August 27th, 2000

I am making a wood block print right now. This year, I have taken up the (Chinese Tea House)as the subject, which I visited when I went to Taiwan on an assignment for 'Katei Gaho,' a woman's magazine. This is located near the Central University in Taiwan, where students come after school to eat light meals or have tea either in groups or with teachers.
What I think is very strange is its drawing room. It has Japanese tatami mats, and Chinese (Suzhou) windows. There are a low dining table and small portable cooking stoves. It is a drawing room which combines Japanese and Chinese styles. And what I like a lot are the unique Chinese corridors that connect all the rooms. It is a (a winding corridor) There are willow trees that appear and disappear from one's view, and below the corridors is a pond, where plump carps swim leisurely.
When I look at this scenery, I feel as if I am viewing the history that Taiwan has passed through. I thought it was very much like Taiwan that the good aspects of the countries that have influenced Taiwanese history have taken a firm root there. Perhaps I have the very same spirit myself. As someone with a bicultural background, I could not help being caught by this scenery.
My target date for completing the print is October 12th. It is a bit of a tight schedule, but I am determined to make it! I hope you look forward to seeing it.