As we recently talked about the warmth of ‘Three Cold, Four Warm (Sankan Shion 三寒四温), Tokyo has given us a gentle nudge back into the arms of winter. The snow has returned, coating our streets and landmarks in a quiet blanket of white. The Sensoji Temple, a symbol of enduring history, stands majestic amidst the snowfall, its red gates even more striking against the frosty backdrop. This beautiful snowfall is a perfect example of the ‘Sankan Shion’ weather pattern at work. After a few warmer days that hinted at spring’s approach, the ‘three cold’ days have swept in, draping the city in snow and ..read more

As we enter February 2024, a special date marks the calendar in the Japanese twenty-four seasonal division calendar: Risshun (立春), the first day of spring. This year, it falls on February 4th, a day that holds deep cultural significance and heralds a time of renewal and awakening in nature. In Japan, the arrival of Risshun is beautifully symbolized by the blooming of the Wintersweet (ロウバイ). This flower, known for its resilience and elegance, braves the last chills of winter, offering a striking contrast with its blooms against the snow. More than just a visual spectacle, th ..read more

Are you a fan of matcha? ? I sure am! From the traditional matcha tea to modern twists like lattes, cookies, cakes, and even ice cream, there's a matcha-flavored delight for every mood. This vibrant green tea has recently become a global sensation, but its true essence lies in its deep roots in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, or 'sado 茶道'.   The Art of Sado: More Than Just Tea Sado, the Way of Tea, is an ancient Japanese practice that transcends simply brewing tea. Inspired by Zen Buddhism, it's a ritual that values beauty, precision, and living in the moment. Preparing matcha during sado is a ..read more

Ever heard of 三寒四温 (Sankan Shion)? It’s Japan’s unique spring rhythm, where cold days meet warm beginnings. This concept is not just a weather pattern; it’s a poetic symbol of life's ebb and flow. In Japan, the transition from winter to spring is often unpredictable. The phrase 三寒四温, meaning ‘three cold, four warm,’ beautifully captures this. After enduring three colder days, we are rewarded with four warmer days. This cycle repeats, gently nudging the environment from the frosty grip of winter into the gentle warmth of spring.   The Cultural Significance of Sankan Shion Sankan Shion is m ..read more

It’s time to gather under the starry sky and celebrate Tanabata 七夕, the enchanting Japanese tradition of wishes and love! Tanabata, also known as the ‘Star Festival,’ is held on the seventh day of the seventh month, and it’s a joyous occasion filled with vibrant festivities and heartwarming traditions. Legend has it that on this special day, two celestial lovers, Vega (known as Orihime 織姫) and Altair (known as Hikoboshi 彦星), can finally meet each other across the vast expanse of the Milky Way. The tale of their enduring love has captured the imaginations of people for centuries. To honor this ..read more

Can you believe it’s already July? Time flies, doesn’t it? The half of 2023 is now behind us, and it’s got my head spinning! I hope you’re doing well and enjoying the summer season. July 1st marks the beginning of climbing season of Mount Fuji every year. It opens its trails to general public. In Japanese, it is known as 山開き, Yama (mountain) Biraki (open). The mountain remains open for general public until the end of August. You’ve probably seen stunning pictures of Mount Fuji, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing its legendary allure in person. Have you ever felt that magnetic pull—an ..read more

How is the weather in your area? In Japan, we are currently experiencing the long rainy season known as “Tsuyu” (梅雨) from June to July.   Tsuyu, The Rainy Season The rainy season, known as Tsuyu in Japan, occurs from June to July, except for Hokkaido. Tsuyu literally translates to "plum rain," as it aligns with the ripening of plums during this period. This name reflects the ancient practice of associating natural phenomena with the seasons. The rainfall during Tsuyu plays a vital role in the growth and maturation of crops, making it a crucial time for agricultural communities. &nbs ..read more

Happy Summer Solstice! Today marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. On this special occasion, I wanted to share how the day is celebrated in Japan. I also would like to introduce you to the delightful Japanese treat associated with this day Have you ever experienced the wonder of Wagashi 和菓子? These traditional Japanese treats not only delight your taste buds but also captivate you with their exquisite beauty. Wagashi reflects the changing seasons and holds a significant role in everyday life and tea ceremonies. Each season in Japan has its beloved Wagashi, and during the ..read more

Caring for Your Natural Bristle Brushes and the Remarkable Benefits of Natural Bristle Brushes Welcome to the final part of our three-part series on natural bristle hair brushes. In Part 1, we explored the importance of brushing, while Part 2 delved into effective brushing techniques and the art of hair massage. In this final installment, we will focus on caring for your natural bristle brushes and recap the remarkable benefits they offer for your hair care routine. Caring for Your Natural Bristle Brushes To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your natural bristle brushes, it is i ..read more

Brushing and Massaging Techniques for Healthy Hair Welcome back to our three-part series on the enchanting world of natural bristle hair brushes. In our previous blog post, we talked about the importance of brushing and the remarkable benefits it offers for maintaining healthy hair. Now, we will learn about the art of brushing techniques and hair massage, and find out how to get the best results from your hair care routine. Proper Brushing Techniques To get the most out of brushing, you need to use the right techniques that promote healthy hair growth and minimize damage. Let's look at the th ..read more