The First Whisper of Autumn

August 7th marks Risshu, the traditional start of autumn.
Although the calendar indicates the beginning of autumn, and it's typically the hottest time of the year, once Risshu arrives, "shocho mimai" (summer greetings) turn into "zansho mimai" (late summer greetings).
Thinking of loved ones living far away, paying attention to the subtle changes in the morning and evening winds and light. Listening to the cicadas while writing, wishing for the recipient's well-being as the seasons change. Such delicate thoughtfulness is still passed down in Japanese life.
『Autumn has come, though it is not clearly visible to the eye, I am startled by the sound of the wind.』
This is a waka poem by Fujiwara no Toshiyuki, a poet from the Heian period, compiled in the Kokin Wakashu.
Just as the poem expresses, "Although autumn is not visible to the eye, I knew of its arrival by the sound of the wind," people in the past paid attention to the small changes hidden even within the heat, perceiving the shift in seasons.
As a cup that accompanies this time of Risshu, we have blended withered sencha "Yamato Midori" from Nara Prefecture with karigane (stem tea), pear, and rosemary leaves.
Upon tasting, the fresh, green flavor of sencha spreads, and a crisp aroma reminiscent of a coniferous forest rises. The sweet, apple-like fragrance unique to withered sencha, a refreshing, melon-like flavor, and the wild, invigorating scent of rosemary layer over each other, changing expression with each sip. It's a blend that makes you want to close your eyes and take a deep breath, reflecting the season's transition from summer to autumn.
Even if the scenery of midsummer still spreads before your eyes, if you listen closely to the sound of the wind and the scent of plants, the signs of autumn are definitely there. Please enjoy Japan's unique delicate seasonal transitions with a cup that accompanies this seasonal boundary.