tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31373831476299421212024-03-13T20:01:41.419+09:00tokyoblogwhere a reporter/mom from Brooklyn chronicles ex-pat life in Japan since moving there in December 2007 with her husband and two boys...Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.comBlogger920125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-19127183243762546812016-02-20T03:53:00.000+09:002016-02-20T03:53:02.771+09:00this is only a drillLifted from the Atlantic's excellent photo series <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2016/02/animals-in-the-news/463194/?utm_source=nextdraft&utm_medium=email" target="_blank">Animals in the News</a>, plugged by David Pell in yesterday's <a href="http://nextdraft.com/archives/n20160217/" target="_blank">NextDraft</a> (<a href="http://nextdraft.com/" target="_blank">subscribe today</a>!):<br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Caption: Employees at the Ueno Zoo use a net to capture a mock zebra during an emergency escape drill in Tokyo, Japan, on February 2, 2016. </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Photo Credit: </b></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><b>Shizuo Kambayashi / AP</b></span>Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-63986236883108531252015-12-31T19:08:00.000+09:002016-01-01T09:09:41.616+09:00Itadakimasu!Saw <a href="http://theodysseyonline.com/le-moyne/11-beautiful-untranslatable-japanese-words/221351" target="_blank">this Odyssey article</a> by Marie Sugoi — a glossary of terms that have no real English equivalent — and thought it was well worth sharing (for the lovely photos, too). While I do not recall hearing most of these words while we were living in Japan, many of the concepts are familiar — particularly the notion that beauty comes from imperfection, as with this broken piece of pottery mended with a bit of gold, an art form known as <i>Kintsukuroi</i>.<br />
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Click <a href="http://theodysseyonline.com/le-moyne/11-beautiful-untranslatable-japanese-words/221351" target="_blank">here </a>for more "Beautiful Japanese Words That Don't Exist in English." The one term I recognize is <i>Itadakimasu</i>, or "I will have this," the Amen of a secular form of grace recited by school children before meals...</div>
Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-90012947984924807152015-05-19T09:43:00.000+09:002015-07-16T20:19:26.989+09:00wait...this is a car commercial?I've watched this "Baseball Party" ad about eight times now. You can find it on the Toyota website <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1IWlba8NrA" target="_blank">here</a>. There's a <a href="https://youtu.be/5H9JCq1kTzA" target="_blank">behind the scenes/making-of video</a> too. I managed to capture a few screen shots, which I kindly share below. (And yes, Tokyo side streets really are this clean and tidy.)<br />
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Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-17801680662112915002014-11-07T03:42:00.001+09:002014-11-07T03:42:02.733+09:00'Happy Halloweeeeeen!'Halloween in Japan = party time for adults (or for a Cosplay kid, just another night on the town). Tokyofashion.com offers full coverage of this year's festivities <a href="http://tokyofashion.com/halloween-in-japan-2014-costume-pictures-video/" target="_blank">here</a>, including a terrific <a href="http://youtu.be/NR2Yz3x9EJY" target="_blank">video</a> shot mainly in and around Shibuya's famous Center Street and "scramble" intersection..<br />
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<br />Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-87559727779070921332014-10-30T09:42:00.005+09:002014-10-30T09:50:49.241+09:00amazing music video shot in Japan - with a drone! and umbrellas!It's good to be back, posting for the first time in months... So here's what prompted me to return, two years, three months and exactly 18 days after leaving Tokyo for New York and share something with ya'll.<br />
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OK Go's new music video!<br />
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<a href="http://www.spoon-tamago.com/2014/10/27/ok-gos-new-music-video-shot-in-a-single-sequence-entirely-in-japan/" target="_blank">Spoon & Tamago</a> sums it up nicely: 2,400 dancers with umbrellas, a drone and an incredible 5-minute single sequence shot. The band teamed up with Honda—who provided the motorized scooter-chairs—and Japanese creative director Morihiro Harano to make this marvel happen. Watch it on YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1ZB_rGFyeU#t=265" target="_blank">here</a>. The song "I Won't Let You Down" is from album <i>Hungry Ghosts</i>, out now in North America on <a href="http://smarturl.it/HungryGhostsiTunes" target="_blank">iTunes</a>. <br />
