May 2024

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[Hana-Chozu]

At Sumiyoshi Shrine near Minami-Otaru Station, we were able to see a very beautiful hana-chozu (flower hand-watering ceremony).

"Hana-chozu," in which flowers are floated and decorated in a hand basin, is said to have started in the 2010s. Hana-chozu at Yangagitani Temple in Kyoto Prefecture became popular on social networking sites, and seems to have become widely known. Later, as part of measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, the use of hand-water was discouraged, and the practice spread nationwide. One theory suggests that the practice of floating flowers on the surface of water in a handbasin has existed since ancient times, but considering that it became widespread due to social networking and anti-corona measures, it seems to be a very modern and new culture.

However, the term "hana-chozu" itself was originally used in a different sense. Chozu refers to the act of purifying the hands and mouth before visiting a shrine. The kanji character "手水 (temizu)," which has the same meaning, was changed and pronounced "chouzu." The usual way to perform the ritual is to draw a ladle full of water from a water bowl at a facility called a "chozu-ya" or "temizu-ya", and perform the ritual in a series of manners. If water is not available, however, plants may be used to rub hands or wipe the mouth. In addition to hana-temizu, there are also kusa-temizu, which uses green grass leaves, shiba-temizu, which uses dead leaves, and yuki-temizu, which uses snow.

I had only known of the former, but I have learned that the latter, which expresses the ancient spirit of purifying oneself before entering the sanctuary in any case, is a must, and I will enjoy the gorgeous, beautiful, and new culture of hana-chozu while respecting etiquette.

Sumiyoshi Shrine
http://www.otarusumiyoshijinja.or.jp/index.html
Otaru Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/otaru.html

References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/手水
https://crd.ndl.go.jp/reference/detail?page=ref_view&id=1000307648
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XHx29DA590

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[Summer in Japan]

A bright blue sky with white thunderclouds. Listening to the cicadas and the sound of wind chimes, biting into a watermelon on a porch smelling of mosquito coils... The summer scenes of my childhood will always be a part of my original landscape. The smell of mosquito coils makes me feel nostalgic and relaxed.

Mosquito repellent is such a summer necessity. However, when placed in a modern living space, it may seem a bit too plain.

Kuwana Imono's Mosquito-Repelling Vessel, made in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, a casting production center that has been in existence since the Edo period, has a modern design that looks good in a Western-style space while using traditional Japanese patterns as a motif. Each one is made by hand by craftsmen, and the sharp lines of the die-cut patterns are beautiful to fall in love with. The rough texture that gives it a unique austerity is only possible with the traditional Kuwana molds made of sand. The heavyweight is also an excellent product that prevents you from accidentally kicking it off and getting ashes all over the floor.

Various insect repellents are on the market these days, but in summer, mosquito coils are the way to go! I hope you can enjoy the season with a taste of summer again.

Kuwana Imono's Mosquito-Repelling Vessel
https://www.shokunin.com/en/kuwana/kayariki.html

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[Marukawa Shoten's Shijimi]

I love small bags. I also like to carry them in my hand.

Perhaps it is because I travel by car a lot and often want to carry only what I need quickly in my hand, but I feel that I can keep my belongings to a minimum because I am not greedy.

This "Shijimi" is just right. It can hold a wallet, cell phone, handkerchief, lipstick, and other items in a makeup pouch, as well as additional snacks. It is cute and round, and feels more like something you would "grasp" rather than "hold."

As my children have grown up, the amount of baggage I carry with me has decreased considerably. It's like holding a hand tightly, a sense of security to hold something important. It is firm, yet gently fits into your hand. Please try Marukawa Shoten's Shijimi at the Wakamatsu Showroom.

Marukawa Shoten's Shijimi
https://www.shokunin.com/en/marukawa/shijimi.html
Wakamatsu Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/wakamatsu.html