We are welcomed into the life of a charming grandma, whose nighttime customs and rituals provide a vivid image of Japanese culture and familial relationships,

while we explore the tranquil and snow-kissed landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan. Her life progresses with a calm pace,

embracing customs, interests, and the ordinary pleasures of existence, while she is tucked away in a rural community.

She is doing the delicate work of putting on exhibit Hina dolls as the sun starts to set. This tradition is connected to Hinamatsuri, an early March ceremony honoring daughters.

These dolls, a family heirloom that her great-grandmother left behind, are more than just decorations; they represent 97 years of history and span generations.

The gentle sounds of piano keys fill her evening.

She finds satisfaction and clarity in music for more than half an hour every day, highlighting the significant influence of hobbies on wellbeing and happiness.

Her passion for the piano serves as a link to her other passions, revealing further facets of her complex nature.

The kitchen becomes a stage for traditional and simple cooking as twilight gives way to evening. She cooks a simple but

comforting supper of miso soup enhanced with regional delicacies, a tribute to the solace that may be found in the familiar.

Crab shumai and a stew prepared in the Japanese style offer a festive touch, especially if you have company for dinner.

Dinner is a social event that encourages sharing and gluttony. Her specialty meal, rice topped with bonito sashimi and scrambled eggs,

highlights both the love of dining and her culinary prowess. This particular moment captures the essence of cooking at home: providing food for the body and the soul.

Sorting through old letters is a ritual of connection and remembering in the hours after dinner.

These decades-old letters serve as tangible reminders of the past and provide insights into family dynamics and the enduring power of written communication.

In addition to passing the time, this practice deepens her comprehension of her ancestry.
Before the night comes, tea time offers a break and a chance to unwind.

It’s a custom steeped in camaraderie and discourse, enhanced by the comforting familiarity of decaffeinated Earl Grey and a platter of goodies.

This straightforward enjoyment emphasizes the value of conversations over a hot cup of tea.
With a contemporary touch, the evening comes to an end with YouTube videos on TV.

Her ability to adapt and explore is demonstrated by this action, which combines new and old.

She uses technology to bridge the generational divide by connecting with her family members’ lives and interests through engaging with their content.

Ultimately, she journals as the day draws to a close.Her experiences, ideas, and emotions are encapsulated in this daily practice of introspection and journaling.

It serves as a personal repository and a means of recording life’s fleeting moments so that even the most ordinary days are loved and remembered.

A grandmother’s evening ritual in a sleepy, snow-covered town in Hokkaido plays out like a soft song, a story full of custom,

simplicity, and love. Her narrative serves as a mirror, capturing the timeless allure of Japanese culture, the beauty of everyday life, and the love of family.