SHADOW a poem written for the Poetry Challenge May 1, 2022
By Yuri Kageyama
when young,
one thinks of what
one will become
or what one
wants to be
^___<
as years pass,
we realize
what we are seen as
doesn’t really
matter
^___<
what matters
is who we really are
how we live
what it is that we do
day by day
^___<
which is not
the same thing
at all
that is what counts
in the end
AS IS MUCH IN LIFE
A poetic collaboration on Twitter by Dr. Minh and Yuri Kageyama April 22, 2022
Dr. Minh wrote the poem in five minutes after I tweeted the title. I just added the last two lines.
As is much in life
you sit alone on the edge of a river
I know
you nurture your solitude
but wonder
tomorrow
you will sit alone on the edge of the river
is your solitude still there
only you know
^___<
As is much in life
solitude is not emptiness
or vacuum or the void
where the real and the real annihilate
to give birth to something new
just emptiness
but this is where life begins
you and I know
as is much in life
HAIKU a poem by Yuri Kageyama March 18, 2022
鶯や
水辺羽ばたく
都市開発
the nightingale
fluttering by the waters
urban development
THE AFTERLIFE
A poem by Yuri Kageyama Feb. 23, 2022
The mass of meat
In a heap like a grave,
Cold, still
Amid wafting incense,
The moans and chants of mourning,
Eyes closed, hands clasped
Frozen in motion,
I lose interest:
Those motions of burial and propriety,
Those greetings, sympathy, tears;
He is no longer there,
Not in that body,
Twitching twisting growling in incoherence,
More and more silent
Over the years,
He is no longer there:
At last,
He is gone
My AP Stories for 2021 are below. Please click on the highlighted links to read my AP Stories, and to go to My AP Stories for 2020, and My AP Stories for 2019 and 2018:
My AP Story Dec. 31, 2021 on the suspect in a clinic fire dying.
My AP Story Dec. 14, 2021 on Toyota’s Akio Toyoda promising more pure electric models.
My AP Story Dec. 1, 2021 on Japanese boxer Naoya Inoue.
My AP Story Nov. 21, 2021 on Japan’s COVID policy of having sick people just stay at home.
My AP co-byline Story Nov. 29, 2021 on Sapporo wanting the 2030 Olympics.
My AP Story Nov. 29, 2021 on Nissan’s investing in electric vehicles and battery development.
My AP Story Nov. 21, 2021 an Obit on Oscar-winning Japanese costume designer Emi Wada.
My AP Story Nov. 19, 2021 on Japan’s record economic stimulus package.
My AP Story Nov. 14, 2021 on how a princess, who left the imperial palace to marry her college sweetheart, left with him to live in New York.
My AP Story Nov. 12, 2021 about how Toshiba is spinning off its energy and device units.
My AP Story Nov. 9, 2021 about Taiwan’s TSMC building its first Japan plant amid chips crunch.
My AP Story Nov. 4, 2021 about Mazda’s new cars stopping if driver suffers health problem.
My AP Story Nov. 1, 2021 on Kishidanomics and how many people still aren’t sure what it means.
My AP Story Oct. 29, 2021 on how tourists from abroad are nowhere to be seen in Tokyo tourist spots.
My AP Photos:
My AP Story Oct. 27, 2021 an Obit on Sunao Tsuboi, an atomic bomb survivor.
My AP Story Oct. 27, 2021 on the defense’s closing arguments in the case of Greg Kelly.
My AP Story Oct. 25, 2021 in which I interview director Keisuke Yoshida about his movies.
My AP Story Oct. 22, 2021 in which I interview Carlos Ghosn.
My AP Story Aug. 19, 2021 in which I interview Greg Kelly, a former Nissan executive standing trial in the case of Carlos Ghosn.
My AP Story Sept. 29, 2021 on the prosecutors closing their case, asking for two years in prison.
My AP Story and My AP Photos Oct. 8, 2021 of a tour of Nissan’s “intelligent factory.”
