Despite the COVID, Sakura blooms in Tokyo.
Sakura
Category: Daily Life
Setsubun was 2 February in 2021
Usually, Setsubun, New Year on Japanese old calendar, is on 3 February.
I learned this year that the Setsubun can be on different day due to the Sun calendar.
The previous Setsubun on 2 February was 124 years ago.
Luckily, I didn’t miss it this year.
We wish for good luck by throwing soy beans to attack bad luck (represented by Oni: demon) and make space for inviting good luck.
AND
We eat an Ehomaki (direct translation is good luck direction roll).
We eat a long sushi while facing this year’s good luck direction (this year, it is South South East) to pray for a good luck.
This tradition is originated in West Japan.
Today, people in Tokyo also practice.
Who doesn’t want to welcome good luck?
There were so many varieties of Ehomaki at the supermarket, Precce Roppongi.
It was difficult for me to chose.
I enjoyed following Japanese tradition at home.
Wishing for good luck: Peace, Health, Love, Happiness and Fun.
Ow I’m greedy.
Quiet Nights in Tokyo
The night of Tokyo is known for its brightness: neons and signboards.
However, government requested restaurants in Tokyo area to close at 8 pm (last order for food and drinks at 7 pm) during the State of Emergency.
The signboard says
“Due to a request for shortening operation hours
19:00 hrs Last Order
20:00 hrs Close“
Tokyo will be quiet for a month.
Hopefully, the State of Emergency would be lifted in one month.
Tokyo is known for a populated place.
Currently, it’s obviously NOT TOKYO that I know of.
Work From Home
I received a text from my boss late at night (past midnight) on Thursday that we can work from home on Friday, 8 January 2021.
I’m glad to hear a news.
I happily reported to my boss that I took note of a text and I won’t have any problem working from home because I brought back necessaries from office.
I like to work from home because I can work in comfortable clothes and be with Choco.
Choco seemed VERY happy to see me at home.
Earlier New Year Celebration Ending
Town was quietly celebrating New Year
Usually we decorate these New Year decorations till 15 January.
However, I saw some were taken away this morning.
Tonight, Japanese government announced the State of Emergency in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and China effective 8 January – 7 February 2021.
We are in high alert now; perhaps, some building owners were concerned engaging staffs to take away New Year decorations at later date.
COVID has been taking away celebrations from us.
Hopefully we can enjoy Ohanami (Sakura Viewing) this spring.
Japanese government encourages us to stay home and work from home.
Unfortunately, as at 23:30 hrs Japan time, I am yet to hear an announcement from my boss allowing us to work from home tomorrow.
I brought back office laptop and others to prepare for working from home; but I need to bring them back. Hummmm
Healing Choco
Due to increasing number for new case by recording record high, Japanese government plans to announce the State of Emergency for Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba tomorrow effective from 8 January – 7 February 2021.
I am hoping boss to allow us to work from home.
In fact, I can work efficiently at home.
It’s getting cold, winter in Japan; therefore, it is getting harder for me to come out from a warm bed to go to office.
Especially with this Choco’s face.
He is my angel.
A Happy New Moo Year!
When I started Year 2020 a year ago, I was full of excitement and expectations; it was Tokyo Olympics Year.
None of us dreamed of adopting new normals in our daily life.
Year 2020 was surely a tough year for all of us.
However, the pandemics made me THINK.
Think of my health, life style, work style, relationships, etc.
In fact, I managed to improve my health, life style and mentality.
I’m happier and started challenging a new project with friends.
I appreciate and value bonding and networking more.
Although we stayed in playing games with niece; it was so much fun.
I welcomed New Year with excitement and expectation.
Let’s try to make Year 2021 interesting!
STAY SAFE!
NEC Corporation
I visited the headquarter of NEC Corporation, a leading Japanese electric company, and had a tour at NEC Future Creation Hub.
The company was established in 1988 and has over 120 years of history.
This earlier PC was developed together with Bill Gates…..
Today, NEC is famous for face recognition machines.
Their products are currently installed at local and overseas international airports.
The company is Gold Sponsor for Tokyo Olympics and will support the event by installing their facial recognition machines with body temperature checking function.
I’ve experienced most cutting edge technologies which we would surely use in our daily life in near future.
It was a fun visit and proud to introduce this Japanese company: NEC Corporation.
Tokyo Midtown Treat Garden 2020
Due to the COVID, many events have been cancelled to avoid creating clusters.
Time past without realizing seasons.
Usually there are events for Sakura viewing in Spring, summer festivals in summer so that we can actually witness seasons.
Today, seasons have changed without notable events.
It’s been over six months living with COVID by paying special cautions.
I cannot say we are managing it well towards COVID but I could say that we took every measures to prevent infections.
Today, I witnessed some events are getting ready.
Tokyo Midtown Retreat Garden Project @ Tokyo Midtown Roppongi.
Finally, we can live in closer to normal life or past life. Yeah!
Online Takarakuji (Lottery)
The service to purchase Takarakuji online started on 24 October 2018.
The Takarakuji counter is opened from 9 am to 5:40 pm on weekdays only at designated kiosks and Mizuho Bank; therefore, it was difficult for me to purchase Takarakuji.
Today, I can purchase Takarakuji online via official website or apps for 24/7 throughout a year.
I can not select lucky number ticket but if I don’t buy it, I cannot win.
I bought three sets (1 set for 10 tickets) of Summer Jumbo (1st prize JPY 500 million or USD 5 million) and two sets of Summer Mini (JPY 10 million or USD 0.1 million).
The winner number was announced on 21 August 2020 and I regret to know that I didn’t win.
I only won complementary prize which is one ticket worth of value for each set.
I spent a total of JPY 15,000 (USD 150) and won only JPY 1,500 (USD 15). Boo hoo
One of benefits of online purchasing is saving me from going to the counter to cash it.
If I win – hopefully, one day – the system will automatically remit the amount in the registered bank account when the amount is greater than JPY 10,000 (USD 100) or I can request for remittance.
In addition, I can get points from each purchasing amount and I can use the points to purchase Takarakuji tickets.
I plan to buy Halloween Jumbo (winning prize for JPY 300 million or USD 3 million) and Halloween Mini (winning prize for JPY 10 million or USD 0.1 million) which are scheduled to be sold on 23 September 2020.
Hopefully I can hit a jackpot one day.
sonokotchi 