Blogs

under cherry blossoms’ shade even those whom we don’t know are not strangers (Issa Kobayashi, 1819) When we can share feelings with others, they are no longer strangers. If we have em … read more

December is the time for traditions, celebrations, and expressing gratitude. It is also time for reflections, hopes, and positive thoughts.We have had a busy year, thanks to every single one of you. A … read more

Autumn has just arrived in Japan, and the mystical, other-worldly looking higanbana (red spider lily, Lycoris radiata) is in bloom. It's time for the Japanese to return to their family homes fo … read more

Ripe tomatoes, grilled salmon, aged cheese, baked mushrooms: What do these foods have in common? They all taste delicious — no matter how they range in the four basic tastes of sweet, bitter, … read more

April 7 marks the 102nd birthday of Satsue Mito (April 21, 1914 – April 7, 2012). I had the good fortune of meeting Mito-sensei, as everybody lovingly called her, in 2007. She was a tender wo … read more