slow living

Japanese Food Culture

Miso-Making in a Japanese Cedar Barrel: Our Second Year with Akita Sugi

A look into our second year of making miso in a traditional Japanese cedar barrel crafted from Akita sugi. From preparing the soybeans to awakening the microbes living in the wood, this is a gentle record of seasonal food culture and handcraft.
2026.01.25
Japanese Food Culture
Japanese Food Culture

Homemade Miso with Akita Soybeans and Organic Koji

A step-by-step look at how we make homemade miso using Akita-grown soybeans and organic koji. A family tradition rooted in seasonal Japanese living, crafted with trusted ingredients and an old ceramic crock passed down through generations.
2026.01.25
Japanese Food Culture
Japanese Seasonal Life

🫐 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
Japanese home garden

A Rushed Blackberry Harvest and a Quiet Lesson Learned

A mindful story of harvesting homegrown blackberries, a small mistake made in haste, and the quiet reflection that followed. Includes a link to a simple seasonal smoothie recipe.
2023.08.06
Japanese home garden