Why You Need to Try "Nashi" (Japanese Pears) This October: A Crisp Autumn Superfood

Introduction If you’ve walked through a Japanese supermarket recently, you’ve probably noticed large, round, golden-brown fruits stacked neatly in the produce section. At first glance, they look like russet apples—but they are actually Nashi (Japanese pears), one of Japan’s most beloved autumn treats.

1. Not Your Typical Pear If you grew up eating Western pears (like Bartlett or Anjou), your first bite of a Japanese Nashi might surprise you. Instead of a soft, buttery texture, Nashi are famously crisp, crunchy, and bursting with refreshing juice. Locals often describe the texture as shaki-shaki (crunchy and fresh).

2. What to Look for in October Nashi season runs from late summer through autumn, with different varieties taking center stage each month:

• Niitaka (新高): The star of October. These pears are massive—sometimes as big as a softball—with a rich sweetness and low acidity.

• Nansui (南水): Known for its exceptionally sweet flavor and long shelf life.

• Pro tip when buying: Look for pears that feel heavy for their size with smooth, firm skin near the stem.

3. The Eastern Medicine Secret: Moisture for Autumn In traditional Eastern wellness, autumn is the season of "dryness," which can easily affect your lungs, throat, and skin as the weather cools down. Nashi is more than just a delicious snack—it is traditionally prized for its ability to hydrate the body from within, soothe a dry throat, and clear excess heat.

If the October evenings feel a bit chilly, try warmed Nashi: core a pear, drizzle a little honey and grated ginger inside, and steam or bake it until tender. It’s a comforting, body-warming remedy for seasonal transitions.

How to Enjoy Like a Local Keep your Nashi in the fridge for an hour or two before eating (don't chill it for too many days, or it loses sweetness). Peel the skin, cut it into wedges, and enjoy!

Have you tried Japanese Nashi yet? Which autumn fruit is your favorite?

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Enjoying Japan's Deep Nightlife: The Charm of Tachinomi and Yakitori

Good evening, international friends. I hope you are enjoying this pleasant season. When exploring the streets of Japan, you might notice small bars filled with laughter, where everyone is standing with a drink in hand. This is Tachinomi (standing bar) culture, a beloved and essential part of Japan's everyday nightlife.

The Casual Magic of Tachinomi The appeal of a Tachinomi lies in its unpretentious atmosphere and incredibly affordable prices. It’s a place where people drop by for a quick drink after work before heading home, or hop from one bar to another. The standing style naturally breaks down barriers, making it easy to strike up a chance conversation with the locals standing right next to you.

Yakitori: The Soul Food of Standing Bars If you visit a Tachinomi, the absolute must-order item is Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Pieces of chicken are skewered on bamboo sticks and slowly grilled over a charcoal fire. The smoky aroma alone is enough to whet your appetite. Pop a fragrant skewer into your mouth, savor the rich umami of the chicken as you chew, and then wash it down with a beer or sake. Do this, and you will instantly be captivated by the charm of Japanese standing bars! For the seasoning, you can choose between simple Shio (salt), which brings out the natural flavor of the meat, or Tare, a sweet and savory soy-based glaze. Both are the perfect drinking partners.

A Local Experience in Noge, Yokohama If you happen to be in the Yokohama area, I highly recommend visiting a district called "Noge." Just the other day, my wife and I went to a Tachinomi there together, and it is full of incredibly cheap and delicious spots. These standing bars might look a bit intimidating from the outside for first-timers, but there is no need to hesitate. Take a deep breath, open the door, and order a beer with a few skewers of Yakitori. You are bound to have an unforgettable, authentic local experience.

Otsukimi and the Long Autumn Nights: Japan's Beloved "Mid-Autumn Moon"

As September turns into October, the intense summer heat finally fades, and a cool, pleasant breeze begins to blow. In Japan, we welcome the beautiful cultural tradition of Otsukimi, the custom of viewing the "Mid-Autumn Moon" (Harvest Moon).

