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Cats to Blame for Octopus Deity Enshrinement Delay
Kirie Artist Carves Playful Narratives Into Tree Leaves
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Meet the Artist Creating Humorous, Nihonga-Style Images of Daily Life with Their Rescue Cat
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Is the Human Washing Machine of our Dreams Finally Becoming a Reality?
October 5, 2025
Student Artists Awaken Mythical Beasts of the Echigo Region Using Straw
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Five Art Exhibitions Worth Travelling Japan For this Fall 2025
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TRENDING RIGHT NOW

Cats to Blame for Octopus Deity Enshrinement Delay
Kirie Artist Carves Playful Narratives Into Tree Leaves
Kirishima Brewery’s New Facility and Cafe is Powered Entirely by Sweet Potato and Coffee Beans
Japan’s Jimi “Mundane” Halloween Contest of 2019
Keisuke Aiso’s Ubume Sculpture that was Missappropriated as the Face of the Momo Hoax

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It’s the last season of Japan’s ancient calendar o

It’s the last season of Japan’s ancient calendar of 72 microseasons. That means this week kicks off microseason 1, which signifies the start of spring. Become a subscriber and follow along!
——鶏始乳 (niwatori hajimete toya ni tsuku)——
This is the time of year when, sensing the arrival of spring, and triggered by the lengthening daylight, hens begin laying eggs. For the modern-day grocery store shopper this may seem odd but eggs are seasonal too. Before we had year-round factory production, eggs were a precious commodity because they could only be obtained from February to around the end of March.
——seasonal haiku——
水枕ガバリと寒い海がある
mizumakura gabari to samui umi ga aru
A water pillow
sloshing, becomes
a frozen sea
The poet, Sanki Saito (1900 - 1962), likely had a high fever and was trying to cool it sleeping on a water pillow, perhaps filled with ice. As he drifted in and out of conciousness he probably pictured himself drifting on a frozen sea
——seasonal activity——
Setsubun (節分) literally means ‘seasonal division’ and refers to the day just before the first day of spring in the traditional calendar. This year it falls on February 2, which is unusual as it typically falls on Feb. 3.
The main ritual during setsubun is mamemaki in which roasted soybeans are either thrown out of the front door or, if you have kids, at a member of the family wearing a demon mask while shouting “Devils out! Fortune in!” This time of year was felt to be a time when the spirit world became close to the physical world, thus the need to perform mamemaki to drive away any wandering spirits.
Another ritual that has regained popularity in recent years is the ehomaki (‘lucky direction roll’). It’s meant to be eaten at once, continuously, without removing it from your mouth, completely in silence, while holding it facing the auspicious direction of the year. The correct direction for 2026 is: “south-southeast”

Hayasuhime Shrine in Oita prefecture is a rarity i

Hayasuhime Shrine in Oita prefecture is a rarity in Japan because it is dedicated to the octopus. When local sculptor Kousei Hashimoto (@kousei_ha) was tasked with creating a new deity to be enshrined, he expected for it to be completed by the end of the year. But the neighborhood cats had different plans.
Hashimoto explained that, because the sculpture was made from cardboard, cats kept coming around and using it as a scratching post so he had to constantly make repairs. What’s more, he would find cats sleeping with it in order to keep warm during the cold winter months.
Although the deity was recently enshrined, Hashimoto may find himself with a never-ending job.
According to legend, a giant octopus once guarded a sacred sword at the bottom of the nearby Hayasui Strait. The shrine, which is dedicated to this deity, is popular for praying for good fortune and safety at sea.
A popular ceremony involves donating a drawing of an octopus and praying for safety. During the period, worshippers must abstain from eating octopus in order for the prayer to work. For this reason, the main hall is also decorated with drawings of octopuses from past ceremonies, creating a surreal sight.

The Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art (“TARO

The Taro Okamoto Award for Contemporary Art (“TARO Award”), named after one of postwar Japan’s most celebrated artists, was announced yesterday.
The top prize went to Tetsuo Takata, who has spent the last 8 years drawing over 5000 portraits of the people of Fukushima who were affected by the 2011 tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster.
2026 is the 15-year anniversary of the tragedy, and Takata’s work titled “FUKUSHIMA5000” is made up 5440 portraits, one for each day of the past 15 years.
In a statement, Takata explained that he was a survivor of the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995. His family’s home sustained damage but was not at the center of the disaster and so their voices were largely ignored. This experience motivated him to give everyone he could, a voice. Takata’s portraits include the heroes who worked to cool the reactor and decontaminate the land but also everyday residents who experienced their own hardships.
You can see Takata’s work, and other recipients, at the @taro_okamoto_memorial_museum in Kawasaki now through March 29, 2026.

