Category: Japanese Culture

Posted in Art, Beauty, Driving, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Music, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Travel

Peaceful Town: Matsuzaka, Nishi-Izu

Posted on by sonokotchi

I immediately line this town.

Crab on the street.

Foot Bath

Old fashion building with Namako Kabe (Sea Cucumber Wall).

Nice dinner at Shinsai Kuon.

Be careful with Wasabi Edamame (Wasabi young Soy Beans). It really hit you.

All others are also nice.

There was an antique cashier that can work today.

There is a traditional post.

And this is my BGM for a night.

It’s not far from Tokyo; It takes 3:30 hrs.

It’s worth coming

Posted in Art, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Place, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Short Trip to Kyoto (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Last week, I visited Kyoto.

First, I visited Galerie Tamenaga.

Mr. Kiyoshi Tamenaga, the owner, has four galeries: Ginza (Tokyo), Osaka, Paris (France) and recently opened Kyoto.

In Kyoto, he refurbished a traditional Japanese moromi (mash / unrefined sake) factory to a galerie for young artists.

The owner welcomes us to visit the galerie just to enjoy admiring paints and the building.

I enjoyed exchanging impressions of each paints with Mr. Kiyoshi Tamenaga.

The building itself is the art.

I found Shoki san (Mr. Shoki) who protects us from evils, bad lucks and illness on the roof; I felt safe.

I will continue more on next blog.

To be continued….

Posted in Daily Life, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

The 3rd State of Emergency

Posted on by sonokotchi

Tokyo is under the 3rd State of Emergency (Stay Home Request) now.

Ms. Koike, the Governor of Tokyo, requested shopping complexes and department stores to close.

In addition, requested restaurants not to serve any alcohol or close.

On that note, many shops are closed; restaurants are opened for take out service only and closed for dining area.

Vaccination started in Japan.

I thought I would feel safe by now; however, looking at the town, I don’t feel safe enough.

Dear all, take care and stay safe!

Posted in Daily Life, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Setsubun was 2 February in 2021

Posted on by sonokotchi

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.

Posted in Daily Life, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo

Quiet Nights in Tokyo

Posted on by sonokotchi

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“

Irori-Yaki Edokko at Monzen-Nakacho, Tokyo

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.