More Than Just Looking at the Moon Otsukimi is not simply about looking up at the night sky. Traditionally, we decorate with Susuki (pampas grass) and offer Tsukimi Dango (moon dumplings) to the moon. The pampas grass is likened to rice ears and serves as a charm to ward off evil spirits. Meanwhile, the round dumplings represent the full moon and are offered to show gratitude for the bountiful autumn harvest.

The Aesthetics of "Aki no Yonaga" (Long Autumn Nights) In Japan, there is a phrase called Aki no Yonaga (the long autumn nights). People in the past spent these quiet, extended evenings enjoying reading, art, and composing poetry. Ancient aristocrats wouldn't look directly at the moon in the sky; instead, they gazed at its reflection elegantly floating on the surface of a pond or in a cup of sake, expressing its delicate beauty through short poems like Waka and Haiku.

Here, I would like to introduce a famous Waka poem from the Hyakunin Isshu that perfectly captures this season: "Akikaze ni / tanabiku kumo no / taema yori / moreizuru tsuki no / kage no sayakesa" (How clear and bright the moonlight is, shining through the rifts of clouds drifting in the autumn wind.)

As the days grow shorter and the cool air sets in, why not step outside for a moment to feel the autumn breeze and gaze at the moon? I hope the autumn nights in Japan will be a peaceful and beautiful experience for all our international friends.

A Touch of Coolness at the End of the Japanese Summer

The severe lingering heat has passed, and we are finally starting to feel the signs of autumn in the air. With the influence of typhoons, we are also experiencing drops in atmospheric pressure and sudden temperature changes. In Japan, there has long been a cultural tradition of sharing Kaidan (ghost stories) to send shivers down one's spine and "cool off" during the hot nights. Today, I would like to introduce one of Japan's most famous ghost stories, "Hoichi the Earless" (Miminashi Hoichi), which was introduced to the world by Lafcadio Hearn.

The Blind Biwa Player and the Vengeful Spirits of the Heike Clan Hoichi was a blind biwa (Japanese lute) player who lived in a temple. He was a master at chanting The Tale of the Heike, an epic depicting the tragedy of the fallen Heike warrior clan. His sorrowful performances were so moving that they were said to make even the dead weep. One day, he was invited by a mysterious samurai to perform for a person of high nobility. Night after night, Hoichi went to deliver passionate performances, completely unaware that his audience was actually the vengeful spirits of the Heike clan.

The Heart Sutra and the Forgotten Ears The head priest of the temple, realizing that Hoichi was being bewitched by spirits, painted the holy text of the Heart Sutra all over Hoichi's body as a charm to make him invisible to the ghosts. Unfortunately, he forgot to write the sutra on Hoichi's ears. That night, when the spirit came to fetch Hoichi, all it could see were a pair of ears floating in the dark. As proof to take back to his master, the spirit viciously tore off Hoichi's ears and vanished.

Reverence for the Unseen The true appeal of "Hoichi the Earless" lies not in mere gore or horror, but in its foundation of a Buddhist worldview, historical tragedy, and a deep psychological fear of the unseen. It beautifully reflects ancient Japanese spirituality, reminding us of the fragile boundary between life and death.

Sanma Autumn fish

In Japan, there is a phrase called Shokuyoku no Aki, which translates to the "Autumn of Appetite." Once the exhausting, humid summer ends and a cool breeze begins to blow, our natural appetites finally return. There is a profound sense of happiness in eating seasonal foods as the seasons change.

On the shelves of our local supermarkets, vibrant summer vegetables are slowly disappearing, replaced by autumn harvests like chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and mushrooms. When I walk through the aisles with my three-year-old son, Yui, he often begs for sweet potatoes because he loves them so much. Even in these small, everyday moments, I can feel the turning of the seasons.

For expats and foreign residents living in Japan, there is one thing I highly recommend trying this season: Sanma (Pacific saury).

True to the kanji characters used to write its name, it is a sword-like fish caught in the autumn. Its sleek, silver body looks just like a beautiful blade drawn freshly from the autumn sea. During this time of year, as you walk through the streets, the rich, smoky aroma of grilling Sanma often drifts from neighborhood kitchens.

