Grandmaster Byung In Lee of Austin Mu Sool Won demonstrating his cutting technique at the Asian American Cultural Center’s Harvest Moon Festival.
Here’s a martial art from the other side of the world. Lysts on the Lake is an international jousting tournament held just outside of Austin in Taylor, TX every year.
Saito Johnny’s mandolin player, Taro, at SXSW Japan Nite 2012. It’s fascinating to hear someone from Japan playing bluegrass music. I guess it’s similar to their reaction to American singer Jaro singing enka.
Here’s a video of one of Saito Johnny’s songs:
More Pocari Shred, Austin’s only J-rock cover band, from their performance at Red Eyed Fly in November. Pictured are Ryoko (vocals), Tony (bass), and Jonathan (guitar).
Not entirely related to my blog topics, but there are some beautiful temples in the Austin area. Here is a Guan Yin statue in the garden at the Fo Guang Shan Xiang Yun Temple off of Capital of Texas Highway (360).
“It is easy to kill someone with a slash of a sword. It is hard to be impossible for others to cut down” - Yagyu Munenori
One of my favorite shots of Rakugo (traditional Japanese comedy) maestro Kokontei Kikushin performing at Tokyo Electron earlier this year in Austin. Rakugo is very much an art form that requires the storyteller to use a wide range of facial gestures. Also, thanks to the awesome view that Tokyo Electron has, I caught Frost Tower in the background.
An older pic from last year, but one of my favorites from Aki Matsuri. One of the younger Japanese dancers (nihon buyo) is watching the older dancers perform on stage.
Texas Saké Company’s head brewer (Tōji), Yoed Anis, pouring a sample of his Rising Star nigori saké at a “Cooking with Saké Kasu” class. They recently opened a tasting room in their kura (brewery). You should check it out - http://www.txsake.com/
A self-proclaimed Japanophile's discovery of all things Japanese in Austin, Texas, including manga, anime, cinema, cuisine, and more.AustinOtaku.com
