Water-World Series
The Sound of Water

Japanese people use water in their daily lives as a drink, to feel cool, relax, and even to protect their livelihoods. Water symbolizes the spirit of the people and serves a multitude of uses/purposes. In this, the first article in a series examining water and its role in our lives, natural, practical and otherwise, Life in Kyoto will begin by focusing on sound. For many people, particularly the Japanese, the sounds of water offer a sense of solace and consolation, and together with an aesthetic appeal have led to the development and discovery of several ways to enjoy its simple pleasures.
Suikinkutsu
You may have seen a stone basin (chozu-bachi or tsukubai) in the corner of a temple or tea ceremony room garden. A bamboo pipe, through which water flows, and a bamboo ladle for scooping up water accompany the basin. This is used for wetting the lips and washing the hands, symbolizing internal and external purification respectively. The combination of bamboo and stone creates a pleasant natural atmosphere. Soothing sounds of trickling water emanate from the ground below to resemble those of the koto, or Japanese harp.
This interesting device is called suikinkutsu (�…‹ÕŒA) or "water harp chamber". However, it was originally known as tosuimon (“´�…–å), and developed in the Edo Period (about 1700) as part of a practical drainage system for outdoor wash basins. Later it was discovered the falling water droplets inside the water chamber buried underground produced a pleasant sound. In other words, when the stone basin is used, water flows from it into a ceramic echo chamber partly filled with water. The sound of water resonates, is amplified, and is reflected back. The sound is called suiteki-on, from which the name suikinkutsu is derived.
The construction of this chamber is extremely complex and involves balancing the amount of water, shape, material and size of the chamber, diameter of the opening and size of the pipe leading away. A thin, unglazed, dome-shaped pot is usually chosen as it makes the clearest sound. The pot is buried up side down under the stone basin in the ground. Broken stones, gravel, and mountain soil are piled around and at the bottom of the pot for a greater resonance effect. The most suitable size of the pot is said to be about 50cm in diameter, 40-60 cm in depth, while the hole through which the water enters is about 2-3cm in diameter. The depth of water at the bottom of the pot is ideally about one-tenth of its height. In this way the sound of the suikinkutsu is delicately influenced by all of these elements.
Shishi-Odoshi
Another fascinating Japanese device is the shishi-odoshi (Ž­ˆÐ:literary meaning boar or deer scare). It is a variation of kakei / kakehi, a bamboo (or wooden) water pipe found in Japanese gardens. The shishi-odoshi consists of a section of bamboo cane supported in the middle on a fulcrum. Envisage a miniature seesaw. Water flows into one end of an open bamboo pipe, and when that end becomes heavier than the other end, it drops. As the water empties, the other end naturally becomes the heavier of the two again and quickly reverses the direction of the cane, striking a stone set beneath and producing a "clunk" sound. While this system was originally invented to protect crops by driving away harmful birds and animals, the clear hollow sound of bamboo on stone is both simple and beautiful.
In an environment free from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the sounds of shikinkutsu or shishi-odoshi are sure to make us feel as if our hearts were being cleansed.
Y. Matsuda

Mini Promenade: SAGANO

Sagano (�µ‰ã–ì) embraces a rich cultural and historical legacy. Since the Heian period (•½ˆÀŽž‘ã: 794-1185) mountain villas of the imperial family and aristocrats have been built among the surrounding hills. The area is also home to many shrines, temples and a host of interesting legends. With the weather warming up, this area makes for a pleasant stroll. Let’s begin by visiting Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple. Take Kyoto Bus No. 72 or 62 and get off at Toriimoto (’¹‹�–{) bus stop. From there walk back down the slope until you come to a tea stall, then follow the left fork in the road. Take the next right, pass through a tunnel under the road and you will find the temple at the end of the path. It takes about 4-5 minutes to get there from the bus stop.
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple (‚ ‚¾‚µ–ì”O•§Ž›)
Located at the foot of Mt. Ogurayama in an area that was once a common burial ground, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple stands in a tranquil setting. Over 1,100 years ago,
the Buddhist priest KOBO Daishi (774-835) is said to have founded Gochizan Nyoraiji Temple to give a proper burial to abandoned corpses. The area was known as Adashino (Field of Sorrow) and subsequently the temple adopted this name as a poignant reminder of the areas past.
The thousands of stone monuments and Buddhist statues enshrined within the temple grounds represent the graves of the unknown dead. A Thousand Candles Ceremony takes place on the evening of August 23 and 24, when candles are lit and offered to the lost spirits. If you would like to attend, you have to make a reservation.
Admission: \500
Open: 9:00-16:30
Inquiries: 075-861-2221
Leaving the temple continue south. Turn to the right at the stone lantern (on the opposite side of the road you will see little statues of child deities) and follow the road along, passing several shops before you come to a tea house called Sagano on your left. Turn right and walk up the slope to Danrinji Temple.