<a class="yt-uix-redirect-link" dir="ltr" href="http://smarturl.it/HungryGhostsiTunes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" title="http://smarturl.it/HungryGhostsiTunes"></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5M7fbWY9MJ8/VFGH9WV9_4I/AAAAAAAAJFU/nG4SHNMCw8k/s1600/141027okgo03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5M7fbWY9MJ8/VFGH9WV9_4I/AAAAAAAAJFU/nG4SHNMCw8k/s1600/141027okgo03.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remember back when OK Go did their treadmill video? Get your flashback <a href="http://youtu.be/dTAAsCNK7RA?list=PLsyZBq8gdblKgP68fkyBgjc37cjFHTouP" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Ok so I'm just now reading <a href="http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6296760/ok-go-i-wont-let-you-down-video-honda" target="_blank">Billboard's coverage</a> of this, which mentions that the members of the band, while cooking up their latest "eye-popping, retro-futuristic" video, visited "Tokyo's Robot Restaurant, a 12-floor underground theater with
robots roller-skating to heavy metal music." HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS PLACE? Now I really have to go back.Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-19361553250209263372014-02-08T01:59:00.000+09:002014-02-08T02:00:37.368+09:00Flamethrowers<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0); text-align: left;">Here's a cool shot published by <a href="http://on.wsj.com/1b6vAFc" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal</a> showing folks in Wakayama, Japan, receiving fire from special torchbearers at a festival there on Thursday. Once the torches are lighted, temple gates are opened
and participants run down hundreds of stone steps to the bottom of a
mountain - an ancient ritual and part of the annual New Year's celebration. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0); text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJh4Cx6JRTM/UvUP5hrvZfI/AAAAAAAAI3o/29QolyYbfJ8/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KJh4Cx6JRTM/UvUP5hrvZfI/AAAAAAAAI3o/29QolyYbfJ8/s1600/-1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<i>Photo credit: Everett Kennedy Brown/European Pressphoto Agency</i></div>
Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-78662547245722110202014-02-04T11:47:00.001+09:002014-02-04T11:48:14.460+09:00just in time for Valentine's Day<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I learned the following while listening to a podcast of my favorite NPR program, the news quiz show, <i><a href="http://www.npr.org/2010/12/10/110997427/about-wait-wait-don-t-tell-me" target="_blank">Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!</a>.</i> It came up during <a href="http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=269637089&m=270046942" target="_blank">Lightning Fill In the Blank</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Host Peter Sagal: "Japan has introduced the Love Bra, which has a clasp that will only unlock if the wearer's heart rate elevates to a certain level. Meaning that the bra can only be removed if the user is in love. Or... jogging."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Panelist Mo Rocca: "Or... had a lot of coffee."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sagal: "Or...thinking about her bra suddenly popping open."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You can watch the ad from Japanese lingerie brand Ravijour <a href="https://www.ravijour.com/anniversary/moodup" target="_blank">here</a>. In it, a man in a white coat explains that when we're excited, the adrenal medulla secretes catecholamine; this affects the autonomic nerve, which stimulates the heart rate. (It's science!) Then the company's technical director chimes in with a bit about the bra's built-in sensor detecting that heart rate, and using Bluetooth to transmit the data to a smartphone app for analysis.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Like a chastity belt for the social network age, the bra remains firmly locked shut most of the time, to defend its wearer from hordes of sleazy menfolk," <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/architecture-design-blog/2014/jan/31/chastity-smart-bra-opens-true-love-japan-lingerie" target="_blank">The Guardian's culture blog</a> reports. When it's true love, the bra "dutifully bursts open with a gleeful spring." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Did I mention <a href="https://www.ravijour.com/anniversary/moodup" target="_blank">there's an ad</a>?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--rD5k1y7fhk/UvBMH2CJDcI/AAAAAAAAI2w/CJczhrwa-Ik/s1600/true-love-tester-smart-bra-japan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--rD5k1y7fhk/UvBMH2CJDcI/AAAAAAAAI2w/CJczhrwa-Ik/s1600/true-love-tester-smart-bra-japan.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-8198948155690790932014-01-29T10:53:00.000+09:002014-02-04T11:00:41.967+09:00bunking with the royals<span style="font-size: small;">I am hoping to have a close encounter-by-proxy with Japan's Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko. They're in Lima this week, staying in the same hotel as my husband, who's there on a consulting gig. The purpose of the royal couple's visit is to commemorate 140 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Peru. (Prince Akishino is second in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne - his older brother, Crown Prince Naruhito, has one child, a daughter, so it is Akishino's son who is third in line.)</span><br />
