Kage

Kage in Japanese is symbolised in two characters. 影 (kage) dark projection created by blocking the light. Shadow, silhouette, reflection. In the past, kage was used to measure the height of tall objects (trees, buildings). 陰 (kage) - places that do not receive sunlight. Shady places, darkness, also negativeness in personality. Darkness exists in kage, but without kage, there will be no depth and quality in our thinking. (Nakahichi, Chikatsuyu, 中辺路町近露)

Art of drying

Kaki or persimmons are now in season. Wakayama produces over 20% of kaki in Japan as well as mikan (mandarins). Both are planted on steep mountain sides, covering the slopes with the bright orange. Persimmons have bitter and sweet varieties and bitter ones are mostly dried (hoshi-gaki), which are lot sweeter than the sweet varieties. It is the tannin that causes bitterness, which can be removed by drying, soaking in alcohol or warm water, leaving in a sealed container with an apple etc. Many houses have kaki drying under their eaves keeping them from rain and birds. They turn sweet enough to eat in a week or so, but for preserving, a few more weeks of drying is recommended. With varieties of art of drying, people make sure they won’t waste any food and get ready for the coming winter (Nakahichi, Chikatsuyu, 中辺路町近露).