One of my favourite things in Morioka is the Ishiwarizakura, the Rock-splitting Cherry Tree. This tree, which has grown out of a solid granite boulder, is almost 400 years old and has been designated a National Treasure. More importantly, by showing that a single seed can take root and thrive in even the most inhospitable surroundings, the tree symbolises the strength and endurance of the people of Iwate. Looking at what has happened and what they have achieved in the past 6 months, I think this symbol is even more fitting now.
Wandering around the grounds of Hachimangu shrine on a warm August evening, I could hear the echo of taiko drums. This is a very common sound in Morioka during the summer, as the whole city practices for the Sansa Odori festival, held each year at the beginning of August. Sansa Odori is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest gathering of taiko players in the world, with around 10,000 drummers and dancers parading through the city. Although I was too late to see it this year, hearing the children practising taiko in the shrine gardens brought back many wonderful memories of my time in Morioka.
My other favourite things in Morioka
Mt Iwate and the Kitakami River
The 16 Buddhist Disciples
Hachimangu Shrine (the largest shrine in Iwate)
Beautiful skies
Morioka Reimen
Nambu senbei - the best rice crackers in the world!
I thought you and your readers would be interested in these photos from a 1937 visit to Furudate Village by a well known University of Hawaii professor.
ReplyDeletehttp://ilind.net/2011/12/08/photos-from-uh-profs-1937-trip-to-japan/