Two weeks have already passed since the start of the new fiscal year. The weather has settled down, and we're enjoying pleasant days. Have you all participated in any spring-themed events?

As for our very own CHALIE VICE, she said, "I was planning to relax in England this spring, but a friend in the Netherlands invited me to come visit and see spring here. I'm hoping to visit my friend in the Netherlands soon and enjoy the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens for the first time in a while!" This is the kind of thing only someone like CHALIE, who has friends all over the world, could do.

Currently, THE GALLERY by CHALIE VICE is showcasing a new Japanese cultural tradition: "Yudo" (the way of the hot springs). And in this Angels Blog post, we'll bring you a report on the special "Yudo" talk show that just took place today!

Kundo Koyama, the proponent of "Yudo" (the way of hot springs), is a close friend of CHALIE's, with whom she has been acquainted for decades. I was hoping to hear a special talk between CHALIE and Kundo Koyama at this event... but unfortunately, traveler CHALIE VICE once again missed her flight back to Japan.

The event began with a talk featuring three guests: Kundo Koyama; Stephanie Coroin, a French woman who has been promoting Japanese public bath culture both domestically and internationally through television, magazines, the web, and social media, and who has served as a public bath ambassador since 2015; and Yu Aoki, President and CEO of MATCHA Co., Ltd., which operates the website "MATCHA" that promotes Japanese culture to people overseas.


Mr. Kundo Koyama shared many behind-the-scenes stories about "Yudo" (the way of the hot springs). The inscription "Yudo Onshin," which is displayed at THE GALLERY by CHALIE VICE, was written by Abbot Sosei Yamada of Shinjuan Temple in Daitoku-ji, Kyoto, and apparently it was written with a brush made from a modified bamboo broom! Mr. Koyama also shared that his first memory of being scolded was when he was about three years old, playing excitedly with a toy boat at a local public bathhouse. Perhaps even back then, he felt a sense of consideration for others, a feeling that is uniquely Japanese.


During Stephanie and Aoki's conversation, Stephanie showed us photographs of public bathhouses that she had actually taken, revealing the wonderful beauty of these bathhouses that even many Japanese people are unaware of. They also mentioned that the word "onsen" (hot springs) appears frequently in overseas guidebooks, suggesting that "Yudo" (the way of bathing) in Japanese culture will likely attract renewed attention. We had the valuable opportunity to learn about "Yudo" from Mr. Koyama, the proponent of "Yudo."


And Mr. Koyama said this: "History is made in the future"... Just like with great historical figures, if there are people in the future who carry on the events of the past, a path will be made. Mr. Koyama is "sowing seeds" toward that future.

Currently, THE GALLERY by CHALIE VICE is showcasing "bath tools" made using traditional crafts, which are one of the charms of "Yudo" (the way of bathing). Among them, Ms. Koyama recommends the "Oboro towel." It is half towel and half gauze, and is just the right thickness for washing the body. She is planning to bestow a special towel in a different color upon advanced practitioners of "Yudo" in the future, as the head of the school.


"Yudo" will be on display until Tuesday, April 17th. We look forward to your visit to THE GALLERY by CHALIE VICE!

Photo: TAKU FUJII

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