1970’s – Page 2 – Morihiro Saito Sensei

Overlooking San Francisco

1974. Overlooking windy San Francisco. Inagaki, David Alexander, Sensei, and Bill Witt

Photo: Bruce Klickstein

San Francisco Airport

1974. Saito Sensei’s first trip out of Japan. He travels with a large entourage to California and Hawaii. At the SF Airport, Corri Geffen discovers you just can’t nikkyo Sensei.

Entourage includes Shigemi Inagaki, Hans Goto, Jeanette “Jeanie” Lerner, Tom Everett, Bill Witt, and David Alexander.

Photo: David Alexander

1974. Tom Everett gets his double nikyo & “uisuki” farewell present. Fumiko pours, Saito Sensei grabs his right and Shigemi Inagaki grabs his left. Rumor has it that David Alexander is responsible for coming up with this “tradition”, which has been “enjoyed” by many ever since.

Photo: David Alexander

Saito Sensei at the Waterfall

1973. Saito Sensei at the waterfall

Photo: Mary Bartlett

At the Waterfall

1973. On a hot, unbearably humid day, thoughts of bicycling through the rice fields to the famed waterfall (taki) proves irresistible. Looks like Hans Goto, Mary Barlett, Ulf Evanås, Darrell Bluhm, and probably Narita-san.

Photo: Mary Bartlett.

Narita-san and Hans Goto

1973. Narita-san (left) and Hans Goto in front of the Aiki-jinja, wearing hanten

Photo: Mary Bartlett

In the Shokudo

1973. In the shokudo. Saito Sensei’s soba and cold beer with lunch. The best on a hot, humid day. As ever, light bulbs remain unshaded. No television either. Rules posted.

Photo: Mary Bartlett

Perfecting Soba

1973. Saito Sensei perfecting his soba making in the shokudo. If you were lucky enough to enjoy this handmade specialty made from buckwheat flour, you’ll look upon the humble soba noodle with fond memories.

Photo: Mary Bartlett