Each year, 5 zoos from across Japan come together

Each year, 5 zoos from across Japan come together to compete to see which of their capybara will take the longest bath.
And while 1st place went to Nagasaki Bio Park’s “Prune” with a dip lasting 1 hour, 45 minutes and 18 seconds, we would like to honor the true queen: “Sheeta” from Ishikawa Zoo who went “I’m good” after only 17 seconds.
Despite coming in last place, Sheeta appeared unfazed, and received a certificate and a stalk of broccoli for her effort. You do you, queen!
It’s a little known fact that Capybaras hot baths originated in Japan back in 1982 when a zookeeper discovered that these large yet gentle rodents loved hot baths.
The capybara long bath contest is now in its 12th iteration, having been started back in 2014, and takes place every January.
Participating zoos are:
Saitama Children’s Zoo Park in Higashimatsuyama, Saitama Prefecture
Izu Shaboten Zoo in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture
Nasu Animal Kingdom in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture
Nagasaki Bio Park in Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture
Ishikawa Zoo in Nomi, Ishikawa Prefecture.

Kirishima Shuzo, the iconic Japanese shochu maker,

Kirishima Shuzo, the iconic Japanese shochu maker, has teamed up with Starbucks Japan to create a one-of-a-kind collaborative facility where coffee, craftsmanship and sustainability come together under a single bamboo roof.
Here’s a look inside KIRISHIMA GREENSHIP icoia, which opens this week on Jan. 27 in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture.
Designed by Kengo Kuma as a welcoming space for relaxation (or “ikoi” in Japanese), icoia houses two main retail spaces: a store offering sake, goods, and lifestyle items, and a coffee shop. Complementing these two shops are a glass-walled botanical garden, a rooftop garden, an indoor koi aquarium and an open lawn area, all set against the backdrop of Mount Kirishima and the Okimizu River.
But what truly differentiates the facility is its commitment to sustainability and willingness to experiment with alternative sources of energy. The botanical garden utilizes thermal energy from distilled wastewater generated during shochu production to grow subtropical coffee and sweet potato plants. And the facility’s electricity is entirely powered by renewable energy that converts biogas generated from sweet potato waste and coffee grounds into electricity.
Read more on S&T today: spoon-tamago.com

私たちの消費生活（Our consumer life） We’re loving this ill

私たちの消費生活（Our consumer life）
We’re loving this illustration by @shunpei_kamiya
Which brands would be in your ideal neighborhood?

We’re ringing in 2026 with a look at 6 new art and

We’re ringing in 2026 with a look at 6 new art and architecture projects that we’re looking forward to seeing this year. From Hakata and Kyoto to Nara and Tokyo, these hotels, museums and parks are set to transform their respective neighborhoods all across Japan.
1. The Gateway Park “HAKATA MEIJI” (Spring 2026)
2. Imperial Hotel Kyoto (March 5, 2026)
3. MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives (March 28, 2026)
4. Starbucks Cafe & Art Gallery Yanaka Gotenzaka (March 28, 2026)
5. Nara Prison Hotel (April 27, 2026)
6. Yurakucho Park (2nd half of 2026)
More on S&T today: https://spoon-tamago.com/

Starbucks hits different in Japan. They have a “Ji

Starbucks hits different in Japan. They have a “Jimoto Made” series in which stores across the country collaborate with local artisans to create coffee mugs and tumblers, which are then sold only at those local outlets.
Jimoto is a japanese word meaning “local area” and the initiative aims at highlighting and preserving local craft and materials.
Read more about the initiative on S&T: https://spoon-tamago.com/starbucks-japan-jimoto-made-series/
*not a sponsored post. We just really love this concept*

At a ceremony yesterday January 7, a calico cat na

At a ceremony yesterday January 7, a calico cat named Yontama was appointed the fourth feline stationmaster of a local Japanese railway Wakayama Electric Railway.
Yontama’s predecessor Santama passed away late last year, leaving the prestigious role vacant. In assuming the position, Yontama continues an almost two-decade tradition that has boosted tourism and helped rescue the line from financial difficulties.
You can read more about the tradition here: https://spoon-tamago.com/tama-the-station-master-cat/

On the morning of January 5, 2026, Kawasaki police

On the morning of January 5, 2026, Kawasaki police received a call that a horse was roaming the neighborhood. It turns out that one of the horses at nearby Meiji University’s equestrian club had escaped.
The horse caused quite a bit of commotion in the neighborhood but, within 30 minutes, had returned home. Nobody was hurt, including the horse.
Happy New Year of the horse!
(video by X user usa_pom)

Happy New Year of the horse! We have an annual t

Happy New Year of the horse!
We have an annual tradition (started in 2010!) of rounding up new years cards created by some of our favorite artists and designers.
Because the horse represents strength, speed and energy, 2026 can be a time for bold moves, adventure, and breaking free from old patterns.
We hope these designs will inspire everyone to have a dynamic and transformative year!
See the full collection on S&T today: spoon-tamago.com

Happy New Year of the Horse! “Amerika” by Hirosh

Happy New Year of the Horse!
“Amerika” by Hiroshige Utagawa
In the mid-1850s, prolific woodblock print artist Hiroshige created this image of what he thought symbolized America: an elaborately garbed white aristocrat on horseback. The image reflected Japan’s curiosity and apprehension about the outside world after isolation.
P.S. 2026 is America’s 250th birthday!

