Moon and Tea — Under the Harvest Moon

In 2025, the Harvest Moon falls on October 6. It is said to be the night when the moon shines at its most beautiful, marking the true deepening of autumn.

In Japan, people have long celebrated this night by admiring the full moon in the clear autumn sky, giving thanks for the harvest and praying for abundance. This tradition, known as Otsukimi (moon viewing), continues today — a quiet evening of offering round rice dumplings to the moon and sharing a moment of gratitude.

In Hong Kong, Taiwan, mainland China, and across other regions of the Sinosphere,
this night is celebrated as the Mid-Autumn Festival — a cherished time of reunion.
Families and loved ones gather to share mooncakes, which symbolize harmony and completeness, and gaze at the same full moon while wishing happiness for those far away. This sentiment, of looking up at one moon beneath the same sky, transcends borders and feels like a shared shape of the human heart.

To honor this evening, ISSO TEA has brought together these two traditions through tea.

For the Japanese moon-viewing dumplings, we pair  ISSO Genmaicha, a roasted rice tea made from the same grain. Its warm, nutty aroma and gentle umami of sencha highlight the simple sweetness of the dumplings, leaving a tender aftertaste that lingers softly through the autumn night.

For the mooncakes, we offer ISSO Black Bean Hojicha — its deep, roasted fragrance embraces the sweetness of the filling, bringing balance and calm to the palate, like the serene harmony of the full moon itself.

Since ancient times, people have looked to the moon to mark the seasons and to find their rhythm within nature.
Even today, that quiet moment of reflection helps us realign our hearts.
Through a single cup of tea, the past and present, and cultures near and far, gently come together.

As you hold your cup and gaze at the moon,
may your heart, too, be quietly fulfilled.

A serene Mid-Autumn evening, with love from ISSO TEA.