Michael Watson
@mgwatson.bsky.social
Premodernist. Retired from teaching but not from research (nō drama, medieval Japanese prose writings). Moved to Iwaki, Fukushima-ken, after 44 years living in Yokohama and Tokyo. Photos of sea, mountains etc. posted to Pinksky and Instagram (wldnsmkt).
“…while omitting at least one entire class of foreigners.” I’d be interested to know more. The tripartite division already sounds very crude.
October 21, 2025 at 4:44 AM
“…while omitting at least one entire class of foreigners.” I’d be interested to know more. The tripartite division already sounds very crude.
This is tremendous. Open source file (downloaded). Online version (bookmarked). I immediately looked up your entries to the two texts most relevant to my 軍記 studies. Much more of interest. Pleased to see how many of texts in your Hand-list are now available electronically
September 7, 2025 at 3:03 AM
This is tremendous. Open source file (downloaded). Online version (bookmarked). I immediately looked up your entries to the two texts most relevant to my 軍記 studies. Much more of interest. Pleased to see how many of texts in your Hand-list are now available electronically
And will survive after humans are extinct, I imagine. Enjoyed seeing dragonflies up in Aizu-Bandai this summer but didn’t spot any of the biggest kind we used to see: oniyanma オニヤンマ（鬼蜻蜓、馬大頭、学名：Anotogaster sieboldii Sélys, 1854）
August 23, 2025 at 4:30 PM
And will survive after humans are extinct, I imagine. Enjoyed seeing dragonflies up in Aizu-Bandai this summer but didn’t spot any of the biggest kind we used to see: oniyanma オニヤンマ（鬼蜻蜓、馬大頭、学名：Anotogaster sieboldii Sélys, 1854）
Sorry for double posting. Poor net reception in woods
July 22, 2025 at 1:18 AM
Sorry for double posting. Poor net reception in woods
Night Tracks! What a loss for those of us who need something soothing to listen to when wide awake at 3 am. Not to mention the Proms. Summers in Japan will not be the same.
July 21, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Night Tracks! What a loss for those of us who need something soothing to listen to when wide awake at 3 am. Not to mention the Proms. Summers in Japan will not be the same.
With all respect, Tony, I would suggest you put aside moral judgments of the protagonist. Do we need to approve of the often insufferable behaviour of Marcel (the character) when reading Proust? Or Becky Sharp when reading Vanity Fair?
July 10, 2025 at 9:05 AM
With all respect, Tony, I would suggest you put aside moral judgments of the protagonist. Do we need to approve of the often insufferable behaviour of Marcel (the character) when reading Proust? Or Becky Sharp when reading Vanity Fair?
I am looking forward to seeing Shōsōin the Show when the exhibition comes to Tokyo in autumn. Will watch out for this fascinating object—and will keep my eyes peeled for similar objects when I go to the British Museum in September.
July 9, 2025 at 11:00 PM
I am looking forward to seeing Shōsōin the Show when the exhibition comes to Tokyo in autumn. Will watch out for this fascinating object—and will keep my eyes peeled for similar objects when I go to the British Museum in September.
Settled down with a book I’ve had on my Sinology shelf for ages. 詩經 the Book of Odes. Perfect for a hot and humid day.
July 8, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Settled down with a book I’ve had on my Sinology shelf for ages. 詩經 the Book of Odes. Perfect for a hot and humid day.
Ah the knee-jerk trends of academia. Huizinga shaming has been around for a while. When I was doing an MA in medieval literature in 1976, I mentioned to my adviser that I was enjoying Homo Ludens. He made a disapproving comment.
June 30, 2025 at 11:52 PM
Ah the knee-jerk trends of academia. Huizinga shaming has been around for a while. When I was doing an MA in medieval literature in 1976, I mentioned to my adviser that I was enjoying Homo Ludens. He made a disapproving comment.