The traditional Japanese way to enjoy it is to simply salt and grill it until it is perfectly browned, serving it whole with a side of grated daikon radish. The slight bitterness of the fish is perfectly complemented by the refreshing tartness of citrus and the sharp bite of the radish. It is a complex, slightly mature flavor that truly represents a Japanese autumn.

If you are spending the autumn in Japan, I hope you look past the standard sushi or wagyu and try a simple plate of grilled Sanma. It may not be a flashy dish, but this single plate perfectly captures the fleetingly beautiful sense of the seasons unique to Japan.

Chushu no meigetsu

In Japan, there is a beautiful tradition of moon viewing, known as Tsukimi, in mid-September. Over a thousand years ago, a Japanese scholar named Abe no Nakamaro traveled across the sea to a foreign land. Looking up at the moon there, he composed a famous poem: "As I look out into the endless plains of heaven, is this the same moon that rose over Mount Mikasa in my hometown?"

Today, many foreign expats working in Yokohama might also look up at the autumn moon and think of their own home countries. No matter where we are on Earth, we all share this same beautiful moon.

In Japan, we call it Chushu no Meigetsu (the mid-autumn moon), and we cherish this time of year, considering it the most beautiful moon of all. Beyond its beauty, it coincides with the rice harvest, making it a traditional time to give thanks for autumn's abundant blessings. The moon seen on the night of Jugo-ya (the 15th night), which typically falls between mid-September and early October, is celebrated as the mid-autumn moon.

During this season, we enjoy symbolic foods. A prime example is Tsukimi Dango (moon-viewing dumplings). These are round dumplings meant to resemble the full moon. Following the tradition of Jugo-ya, 15 dumplings—or sometimes simply 5—are stacked in a pyramid shape to express a connection with the gods.

We also decorate with Susuki (pampas grass). Originally, rice ears were offered, but since it is a bit early for the rice harvest, pampas grass, which looks similar, is used as a substitute to invite the gods and act as a charm against evil spirits. Seasonal foods like taro, sweet potatoes, chestnuts, and edamame were traditionally eaten and offered to show gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

In modern Japan, while formal traditional moon-viewing ceremonies are less common, many people still enjoy moon-themed meals. The most famous example is probably McDonald's "Tsukimi Burger." While McDonald's has original burgers in various countries, Japan offers many unique local menus. The "Samurai Mac" is available year-round, but the Tsukimi Burger is an exclusive seasonal treat. It's not just McDonald's; other burger chains like Mos Burger, and even beef bowl restaurants like Sukiya and Yoshinoya, launch their own unique "Tsukimi" menus during this season.

Enjoying these delicious Tsukimi dishes while gazing up at the waxing and waning autumn moon and thinking of your hometown might just be a wonderful way to spend an evening.

Chouyou no sekku

Today is September 9th. I would like to write an article about Choyo no Sekku.

The Sound of Autumn in "Hyakunin Isshu" and Japanese Aesthetics

Wisdom of Eastern Medicine for Navigating the Changing Seasons and the 24 Solar Terms' "Hakuro" (White Dew).

Around September 7th, Japan enters the season of "Hakuro" (White Dew), one of the 24 solar terms. Japan has a beautiful calendar known as the "24 Solar Terms," which further divides the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter into 24 distinct micro-seasons.

Hakuro literally means "white dew resting on plants." While the daytime heat lingers, the morning and evening air becomes cooler, making it the season when you can truly begin to feel the arrival of autumn. Since ancient times in Japan, people have captured these subtle natural changes as a calendar, adapting their lifestyles and diets to match the changing seasons.

The Japanese sensibility of describing the water droplets that form on plants from the morning and evening chill as "white dew" is truly beautiful. Ancient poets found a fleeting beauty in this morning dew, which disappears so quickly, leaving behind many waka poems and haiku. It perfectly reflects the delicate sensibility unique to Japan.

