SPECIAL FEATURE
Prelude: Zen
Enso, an abstract image of Zen Buddhism created some 500 years ago, symbolically

expresses the state of enlightenment. It is a black circle brushed in ink with a
single fluid motion. Internationally renowned photographer Shu Akashi presents an
enso trilogy in flame, water, and stone.

Absolute Zen
Zen is intuitive, mysterious, and abstract. It is said to be an endless process of
self-discovery and perfection in the quest for satori, the state of enlightenment.
We seek to pierce the mystery by introducing the essence of Zen in its sublime
forms: meditations, architecture, foods, gardens, and thought.
Absolute Zen

Zen Concepts

Zen Teaching of Mu

A Zen Tale


FINE ARTS & CRAFTS
Urushi-Japan ・New Century for Lacquerware
A true merging of Japanese fine art and craft, lacquerware is at a crossroads.
Artisans seeking to preserve the fast-disappearing heritage are exploring new
forms and ways of working. We explain Japan's lacquer traditions and visit four
historic centers where today's masters are still at work: Wajima, Kyoto, Gifu,
and Aizuwakamatsu.


Hiroshi Senju's Waterfall ・World Art Gallery
Internationally acclaimed, New York-based painter Hiroshi Senju unveils a massive
new work in Tokyo. In it he asks, "What is true beauty? What is the beauty of Japan?"


Hanga ・Modern Views of Japanese Prints
Much of the Western world was introduced to Japanese culture through the medium of
the woodblock print. We trace the history of this highly regarded art form and take
you into the studios of three contemporary hanga artists.



NATURE
Shimmering Ice
Winter comes to Mount Ishizuchi, a sacred place in Shikoku. We spotlight the beauty
of frost and glimpse nature's mysteries.


Yakushima Island
Giant Yaku-sugi cedars and a wealth of other natural wonders gained this island
listing as a World Heritage Site. We show you the winter scenery and tell you how
to plan a visit.



FASHION
Gems of Oriental Splendor
Bewitching in beauty and rooted in Asian beliefs, this season's jewels showcase
colored stones and gorgeous designs. Gems inspired by the Buddhist Land of Happiness
are more than chic; they are a feast for the eye.


NAiyMA, NAiyMA
Why does NAiyMA fascinate fashion insiders? Its totally realistic outlook on the
world distinguishes it among the Tokyo Collections.


A Night on the Town with Givenchy
Join us at the party to celebrate the opening of Givenchy Men's Boutique Aoyama.
It was an evening of indulgence for all the senses.



GARDENS
Still Garden ・Landscapes by Sesshu
The Zen monk Sesshu revolutionized both black-ink painting and garden design.
Please step into some notable scenes where the Zen spirit in his paintings lives on.



PRODUCT DESIGN
A Dragon to Dazzle Time
Lacquer Work Turns a Watch into Wearable Art


Sleek and Slim in Black Lacquer
Traditional Craft Meets State-of-the-Art TV


Nissan Jikoo
Nissan Opens the Door to the Future ・The company continues to revolutionize
with a futuristic new design center in London and a car that celebrates the traditional
crafts of old Edo. Join us as we find out what has fundamentally changed at Nissan.


LIVING
Sumi, the New Black Beauty
One gram of sumi (charcoal) possesses a surface area of 300 square meters. The

astonishing nature and absorptive capability of this material is in the news. We
show you some ideas for using this traditional black beauty in daily life and interiors.



PERFORMING ARTS
Fujiko Hemming, Pianist ・An Exclusive Interview
Dubbed a child prodigy before confronting reversals and despair, Hemming is now recognized
as one of the leading artists of this age. She reflects on her remarkable life.



GOURMET
[Special Guide]
Eating Tokyo ・41 Top Restaurants to Try
Could Tokyo be the new culinary capital of the world? Using a vast variety of foods
from around the globe, chefs are creating a new culinary culture. From French and
Italian to Turkish and Thai, ethnic cuisines reinvent themselves here by absorbing

techniques unique to Japan. Join us on a tour of some of the finest dining in Tokyo.
Yakitori

Tempura

Traditional Tokyo Cuisine

Master Chef Cuisine



DEPARTMENTS
Works ・Yuki: the Snow in abstract and words by Toko Shinoda.

Souvenirs: Luck to Last the Year
Fuku Fukuda, traveling gourmet, finds souvenirs of Japan to delight the eye and the palate.
Sample some that are perfect for welcoming the New Year.


Nine-Star Horoscope


ET CETERA
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Index

Selections From this Issue in Japanese