Hokkairo: The Winter Amulet of Japan

Every winter morning, while changing clothes, I always place a self-adhesive Hokkairo on my lower back. When I step out, I carry at least one or two with me. In fact, running out of Hokkairo is unthinkable – I'd simply stop by a convenience store to replenish my supply.

This little warming patch is an indispensable part of my winter survival kit. However, until recently, I hadn't delved into its history.

I discovered that the first Hokkairo was introduced in Japan in 1975. Interestingly, its roots can be traced back to "Onjyaku," a traditional practice in the Edo period where hot stones were placed inside kimonos for warmth. Today, Hokkairo has firmly established itself as a winter essential in Japan.

Comments

Grace Green of Sunaba in Nihonbashimuromachi, Tokyo, Japan

I previously wrote about Sunaba, a soba restaurant in Nihonbashi Muromachi known for its beautiful garden. Today, I'd like to highlight another captivating aspect of Sunaba that caught my attention: the "noren." Do you know what a "noren" is? It's a traditional Japanese fabric divider hung at the entrance of restaurants and shops. Noren is a unique part of Japanese culture, serving as a cloth barrier between the entrance and the interior. Its origins can be traced back to the Yayoi period, and it officially acquired the name "noren" during the Kamakura period. In the Edo period, it evolved into a symbol of a shop's identity and brand, used to distinguish it from others. Sunaba's noren boasts a remarkably fresh green color. Until now, I hadn't paid much attention to the color green, but Sunaba's noren has truly captivated me. It revealed the noble beauty that green possesses.

Tempura Soba Originated Here: Nihonbashi Muromachi, Tokyo, Japan

Have you ever eaten tempura soba? Nowadays, we can enjoy it all over Japan. Today, for the first time, I visited the restaurant where tempura soba originated. It is called Nihonbashi Muromachi Sunaba . The restaurant is located near JR Kanda Station, just a 3-minute walk from its south exit. I was very surprised by the beautiful garden there. We can enjoy really delicious soba while admiring the stunning view. This restaurant has an atmosphere similar to that of a museum—I truly think so.

Water Lilies by Monet in Tokyo: A Deep Understanding From Ueno, Tokyo, Japan

Today, I visited the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno, Tokyo, where I had the chance to see Monet’s Water Lilies on display. I've previously seen this iconic series three times at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. Each time I saw them, I was struck by their incredible beauty. Despite this, I never fully understood why they had such a profound impact on me. However, seeing Monet's Water Lilies in Ueno today helped me understand a little more about that initial shock. The exhibition in Tokyo was relatively small, but it allowed me to connect with Monet’s intentions. He once mentioned that he hoped to offer viewers a sense of meditation through his water lilies. Looking at the painting today, I realized that the impact I felt was due to the sense of healing and meditation that these works provide. It was a deeper understanding of how Monet used his art to offer peace and reflection. Photos by Tsukubu The National Museum of Western Art 7-7, Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan

A Japanese Wanderer, Tsukubu — Tasting the Poetic Beauty of Japan and Beyond

Search This Blog