Living in Tokyo, Japan for 6 months was really an eye-opener for me.  Japanese kids of my co-workers were so smart and cute, I was sure their parents must have given them the best toys; not just any toys though, educational ones.  Now that I am a mum myself I know the importance of giving them not just any toys, but toys that can help them with their motor skills. Most importantly, a toy they can keep playing with and keep interested in for a long time.  A toy that they can share with others or play with by themselves.

I find that the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is great for kids from age 3 and up, there are a whole range of building toys from Mega Brands that I like a lot.  My daughter had loads of fun with it, like those building blocks that she had since she was 2 yrs old.  I won’t hesitate to buy them for birthday presents or Christmas presents for the extended family or even just friends at the store.  Prices are reasonable and like I said, they last a long time, they’re buildable and you can mix and match the sets.  Check out their website to see the full range they have available and start planning for special occasions today.

I bought my very first notebook in Japan . .and at that time the Sony Vaio was the most popular.  Of course, it didn’t have so many colors that they have now.  But nevertheless, i really liked it.. because it allowed me to talk to my home and office via the in built webcam.  Some 15 yrs ago, that kinda technology was really awesome.. and everyone was in awe of me.. when i travelled with it.  Even thought i bought it cheap in Japan.. the only problem i had was . .i had to reinstall the OS .. but first i had to wipe out the Japanese one .. that was already in it. .hahah!!

I have been asked many a times.. if in Japan.. do the folks there use lamps like these.. that you can find in the West.. in speciality shops.  I have to let you know. .that yes.. some do use these lamps.. and please be made aware that those manufactured in Japan are definitely different . .than those you find manufactured in China.  In Japan.. the japanese believed that quality is above everything.   Everything you see here .. to make this table lamp successful is all hand made.. and inspected personally.   So yes.. as long as I see that sign “Made in Japan” .. well you know .. you can trust that they are quality product.

Sorry .. !! i couldn’t post up any more pictures about this Manga Museum.. Ghilbi because they don’t allow any pictures to be taken.  Bummer eh!  but the Museum was awesome .. and they did have some cool exhibits.  It was kinda magical for my kid.. and she really like the Totor Zoetrope with its 3D effect and the lights and all.

What a cute looking bus for the Ghibli Museum right..?

A museum that is interesting and which relaxes the soul
A museum where much can be discovered
A museum based on a clear and consistent philosophy
A museum where those seeking enjoyment can enjoy, those seeking to ponder can ponder, and those seeking to feel can feel
A museum that makes you feel more enriched when you leave than when you entered!

The sign that lead us to Ghibi Museum.  Their open everyday except Tuesdays and the opening hours are from 10am to 6pm.  Check out their Straw Hat Cafe while you are there.  Hayao Miyazaki is the Executive Director of Ghibli Museum.

If you think that the Japanese men are meek, well, you don’t know the Japanese guys that I know.  In Japan they do have hunting season too and a lot of Japanese men love to do outdoor stuff.  From hiking to canoeing to rock climbing, Japan has one of the most beautiful mountains and hiking trails.

I remember the summer we climbed the Japan Alps range, Mt Tsurugi also known as the Sword Mountain.  It was definitely one of the toughest mountains I had climbed. One thing that came in handy for all of us were the 5.11 Knives.  If you know anyone who loves the outdoors or loves camping, you might want to consider getting it for them.  And yes, Japanese students are encouraged to go out for camping trips too.

When it comes to shopping confessions.. i bet not only my japanese girlfriends have some tales to tell you .. every woman might just have their little secrets and stories to share.  Do you have one..?? if you do, now is the time to confess and win cash for your  holiday shopping.

Here’s the contest, all you need to do .. is to write your story or video tape your story or even send in pictures to tell a story of your greatest shopping  secret.  $1500 to win every week and the grand prize of $15,000 .. just to tell your story.  So hurry..!! don’t waste time.. !!!  I’m entering.. are you ..??

A must have for those who have girls at home.Use to make your kid’s Onigiri (rice balls) for lunch .. and let her be the envy of her classmates. After making the shape of Hello Kitty, you can decorate the face anyway you like.  It’s so easy to use.. even my 5 yrs old knows how to use it.  Just for $6 .. it’s fun .. !! buy it now.

Adult Manga is a popular thing in Japan.. and all parts of Japan and btw .. whenever i go to Japan for work, i get requests from my engineers back home to bring some back.  These magazines ain’t cheap at all.. and truth be told.. you wonder why anyone .. besides the japs wants to read an adult manga  right..?? afterall, they are written in Japanese only..! no translation ok..!!   This one is at $14 .. and it’s actually like a magazine.

Signs are everywhere, not only in the west but also in Japan, almost any part of Japan as a matter of fact. But do I see more here in the west? Of course! We own a business and we know how much a good and attractive sign can do for our business.

When we were looking to buy a new house, we did use a real estate agent but the yard signs on the houses for sale, well, they were more enticing than those that we found online and yes we really did buy our house from the yard sign “House for Sale”. It’s amusing when one thinks about it, these signs really impact our lives in some way. Take for example our town council election recently, when we saw the current mayor not having as many signs up as the new mayoral candidate, we did feel that the new guy was out to get the job while the current one slacked off and just assumed he’d keep his seat. But guess who won the election? Yup! The new guy. So yes, I said, the signs did play a part in that town council election.

Trust the Japanese to come out with ideas like these.. especially for the younger customers with shopping parents.  Parents of teenage kids can now leave them for a few hours .. since there is wireless connection for the Nintendo DS.  The kids can sit and enjoy their food and game. without being disturb.

So if you are in Tokyo.. you can get wireless internet from their 21 outlets.  Plus you can browse Mcdonald’s website as well as download trial version of games here.  Hanging out in McDonalds has now taken a new meaning for the kids.