Mundane Halloween

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

"The Maple & Ivy Turn Yellow" (Microseason 54) We've waited for fall foliage but now it feels like it's already kicked into full gear before we even realized it was happening. In Japan, one of the most cherished leaves, for all its shades of red, purple, orange and yellow, is the maple leaf, or momiji. The name of this leaf is said to have come from the word momi (揉み; to knead or massage) as it was believed that the chill of the shigure (時雨; fall rains) helped to knead out the fall colors.  This isn't entirely untrue: because of changes in the length of daylight and temperature, the chlorophyll in the leaves, which gives them their green color, begins to break down. The green color disappears and the fall splendor takes its place as the leaves wither and eventually die. (Do you want more seasonal events, recipes, poems and art in your inbox? Become a member!) the spoon & tamago dispatch Jimi Halloween Last weekend, our favorite holiday took place: Jimi Halloween. It's the Japanese tradition of dressing up in costumes so mundane that they have to be explained. Read on for some of this year's best costumes. We've been covering the event since 2018 so you can explore previous years too. Read more... Eizan Railway in Fall Take a ride with us on the Eizan Railway. The "Momiji Tunnel" is spectacular this time of year and now through the end of November, a special light show turns up the dial. It's the perfect trip for the current microseason :) Read more... Yuho Tanaka Yuho Tanaka was an accomplished artist and draughtsman active in Kyoto during the late-1800s. At the height of his career in the 1890s he created numerous graphic patterns inspired by butterflies, all of which have been made available copyright-free. Read more... For just $5 per month, support independent publishing, and Japanese arts & crafts, by becoming a Spoon & Tamago member! tidbits from all corners of Japan Roughly 100 competitive daydreamers gathered in Tokyo yesterday for their first annual "Space-out Competition." Heart rates were checked and anyone who laughs, talks or dozes off was eliminated during the 90 min competition. Harimaya Bridge in Kochi is trying to capitalize on its reputation as one of Japan's 3 most disappointing spots (because it's so small) by creating equally disappointing mascot characters From the Shop wall art for the home Fall deepens and landscapes continue to become barren. It's the perfect time to spruce up your home with some wall art. Explore our collection, which includes unique maze prints, as well as a collaboration with Brooklyn-based artist Akane Ogura. 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.