My AP Story Oct. 25, 2021 on Toyota testing hydrogen combustion engines.
My AP Story Sept. 28, 2021 on Toyota adding Renovo to its Woven Planet team.
The AP Story Sept. 25, 2021, to which I am a Contributor, on the Quad summit at the White House.
My AP Story Aug. 20, 2021 an obituary on Sonny Chiba who played martial artists in many films, including “Kill Bill.”
My AP Story Aug. 17, 2021, an obit on the “Godfather of Sudoku.”
My AP Story Aug. 16, 2021 on Japan extending and expanding the coronavirus state of emergency.
My AP Story July 30, 2021 about the Tokyo Olympics collecting lots of spit in an effort to curb COVID.
A great “memory shot” by Kii Sato of where I did a video interview for The AP on the Olympic opening ceremony. It was just across the street but because of blocked off traffic I had to make a giant detour and was drenched in sweat when I finally got there. But Yes, I did the interview!
My AP Story Aug. 5, 2021 on what Japan’s “emergency” means during the Olympics.
My AP Explainer Story July 30, 2021 on Japan’s state of emergency.
My AP Story July 27, 2021 on Japan’s disbelief, support after Naomi Osaka’s elimination.
I interviewed the Blue Impulse pilot and the youngster who ran with the torch-runner for this AP Story July 30, 2021 about memories of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
My AP Story Aug. 29, 2021 on Japan aiming to fully vaccinate its people by October or November.
My AP Story Aug. 19, 2021 about Toyota scaling back production due to pandemic-related parts shortages.
My AP Story Aug. 18, 2021 on Japan’s trade data.
My AP Story Aug. 16, 2021 on Japan eking out growth in a gradual recovery from the pandemic.
I’m a Contributor to this AP Story July 31, 2021 about the Japanese Olympic judo team.
My AP Story July 19, 2021 about the American father and son accused in the Carlos Ghosn escape getting sentenced to prison terms by a Japan court.
My AP Story July 19, 2021 about Toyota, a top Olympics sponsor, pulling Games-related TV ads.
My AP Story July 21, 2021 on Toyota adding to its technology partnership.
My AP Story and AP Photos July 18, 2021 on the protest against the Olympics and more.
My AP Story July 19, 2021 about the Japanese composer tendering his resignation.
My AP Story July 18, 2021 on the Japanese composer for the Tokyo Olympics apologizing for perpetrating abuse.
My AP Story Aug. 10, 2021 on SoftBank’s earnings.
My AP Story July 15, 2021 on Toyota investing in digital mapping.
My AP Story July 13, 2021 about Fujifilm finding new niches, record profits amid pandemic.
My AP Story July 7, 2021 on Nissan’s CEO testifying in court about Carlos Ghosn’s compensation.
My AP Story July 21, 2021 about Japan’s exports, imports zooming amid a pandemic recovery.
My AP Story July 5, 2021 about the Tokyo city assembly election amid pandemic Olympic fears.
My AP Story July 3, 2021 on the mudslide that tore through Atami.
My AP Story July 2, 2021 on the Americans accused in the escape of Carlos Ghosn. Michael Taylor, choking over tears, told the court: “I stand here today a man whose life has been destroyed because of this.”
My AP Story June 30, 2021 on SoftBank denying it’s pulling the plug on the Pepper robot.
My AP Story June 25, 2021 about Toshiba’s shareholders’ meeting.
My AP Story June 21, 2021 on the first day of the Japanese companies’ mass vaccination drive. I also did AP Video today.
My AP Story June 20, 2021 on the arriving Uganda Olympic team having a member test positive for COVID.
My AP Story June 15, 2021 about vaccine laggard Japan stepping up shots with company efforts.
My AP Story June 29, 2021 on the Taylors apologizing to the court.
My AP Story June 14, 2021 on the Taylors’ trial starting.
My AP Story June 13, 2021 on the trial of the two Americans suspected in Carlos Ghosn’s escape.
