Ohmisoka : New year's eve

Today is the last day of 2011, it is called "Ohmisoka".
"Misoka" means the last day of month, so "Ohmisoka" is the last day of the last month of the year.

New Year day is especiallly important for every japanese.
We clean up our house, prepare new clothes, special dishes, and new year decoration.

We wait for the moment of New Year with our family.

Have a good New Year's Eve,
 and wish you a Happy New Year!

Oseibo: Winter gifts

In Japan, we have special gift season in Summer and Winter.
Summer gift is called "Ochugen", and Winter one is called "Oseibo".
They are very big sales for department stores.

We send the "Oseibo" to our parents, or brothers or familiar person,
to say thank you for them .
I chose some delicious foods as "Oseibo" every year.


When I choose this winter gift,
I suddenly understand
how I love you and houw you love me

Norie

Japanese citron (Yuzu)

It's getting colder and colder in Tokyo!

Dec. 22 was this year "Tohji" = Winter solstice day.
At the "Tohji" day, we take a bath with floated "Yuzu", japanese citron.
These flavor are very good and make me reralx.
Also, they are effective for preventing colds.
I have Yuzu everyday in Winter, with many cooking.

Both "Tohji" and "Yuzu" are kigo of Winter.

Yuzu is a my close frined in Winter,
Why can I live without them
in other season?

Norie

Oyster season!

The best season for oysters is winter in Japan.

Law oyster is wonderful, and especially we love oysters in a pot with bean paste in winter.

Last week, my frineds and I had a oyster party.(photo is at  the party)

These oysters came from Seattle, and their name are "shigoku" and "kumamoto".

Both "shigoku" and "kumamoto" had exported from Japan to the US.

After many years, have become popular brand oysters in the US.

When a oyster open its shell,

Can they remember mother ocean?

Norie 

winter sky

"Winter sky" is of course a word for winter.

In japan, we say autumn sunny sky, "sky is high".  

But for other season, we never say that.

"Winter sky" has clearness in sunny day, and also has darkness in rainy day.

You can go everywhere

When you catch up a winter sky

Norie 

basking in the sun!

Basking in the sun, "hinata-bokko" in japanese, is a word for the winter.
"Hinata" is the full of sunshine, but I had no idea for what the "bokko" is.
The dictionary says, "hinata-bokko is originally from "hinata-bokori".
"bokori" is nearly to "towards"or "make a fire".
It is a new knowledge for me. I could study both english and haiku today!


Basking in the sun
I never think about the hereafter

Norie

the beginning of winter!