Hope and humbleness in the extended rain
The intense heat continued during the Tokyo Olympic event; and after the closing ceremony, the weather turned towards a long rainy week like autumn in Hasami. From Aug 13th to 15th we celebrate the return of spirits of the dead. In Japan, that period is called Obon. During the Obon, families gather around the grave…
A farewell party with tea
Early summer. My friend Naoki went home after he had been staying for half year in Hasami. On the morning of departure, we had a casual farewell meet up by having simplified Japanese tea ceremony. I brought the tea set to his room since he already packed everything. Matcha Tea Set First, I offered him…
Flower hospitality
It's rainy season here in Hasami and rice field planting has begun. Although we have real hot days every now and then, on calm nights, we can hear frogs croaking in the fields. One day I noticed someone gently placed a flower into our water fountain as I was gazing outside the window. Even though…
My joyful table with Hasami-ware
My joyful table with Hasami-ware This year's "Rikka" was on May 5th. Hasami wheat field According to the Japanese calendar, 「立夏」“Rikka” which means the beginning day of summer. Hasami is welcoming "Bakushu" (a season word for 'harvesting wheat',in the early summer.) Most households prefer to stay in doors during the current pandemic environment. In my…
Cherry Tree Row
a Cherry Blossoms welcome from Hasami
Hasami cherry blossoms are now in full bloom! Step into Hasami nowadays, and you will soon find a beautiful row of cherry trees in full bloom that stretches for up to 5km! Sa Ku Ra Cherry Blossom Birds are singing in the trees, fields of green wheat spread across the land, even other flowers join…
Annual Otosai @ Nakaoyama
A special invitation of annual Otosai festival has arrived from Nakaoyama！ During the season of blooming cherry blossoms, Hasami Kilns runs a tradition of holding a pottery sale. Mt.Nakaoyama is known for its clustered Hasami pottery kilns. Otosai (桜陶祭）which is written in Chinese Character: 桜(Sakura)=Cherry blossoms; 陶=Pottery; 祭=Festival Why don't you come on down to…
Spring has come to our dining tables
Nanohana The year of 2021 has begun! Japanese express the word ‘New Year’ as a ‘Shinshun’ meaning ‘New Spring’. Even though we are still in the middle of winter, spring has already arrived at our dining table. A special dish called “Nanohana”, a cruciferous green vegetable, closely related to rapini and broccoli is served on our dining table.…
2020 winter
2020 Winter The sight of early Hasami morning
Winter has come to Hasami. Hasami Morning Post harvest rice fields has turned white with frost.As dawn breaks, sun ray dyes the edge of mountain in madder red. The stream fog from river is called “Kearashi” in Japanese.It is the fog that is generated by cold air flowing near the surface of the water, often…
Spring has arrived in Hasami
A stroll through the Tozenji temple Tozenji temple Tozenji temple is located at the end of the street leading from the Hotel Bliss Villa Hasami. a 10 to 15 minute walk will take you from the hotel to the temple. There stands a gorgeous “weeping cherry tree” in the temple’s garden. The tree is named…
Hata No Hara Kiln
One of the Oldest Climbing Kilns in Japan Within the enclave of the Japanese mountainside lies one of Japans oldest climbing kilns. In the quiet, but peaceful pottery town of Hasami, this kiln was designated as a national historic site on September 6, 2000. But Just How Old Is Hata No Hara Kiln This kiln…
Aiyu Porcelain
Aiyu Porcelain is a ceramic wholesale and retail trading company in Hasami that has their own personal line of porcelain as well as porcelain from many other manufacturers. They opened their doors in 1985 and have since then began creating and selling many styles of Hasami porcelain. The shop of Aiyu Porcelain has a very…
Japanese Restaurant Fujichaya
Japanese Restaurant Fujichaya In the Japanese pottery town of Hasami, Fujichaya offers Japanese food in a family-friendly atmosphere. Here, the restaurant is distinguishable by the wisteria flowers giving shade over the entrance. During the summer months, the leaves turn dark green which blends in with the natural scenery of Hasami. We came in to eat…