Posted in Action, Feelings, Food, Place, Surprise, Tokyo, Work

Paper Tong

Posted on by sonokotchi

There is a movement to reduce use of plastics globally.

I listened to the announcement of Starbucks stating to stop use of plastic straws by 2020 in shock.

Plastic products cannot be biodegraded; instead, it produces a harmful substance to the environment, especially for the ocean: micro plastics.

Today. I attended a small reception at the Good Design Marunouchi.

I enjoyed having a nice chat on importance of design to improve products and even society with a designer and jury for the Good Design Award.

Then I spotted a paper tong there.

I have heard and seen paper straws at Daiso (100 yen shop), but not a tong.

I was excited to see these paper tongs.

In addition to the design, we also talked about food waste.

I understand restaurants and hotels don’t want us to take away left over food.

In fact, they strictly prohibit us to do so.

The industry might have experienced customers suing them for a food poisoning.

Perhaps, dining industry can take some action by asking customers to sign on agreement before they take away food.

It is sad to know that left over food has been destroyed at the back.

Nonetheless, today, I was excited to know there is a paper tong!

Posted in Art, Experience, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo, Work

Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai, Shiba-Koen, Tokyo

Posted on by sonokotchi

I was invited for a corporate dinner at the Tokyo Tofuya Ukai, Shiba-Koen, Tokyo.

The restaurant is located foot of Tokyo Tower.

It’s dark so difficult to see its beautiful traditional building,

We are greeted by Sakura (Cherry Blossom) that is about to bloom.

There are 600 types of Sakura and this is Miyabi Zakura, first to bloom.

There are sake cups decorated in Japanese 7 Gods and Goddess.

These are for Ohanami (Sakura viewing).

There is a nice Japanese garden.

And there is a house…

to grill deep-fried tofu with charcoals.

We can look up Tokyo Tower from the garden.

This is another type of Sakura, Shidare Zakura.

This restaurant will be nicely in pink during Sakura season.

I had a nice Tofu Kaiseki (Tofu Course Dinner).

I enjoyed companies, conversation, variety of Tofu and seasonal Amaoh Strawberry juice.

I had a souvenir to bring back.

It became a lovely evening.

Posted in Art, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Place, Tokyo

3.11

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today, it is a Memorial Day.

Eight years ago, the Northern Japan was hit by the Great Northern Earthquake and Tsunami and took lives of over 15,000 people.

There are 2,500 candles with a message on washi (Japanese washi paper) representing the ballon at the park of Tokyo Midtown Roppongi.

Each message is written by those living in the hit area: Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima.

The ballon is sending a message of 2,500 people.

There are digital Tanzaku (strip of paper) to send a cheering message to people who are living and trying to reconstruct the Northern Japan.

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Friends, Golf, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, River, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo, Travel

Shopping Weekend

Posted on by sonokotchi

Yesterday, on Saturday, 9 March 2019, I went to Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi, Tokyo to buy golf shirts and a hat for my friend in overseas.

To my surprise, these golf wears by Leonard Sports Paris are mainly produced for Japan market and only available in few areas in Asia.

It was fun shopping on behalf. hahaha

On Sunday, 10 March 2019, I went to Osaka to meet my friend from Malaysia.

I hopped on Shinkansen (bullet train) in the morning and went to Osaka.

We met up at Nanba and had our lunch.

We walked Dotonbori area and decided to have grilled seafood at Isomaru Suisan Dotonbori, Osaka.

Perhaps, I looked helpless; it was so nice having someone cooking for us!

We had a big lunch but no worries; we started walking for shopping!

We took few selfie at Dotonbori (Dotonbori River), Osaka.

We continued shopping at Shinsaibashi Suji Shotemgai (Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade).

We stopped at Daiso (100 yen shop), 3Coins+Plus (300 yen shop), etc.

There are many foreign tourists to shop; therefore, the choice of products, especially for Japanese Souvenirs are good and many!

Starbucks is popular among us.

Many beautiful seasonal Sakura designed tumblers and cups are available.

I checked the merchandise before in Tokyo.

There are many choices like shown in below photos.

But when we visited the first Starbucks of today, there are only few Sakura design merchandises available.

Other designs are all sold out at that shop.

I became panic because I wanted to get one for my dear friend.

We looked for other Starbucks – Starbucks Shinsaibashi BIG, America Mura (American Village), Shinsaibashi, Osaka – and found the design that she wants.

Luckily, I found it!

Today, merchants finish fast because the purchasing power of foreign tourists is so great.