Danrinji Temple (’h—ÑŽ›)
The original temple was established here at the beginning of the Heian Period (794-1192) by Saga Empress, TACHIBANA Kachiko, an avid Buddhist. She invited famous Zen Buddhist GIKU from China, soon making it a center for Buddhism and cultural learning. The temple that stands here today, however, was built just 36 years ago.
Admission: \400
Open 8:00-16:00
Inquiries: 075-871-3924
From here go up the steps on the left side of the temple, this path leads to Gioji Convent.

Gioji Convent (‹_‰¤Ž›)
First known as Ojoin temple this small convent’s origins are veiled in a sad story involving a famous politician, the head of the Heike clan, TAIRA no Kiyomori (1118 - 1181), and GIO, a beautiful and talented dancer of the golden age of Heike. After losing the favor of Taira, Gio along with her sister and mother are said to have become nuns and spent the rest of their days here devoted to Buddha.
In April you can look through the circle shaped window of the convent and appreciate the beauty of cherry blossoms, and in autumn, red and yellow maple leaves color the moss-covered garden. In late May the garden turns a refreshing green.
Admission: \300
Open: 9:00-17:00
Inquiries: 075-861-3574

Takiguchidera Temple (‘êŒûŽ›)
Making your way up from the wooden gate of Gioji to the foot of the mountain, you will come across something like an old farmer's house which stands surrounded by trees. This is Takiguchidera Temple. It is remembered as the scene of a tragic love story about SAITO Tokiyori, a retainer of TAIRA no Shigemori, and YOKOBUE, a maidservant of Princess KENREI Monin. Meeting with strong disapproval from his father, Tokiyori gave up worldly temptations and entered Ojoin monastery becoming a monk. Hearing of this, Yokobue felt pangs of guilt and visited the monastery, only to be sent away, never to see him again.
Admission: \300,
Open: 9:00-17:00
Inquiries: 075-871-3929
From the temple walk down the hill passing various shops until you see a mud-clay wall on your left. Take the path to the right to get to Nisonin Temple.

Nisonin Temple (ƒj‘¸‰@)
Founded by JIKAKU Dashi in 847 at the request of Emperor SAGA, Nison, meaning two Buddhas, refers to the two images of Shakanyorai and Amidanyorai that are enshrined in the temple. After making your way to the main gate, said to have been the original gate of Fushimi Castle, you pass through Koyo/Momiji no Baba (�g—t‚Ì”n�ê: Horse Riding Ground of Autumn Foliage), famous for the beauty of its maple trees.
Admission: \500, Open: 9:00 - 16:30 Inquiries: 075-861-0687
Continue south following the path surrounded by cedar trees. Take a left along the field and you will find Rakushisha Hut.

Rakushisha Hut (—ŽŠ`ŽÉ)
Rakushisha Hut or "House of the Falling Persimmons" is the dwelling and grounds where MUKAI Kyorai (1651-1704), a famous mid Edo-Period poet led a retired life. He made his home a place for haiku study and composition, where many of Japan’s most talented haiku poets stayed.
Entering the thatched hut you will see a bamboo hat and a straw raincoat hanging on the wall. They are said to indicate that Kyorai is 'at home'.
Admission: \150
Open: 9:00 - 17:00
Inquiries: 075-881-1953
Walk east along the path from Rakushisha and turn right. Passing by Kushige folk craft store on your right and later a park on your left, you will reach a fork in the road. Take the left fork then turn left going towards the bamboo woods. Cross over the railway tracks and you will find Nonomiya Jinja

