Preorder

The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally: An invitation to celebrate every day

Natalie Leon

$21.95

Publication Date: May 14th, 2024

Publisher:

Watkins Publishing

ISBN:

9781786787859

Pages:

352

Available for Preorder

Description

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.

Relish every day with the secrets of Japan’s seasonal culture

In traditional Japanese culture, people eat, sleep and wear the seasons, from kimono motifs to petal-shaped sweets, and festivals dedicated to nature’s spectacular displays. This mindful celebration of nature leads to a deep awareness of the seasons, called kisetsukan.

This book reveals the hidden depths of kisetsukan, and how its concepts can transform your life. Discover:

Shun, eating what is fresh and bountiful. Preserve edible flowers to use in homemade sweets, or taste the spring with “seven herb” porridge.
Mottainai, zero-waste living. Learn about boro boro, visible mending that honours the history of a cherished garment, or wrap gifts in sustainable, seasonal fabrics.
Kadō, the Way of Flowers. Learn the rules of ikebana and arrange flowers according to the seasons, or throw a cherry blossom-viewing party.
Momijigari, the ritual of leaf hunting. Explore local nature with “forest bathing”, or learn simple ways to bring the outside inside.

This treasure trove of folktales, recipes and activities is an invitation to celebrate each day, for increased creativity, harmony and happiness.

About the Author

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.

Praise for The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally: An invitation to celebrate every day

"This is the perfect book to pick up to reconnect with your local environment and enrich the everyday life with natural, if not a bit ethereal, beauty"
— Kaki Okumura, author of WA: The Art of Balance

"Besides providing a wealth of information about so many aspects of Japanese culture, Natalie Leon also provides workable advice and guidance on how to enrich our everyday lives by celebrating the wonders of every day wherever we are."
— Bruce Hamana, student and teacher, Urasenke Tradition of the Way of Tea; author 100 Beautiful Words in the Way of Tea

"Fascinating and authoritative"
— Naoko Abe, author of 'Cherry' Ingram: The Englishman Who Saved Japan's Blossoms

"A guide for everyone to incorporate these delightful insights into everyday life"
— Liza Dalby, author of East Wind Melts the Ice

"I am impressed by Nathalie’s insightful details in this book. The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally will bring you an enlightened cultural journey through Japan’s colourful sensual seasons and gives a mindful flavour to your daily life. Lots of these historical and philosophical backgrounds and tips are fun to read and inspire you."
— Rie Takeda, author of Shodo

"When we notice the passing seasons, we awake to the truth of impermanence, and learn to treasure every day. This gorgeous, thoughtful book is a paean to the benefits of seasonal living, inspired by the rhythms of Japanese life."
— Beth Kempton, bestselling author of Wabi Sabi and Kokoro