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Japan's Answer to Will Rogers

Posted by
Mike Cash (Kiryu, Japan) on 27 August 2008 in People & Portrait and Portfolio.

When I arrived to visit 養源寺 (Yougenji), a Buddhist temple nestled in the hills on the outskirts of Ashikaga, this very outgoing lady came out to welcome me and (repeatedly) invite me to join her for tea.

After spending a while looking around in the slow drizzling rain I made my way back to the front of the temple and took her up on her offer. I can't recall when I've ever met someone more skilled at keeping up their side of a conversation. She is 84 years old and seems to still be in full possession of her mental faculties, though she protested that she is prone to forgetfulness. We spent a bit over an hour there sitting on the veranda of the temple, drinking tea, laughing, and happily chattering away together.

If you're ever in the neighborhood, drop by; she'll be glad to see you.

Pentax K20D
S-M-C Takumar 35/3.5

PENTAX K20D 1/15 second ISO 800 52 mm (35mm equiv.)

PENTAX K20D
1/15 second
ISO 800
52 mm (35mm equiv.)

japan
woman
temple
tea
tochigi
ashikaga