Why Japanese culture is what it is, in a word That word: geography It’s Sea Day today, July 23, 2020. A Japanese national holiday specially dedicated to celebrating our oceans. It’s a bit different from an American Earth Day, because Japanese citizens get an entire day off work and school, in name of honoring our […]
Rest
Who Do I Want To Be in Times of Crisis
The way communities have shown support for one another still never ceases to amaze me. I was on an early morning walk with my younger sister when we passed by one of our local stores, and they had this posted up on the window: It’s really a small gesture, but when you think about the […]
Buddhist Meditation to Breathe Through Food Anxiety
How To Eat Well During Times of Distress I was feeling anxious and disgusted with myself– I stepped on the scale and found that I had gained 20kg. How did I let this happen? Startled, I opened my eyes and realized it was a dream. I went up to go to the bathroom and looked […]
The Taste of Spring, My Fondness for Sakura-mochi
What is Sakura-mochi? Sakura-mochi is a type of wagashi, or Japanese confectionery, made with sweet azuki bean paste wrapped in sticky pink mochi rice and a salted sakura leaf. Unlike traditional wagashi desserts, sakura-mochi has a slightly herbal aroma to it, and the salty-sweetness from the leaves is said to pair well with sake. The […]
Where To Buy The Best Japanese Stationery in Japan
Part of resting is indulging in your hobbies! Engage your mind and curiosities in ways that don’t count as work, and you’ll be able to discover life and joy in unexpected places. It’s not just fun, about it’s necessary for people to take breaks from the pressures or stresses of life. One of my hobbies? […]
Mottainai: The Story of Saving My Shoes
“Kaki-chan! That’s so mottainai.” My sneakers had holes on the bottom of the sole, the white leather was now an ash-like color, and the laces were stained dark gray from the rusted steel eyelets. I had put them in a plastic shopping bag, ready to throw them out when my mom stopped me in the […]
What It’s Like To Do a Thanksgiving Wellness Retreat
Mohonk is a private mountain resort located in the Hudson Valley, surrounded by 40000 acres of forest and wildlife. Founded in 1869, it’s an old and historic landmark resort, well-known for the loyal families that make an annual 90-minute drive up from New York City. Rumor has it that it’s also the supposed inspiration location […]
The Perfect Gift for Family and Friends Is a Homemade Book: How You Can Make a Quarto
A quarto book is a great gift to give to friends and family for the holiday season! It’s very easy to make, yet demonstrates an art and skill that anyone would be impressed by and appreciate. What is a quarto? A quarto is an 8-page double-sided booklet, made by folding a single sheet of paper […]
