From Japan, with Love: Bears Hibernate

Entry #30: 2021 December 12

In continuation from the last entry, I’d like to share a bit about Bounenkai season. Bounenkai, which literally translates to “Forget the Year Party”, are most often gatherings over drinks and food with colleagues or friends. An excuse to be merry through the most of December before the quiet family-oriented holiday that is New Years. Usually izakayas, amongst other venues, are filled with large group reservations, but as you can imagine last year was a huge upset for establishments baking on this end of year business. Inklings of Bounenkai have been documented since the 1400s, when the sitting Emperor noted participating in a sort of poetry slam, singing self-made haiku and tanka. During the Edo Period, these “forget the year” gatherings were reserved for the wealthy, and only since post WWII Japan, has it become what it is today.

♡momoko

Microseasonal Stars

December 12 - 16

Winter > Snowfall > Bears Hibernate

What “shoulds” are you releasing yourself from this season?