Japanese Seasonal Life

Winter Check-In on My Garden: Garlic, Onions, and Leeks Surviving Under the Snow

A winter check-in on my garden in Akita, where garlic, onions, and leeks quietly survive beneath the snow. A look at how local climate, soil, and terroir shape the character of each vegetable.

2026.01.20

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.

2025.11.24

Japanese Seasonal Life

From Garden to Pantry: Garlic, Onions, and the Quiet Joy of Fermentation

A seasonal journal from a quiet home garden: garlic and onions thriving, fermented into natural seasonings like garlic koji and onion koji. Includes simple recipes and winter vegetable updates.

2025.11.14

Japanese Seasonal LifeRecipes

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.

2025.10.30

Japanese Seasonal LifeRecipes

Harvesting Astringent Persimmons and the Quiet Struggle of Coexistence with Bears

A personal reflection on harvesting persimmons at my family home, the challenges of wildlife coexistence, and the bittersweet tradition of making dried persimmons in bear-prone regions.

2025.10.28

Japanese Seasonal Life

🍶 Miso in Cedar and Jar—A Tale of Two Vessels (Part 2)

A gentle reflection on homemade miso fermented in cedar and ceramic vessels, the subtle differences in flavor, and a mother’s wish to pass on tradition to her son. A quiet tale of taste, memory, and seasonal care.

2025.08.09

Japanese Seasonal Life🌿 English

🍶Miso in Cedar and Jar－A Tale of Two Vessels（Part 1）

A gentle story of homemade miso, prepared in both a cedar bucket and a ceramic jar. Discover the quiet rituals, childhood memories, and the joy of fermentation.

2025.08.08

Japanese Seasonal Life🌿 English

🫐 A Gift of Blueberries: Three Ways to Preserve Summer’s Treasure

Discover three simple and heartfelt ways to preserve fresh blueberries—jam, semi-dried, and frozen—straight from a Japanese kitchen. A seasonal gift turned into a treasure trove of flavor.

2025.08.07

Japanese Seasonal Life🌿 English

Welcome to the World of Tea with Fairies Japanese Tea & Keizan-cha Vol.1

Meet Ochako and Momoko, two fairies who gently guide you through the world of Japanese tea and seasonal gardening. In Volume 1, discover the story of Keizan-cha—a Chinese tea with deep ties to Japanese tea culture—brought to life with graceful animation.

2025.08.06

Japanese Seasonal Life🌿 English