Japanese Language

 

Sakura Charm (back view).  Kangi engraving reads vertically from right to left: 

"Hei Sei Two Ten Year. Ten Two Month. Two Ten Seven Day. Okinawa Japan."

The Japanese language is beautiful to look at and to read.  Often a combination of various alphabets, Kangi, Katakana and Hirgana, the characters are varied and interesting to look at, even for those who are not fluent (like me!).  I especially love hand painted signs and the stylized flare that each individual uses to form the characters. 

There are also many gorgeous cut metal lamps with the characters written in light.  There is something very poetic about these letters punctuating the darkness.  This lantern hangs like a sign at the entrance of a small restaurant near our home.