2004 WINTER

SPECIAL FEATURE

Prelude: Zen Enso, an abstract image of Zen Buddhism created some 500 years ago, symbolically expresses the state of enlightenment. It is a black circle brushed in ink with a single fluid motion. Internationally renowned photographer Shu Akashi presents an enso trilogy in flame, water, and stone. Absolute Zen Zen is intuitive, mysterious, and abstract. It is said to be an endless process of self-discovery and perfection in the quest for satori, the state of enlightenment. We seek to pierce the mystery by introducing the essence of Zen in its sublime forms: meditations, architecture, foods, gardens, and thought. Absolute Zen Zen Concepts Zen Teaching of Mu A Zen Tale

FINE ARTS & CRAFTS

Urushi-Japan — New Century for Lacquerware A true merging of Japanese fine art and craft, lacquerware is at a crossroads. Artisans seeking to preserve the fast-disappearing heritage are exploring new forms and ways of working. We explain Japan's lacquer traditions and visit four historic centers where today's masters are still at work: Wajima, Kyoto, Gifu, and Aizuwakamatsu.

Hiroshi Senju's Waterfall — World Art Gallery Internationally acclaimed, New York-based painter Hiroshi Senju unveils a massive new work in Tokyo. In it he asks, "What is true beauty? What is the beauty of Japan?"

Hanga — Modern Views of Japanese Prints Much of the Western world was introduced to Japanese culture through the medium of the woodblock print. We trace the history of this highly regarded art form and take you into the studios of three contemporary hanga artists.

NATURE

Shimmering Ice Winter comes to Mount Ishizuchi, a sacred place in Shikoku. We spotlight the beauty of frost and glimpse nature's mysteries.

Yakushima Island Giant Yaku-sugi cedars and a wealth of other natural wonders gained this island listing as a World Heritage Site. We show you the winter scenery and tell you how to plan a visit.

FASHION

Gems of Oriental Splendor Bewitching in beauty and rooted in Asian beliefs, this season's jewels showcase colored stones and gorgeous designs. Gems inspired by the Buddhist Land of Happiness are more than chic; they are a feast for the eye.

NAiyMA, NAiyMA Why does NAiyMA fascinate fashion insiders? Its totally realistic outlook on the world distinguishes it among the Tokyo Collections.

A Night on the Town with Givenchy Join us at the party to celebrate the opening of Givenchy Men's Boutique Aoyama. It was an evening of indulgence for all the senses.

GARDENS

Still Garden — Landscapes by Sesshu The Zen monk Sesshu revolutionized both black-ink painting and garden design. Please step into some notable scenes where the Zen spirit in his paintings lives on.

PRODUCT DESIGN

A Dragon to Dazzle Time Lacquer Work Turns a Watch into Wearable Art

Sleek and Slim in Black Lacquer Traditional Craft Meets State-of-the-Art TV

Nissan Jikoo Nissan Opens the Door to the Future — The company continues to revolutionize with a futuristic new design center in London and a car that celebrates the traditional crafts of old Edo. Join us as we find out what has fundamentally changed at Nissan.

LIVING

Sumi, the New Black Beauty One gram of sumi (charcoal) possesses a surface area of 300 square meters. The astonishing nature and absorptive capability of this material is in the news. We show you some ideas for using this traditional black beauty in daily life and interiors.

PERFORMING ARTS

Fujiko Hemming, Pianist — An Exclusive Interview Dubbed a child prodigy before confronting reversals and despair, Hemming is now recognized as one of the leading artists of this age. She reflects on her remarkable life.

GOURMET

[Special Guide] Eating Tokyo — 41 Top Restaurants to Try Could Tokyo be the new culinary capital of the world? Using a vast variety of foods from around the globe, chefs are creating a new culinary culture. From French and Italian to Turkish and Thai, ethnic cuisines reinvent themselves here by absorbing techniques unique to Japan. Join us on a tour of some of the finest dining in Tokyo. Yakitori Tempura Traditional Tokyo Cuisine Master Chef Cuisine

DEPARTMENTS

Works — Yuki: the Snow in abstract and words by Toko Shinoda.

Souvenirs: Luck to Last the Year Fuku Fukuda, traveling gourmet, finds souvenirs of Japan to delight the eye and the palate. Sample some that are perfect for welcoming the New Year.

Nine-Star Horoscope

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Index

Selections From this Issue in Japanese