“Noyaki” – smoke from the field
At this time of the year, you can see the Smoke from the field. This is “noyaki” or to burn the dead grass in a field. We do this in order to kill unwanted grass and bugs. This was a very common custom in Japan. But, nowadays it hardly see it. If you see it, you are lucky.
Butterbur Sprouts
This moningm I found butterbur sprouts. The seed goes out into the world at the beinnin of the winter. the first sprout in this picture must be out of this world after 4 or 5 warm days. They are wild vegetable and very popular. You can make Tempura or cook with Japanese miso. I will let you know how I cook them or you can join me.
“Ume” – Plum Blossom
Japan is well-known for the land of the cherry blossoms. But, plum trees are beautiful as well.
So, Japanese people have a custom of viewing plum blossoms and cherry blossoms in spring. An old Japanese custom was to view plum blossoms not cherry blossoms.
The plum trees will be in bloom from January until early March. If you go cherry blossom viewing, you might be able to feel how Japanese felt in ancient times.
Recommanded Tour: The Golden Route Japan – Cherry Blossom Special Tour 2013 & 2014
A common sight in the spring
The wind from deserts on the Chinese continent carries yellow sand to Japan. Every year, it often reaches Japan from March to May. Desertification becomes a serious problem in North East Asia. For example, the yellow sand reduces visibility causing airline flights’ cancellations. It also dirties laundry hung outside to dry. I just washed my car yesterday, but as you can see in this picture, there is a lot of yellow sand on my car. This trouble wind is a common sight in the spring. Say goodbye to the wind and say hello to the spring.
Kitty’s Seaweed
Cute character’s dried laver seaweed is getting popular now. In Japan, some schools require students to bring their own lunch boxes. Mothers have to make the cutest lunch box to make their children to be proud of it. So these seaweeds become a big help to make it cuter. You can try to make your own cute seaweed for your lunch box.