The appearance of the sky also changes with nature. The powerful cumulonimbus clouds of summer fade away, replaced by high-stretching autumn clouds known as "scale clouds" (urokogumo) or "sardine clouds" (iwashigumo). As the traditional saying goes, "Autumn is the season when the sky is high and the horses grow stout," it is the time of year when the sky appears its highest and clearest.

Experiencing Hakuro through food is a highly recommended way to spend time in Japan. The scent of juicy Japanese pears, sweet grapes, and fatty Pacific saury naturally stimulates the appetite.

Through the cool morning and evening breezes, the high, clear sky, and the delicious flavors of autumn, I invite you to seek out the essence of Hakuro in Japan.

"Nagatsuki": Enjoying Japan's Long Autumn Nights

"Natsu no Owari": The Bittersweet Transition of the Japanese Summer

Today, August 31st, is a day that evokes a very special, somewhat bittersweet emotion for many Japanese people.

For children, August 31st marks the final day of summer vacation. It is a day synonymous with the frantic rush to finish leftover homework and the sudden realization that those long, carefree days have come to an end. Even as adults, the arrival of this date always brings a deep, nostalgic feeling.

One of the most beautiful ways to experience this transition of seasons is through the sounds of nature. Just a few weeks ago, the streets of my hometown, Yokohama, were filled with the energetic, vibrant cries of cicadas. My son and I used to go looking for them together. Now, if you listen closely at dusk, those powerful cicada songs have been replaced by the delicate, cool chirping of autumn insects like the suzumushi (bell cricket).

The Japanese have cherished these subtle environmental changes for centuries, capturing them in traditional poetry such as Haiku. Today, this "end of summer melancholy" is also a major theme in Japanese subcultures, like anime, which have become highly popular overseas.

For me, the most representative work capturing this feeling is the anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. Of course, not just in Anohana, but in many works, the end of summer is portrayed as a powerful symbol of fleeting youth and the inevitable passage of time.

Recently, while taking evening walks with my three-year-old son, Yui, the slightly cooler breeze makes me truly appreciate this quiet seasonal transition. Tonight, or perhaps tomorrow, why not step outside for a moment, listen to the sounds of the insects, and feel the gentle end of the Japanese summer?

"Shokuyoku no Aki": Why Autumn in Japan is the Most Delicious and Healthy Season

The Chilling Japanese Tradition to Beat the Summer Heat: "Kaidan"

In many Western cultures, ghosts and horror are strongly associated with autumn, specifically Halloween. In Japan, however, horror is the ultimate symbol of summer. Even now, in late August, we love to share spine-chilling ghost stories known as Kaidan on humid, muggy nights.

But why tell scary stories in the summer? The answer lies in a uniquely Japanese life hack: we try to physically cool ourselves down by experiencing the chills of fear.

Japanese horror (often called J-Horror) is quite different from Hollywood slasher films with jump scares and chainsaw-wielding monsters. Instead, it focuses on psychological dread—the unsettling feeling of the unknown creeping into our daily lives and the deep darkness of the human mind.

This traces back to the traditional "Onryo" (Vengeful Spirits) found in classic Kaidan. The most famous example is Oiwa from the legendary ghost story, Yotsuya Kaidan. Betrayed and poisoned by her husband, Oiwa does not return as a zombie to physically attack him. Instead, she haunts his mind, appearing in his hallucinations and the quiet moments of his daily life, slowly driving him to madness. This style of "psychological torment rather than physical violence" is the very foundation of Japanese horror.

I personally love reading psychological horror novels, especially the masterpieces by Yusuke Kishi. The way he depicts a familiar, everyday world slowly warping into something terrifying—such as in his epic From the New World (Shinsekai Yori)—perfectly captures the true essence of Japanese Kaidan passed down since the era of Oiwa. It doesn't rely on sudden shocks, but rather a slow, creeping unease that stays with you long after the story ends.

As the lingering summer heat continues, why not try watching a classic Japanese horror movie or reading a translated Kaidan with a cold drink in hand? You might find that you don't even need to turn down the air conditioner to feel a sudden, freezing chill down your spine.