Early Summer Through Green Maple Leaves
The other morning, while walking through SoHo, a vibrant green maple tree standing in front of a storefront caught my eye. Although I often see green maples at Japanese restaurants, this shop had no connection to Japan. I was touched by the owner’s refined taste and stopped to take a photo.
The shape of the maple leaves is so delicate and beautiful— a form that only nature could create. Their fresh, luminous green feels full of life. Sunlight filtering through the tender young leaves is one of the most serene scenes of early summer in Japan.
The delicate green maple leaves glowing in the sunlight
In Japan, these fresh green maple leaves are called aokaede (青楓) and are cherished as a quiet symbol of early summer.
We Japanese have long appreciated the subtle changes of the seasons— the shifting colors of leaves, the quality of light, a carefully arranged flower, and the tea bowl chosen for the day. These small details remind us that beauty is never fixed. It gently flows and evolves with time.
Inspired by the green maple leaves, I made maple-leaf-shaped rakugan (a traditional Japanese confection).
When serving matcha, I enjoy preparing seasonal sweets by hand whenever possible. Even if they are not perfect, there is a warmth in something handmade that touches people’s hearts.
Handmade maple leaf rakugan (落雁) for early summer
This inspiration naturally led me to prepare a bowl of matcha outdoors.
Drinking tea while enveloped in the fresh green of early summer feels especially healing. In that moment, I am reminded that we are part of nature, and that living in harmony with it brings a quiet richness to our daily lives.
Enjoying matcha surrounded by fresh greenery in May
In a bustling city like New York, it’s easy to be caught up in constant stimulation. But if we pause and look closely, beautiful plants and the changing seasons are quietly present around us — even in the concrete jungle.
May is such a beautiful month. Before we know it, Memorial Day will arrive and summer will truly begin.
I hope you, too, will take a small moment to notice the quiet beauty waiting near you.
Happy Early Summer.
