Blogs

It is mid-May. The rainy season is about to start in Japan, and gorgeous hydrangeas and wisterias are everywhere. Beautiful rain chains, an unmistakable sight in Japan, collect water from the downspou … read more

Japanese affinity for the awe-inspiring beauty of their mountains is deep-rooted in a curious mix of sacred myths, love of outdoors, and respect for nature. Nearly 70 percent of the Japanese archipela … read more

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

on new year’s day I long for my parents before I was born (ganjitsu ni | umarenu saki no | oya koishi) Natsume Soseki (1867-1916) The sky draws near such a bright sunrise aahh! new year&rsquo … read more

Today is the first day of tsuyu, the beginning of the rainy season in southern Japan.  Spring is in its full glory and gentle, warm rain has been falling all day. It will rain here every day for … read more