The History of Zoo Animal Escape Drills 🦁

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

"Fish Emerge from the Ice" (Microseason 3) It's the time of year when the earth's subterranean temperatures slowly begin to rise, causing the ice on lakes and rivers to gradually thin out. With a little patience, close observers may be able to spot schools of fish swimming under the ice. Stemming from this season is 薄氷 (usurai), a word that specifically describes the ephemeral thin ice that occupies that delicate space in between winter and spring. Hold a piece in your hand and your body temperature will be enough to make it quickly disappear. (Do you want more seasonal events, recipes, poems and art in your inbox? Become a member!) the spoon & tamago dispatch Zoo Animal Escape Drill It's the time of year when Japanese zoos conduct their semi-annual animal escape drills, which got us thinking: how did this tradition begin? As it turns out, the practice is rooted in a harrowing, real-life event in Tokyo almost 90 years ago. Read more... Water-Activated Calligraphy Shodo, the Japanese art of calligraphy, can be a rather daunting hobby with all the tools and mess that comes with it. But a new range of water-activated paper makes the art a whole lot more accessible. Read more... Onibus Coffee Lastly, we check out Onibus Coffee's first location outside Tokyo in the suburbs of Tochigi. It's located inside a community of sustainability-minded businesses and is made (partly) from recycled coffee beans and timber. 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 Plum blossoms are the first notable flower to bloom, followed by peach blossoms with the grand finale being cherry blossoms. Right now the plum blossoms are in full bloom. Hinamatsuri, or Girl's Day, is on March 3. Right now you can see Japan's largest Hina Matsuri doll display at Elumi Kounosu Shopping Mall. From the Shop Kitchibe Japanese Fragrances Kitchibe is a brand of fragrances created by Shiono Koryo, an Osaka-based perfumer with over 200 years of history. Whether you prefer aroma oils or candles, the kitchibe collection offers numerous seasonal and uniquely Japanese fragrances for the home. We can't wait to begin using our sakura candle! 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.