When you hear the word “breakfast,” do you think bacon, eggs, hash browns, and a cup of coffee? A cappuccino and a sweet biscuit? Spicy soup and a deep fried…
Author: wafuuinthewest
Why Setsubun Falls on February 2 This Year
The beauty of the old Japanese seasonal celebrations is that they remind us of the constancy of the seasons. Has your winter been long and cold? Take courage—Setsubun means that…
Oshougatsu Part 1: How to Prepare for New Year’s Day
新年あけましておめでとうございます。 Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu! （Belated) Happy New Year! 2021 has already begun, but in case you missed any New Year’s prep and want to be better prepared for next…
Have a Good New Year! 良いお年をお過ごし下さい!
The new year, “shin-nen” 新年 (しんねん) has already come in Japan and will soon be arriving in the West. We want to thank each one of you who has taken…
Oseibo: Japan’s Winter Gift-Giving Tradition
御歳暮 おせいぼ Oseibo Right around the same time that we in the West start Christmas shopping for friends, family, and co-workers, Japan is also getting into Santa-mode. Only, it’s not for…
The Heart of Kintsugi 金継ぎの心
金継ぎ If you missed our last post, kintsugi is a traditional craft known in the West as “golden joinery.” It involves carefully mending broken pottery with many layers of lacquer…