There’s something about September that makes us want to start afresh.
New notebooks, or rather tablets these days. Freshly sharpened pencils, or stylus tools perhaps. Fresh shoes. New timetables. Even if you haven’t been near a classroom for decades, September has a way of bringing back that “back-to-school” nostalgia.
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As Japan enters 2026, we shed the Snake’s quiet, introspective energy and step into the dynamic rhythm of the Horse. The Year of the Horse is traditionally associated with momentum, ambition, and forward progress, making it an ideal time to act on long-held goals in work, relationships, and personal growth. At the same time, the Horse reminds us of balance: move with intention, not haste, or risk burning out before the year is done. Rest becomes a key component for keeping up one’s stamina this year.
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Here in Europe and the UK, we often celebrate October with harvest festivals, cozy nights in, fires and candles, and the glowing Hunter’s Moon. While our traditions are somewhat different, they share a common theme: slowing down, appreciating nature, and finding comfort in the rhythm of the seasons.
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Tosa-Yamada is also the home of a historic sake brewery with over 150 years of continuous operation.
Nestled in the northern edge of the Kacho Plain, along the Monobe River basin, is the historic brewery that has been part of Tosa-Yamada’s landscape since 1873. The region is rich in history, with Paleolithic ruins and geological landmarks like the stunning Ryugado Cave and Hokigamine Forest Park. Blessed with bright skies and verdant mountains, it’s an ideal setting for brewing sake.
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Geography and culture
Tucked away in the mountainous interior of Shikoku Island lies a small but significant town—Tosa-Yamada, in Kami City, Kochi Prefecture. This is where tradition, nature, and craftsmanship converge. Understanding the geography and cultural fabric of this area offers deep insight into the soul of the community here.
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Unlike distilled spirits like whiskey or brandy, Japanese sake is a brewed alcohol—more akin to beer and wine. But while they share the category of “fermented beverages,” the process behind sake is a world apart. In fact, it’s this unique method that gives sake its delicate complexity and air of quiet mystery.
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Golden Week is basically spring break, but Japan-style. It is a glorious cluster of four national holidays packed into one week. It kicks off with Shōwa Day, rolls into Constitution Day, then Greenery Day, and wraps up with a bang on Children’s Day. It’s basically a built-in excuse for the whole country to pause, play, and party.
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We get this question a lot! There are many different ways to express and experience this wonderful way of sleeping. My favourite description so far from a customer: a supportive cloud. And we couldn’t agree more (:
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As we step into the Year of the Snake in 2025, a symbol brimming with depth and meaning, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of renewal. In Japanese culture, the snake is seen as a protective, auspicious creature—embodying themes of transformation and shedding the old to make way for the new. Just as a snake molts its skin, this year invites us to do the same – letting go of the past and embracing the promise of fresh beginnings. What better way to honor this moment than by prioritizing rest and renewal?
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In Japan, the New Year (or Shogatsu) is celebrated with a rich tapestry of customs and traditions, one of the most iconic being the way people rest during this time of year. While many cultures have distinct ways to ring in the new year, in Japan, the humble futon (a traditional bedding system consisting of a mattress, duvet, and pillows) plays an interesting and deeply symbolic role in these celebrations.
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