my favorite thing about japan when you’re outside of the big cities is how much everything forces you to slow down in the best way.

you’ll got to a cafe where everyone is quiet and pretty much whispering, savoring everything with no hint of rushing, such a stark contrast to my life in london and really in most places - there’s so much genuine kindness and attention in little interactions, and so much intention behind the smallest things 🍵

today I had zenzai (a sweet red bean soup) and it was served with mochi and with a tiny tiny portion of shio kombu, a salted kelp that is used for its umami flavor, and you only need the tiniest bite to taste it in between having your zenzai and some green tea.

it’s honestly a kind of magic how slow and present it makes you feel. makes me think about how i can replicate this feeling and intention in my daily life without waiting for it to be sparked externally 🫧