The beginning of summer in 2024 has arrived.
This is Sakemaru.
What is "Rikka"?
As the name suggests, it means "the day summer begins."
The kanji character "立" also means "beginning," so
It truly means "the beginning of summer."
This is especially true since it coincides with Golden Week in Japan.
I'm sure many of you have gone on early summer vacations.
I too am...
I went to visit a friend in Shizuoka. 
At Ayuzawa Parking Area,
A huge Mount Fuji in the rearview mirror!
And then I said hello to the junk shop I'd always wanted to visit! 
This shop called Junk Master ,
I had heard rumors before...
It was even more amazing than rumored!
The content and my tastes were spot on,
I'm sure I'll be visiting again soon (secret)
Now, it's the beginning of summer...
Summer items perfect for this time of year have arrived!
Today I'd like to introduce you to this:
Summer knit "Harlequin"! 
Although it's called a summer knit...
In fact, it is a type of cut and sew.
The color is mustard... 
Smoky gray. 
First, let me explain what this "Harlequin" pattern is.
Originally from the 16th century,
One of the clowns that appears in Italian improvisational comedy.
He wears a black mask, diamond-patterned clothing, and carries a staff.
after that,
He first appeared in Pulp Fiction in the 1950s.
This has become popular,
It has been used in a variety of items.
For example, a wall-hanging object. 
A black mask and a diamond-patterned costume, just like that. 
Same here.
What's more, there are diamonds flying around it. 
This two-face motif,
A Harlequin series.
The masked portrait was originally called "Comedy and Tragedy (Laughter and Tears)."
Stages with this mark are theaters,
It is a motif that has become a symbol of improvisational comedy since the 16th century.
And now it's the 1950s.
These Harlequin items have spread beyond the world of theater,
Many types of wall hangings, lamps, and objects were made.
However, there are surprisingly few apparel items.
So this time,
I tried incorporating it into a summer knit as a print.
Although it is called a summer knit...
In fact, just like back then,
Printed on a 100% cotton knitted fabric called inlay.
It's like a "super high quality printed T-shirt."
Because the knitting is unique and has a rough texture,
It is thick yet has good breathability .
There are ribs around the cuffs and hem,
It's very close to the vintage look of the 1950s.
Just like in the 1950s...
You can also wear it with two-tuck trousers for a resort feel.
You can also wear it with denim pants and boots for a biker look.
It's a versatile item.
Well.
As I mentioned at the beginning, this is our Shizuoka tour.
The main purpose is this: a home sauna! 
The friend had a sauna tent set up in the garden.
I wanted to experience that!
The inside of the tent looks like this. 
On the right hand is a stove for heat,
Above that are sauna stones, which are used for loyly.
And what I wanted to do was...
"Cinnamon Leaf Tea" made at Shinmei Farm,
I wanted to try using it as aromatic water for a loyly!
Prepare cinnamon leaf tea as aromatic water. 
This photo has turned brown because of the passage of time.
First off it's a beautiful pink color.
The aroma is also a refreshing flavor unique to cinnamon.
I poured this cinnamon leaf tea onto the sauna stones.
The first 10 minutes and cold bath wasn't so bad...
The second 10 minutes were amazing!
I was sweating profusely and felt like I was going to lose consciousness.
I took a cold bath, but it wasn't cold at all.
I would rather stay in the bath forever (apparently this is called Hagoromo ).
After that, we sat on a rocking chair on the balcony.
I lay down but...
A floating feeling?
Fell asleep?
Near-death experience?
While being wrapped in a fluffy "something",
The feeling of floating in space.
This takes about a few minutes to a dozen minutes.
So this is what it means to be "in order"!
It's like I've grown a little bit as a person.
My whole body feels relaxed and refreshed.
Now I might be a sauna fan too!
This is the aromatic water I used for the loyly. 
Cinnamon leaf tea.
A new roadside station in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, called "Green Farm" ...
Or , it is available at three Dry Bones directly managed stores .
Of course, those who like to be organized,
I've never been able to do this before,
I recommend it even to insensitive people like me.
It's amazing, I was able to discover a new me the second time!
See you later.
