My Review of the 2025 Sakuraco Moonlit Cherry Blossom Box and a $5 Discount Code

| 6th April 2025

This cherry blossom season, both in Japan and here in the UK, I’m incredibly excited and honoured to be collaborating with Sakuraco — a company known for their beautifully curated monthly subscription boxes that support local snack makers throughout Japan. Each box features up to 20 authentic Japanese snacks, sweets, and teas and it’s delivered right to your doorstep. I’ve always dreamed of reviewing their cherry blossom box, so I was thrilled when they sent me their “Moonlit Sakura” box last week!

It’s a wonderful way to experience the rich flavours and timeless traditions of Japan — no matter where you are in the world. In this review, you’ll get a glimpse of just how special Sakuraco boxes truly are. And the best part? You can have one delivered straight to your doorstep! Plus, use the code RENAE5 to enjoy $5 off your first box.


Ayumi Chikamoto, the founder of Sakuraco and CEO of TokyoTreat, began her journey in 2015 when she started hand-packing Japanese snack boxes to send overseas. What started as a thoughtful gesture to fulfill requests from her friends around the world soon turned into a full-fledged mission: to connect people globally with authentic Japanese culture through Japanese snacks and Japanese candy. From her living room floor, Ayumi built a team of snack enthusiasts, carefully curating treats that truly represent modern Japan. Sakuraco, one of her sister brands alongside YumeTwins (for ultra cute and kawaii boxes), nomakenolife (Japanese and Korean beauty boxes), JapanHaul (Japanese and Korean snacks, beauty and anime), and TokyoCatch (authentic Japanese crane games), was born out of her love for traditional sweets and tea culture — an important part of her own daily life she wanted to share with the world.


Since its launch in 2021, Sakuraco has grown into a vibrant community of food lovers and artisans passionate about celebrating the roots of Japanese tea and snack traditions. For centuries, tea has held a symbolic place in Japanese culture, but its everyday origins are less known. In the past, rural workers developed the custom of afternoon snack breaks to replenish energy during long workdays when only breakfast and dinner were typically eaten. Even as eating habits evolved, afternoon tea and snack time remained a comforting ritual — a moment to pause, recharge, and connect. Today, Sakuraco continues this tradition by offering a carefully curated selection of sweets, teas, and regional specialties, allowing people everywhere to experience a piece of Japanese culture right at home, just as Ayumi still does herself.

This month’s Sakuraco box celebrates cherry blossoms on a moonlit night (æœˆć€œăźæĄœ ) and the tradition of enjoying nighttime cherry blossoms, when friends and family gather beneath the trees to share food, drinks, and the joy of spring. This is called yozakura (ć€œæĄœ) in Japanese.

“Sakura, or cherry blossoms, symbolize renewal, hope, and fleeting beauty. The sakura take on a new level of enchantment under the moonlight.”

Now, let’s take a look at the contents of the box . . .

Inside, you’ll discover a postcard with a note from Ayumi to her Sakuraco family as well as a beautifully illustrated snack guide that brings Japan’s cherry blossom season to life. It features enchanting locations where you can view the blossoms illuminated at night, a page on the beauty of traditional Japanese lanterns, an explanation of chado, the art of the Japanese tea ceremony, and how to pair your subscription with premium Japanese tea. There are also stories about some of the skilled artisans who make the snacks, why the treats taste so good, and thoughtful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a special touch, the box also includes an elegant china plate adorned with delicate pink cherry blossoms — a true keepsake that captures the beauty and spirit of the season.


First on the list is the  Sakura Hibiscus Tea pictured below, produced in partnership with Maruyama Seicha, a renowned tea producer from  Shizuoka. What makes this tea truly stand out is its stunning pink hue — a visual treat that perfectly complements its gentle aroma. Its refreshing flavour is a combination of a hibiscus and green tea blend infused with cherry blossoms. For the best experience, let the tea bag steep for a few minutes to fully release its delicate fragrance and smooth, mild flavour.

The Sakura Madeleine from Ebisu Confectionery in Osaka is an absolute standout indulgence. Its delicate cherry blossom pink hue runs beautifully throughout the entire cupcake, right down to the final crumb. Undoubtedly one of my top two favorites, this madeleine is a true delight — expertly crafted with a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a perfectly balanced blend of cherry blossom and strawberry flavours. It’s an exquisite fusion of elegance and sweetness that’s hard to forget.


