Books Galore!


　　　Perhaps the most familiar resource for books to Kyotoites is the Kyoto Prefectural Library (Kyoto Furitsu Toshokan), which reopened its doors last year after several years of remodeling. An old face on new shoulders, the facade of the old building has been carefully preserved to maintain its long heritage, decorated in elegant terracotta. On the north-side of the premises is a monument of German artist, Gottfried Wagner. He was invited to Kyoto in 1878 and made an impact on the traditional art and craft world introducing new techniques in ceramic making and the dying of fabrics. Before we enter the inner sanctum of the library, let me explain how the building came to be as it is today.
　　　The first official "Kyoto Prefectural Library" opened back in 1898, in the east building of the Exhibition Association at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. A mere 280 m² of floor space (use your imagination!) unfortunately meant it was never destined for anything quite as grand its location hinted at. The library remained in the Palace confines until Governor OMORI made a proposal to build a memorial library in commemoration of the Russo-Japanese War (1904-5) victory.
　　　Designed by the architect TAKEDA Goichi, the new Kyoto Prefectural Library was unveiled in April 1909 at its present site in Okazaki, boasting a 50,000-volume collection. The library was an impressive three-story brick building, with total floor space of 2,500 m². "Vast" was a word that barely did justice to the new facility, especially compared to its predecessor. Proving a popular and useful resource, in 1936 a proposed three-year reconstruction and expansion plan passed the Prefectural Assembly. Unfortunately, however, this was later cancelled due to outbreak of war with China. It was not until some 60 years later that changes were finally made, coming in an unexpected form. The Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake of 1995 caused severe damage to the Main building of the library, and brought about plans for a new prefectural library.
　　　So here we are today with a new library equipped with various updated facilities. There are spacious and comfortable Reading Rooms on the first basement level and the first floor (which also includes a reading service for the blind). Getting to the basement from the first floor, you can choose to use either the winding staircase or the elevator. There are also plenty of book-shelves on the basement level allowing you ample opportunity to delve at your leisure.
　　　The second floor is the Multi-Media Room, where AV Booths, PC Booths, and a Rare Book Database are at your disposal. It is possible to access the Internet (though no emailing), view microfilms, and read backdated newspapers for free.
　　　Located on the third floor is the Multi-Media Workroom. This consists of a Studio, Computer Room and Multi-Room.
　　　Integrating the information of the various public libraries in Kyoto prefecture, the library has established a comprehensive library catalog, which is accessible through the Internet. Unfortunately not all of the 6,300 foreign books housed are accessible via this means, so please visit the library in person for further information.

Borrowing books:
To obtain a library card, simply fill in an application form available from the service counter. You must show your resident identification card or drivers license etc. to become a member. You can borrow up to five books for a maximum of two weeks.
The Kyoto Prefectural Library has a pleasant atmosphere and is an ideal place to relax and escape the steamy summer heat. Furthermore, its conveniently located in the vicinity of Heian Shrine, the National Museum of Modern Art and the Kyoto Municipal Museum of Arts, so you can kill two birds, or should I say several birds, with one stone.

Information:
Open: Tue. - Sat. 9:30 - 19:00,
Sun. 9:30 - 17:00
Closed: Mon. (Tue. Is Mon. is a public hol.), 4th Thu. of every month, National Holidays, 28 Dec. - Jan. 4, and special stocktaking periods.
Access: Tozai Subway Line, Higashiyama Sta. 10 min or Kyoto City Bus No. 5, get off at Kyoto-Kaikan Bijutsukan-mae bus stop.
Inquiries: Tel (075) 762-4655
Fax (075) 762-4653
URL http://www.library.pref.kyoto.jp


N. Suematsu

Kyoto Interview Series

Life in Kyoto (LIK) recently interviewed Sharon Teach, a charming women from the United States who has been living in Kyoto for almost two years, working at the world's largest sake-brewing company, Gekkeikan. Currently a manager of the company's Product Development Section, Teach is the first non-native Japanese (foreign national) to be employed at Gekkeikan throughout its 365 years of operation. The following interview is the first in a new series profiling foreign nationals living in Kyoto who are doing something unique or different from the stereotypical working gaiikoku-jin.

Q.　We understand that you were born in California and finished your university study over there. Why have you been so interested in Japan and how have you mastered the Japanese language so completely?
A. It has been my dream since my primary school days to live in Japan, particularly in Kyoto. A lesson on Japanese culture in the fourth grade stimulated my interest in Japan and it's people. I actually practiced how to handle hashi (chopsticks) and even learn how to write haiku (5-7-5 syllable traditional Japanese poetry) in English. Later in high school, I met a Spanish teacher who had previously lived in Japan and he further deepened my enthusiasm through many wonderful discussions about Japanese lifestyles and customs. At university, I majored in marketing and minored in Japanese studies, studying such things as the Japanese language, Japanese history, and international business. After graduation, I went on to study one-year at Doshisha University here in Kyoto through a Fulbright Scholarship. Studying and living in Japan very much helped my colloquial Japanese!

Q. Did you have anybody in your family who had a connection in some way with Japan?
A. No, however, my family has always been very supportive of me and has always encouraged me to follow my own dreams.

