Whispers from Japan

I live in a traditional Japanese wooden house in Miyazaki with modest insulation. It doesn’t snow much here, though winters are relatively cold, and nighttime temperatures can dip below freezin … read more

In Japan, traditions are in full display as the year ends the new year begins. It is the time of the year to clean the house thoroughly, pay debts, visit relatives and friends, and exchange gift … read more

One of the foundations of traditional Japanese home cooking is a style called Ichiju-Issai (meaning “one soup, one dish”), a simple meal composed of one bowl of soup and one side dish. Th … read more

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

Traditional Japanese motifs are loved and admired the world over. Most people recognize them as “Japanese” immediately, though many cannot explain why. Ones who do, know that they are a J … read more