-
Is Summer Ending Already? A Seasonal Nerikiri by the Rhine
It was still August, but the low Rhine and dry, curling leaves already looked like the beginning of autumn.
/
-
No Occasion to Wear Kimono?
Do you own a kimono but rarely have an opportunity to wear it? This article shares practical ideas for enjoying kimono in Germany and introduces Biyori Kimono Meetups near Düsseldorf.
-
Mizubotan: The Summer Wagashi That Looks Like a Drop of Water
Some wagashi are beautiful because they are colorful.Some are beautiful because they are detailed.And then there is mizubotan — beautiful because it looks almost like it might disappear. Mizubotan, written as 水牡丹, means “water peony.” It is a summer wagashi made by wrapping sweet bean paste in a translucent layer of kudzu. The outside is…
-
Did You Know Tanabata Is More Than a Wish Festival?
When people think of Tanabata, they often imagine bamboo branches decorated with colorful paper strips. Children and adults write their wishes on tanzaku, tie them to the bamboo, and hope their words will somehow reach the stars. It is a beautiful image: light, nostalgic, and full of summer feeling. But Tanabata is one of those…
-
What Is Table Chado? A Gentle Introduction to Japanese Tea Ceremony at the Table
When people hear the words “Japanese tea ceremony,” they often imagine a quiet tatami room, formal kimono, many rules, and a world that feels beautiful but perhaps a little difficult to enter. It can seem like something reserved for experts or for those who have studied for many years. I understand that feeling very well,…
-
How to Find Your Own Kimono Style
Kimono has many rules, traditions, and beautiful details. At first, it can feel difficult to know where to begin. Which kimono should I choose?Which obi matches?Is this too formal?Is this color right for me?Does this pattern suit me? But finding your own kimono style is not about copying someone else perfectly. It is about learning…
-
Creating a Seasonal World Around Matcha
Recently, I was invited to experience table coordination more closely, and it gently shifted the way I think about enjoying matcha. Until now, I had mainly focused on the tea itself: its quality, taste, aroma, color, and preparation. Those elements still matter deeply to me, but through this invitation, I began to notice how much…