Our Most-Popular Posts of 2023

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

"The Elk Sheds Its Antlers" (Microseason 65) Female elk don't have antlers but males do, which they shed around this time of year. Of all the 72 microseasons, this is one of the more unusual ones because it discusses an animal not native to Japan. If you've ever been to Nara or Hokkaido you'll know that Japan has plenty of deer, but these shed their antlers in the spring. The elk referenced here are much larger, and are found in North America and the forests of Eurasia. One theory has it that the ancient poets imagined the Elk as an embodiment of a winter wonderland far, far away. (Do you want more seasonal events, recipes, poems and art in your inbox? Become a member!) spoon & tamago's most-popular posts of the year 3rd: Coffee & Art It's an annual tradition at casa Spoon & Tamago to reflect on the year that was by taking a look back at the posts that resonated the most with our readers. Coming in 3rd was an intersection of two of our favorite things, coffee and art: a roundup of our favorite museum cafes across Japan. Read more... 2nd: Artisanal Ghibli At the risk of spoiling our most-popular article, it was really interesting (and fulfilling) seeing which articles came in first and second. Both are similar in that they combine Japanese soft power with traditional craftsmanship, which is something we've always tried to highlight. With that said, our second most-popular article was Studio Ghibli's Totoro collectibles. Read more... 1st: Craft Pokemon Earlier this year, an exhibition opened in Kanazawa featuring over 20 artisans working across multiple disciplines and ranging in age from young to Living National Treasure. But rather than tea bowls and lacquerware, they had created unique interpretations of Pokemon. Admittedly, it initially sounded kitschy to us but after seeing the caliber of the work on display we immediately wrote a glowing review of the show, which become our most-popular article of the year. Read more... Thank you to everyone for subscribing and reading! You can check out our full list of top articles over on the blog. For just $5 per month, support independent publishing, and Japanese arts & crafts, by becoming a Spoon & Tamago member! tidbits from all corners of Japan A friend is coming to Japan in early 2024 and asked us for recommendations off the beaten path so we're sharing our admittedly weird list of things to do in Japan during the winter from big bowl ceremonies to ice snow marathons. We're heading into 2024 with the same energy as Louis Armstrong eating ramen in Tokyo circa 1953. Hope everyone has a tasty new year! From the Shop Bonus: Our Top 5 December/Christmas Gifts of 2023 These were our best-selling items in December! Hope everyone loved what they got! 5th: Papa's Maze 4th: Wooden Wristwatch Stand 3rd: Awaglass 2nd: Uenosuke/Shitanosuke (re-stocking in January!) 1st: Whale Butter Dish visit our shop 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.