Japan – Page 2 – Tacky Raccoons

The Namazu-e of 1855

Namazu and the kaname-ishi rock. Japan, 1855

In November 1855, the Great Ansei Earthquake struck the city of Edo (now Tokyo), claiming 7,000 lives and inflicting widespread damage. Within days, a new type of color woodblock print known as namazu-e (lit. “catfish pictures”) became popular among the residents of the shaken city. These prints featured depictions of mythical giant catfish (namazu) who, according to popular legend, caused earthquakes by thrashing about in their underground lairs. In addition to providing humor and social commentary, many prints claimed to offer protection from future earthquakes.

Namazu are normally kept under control by the god Kashima using a large rock known as kaname-ishi. The Great Ansei Earthquake of 1855 is said to have occurred when Kashima went out of town and left Ebisu (god of fishing and commerce) in charge. In this print, the giant subterranean catfish unleashes destruction on the city while Ebisu sleeps on the job. Kashima rushes home on horseback while the city burns, and Raijin the thunder god defecates drums. Large gold coins fall from the sky, symbolizing the redistribution of wealth during the rebuilding phase.

Namazu with construction tools, portrayed as the legendary warrior Benkei.

[Full story and more images found here.]

Be The Bag

[Found here.]

Japanese Pigeon People

In March 2013, a Google Street View Trekker captured a flock of Pigeon People along the Tamagawa Aqueduct Greenway, Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan.

[Found here.]

The .Gif Friday Post No. 790 – Pounding Mochi, The Photograph & A Milk Snot Shot

[Found here, here and here.]

blooorp

Ark Nova, Japan

Ark Nova was created as a result of joint efforts of British sculptor Anish Kapoor and Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and it is the only inflatable concert hall currently in the world.

[Found here, h/t Gorehound.]

Saturday Matinee – Compact Living, Andrea Motis & Joan Chamorro, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, and Die Häder Bänd w/ Linda Krieg

The tenants’ reviews are interesting [via].

Andrea Motis & Joan Chamorro.

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings did a great cover of Gregg Allman’s Midnight Rider (even though it’s a commercial). Sharon Jones succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 60.