Writing my third blog post of the year for the AM Program, as the temperatures have already started to slowly drop. The pace of work has changed too: less physical work and farming, and more time spent in the office (which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly relaxing either). It was definitely time to fix a few things and catch up on everything that had been waiting in the background.
In between the slower period and a few holidays, we also had to say goodbye to our Slot 3 interns. Goodbye, dearest Liszt, Monica, David, CJ, Camille & Donovan! It was such a pleasure meeting you all, spending time together, and getting to enjoy a little bit of Japan with you. You’ll definitely be missed!
We also made the most of the little bit of weeding we had to do during the summer. And, of course, we enjoyed those rare chill days with no tea tours happening. Yes, they do exist! Sometimes, even the tea fields take a break.
Summer was also matsuri season. I definitely didn’t go to enough of them this year, so next year’s goal is clear: MORE MATSURI! I did make it to Gion Matsuri, though, which was as impressive as always. I got to enjoy it with my French partner in crime, Fiona!
I definitely recommend you check it out if you ever travel to Kyoto in July. It’s one of the three major festivals of Japan and one of Kyoto’s biggest events of the year. The festival actually lasts for the whole month of July, with the main highlights taking place on July 17th and 24th, when the famous Yamahoko floats are paraded through the city. With over 1,000 years of history and some incredibly impressive floats, it’s definitely something to experience at least once!
We made the most of summer, despite the heat! ☀️
Experimenting new recipes:
A lot of outing in cafes & restaurants :
We welcomed high school students and spent a few days with them, teaching them about tea and discussing one of the main challenges facing Wazuka: its aging population. And of course, we enjoyed Japanese summer at its finest : swimming in the river, watching fireworks, and making the most of those hot summer days!
I think the pictures in this blog will speak for themselves more than my words ever could.
And one activity that you should definitely add to your list: stargazing!
Had some great partners for it. You guys will recognise yourselves! Thinking about you and missing you <3
After experiencing Japanese summer, discovering summer in other countries was part of it too! I had the chance to travel to Taiwan and Seoul.
Spoiler: Hated Seoul, loved Taiwan. 🇹🇼🇰🇷
P.S. I’ll still give Seoul a second chance.
Going out of Japan was a nice little outing to see new things, and a little bit of tea outside Japan.
Thank you Ching for making me discover some sides of Taipei!
Coming back to Obubu after this vacation meant saying goodbye to our Slot 3 and hello to our NAMs (New Assistant Managers).
Enjoying the last farmings with them too.
Cleaning Somada’s shading nets, dirtied by the landslide we had early in the year.
And…. Slot 3 graduating.
Until crying our eyes out when they leave.
After 7 months we finally had :
Our 2026 batch of AMs group pic! FINALLY.
We welcomed our NAMS with beautiful red spider lilies blooming out and the rice fields turning yellowish. What will this end of the year reserves us…
Coming up our last chapter of year soon!
