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...
Wabi Sabi Journal
The Knife Shaped Like a Whale
The kujira knife began with a practical request: a knife without a sharp point that children could safely use to sharpen pencils. When the prototype was finished, someone noticed it...
The Dustpan You Leave Out
Most dustpans end up in a cupboard. The Harimi is different. When I bought mine, I found I did not want to put it away — and I realized that...
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.
味噌汁 — The Bowl I Make Every Morning
Miso soup adjusts to everything — whatever is in the refrigerator, whatever the season. I make it differently in winter than in summer. The miso does the rest.
5 Place to Visit to See Beautiful Autumn Foliage in Japan
With the current situation of the world, it is not easy to travel to places right now. But we can still dream of the beautiful colors of autumn leaves...
江戸箒 — The Broom That Has Moved With Us
My daughter is almost 22 now. The broom I bought when she was a baby is still in daily use. This is not a metaphor for anything. It is simply...