My AP Story June 7, 2021 on Toyota reaching a settlement over bullied engineer’s suicide.
My AP Story May 26, 2021 about Carlos Ghosn’s interview defending Greg Kelly on trial in Japan.
My AP Story May 23, 2021 about IOC’s Coates getting a backlash on his remark about the Olympics being held even in an emergency.
My AP Story May 21, 2021 when he made the remark.
My AP Story May 20, 2021 about TV stars playing lovers really getting married.
My AP Story May 18, 2021 about Japan’s economy shrinking as pandemic dries up spending.
My AP Story May 14, 2021 on the petition demanding cancellation of the Olympics being submitted.
My AP Story May 12, 2021 on Greg Kelly testifying in his trial, saying he just worked for Nissan’s best interests.
My AP Story March 26, 2021 about how the Nissan-Renault rift is getting highlighted at the trial of former Nissan executive Greg Kelly.
My AP Story May 11, 2021 on Carlos Ghosn’s answers to prosecutors being read by the defense lawyer in the trial of former Nissan executive Greg Kelly.
My AP Story May 6, 2021 about a petition drive demanding the Olympics be canceled.
My AP Story May 3, 2021 about nurses dismayed by Tokyo Olympics’ request for help.
I’m a Contributor to this AP Story May 19, 2021 about doctors asking to cancel the Games.
My AP Story May 6, 2021 on Nintendo profits booming as people staying home turn to games.
My AP Story May 1, 2021 on the torch relay detoured and other Tokyo Olympics developments.
My AP Story April 28, 2021 on June trial set in Japan for the Americans accused of helping Carlos Ghosn escape.
My AP Story April 27, 2021 on Toyota acquiring Lyft.
My AP Story April 14, 2021 on the president of Toshiba stepping down.
My AP Story April 13, 2021 on the late Nintendo president and his book.
My AP Story April 12, 2021 on Japan’s celebrating Hideki Matsuyama’s Masters win.
My AP Story April 15, 2021 about ruling party politicians expressing doubts about holding the Olympics.
My AP Story April 7, 2021 on Toshiba saying it had received a preliminary acquisition proposal.
My AP Story April 1, 2021 about the Bank of Japan survey showing optimism about a recovery.
My AP Story March 30, 2021 about how some medical experts aren’t convinced about holding the Olympics.
My AP Story March 21, 2021 on Hitachi acquiring GlobalLogic for $9.6 billion.
My AP Story March 24, 2021 on Toyota, Isuzu, Hino setting up tie-up in truck technology.
My AP Story March 23, 2021 on Japan spending billions on coronavirus tracking app for absent Olympic fans.
My AP Story March 22, 2021 about Japan charging two Americans in the escape of Carlos Ghosn.
My AP Photo and My AP Story March 5, 2021 and AP Interview with the chief defense lawyer for Greg Kelly on trial in Japan on charges related to Carlos Ghosn’s compensation.
My AP Photo and My AP Story March 4, 2021 about animation film “Demon Slayer” striking a chord with pandemic-era Japan.
My AP Story March 18, 2021 about the Tokyo Olympics being hit by another scandal over sexist comments.
My AP Story March 18, 2021 on Japan raising tariffs on U.S. beef after hitting import limit.
My AP Story March 12, 2021 on Japan’s post office tying up with Rakuten.
My AP Story March 2, 2021 explaining what might be ahead for the American father and son being extradited to Japan on suspicion of helping Carlos Ghosn skip bail and escape to Lebanon.
My AP Story March 1, 2021 on the prime minister’s PR chief resigning after lavish meal tied to broadcaster.
My AP Story Feb. 26, 2021 on Japan partially ending the state of emergency, while keeping it for the Tokyo area.
My AP Story Feb. 24, 2021 on Nissan’s former chief executive testifying in a criminal trial.
My AP Story Feb. 19, 2021 on Honda’s tapping a research expert as its new president.
My AP Story Feb. 14, 2021 on another protest in Tokyo against the military coup in Myanmar.
