It’s already December–winter has come! Make a hot cup of tea, and settle down to read Japanese “tanka” poetry! December–Month Name December, or Shiwasu 師走, is the period when even…
Tag: wafuu
November–What Happens and What To Eat
Rakes, roosters, and beautiful fall foliage–November has arrived! Month Name–Shimotsuki In November, temperatures are beginning to drop, and in areas where there is grass or a bit of garden, you…
DIY "Heartleaf" Dokudami Face Toner
It’s fall, and everyone is battling dry skin. Try making toner from Japan’s well-loved dokudami “heartleaf” herb! Dokudami is a favorite drink of choice for ojiichan-obaachan in Japan thanks to…
Kabocha Shiratama–How to Make Pumpkin Rice Cake
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…
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 year, or if…
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 Christmas. You…