The Sakura Dorayaki, crafted by Suguya Confectionery in Nagano, is a seasonal delicacy available only during cherry blossom season — and it’s truly something special. Delicately infused with the subtle flavor of cherry blossoms, the soft pancake-like layers envelop a smooth white bean paste that’s mild and refined. It’s a perfect treat for those who enjoy the comfort of pancakes but are looking for something a little more elegant and unique — ideal for a sophisticated afternoon tea experience.

The Sakura Chocolate Cookie by Nakayama Confectionery in Tochigi is made with twice-baked dough and coated with sakura chocolate. Nice and crunchy, it can easily be shared by two people if you cut it in two. The pink love hearts on the packaging are a nice touch.

The Sakura Cream Cookie from Itogawaya in Mie served here with a cup of the Sakura Hibiscus Tea may appear simple at first glance, but it surprises with a delicious cream filling at its centre. Its subtle flavor makes it the perfect pairing for a bold, aromatic tea. Delicately adorned with an image of cherry blossoms on top, this cookie is as charming as it is satisfying — an elegant nod to the beauty of the season.


The Sakura Wagashi from Sugiura Confectionery in Shiga pictured with the Sakura Boro Cookies is a delicate homage to the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms. Artfully adorned with three blossoms — soft pink, pure white, and vibrant red — it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. The jelly offers a perfect balance of firmness and tenderness, creating a satisfying texture that makes it an ideal omiyage (souvenir) from Japan. Subtle and refined in flavor, this exquisite treat captures the essence of spring, leaving a lasting impression.

The Sakura Boro Cookies by Matsumoto Confectionery in Osaka pictured with the Sakura Wagashi are a delightful take on the traditional boro cookie, crafted with simple, locally sourced ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and sugar. Their flavour strikes a perfect balance between shortbread and rich tea biscuits — subtle and not overly sweet. The charming cherry blossom packaging adds a lovely touch, making them an ideal choice for bento lunch boxes and your next picnic.

The Sakura Mochi from Seiki in Ehime offer a flavour reminiscent of marzipan, though it’s far from typical. For those unfamiliar, mochi are made of mochigome (もづ米), a short-grain Japanese glutinous rice. Inside, the delicate translucent jelly delivers a refined taste, far superior to the pre-packaged mochi found in convenience stores or Japanese retailers. Its light, airy texture ensures a smooth experience — not heavy nor sticky — so there’s no risk of it catching in your throat. The packaging suggests the cakes are fully coated in white kinako, a roasted soybean flour sweetened with sugar, but they only have a light dusting.


The White Peach Jelly by Kuniwa in Okayama is a delightful fusion of peach puree and a hint of white peach liqueur. While the jelly didn’t travel perfectly and had liquefied slightly, its taste was nothing short of extraordinary. The vibrant peach flavor was incredibly fresh and bold, making this a delicious experience.

The Kinako Mochi Senbei by Iwatsuka Confectionery in Niigata served here with a Sakura Doriyaki and a cup of the Sakura Hibiscus Tea, came in two distinct packets — one green and one yellow — though the flavour remained the same in both. The delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture, created by a blend of wasanbon sugar and kinako soybean powder, is truly exceptional. With a subtle nutty flavor, this treat is perfect when paired with tea, offering a taste sure to please any palate.

The Sakura Shrimp Senbei by Ikedaya in Aichi are rice crackers infused with cherry blossoms kneaded into the dough. Lightly salted, they are irresistibly moreish — quickly becoming our favorite snack, mainly because we didn’t expect them to be so exceptional. Crisp and full of flavour, they stand apart from typical prawn crackers, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savoury notes that complement each other perfectly. We’d certainly enjoy these again.

Last on the list is the Shrimp Menataiko Arare by Morihaku Confectionery in Gifu. True to its name, these bite-sized treats are made with glutinous rice and shrimp, then seasoned with mentaiko (pollock roe) to deliver a rich umami flavor with a subtle kick of spice. The lingering taste leaves a delightful warmth on the tip of your tongue long after you’ve finished.


Each Sakuraco box includes around 20 carefully selected items. If you were to buy each one individually at $3.00, the total value would probably be about $60 — but the box is priced much lower than that at $37.50 for one month and just $32.50 if you take out a 12-month subscription. Plus, every item is crafted by skilled artisans and confectioners from across Japan, making it a truly special experience. If you’d like to try it for yourself, here’s the link to the Sakuraco website — and don’t forget to use my code RENAE5 for $5.00 off your first order!