I was in panic so I bought it, though I’m in Osaka.

Then made me wanting to have one for myself so that we can be twins. hehehe

Starbucks became a great shopping place for us.

Time was running out for me; I had to catch the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

But we had another destination for shopping: Daimaru Department Store Shinsaibashi, Osaka.

My friend wanted to get something nice for her bosses who fought for her so that she can take this training programme in Osaka.

It’s so sweet of her.

But time is ticking…I helped her to decide souvenirs but I ran out time to accompany her to get tax refund.

Japan is safe and systematic.

I guided her and left for Shin-Osaka Eki (Shin Osaka Station) to catch my Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

I managed to reach Shin-Osaka to catch my Shinkansen.

I’m heading back to Tokyo.

I had a good time with my friend.

We laughed and exercised well.

You know women don’t mind to walk around and around the store.

I needed a crazy fun like this to get a break.

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Health, Japan Technology, Place, Tokyo, Travel, Work

The Week of 4th March 2019

Posted on by sonokotchi

Monday, 4 March 2019

As I uploaded, I attended the reception hosted by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Indistry.

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

I went to gym to rewind my body to get ready for a long day next day.

Wednesday, 6 March 2019

I visited three companies and they are:

*Rakuten

Rakuten is Japan’s leading e-Commerce platform; approximately 100 million users occupying 25% of Japanese eCommerce market.

*Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town/Panasonic

Panasonic, being a Japan’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and household equipment, enriches lifestyle by building a sustainable town enabling residents to have eco-friendly and comfortable lifestyles while ensuring safety and security.

*Kawasaki Heavy Industries Robotics Company

Kawasaki robotics is one of Japanese leading suppliers of industrial robots and robotic automation systems utilizing IoT and AI to meet the demand for IR 4.0.

It was fun witnessing the latest technologies.

Thursday, 7 March 2019

I visited FOODEX JAPAN 2019 (the world third largest international food and beverage exhibition) at Makuhari Messe, Chiba for assisting a meeting.

I’m glad to know that I could assist to solve issues.

Friday, 9 March 2019

I received urgent assignments (such as sending reports and receiving a group) to be settled.

This week, it’s more on reporting on work; simultaneously I had a great fun visiting companies, places and meeting people.

I try my best to interest me and motivate me.

Posted in Feelings, Food, Friends, Tokyo, Work
Posted on by sonokotchi

I attended the reception for celebrating 140th Anniversary of Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry this evening.

I met with friends and enjoyed nice finger food while we chatted.

Posted in Beauty, Choco-chan, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, My Flower Arrangement, Restaurants, Surprise, Tokyo, Travel, Work

Birthday Events

Posted on by sonokotchi

You must be wondering what happened to my trip to Egypt.

Well, internet access was slow so I decided to go on digital detox and took sleep to enjoy my trip.

I returned to work on the next day I came back from Egypt and I had a pile of work waiting for me with a very short notice project.

I will try to share my amazing trip to Egypt soonest possible.

Due to work, I totally forgot about my birthday, 3 March, till Friday, 1 March 2019.

The Japanese sweet store, Fugetsu-do, reminded me of my birthday by looking at displayed Japanese traditional sweet and Ohina-sama (Dolls) for Hinamatsuri (Dolls Day) on 3 March.

I bought these sweets to at least celebrate my birthday because I had no plan on my birthday at that time.

I admired their Ohina-Sama at the store.

I totally forgot to decorate my mini dolls.

After I thought of my birthday, my friends contacted me to plan celebrating my birthday.

So sweet of them!

I started my Birthday Eve, 2 March 2019, with Spa.

I planned this before to treat myself.

I also sent Choco for spa and grooming.

I hope he enjoys like how I enjoy.

My spa gave me a birthday gift (chocolate in rose shape from Message de Rose) so I enjoyed it with a glass of wine.

I haven’t arranged flower for a while so I thought I should decorate a room with floor for my birthday.

Flower always bring me smiles.

I had my birthday eve dinner at Sushi Restaurant Sushi Ishii, Akasaka, Tokyo.

This restaurant allows a pet on Saturday night.

That means… Choco also joined Sushi dinner!

Though he didn’t have any piece, it was a nice dinner (for me for sure. hahaha)

On my birthday, I started with Brunch at Gaston & Gasper, Roppongi.

Of course, Choco joined me.

Choco was interested in my take out ice cream that I can make on my own.

I know it looks nice, but Sorry Choco, I cannot share it with you

At 3 pm, friends visited me to celebrate my birthday with a delicious birthday cake from La Maison and savoy.

