The Year of the Fire Horse: A Year Meant to Move
As one year closes and another begins, we cross a small but meaningful threshold. In the traditional Japanese calendar, 2026 is known as Hinoe-Uma (丙午) — often called the Fire...
Kadomatsu: Preparing the Threshold for the New Year in Japan
In Japan, the days leading up to the New Year are not about rushing forward — they are about preparing the threshold. One of the most recognizable signs of this...
Taiki Bansei: Becoming in Your Own Time
There is a Japanese phrase I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: Taiki Bansei.It’s often translated as late bloomer, but that never fully captured what it means to me. Written as...
Ōsōji: The Japanese Year-End Cleaning Ritual for a Fresh Start
Discover Ōsōji, Japan’s year-end cleaning ritual that clears the home, refreshes the spirit, and prepares the heart for a fresh start in the New Year.
Yaoyorozu — The Countless Spirits of Japan
Last month, I visited Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred shrines. In October, it’s believed that all the gods from across Japan gather here for an annual...
Caring for Your Hinoki Cutting Board
The timeless beauty and practicality of Hinoki A Hinoki cutting board isn’t just a kitchen tool—it’s a piece of traditional craftsmanship that enhances your everyday cooking. Made from Japanese cypress...
Kamiarizuki — When the Gods Gather at Izumo Taisha
Picking Up the Thread In our previous post, we explored Kannazuki — the “Month Without Gods” — when it’s said that deities across Japan leave their shrines and journey to...
The Moon Is Beautiful, Isn’t It?
A poetic Japanese way to say “I love you” without the words — “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”.
Why Shuro Brooms Are Finding Their Place Again
In a world of noisy vacuums and disposable gadgets, the Shuro broom offers something different — quiet, eco-friendly, and beautifully crafted. Once a staple in Japanese homes, these palm-fiber brooms...
Sonae — Prepared, Not Panicked
In a country shaped by earthquakes, typhoons, and the wisdom of impermanence, sonae (備え) is more than emergency prep—it’s a way of life. This week’s reflection explores how quiet readiness...
Kakigoori — Japan’s Coolest Summer Tradition (Even When the Calendar Says Autumn)
From classic strawberry to matcha-rich 宇治金時 (Uji Kintoki), kakigoori is Japan’s fluffy shaved ice tradition that turns even the hottest August day into a moment of pure refreshment.
Obon — Welcoming Spirits Home with Gentle “Vegetable Rides”
Obon is a time for family, remembrance, and traditions that light the way for returning spirits.
Fūryū — A Life of Seasonal Beauty and Quiet Delight
There’s a word in Japanese that doesn’t translate easily — 風流 (fūryū). The word itself is made of two characters: 風 (fū), meaning wind or style, and 流 (ryū), meaning...
Kekkai — The Sacred Boundaries We Carry
Explore the meaning of 結界 (kekkai)—a sacred boundary in Japanese tradition—and how this centuries-old idea might already exist in your daily life.
Pine, Bamboo, Plum; More Than a Ranking System
Why are pine, bamboo, and plum used to rank things in Japan? The answer goes deeper than you might think.