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We had tea at Mr. Washizu's home where I learned that he, too, comes from a very wealthy family.

His grandfather is a Buddhist priest ; ;

and he, being the eldest, was supposed to be a priest, but he chose to do differently, and one of his brothers is to become the priest.

This is a significant fact in Japan, for only a few years ago he would have had no choice.

In his big home live four families and thirty people, so it needs to be big.

Also, there are housed here some priceless historical treasures from 400 to 600 years old -- paintings, lacquer, brocade, etc..

He had displayed more of them than usual so that I could enjoy them.

About 100 of the most important items he had already given to the museum.

The house itself is 400 years old with all the craftsmanship of older, less-hurried times.