Entry #009:

2021 August 28

I’ve recently completed what I called a “Summer Retreat” in Tokyo. A virtual gathering across four sessions in August. It was an experimental journey and I am so honored that people from all across the world took the time and heartspace to join me. The sessions were packed with information, and I likely sped too quickly to try to get through the majority of what I wanted to share: food education, the microseasonal calendar, cultural identity, and seasonal cooking & healing. Thanks to the generous people who took a leap of faith and participated in this experiment, I now have established the necessary momentum to launch Japan Food Study next month. This journal has also proven to be one of the most fun things I do every week. I appreciate your feedback and little notes. Each of them. You don’t know how much they hug my heart. Thank you!

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

August 28 - September 1

Autumn > First of Autumn > Heavens and Earth Cool

As fires subside and there is calmness, what do you see reflecting back in the water?

Entry #008:

2021 August 23

The heat breaks after Obon festivities. And while it’s still hot and humid, the late evenings and early mornings tell us that we are indeed experiencing Autumn. This past month has been a rough one for me personally. That I’ll leave for another day, when we can wine and dine together in person and share our individual tales. On the other hand, this past month has also proven to be a birthing period. A moment of breakthrough. After months of the endless loop of solo brainstorming, sprinkled in with pow-wows with dear friends, and the final experiment in the form of a Summer Retreat, held virtually, I’ve cracked through my own hard shell, to bring to life Japan Food Study. A series of courses that guide participants through indigenous wisdom, history, politics, geographic and social movement, courtesy and etiquette, education, agriculture and the overall food system. Japanese food, beyond cooking and eating.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

August 23 - 27

Autumn > Heat Breaks > Cotton Balls Burst

Is there a project, product, opinion, or action that has been developing quietly, but is now ready to burst wide open?

Entry #007:

2021 August 18

Japan is coming out of an unexpected and unseasonably wet spell. All across the countryside there is flooding and landslides. Here in Tokyo, the sun has come out today. The first time in the past seven days. People are happily taking talks, and jogs, and running errands. The brightness of Summer is back. But in areas that are out of sight for us in the big city, there are hundreds of people who are currently stationed in school gymnasiums and city halls. And thousands more who are trying to do what they can to restore the health of their crops that are just a skip and a hop away from Autumn harvest season. I cannot see you. But I feel you. I cannot see you. But I hear you. My eyes do not see you. But my heart sees you. Your livelihood is my livelihood. How can we create a more reciprocal relationship? One where my livelihood can be your livelihood too.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

August 18 - 22 

Autumn > First of Autumn > Heavy Fog Drapes

When you cannot see with your ever, what do you see with your heart?