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So far no confirmed sighting, though Terry has noticed an unusual number of Japanese moving through the hotel lobby - the security detail, or other members of the royal entourage, perhaps. In the meantime, this photo will have to do.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Photo credit: Andina, for <a href="http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-japans-prince-akishino-and-princess-kiko-to-visit-peru-101765" target="_blank">Peru This Week</a> </i></span></div>
Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-22996998033972665222014-01-18T06:38:00.000+09:002014-01-18T06:38:16.521+09:00Dispatch from England<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My friend Anna grew up in Arka<span style="font-size: small;">nsas, spent a decad<span style="font-size: small;">e of her adult life in Asia (<span style="font-size: small;">Hong Kong and Tokyo mostly) and <span style="font-size: small;">now lives in the UK. She writes:</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">10 Things I <span style="font-size: small;">Miss Most About Tokyo</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Needing sunglasses. Ever.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2.
The vegetables. Even if they were radioactive. Oxfordshire's can be
quite repetitive: broccoli, broccoli, broccoli, broccoli, broccoli,
broccoli, oooh! a carrot!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. Ian's commute lasting 20 minutes, not 2 hours: file under ‘trains that run on time.’</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">4.
Seasons - although last summer almost made up from the gloomy spring.
Oxford is colder than London, <span style="font-size: small;">and</span> Ian & I joke that Tolkien wrote
from life (Laura has a teacher who is a proper hobbit) and I know
exactly where C. S. Lewis came up with the White Witch's Endless Winter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">5. Ito-ya and Toky<span style="font-size: small;">u</span> Hands. Remember that room with all the little screws & bolts?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">6. Other expatriates & my Japanese friends. (Maybe this # should have been first?) Monica Anstey!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">7. Groovy shops. Plus the vending machines…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">8. Weird signboards in English (although "Bellyful of Tasty" in Oxford's train station almost counts).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">9. Skiing in powder, not ice crystals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">10. Dressing up. I spend my entire life here in mud-spattered cords & Wellies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">11. Driving. I've forgotten how. (Again.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anna<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>at <span style="font-size: small;">a little</span> Shinto shrine in Taito-ku<span style="font-size: small;"> in March</span> 2012<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">, the day she and I<span style="font-size: small;"> took the</span> "<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/haunted-tokyo-tour.html" target="_blank">Ghosts and Goblins of Old Tokyo</a><span style="font-size: small;">" tour<span style="font-size: small;">:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span>Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-55943777078156629692013-11-18T04:29:00.001+09:002014-02-04T11:51:38.466+09:00Keepin' it ladylike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This story was posted all over the place last week but I think <a href="http://tokyodesu.com/2013/11/07/freshness-burgers-liberation-wrapper-lets-you-enjoy-burgers-like-a-real-woman/" target="_blank">Tokyo Desu</a> put it best:
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Luckily, popular burger chain Freshness Burger has introduced the “Liberation Wrapper” – <a href="http://tokyodesu.com/2013/11/07/freshness-burgers-liberation-wrapper-lets-you-enjoy-burgers-like-a-real-woman/"></a>an oversized burger diaper with a cute face painted on it so women can clandestinely mow down and finish their burgers in two enormous bites without even tasting it, like the good lord intended."</span><br />
