Kadomatsu: Decorating New Year's Pine Trees in Japan

At the end of the year, many flower shops in Japan sell pine tree decorations called Kadomatsu. Kadomatsu is a traditional object used to welcome the divine Toshigami, the god of the New Year, from Heaven. Its history dates back to the Heian period.

This year, I bought one too! However, there are many rules about when and how to place a Kadomatsu. For example, it’s best to avoid putting it up on December 29 because the number 29 (二九) sounds like "double suffering" (二重苦, nijūku) in Japanese. Instead, it is recommended to set it up on December 28, as the number 8 (八) symbolizes "expanding" or "growth" in Japanese, so 28 (二八) represents "double expanding."

Additionally, placing a Kadomatsu on December 31 is discouraged because it may upset the gods—it’s considered insincere to make a prayer with such little preparation time (only one night before the New Year). I managed to place mine on December 30, just in time!

Traditionally, Kadomatsu is placed in pairs—one on the left (symbolizing male) and one on the right (symbolizing female). However, I couldn’t figure out which pine was male or female, so I decided to use a single, simply decorated pine tree instead. I gave up on the paired arrangement, but I’m still happy with how it turned out!

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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

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