Treasures in the Sky

     Why do Westerners prefer to separate art from commerce? The altitude of the Mori Art  Museum on the 52nd floor of Roppongi Hiruzu (Hills) aka "Artelligent City" has not deterred gaijin (foreigners) who arrive in droves.  Herded by elevator guides into the correct cars, guests zoom up past the offices of Goldman Sachs, Pokemon Productions and other familiar companies. Weather permitting contemporary art lovers may glimpse Mount Fuji from the Tokyo City View area. Two hours or so outside of Tokyo, Fuji-san graces the city with its dignified presence in winter and then retreats. Shujin (husband) boasts a view from his office near Tokyo Eki (station). In summer, when the trails are open, intrepid hikers attempt the climb in order to see the sunrise. As the saying goes: A wise man climbs Fuji-san once, a fool twice. This was confirmed by one wise man,Wanda-san's husband, who has no regrets.

     On the ninth floor overlooking the Imperial Palace garden visitors enter the jewel box known as the Idemitsu Bijutsukan.  Turn right at Exit B3 of Hibiya station, a second right into the office building where a courtly gentleman indicates the lift for a quick ride, presumably past offices of the Idemitsu Petroleum Company. Still time to catch "The Elegance of Vessels: Masterpieces of Japanese Ceramics," which includes highlights such as an ancient set of twelve square plates each depicting a different bird, and a folding screen painted with cherry trees. Many of the pieces in these few rooms are kokuho, or National Treasures, defined as precious "tangible  cultural properties." Follow the arrows through the rooms to the picture window and settle among the rows of comfy seats along with a cup of matcha (green tea).

      Taking a page from the National Trust of England, a select group of Tokyo's stately homes have been opened to the public. One sunny March afternoon our calligraphy class gathered at an Art Deco palace, formerly home to Prince Asaka (1887-1981), consort to the eighth daughter of the Meiji Emperor, Queen Victoria's contemporary. Used as a State Guest House until 1974, the home is now a gallery set in a park. We caught a show of Tuscan masters who called themselves I Macchiaioli and painted scenes of Firenze including a few of Settignano, where my sisters and I fell in love with Italy as students. Never expected to run into scenes of the Piazza Signoria in Meguro-ku.

        Only three days until Hans gives his presentation at the International House for the ladies social club. Latest reports have number of guests hovering at 60, and temperatures hitting 60 F for perfect symmetry and lucky numbers.