Read their full coverage <a href="http://tokyodesu.com/2013/11/07/freshness-burgers-liberation-wrapper-lets-you-enjoy-burgers-like-a-real-woman/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-4828210890525487382013-11-12T09:40:00.002+09:002014-02-04T11:56:44.171+09:00Breaking news: Phone calls through hug pillows decrease stress<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thank you, <a href="http://www.tokyoreporter.com/" target="_blank">Tokyo Reporter</a>, for tweeting the link to <a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201311120008" target="_blank">this story</a> published today by <a href="http://ajw.asahi.com/" target="_blank">The Asahi Shimbun</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“Pillow talk” can provide a soothing experience, even for people alone in bed.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A group of Japanese researchers said that embracing a “dakimakura” (hug pillow) while talking on a cellphone installed inside can significantly reduce mental stress levels.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The researchers are from Osaka University and the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR), an organization jointly operated by the public and private sectors based in Seika, Kyoto Prefecture. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">ATR last year developed “Hugvie,” a human-shaped huggable cushion with a cellphone in the head portion, that was used in the experiment.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eighteen women around 65 years old volunteered for the study. Nine had a phone conversation through Hugvie while nine used conventional cellphones. Each of them talked for 15 minutes with a same male student on the same topics, including, “What was interesting last year?”</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After the conversations ended, the researchers tested the women’s blood and saliva to record changes in the amount of hormone called cortisol, which increases when the person has high stress levels.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They found that cortisol levels in the women who talked through Hugvie decreased much more drastically than in the women who used conventional cellphones.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">“The effects from hugging are higher than those previously thought,” said group leader Hiroshi Ishiguro, professor of robot engineering at Osaka University’s Graduate School of Engineering Science.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The results of their experiment were recently announced in a British science magazine. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The group plans to continue the research to confirm the effects.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">By SHIHO TOMIOKA/ Staff Writer</span></div>
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Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-45535287704076040022013-10-09T05:27:00.003+09:002013-11-12T10:12:10.276+09:0036-hr itinerary for a friendA very dear friend of mine is Tokyo bound later this month, staying at the <a href="http://www.ceruleantower-hotel.com/en/" target="_blank">Cerulean Tower</a>, a classy place in the <span class="kno-fv"><span class="kno-fv-vq fl" data-vq="/search?client=firefox-a&hs=wqd&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&q=cerulean+tower+tokyu+hotel&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAGOovnz8BQMDAz8HsxKnfq6-gWVWpWGuA2MhX2iufGGNmdxCV807G2X9WOtT3gEAl9l7nSwAAAA">Sakura-gaokacho neighborhood of </span></span>Shibuya ward (<i>ku).</i> Because this places her southeast of Dogenzaka, right on the 246, my friend will be reasonably close to some prime places to visit, like the <a href="http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812_1897772_1897742,00.html" target="_blank">Shibuya Crossing</a>, one of the busiest intersections in the world (and terrific for people watching), and the Tokyu Food Show, a noisy hall of gourmet vendors in the basement of the Tokyu Department Store at Shibuya Station. (One of the entry stairwells to the food show is right by the statue of <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/cat-wouldve-just-moved-on.html" target="_blank">Hachiko</a>, the world-famous dog.)<br />
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If you like Japanese woodblock prints, I told my friend, you're in luck, because you won't be far from the <a href="http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/index-E.html" target="_blank">Ota Museum</a>, located at 1-10-10 Jingumae, just off Omotesando dori, the popular shopping street (follow the alley around the corner from the large Softbank). Below the gallery, down a back stairwell, is a fantastic shop selling
tenegui, traditional Japanese dyed cloths that make lovely dish towels, dust covers, wall hangings, curtain ties, kerchiefs and head wraps.<br />
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The <a href="http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812_1897772_1897712,00.html" target="_blank">Meiji Shrine</a> is a definite must-see, and would be worth its own taxi ride from the Cerulean hotel, but also quite convenient from the Ota museum. Walk outside the gallery and back onto Omotesando, turn right and head uphill in the direction of the Harajuku station; cross the bridge that spans the train tracks (a famous hangout for various costumed youth) and enter
the complex from the east end of Yoyogi park. From there it's another 10-minute walk along the gravel path, through the giant cypress torii gates, to the shrine complex.<br />
