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Wishing on the Stars: Tanabata Decorations in Japan
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 […]
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A Monthly Tradition: July’s Tsuitachi Mochi from Akafuku
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 […]
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A Unique Donburi Experience in Toki — and My Favorite Seafood Bowl
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) […]
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A Taste of Japan: DIY Monaka Sweets from La Collina by Taneya
Hello, this is Eri! The other day, I visited La Collina, a beautiful facility run by Taneya in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture. Surrounded by nature, with stunning architecture and whimsical design, the place feels like stepping into a fairytale world. One thing that immediately caught my eye was this unique, oil-can-shaped package. Inside was one of Taneya’s […]
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Celebrate Tanabata with Mino Ware: Stars, Wishes, and Summer Flavors
Hello, this is Eri. July 7th marks Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival. It is inspired by a romantic legend where Orihime and Hikoboshi, two lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet only once a year—on this special night. On Tanabata, people write wishes on colorful paper strips and hang them on bamboo branches. […]
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Savor the Season: Chilled Potato Soup in Artisan-Made Mino Ware
Though June is typically known as the rainy season in Japan, here in Toki City, Gifu, the summer heat has already arrived. With the sun blazing outside, we often find ourselves craving something cool and refreshing — especially during lunch. One of my favorite seasonal dishes is a chilled Potato soup. Naturally sweet and smooth, […]
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Silver Bowls, Sweet Moments
Hi, this is Eri! Recently, a friend of mine visited from Tokyo, and as always, we took the chance to explore another charming café together — this time in the town of Tajimi. One of our favorite things to do when she comes to Gifu is go café-hopping, and this spot is known for its […]
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Father’s Day Around the World — and in Japan
Hi, I’m Eri from Miyake Ceramics! In Japan, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It’s a day to say thank you to the dads who work hard every day — though compared to Mother’s Day, it sometimes gets a bit less attention. Interestingly, many countries also celebrate Father’s Day on the […]
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Mino Ware for Bread? Yes, It Works Beautifully!
You might think, “Aren’t Japanese tableware just for Japanese food?” I used to think the same. But ever since I started using Mino ware in my daily life, I’ve realized how beautifully it fits with bread, salad, and even desserts. For example, at breakfast: Freshly baked bread on a textured black plate, a crisp salad in […]
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The Making of Mino Ware: From Clay to Everyday Use
Hi, this is Eri. In my last blog post, I shared a bit about the origin of Mino ware and how it all begins with the clay. This time, I’d like to continue that story by introducing how that soft clay is shaped into something we can actually use—a finished bowl, plate, or cup. Pottery […]
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It All Begins with the Clay
Hi, this is Eri. When we think of pottery, we often picture the shape, the glaze, or the final beauty of the piece. But today, I’d like to talk about something more fundamental—the clay. Mino ware, the traditional ceramic ware of Gifu Prefecture, has a history of over 1,300 years. And one of the biggest […]
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What Is Mino Ware? A Gentle Introduction from Everyday Moments
Hi, this is Eri. I’ve always loved looking at tableware and kitchen goods.When I go to cafés or restaurants, I often find myself noticing the plates before the food.Wondering “Where was this dish made?” has always been part of the joy of eating for me. In this blog, I’d like to share the charm of […]
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