 

Review of ‘The Shortest History of Japan’ by Lesley Downer

| 23rd October 2024

Lesly Downer is an exceptional choice to author this captivating book. A true expert on Japan, she brings a wealth of experience as a historian, author, lecturer, TV presenter, and journalist. Having lived in Japan for fifteen years, she possesses an intimate understanding of the culture and history.

Downer has also written four impressive fictional novels, called The Shogun Quartet, set in nineteenth-century Japan. She has presented programs for major networks such as NHK and the BBC. Her other non-fiction works further showcase her extensive knowledge and passion for the Land of the Rising Sun, including Madam Sadayakko: The Geisha Who Seduced the West. Now residing in London with her husband, Arthur I. Miller, Downer continues to immerse herself in the rich tapestry of Japanese culture through her writing.

The Shortest History of Japan unfolds chronologically, starting with the Jƍmon period (14,500 – 100 BCE) and extending to the current Reiwa period (2019 – present).

Let’s look at some of the highlights from this book. The introduction opens with the words, “The Story of Japan begins with a dance.” From here, Downer narrates the tale, which happened before time began, of the deities Izanagi and Izanami, sent by their father to descend from heaven on a rainbow bridge. Izanagi dipped his spear into the primordial mass and created the islands of Japan. From this, an abundance of gods emerged, including the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. After being insulted by her brother, the Storm God, Amaterasu hid in a cave until the Goddess of Merriment danced outside. This coaxed her back into the light, saving the world. This summary fails to compare to Downer’s eloquent and enthusiastic storytelling and her descriptions of the various facts and fables.

Downer does an excellent job explaining how Japan’s geography has impacted the country’s history. The surrounding sea has provided a natural barrier against invasions, enabling periods of isolation. In response to natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, the Japanese have developed rituals and festivals to seek divine protection, fostering a deep awareness of life’s transient nature.

Japan is frequently characterized as a homogeneous society; however, Downer notes on pages 14 and 15 that a lot of Koreans fleeing warfare migrated to Japan around 400 BCE due to its favorable climate for rice cultivation. They introduced essential agricultural tools such as shovels, hoes, and plows, marking the arrival of the Iron Age in Japan.

This talented wordsmith explains that Buddhism made its way to Japan via the Silk Roads from India through China and Korea. On page 32, she describes how travellers converged in Nara, Japan’s first true city; inspiring the creation of magnificent temples and statues dedicated to the new faith. During this vibrant period, Emperor Tenmu summoned Hieda no Are, a 28-year-old shrine maiden, to compile Japan’s mythology and history into the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters). This era also saw the creation of the Man’yƍshĆ« (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves). An anthology that beautifully captures themes of nature, love, and human experience. Readers will be keen to explore Japan’s ancient sites like the Tƍdai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) in Nara after reading these pages.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of Japanese society, culture, politics, and religion. On pages 40 and 41, you can discover the significance of onsen hot springs and traditional Japanese houses’ unique materials and architecture. Pages 84 and 85 delve into Zen gardens, illustrating how they embody the essence of nature. Additionally, the tea ceremony is beautifully discussed on page 96, highlighting its cultural importance.

This marvellous book takes us from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods to the Edo period (1603–1868), when peasants were restricted to eating lesser grains like barley and millet. The author tells us how Edo became Japan’s military, administrative, and cultural center under Tokugawa Ieyasu, marking a golden age for merchants. The era also saw the rise of kabuki theatre, a vibrant contrast to the restrained Noh, and the flourishing of poet Matsuo Bashƍ.

This fascinating writer depicts the Heian period as a time when women, “cocooned against misfortune,” mastered the arts of fashion, poetry, and beauty, with their long hair sweeping the ground. One will appreciate reading about Murasaki Shikibu, a novelist, poet, and lady-in-waiting at the Imperial Court who crafted the timeless work, The Tale of Genji, which would forever shape Japanese culture (p. 45).

Downer captures with skill the moment Commodore Matthew Perry arrived in Tokyo Bay in 1853, demanding access to ports for American whalers, and how it caused turmoil in Edo. Japan’s leaders sought reforms, but the samurai resisted. Western trade opened by 1858 sparking Japonisme and influencing Art Nouveau. Emperor Mutsuhito, just 16, embraced Western customs, setting new cultural standards after Edo became Tokyo in 1868.

