Entry #003:

2021 July 28

During the hottest days of the year here in Japan, we often look up at the sky. It’s the fireworks that light up the night like psychotic cosmic stars. It’s the omikoshi that carry shinto deities through country and city streets. It’s the taiko drummers who create the beat for all types of regional dance. It’s the cicada that signal summer, singing at the top of their lungs that “I am here!” because their life span is only 7 days long. But amongst all the festivity above, the earth is where each and every celebration is nourished. Fireworks, omikoshi, drums, and cicada all come from the earth below. Cicada spend 7 years down underground before making their way to fresh air. As earthlings after all, it’s a good opportunity to remember where we come from and what we are made of. 

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

July 28 - August 1

Summer > Dog Days > Humid Air Moistens the Earth

What or who are you choosing to nurture today?

Entry #002:

2021 July 22

Japan is said to be a homogenous country. And growing up, I was quick to learn that sticking out wasn’t fun. Being homogenous is a national trait. A factor that bonds its people and makes us strong as a united entity. At least that was the story that was curated for us in our school textbooks and everyday propaganda. Compared to countries situated within larger bodies of land as an island country. Japan has always had some sense of “us” and “other”. However, “us” is plural, and includes a multitude of peoples. Until World War II, the multiethnic fabric of the country was colorful. Until very recently, we were more Junya Watanabe’s Comme des Garçons and less Muji. There were roving mountain people who would trade their bamboo crafts for produce and grains. There were ocean people who lived on boats and would come to shore to trade seafare for land fare. Underneath the mirage of what it means to be Japanese, lies an intricate web of threads. Every habit, mannerism, phrase, recipe, all trace back to these individual threads. 

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

July 22 - 27

Summer > Dog Days > Empress Trees Flower

What is the one personal virtue that you hold most dear?

Entry #001:

2021 July 17

I first began traveling the Japanese countryside in search of the best rice this earth has to offer. What are the flavors and textures that I yearn for? What are the experiences that speak most delicious to me? And in traveling and taste testing one after the other, I realized two things.

The first is that what I find to be “the best” changes across the seasons. Just like I only crave cold sōmen noodles mid-summer, with its aromatic accoutrement like shiso leaves and myoga, and only joyfully anticipate rich udon noodles braised in the hottest donabé with earthy veg and game mid-winter, I seek rice varietals that pair appropriately with seasonal ingredients and cooking methods. 

The second is that whether the varietal or region may be the same, the finished piece, the rice in your bowl, varies dramatically based on the people who brought it to being. And while there are many parties in between, the two people whose vibes are most prevalent is the farmer and the person who does the final cooking. We eat their energy. The vibrations that run through their whole being. The most delicious and powerful secret ingredient I know. 

♡ momoko

Microseasonal Stars

July 17 - 21

Summer > Heat Wave > Young Falcons Study

Are you remaining ever curious? What’s one new thing you learned today? Who feeds you?