Author notes

Page 10

Scott D

on Nov. 8, 2019

I'll admit that, like many, I harbour a fascination with elements of Japanese culture and aesthetics. Don't get me wrong, I like as much Japanese animation as the next person (and believe me, I've watched my fair share), but there's so much to it than modern media. Where I'm from, tea is the nation's favourite beverage, but the very idea of a room, nay, an entire ceremony, dedicated to the brewing, serving, and sharing of something so humble, is incredible to me! Phrases are also quite interesting if you're at all intrigued by the nuances of language. In the previous page, the idiom minu-ga-hana (or "not seeing is a flower") came up, which refers to how nothing is ever quite how you imagine it, and seemed quite appropriate for a bookshop. Above we have umi-sen-yama-sen (or "thousand ocean, thousand mountain"), a proverb denoting someone old and sly who is possessed of much experience. On a lesser note, though he isn't the same breed, dear old Mr Akita's attire is directly inspired by this charming little fellow here. What about you? Are there any cultures or countries that put a surprising spin on something familiar, or things they say that make you think?
—Scott D.

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