Published on February 24, 2020. After watching NHK’s Family History featuring Fujiko Hemming, the author recalls discovering her name at Umenomiya Taisha in Kyoto. Known as a shrine connected with the performing arts, Umenomiya Taisha also left a lasting impression through its carefree cats, leading the author to wonder whether Hemming’s donation may have been rooted in her love for cats.

February 24, 2020
Around the time when the name of Fujiko Hemming became widely known to the world, I saw her name at Umenomiya Taisha, which is quite a walk from the nearest station.
Today’s NHK Family Story was the best one I have ever seen.
As I have mentioned many times, as someone who does not live in Kyoto, I have continued to visit Kyoto more than anyone else in the world.
I continued to explore shrines and temples throughout Kyoto.
Around the time when the name of Fujiko Hemming became widely known to the world, I saw her name at Umenomiya Taisha, which is quite a walk from the nearest station.
Her name leapt into my eyes, placed among the highest ranks where the donation amounts were engraved.
Umenomiya Taisha is famous as a shrine that brings blessings to people involved in the performing arts, so I had thought that must have been the reason.
However, after seeing her beloved cat appear in today’s footage, I thought that perhaps it had actually come from her love for cats.
That is because what moved me most at Umenomiya Taisha was the sight of the cats living there without a care in the world.
At that time, I was quite the camera boy, so I even photographed a cat curled up inside a plant pot… and that is my memory of Umenomiya Taisha that I will never forget.
Fujiko Hemming — Liebesträume / La Campanella?