Shoman

May 21st marks "Shōman" (Lesser Fullness).

This is the time when plants grow vigorously, and all things gradually come to fruition.

During this season, water fills the rice paddies, and the light of the sky reflects on the water's surface.

At night, the moon appears to dwell in each individual rice paddy, a phenomenon known as "Tagoto no Tsuki" (Moon in Each Paddy), which has been cherished by people since ancient times.

It is also known from Ukiyo-e woodblock prints by Utagawa Hiroshige depicting the terraced rice paddies of Obasute in Nagano, and it continues to be celebrated as one of the landscapes symbolizing early summer in Japan.

On a windless night, the water's surface reflects the sky like a mirror, and the moonlight softly illuminates the paddies. Perhaps people gazed upon this scene during the brief period before rice planting, with hopes for a bountiful harvest.

In the tea ceremony, there is also a sensibility that perceives the inside of the teacup we hold as a "landscape."

The flow of glaze appearing in the teacup, the ripples on the water's surface, the shades of blue—.

Depending on how the light enters and the steam rises, a landscape appears as if a fragment of nature has been enclosed within.

Just as the moon dwells on the water's surface, a hint of the season is subtly reflected in a cup of tea. We hope you can enjoy this experience while feeling such a scene.

For the blended tea for Shōman, we have combined "Minamisayaka" Hojicha from Miyazaki Prefecture with Kyoto Iribancha, chamomile, and green shiso.

The transparent aroma of Minamisayaka is layered with the roasted aroma of Iribancha, the soft sweetness of chamomile, and the refreshing aftertaste of green shiso.

Please slowly enjoy this cup of tea as if appreciating a small landscape.