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If she chose a stroll down Omotesando instead, some highlights would be Kiddyland, an delightful toy and novelty store, and Oriental Bazaar, offering antiques, vintage
kimono, plates and bowls and more kitschy souvenirs
too (because who doesn't want a Hokusai "wave" mouse pad?). A good coffee stop would be <a href="http://www.timeout.jp/en/tokyo/venue/2044/Anniversaire-Caf%C3%A9" target="_blank">Anniversaire Cafe</a>.<br />
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For dinner I recommended a<span style="line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"> traditional <i>kaiseki</i> meal at </span><a href="http://kikunoi.jp/english/store/akasaka/" style="line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">Akasaka Kikunoi</a><span style="line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">, l</span>ocated at 6-13-8 Akasaka in Minato-ku<span style="line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">. I had a memorable </span>lunch there with friends Mizuho, Sandra and Anna back in June 2012; the chef's bento - listed on the menu as a Kodaiji Feast (and priced at about a third to a quarter of what the place charges for an evening meal) had us all swooning. Some pics:</div>
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Where did they get these umbrella sake cups?!</div>
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Dessert choices</div>
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The cooks escorted us out down the pretty garden path -</div>
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even wiping rainwater off Sandra's bicycle seat!</div>
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If your friend had 36 hrs in Tokyo - and was staying in Shibuya-ku - what would <i>you </i>recommend?Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-60954666786435436132013-04-10T02:52:00.000+09:002013-04-12T01:35:32.392+09:00Spring FashionsMy fearless street photographer friend Kathleen Paulsson snapped these fine pics last week in and around Yoyogi, Omotesando and Harajuku -areas she aptly calls the city's fashion trifecta. Many of her shots were taken at the intersection of Omotesando dori and Meiji dori, a.k.a. "Omohara," site of the shiny new Tokyu mall with the rooftop Starbucks and arguably one of the best corners for people watching in all of Tokyo. Thanks for sharing Kathleen! And keep 'em coming.<br />
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<i>All Photos by Kathleen Paulsson</i></div>
Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-19859989958972047692013-03-26T22:12:00.000+09:002013-03-26T22:12:02.659+09:00Chidorigafuchi on TuesdayMy friend Julia shared some more photos... (Click to view full shot)<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><br />
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">To reach the moat surrounding the Imperial Palace, one of Tokyo's most popular hanami spots, Julia took the metro to Kudanshita station, where she found men in white gloves ushering people through</span></span><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span><br />
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She reports that viewers in front would take advantage of their photo op then move on graciously to give the next wave of people a chance<br />
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There was "a real buzz in the air" she says</div>
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(Nice shot, Julia!)</div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">Meanwhile, a graduation ceremony was going on at the Kitanomaru National Garden and Nippon Budoukan (lovely!)</span></span></div>
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<span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"></span></span>Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-28825661006743646022013-03-26T04:52:00.001+09:002013-03-26T08:56:08.980+09:00Nakameguro right now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks for the pic, Julia!Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-9704967343808688242013-03-25T11:30:00.000+09:002013-03-26T00:36:11.652+09:00with kids in mindA friend planning a trip to Japan had asked me how she might best entertain her children, 2 girls in middle school, while in Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. (Osaka was also on her list, but I've never been.) She's on my mind today because she is probably in Japan right now... Here were my recommendations, in no particular order:<br />
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Take a day trip from Tokyo to Kamakura, and doing the <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/trail-walk-with-children.html" target="_blank">trail walk to the Big Buddha</a> (Daibutsu). <br />
<br />
If you like aquariums, visit the <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/squid.html" target="_blank">Tokyo Sea Life Park</a> in Kasai Rinkai Koen (don't know the one in Osaka);<br />
<br />
Spend a day at Tokyo DisneySea. Nobody does Disney like the Japanese. The Tokyo
Disney Resort has two big parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. Go to Sea.
