The Floating World.
I’m going to use Ukiyo as not just a portal to access my professional services, but also a place to air opinions, tell you about what I’m up and share thoughts of this rapidly changing world that we all inhabit.
So a mixed bag.
I don’t speak Japanese nor have I been to Japan, but I’m a fan of the wooden block prints that were associated with the period that was synonymous with the term. From my research, the term ukiyo means “Floating World.”. But, it’s also a homophone with the Japanese term for “Sorrowful World.” Apparently in Japanese Buddhism, “sorrowful world” is used to describe the endless cycle of rebirth, life, suffering, death, and rebirth from which Buddhists aim to escape.
Hands up, it was also associated with a lifestyle of pleasure, relating to the Tokugawa Period. Ukiyo culture also included samurai, sumo wrestlers, kabuki theatre and prostitutes. Enjoyers of the ukiyo culture often met for entertainment and intellectual discussions in brothels, chashitsu or tea houses, and kabuki theatres. (ref. ThoughtCo).
Either way, I like the word and some of its associations and after not having had a blog for nearly a decade, I thought I’d combine the need for a consultancy presence for myself with a blog on me and my thoughts, the two seem to float nicely together.
If you want to speak to me about working with me or about any of the content on here, don’t hesitate to get in touch via the contact form or my other contact details.
Ed