Life as a left-hander is full of little moments that feel familiar, even if other people barely notice them.
In Left-Handed Life in Japan: A Manga Series, illustrator Haru Kawase turns these everyday experiences into short comics. This time, we're settling in for tea.
Vol. 6 is about tea time — and how the way a handle or a picture faces can make a difference.
In Japan, tea is often brewed in a side-handled teapot called a kyusu. Most kyusu are designed for pouring with the right hand. For a left-hander, something as simple as serving tea can take a little extra thought.
These days, you can find left-handed kyusu, too. A teapot with its handle at the back is another easy option, because either hand can hold it comfortably.
Mugs seem simpler. You can pick one up with either hand — but if a design is printed on only one side, it may face away from you when you hold the mug in your left. The mug still works perfectly well. It's just a little sad when you can't see the picture you liked.
A pattern that wraps all the way around lets everyone enjoy the view, whichever hand holds the mug.
Do the teapots and mugs where you live have any left-handed surprises? Tell us in the comments. We'd love to hear about your tea-time moments.
More volumes coming soon.
Teapots for your tea time
Looking for a pot that feels more natural in your hand? Explore these from our Tea & Coffee collection.
Made for left-handed pouring
For either hand
Previously in the series
Vol. 1: The Soup Ladle
Vol. 2: Writing
Vol. 3: Ticket Gates
Vol. 4: Elbow Room
Vol. 5: Machines
Illustrated by Haru Kawase
A left-handed manga artist and illustrator based in Japan. Kawase debuted in 2021 with Three Mysterious Days to Get Myself Back. Other works include Good Morning, Tail and Kumasaki-san (Bungeishunju).
@kawase_haru on Instagram
