Category Archives: festivals

It’s Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Risa

I’m sad. I usually try to make it to Japan during sakura (cherry blossom season), but this year, I’m stuck here in Chicago. Last year I wrote this article about the Cherry Blossom Festival, so in case you missed it, … Continue reading →

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Mochibana Blooms Brighten the New Year

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Risa

Winter can be so dreary, and every household can benefit from some blossoms to brighten the surroundings. For this, a tradition that started in Northern Japan brings flowers to a season that has none. We have long admired these winter … Continue reading →

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Oshogatsu Osechi-ryori, Part III: The Celebration

Posted on January 2, 2010 by Risa

Yesterday, our family and friends gathered from near and far to celebrate Oshogatsu, the Japanese New Year. We spent the day in the most positive way we could, for we believe that what you do on New Years is carried … Continue reading →

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Oshogatsu Osechi-ryori, Part II: Cooking

Posted on December 31, 2009 by Risa

It’s 7:00pm on New Year’s eve, and while I suspect many of you are out partying the night away,  I’m finally ready to sit down for toshikoshi (span the year) soba. Long noodles represent long life in Japanese culture, and eating … Continue reading →

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Oshogatsu Osechi, Part I: Shopping

Posted on December 30, 2009 by Risa

The other day I loaded up the car with ingredients for our upcoming Oshogatsu feast. These photos only show a portion of the bounty, which includes Japanese root vegetables such as daikon, sato imo, renkon (lotus root) and gobo (burdock), as … Continue reading →

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Preparing for Oshogatsu

Posted on November 30, 2009 by Risa

I’m sorry I haven’t been around. It’s not that I haven’t been thinking of you. Quite the contrary; I’ve been busy testing and writing down recipes in honor of the upcoming Oshogatsu (Japanese New Year) holiday. During oshogatsu, which is … Continue reading →

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