Less crowded, just as good, if not better. Do not try to go on a weekend
though. Resort is in Urayasu, Chiba, just outside Tokyo - an easy day
trip. Take the train to Maihama, then ride the Disney monorail to the
DisneySea park. (A helpful map can be found <a href="http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/access/train_bus/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) Don't miss the Indiana Jones ride. Enjoy the people
watching. <br />
<br />
If
you're a fan of Miyazaki films (My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke,
etc.) you'll love the <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/nice-kitty.html" target="_blank">Studio Ghibli Museum</a> in Mitaka, next to Inokashira
park in <a href="http://www.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812_1897787_1897802,00.html" target="_blank">Kichijoji</a>, a suburb west of Tokyo, I think it's 20 min west of
Shibuya station on Inokashira line. You'll have to get tickets to Ghibli
ahead of time, and choose an arrival time on a specific day; maybe ask
your friend to get the tickets for you, at a kiosk inside any Lawson's
convenient store in Tokyo. Sounds complicated but it's really not! <br />
<br />
While in Tokyo you could do a spa day with the girls in Odaiba, at
Oedo Onsen Monogatari, an indoor/outdoor hot springs spa, featuring <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/doctor-fish.html" target="_blank">"doctor fish"</a> for your feet. You can have lunch there and load up on
kitschy souvenirs in between spa treatments. Campy, fun. Also in Odaiba: the <a href="http://www.sonyexplorascience.jp/english/index.html" target="_blank">Sony ExploraScience Museum</a> <br />
<br />
Do you and your girls like cats? Go to a neko cafe! There are quite a few, but I enjoyed two in particular, <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/neko-cafe-in-akihabara.html" target="_blank">JaLaLa</a> in Akihabara and <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/cha-ma-mo-cat-room-meow.html" target="_blank">Cha Ma Mo</a> cat room on Meiji-dori near Omotesando-dori.<br />
<br />
Also in Tokyo: <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/such-workaholics.html" target="_blank">KidZania</a>. It's, um, different. Shy uncertain kids
will be overwhelmed. Lots going on. Not a lot of English being spoken.
But kids who are motivated and adventurous seem to get a lot of out it.
