6.29.2003
The first week was spent mostly preparing, planning, and setting up, as well as getting comfortable with our homes and routines. We do not yet know what direction this summer's work will go in, as we have not reached any definate solution to the problem of acquiring a scanner. However, there have been several encouraging signs that indicate that we will be able to arrange the recording of all thirty-three kannon-sama songs (each kannon-sama has a particular song associated with it. All kannon-sama songs have the same melody, but the words differ from kannon-sama to kannon-sama). Even without the scanner, we will be able at the very least to take detailed photgraphs of the kannon-sama do, as well as the temple grounds, and we will be able to make available recordings of each kannon-sama song. With photographs and recordings of the songs, we should be able to provide viewers with an indication of the purpose and tradition of the kannon-sama, and the Aizu pilgrimmage.

Some of the second week was spent in the lab, working on webpages and such, but we also spent three days with Kobeyashi-san visiting the kannon-sama and photographing, videotaping, and sketching each one we visited. The photos will be posted as soon as the work on the website is complete and webspace is made available. We are possibly looking at next weekend as a tentative time to record the kannon-sama songs, and we will complete touring all thirty-three kannon-sama on Monday. So far we have visited twenty-two.

We spent some time in the lab on the third week, but also visited more Kannon-sama. We have almost completed touring the 33 kannons, and our tentative plan for seeing the remainder is to do so on Monday. We are recieving more promising information about accquiring a scanner. Although Mensi was very generous to offer the temporary use of one of their scanners at cost, the overhead was still more than funds allowed. However, arrangements being made with Gifu University indicate that we may be able to borrow a Regal scanner from them. More work on the webpage has been completed and should be online soon, including a virtual tour (including photos and information so far; more data and information to be added as it is available) of the 33 kannons, plus the 2 extra kannons. Arrangements are still being made to record the Kannon songs.