In a recent visit to Tokyo I took the train to Kamakura, visited by
Kipling in 1892, as described by Cortazzi & Webb's book "Kipling's
Japan", see from page 201; based on his visit he wrote the poem
"Buddha at Kamakura": "O ye who tread the Narrow Way..."
The site was busy, including parties. At the entrance the notice by
the abbot remains. Noone now climbs on the imposing statue as
Kipling described. Plaques record the donation of trees by visiting
royalty; nowhere is Kipling mentioned. I purchased a small guidebook
to the statue [the Daibitsu] which quotes from the diary of a Capt
Saris in 1613.
I suggest there is scope for the Society to publish a booklet for
sale there mentioning Kipling's visit and quoting his poem.
Bryan Diamond
|