EDITORIAL: The Andon team was, of course, holding its breath when it sent Andon 101 into the world last May. I am truly happy to be able to say that reactions to Andon’s new design have been very enthusiastic, and I would like to thank all those who sent us suggestions and comments. We are still fine-tuning our new design, and upon leafing through the present issue some of you will be able to observe that we take our readers’ ideas very seriously. For Andon 102, Beatrice Shoemaker returns to the Daijōji’s guest hall (see also Andon 99). In the first of a two-part article, she continues her exploration of its fascinating decoration programme. Victor Schmidt’s zuihitsu looks at an aptly autumnal subject: rain. Scott Johnson introduces the print artist Satō Hodai, and his endearing images of the people of 19th-century Osaka. Robert Schaap takes a look at the re-use of Shibata Zeshin’s print designs; and John Fiorillo presents Onchi Kōshirō’s avant garde print series Lyrique No. 2, Lyriques on musical compositions.

Let me finally wish you all a festive end-of-year season, and a healthy and prosperous Year of the Rooster on behalf of the whole Andon team.