Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
A Late Summer Afternoon at the Table
Five simple dishes, one slow afternoon. Blue-and-white porcelain, glass, and Bizen ware hold the…
What Is Yusuzumi? The Japanese Art of Staying Cool in Summer
Discover yusuzumi, Japan's tradition of cool summer evenings with uchimizu, engawa, and ryomi dishes.
Cold Water, Sweeter Tea: A New Way to Enjoy Japanese Tea
Discover mizudashi-cha, Japan's cold-brewed tea method that softens astringency and draws out natural sweetness…
Summer Gift Ideas That Bring a Refreshing Feeling
Explore Japanese summer gift ideas for ochugen, from Edo Kiriko glass and wind chimes…
Exploring the Seasonal Herbs of Japanese Cuisine
Discover shiso, myoga, kinome, and seri, the seasonal herbs that quietly shape the flavors…
Summer Sake Guide: Why Japanese Sake Shines in the Heat
A guide to natsuzake, Japan's newest sake season, and three ways to enjoy it…
Beautiful Gifts Reflecting Water’s Grace
A curated collection of MUSUBI KILN gifts celebrating Japan's traditional water motifs, from seigaiha…
Discovering Japan’s Summer Fruit Delights
Learn about Japan’s summer fruits, featuring juicy watermelons, Shine Muscat grapes, aromatic plums, pineapples,…
Japan’s First Tea Harvest and the Hand-Picked Tea Experience
Hand-pick first-harvest leaves at a Kanagawa tea farm and discover what makes shincha, Japan's…
Rebecca Menasché
Unagi: The Eel Meals That Are Japan’s Summer Specialty
Learn why unagi is Japan's essential summer meal, from the Doyo no Ushi no…
Obon: Japan’s Summer Festival of Remembrance
More than a seasonal festival, Obon is a time when families across Japan honor…
5 Motifs That Capture the Spirit of Japanese Summer
Meet five Japanese summer motifs and the cool tableware that brings the season's spirit…
All About Bamboo Shoots: Welcoming Spring with Takenoko Gohan
Learn about takenoko, Japan’s treasured spring bamboo shoot, plus a classic takenoko gohan recipe.
On Tango-no-Sekku, We Celebrate the Health of Our Growing Boys!
We celebrate Boy's Day on the same day as Children's Day, with fun activities…
The Flower Pots Behind Japan's Garden Culture
From Edo-era street gardening to modern balconies, explore how flower pots shaped Japan’s unique…
Ito Ryo
Spring Refresh: 5 Gentle Ways to Renew Your Space
Welcome spring into your home with five simple ways to refresh your space through…
Spring of Meetings and Partings
Step into spring in Japan and experience a season shaped by gentle transitions, heartfelt…
Spring’s Messenger: The Colorful Palette of Early Blooms
Welcome spring with Japan’s early blooms. Discover the beauty and meaning of sakura, mimosa,…
How to Host a Hinamatsuri Tea Party
Celebrate Hinamatsuri with a charming tea party and pastel-hued tableware, festive Arita plates, and…
The Allure of Snow in Japan
Uncover how snow shapes Japanese life, culture, and crafts, from winter traditions to snow-inspired…
Otayori Winter Issue: Cozy Moments at Home
Discover the Otayori Winter Issue, a seasonal magazine filled with cozy Japanese recipes, incense…
Celebrating a Japanese New Year
Explore Japanese New Year traditions from zodiac ornaments and kagami mochi to osechi, hatsumode,…
A Calm, Quiet Ending—the End of the Year in Japan
Explore Japan’s peaceful New Year traditions, from year-end cleaning and osechi to temple visits…
Michael Pronko
Reorganize Your Cabinets: Kitchen Storage Tips
Learn storage tips by material, stacking rules, and seasonal swaps for easy access.