The Gentle Chime of Summer: Finding Coolness in the Sound of Wind Chimes
he Gentle Chime of Summer: Finding Coolness in the Sound of Wind Chimes
Hello everyone 😊 This is Keko from our online team.
The sun has started to shine more intensely these days. Cicadas are singing, fluffy clouds rise into the blue sky, and morning glory vines stretch gracefully toward the sunlight — summer is here in full swing.
Among all these signs of summer, one thing that instantly brings a sense of coolness to my heart is the sound of wind chimes. You may picture them swaying under the eaves, their gentle chimes floating on the breeze. But in Japan, the idea of coolness through sound is more than just a quaint image — it’s a tradition deeply rooted in our sensitivity to the seasons.
Wind chimes are believed to have originated in China as “senfūtaku,” charms used to ward off evil. By the Heian period in Japan, noble families were already hanging them under the eaves simply to enjoy their sound. Feeling a breeze within a sound — without any actual wind touching your skin — is a sensory experience where the five senses seem to meet.
Wind chimes can be made from glass, ceramic, or metal, each producing a unique tone. Personally, I’m drawn to Nambu ironware wind chimes. Their lower, deeper tone lingers in the air, bringing a quiet stillness, almost as if you’ve stepped into a forest for just a moment.
Summers in Kyoto are known for their humidity and heavy air. Against this backdrop, the sound of a wind chime drifting through the latticed windows of a traditional townhouse feels like an invisible gift of the wind. Kyoto’s people have long embraced ways to invite wind into daily life — with reed screens, sprinkling water on the ground, the soft glow of paper lanterns, and, of course, the gentle chime of wind bells.
After the Gion Festival, Kyoto’s summer reaches its height. At Nakamura Tokichi Honten, touches of “wind” are also woven into our spaces. Walking toward the café, guests are greeted by the sound of wind chimes. Sitting down to enjoy a chilled matcha jelly becomes a small moment of calm within the heat of the day.
The coolness of wind chimes for the ears, paired with the coolness of Japanese tea and sweets for the palate, creates a subtle harmony. When these two forms of coolness meet, your senses realign, and the bustle of daily life gently loosens its grip.
Take our iced matcha, for example. It’s not just cold — its dignified bitterness and fragrance seem to respond to the chime of a wind bell, creating a delicate balance between the “stillness” of tea and the “motion” of sound. Though small in presence, both have a profound effect on the heart.
Why not hang a wind chime in your own home this summer? Listening closely, you can “hear the wind” and add a touch of luxury to everyday life. And if you pair it with a sip of our cold-brew tea, a spoonful of matcha jelly, or a refreshing cup of Japanese tea in a cool glass, you may find yourself creating an unforgettable summer memory.
Even in the hottest days, if you quiet your senses, you’ll find small pockets of coolness all around you.
May the chime of the wind bell guide you to moments where your heart gently unwinds this summer. 🍃