Newsletter – November 2022
Hello friends,
Welcome to our seasonal ITSUMO newsletter. Every month we hope to share the joy of exploring the subtle nuances of changing seasons, and how this influences our daily lives together. The first snow of the season has fallen, the temperature is getting colder with each passing day. As we head deep into the winter months, there are many things to look forward to.
Newsletter – October 2022
Hello friends,
Welcome to our seasonal ITSUMO newsletter. Every month we like to share the joy of exploring the subtle nuances of the changing seasons, and how this influences our daily lives together. Fall is finally upon us, and already we anticipate the coming winter season; a time to plan ahead and prepare for the cozy holiday celebrations.
Hello friends,
Welcome to our seasonal ITSUMO newsletter. Every month we like to share the joy of exploring the subtle nuances of seasons changing, and how it influences our daily lives together. Summer is behind us, fall is in the crisp air; we find ourselves in the mood of transition towards the traditionally rich and flavourful season.
At ITSUMO, we love exploring cultural and seasonal observations using the 24 sekki solar calendar. Also known as “small seasons,” 24 sekki doesn’t use dates to mark seasons, but instead, it divides the year using natural phenomena. Thinking in 24 sekki is another way of appreciating the annual changes in nature’s cycle.
Moving forward, we would like to invite you to a series of posts to be made in collaboration between Kintoki Sweets & ITSUMO. With her pure passion and creation, Sen Sakamoto of Kintoki Sweets will present seasonal desserts while incorporating some of our favourite products we offer at ITSUMO.
24sekki calendar
***
On the evening of September 22, it is the fall equinox here in Vancouver (September 23rd in Japan) as we enter the 16th micro season called 秋分 Shuubun. We can feel the crisp air as the autumn season has just begun in the 24 Sekki calendar.
In traditional agriculturally based cultures with distinct seasons like Japan, the equinoxes were regarded with an almost religious reverence. With spring equinoxes representing the start of the planting season and the autumn equinoxes being associated with harvests. There were many ancient traditional rites and religious observances that were associated with the equinoxes, the sun and ancestors, with the word 日願 Higan or “Sending thoughts to the sun” becoming the root word of the same pronunciation 彼岸 or the “other shore” in Buddhist teachings as it was believed that during the equinoxes is when the Buddhist world of the passed was in the closest proximity to the land of the living.
In Japan, now the equinox is a day of reflection when families gather and pay respect to their loved ones, spend time together and connect over food. On this fall equinox we really start to notice the temperature getting slightly cooler and the days getting shorter. We like to send our thoughts to the sun thanking it for bringing a bountiful autumn harvest like the fall squashes that are starting to show up on the local farmers market stalls.
Featured here is Sen’s “Kuri yōkan” made of local red squash. Set with agar and slightly sweetened with a drizzle of black sugar syrup for a caramel finish to compliment the squash flavours. Our choice of tableware for this dessert is a Unjour plate in rainy grey by Yumiko Iihoshi Porcelain. We love the contrast in this presentation; the orange colour looks vibrant on dark grey, and the matte glaze enhances the glossy texture of food.
With Kuri squash’s bright colouring, the presentation gives off a feeling of a cool yet cozy autumn day. Perfect to serve as a light dessert connecting over a fall family gathering. We hope this fall equinox finds you well. The reflective atmosphere of the chilly weather will bring the loved ones closer together as we head into a season that emphasizes comfort and cosiness.
Until our next exploration,
Kintoki Sweets x ITSUMO
Sen Sakamoto of Kintoki Sweets
Japanese Canadian Nisei researching traditional recipes for the the curious and inquisitive.
Follow @kintokisweets
Kintoki x ITSUMO
Our ITSUMO team & Sen share many interests and a deep love for Japanese food & culture. Since 2019, our collaboration has continued to flourish. If you’d like to know more, follow us on Instagram for bi-monthly posts inspired by the 24sekki calendar.
Follow @itsumolifestyle
Staff picks for our Autumn mood…
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our ITSUMO newsletter! Here are shop dogs Toji and Chunk who wish to say thank you as well. 🐾
Please feel free to send us your comments or feedback. We look forward to hearing from you.
