Traditional Japanese folklore tells of the Haru Ichiban 春一番: : the strong southerly wind which announces the end of Winter and the coming of Spring. The perpetual segue of the seasons. The ebb of cold to warm, hot to cool. The endless transitions which fill our lives with beginnings and endings. That which connects us to the earth, connects us together. In this issue we focus on Connections—connecting what has been cut, cutting off connections. How do we come together amidst that which would like to tear us apart? Read on and see for yourself.

All this plus gorgeous photography from Koyama Nanako and Osaka 7 Member Itō Kōichi, illustrations from Nagano Yuki and Sugarplumwine, the fun and informative Yokohama and Fukuoka Spotlights, and of course Little Prigdoms. Check out our expanded Music Section featuring more reviews – live, recorded and otherwise, the Beer & A Flick column, a book review on Kenneth Rexroth’s complete works and who knows what else…

Get yourself a copy today.

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