The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally

Written by Japanologist Natalie Leon, this beautiful guide unlocks the secrets of Japan''s seasonal culture to help you relish;the seasons wherever you are. Since the Heian period, nature has permeated every aspect of Japanese culture in myriad ways; the Japanese literally eat, sleep and wear the seasons, from kimono motifs to seasonal sweets and annual festivals dedicated to the moon''s beauty or the blooming of flowers. This celebration of nature leads to a deep awareness of the seasons, called In this book, Japanologist and seasonality expert Natalie Leon explains the hidden depths of this treasure trove of folktales, recipes and activities is an invitation to mark and appreciate each passing season: Practise , the ritual of flower viewing, and celebrate spring blossoming trees around the world. Make edible dried petals for sweets or compose a haiku to celebrate the ephemeral beauty of spring. Discover the way of the water, or through Japanese river spirits and ocean goddesses. Try spring rain rituals or take an onsen-inspired bath in the winter. Experience the seasons through your local trees by trying , the;self-care practice of forest bathing. Learn unique Japanese tree-related words, including , which refers to the rays of light that filter down through leaves. Increase your personal harmony, creativity and happiness by savouring the seasons, no matter where you are.

Auteur

Natalie Leon is a Japanologist, freelance writer and student of Chanoyu, The Way of Tea. She has consulted for NHK, Japan's national broadcasting organisation, and the Ezen Foundation, a philanthropic organisation dedicated to advancing the appreciation of Japanese art. She has an academic background specialising in Japanese art history and traditional culture, including an MA in Japanese Studies from SOAS, London.

Over the past eight years, Natalie has handpicked yuzu in Kochi, slept in a Buddhist monastery on Koyasan, celebrated countless hanami's, attended a fox wedding in Kyoto, hunted the autumn leaves in Osaka, foraged for sansai in Yamagata and experienced an earthquake in Kumamoto.

Natalie is Sakura Sister on Instagram, where she shares her seasonal adventures both in Japan and at home.