Japan's Earliest Cherry Blossoms 🌸

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

"Mist Lingers Over the Land" (Microseason 5) If you're lucky enough to live within range of the mountains, you may step outside in the morning to find them blended in with the horizon in several layers of gradients. Traditionally, the people of Japan would liken this mist to the layered kimono of Sahohime, the goddess of spring. This season signifies a departure from the dry winter air, which is replaced by tiny droplets of moisture, or mist; 霞 (kasumi) in Japanese. Although scientifically identical to 霧 (kiri), the former is used to identify spring mist while the latter is used for autumnal mist. (Do you want more seasonal events, recipes, poems and art in your inbox? Become a member!) the spoon & tamago dispatch Kawazu Cherry Blossom We begin our newsletter in Shizuoka's Kawazu City, the host of one of Japan's earliest cherry blossom festivals. The Kawazu-zakura cherry blossoms are known for blossoming early and some trees are already beginning to bloom. Read more... Kurkku Fields We then move to the outskirts of Chiba, home to a sprawling sustainable farm that melds elements of ethical farming, food and art. Just an hour from Tokyo, it's a great day trip. And for those who want to experience everything the farm has to offer, there are even lodging facilities. Read more... Yuki Matsuoka's Nihonga Last week in Kyoto, the Eki Museum hosted an exhibition dedicated to five up-and-coming nihonga painters. Literally "Japanese painting," the term nihonga sounds broad but actually refers to a very specific style of painting that uses only natural materials like sumi ink, mineral pigments, and vegetable coloring. Read more... Become a Spoon & Tamago member and support independent journalism! Membership comes with a members-only newsletter, shop discounts and more! tidbits from all corners of Japan With Japan set to lift their mask mandate next month, we looked back on all the ways Japan made the best of dark times. This story sounded like something out of a Japanese comic book: A takoyaki stand was busted for dealing cocaine. Customers who ordered using a code word would receive a different kind of powdered snack. From the Shop Papa's Maze It was almost exactly 10 years ago that we first discovered Kazuo Nomura, that "Papa" behind some of the most beautifully intricate mazes we had ever seen. While working as a school janitor, Nomura would come home each night and work on his side project. He spent over 7 years producing his original. He then went on to create two more versions for his daughter. view collection Copyright © 2023 Spoon & Tamago, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website. Our mailing address is: Spoon & Tamago 253 Tompkins Ave Brooklyn, New York 11216 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.