Tsukimi: Japan’s Moon Viewing Tradition and Autumn Dumplings
In Japan, the Moon Viewing Festival, or Tsukimi/Otsukimi, is closely associated with the “mid autumn full moon,” called Chushu no Meigetsu. The […]
Category: Tea Culture
Baisaō and the Popularization of Sencha in Japan
Baisaō, born as Gekkai Gentei (月海元叡) in 1675 in Hizen (present-day Saga Prefecture), lived during Japan’s Edo period. He is best remembered […]
People of Tea Podcast
George Guttridge-Smith is a dear Tea Fellow member of Global Japanese Tea Association and Japanese tea specialist that has been working in […]
Discovering Tanabata: The Star Festival of Japan
When people think of Japanese summer traditions, one beautiful event stands out: Tanabata (七夕、たなばた), also known as the Star Festival. Celebrated on […]
Minazuki: Kyoto’s Triangular Sweet That Tastes Like Summer
It literally means “month without water,” yet it refers to June, which falls right in the middle of Japan’s rainy season. In […]
Senchado Gathering at Manpukuji Temple 2025
Located in Uji, just south of Kyoto, Manpukuji Temple is the main temple of the Ōbaku sect within Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It […]
Tea in Japanese Language: Chacha wo Ireru, Chakasu, and Ochame
The Playful Side of Japanese Idioms with 茶 Even if you do not speak Japanese, chances are you already know at least […]
Kashiwa Mochi and Japan’s Children’s Day: Traditions, Carp Streamers, and More!
If you visit Japan in early May, you might come across a curious little sweet wrapped in a large green leaf, Kashiwa […]