Seasonal Stories

Exploring Japanese Aesthetics, Mindfulness, and the Rhythm of Seasons

Reflections on Japanese aesthetics, tea culture, and timeless traditions

Moon Gazing — A Quiet Moment of Gratitude
Wagashi Kumiko Jitsukawa Wagashi Kumiko Jitsukawa

Moon Gazing — A Quiet Moment of Gratitude

For centuries in Japan, the autumn moon has inspired poetry, quiet reflection, and gratitude for the harvest. Even the moon on its way to fullness is cherished, each phase carrying its own name and beauty. As it grows rounder each evening, perhaps it can remind us to pause and look up, too.

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Minazuki: The Same Sweet, Never the Same
Wagashi Kumiko Jitsukawa Wagashi Kumiko Jitsukawa

Minazuki: The Same Sweet, Never the Same

Every June, I make Minazuki, a traditional Japanese sweet that marks the changing of the seasons. Through this quiet ritual, I'm reminded that happiness is often found not in seeking something new, but in rediscovering what faithfully returns each year.

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