Entry #027:

2021 November 27

Next month at Japan Food Study, we will be conversing around the topic of “Traditional natural agricultural practices”. But this doesn’t imply the act of farming alone. The point of Japan Food Study has been to create an opportunity to recognize that we never work in siloed spaces. The act of farming exists because the act of eating exists. The act of farming exists because the act of storytelling and sharing exists too.So this is our opportunity to share in our observations about all of the players, historical reasons, human nuances, geographic and climate factors that inform the creation of our collective. 

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

November 27 - December 1

Winter > Early Snow > Northern Winds Sweep Foliage

Do you feel heavy or do you feel light? Through the season can you feel grounded? That doesn't mean stagnant and weighty. What are you doing to keep your heart and body nimble? 

Entry #026:

2021 November 22

November 23 is Labor Thanksgiving Day in Japan. It’s naming is a bit odd, from my perspective, but apparently that’s what it is officially called in English. The holiday is meant to express gratitude to laborers, particularly in manufacturing. However capitalistic this may sound, and it is, as part of the post-Meiji Restoration re-fab of Japan, its origins lie in Niinamesai or harvest festival. The Emperor leads by offering grains to the gods, and the same is done in every shrine across Japan. In a country with many natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, we require someone whose job it is to express gratitude to the gods every day. And that is really what the Emperor is meant to do. And not to also try to manage being part of a larger political system. Its story was recorded as early as the 8th century. 

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

November 22 - 26

Winter > Early Snow > Rainbows Hide

What do you hold in your heart that is hidden from the eyes but still there?

Entry #025:

2021 November 17

As promised in my last entry, today, I’d like to write about “mingei”, or folk art. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit an exhibit celebrating 100 years of mingei. Not because mingei has only been around for 100 years, it of course has thousands of years of history, but it has been 100 years since “the father of mingei”, Muneyoshi Yanagi, coined the term. Until then, there was no word specifically allocated to the artisanal hand-crafted daily ware and tools. I have been a diehard fan of Yanai’s work. He’s brought to light the skills and artistry hidden within the mountain villages and seaside settlements across the Japanese countryside. What I find bewitching about mingei crafts is that they are simultaneously ages old, yet look funky and modern. 

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

November 17 - 21

Winter > First of Winter > Daffodils Bloom

What scents are you attracted to right now? Something in the air? Something in the kitchen? Someone?