Q. Then, I think the influence of your teachers in primary school and high school must have been quite significant. Could you tell me about these teachers in more detail?
A. My elementary school teacher, Miss Diana Morgan, was a wonderful, beautiful lady. She had never visited Japan but she loved the culture very much. She taught us how to write haiku and how to do sumi-e ink paintings of bamboo. My teacher in high school, Mr. Tom Gunterman, and his wife, Mrs. Kyoko Gunterman, are two wonderful people too! Mr. Gunterman lived in Shizuoka for 5 years (where he met his wife), moved to our hometown area and became a teacher at our high school. He taught my younger sister and me how to speak some Japanese and write hiragana, katakana, and some kanji. We met after school for about an hour. In the spring of 1986, my art teacher, Mr. Scott, one day asked me, "Sharon, why are all of your drawings and artwork Japanese-like?" (I used to draw simple pictures of Japanese gardens, ukiyo-e (woodblock print) type pictures of a woman in a kimono, etc.) So I told him about my studies when I was 9. I also told him I was learning how to speak Japanese. Mr. Scott then told me that he was a Lions Club member and could help me to go to Japan for a 6-week homestay program in Japan. With the help of that and my parents, I was able to go to Japan. I spent 6 weeks in Saga Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu. I had a wonderful experience and became even more interested in Japanese culture.

Q. Now, we'd like to know more about your business career concerning sake and Japan. I heard that you were working at Gekkeikan USA for over five years and helped develop a hit sake named "Haiku".
A. I myself love Japanese sake and wished to popularize it among American people in general. I selected a Japanese calligraphy and washi (Japanese paper) style design for the label. I thought that since we wanted to make this sake a premium item, that the color tone should be purple. On the back label, I wrote a brief description of what haiku poetry is and added an English haiku of my own! I am so happy to say that since its introduction in 1999, Haiku is enjoying increased popularity in the US year by year.

Q. Can we buy "Haiku" here in Kyoto?
A. Unfortunately, Haiku is not yet available in Kyoto, however, it is available at Costco stores in Tokyo and Fukuoka. In terms of a similar tasting one, we have a very nice sake here in Kyoto called "Petit Moon".

Q. How is your work here in the head office of Gekkeikan?
A. Everyday is very interesting!
I previously worked in the International Department where I monitored the European market. This year, I met with our agents in Norway and Sweden and found that sake is becoming more and more popular like sushi. From March, I moved to Product Development and am focusing my attention on marketing. I am particularly interested in the Japanese consumer and lifestyle trends. There is so much for me to study and research! This kind work is what I studied in university so needless to say, I am very enthusiastic.

Q. I'd like to ask you about your personal life and interest here in Kyoto. Firstly, whereabouts in the city do you live?
A. In the Higashiyama district, a really nice environment.

Q. Do you live in a traditional style house?
A. No, but my apartment has a traditional Japanese room with a tokonoma (alcove), tatami (straw matting) and shoji (sliding paper door). From the window, I can see momiji (maple leaves) and other trees further in the Higashiyama range.

Q. In Japan most people tend to live in small spaces. Modern buildings are built next to traditional houses or temples, and thus the new and the old are mixed together, bringing about a kind of confusion. Still, do you think the view of Kyoto is beautiful?
A. Yes. Seeing things in their small individually makes me feel the beauty. Take bonsai for example, which is so exquisite close up.

Q. Did your impression of Kyoto before and after coming change at all?
A. No, not so much. It's pretty amazing that my childhood image and actual experiences are not so different.

Q. Could you describe your impression of Kyoto as a color and as a shape?
A. Deep purple - like the color of Imperial flags and the iris at Heian Shrine, and square - like the shape of the city and traditional Japanese homes.

Q. What do you like to do when you have spare time?
A. I like walking and bicycling around Kyoto and going to antique fairs. I occasionally read some classic Japanese literature, such as Makurano-soshi and Kagerou-nikki. In the future, I have many other things I would like to do such as learning how to wear a kimono.

Q. What is your favorite Japanese word?
A. 粋（sui, iki）Cultured, smart, chic: This word seems to catch the essence of Japanese beauty.

Q. What is your least favorite Japanese word?
A. Ganbatte! (Hold out!). It is an irresponsible word because people often say it when they want someone to accept things as they are without improving the situation.

Q. Who is your favorite Japanese celebrity (tarento)?
A. 原節子(HARA Setsuko), who was a lovely Japanese actress in 1950s and reminds me a little of Audrey Hepburn.

Q. Do you like to write your name in kanji characters?
A. Yes. 沙論 (SHA-RON).沙 (Sha) means sand literally but it is often used in female names in Japan and 論(Ron) means logic.

We hope you enjoy your time in Kyoto, Sharon!


T. Fujii & C. Okajima

Roam with Ease

Surutto-Kansai Cards

　　　Do you seriously enjoy lining up for a train ticket during peak hour or when you are in a rush? If that's a no, well, Surutto-Kansai Cards (Kansai-Thru-Pass) are for you.
　　　Issued respectively by affiliated transportation companies in the Kansai region, prepaid Surutto-Kansai Cards make getting about even more convenient when using buses and trains. Let's cut to the chase and consider why you would purchase a Surutto-Kansai Card in the first place.
　　　There are the two main advantages of buying this type of pass. Firstly, you can go through the ticket gates without having to purchase a ticket each time. The fare is automatically withdrawn from your card, with the remaining balance shown on the back. Let's say you have slept in and you are in a rush to get to school or work. You don't want to spend precious time buying a ticket at the ticket vender and risk missing your train. If you are a regular train-bus traveler without a commuter pass, you are sure to find a Surutto-Kansai Card saves you time and trouble.
　　　While Surutto-Kansai Cards are usable on most train and bus networks in the Kansai region, there are some exceptions, so check if you're unsure. Assume that you purchase a card at Keihan Sanjo Station. It can be used not only for the Keihan line, but also for the Hankyu line. This makes it easy when changing from one train line to another, or when using different forms of transportation.
　　　Here is a list of the various kinds of Surutto-Kansai cards available.