Blogs

In early February, though still cold in Japan, days start to get noticeably longer, and it begins to feel that winter is on its way out. Pretty plum blossoms begin to bloom first, and an early-bloom … 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 f … read more

It is still cold, and Spring seems a way off. However, days are starting to get longer noticeably, and unmistakable signs of change are in the air. The plum trees in my backyard have hundreds of pr … read more

The Japanese almanac divides the year into 24 season-like periods, each lasting about two weeks. These periods are markers of significant celestial events (such as equinoxes and solstices), weather … read more