Dear readers, in March I travelled to Shiga Prefecture on assignment, like I did in 2023 in Fukushima and Aomori and last year in Shodoshima and Kochi.
I like walking around Biwa Lake in Shiga. Eg from Omi-Maiko beach to Otsu. Actually you reminded me of a walk I did in 2022 and never made proper notes. I have to fix it.
So that's where Dame Murasaki started to write Genji? I'm hooked, I want to know more about Shiga, and read other interviews. Also, more food pictures, please!
Are you really going to write about Murasaki? I absolutely love 'The Tale of Genji', I think it is the first ever "modern/psychological" novel in the history of world literature. Yes, I know, nowadays its content is quite controversial, but it's a great work of art nonetheless. Murasaki was a wonderful writer.
I have all the time in the world for Japanese food. I can only add, "Viva la Shiga, che Dio la benediga"! – questa la capiamo solo noi italiani.
Thank you so much for the shout-out, Gianni, you're so generous.
I'm partial to Sei Shonagon, but you are right about Murasaki.
I meant I was going to write about the temple in Shiga where she was staying when she first came up with the idea for the novel, but I've just remembered that last year I wrote a piece about The Tale of Genji, so I may post that article too. Just for you.
I hope some of my readers will check out your newsletter. It's one of my favorites.
Well, my daughter too has become a fan/subscriber of yours, when she read the interview you did with the lovely, sassy lady who became a porn star in her 80s.
I'm looking forward to reading it all. Japan and its culture are endlessly fascinating, even the darkest pages in its history. I'm a sucker for it.
Share the interviews, please.
Vote #1 for the interviews! ☺️
I like walking around Biwa Lake in Shiga. Eg from Omi-Maiko beach to Otsu. Actually you reminded me of a walk I did in 2022 and never made proper notes. I have to fix it.
I'd love to read that. I always enjoy reading your walk reports @ https://igorf9c.substack.com/
Thank you.
You have the most interesting assignments, Gianni.
So that's where Dame Murasaki started to write Genji? I'm hooked, I want to know more about Shiga, and read other interviews. Also, more food pictures, please!
Yep, I'll write more on the subject soon. I mean Murasaki, not food. For that you'll have to wait some more.
By the way, looking forward to reading your latest essay @ https://bppersio.substack.com/
Are you really going to write about Murasaki? I absolutely love 'The Tale of Genji', I think it is the first ever "modern/psychological" novel in the history of world literature. Yes, I know, nowadays its content is quite controversial, but it's a great work of art nonetheless. Murasaki was a wonderful writer.
I have all the time in the world for Japanese food. I can only add, "Viva la Shiga, che Dio la benediga"! – questa la capiamo solo noi italiani.
Thank you so much for the shout-out, Gianni, you're so generous.
I'm partial to Sei Shonagon, but you are right about Murasaki.
I meant I was going to write about the temple in Shiga where she was staying when she first came up with the idea for the novel, but I've just remembered that last year I wrote a piece about The Tale of Genji, so I may post that article too. Just for you.
I hope some of my readers will check out your newsletter. It's one of my favorites.
Well, my daughter too has become a fan/subscriber of yours, when she read the interview you did with the lovely, sassy lady who became a porn star in her 80s.
I'm looking forward to reading it all. Japan and its culture are endlessly fascinating, even the darkest pages in its history. I'm a sucker for it.