Is the Muralist of “Chigusa” and “GOKURAKU” the Same Person?
First, let’s compare the murals of both stores by visiting “GOKURAKU” in Hakuraku.
As previously reported, the jazz cafe Chigusa in Noge is being demolished for a renewal opening, so it is no longer possible to see the exterior walls.
Therefore, I decided to cover the record store “GOKURAKU” in Hakuraku, where the mural still exists.
The store was located just outside the west exit of Hakuraku Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
Former Tsurumai Highway crossing in front.
About: GOKURAKU
Gokuraku, translated as “paradise” in Japanese, often refers to the concept of a heavenly realm in Buddhist beliefs. It is depicted as a place of bliss and peace, free from earthly suffering and filled with happiness. The idea of Gokuraku is significant in various sects of Buddhism, including Pure Land Buddhism, where it is central to the faith’s focus on salvation and enlightenment through the grace of Amitabha Buddha.
About: Chigusa
Chigusa is a historic Japanese tea jar, originally used in China for storing tea leaves before becoming highly prized in Japan’s tea culture during the 16th century. The vessel, notable for its large size and distinctive appearance with a brown and olive-green glaze, became an individualized object of appreciation among Japanese tea practitioners. Over centuries, Chigusa has been admired, named, and documented meticulously, embodying the deep aesthetic and philosophical value placed on tea ceremony utensils in Japan.
