"The Wagtail Sings" (Microseason 44) Welcome to microseason 44: the time of year when the wagtail, or sekirei in Japanese, begins to chirp. Despite its small and cute appearance, this little bird is packed with high-pitched energy. And its chi-chi-chi-chi call has always been interpreted as a sign of autumn. It also has the nickname ishi-tataki, or stonepecker, because it can always be seen walking around with it's long tail bobbing up and down like it's pecking at the ground. | | (Do you want more seasonal events, recipes, poems and art in your inbox? Become a member!) | | the spoon & tamago dispatch | | Trunk Hotel Although there are signs of fall, Tokyo temperatures continue to hover around 34℃ (93°F) so we decided that Trunk Hotel's new Yoyogi Park location would be the perfect place to begin the week. Immaculately designed, this boutique just opened at the beginning of the month. It has a rooftop pool, a pizza restaurant and an overall A+ vibe. Read more... | | | The Pinnacle of Craft From there we moved to the Mitsui Memorial Museum, also in Tokyo, where a new exhibition on Meiji-era craftsmanship, and its evolution, recently opened. We discuss the cataclysmic impact that the Meiji Restoration had on Japan and it's artisans. Read more... | | | Nara Prison Hotel Lastly, we report on a very different kind of hotel. One that you typically wouldn't want to spend the night in, unless of course you're staying in Nara Prison, a historic red-brick structure built in 1908. After being shut down in 2017 it will be reopening in 2026 as a luxury hotel. 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 | | | This week the Hanshin Tigers clinched their first Central League victory in 18 years. Fans were elated, but much less calmer than in 2003 when over 5000 people were reported to have jumped into the Dotonbori River, leading to several fatalities. This fan here did not head the warnings though, and made his jump, which resulted in an amazing photograph. And yes, he was okay. | | This month, Nissin will be releasing a series of cup noodle specifically formulated for gamers. With caffeine to wake you up, arginine for improved blood flow, niacin for energy boost and no soup to ensure your setup remains nice and clean | | Autumn Leaf Incense If you're like us and sick an tired of summer, here's a way to bring all those lovely aromas of fall, into your home. HA KO are a series of elegant, leaf-shaped paper incense that can be enjoyed as potpourri, or burned like traditional incense. This autumn set is inspired by the elegant colors of fall's stunning foliage. The set includes iconic autumn leaves like maple and ginkgo that are imbued with the earthy aromas of fall. | | | | |