There is a famous old Japanese saying about aki nasu or fall eggplants: “Aki nasu yome ni kuwasuna” — “Don’t let the daughter-in-law eat fall eggplant.” There are two theories behind what this means. One plays on the age-old and pretty much worldwide conflict ...

Anyone who has spent a summer in Japan will likely be well- acquainted with natsubate, or “summer fatigue” — a general state of lethargy and tiredness, lack of concentration, sleeplessness and even mild depression. Dealing with the relentless heat and humidity, which only lets ...