Stop by any Starbucks in Japan, and you will see “Hojicha Latte” on the the menu.
Hojicha is a highly flavorful Japanese green tea that has been roasted over charcoal. The tea’s gentle smoky and earthy flavors make it a very popular tea among the Japanese.
The roasting process greatly reduces the amount of caffeine (which all teas have,) making it safe to drink even for those who are sensitive to caffeine, including children and the elderly. Continue reading
When it comes to making a good cup of tea, experts agree that loose tea delivers better results than a tea bag. Even so, a tea bag can deliver a very good cup of tea, if you give it the proper respect it deserves and follow a few simple rules. Additionally, there are other things a tea bag can do for you, which loose tea cannot. Continue reading
In Japan, if you could peek into a lady’s purse, chances are you would find delicate sheets of paper called Aburatorigami. But they have nothing to do with taking notes.
Aburatorigami, literally meaning oil-removal-paper, has been an essential Japanese beauty must-have for centuries. The little secret is that Aburarotigami is not something Continue reading
December 22nd is winter solstice in Japan. Today, at exactly 5:30 a.m., the northern hemisphere of our earth began tilting towards the sun. Days will be getting longer from tomorrow — ever so slightly in the beginning, and getting more noticeable day by day.
In Japanese calendar, winter solstice is called “Toji” and it marks the mid-winter. From today, winter is on its way out and the promise of spring is in the air. Continue reading
Room view of a Japanese garden in Kyoto
A while back, I had the honor of being invited to a private Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto. It was a crisp, November morning. Kyoto was adorned by its glorious palette of vibrant autumn colors.
The place was a classic Japanese room set in a tranquil garden in the city. A meandering narrow stone pathway lead the way to the room where the ceremony was set to be held. Continue reading
I consider myself fortunate that my two grown sons want to just talk with me from time to time. The elder one called me a few days ago. I’m not sure how our conversation turned to the topic of what’s a good gift to give to somebody you care about. According to him, he considers a nice pen among one of the best presents he can give. Maybe not coincidentally, I think the same. I consider a quality notebook (as in a journal) also to be a great gift.
You can give a person a watch, or a smart phone or a piece of jewelry. I’m sure they would appreciate the value and that you have spent a good few dollars or yens or euros of your hard-earned money for them. However, there is something inherently different about a quality pen or a blank journal as a gift. First of all, good ones are not inexpensive at all, and they look and feel great! But more importantly, to me they are like little haiku poems—beautiful and yet unfinished on purpose. The person you give them to, in using your gift, has to employ his or her thoughts to create personal writings, any which way he or she wishes. You touch upon their very personal world, without barging in. Now, that’s intimate, without being intrusive.
Maybe I’m taking this too far!..
Biwa-cha (Loquat Tea) is a refreshing, healthy everyday beverage which has been consumed by the Japanese for at least 1500 years.
Biwa-cha is suited for boosting body’s general immunity, and especially for relieving sore throats and coughs. Biwa extract is widely used in Eastern medicine for soothing the throat and as a mild expectorant. In the East, Biwa-cha is highly favored by singers and public speakers.
Biwa-cha contains no caffeine. It is reddish brown, and has an earthy flavor with subtle hint of sweetness. You can drink it warm, cold and even over ice. Continue reading
Japanese have very elaborate rules for table etiquette. Here are a few proper table manner tips for different type of Japanese foods:
Rice
It is proper to hold the rice bowl in your hand while eating. Hold the bowl in one hand and the chopsticks in the other. Bring the bowl near your mouth while eating. DO NOT pour soy sauce over cooked rice! Continue reading
In Japan, August is the month for “Obon”, the biggest festival of the year. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor spirits of one’s ancestors by inviting them back home for a family reunion of sorts.
To prepare for Obon, Japanese clean their houses and make elaborate dishes as offerings to the spirits of their dear departed ancestors. On the first day of Obon, they hang lanterns in front of their houses to guide the ancestors’ spirits home.
During Obon, Japanese celebrate the return of their ancestor’s spirits at home gatherings and street festivals complete with thunderous Taiko drums, traditional dances and magnificent fireworks. At the end of three days of festivities, lanterns are floated into rivers, lakes and seas in order to guide the spirits back to their world.
Farewell…
I pass as do all things
like dew on grass
In Japanese : Mame de iyo / mi wa narawashi no /kusa no tsuyu
The essence of Japanese aesthetic is a concept called “MA” (pronounced “maah”) — the pure, and indeed essential, space between “things.” MA governs every aspect of Japanese arts: brush paintings, calligraphy, Japanese gardens, musics, flower arrangements, poetry, and so on. Not surprisingly, MA is ever-present in the rhythms of Japanese daily lives, from taking time to have a cup of tea to the purposeful pause at the end of a respectful, elegant bow. Continue reading
