Tomorrow is the last day of May. Time seems to have flown by. May is the season when we begin to feel the arrival of early summer. Fresh green leaves sprout, and the calm, gentle air makes you want to take a deep breath. It’s my favorite season in New York.
The other day, I noticed a maple tree in the courtyard of my apartment—something I usually pass without thinking. Its bright green leaves, a symbol of early summer in Japan, made me unexpectedly happy.
Fresh green maple trees bathed in sunlight
In Japanese culture, there is a spirit that deeply values the changing of the seasons.
I want to share this sensibility through our workshops and events by offering Japanese sweets that reflect the beauty of each time of year.
This month, we prepared sweets inspired by green maple leaves—a classic early summer motif in Japan. We were delighted that 70 people joined us and shared a quiet, heartwarming moment. The image of vibrant maple leaves floating gently on the surface of water brings a sense of silence, stillness, and the soft breath of the season.
Kohakutou (琥珀糖) in the shape of green maple leaves
I hope these small seasonal gestures help you connect with the rhythm of the year and the quiet beauty of nature, even in a bustling city like New York.
As technology advances and life becomes more convenient, we sometimes forget how to truly savor each moment. In a world overflowing with information, it’s easy to only see what we want and believe only what we choose. I sometimes find myself wondering where this world is heading.
In such rapid change, what remains most important? I believe it’s reconnecting with ourselves and living rooted in our values.
To do that, we need to step away from our screens from time to time, reconnect with nature, clear our minds, and quiet the noise within. When we awaken our five senses, we begin to notice the quiet abundance that has always been around us. I believe true happiness lies in that awareness.
I hope these small seasonal sweets serve as a gentle reminder of finding that quiet abundance in your everyday life. Wishing you a peaceful and beautiful start to early summer.