The author provides a wonderful description of the Taishƍ period (1912 – 1926) which was known as “the age of speed, sport, and sex” (p. 172). Downer explains in detail how railways and bridges were built in the Roaring Twenties and how buses, cars, and trams were imported from America. She says the department store Mitsukoshi was built as the retail arm of the vast Mitsui empire (p. 177). Moga (modern girls) cut their hair short and wore flapper skirts, a far cry from the traditional kimono.

However, the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Tokyo, killing over 130,000 people and leaving survivors struggling for food amid the ruins.

Downer says when Hirohito ascended the chrysanthemum throne, novelists such as Natsume Sƍseki and Tanizaki Jun’ichirƍ were trying to make sense of the world through their writing (p. 181).

Some readers will remember the latter half of the Showa period (1926–1989) and enjoy reading Downer’s account of this era with fondness and a sense of natsukashii (nostalgia). She explains with eloquence how this was a time when Japan rose from post-war devastation to economic prosperity. Japan surrendered following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and General Douglas MacArthur preserved the emperor’s role as a symbol of national unity. She explains how Japan was thriving again by 1955, with citizens eager to acquire the “three treasures” — a TV, washing machine, and refrigerator. The 1964 Tokyo Olympics marked the country’s recovery, and by the 1980s, Japan was seen as an economic powerhouse, with Tokyo becoming one of the world’s most glamorous cities.

Downer’s tone turns somber again when discussing the Heisei era, a time of economic decline and dark events. One example is the 1995 Aum Shinrikyo subway attack, which claimed 12 lives and injured thousands. She says the writer Murakami Haruki believed it was a “manifestation of existential crisis; people had lost their core values and beliefs and been left lacking direction, meaning or purpose.” (p. 213). Prime Minister Koizumi Junichirƍ, who rose to power in the 2000s, embodied a new, more relaxed leadership style, befriending U.S. President George W. Bush.

The earthquake and tsunami on the 11th of March, 2011 in Fukushima was horrific. The mammoth hydrogen explosion that tore through reactor number one at the nuclear power plant has had serious repercussions. These events are described with deep compassion on pages 216 to 218.

At the beginning of the Reiwa period, Downer notes that Emperor Naruhito at 59 embodied the modern Japanese man — fluent in English, Oxford-educated, and part of a well-publicized love story rather than an arranged marriage.

In the closing chapter, Downer highlights the growing global interest in Japan’s history, including the Jƍmon period and its pottery, valued for its rope designs. It’s wonderful to think that these objects made so long ago are appreciated in the present. She says the Japanese and Chinese were boiling and storing food in these pots a millennia before others. The Jƍmon people, around 11,000 BCE, thrived after glaciers melted, enjoying an abundant seafood supply and a vibrant artistic culture.

In the final pages, this gifted writer emphasizes Japan’s strides in robotics for the care of the elderly while acknowledging persistent domestic challenges, including the discrimination faced by the Ainu people and the unresolved issues surrounding Korean comfort women. Despite these difficulties and the looming threat of climate change, Japan remains culturally rich and one of the world’s safest nations, with its emperors embodying a tradition of scholarship in areas such as marine biology, ichthyology, and the history of transportation on the Thames.

In The Shortest History of Japan, Downer masterfully weaves together Japan’s absorbing cultural heritage, complex history, and resilient spirit, offering a concise yet profound portrait of a nation shaped by both triumph and adversity. If you enjoyed this review and its highlights, you’ll love the full experience of the book.

The Shortest History of Japan by Lesley Downer is published by Old Street Publishing (2024) ISBN-13: 978-1913083632. It’s available in all good bookshops and Amazon UK: Hardcover: ÂŁ9.99. eBook: ÂŁ5.99

 

My Mum, Valerie Lorraine Hall, Has Been Awarded The Medal of the Order of Australia

| 16th June 2024

(This blog post was updated in November 2024)

Three years ago, I nominated my mum, Valerie Lorraine Hall, for a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of her decades of dedicated charity work. After a long wait, I’m thrilled to announce she was included in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List and was formally awarded the OAM in September. I speak to my mum regularly and I’m so pleased she’s delighted to receive this honour. My husband Roy and I couldn’t be more proud of her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to helping others.

My mum, Valerie Hall, receiving the Order of Australia medal from the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner, at Government House in Melbourne on the 4th of September, 2024.

My mum, Valerie Hall, received the Order of Australia medal from the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner, at Government House in Melbourne on the 4th of September, 2024.

My mum standing with the Governor of Victoria after receiving her medal.

My mum stood with the Governor of Victoria after receiving her medal.