SHIMANE: In Search of Izumo's Gardens Past and Present - Journeys in Japan

The Ancient Heart of Shimane Prefecture: A Deep Dive into Japanese Gardens & Culture

Key Concepts:

• Japanese Gardens (日本庭園 – Nihon Teien): Gardens designed to represent natural landscapes, often incorporating philosophical and religious elements, particularly Zen Buddhism.
• Shiman Prefecture (島根県 – Shimane-ken): A region in Japan known for its rich natural beauty, spiritual significance, and traditional crafts.
• Gen (源 – Source/Origin): Refers to the fundamental essence or spirit behind Japanese garden design, differing from temple gardens.
• 出雲龍天園 (Izumo Ryutenen): A specific garden in Shimane Prefecture, showcasing local agricultural traditions and reverence for nature.
• 黒松 (Kuromatsu – Black Pine): A highly valued tree in Japanese gardens, often placed centrally and symbolizing longevity and resilience.
• 小泉役雲記念館 (Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Hall): A house and garden once inhabited by Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo), a writer who introduced Japanese culture to the West.
• 出雲折 (Izumo Ori): A local textile tradition involving unique patterned weaving.
• 足立美術館 (Adachi Museum of Art): A museum renowned for its meticulously curated gardens that are considered integral to the art experience.

I. Introduction: The Spiritual Heart of Shimane

The video explores Shimane Prefecture, a region deeply revered as the origin point of jaanies (likely a mispronunciation of kami, spirits or gods). The area’s traditional gardens embody a profound spiritual sense, reflecting a deep respect for nature and the beliefs of the local people. The journey through Shimane reveals a unique approach to Japanese gardens, distinct from the more commonly known temple gardens. The presenter emphasizes that these gardens possess a different, more primal essence – the gen – representing the source of Japanese garden aesthetics.

II. Exploring Izumo Ryutenen: Agriculture, Tradition & Reverence for Nature

The video features a visit to Izumo Ryutenen, a garden deeply connected to the region’s agricultural heritage. The garden is built on land once owned by a prominent local family, the daishu (village headman), dating back to the Meiji era. A key feature is the planting of upryoku trees (trees with strong growth), symbolizing prosperity. The garden also incorporates ancient techniques for selecting and planting trees, exemplified by the koku tree. This tree’s name is a play on words, referencing the amount of rice a healthy adult male would consume in a year, representing a wish for abundance and freedom from hunger. Another notable tree is the nana no ki (shadow tree), deliberately placed to create intriguing shadows.

The kuromatsu (black pine) is highlighted as the central and most important tree in the garden, representing the reliance on divine intervention in agriculture. The garden also features a pond, symbolizing gratitude for water, essential for both iron production (a historical industry in the area) and rice cultivation. The garden, therefore, embodies the hopes and prayers of both ironworkers and farmers. Volunteers actively maintain the garden, motivated by a desire to preserve its beauty for future generations. “It’s so wonderful a garden, that when my friends come, they are deeply moved. I want to keep it beautiful for the future,” states one volunteer.

III. Lafcadio Hearn & the Appreciation of Japanese Aesthetics

The video then shifts to the Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Hall, the former home of Lafcadio Hearn, a writer who arrived in Japan during a period of rapid modernization. Hearn, known as Koizumi Yakumo in Japan, documented Japanese culture and spiritual beliefs in his writings. He lived in a samurai residence with a garden, which profoundly impacted his perception of Japan. He described the garden as being “like a painting, and like a death,” suggesting its profound beauty and transient nature. He particularly appreciated the natural sounds of insects and birds, finding solace in the garden after a day of teaching.

Hearn feared that his beloved garden would eventually be replaced by shops and factories as Japan modernized. This highlights a recurring theme: the tension between tradition and progress. The video emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature, a core principle reflected in Japanese gardens.

IV. Adachi Museum of Art: A Living Painting

The Adachi Museum of Art is presented as a prime example of a garden that transcends mere landscaping. The museum’s gardens are designed to be viewed as an extension of the art within, with the surrounding mountains serving as a natural backdrop. The garden doesn’t attempt to perfectly replicate nature but rather respects its natural flow and form. The “Living Screen” garden, with its window frames acting as picture frames, exemplifies this approach, creating the illusion of a constantly changing painting.

The museum also features a recreation of a waterfall depicted in a painting, demonstrating the interconnectedness between art and nature. The presenter notes, “The paintings are like the gen of Japanese beauty.” The garden is designed to create a journey for the visitor, with winding paths, trees, and hills, evoking a sense of immersion in the natural landscape. “You enter the haven, and then you get the feeling I know I can’t go into a journey off with feminine curves and rough stones in between it and you can go through the trees and over the hills and it looks like you can go all the way up to the mountain,” describes the presenter.

V. Local Crafts & Cultural Preservation: Izumo Ori & Dyeing

The video showcases local crafts, specifically Izumo Ori (Izumo weaving) and traditional dyeing techniques. Izumo Ori is a relatively young weaving tradition, originating around 45 years ago, inspired by local patterns. The weaver emphasizes the importance of creative freedom while respecting the tradition. The video also features a demonstration of natural dyeing using fermented indigo, highlighting the commitment to organic materials. A visitor is invited to try on a traditionally dyed kimono, showcasing the beauty and artistry of the craft. The weaver explains that the dyeing process is a way of expressing gratitude for nature.

VI. The Essence of Japanese Gardens: A Synthesis

The video concludes by reiterating the profound connection between Japanese gardens, the way of thinking, and the culture of the people who create them. The gardens are not merely about aesthetic beauty but about a deep relationship with nature, prayer, and the passage of time. The presenter emphasizes that Japanese gardens are not static objects but living entities that can be “read” and understood. “What we learn from Japanese gardens is not just about beauty but about the way of thinking and the culture of the people who built them,” states the presenter. The gardens offer a unique opportunity for contemplation and a deeper understanding of Japanese philosophy and aesthetics. The final shot emphasizes the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of the gardens, leaving the viewer with a sense of awe and inspiration.

Data/Statistics:

• Travel time from Tokyo to Shimane Prefecture: approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by plane.
• Izumo Ori weaving tradition is approximately 45 years old.

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