As we prepare for our moon-viewing party on October 19th (click here for the ticket), I’d like to share a bit about a special moon tradition in Japan called Jusan-ya—the “Thirteenth Night.” While many cultures celebrate the full moon, Japan is unique in also appreciating a “non-full” moon, and I think this says something beautiful about Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.

Jusan-ya usually happens in October, about a month after we celebrate the full moon in September, Jugo-ya (十五夜 the Fifteenth Night / Harvest Moon). It’s not just a visual experience but a time for quiet reflection. While the full moon of Jugo-ya originates from China and is widely celebrated, Jusan-ya is purely Japanese, focusing on finding beauty in the not-quite-perfect. It’s a reminder that life is not about chasing perfection but embracing what is incomplete, fleeting, and ever-changing. This year, Jusan-ya falls on October 15th, 2024—just a few days before our moon-viewing party!

Though our event isn’t on Jusan-ya itself, we’ll still be under the magic of an imperfect moon. And who knows? Maybe the clouds will part for us! Just in case, I’ll be making a TeruTeru Bozu, a little paper doll that Japanese children often make to bring good weather. It’s a fun tradition you can try at home, too!

— How to Make a Teru Teru Bozu https://youtu.be/MKOChs_fKc4

We hope to see you at the event (link), ready to enjoy the beauty of the night—whether it’s cloudless or not. Sometimes, imperfection is where the magic happens.