The Japanese Art of Living Seasonally
By Natalie Leon
Watkins (2024)
ISBN: 978-1786787859
Review by Renae Lucas-Hall
In this chaotic world, Natalie Leon’s inspirational book offers readers a path to inner peace, creativity, and a new or renewed appreciation of Japan and its natural environment. In Japanese culture, the seasons and the living world are an integral part of daily life. During summer in Kyoto, locals might savour fresh seafood on a veranda overlooking Kibune River, stay at a ryokan (inn) with onsen hot springs and dine on traditional kaiseki-ryori (haute cuisine), or wear silk kimonos adorned with chrysanthemums in autumn or plum blossoms at the end of winter. This work of non-fiction, organised into eleven themes, explores a wide range of topics including a sense of the seasons (kisetsukan), aquatic myths, floral traditions, the Japanese New Year, and so much more. Leon draws her inspiration from the ancient Japanese calendar, which was in use from the 6th to the 17th century. This delves into the 24 sekki divisions of the solar year and 72 ko micro seasons, each lasting five days, with the equinoxes and solstices at its core.
Leon, a Japanologist and Urasenke Chado tea practitioner from Hertfordshire, addresses the dilemmas of modern society offering suggestions for slowing down and living sustainably. She states: “We have lost our sense of wonder and connection; we are anxious, isolated, and often depressed. We need to find ways to incorporate nature into our urban lives by participating in nature-based activities, eating more seasonally, and re-engaging with our childlike sense of curiosity and joy.” Leon recommends activities like hanami cherry blossom viewing in spring, momijigari red leaf hunting in autumn, and Otsukimi moon viewing in winter, to help achieve this level of calm and appreciation.
As the chapters progress the author offers a lot more seasonal activities. In spring, a visit to Mount Yoshino to enjoy forest bathing. In summer, participating in the Bon-Odori dance or a chance to enjoy kakigori (shaved ice). In autumn, one could eat maple leaf tempura and see the cosmos flowers at Shiwa Kinen Park. In winter, you can learn about the Ainu, Japan’s indigenous people, or visit the snow monkeys in Nagano.
Leon’s profound appreciation of Japanese culture is limitless. In her chapter on kimono, she explores the significance of each colour and floral motif in great depth, offering valuable tips on purchasing vintage kimonos. There are also several references to classic Japanese literature, including The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (c. 973-1014 or 1025) and The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon (c. 966-1017 or 1025). On page 27, she quotes, “Genji communicates his assignations with poetry written on paper dyed with seasonal plants and garlanded with symbolic blossoming branches.” Leon also demonstrates a thorough understanding of court life and social etiquette during the Heian period. She says, “The aristocracy of this period were surrounded by seasonal imagery in infinite variations, notably shiki-e (four season paintings), tokonoma (art alcoves) filled with flower arrangements, calligraphy, and incense.”
This book introduces numerous Japanese words for language students that would impress any native speaker. Examples are hanafubuki (a veritable flurry of petals) or yukizakura (cherry blossoms on freshly fallen snow), Amanogawa (the Milky Way), or hotarugari (firefly hunting). These season-specific words often feature in Japanese art, poetry, and literature.
Leon offers fantastic suggestions for floraphiles visiting Japan. She recommends Mimuroto-ji, the temple of flowers in Kyoto, famous for its 20,000 hydrangeas that bloom in June. She also highlights Yuushien, a stunning traditional water garden dedicated to peonies on Daikon Island. Her Japanese floral calendar on pages 210-211 details the plants and trees associated with each month, helping tourists plan their visit to different parts of Japan.
This book also provides a glimpse into the author's life, preferences, and favourite pastimes. She likes to write haiku poetry and make sakura shortbread, madeleines, and inari sushi for a picnic under the cherry blossoms. She also recounts foraging with friends at the foot of Mount Iide in Yamagata prefecture to gather leaves and plants for wild tempura and sukiyaki.
There’s also a chapter on ‘Chado – The Way of Tea’ and a profound quote on page 250 from Grand Master Sen Soshitsu XV (born 19 April 1923), head of the Urasenke School of Tea: “In my own hands, I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green colour. Closing my eyes, I find green mountains and pure water within my heart”. Leon explains how every detail in tea preparation from the choice of tea bowl to bamboo crafts and wagashi sweets, requires careful consideration.
In her final chapter on Oshogatsu (New Year), there’s a wonderfully detailed description of the three or five-tiered jubako bento boxes filled with Osechi-ryori (New Year food). These colourful lacquerware or porcelain stacking boxes contain delicious morsels which the Japanese enjoy in the first three days of January, a tradition dating back 2,000 years.
This work of non-fiction is beautifully illustrated by Inko Ai Takita. Two of the finest illustrations are a sweet bush warbler perched on a cherry blossom branch on page 67 and an adorable rabbit gazing up at the moon on pages 220 and 221.
Leon envisions her book as a “companion, trusted friend, and guide” for those beginning to explore the art of living seasonally. Her captivating writing blends cultural insights with practical suggestions for experiencing Japan's natural beauty. Through detailed descriptions and personal anecdotes, she invites readers to immerse themselves in Japanese traditions and seasonal practices. Enhanced by stunning illustrations and practical guides, this book is both an inspiring read and a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper connection with Japan’s rich cultural tapestry.