Welcome to the English section of my blog.
Here, I share quiet stories from my life in Akita, Japan — seasonal gardening, traditional sweets, and the rituals of everyday life.
These articles are written for English-speaking readers who enjoy slow living, nature, and cultural depth.
Thank you for visiting.
Osechi Ryori (Japanese New Year’s Cuisine) My New Year’s Osechi Journey with a Wooden Okamochi and Vermilion Jubako
A personal journey of preparing traditional Japanese New Year’s osechi using a wooden okamochi and vermilion jubako. A warm story of family, tradition, and the changing shape of holiday celebrations.
Japanese Food Culture Trying My Hand at Filleting Sea Bream: A Journey into Japanese Food Culture
A beginner’s experience learning to fillet sea bream, exploring traditional Japanese techniques, sashimi preparation, and three days of home cooking that highlight the depth of Japanese food culture.
Osechi Ryori (Japanese New Year’s Cuisine) Homemade Datemaki: A Fluffy, Festive Japanese New Year Roll Inspired by Ancient Scrolls
A fluffy, sweet Japanese New Year roll inspired by ancient scrolls. Learn how to make datemaki at home with two easy recipes: a traditional white fish version and a simple hanpen version.
Osechi Ryori (Japanese New Year’s Cuisine) Golden Sweet Chestnut Purée (Kurikinton) — A Lucky New Year Treat Made Easy with a Food Processor
Easy Japanese Kurikinton recipe made with a food processor. A golden New Year treat symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and family happiness. Sweet potato and chestnuts blended into a smooth, beautiful dish.
Osechi Ryori (Japanese New Year’s Cuisine) Fluffy, Glossy Black Soybeans｜A Symbolic Osechi Dish for Health, Longevity, and Protection
A traditional Japanese New Year recipe for fluffy, glossy black soybeans (kuromame). Learn the cultural meanings behind this iconic osechi dish—health, diligence, longevity, and protection from misfortune.
Gentle Days Butter vs. No Butter: A Tarte Tatin Taste Test with Earl Grey Tea Pairing
Discover the difference between buttery and no-butter Tarte Tatin in this taste test. Explore texture, flavor, and perfect tea pairings with Janat Earl Grey and Caramel blends.
Recipes 🍎 Tarte Tatin with Fuji Apples — Preparation Stage
A cozy kitchen story of making Tarte Tatin with Fuji apples — balancing sweetness with caramel and lemon, and experimenting with butter vs. no butter for a unique twist.
Japanese Seasonal Life Fuji Apples from Yokote, Akita — A Grandmother’s Gift to Her Grandchildren
Discover the story of Fuji apples from Yokote, Akita — a grandmother’s heartfelt gift to her grandchildren, grown with dedication despite weather challenges and bears, and enjoyed in family cooking.
Gentle Days Do Cut Flowers Last Longer in the Cold?
Exploring the fate of cut flowers in East and West—from a Japanese sunroom discovery to Okakura Kakuzō’s reflections in The Book of Tea. Do flowers prefer prolonged life with pain, or a brief existence without mercy?
Japanese Seasonal Life Negi Koji: A Fermented Green Onion Seasoning for Winter Wellness
Discover the health benefits and versatile uses of Negi Koji—a simple fermented condiment made with green onions and rice koji. Perfect for winter dishes like hot pot, oden, and miso soup.