“When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
Matthew 2: 9-10
Bible Study Fellowship International has been studying the book of Matthew this year. How perfect it is, then, that I can fold each member of my group a star in remembrance of that which appeared before the Wise Men.
These are only seven of the sixteen I folded yesterday. While my hands are a little sore, there is nothing I like quite so much as origami ornaments on my tree.
Here is a geometrical one, of many, which hangs on a miniature tree in our dining room. I don’t even recall how to fold it, as I made it many years ago with paper my parents brought back from one of their trips. True Japanese paper is very forgiving, almost like cloth; perhaps that is one of the reasons I like it for Christmas…
Ever since I put up the announcement for the Japanese Literature Challenge 15, I have been thrilled to see the response. There is a desire to continue with it, and #January in Japan, even after a decade and a half. So, I am compiling a list of my own, too, and I was thrilled to discover these two books at our local library:
There’s No Such Thing As An Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura was published November 26, 2020. Bloomsbury Publishing says, “This is the first time Kikuko Tsumura–winner of Japan’s most prestigious literary award–has been translated into English. There’s No Such Thing as an Easy Job is as witty as it is unsettling–a jolting look at the maladies of late capitalist life through the unique and fascinating lens of modern Japanese culture.”
The Woman In The Purple Skirt by Natsukawa Imamura. Penguin Random House says, “A bestselling, prizewinning novel by one of Japan’s most acclaimed young writers, for fans of Convenience Store Woman, Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, and the movies Parasite and Rear Window.”
So, I will definitely begin with these before moving on to others such as Haruki Murakami’s latest, Murakami T: The T-Shirts I Love.
And you? Are you planning to make anything to decorate your tree? Or, something to read for the Japanese Literature Challenge 15?
Dolce Bellezza 
Would it surprise you to know I still have the origami ornament you sent me so many years ago? It’s on my tree even now, and quite happy there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, that is so sweet, Linda! I can’t remember which one I made for you, but I’m so touched you have saved it and still put it on your tree.🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a pretty little star, hanging now from a golden thread. Merry Christmas, Meredith!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember now! Merry Christmas, sweet Linda.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the origami ornaments. We used to make heart bookmarks in the library just before Valentine’s Day. The kids loved doing it. I’d love to learn a little origami. Maybe I could find a holiday origami bookmark I could make for book club members next week.
I definitely plan to join in for the Japanese Literature Challenge 15. Happily, I was also able to find those two books at my library.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always made the children in my class heart bookmarks for Valentine’s Day, and I’m so glad to hear you did it in the library, too. I would love to have been in your library, instead of the ones I had to attend in which I was asked if I’d washed my hands. As an adult.🙄
Even better is that you will join the Japanese Literature Challenge 15, and have two books lying in wait.
LikeLike
The origami ornaments are beautiful!
I hope you have a great week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Vicki!
LikeLike
The origami stars you made are lovely! I recently purchased The Ten Loves of Nishino Kindle by Hiromi Kawakami as a kindle daily deal and will try at read it during your challenge. Hope you have a wonderful week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooh, I’m so glad to have you, but cross at myself I didn’t see that as a Kindle deal!😌 I’ve heard it’s just a wonderful book, as most of what Europa Editions publishes are. But again, it I’ll be wonderful to read with you JoAnn.
LikeLike
Lovely ornaments! Yes, I embroidered some wool decorations for my tree…hoping one day to pass them onto my grandchildren. Your Japanese books look interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Embroidering is such a lovely skill! I used to do it quite a bit, as well as quilling (that’s something you never hear of any more). I’m sure your tree is stunning with your handiwork on it, and what a heritage for your grandchildren.
LikeLike
The origami ornaments are beautiful! I am definitely planning to join the Japanese Literature Challenge again. I like the sound of both the books you picked up. I will probably try to read Tales from the Cafe – the next book in the Before the Coffee Gets Cold series.
Have a good week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed Tales From The Cafe, and I hope to read Before the Coffee Gets Cold this year. It’s such an interesting concept: to have the opportunity to repair what we wish we could from the past. So glad to have you, Gretchen!
LikeLike
Lovely ornaments! I very much look forward to your Japanese reading challenge although I must admit my completion rate for challenges is pretty poor. Regardless, I love reading all the reviews and I do have several Japanese works that I’ve yet to read, including Woman in the Purple Skirt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I very much look forward to sharing Japanese literature with you, Janakay! You write such in-depth reviews, and leave such thoughtful comments. I have The Woman in The Purple Skirt, too, as fortunately our library had a copy on their shelves. That will be good to discuss together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am one of the lucky people who can put your origami ornaments on my tree and little origami bunnies out for Easter
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am lucky to have you for my friend! Imagine you saving even the bunnies!🥰
LikeLike
Cool star!
Beside origami, I discovered kirigami, and made a Nativity scene a few years ago with it, that was fun.
Looking forward to seeing what you think of these books.
LikeLike