Hi, how's everything?

Today, October 4th is "Chushu no Meigetsu" or the Harvest Moon in Japan.

Japanese people enjoy moon-viewing party tonight.

Actually, "Chushu no Meigetsu" and the Harvest Moon is a little bit different.

 

So, let us introduce the origin of "Chushu no Meigetsu" and recommended items for moon-viewing party.

 

 

What is "Chushu no Meigetsu"? What's the difference between the Harvest Moon?

First of all, the Harvest Moon is the full moon we can see nearest the time of the autumn equinox. This year, the Harvest Moon will be tomorrow, October 5th.

 

On the contrary, "Chushu no Meigetsu" is the moon of August 15th on the lunar calendar.

"Chushu" is the another name for the August 15th on the lunar calendar.

"Meigetsu" means beautiful moon.

So, it is not always full moon. In fact, "Chushu no Meigetsu" of this year is just before full moon.

 

But why "Chushu no Meigetsu" is special?

Because this season is the clearest sky in the year and we can see most beautiful moon.

Why Japanese people have moon-viewing party?

Japanese moon-viewing party has long history. It is said that the oldest moon-viewing party was held by emperor in 900.

 

Then, why Japanese people started moon-viewing party?

There are some theories.

It is said a moon-viewing party held in China was introduced to Japan.

It is also said that it is a prayer for rich harvest of rice after summer crops.

Another theory says it is a harvest festival of potatoes. In fact, there is a word "Imo Meigetsu." Imo means potatoes in Japanese.

 

 

 

For celebrating moon-viewing festival, we offers dumpling (Tsukimi Dango), Japanese plume grass (Susuki), and Japanese bush flower (Hagi).

Dumpling is offered to pray for rich harvest and appreciate cropping.

The shape of dumpling is rounded, just same as full moon.

Japanese plume grass has similar shape as rice ears. So, it is displayed for praying rich harvest of rice.

Japanese bush flower is likened to chopsticks of God.

So, the God can eat dumpling with chopsticks.

Let's enjoy moon-viewing party!

Now, let's enjoy moon viewing party!

We use suzugami as flower vase and put Japanese confectioneries on a slate board SUZURI.

Originally, Japanese people put dumpling on "Sanbou," a wooden Shinto altar offering tray.

But this time, we make a stylish offerings.

Modern and chic moon-viewing party will start!

 

Would you like to drink with beautiful moon?

We recommend Kuzushi of Nousaku.

The rounded gold cup looks like full moon.

Sake cups of Nousaku are made of 100% pure tin. So, the cups can make sake delicious.

Kuzushi has rounded bottom. Swinging cup reflects the moonlight.

 

Speaking of moon, this is the one!

 

These are lacquer ware "Oboroduki." Oboroduki means hazy moon.

This item is produced by Hakuishi, a famous atelier of gold leaf work in Kanazawa.

Beautiful full moon is gilded by traditional craftsmen.

How about putting dumpling on this bowl?

 

 

 

In a short while, we can see "Chushu no Meigetsu" in Japan.

And the Harvest Moon is tomorrow!

How about having a moon-viewing party?

Or how about looking up the night sky and see moon?

 

Let's enjoy "Chushu no Meigetsu" or the Harvest Moon!