Welcome to a world where precision, tradition, and the art of making things by hand are held in high esteem. In this blog post, we delve into the exquisite world of Japanese craftsmanship as it shines through The Moon and Clown’s peaceful wood-fired oven baking haven. We explore how the meticulous attention to detail, the use of high-quality ingredients, and the centuries-old techniques employed by skilled craftsmen come together to create a truly exceptional culinary experience. Join us on a journey to discover the magic of the oven and the craftsmen who make it all possible.
Japanese Craftsmanship Shines in The Moon and Clown’s Peaceful Wood-Fired Oven Baking Haven
Introduction
There’s something ethereal and profound about the process of making bread. Flour, water, salt, and leavening agents transform into a golden, crusty loaf that makes our hearts sing with joy. Yoshinao Nagaya, a former art director in Tokyo, fell in love with bread-making and decided to quit his job and turn his passion into a lifestyle. He moved back to his parents’ storage in Ishikawa, Japan, and started baking bread with natural leavens from scratch. His bakery, The Moon and the Clown, transcends the boundaries of baking and architecture, creating a unique and peaceful haven where craftsmanship and taste come together in perfect harmony.
The Story Behind The Moon and the Clown
Yoshinao Nagaya’s journey from Tokyo to Ishikawa is a testament to the power of the creative spirit and the desire for simplicity. He realized that his life was too hectic, and he wanted to slow down, be closer to nature, and bake bread using simple, natural ingredients. He converted his parents’ storage into a bread-making laboratory and experimented with different types of leavens, flour, and water. His methods were based on patience and observation, noticing how the dough reacted to the environment, the temperature, and the humidity. He didn’t use any machines or shortcuts, relying on his hands, a wood-fired oven, and his intuition.
The Bakery’s Architecture
In 2020, Yoshinao Nagaya decided to take his bread-making to a new level and collaborate with a renowned architect, Ryohei Tanaka, to build a bakery that would reflect his values and vision. The result is a stunning building that blends traditional Japanese elements with contemporary materials and shapes. The bakery’s exterior is clad in charred cedar, a method known as Shou Sugi Ban, which gives the wood a natural resistance to fire, insects, and decay. The roof is made of corrugated metal that mimics the surrounding landscape’s rolling hills and valleys. The interior is spacious and bright, with high ceilings and ample windows that let in natural light and fresh air.
The Bread and The Ingredients
The bread that Yoshinao Nagaya makes at The Moon and the Clown is a reflection of his personality, his philosophy, and his craftsmanship. He offers seven types of bread, each with a unique taste, texture, and aroma. He uses natural leavens that he cultivates himself, made from a combination of wild yeast, flour, and water. The leavens are the heart and soul of the bread, giving it a depth and complexity that commercial yeast cannot match. The ingredients for the leavens vary, depending on the type of bread. For example, the Hops leaven includes hops, potatoes, apples, and Koji, a type of fungus used in Japanese cuisine. The Raisin leaven includes raisins and granulated sugar, which add sweetness and complexity to the final product.
The Video
If you’re curious about how Yoshinao Nagaya makes his bread, you can watch a video on the bakery’s website that shows the process from start to finish. The video is a poetic and meditative journey that takes you through the steps of mixing, kneading, shaping, and baking. You can see the care and attention that Yoshinao Nagaya gives to each loaf, as if it were a work of art. The video also showcases the beauty of the bakery, the wood-fired oven, and the surrounding landscape.
Conclusion
The Moon and the Clown is more than a bakery. It’s a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and craftsmanship. It’s a place where the art of baking and the art of architecture come together to create a peaceful, inspiring haven. Yoshinao Nagaya’s bread is not just delicious; it’s a celebration of natural ingredients, traditional methods, and artistic expression. The Moon and the Clown is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves bread, art, and beauty.
FAQs
Q: Where is The Moon and the Clown located?
A: The bakery is located in 2-93 Hazaka, Nakanotomachi, Kashima-gun, Ishikawa, Japan.
Q: How many types of bread does The Moon and the Clown offer?
A: The bakery offers seven types of bread using natural leavens.
Q: What are the ingredients for Hops leaven?
A: The ingredients for Hops leaven include hops, potatoes, apples, and Koji.
Q: What are the ingredients for Raisin leaven?
A: The ingredients for Raisin leaven include raisins and granulated sugar.
Q: Is there a video that shows how Yoshinao Nagaya makes his bread?
A: Yes, there’s a video on the bakery’s website that shows the process from start to finish.