The lunch discussion group on Oct 28, with presenter Jann Williams third on the left

For the past few years Australian Jann Williams has been a valued supporter of Writers in Kyoto, while researching her magnum opus on the effect on Japan of the elements, whether physical or in the form of the Chinese and Buddhist five elements theories. At a lunch discussion on Oct 28 with a group of seven other WiK members she talked of her work so far and sought input on how best to proceed, particularly in organisational terms since she has amassed so much material.

As an environmental scientist, Jann is interested in patterns that form in the landscape. For her PhD, she focused on the transformative effects of fire and the ability of the earth to recover. She’s been involved too in conservation and eco-system services, such as putting value on nature so as to encourage its preservation. She sees the elements as another way of connecting to nature, particularly in the universality of fire and water. That was the inspiration for the name of her first blog ‘Fire Up Water Down’.

Jann Williams in elemental mode

The reason Jann chose to focus on Japan was largely to do with Shinto being the sole example of an animist religion still guiding the thinking of an industrialised country. She was also inclined to admiration of the aesthetics and values of Japanese culture, a feeling intensified with her experience of an Oomoto course she took. In many ways Japan is an obvious country in which to explore the elements because of its position on the ring of fire, meaning volcanoes, hot springs and earthquakes are common, as well as being in the typhoon belt with the consequences that brings.

When it came to the contents of her research, it seemed there was nothing in Japanese culture that was not included! From esoteric Buddhism to the tea ceremony, from Shugendo to food, there was little that had escaped Jann’s attention. She held up a map of Japan and talked too of her journeys from Hokkaido to Yakushima in quest of elemental extremes. Some of the stories associated with these travels can be found in her second blog ‘Elemental Japan’.

In the discussion that followed there was an interesting and valuable exchange of ideas and some good suggestions made as to what form the organisation of the material might take. A journey into each of the elements. The ‘gorinto’ (cemetery stupa) as vector into the elements. A book of photos, with captions and explanations of their significance. The general consensus was that there was enough material for five or six books.

Whichever way Jann inclines in her approach, we wish her well. WiK has had some successes in making connections and helping promote members’ work. But Jann’s work is the closest to our hearts because of her association with the group from the very gestation of her all-encompassing vision. She reckons on three more years work to complete her project. Reader, please watch this space.

Karen Lee Tawarayama, Sho, Ken Rodgers and Jann

 

New members Michael Freiling and Milena Guziak

Ted Taylor takes the limelight, with Rebecca Otowa behind him, followed by John D, Karen, Sho, Ken, Jann, Milena and Michael