You, however, might get a headache. <br />
<br />
Showa Kinen park - a great big amazing place just outside Tokyo,
west of Shinjuku. Enter at Nishi Tachikawa gate for easier access to the
best parts: Rainbow Hammocks, Bouncing domes, Dragon Dunes, Misty
Forest, Bonsai garden. Grab an English map when you get there. <a href="http://www.showakinenpark.go.jp/english/area/index.htm" target="_blank">This one</a>
doesn't point out everything.<br />
<br />
Need a zoo? the Ueno park zoo has pandas again, but Japanese zoos in general are depressing - big animals in tiny spaces, etc. The Tama zoo west of the city is an exception, I think. If you go, be sure to ride the <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/lion-bus.html" target="_blank">Lion Bus</a>.<br />
<br />
While in Kyoto, don't miss the Fushimi Inari shrine, on Mt. Inari,
just outside the city. A nice trek through some 10,000 torii gates, lots
of statues of foxes (representing Inari, a fox deity, Shinto god of
rice, I think). One of the local train lines takes you right to it. View this <a href="http://inari.jp/" target="_blank">slideshow of pics</a> or read the rave reviews posted on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321456-Reviews-Fushimi_Inari_Shrine-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html" target="_blank">Tripadvisor.</a><br />
<br />
Also from Kyoto, you could spend a day in <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/weekend-away.html" target="_blank">Arashiyama</a> (bamboo forest,
monkey park) and/or a day in Nara, where at the famous temple Toda-ji,
the kids can crawl through Buddha's nose for enlightenment. <br />
<br />
While in Hiroshima, take a commuter ferry out to <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/mount-misen-miyajima.html" target="_blank">Miyajima island</a>, if the weather is good. There's a famous <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/big-red-torii-part-ii-high-tide.html" target="_blank">big red torii</a> - try to be there to see it during both high and low tide.<br />
<br />
Almost forgot - the <a href="http://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/english/" target="_blank">Hakone Open-Air Museum</a>! It's terrific. One big
sprawling sculpture garden. Climbing ropes for the kids inside the
"castle of nets." A foot bath at the end, to soak your tired feet. This is a day or overnight trip from Tokyo. A few other things to do in Hakone (there's lots) mentioned in the Tokyo city guide <a href="http://www.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812_1897787_1897798,00.html" target="_blank">side trips</a> piece I wrote awhile back.<br />
<a href="http://www.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1897812_1897787_1897798,00.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-36120622447757472932013-03-24T11:00:00.000+09:002013-03-28T22:23:11.335+09:00Dear LeAnne,Some time ago you asked me for my advice: what were my "best tips" for a family with young children relocating to Tokyo? My boys were 5 and 7, around the same ages as yours, when we arrived at the tail end of 2007. So here's what I suggest: <br>
<br>
1. Don't drive everywhere. Take advantage of Tokyo's superior mass transit system. Not just the Metro and JR trains, but the buses too. They're clean, safe, and reliable, and will take you virtually anywhere you want to go. Study the maps and play around with <a href="http://hyperdia.com/">Hyperdia.com</a> to figure out the different lines. (Apparently there is a Hyperdia by voice app now, and Hyperdia Lite for Android phones.)<br>
<br>
The system is extensive, to be sure - you will be amazed at how many suggested routes Hyperdia will give you between the same two points - but in time you will learn the best ways to get yourself from here to there. Most importantly, you will feel more connected to your new city, and you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the local culture. There's nothing quite like emerging from Shibuya station on a glorious sunny day and crossing that big intersection, immersed in the colorful-yet-always courteous crowd, squeezing your kids' hands tight. It's a rush. You may think <i>ohmigod what if I lose them in the crush</i> but you won't because if you do get separated all they have to do is shout "MOM?!" and you will hear them, because here's the thing about Tokyo: the streets and sidewalks may be jam packed with people - the sardine can metaphor is appropriate above ground too - but they are also almost supernaturally quiet. Like somebody hit the mute button. <br>
<br>
Bottom line is, time in the car is like time in a bubble. Which brings me to my next tip:<br>
<br>
2. Don't dwell in the expat bubble! It's a trap many expats fall into, sometimes by default but often by choice. It's a missed opportunity. Don't make the Tokyo American Club your second home. Go to coffee morning - a great opportunity to pick the brains of those who've come before you - but don't lose whole mornings at Starbucks. Be adventurous. Leave the comfort zone. Make Japanese friends! Find one or two other curious, open-minded, ballsy people whose kids are also in school all day and plan day trips with them.<br>