My AP Story Feb. 11, 2021 about thousands of people from Myanmar in Japan demanding democracy back home.
My AP Story Feb. 15, 2021 about Japan’s economy growing in the final quarter of 2020 in a gradual recovery from the pandemic slump.
My AP News Alert and Story Feb. 13 ~14, 2021 on the strong earthquake that hit northeastern Japan.
My AP Story Feb. 10, 2021 on Toyota’s earnings recovering from effects of the pandemic.
My AP Story Feb. 9, 2021 about Nissan staying in the red amid pandemic, Japan criminal trial.
My AP Story Feb. 9, 2021 on Honda’s profits rising despite pandemic damage.
My AP Story Feb. 8, 2021 on SoftBank’s profit zooming on lucrative investments.
My AP Story Feb. 8, 2021 is the Markets report for the day.
I’m a contributor to this AP Story Feb. 12, 2021, the day Mori is expected to officially resign.
I’m a contributor to this AP Story Feb. 4, 2021 about a Japanese Olympic official facing calls for resignation after a remark apparently belittling women.
My AP Story Feb. 3, 2021 on Sony’s profits booming on “Demon Slayer” hit.
My AP Story Feb. 1, 2021 on how Nintendo’s profits are soaring as people play games during the pandemic.
My AP Story Jan. 12, 2021 on the testimony of Nissan’s former COO on how the automaker sought to hide Carlos Ghosn’s pay.
My AP Story Jan. 7, 2021 on Japan declaring a state of emergency for Tokyo, and three nearby prefectures, after coronavirus cases surge.
My AP Story Jan. 8, 2021 on the first day for Japan under the state of emergency.
My AP Story Jan. 11, 2021 on the Japan material for The Latest on the virus.
My AP Story Jan. 10, 2021 on the Japan material for The Latest on the virus.
My AP Story Jan. 9, 2021 on the Japan material for The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic.
My AP Story Jan. 6, 2021 on coronavirus cases reaching a daily record in Tokyo.
My AP Story Jan. 4, 2021, a co-byline with our AP Sports Writer, on pandemic worries looming as the countdown clock for the postponed Tokyo Olympics hits 200 days to go.
My AP Story Jan. 1, 2021 on the emperor turning to video for his New Year’s Day message.
Haiku today Sept. 23, 2021
By Yuri Kageyama
リストカット
悲鳴をあげるは
彼岸花
wrist cutting syndrome
you can hear the screaming
higanbana
I usually don’t write poetry in Japanese, but I wrote this. And now, looking back, I realize I’ve written Japanese rap. I am going to make this part of the rap section of my song “Nothing Happens.”
Japanese Rap for George Floyd
_ A Poem by Yuri Kageyama
死ぬまえ
のこる生命で
えらんだ言葉
息ができない
彼のおもい
アメリカの差別
歴史のおもい
すべてが
あまりにも
すごくて
言葉がない
息ができない
息ができない
THE RIVER
_ a poem in the spirit of Hart Crane _ by Yuri Kageyama
THE RIVER
_ a poem in the spirit of Hart Crane _ by Yuri Kageyama
Katsushika Hokusai’s hawks
Still eye this Sumida River
Crying their fue whistles
Echoing music on scuttling boats,
Carrying workers, travelers, modern-day geisha _
Some rickety, faded lanterns dangling,
Other ships are futuristic tubes of glass;
The torrents are dark with the wind,
Torn dreams of star-crossed lovers
Jumping tied by cloth as one
From the Kachidoki Bridge
No longer a draw-bridge, separating at the center,
The winding waves glisten in tips of white
Like the wings of seagulls that flutter
Only during the fall and winter seasons,
In the rain, darting sideways sumi strokes,
Tiny people scamper across the landscape
The O-Edo “salarymen” and the “office lady” O-Ls
Faceless, hustling proletarian lives
Clasping sheer convenience-store umbrellas
Not the woven straw hats of the past
Tokyo Tower to the left
Sky Tree to the right
Stirring distant eternal visions,
Swimming in the Seine,
Sumida’s Sister River,
And Van Gogh’s deranged mind,
Sashaying to the ocean and the connecting skies,
Where the sun sets again,
Bleeding purple among wispy twisted clouds;
And the River churns,
Remembering glory,
Knowing sin
Through an anonymous city of lights
(II)
The BIRDS
Kabuki’s answer to the Pelican
The Flamingo, the Albatross,
The Heron swoops through the sky
Perches so perfectly on a pine _
Princess in mirrored waters;
The humble fish-gulping Cormorant
Dives in muddy waters,
Spreads battered wings to dry,
In flight, freed from slavery _
Transforms, a gliding Black Swan;
The Sparrow plays, chirping staccatos,
Small furs of speckled brownness,
They play, always searching
Like a lost forlorn child _
Unchanged from Issa’s poems.