Nonomiya Jinja Shrine (–ì‹{�_ŽÐ)
A bamboo walkway leads to the Nonomiya Jinja Shrine. It rustles with occasional cool breezes, and provides a pleasant and peaceful sanctuary even during the mid-summer heat.
The shrine is the first nonomiya (rural shrine) established in Kyoto after the capital was moved here in 794. Unmarried princesses who were to serve in the ceremonies of the Ise Jingu and Kamo shrines spent one year here ritualistically cleansing themselves of impurities.
The Daikokuten (God of wealth) enshrined on the precincts is covered with prayer blocks called honogi and prayer sheets called fuda. People hoping to find a good spouse, to pass a school entrance examination, or to have good fortune in general, place these here.
The moss garden is also worth viewing - a literal emerald carpet, considered by many to be one of the most impressive in Kyoto. Continue walking along the bamboo path east and you can get to Arashiyama Sta. on the Keifuku line.
#Note on Cycling: If you prefer, you can rent a bicycle from one of the many bicycle rental shops located in the area and do the mini promenade. There are rent-a-bicycle shops in front of Arashiyama Hankyu Sta. and in the vicinity of Togetsukyo Bridge.
I. Hashimoto

Revolutionary Industries Kyoto
TAKII & CO. LTD.

Have you ever stopped to consider how those delicious tomatoes that are disease free and without bruising came about? Yes, it is partly due to better packaging and chemicals, but it is also due to the breeding of improved varieties that are disease resistant and firmer so that they resist bruising. Takii & Company Ltd. (ƒ^ƒLƒCŽí•cŠ”Ž®‰ïŽÐ) of Kyoto has been largely responsible.
Takii & Co. Ltd., which is one of the two big seed companies in Japan, was started in 1935 in Kyoto, where they still maintain their head office. The company's first plant breeding and experiment station was at Nagaokakyo City. From this humble beginning the company has expanded to its present five breeding and experiment stations in Japan, with other stations overseas. These are in Ibaraki, Hokkaido, Fujimi and Nagano and Kosei in Japan, and the US, Europe, South America and S.E.Asia abroad. The largest station is at Kosei in Shiga prefecture (see photo), where it was transferred from Nagaokakyo city along with its Horticultural School in 1968. The school was started in 1947 to train students in farming and research techniques. About 80% of its graduates work for Takii. The school and the experiment station are on 70 hectares of land where there is good soil and sufficient rainfall, so that irrigation of the crops is unnecessary except at transplanting time.
Takii's chief business is breeding improved varieties of vegetables, but more recently its flower section has increased in importance with some very popular new varieties of sunflowers, petunias, snapdragons and pansies being released. Altogether Takii has bred 829 new varieties of vegetables of which many are hybrids. Of these, the most important have been varieties of egg plant, radish, tomato and carrot.
So how does Takii decide what characteristics of vegetables they are going to try and improve? The most important consideration is how easy it is to make the desired improvement and how many years they estimate it will take. (Most new varieties take at least 10 years to develop). The most important characteristic is disease resistance, then yield and finally taste. Other characteristics also considered are the shelf life of the vegetable, frost resistance and the length of the season the vegetable can be grown.
A breeding program starts with the choice of two plant varieties that together have desirable characteristics. One parent is male sterilized by removal of the anthers and is fertilized with pollen from the other. The offspring are grown over several generations selecting those with the desired characteristics and making further crosses trying to get closer to the desired type. Resistance to disease is determined by inoculating the plants with the disease in a disease nursery where the resistant plants can be selected. Yield and finally the more difficult features like taste are considered. The vegetable is first given to staff for them to give an opinion on flavor. As well the acid, sugar, and vitamin content are checked in the laboratory. Finally it is taste tested by the public at food fairs or in other surveys. Once a decision for release is made, seed is sent to special farms in Japan and overseas for increase to commercial quantities prior to packaging in Japan and distribution. Takii's overseas research stations make it possible for more crops to be grown each year utilizing the different seasons of the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
Breeding a new variety is a long process so the company is always looking for ways to speed it up. In recent years advances in bio-technology have made a significant impact, particularly cell fusion between cells of similar plants with different characteristics. This makes a new cell with the characteristics of both plants. These fused cells are grown on media (agar and artificial nutrients in the laboratory) and the resulting plants transplanted to the glass house or field. This technique has greatly reduced generation time and realized improvements that were not previously possible. In some plants such as orchids, virus free plants can be developed by taking a stem section from a plant and developing a new plant using tissue culture. This produces a virus free plant in the first generation.
The facilities at Takii are very modern. In addition to their expansive field facilities, there are analytical laboratories and climate controlled growth facilities to support the breeding process. Many staff and students also live in on site dormitories
So next time you take a vegetable or flower that you really appreciate, think of
companies like Takii which have in part contributed to its development.
J. McIntosh