don't know if I mentioned him before. He read the Mainichi articles and came out one day late last year to have me look at his carving. It was messy, but definitely interesting, and we had a good day chatting. He went off saying he'd be in touch later. Apparently he's got some blocks almost finished, and is going to try some printing next month (he travels for his company, and doesn't have a whole lot of free time). His reason for calling was to sign up for this year's series. He doesn't have any interest in Hyakunin Isshu per se, but wants a 'model' for his carving, and I guess also wants to help support my work. This sounds good, and perhaps he'll really get interested in this. Maybe next year I'll be introducing him at the kumiai - 'Anybody looking for an eager apprentice ...?'.

January 25

Went to Sekaido in Tachikawa to pick up the three mats they forgot to include with the frames last week. Fumi-chan wanted to browse in the bookstore, and while we were in there I happened to notice yet another version of Hyakunin Isshu in English. Of course I bought it right away, and when I had a chance to look at it at home discovered that it was the most 'accessible' version yet, quite different from the one I've previously considered my favorite, the Tom Galt translation. These versions, as opposed to his, are relatively simple and unsophisticated. Whether or not they are the most true to the original is another matter... Some of the 'gaijin' customers have been asking me about translations, and as the Galt book is out of print, I've put off doing anything about it. This book is definitely suitable though, and combined with the Porter book for some background, should make them happy. I'll have to get in touch with the publisher to see about getting copies wholesale.

Finished up gathering the stuff together for the exhibition, as tomorrow evening is set-up time. Went to the library to pick up the 'Karuta' book to use at the exhibition, and heard from Egami-san that there was a blurb in the Asahi Towns (supplement) newspaper yesterday. What with the Sankei story coming Monday, that means that all four major papers have covered it, although the Mainichi didn't give dates, times or contact information. Can I probably expect about the same number of people to come out this year?

January 26

Time to spare this morning (girls playing well with Ozawa-san's kids ...), so printed 100 case labels for the 4th year set. The afternoon was spent packing for the trip to Higashi Ome, and about 5:00 took the girls and the gear over in two cabs, and set it all up. It looks fine, with the 20 'old' prints mounted flat on one wall, and the 10 new ones in frames around the room. There's a P/R corner, a display of all 100 prints in the series (small photocopies), some photos of 'helpers' (Shimano-san, etc.), and of course the 'workshop' corner, with the carving and printing benches set out ready for action. I prepared a pile of paper for Tuesday, and will be printing Sanuki...