Exploring Japan's Abandoned Gunkanjima

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

Japan's ancient calendar of 72 seasons N0. 42 Rice Begins to Ripen This is the time of year when rice begins to grow riper by the day and harvest season approaches. Across Japan festivals are held to ward off typhoons and pray for a healthy crop. Did you know that 1 stalk of rice produces between 100 - 200 grains of rice? (Do you want more seasonal events, recipes, poems and art in your inbox? Become a member!) the spoon & tamago dispatch Abandoned Gunkanjima Gunkanjima, or battleship island, is a small island off the coast of Nagasaki. At one point the tiny land was home to 5600 people. With new aerial photos, combined with archives, we explore what led to the rapid rise and fall of this enigmatic island. Read on... Illusions of Paint In Tokyo, we check out a new exhibition of paintings by artist Teppei Takeda, who creates abstract portraits seemingly composed of bold and audacious brush strokes with globs of paint forming lines and contours of the face. However, step closer and you'll discover that each and every glob of paint is a meticulously painted illusion and the work is as flat as the original canvas it was painted on. Read on... Tetanpo As summer comes to an end and chillier weather approaches, this unique hand warmer caught our attention. It's handmade from ceramics, shaped like a birdie and filled with adzuki beans, which are an excellent natural holder of warmth. Simply microwave the whole thing for 30 seconds and the birdie will wamr your hands for a good 15 minutes. Read on... If you enjoy our content, the best way to support us is to become a member. You'll get perks like exclusive content, shop discounts and more! tidbits from all corners of Japan Do you know what the scariest train station in all of Japan is? That would be 小前田 (omaeda). When train conductors announce it they say tsugi wa omaeda, ("you're next") This week we're exploring Japan's northern Zao mountain. It's known more for skiing but it's equally beautiful this time of year too. You can follow along on our Instagram account if you like. From the Shop Wooden Bins Inspired by Soy Sauce Barrels These multi-functional wooden containers are expertly crafted from individual slabs of chestnut wood using a traditional wood joinery process. It's a technique that's inspired by Japan's kioke wooden barrels which are used to make everything from soy sauce and sake to whiskey. These beautiful containers can be used for just about anything too, as their refined presence makes a subtle statement in just about any place in the home. We keep our pet food in them because those bags are pretty ugly! (psst: we were just informed that the price of these are going up by 10% due to inflation but we haven't adjusted our prices yet) view the collection 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.