Not Your Grandma's Tatami Mats

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

"The First Reeds Sprout" (Microseason 16) If you live near a lake you may notice that this is the time of year when the reeds begin to grow. These ashi, as they're known in Japanese, are a sure sign that the water is now teeming with life. Similar to bamboo, reeds are hollow, light and sturdy. Historically, they have been an incredibly popular material to work with. Screens known as sudare–you'll often see them on townhouses in Kyoto–are made from reeds and all of Japan's traditional thatched roofing (known as gasho-zukuri) are made from reeds as well. (Do you want more seasonal events, recipes, poems and art in your inbox? Become a member!) the spoon & tamago dispatch Tatami, Reborn It's Milan Design Week, the annual prestigious furniture fair where Japan is often a participant. One of our favorite projects we saw this week was from a group of designers who recycled old tatami mats by pulverizing the and then 3D-printing a series of contemporary furniture. Read more... Simose Art Garden Architectural hotel rooms designed by Shigeru Ban? A floating museum? Exquisite food? All overlooking the Seto Inland Sea? We really couldn't resist the allure of the new Simose Art Garden Villa that recently opened in Hiroshima.   Read more... Urban Countryside Living Lastly, we highlight this gorgeous new home built in Eastern Japan. The blending of indoors and outdoors; concrete and nature is a common theme in Japanese architecture but in this case, the architects strike the perfect balance. Read more... Did you know we have a membership program? For just $5 a month, members get access to a bunch of great perks while also helping us continue our mission. tidbits from all corners of Japan In anticipation of Children's Day on May 5, the Koinobori Festival at Tokyo Sky Tree is now on display. A pastry chef demonstrates how to make your own tear-away onigiri wrapper using just aluminum foil and masking tape. From the Shop The Perfect Bowl Looking for the perfect bowl? Browse our selection of wooden bowls from Gato Mikio, an artisanal producer of wooden tableware that carries on a local Kanazawa tradition of wood-turning. 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.