Hachisu Okiya

17/06/2026

A thoughtful moment in one of our Japanese Garden visits :)

16/06/2026

In early June the Geisha of Gion District join Shinto priests in the practice of Hojoe 放生会 (ritual of releasing captive animals). They release fish from Tatsumi Bridge into the Shirakawa River!

In the Buddhist Jataka tales there is one that tells how when Shakyamuni Buddha's previous incarnation helped countless fish that faced death when a large lake dried up and released them to safety

This practice in Shinto began in 676 when Emperor Tenmu issued a decree for the release of caged animals, and came to be carried out at times of natural disaster and during religious festivals.

15/06/2026

Current season of the 72 Seasons - 腐草為螢 Kusaretaru kusa hotaru to naru - Rotten grass becomes fireflies

15/06/2026

A picture from the wagashi process - soaking beans ready to make Nama-An - what will this batch become? Perhaps Kiku (Chrysanthemum) 🌞🌼🥰

12/06/2026

A Summer in Totnes picture! Hachiko-san and Eileen-san celebrating cultures together (taken at Totnes Elizabethan Market). With thanks and in honor of all she did for our town 🙏❤️

09/06/2026

06/06/2026

Pictures from the Hanami celebration that was requested and put together in the Community Orchard of lovely Ide. What a fab day - plenty of sun, smiles and hunting for Nature 🌞🐝🎋🍡🌳 (Oh and Cakes Cakes Cakes) . with oodles of thanks to Kanako's Cakes and The House of Hope and Mercy in the Jungle - an amazing tea shop in Exeter :D

06/06/2026

Current season of the 72 Seasons - Sekki: 芒種 Bōshu (Grain beards and seeds) - Kō: 蟷螂生 Kamakiri shōzu - Praying mantises hatch

02/06/2026

Some fun under the Cherry Blossoms!

30/05/2026

Hachiko's first Wagashi.. she chose to represent 'carbon fixing'. From an early workshop at Dartmoor Tea Estate nr Buckfastleigh