Snow Monkeys — The Monkeys Who Found the Hot Springs
In a valley in Nagano where the ground vents steam year-round, Japanese macaques sit in hot spring pools in winter — shoulders deep in the water, snow falling on...
Wabi Sabi Journal
書き初め — The First Calligraphy of the Year
Every new year holiday, at some point, my mother would say it was time. Time to stop playing with my cousins, sit down, and write. I did not enjoy it....
Kadomatsu🎍 — Emoji for Japanese New Year
Have you ever encountered the emoji 🎍 and wondered what it represents? It is an illustration of 門松 (Kadomatsu), which is a traditional Japanese ornament that is commonly placed during the...
冬至の柚子湯 — The Yuzu Bath on the Shortest Day
My parents have a yuzu tree in their backyard. Every year on the winter solstice, the fruit goes into the bath — whole, floating in hot water, filling the room...
師走 — The Month When Even the Masters Run
In the old Japanese lunisolar calendar, months were not numbered. They were named. December was 師走 — the month when even the masters run. The image is exact.
Tsukimi 2022
Hello there! What is the weather forecast in your area for tonight? I hope we have a clear night sky. Every fall in Japan, Tsukimi (Mid-Autumn Moon Viewing Festival) is celebrated under...
萩 — The Flower That Announces Autumn
Summer in Japan does not end quietly. The heat lingers into September. And then, gradually, the 萩 begins to bloom — the flower that has been announcing autumn in Japan...
金魚すくい — Goldfish Scooping at the Summer Festival
Last night the shrine near our neighborhood held its summer festival. We came home with three goldfish.
贈り物 — How Japan Gives
What struck me during weeks at my parents' house was how much was moving between people — neighbours, relatives, friends. The rhythm of exchange was constant, quiet, and entirely...
ラムネ — The Drink That Made Samurai Reach for Their Swords
In 1853, Commodore Perry served lemonade to Edo Shogunate officials on board his ship. When the bottle was opened, the officials reached for the hilts of their swords. It was...
紫陽花 — The Flower That Belongs to the Rain
June in Japan is wet. But it is the month of hydrangeas — and against the grey of a rainy day, they are vivid in a way that feels almost...
桜吹雪 — Sakura Blizzard
Most people come for the bloom. But there is an argument — and I find myself more persuaded by it the older I get — that the most beautiful moment...
Cherry blossoms on Mt. Yoshino
Cherry blossoms on Mt. Yoshino begin blooming in late March or early April and peak in early to mid-April. Going to see this magnificent view has been on my...
花見 — The Reason Cherry Blossoms Matter
Every spring, Japan issues a cherry blossom forecast that tracks the bloom northward, city by city. Offices and families book spots under their favourite trees weeks in advance. You plan...
節分 — The Night the Family Fights the Oni Together
Every year on February 3rd, someone in the family puts on an oni mask. And the whole family unites to drive it out together.