Journal — Stories from the world of Japanese craft — makers, beauty, seasons, and the table.
Spring
All About Bamboo Shoots: Welcoming Spring with Takenoko Gohan
Learn about takenoko, Japan’s treasured spring bamboo shoot, plus a classic takenoko gohan recipe.
Spring Refresh: 5 Gentle Ways to Renew Your Space
Welcome spring into your home with five simple ways to refresh your space through…
Cherry Blossom Gifts to Brighten Your Spring
Cherish the fleeting charm of sakura with gifts that bring Japan’s springtime poetry into…
Otayori 2026 Spring Issue: Hospitality, Tea, and Ikebana
Otayori 2026 Spring Issue explores omotenashi through Japanese tea, ikebana, and fresh seasonal recipes.
Spring of Meetings and Partings
Step into spring in Japan and experience a season shaped by gentle transitions, heartfelt…
All About Hanami: Sakura Viewing Parties
Japan’s cherry blossom viewing tradition is a celebration of spring. Explore hanami’s history and…
A Taste of Spring: Seasonal Wagashi
Discover spring wagashi, plus plates and teacups that pair beautifully to create a seasonal…
Spring’s Messenger: The Colorful Palette of Early Blooms
Welcome spring with Japan’s early blooms. Discover the beauty and meaning of sakura, mimosa,…
Japanese Spring Motifs to Know
From cherry blossoms to nightingales, discover Japan's most iconic spring motifs and their deep…
Shades of the Seasons: Gift Ideas with Spring Colors
Refresh any spring occasion with seasonally-inspired gifts. Explore delicate pinks, vibrant greens, and elegant…
Shaping Seasons: Hasami Ware Matcha Bowls at Chojuro Kiln
Learn about the Hasami ware matcha bowls from Chojuro Kiln, where glazes reflect spring’s…
Hasegawa Akari's Spring Donabe Recipe: Salmon and Asparagus Takikomi Gohan
This takikomi gohan donabe recipe by Hasegawa Akari is a light, fresh, and nourishing,…
Japanese Spring Picnic Essentials
Find the essentials for a Japanese spring picnic here, from bento boxes and chopsticks…
Hasegawa Akari's Spring Donabe Recipe: Lamb and Vegetable Stew
Create this rich and comforting lamb stew by Hasegawa Akari, slow-cooked in a donabe…
A Perfect Spring Day Trip to Odawara Castle
Experience one of Japan’s most iconic hanami spots with a spring day trip to…
Sakura Bento Days: A Hanami Picnic for Two
Set a cherry blossom picnic for two with bento boxes, sakeware, and spring treats.…
Basking in the Beauty of Late Spring
Enjoy late spring dining with Touan’s floral crystalline rice bowls and teacups, bringing seasonal…
Bringing Hanami Home: A Spring Bento
Enjoy hanami at home with a jubako bento, seasonal dishes, and cherry blossom accents…
Japanese Strawberries: the Herald of Spring
From Amaou to rare white varieties, learn about Japan’s strawberries, their history, cultivation, and…
A Joyful Spring Table with Vibrant Sauce Plates
Create a vibrant spring table with Kutani sauce plates, Mino and Bizen ware, tatami…
The Wild Taste of Spring: Japan’s Bitter Mountain Vegetables
Learn about Japan’s spring sansai—wild mountain vegetables with a deep-rooted history in Japanese cuisine.
Ito Ryo
A Fresh Table of Spring Delights
Celebrate spring with a vibrant table setting featuring Tobe ware’s robust charm and Shigaraki…
Boxed & Beautiful: A Spring Party with a Shokado Touch
Host a spring gathering with seasonal charm, featuring pastel hues, lacquered accents, and a…
How to Give Your Table a Spring Seasonal Swap
Refresh your table for spring by mixing colors, textures, and seasonal pieces to create…