A Summer Time Oasis for Bees

this week's most popular posts and other tidbits from around Japan

Hello friends, Shocked is really the only word we have to describe the events in Japan yesterday. There's a long history of political assassination in Japan, even of Prime Ministers, but that sort of violence had faded into the past. Current-day Japan is a land of dispassionate politics and  virtually zero gun violence so what happened to former-PM Abe feels unreal. But it's times like these when art, design and nature can be most-helpful in restoring our sense of reality and bringing peace and calmness back into our lives. With that in mind, we present to you the Hitokotonushi Shrine in Ibaraki, which has transformed their water basin into an oasis all for the benefit of their local bee population. We also highlight a project to upcycle some of the old kimonos that are stored away, collecting dust. Lastly, a rather timely visit to a Tokyo Gallery where artist Hiroki Tsukuda has depicted the darkest of times. the spoon & tamago dispatch Bee Oasis In the height of summer, when temperatures are soaring, safe access to drinking water becomes critical for all animals. And yes, that includes even bees! At the ancient Hitokotonushi Shrine in Japan's Ibaraki prefecture, which was founded in the year 809, a particular breed of care and kindness is paid to the local bees. Read on... Kimono Shoes Traditional Japanese silk kimonos are handmade and typically cost between $2000 – $20,000 usd. Some estimates put the total value of kimono that are stored away in closets all across Japan as high as $300 billion usd. In an attempt to extract some of that value and inject it back into society, a group of designers began the Tokyo Kimono Shoes project. Read on... Morito Project Morito Project is an initiative aimed at highlighting the circular relationship between forests and woodworkers. Specifically, designer Shinnosuke Harada worked with artisans to source hinoki wood that was leftover from the thinning process to create unique desings. Read on... Spoon & Tamago is a member-supported publication. If you can, please consider becoming a member and joining us in our mission to raise up Japanese arts & crafts. tidbits from all corners of Japan Only night owls—and if they're lucky—get to see the rare sight of a Shinkansen driving on a road. In this case the new Nishi  Kyushu Shinkansen being carried by trailer in Nagasaki. 2000 washi paper lanterns formed a milky way under Zojoji Temple two nights ago. The event was intended to celebrate Tanabata, the July 7th star festival. From the Shop Summer Time Favorites Our shop is currently on summer vacation but you can still browse and order. We'll begin shipping as soon as we re-open on July 20th! Browse Summer Time Favorites Copyright © 2022 Spoon & Tamago, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Spoon & Tamago 794 Dekalb Ave Apt A8 New York, New York 10112 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.