So many Japanese wrote diaries during the late Meiji Period, but lots of them got lost over the years. How wonderful that your great-grandfather's diaries survived to be discovered by you.
I am impressed that he was so talented in such totally different fields. He must have been a joy to spend time with.
Are you planning to translate and share some entries?
Yes, I am! The one I posted in the essay is actually a list of his expenses climbing Mt. Fuji. 2 sen for ama-zake! 60 sen for twenty pairs of waraji!
I also inherited many other things, including old maps. Deciphering this material takes research and a lot of thinking and analyzing, but, I’m having so much fun. There will be a lot more coming! So please stay tuned.
What a wonderful legacy you’ve received. Your great-grandfather would be so proud and happy to know that his writings and drawings and experiences have so inspired you.
Indeed, I imagine he’s accompanying you with great love and enthusiasm when you enter the mountains, perhaps perched on your shoulder, whispering suggestions in your ear.
It’s not the same…& yet it is. My grandmother, who moved from Victorian London ultimately to Los Angeles, kept a recipe/cook book in her own script. Every time I experiment with her experiments, I feel her by my side, sharing kitchen and caring that gives me strength and continuity beyond my here-and-now and propelling me forward for more.
It’s a wooden stamp on washi paper. It was probably left in a box on the peak for climbers to stamp themselves. Stamps (rubber, these days) are common in Japan, even today. They are “proof” of a climb but also a fun souvenir. I can tell he wanted a keepsake. I can feel him looking at it over the years, remembering the experiences that he had.
So many Japanese wrote diaries during the late Meiji Period, but lots of them got lost over the years. How wonderful that your great-grandfather's diaries survived to be discovered by you.
I am impressed that he was so talented in such totally different fields. He must have been a joy to spend time with.
Are you planning to translate and share some entries?
Yes, I am! The one I posted in the essay is actually a list of his expenses climbing Mt. Fuji. 2 sen for ama-zake! 60 sen for twenty pairs of waraji!
I also inherited many other things, including old maps. Deciphering this material takes research and a lot of thinking and analyzing, but, I’m having so much fun. There will be a lot more coming! So please stay tuned.
Great story. I guess that means I should get off my duff and explore some of Japan’s alpine trails…
A great story. Thank you
What a wonderful legacy you’ve received. Your great-grandfather would be so proud and happy to know that his writings and drawings and experiences have so inspired you.
Indeed, I imagine he’s accompanying you with great love and enthusiasm when you enter the mountains, perhaps perched on your shoulder, whispering suggestions in your ear.
Lucky you. Enjoy! And thank you for sharing.
It’s not the same…& yet it is. My grandmother, who moved from Victorian London ultimately to Los Angeles, kept a recipe/cook book in her own script. Every time I experiment with her experiments, I feel her by my side, sharing kitchen and caring that gives me strength and continuity beyond my here-and-now and propelling me forward for more.
Beautiful. Something about this essay brought tears to my eyes
I went for a big mountain hike yesterday. I really enjoyed reading this post today. Thanks.
That's nice to hear. Where did you climb?
Absolutely gorgeous calligraphy! And the seal is very cool- why did he stamp it at the summit? Was it carved there?
It’s a wooden stamp on washi paper. It was probably left in a box on the peak for climbers to stamp themselves. Stamps (rubber, these days) are common in Japan, even today. They are “proof” of a climb but also a fun souvenir. I can tell he wanted a keepsake. I can feel him looking at it over the years, remembering the experiences that he had.