On 2024 November 13th, one of the greatest modern Japanese poets, 谷川俊太郎 (Tanikawa Shuntaro) passed away. At the age of 92, he ended his creative career that spanned over 6 decades. His simple yet thought provoking poems, songs, picture books and his creative works have impacted millions of people, including me. This blog is dedicated … Continue reading The life and words of Japanese poet, Shuntaro Tanikawa
As we turned the calendar to September, which is Autumn in Japan, the air has changed.It feels cooler and the sticky humidity has subsided. Autumn in Japan is when we not only celebrate the end of the intense hot summer but it is traditionally known as the season for food, culture and exercise. To celebrate … Continue reading Japanese animal Art in Autumn: Chōjū-jinbutsu-giga
Last weekend, I was searching for a baby gift for my friends living in Australia. Gender isn't revealed so I wanted to gift a Japanese made, gender neutral baby gift. Initially, I visited Nakayoshi Library that creates warm, smooth wooden toys that is used by the Japanese Imperial household. However, their products were pretty much … Continue reading Japanese brand highlight: U-plan by Oguro Saburo
One of many activities that I enjoy doing especially during the 梅雨 (Tsuyu or rainy season) and hot summer season; is visiting museums. Tokyo is home to an extensive number of exhibitions, museums and galleries that you'll never run out of places to visit. Last weekend, I visited the world's first picture book museum in … Continue reading The world’s first picture book museum: Iwasaki Chihiro Museum
February 11th is National Foundation Day and a public holiday in Japan 🇯🇵 (more about its history in my previous year's blog post).It is a day to love and appreciate Japan where last year, we enjoyed Japan's beautiful nature in Hakuba for skiing. Bell Tower on the left hand side of the ski resort, ring … Continue reading Sushi & Sumida art strolling
I’m not clumsy but I have broken ceramics and mugs in the last 2 years since I moved to Tokyo. They were items that I am fond of so I couldn’t throw them out. I was aware of the Japanese art of 金継ぎ(kintsugi) where new life is breathed into broken ceramics and glasses through care … Continue reading Appreciating flaws with the art of Kintsugi
🍂Autumn in Japan is known for many things in Japan🍂 - スポーツの秋、読書の秋、芸術の秋、 食欲の秋－ Autumn for Sports, Reading, Arts, and Appetite. Basically, the survivors of Japan's stifling heat and humidity in summer remember that life is actually good (or that you can be alive) and are reborn with excitement and energy (plus autumn is a great … Continue reading Japan autumn wrap up -Rugby World Cup, ancient dress up festival and yet another public holiday
To the western world is to Disney, Ghibli is the childhood (that continues onto adulthood) animation utopia for Japanese. I remember watching となりのトトロ (My neighbour Totoro), 魔女の宅急便 (Kiki’s Delivery Service) and many other Ghibli Studio films growing up and even played some of the catchy, beautiful tunes on piano. Around an hour on the train … Continue reading Visiting the magical world of Ghibli Museum
Native Expat 