(III)
SIGNS OF LIFE _ A Poem and Not a List
Azure-winged Magpie
Bobbling Lanterns
Giggling Motorboats
Baby Crabs, some are still
Worms on the pavement, mostly still
Fish are jumping, really
But Seagulls mew like Cats
And Monkeys slide on Dagwood Trees;
Smell of Tsukudani, dead Rodents,
Where Basho began his Journeys _
If We can feel the Words,
A List turns
Into A Poem:
Zinnia Elegans Profusion
Zinging Cicada
Couples in Yukata
Cotton Clouds
After the Storm
(IV)
HANABI (fireworks)
Fireworks at Ryogoku by Utagawa Hiroshige
Hiroshige had the idea
Roses, wine glasses, mandalas
Exploding big in the hot dark
Psychedelic flowers blooming
Over milling crowds of evil
Drunken laughter
Exclamations
Aspirations of Smallness:
I whisper to my blind friend:
“It’s lovely like truth,
Like forever.”
Fragile glows bleed with neon
Hanging low only for a moment
Hiroshige had the idea
Sumida River fireworks
(V)
POETIC MOMENTS
Let me create them
Poetic moments
A Ditch is a River
Poetic moments
The River is Vision
Poetic moments
Lost forever found
Poetic moments
Everywhere
Poetic moments
Nowhere
Poetic moments
Let me create them
Poetic moments
May I stay pure
So I don’t miss them.
SUMIDAGAWA
隅田川
どぶかかわかは
浮世ビジョン
Sumida River
Whether a ditch or river
Ukiyo Vision
FAREWELL TO TSUKIJI
their fangs shimmer
in the darkest of nights
in multitudes
like starving soldiers
they make their run
across downtown
fur upon fur
covering the cement,
nails scratching,
blocking the office lights,
monstrous mice mewing,
looking for the fish
that is suddenly gone,
as they once looked for
the Pied Piper of Hamlin,
the rats of Tsukiji
are moving,
not to Toyosu, where
the ground is poison
but into rich people’s homes
to eat their steaks, greed and children;
the rats blink
with tiny golden
unfeeling eyes,
diamonds of stench,
in time
with the stars
above
THE RETURN OF THE YURIKAMOME
I waited all summer
For your return
Flutters of petal
Above the water
Buddha’s wafting lily pads
Your squawks swim the salty breeze
Circling, swooping, dancing,
They say birds vanish before an earthquake,
A hurricane, an apocalypse;
It matters not you don’t remember me
Your playful swoops
Silence screams of hate
Your presence is comfort
In this Atomic Age
You are back:
“I will not cry
Except in love” _
I wrote those lines
When I was very young,
And they are still true
As I die,
You are back
GIFTS FROM THE DEAD
a poem by Yuri Kageyama
Graves are always There
for those Who are still
Alive to Forgive
Accept Reconcile.
They don’t Speak Back.
They don’t expect much
because
they are ready
to be Forgotten
if not
really already
Forgotten.
So when You
Go There, You
will Be Forgiven:
Grave are Gifts
from the Dead
for the Living.
At a temple in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Photo by Yuri Kageyama.