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Month: July 2025

Wishing on the Stars: Tanabata Decorations in Japan

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Hello, this is Eri.

July 7th marks Tanabata — the Star Festival in Japan.

It’s a romantic and traditional celebration based on the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way who are allowed to meet only once a year on this night.

In Japan, we celebrate by writing wishes on small paper strips called tanzaku, and hanging them on bamboo branches. Cities and towns become vibrant with colorful decorations shaped like stars and streamers.

Yesterday, I visited the AEON Mall in Toki City, and was pleasantly surprised to see beautiful Tanabata decorations throughout the mall.

A wooden tunnel was adorned with hanging ornaments in all kinds of colors.

Bamboo leaves carried wishes written on tanzaku, swaying gently in the air — it truly felt like those wishes might float up to the sky.

At home, we’ve also started decorating for Tanabata.

These paper ornaments are called denguri.


They’re shaped like fruits or flowers, and we hang them from bamboo branches as part of the tradition.

Choosing and decorating with my children has become a special summer memory in itself.

Tomorrow is Tanabata.

What kind of wish would you write on your tanzaku?

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

A Monthly Tradition: July’s Tsuitachi Mochi from Akafuku

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Hello, this is Eri.

On the first day of each month, the well-known Japanese confectionery Akafuku releases a special sweet called Tsuitachi Mochi — meaning “first-day mochi.”

It’s a beloved tradition, and each month brings a different seasonal treat.

For many years, the July mochi was a refreshing “Take-nagashi” (bamboo-wrapped jelly).

But this year, for the first time in 45 years, the sweet has changed!

July’s Tsuitachi Mochi is now Sasa Warabi Mochi — soft, delicate warabi mochi wrapped in fresh bamboo leaves.

Made with premium Japanese bracken starch (warabiko), this sweet has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a gentle sweetness that’s perfect for the summer heat.

The aroma of the bamboo leaves adds a subtle natural touch, making the experience even more special.

It’s a quiet celebration of seasonality — something deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Whether you’re visiting Japan or simply love Japanese sweets, Tsuitachi Mochi is a beautiful way to experience tradition through flavor, one month at a time.

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。

A Unique Donburi Experience in Toki — and My Favorite Seafood Bowl

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Hello from Eri at Miyake Ceramics!

Toki City in Gifu, where Miyake Ceramics is based, is home to a very unique roadside station called Donburi Kaikan — or “The Donburi Bowl Hall.”

As the name suggests, the roof is shaped like an upside-down donburi bowl, making it an eye-catching landmark you can spot from afar!

👉 Official Website (Japanese)

This facility celebrates Mino ware culture, with local pottery displays, a shop, and even a hands-on pottery experience(¥2,500, reservation recommended).

Imagine making your own donburi bowl — and using it at home. Now that’s a special souvenir! ✨

Another fun feature?

They sell soft-serve ice cream served in charming donburi-style bowls — and yes, you get to take the bowl home after eating. 🍦

If you’re visiting Toki, it’s definitely worth including Donburi Kaikan in your itinerary as part of your “Mino ware experience.”

Now, speaking of donburi…

For lunch today, I had a seafood rice bowl topped with three kinds of fish, all marinated in wasabi shio-koji (a savory fermented rice seasoning). 🐟

Just look at that glossy finish — so fresh and flavorful!

In Japan, donburi (rice bowls) are a beloved part of our food culture.

From gyudon (beef bowl) and katsudon (pork cutlet bowl), to oyakodon (chicken & egg) and tendon (tempura bowl) — the variety is endless.

But if I had to choose? Kaisendon — seafood donburi — is my absolute favorite. 💕

At Miyake Ceramics, we offer a wide selection of donburi bowls in different sizes and styles — from simple, rustic designs to elegant contemporary forms.

Choosing the right bowl for each dish adds joy to the dining experience.

And when you serve your meal in a beautifully crafted Mino ware donburi, it turns an ordinary lunch into something a little more special. 🍚✨

Prefer to read in Japanese?

→ 日本語の記事はこちらからどうぞ。