Until next time,
ITSUMO
Hello friends,
Our team has put together a seasonal newsletter to provide you shop news, inspiration & culture as we move through the seasons together. With Labour Day approaching, we are noticing a shift in our focus and the atmosphere around us slowly quieting…
Let’s all enjoy the remaining moments of summer!
We apologize for our recent online absence. Our original @itsumolife Instagram account has been compromised. The library of images and product information that we had built over the past 5+ years was entirely lost.
As we make every effort to recover our contents, we have decided to start a fresh Instagram account, @itsumolifestyle , so as to keep in contact with you.
Thank you kindly for your patience. Please let us know if you have been hoping to contact us through social media.
We hope you will continue to follow and look forward to sharing our ITSUMO life.
Summer is wrapping up which means that the Labour Day long weekend is just around the corner. Please review our hours of operation to make sure you aren’t caught off guard.
– For online customers –
All orders received between Friday, August 26th and Monday, September 5th will experience a bit of delay in processing due to the holiday hour operation. Please prepare your orders ahead or contact us in advance if you are worried about the shipping time.
– Shop Hours –
Open Tuesday – Saturday: 12 ~ 6pm
Open Sunday: 12 ~ 5pm
Closed Mondays
* We will be closed Monday Aug 29th & Tuesday Aug 30th due to our annual inventory. We apologize for the inconvenience in advance.
— About Yumiko Iihoshi Porcelain —
Yumiko Iihoshi’s concept is to create a design that is on the boundary between handmade and conventionally manufactured products. She designs and oversees the manufacture of porcelain tableware which combines the use of molds for uniformity, with hand glazing by artisans, to ensure each piece has a sense of individuality.
All products are crafted in Japan. Each ceramic glaze and shape is unique and original, taking inspiration from the functionality and pure sense of a vessel. The aesthetic forms and unique palettes are infused with a sense of nostalgia, inspiring us to reflect and reminisce about time while using it in our daily lives.
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— Traditionally Handcrafted Homewares —
Our latest shipment from Azmaya includes their beautifully crafted homewares and the return of the coveted items such as Hinoki Bath Stool & Rice Storage Box. Whether you’re creating a relaxing space for your bath or organizing space in your kitchen, these items are made to last and will bring a touch of elegance in your everyday lifestyle.
Making the best use of skilled Japanese craftsmanship, Azmaya collaborates with artisans, designers, and small local manufactures to revive an old Japanese aesthetic sense.
From beautifully crafted tableware and functionally calculated kitchenware, their specialized homewares are made with a consistent commitment to using traditional techniques and only the highest quality materials found in Japan.
24 Sekki Calendar
SHOSHO 処暑 – Lessening Heat
August 23
At ITSUMO, we enjoy exploring culture and seasonal observations using 24 sekki solar calendar. Also known as “small season”, 24 sekki doesn’t use dates to mark seasons, but instead, it divides up the year by natural phenomena. Thinking in 24 sekki is another way of appreciating the changes in seasons.
Today starts the micro season of Shosho (Lessening Heat). It is the time when the heat of the hottest season is over, marking the end of summer.
Although the heat still lingers during the day time, the air has been noticeably cooler in the morning and at night. A sign that Autumn is upon us, providing a sense of relief from the summer heatwave and gratefulness for moments of rainfall to bring all the dried greens back to life. It is during these times of seasonal transitions when we can feel changes the most. Whether that be in the air, within our wardrobe, or even in our personal lives like a new school term, or traveling to a new city, like nature, it is essential for growth and transition for the greater good.
For pleasantly enjoying the summer evenings, Kikka Senko Mosquito Coil will protect you from mosquitos while adding a calm scent of natural incense in the atmosphere. Ideal for your camping trip or backyard party!
Thank you so much for taking the time to read ITSUMO’s newsletter!
Here is one of our shop dogs Chunk to say thank you as well. Last month he got his summer haircut, now that fall is upon us, it also means Chunk’s hair will grow out and be fluffy soon.
Please feel free to send us your comments or feedback. We look forward to hearing from you.
Until our next letter,
ITSUMO