A Most Interesting Man - Robert Singer

On most of my flights to Japan, I have a routine to keep me busy.  I listen to music, watch a movie or two, eat, and do my best to try and get a few hours of sleep.  Typically this itinerary does not include much socialization with my fellow passengers.  However, on one flight over to Japan a couple of years ago, there was an exception.

Sitting in the comfort of my beautiful upgraded United Airlines business class seat (8J), I thought I would have no one next to me.  At the last minute, just as they closed the doors, a man comes in and takes 8H.  Rats I thought!!!  He was a well dressed American man (suit and tie) in his mid 50's I would guess.  We exchanged pleasantries, and I put my headphones on to begin my usual routine.  Just before we departed LA, a Japanese United Airlines in flight representative came up to talk to both of us as she was walking around exchanging greetings with all of the United high mileage passengers.  After saying hello to her and answering a couple of questions, she turned to my seat mate and he started speaking to her in fluent Japanese. I sat stunned as I listened to them talking, and he had her laughing quite severely with whatever it was he was saying.  I  wondered what does this man do that would allow him to be fluent in Japanese (I was jealous of course!)?

Well long story short, this man, whose name is Robert Singer is the Curator of the Japanese Pavilion at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.  He has an extensive history of working and traveling in Japan, and he even lived in Kyoto for a number of years.  We exchanged many of our favorite "Japan stories" as we found out we have many things in common, most obvious being that we both love Japan.  At the end of our long discussion which included much laughter, Mr. Singer invited me to visit the LA County Museum whenever I could and he would show me around the Japanese Pavilion.  A month of two after this business trip, I took him up on his offer.

The Japanese Pavilion at the LACMA is an incredible structure.  Fascinating architecture is a prelude to the wonderful inventory of pieces they have on display inside.  I took my niece along for this visit, as she is a current student at nearby UCLA and shares a love of Japanese culture.  Here are the three of us outside of the Pavilion.

Mr. Singer's tour was fascinating, as he showed the group many of the great pieces that were on display.

In the first and second floor of the Pavilion there were beautiful screens, wood block prints and ceramic pieces.

After we finished with the upper floors, we headed into the basement.  This is where his office is.  Once there, we took a close look at another amazing screen.

Then he showed our group one of LACMA's newest additions.  It was a 6th century terre cotta "Haniwa Horse".  You can read more about this special piece by clicking here.

We then went into his office where he brought out some other wonderful pieces, including some special lacquered vases.

It was really a wonderful afternoon learning about Japanese art.  Mr. Singer told me that I should visit the Hara Museum someday in Gotenyama Hills (I told him my second home was in Shinagawa-ku!).  He is friends with that museums owner (of course!).

Mr. Singer is a most interesting man.  You never know who you may meet on a long airplane flight.  Perhaps I should considering changing my inflight strategy???  :-)