It’s hard to believe that the first half of the year has already passed, and July has arrived.
In Japan, this is the season when summer truly begins. The sound of cicadas in the morning, vibrant seasonal vegetables, a refreshing glass of barley tea, and the gentle chime of wind bells in the evening all remind us that summer is here.
Even in the heat, there is a unique sense of calm and beauty that comes with a Japanese summer.
This time of year always reminds me of the importance of eating with the seasons.
Cucumbers, eggplants, sweet corn, tomatoes, and edamame are all at their peak in summer. These seasonal ingredients not only taste their best but also help nourish our bodies during the hottest months of the year.
In my cooking classes, I love sharing these seasonal home-cooked dishes with guests from around the world. More than teaching recipes, I hope to give them a glimpse into how deeply the changing seasons are woven into everyday life in Japan.
Throughout this month, I’ll also continue sharing Japanese home cooking, kitchen wisdom, and the beauty of Ichiju Sansai (one soup, three dishes) through The Japanese Kitchen Way on Instagram.
Japanese food culture isn’t only about special occasions or elaborate dishes. It’s about creating a balanced, thoughtful meal that brings comfort and connection to everyday life.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me as I continue sharing the beauty of Japanese food culture with the world.
Wishing you a healthy, joyful, and wonderful July.
Warmly, YUCa
What Japanese Children Bring Home on Their First Day of Elementary School
Every spring in Japan, a special ceremony marks the beginning of a child’s elementary school journey: the Entrance Ceremony, known as Nyūgakushiki (入学式).
For many families, it is a memorable day filled with excitement, pride, and a little nervousness. While children arrive at school dressed in their best clothes, they often return home carrying much more than memories.
Here are some of the things Japanese first graders typically bring home on their first day.
Tokyo summers are humid and exhausting. When temperatures rise, many Japanese families naturally start choosing meals that are:
– lighter
– easier to digest
– fast to prepare
– refreshing but nutritious
Instead of heavy restaurant-style meals, home cooking becomes simpler and more seasonal. Popular summer dishes in Japanese homes include:
– cold somen noodles
– rice bowls with vegetables
– grilled fish
– cucumber salads
– cold tofu
– onigiri
– seasonal fruits
– barley tea
Meals are often served in small portions with several side dishes rather than one large plate. This style helps people eat comfortably even during extreme heat.
The Real Beauty of Japanese Home Cooking
Many tourists come to Japan dreaming about sushi, ramen, or wagyu. But everyday Japanese family meals are often much more simple. The beauty of Japanese home cooking is:
– using seasonal ingredients
– avoiding waste
– creating balanced meals
– appreciating small details
– eating together
This is the side of Japan many travelers never get to experience in restaurants. That is why cooking classes have become one of the most meaningful cultural experiences for visitors to Tokyo.
In Japan, we have entered April, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
April is a season when a new school term begins and many people start new jobs, marking the start of a new chapter in life. In our family as well, my daughter has started elementary school, and a new chapter has begun for us.
My husband and I recently attended her entrance ceremony. I was deeply moved to see her wearing a backpack that was slightly bigger than her back.
She has already made some friends, and I’m relieved to hear that she is enjoying her days happily.
By the way, are you curious about what Japanese elementary school students receive from their schools?
We recently held a YUCa’s Tea pop-up store in the Shimokitazawa area. For this special one-day event, we took over Kakyo’s shop and opened a limited-time YUCa’s Tea Store!
At the event, Kakyo used YUCa’s Tea hojicha powder for pastry-making to create hojicha canelés, financiers, muffins, and other baked sweets.
I also had a taste, and they were incredible—crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside! As you eat them, you can enjoy the rich aroma of hojicha, and I truly felt they might be the most delicious canelés in Tokyo (or even in all of Japan!). I would love to have them again.
On the day, my husband and son, wearing original YUCa’s Tea sweatshirts, also helped at the shop, whisking matcha and serving food and drinks to our guests. My son seemed to really enjoy the experience, and it became a great opportunity for him to gain some real-world work experience.
Would you like to try the aromatic Hojicha from YUCa’s Tea? We offer both tea bags and loose leaf tea. Please order from the link below!
Out of the blue, I have some exciting news—I’m creating a book filled with all of my favorite things, tentatively titled “The YUCa Book”!
Time has passed since I published my first book, YUCa’s Japanese Cooking ~First cookbook by YUCa~, in 2019, and I’ve begun to turn my thoughts toward my next one.
The book will be a special combination of a recipe collection—something many of you have requested—and a guide to my favorite hidden spots in Tokyo that I highly recommend visiting.
I’m working to create content that you can enjoy before your trip, during your stay, and even after you return home, as a way to relive your memories.
Right now, I’m meeting with an editor once a week as we shape this project together.
If there’s any content you’re curious about or recipes you’d love to see included, please feel free to reply to this email and let me know.
I would be so happy to create a book that includes your ideas as well! ❤️📖
Japan’s cherry blossom forecast has been announced! 🌸 Reservations for my cooking classes are filling up, and only a few spots remain.
If you’re planning to visit Japan during cherry blossom season, I’d be delighted to have you join my class. For classes, please check our class calendar! I look forward to welcoming you!
Tokyo Cooking Class with a Snow-Covered Mini Garden View
Tokyo covered in snow ❄️ A rare and magical winter moment in the city.
Before heading out, I paused at my cooking studio, looking out at the small garden outside the window — now gently covered in snow. The usually quiet mini garden felt even more still, wrapped in white.
This day was an important election day for Japan. I filmed this video on a snowy morning on my way to the polling station. The snow may have affected the turnout and the results.
Even so, I believe in doing what I can, first. Watching the snow settle softly over the garden reminded me that small, quiet actions still matter. That was the feeling I carried with me that morning.
A year full of challenges and learning. Nothing was easy, but I’m deeply grateful for every encounter and for the opportunity to share the beauty of Japanese food culture.
Cooking classes, new projects, and new connections— each experience helped me grow, step by step.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who supported me. Looking forward to moving into 2026 with care and intention.
In the past, during winter, I would often feel unwell or catch a cold almost every month.
There were times I had to cancel my cooking classes, which was inconvenient not only for my family but also for my students.
Realizing this couldn’t continue, I started reading books and watching videos about health to gather information.
By putting into practice what I could and turning it into a habit, I’ve gradually improved, and recently my family has even said, “You don’t seem to catch colds anymore!”
I think there are three main points to staying healthy:
1. Keep your body warm 2. Stay hydrated 3. Get enough sleep
My Daily Habits Checklist:
◻︎Avoid sweets and coffee first thing in the morning ◻︎Start your day with warm water, sencha, or matcha ◻︎Practice 5–15 minutes of yoga each morning ◻︎Enjoy sweets in moderation ◻︎Avoid drinking iced water ◻︎Wash your hands thoroughly and gargle twice after returning home ◻︎Wear a mask in crowded places ◻︎Keep your neck warm while sleeping with a neck warmer that can also be used as a mask ◻︎Use a humidifier during sleep ◻︎Aim for at least 7 hours of restful sleep
I’d be happy if this could help you maintain your health as well. If you are interested in topics like this, please feel free to contact me!
