Japan Subway

The Japanese subway must be the busiest on earth, you should see it during peak hours.  They even have a station master who would pushed everyone into the train.. because nobody would give way.. and come out from an already crowded train. Millions of people are known to go thru’ the gates of Shinjiku station and reading in the train is what the Japanese loves to do and whether they are getting their books from a local store or Amazon books they sure have a lot of books.

Novel-reading on cell phones gained traction in Japan a few years ago as classic novels made their way to the small cell phone screen. Web sites there now allow people to upload their own versions of self-authored serialized stories to blogs that can be easily read on Japanese cell phones. The stories are often written by amateur writers and typically feature predictable and melodramatic story lines.

Kawaii TV - Tokyo TV Episode 1

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Adulthood Day

Adulthood day is actually like the official day where one can start drinking alcohol and vote and anyone turning 20 between April 2nd the previous year and April 1st this year is entitle to celebrate it.  Also known as coming of age day, this is a Public holiday.

Different culture has different age for this milestone and generally it is 18 or 21.  To the Japanese this is a very important milestone because this one is a legal one.  While for others in different country, at the age of 16 one can drive and 18, you can get drafted and vote and also marry without parental consent and to be legally tried as an adult.  But for some places only at 21, you can drink alcohol.

As a japanese, you are considered an adult when you reach 20 yrs of age and what does one do when you reach adulthood and how does the japanese celebrate it.  Well.. many of these japanese will take part in ceremonies at the city halls, temples and even at the Tokyo Disneyland.  The gals are dressed up in colorful kimono and the men are dressed up in suits or tuxedos.  On this auspicious occassion, you see many of these pretty gals, all walking around in their finest.  I was very lucky to witness this occassion during my stay in Tokyo.

I hear from a co-worker in Japan that, it is quite a tedious event for those involved in the day’s event.  For example before the day arrives, the parents of the 20 yrs old will make reservation to have their hair and make up done professionally and photo taken.  In April, Japan can still be very cold, but the girls can only wear their kimono and some flurry stuff to keep them warm… while they go about their activiities. I guess the only consolation for these to be adults is to be able to meet with old friends.. and to drink.

Japanese Pets Owners

My Japanese girlfriends in Japan loves their pets a lot, the things they do for their pets are sometimes funny.  Like this one above, yes..!!! she really dyed the dog pink..!!!  crazy..???  hahahahah!! not really, it was just because her daughter loves pink at that time and thought it would be absolutely cute.  I thought so too.  But the things they buy and do for their doggie, like the several pet beds they had in their home, so that their dog can be comfy in the different levels of their home.  Her dog is treated so well, i wouldn’t mind being her pet too.

BilliKen Goes Umeda Osaka

Originated in America, BilliKen is somewhat like a diety in Osaka and Shinsekai downtown area.  they say to touch its feet to bring you good luck.  Things as they are .. was what the statue represented i think.. something to do with the war .. and the american invasion some time in 1912.  So if you see one in Osaka, Japan.. take a picture.. don’t forget.  But note the the original one is made of wood and located on the 5th floor of the observation deck at the Tsutenkaku Tower.  The original Billiken in Tsutenkaku Tower is quite worn out .. truth be told.. and people even pen down wishes.. besides rubbing its feet .. like a few times.  It’s amusing to watch.  600 yen for a wish card.. to be hung beside BilliKen’s statue.

Souvenir Stores In Tokyo DisneyLand

Souvenir stores like these in Tokyo Disneyland are aplenty.  These one not only sell cute souvenirs.. they also have  promotional pens to those who visit their stores.   And these kinda stores are usually swarmed with visitors that arrive at the Disneyland.  If you are wondering why even on weekdays, DisneyLand is still crowded, it is because the Japanese comes from all over Japan and visit this Disneyland.  So they are technically on holiday as well.

Red Candle Table Lamp

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.

Shop Kawaii

I swear.. those darn Japanese has the cutest things.. to sell to you .. and you can’t resist them..!! when i was in Japan.. i tell yer.. i bought so many things.. !! things i don’t even know what to do with them.. just because they are cute.  And one thing about Japanese goods are they are of good quality.. and not like those CHINA made ones.  They last a long, long time too.. and they ship to Canada too..!! woohoo..!!!

Cute or what..?? only at $2.99 ..  and shipping is quite ok too..!!!

The Kawaii Museum, Ghibli

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.

Sushi & Kawaii Japanese Girls

Having lived in Japan for 6 months, the folks from home always asked if eating sushi . .makes the japanese girls slim and super cute..??  What a question eh..?? hhahha!!! yup.. but it’s true..  i get asked often enough. .especially during those earlier days .. when i first came home.

I don’t really know if sushi had anything to keep my Japanese friends kawaii.. but i found that living in Japan and eating so much sushi.. didn’t make me put on an ounce.  I guess the bottle of Leptovox that i had brought along just didn’t get used.