It’s almost Jūsanya, so we tried making moon-inspired pumpkin rice cake–with only three ingredients! As we mentioned in our last post, Jūgoya, “the Night of the 15th” or the moon…
Category: HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
October–What Happens and What to Eat
A conference of the gods at Izumo Taisha Shrine, the Night of the 13th, and the Seven Herbs of Autumn–October is here! Month Name–Kannazuki / Kamiarizuki The wafuu meigetsu ((和風名月,…
August–What Happens and What to Eat
Sweltering sun and summer holidays, August has arrived! Month Name–Hazuki “Hazuki” (菜月, Leaf Month) comes from 「葉落ち月」, or Month of Falling Leaves. Since August according to the lunisolar calendar corresponds…
2020 Tokyo Olympics: The Olympics That Almost Didn't Happen
One year late, and after much debate, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics have finally kicked off. For those of us living in Tokyo, we had almost forgotten what those three words…
Tanabata–When You Wish Upon a Star
Today is Tanabata (七夕, the Star Festival), the one day of the year that the legendary Princess Orihime and her husband, Prince Hikoboshi, are allowed to meet in the heavens.…
July–What Happens and What To Eat
This month, read Japanese literature, make wishes, and send summer gifts and greetings! Month Name–Fumizuki According to the lunisolar calendar, July is called “fumizuki” (文月, Literature Month). In light of…