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As we enter September, you can gradually feel the signs of autumn in the air here in Japan.

There is a famous phrase in Japan: "Shokuyoku no Aki" (Autumn of Appetite). As the intense summer heat fades and the cool breeze returns, our appetites naturally come back as well. It is also the rice harvest season, and a time when many delicious seasonal autumn ingredients are at their absolute best.

Around this time of year, you will start seeing plenty of sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and pumpkins at local supermarkets and cafes. Enjoying these naturally sweet root vegetables is one of the true joys of the autumn season. During the summer, we tend to weaken our stomachs by eating too many cold treats like shaved ice and ice cream. That’s when these naturally sweet root vegetables become incredibly delicious and gentle sources of nutrition for our tired bodies. If you come across any unfamiliar autumn ingredients, I highly recommend giving them a try. Exploring these seasonal delicacies is a great way to enrich your life in Japan.

My personal favorite is Yaki-imo (roasted sweet potato). Japanese sweet potatoes have been selectively bred over the years, making them incredibly delicious just as they are. They have such a high sugar content that natural syrup literally oozes out when you eat them. My three-year-old son, Yui, absolutely loves these sweet roasted potatoes too! Chestnuts are also wonderful. Dishes like Kuri-gohan (chestnut rice) or Shibukawa-ni (chestnuts candied in their inner skin) are true seasonal feasts.

And although it is not a root vegetable, we cannot forget about Sanma (Pacific saury). Recently, its deliciousness has become well-known overseas, which has gradually driven up the prices in Japan. However, last year's catch was higher than average. I wonder how the Sanma catch will be this autumn? I am personally looking forward to it very much.

Let's fully enjoy the delicious seasonal flavors and make the most of this deepening aut

umn. My family is planning a trip in October, making this autumn a season we are very much looking forward to. I sincerely wish you all the arrival of a wonderful and fruitful season.