Along a narrow residential street in Kanawa, the h

Along a narrow residential street in Kanawa, the historic heart of Beppu City known for their geothermal hot springs, is an inconspicuous 2-story home that has been transformed into a surreal site-specific installation by Japanese art collective Mé.
Two gigantic holes have been carved into the sides of the building as if it were made of clay. The gaping holes reveal a cavernous interior reminiscent of the underground caves where hot springs bubble up from.
Visitors will be able to enter the installation beginning next month in January.
Read more on S&T: https://spoon-tamago.com

Japanese art duo ZUGAKOUSAKU & KURIEITO meticulous

Japanese art duo ZUGAKOUSAKU & KURIEITO meticulously recreate ordinary environments entirely from cardboard. At an exhibition at Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, the pair turn their childlike creativity to the grimy streets of Roppongi. Everything from manhole covers and tactile pavement to signage and litter have been hand-crafted from cardboard, revealing slightly off kilter worlds.
Read more on S&T: spoon-tamago.com

As we near the end of 2025, we like to reflect on

As we near the end of 2025, we like to reflect on the stories that most captivated our readers’ attention, and as always, certain themes tend to emerge.
2025 was a year of loss, but also new beginnings. Artists continued to push old traditions and techniques into the future. From travel destinations and language-learning to reviving craftsmanship and discouraging food loss, these were the stories that mattered most to our readers.
⑤ RIP Kimiko Nishimoto
2025 was a year of loss: we had to say goodbye to Japan’s most-creative obachan.
④ Urushi Snowboarding
Artist @morinosumire senior thesis made quite a statement: dressed in a kimono, Mirono slid down a mountain on a urushi lacquered snowboard she had crafted herself. More than a personal statement, it was meant to shine light on the existential crisis of Japan’s craft industry.
③ Nihonga Hamsters
Coming in third is the Japanese artist @otamashimai and her Nihonga-style images almost exclusively of hamsters. We spoke to the artist early in the year about her artwork and her hamsters.
② The Arimaston Building
For the past 15 years architect Keisuke Oka has been constructing a tower of concrete entirely by hand. And after years of doing everything from gathering materials to mixing concrete, the scaffolding came down over the fall, revealing the face of the intricate, organic structure. The Arimaston Building (蟻鱒鳶ル) is set to be completed in early 2026.
① Bread Wrapping Paper
Our most-popular post of 2025, just in time for Christmas, was this wrapping paper that turns all your presents into bread. Conceived by Japanese graphic designer @tsujio_ippei.
Check out the full list on S&T today: spoon-tamago.com

Shuetsu Sato began working as a security guard at

Shuetsu Sato began working as a security guard at Shinjuku Station in 2002. With constant construction and infrastructure upgrades, it was Sato’s job to redirect crowds using a megaphone.
However, he found it to be an ineffective tool that was ignored by most. So with a few rolls of duct tape and a craft knife he took it upon himself to create some eye-catching signage.
Over the years, a cultish appreciation has grown for Shuetsu Sato’s work with fans dubbing his typography as Shuetsu-tai (Shuetsu font).
This year, the Japan Sign Design Association (SDA) recognized Sato’s and his ‘Shuetsu Font’ with a 2025 platinum honorable mention!
Congratulations Sato-san!

Sadly, Japan has bid farewell to another famous ca

Sadly, Japan has bid farewell to another famous cat. This time Ken-chan, the local feline whose epic battle with a security guard at the Onomichi Museum of Art in Hiroshima, which won over hearts across Japan, passed away in September.
Just last month we also said goodbye to Nitama, the stationmaster cat.
But both will be remembered 🐈❤️

Our 2025 gift guide is a curated collection of hom

Our 2025 gift guide is a curated collection of homeware and accessories with an emphasis on handmade craftsmanship.

Yokohama City University, in collaboration with Da

Yokohama City University, in collaboration with Dai Nippon Printing, announced that they will begin clinical trials to treat depression using anime characters.
Dai Nippon Printing developed original anime characters whom psychiatrists will pose as in an attempt to improve depression among young people.
Japanese anime characters can depict and empathize with inner struggles and suffering, making them an effective tool to treat mental health, explains Francesco Panto, an Italian psychiatrist working in Japan who spearheaded the initiative.
The team is looking for test subjects age 18-29 to participate in the study, which will look into the safety and feasibility of “anime counseling.” The study will run from October 2025 - June 2026.

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