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Showing posts from July, 2025

A Beautiful Collaboration of Ikebana and Pottery

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  The other day, a friend kindly invited me to an exhibition where she was showcasing her ikebana arrangements in collaboration with a ceramic artist. Intrigued by the idea, I went to see it in person — and I’m so glad I did. The exhibition was held inside a beautifully preserved, long-established shop with a deep sense of history. The setting itself added to the charm, creating a quiet, almost sacred atmosphere where the harmony between flowers and ceramics could truly shine. The pottery pieces on display were absolutely exquisite. Each one reflected the artist’s refined sensibility and craftsmanship — full of character, yet subtle and timeless. Seeing my friend arrange flowers in these stunning vessels made me feel genuinely inspired (and a little envious, too!). Her ikebana works were elegantly simple, each one thoughtfully composed to highlight the natural form and spirit of the flowers. There was a quiet sophistication to them — the kind that invites you to pause, breathe, and...

Experiencing “Chinowa Kuguri” at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine in Kanazawa

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🌿Experiencing “Chinowa Kuguri” at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine in Kanazawa During the hot summer months in Japan, many people visit shrines to take part in a unique purification ritual called Chinowa Kuguri . I recently had the chance to experience this beautiful tradition at Yasue Hachimangu Shrine in Kanazawa, and it was both spiritually refreshing and culturally rich. 🌾 What is Chinowa Kuguri ? Chinowa Kuguri is a traditional Shinto ritual performed to cleanse oneself of misfortune and pray for good health. A large ring made of chigaya grass (a type of sedge) is set up at the entrance of the shrine, and visitors walk through it in a figure-eight pattern. This ceremony is typically held in late June during the Nagoshi no Harae (Summer Purification Ceremony), marking the halfway point of the year. Walking through the ring, I could feel a sense of renewal—leaving behind the worries and impurities of the first half of the year and stepping forward with a lighter heart. ⛩️ About Y...

We were featured on JAPANKART's blog!!

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  An article about KANAZAWA OHKA was featured on JAPANKART's blog! The go-kart tours by JAPANKART look like so much fun—you can wear cute costumes and drive through the streets of Tokyo to explore the city. If I get a chance to visit Tokyo, I’d love to try it myself! Just browsing their website was already an enjoyable experience. Everyone, please take a look too! https://japankart.com/ JAPANKART's blog https://japankart.com/ recommended-spots/957/