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?

Entry #029:

2021 December 7

As we enter the sub season “Snowfall” and feel into the month of December, the city begins to illuminate with lights. And compared to this time last year, there is a clear holiday buzz in the air here in Tokyo. In Japan, December means two things: Christmas and Bounenkai. Christmas is not a holiday, but an event. It insinuates hand-holding couples enjoying the city dressed in lights, and strawberry shortcake that we call “Christmas cake”, and fried chicken, most often from KFC. This uniquely Japanese event has become a capitalist’s dream come true. Borrowing characters such as Santa Claus and snowmen to boost the sales of the usual suspects. And I like it. It’s cheery. It brings color to the darkest month of the year, it helps people get out of their warm kotatsu (blanketed tables), and into the streets to play. That said, it does make me wonder how sustainable it all is. Japan’s strawberries are “in season” in December.

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

December 7 - 11

Winter > Snowfall > Skies Grow Cold

Are you breathing? Are you circulating the air that’s in and around you? 

Entry #028:

2021 December 2

As we head toward the last new moon of this year, I am looking forward to looking up into the night sky and enjoying the stars. It’s within this darkness that we are able to see these other more subtle lights. Isn’t this the greatest metaphor of life itself? As the days grow colder and I certainly get naturally more quiet, moving less, speaking less, I feel like I have the opportunity to be still with my mind in a way that the great buzz of Summer doesn't necessarily call for. It’s during this time that I don’t design my next move, I simply dim all sounds, and focus my attention on the littles of stars. Like the mikan citrus on my table or the sound of the roasted sweet potato seller passing through the neighborhood. 

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

December 2 - 6

Winter > Early Snow > Citruses Ripen

What’s the juiciest fruit that’s ripened for you this year?