I decorated mini Ohina Sama collection.

We laughed till evening.

I thought I would have a quiet day for my birthday two days ago; but it turned out to be a nice weekend.

Thank you my friends and Choco to celebrate my birthday with me.

Posted in Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Place, River, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel

Trip to Egypt (Day 2 Part 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

We took a domestic flight to Luxor.

When we arrived Cairo at 3:50 am, it was dark; therefore, I couldn’t see the city.

Now it’s 6:15 am and we can see the city of Cairo clearly.

And sunrise.

We see houses in desert.

I enjoyed juice and cookies on the flight.

And these are also written in Arabic.

I enjoyed views from plane.

The landscape is breath taking and reminded me of Grand Canyon.

These landscapes might have created by Great Nile River.

We can clearly witness bless from Nike River; so rich and green.

This is town of Luxor.

And we landed Luxor International Airport after one hour journey.

I’m glad to know that my suitcase also arrived Luxor International Airport with me.

I started sightseeing in Luxor.

First visited Karnak Temple.

There are mini Sphinx to receive us.

There are few theories for construction method of gates.

These sands/rocks support one of theories that old Egyptians made a slope to build higher.

This is a papyrus columns.

There are a total of ten papyrus columns on two sides to be lined symmetry.

There is a section with 134 papyrus columns..

These used to be painted in nice colours.

After walking through Papyrus Columns; there are two Obelisks.

There is one wall full of Hieroglyph.

These are nice views of the Obelisk.

At the back, there is a road leading to Luxor Temple which is under the repair.

Sacred Pond

There is a Scarab.

According to the guide, if we walk around the Scarab reverse clock wise for three times, it will being good luck, but this matter is not written on the Scarab.

Nonetheless, I walked to wish for good luck. hahaha

It has been a long day because after landing in Cairo, we continued sightseeing.

I will continue the second half day in next blog.

Posted in Beauty, Choco-chan, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Movie, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Trip to Egypt (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

As usual, I was busy packing till last minutes so I woke up early to continue packing.

This time, I needed to prepare sending Choco to the pet hotel.

I’ve chosen the pet hotel that we took class.

When he arrived at the pet hotel, he seemed happy because he might still remember the staffs; but when he was taken, he looked bit sad…?

I was worried about him, but I received a daily report that he is having fun with friends.

I’m happy for him.

Unlike me, I arrived too early to Narita Airport.

The counter wasn’t opened yet; therefore, I took a drink at Tully’s to relax.

Finally, the counter opened and checked-in.

I wanted to check new collection of cosmetics; but two of them are already sold out. Sigh

I bought one lip stick and one alternative eye shadow.

This time, we used United’s Lounge.

There are less people so peaceful and comfy.

I was told that there aren’t any inflight alcohol serving so that I decided to enjoy Sake before departure.

We took the direct flight from Narita, Tokyo to Cairo, Egypt by Egypt Air.

We were greeted by Guava juice and chocolates.

First I thoughts seats are narrow; however, to my surprise, it’s quite spacious and comfortable because Egyptians are tall.

Though this airlines don’t provide a slippers, but I’m quite happy with varieties of amenities.

Food is European food.

I watched three movies.

I fell sleep for first two movies; however, these were action movies so that I don’t miss much because they were fighting on the movies.

22 Mikes

Peppermint

Lastly, I watched a movie about a woman changing her life by living with Pug: Patrick.

I fully understand her.

I slept and woke up for breakfast.

About to reach Cairo, Egypt.

This map shows places where I would visit such as Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simpbel, etc.

I got excited when I look at it.

It’s quite a distance from Japan… we travelled 10,416 km.

We landed Cairo at 3:30 am.

It was still dark and we continued our trip to Luxor by taking a domestic flight.

Though I continued sightseeing, I should stop Day 1 and continue as next day from here because I spent one night on the plane.

Posted in Feelings, Food, Friends, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Place, Restaurants, World Culture

Gong Xi Fa Cai @ Yokihi, Yokohama China Town

Posted on by sonokotchi

This become my custom to celebrate New Year (Chinese New Year) with this group of friends.

One of us is working at Yokohama City Office; therefore, he offers his assistance to organize a special dinner at Yokihi, Yokohama China Town.

I say SPECIAL because this place is opened for boutique and cafe and not for dinner.

All food is delicious because these are all home-made.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! (Happy New Year!)

It was nice to see all of them again.

We all had good time and continued for Karaoke session. hahaha

We sang both English and Japanese songs.