Reflection Books

During my PhD in Japan, I had the chance to experience the beauty of Tsukimi or Otsukimi, a Japanese festival dedicated to "moon-viewing". Celebrated during the full moon in September, this festival honors the beauty of the autumn moon. Our professor would invite his research group, along with families and friends, to a park for a moonlit gathering. We admired the moon, believed to bring good fortune and abundance, enjoyed seasonal treats like tsukimi dango (rice dumplings) and vegetable rolls, along with a barbecue, while feeling a deep appreciation for nature and the changing seasons.
Tonight is September’s full Supermoon. Enjoy!

“Tsukimi”: The Japanese Tradition of Autumn Moon Viewing Tsukimi means nothing more than “looking at the moon.” But the Japanese custom of holding special moon-viewing parties, in autumn in particular, dates back over a thousand years.