<br>
3. Try to learn Japanese. Even a few words are better than nothing (<i>Hello, How are you?, See you later, etc</i>.). Learn how to give directions to a taxi driver. <i>(Turn right/left please, go straight, you can drop me off here, how much? T</i><i>hanks</i>). Learn how to order coffee and beer, and how to say <i>Do you have an English menu</i>? You may never be able to carry on a real conversation, but it's nice to be able to exchange a few pleasantries with folks.<br>
<a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/dear-leanne.html#more">Read more »</a>Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-24019156701204693892013-03-23T11:11:00.000+09:002013-03-23T11:14:12.975+09:00'tis the season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fa6yjR05dc/UU0Luof-7YI/AAAAAAAAIgE/aLJcTTiP_2Y/s1600/63928_10151567676807938_1146123683_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Fa6yjR05dc/UU0Luof-7YI/AAAAAAAAIgE/aLJcTTiP_2Y/s400/63928_10151567676807938_1146123683_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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I've seen my share of latte foam designs but this one blows all previous away. Thank you, my friend Nikki, formerly of Tokyo and now of Singapore, for sharing. (I still hate you for having just spent two weeks in Tokyo at the height of hanami season ;) </div>
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Nikki tells me she found Kenji, coffee purveyor/artiste responsible for the absurdly adorable design featured above, in Nakameguro - a prime spot for vendors this time of year due to the spectacular display of cherry blossoms along the canal and the pedestrian-friendliness of the neighborhood.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFLn09q3JtE/UU0O__DUOqI/AAAAAAAAIgM/7hvbvQarYqk/s1600/423401_10151567676897938_1694010326_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WFLn09q3JtE/UU0O__DUOqI/AAAAAAAAIgM/7hvbvQarYqk/s400/423401_10151567676897938_1694010326_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59k9UuNv28M/UU0P1gNM7XI/AAAAAAAAIgU/SMb1_Kym0RA/s1600/581531_10151567681262938_1693921653_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-59k9UuNv28M/UU0P1gNM7XI/AAAAAAAAIgU/SMb1_Kym0RA/s400/581531_10151567681262938_1693921653_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-46832060347085075252013-03-20T20:38:00.002+09:002013-03-20T20:39:37.923+09:00say no to spring showersTerry is in Tokyo this week for work - so jealous! - but delighted to wake up this morning to this image in my inbox, of Tokyo Metro's public service advisory for March... <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTOYPW8KtpA/UUmesPGP6JI/AAAAAAAAIfw/bmZqXqrt7qg/s1600/March+2013+Tokyo+metro+public+service+advisory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sTOYPW8KtpA/UUmesPGP6JI/AAAAAAAAIfw/bmZqXqrt7qg/s400/March+2013+Tokyo+metro+public+service+advisory.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>When you cough, please cover your mouth</i></span></div>
<br />Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-48426746378400677522013-03-05T23:57:00.001+09:002013-03-06T00:00:27.860+09:00a video love letter to TokyoCheck it out: <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/61074097" target="_blank">MY TOKYO</a>, shot and edited by Berengere Lefeuvre and shared on Vimeo.<br />
It's just gorgeous.<br />
Watch it now! It's only 2 min 31 sec long...<br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/61074097">http://vimeo.com/61074097</a>Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-72328689261626803622013-02-01T00:02:00.002+09:002013-02-01T00:06:00.711+09:00but 'it doesn't snow in Tokyo'!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7YrzPUx3bI/UQqHUg4I7hI/AAAAAAAAIew/jhUT3Lj9Dz0/s1600/408391_4842828682465_1457318412_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v7YrzPUx3bI/UQqHUg4I7hI/AAAAAAAAIew/jhUT3Lj9Dz0/s400/408391_4842828682465_1457318412_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scramble Crossing, Shibuya <br />
photo by Elena Statham, January 14, 2013</div>
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Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-23993657551794704392013-01-05T07:08:00.001+09:002013-01-05T07:08:40.967+09:00Tokyo love letterWhen Laura from <a href="http://www.travelocafe.com/" target="_blank">Travelocafe</a> ("a cultural and luxury travel blog") left a comment here (see <a href="http://mtokyoblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/raw-beauty.html" target="_blank">raw beauty</a>) I clicked through her link to find this <a href="http://www.travelocafe.com/2013/01/japan-highlights-top-10-places-to-visit-in-tokyo.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Places to Visit in Tokyo</a>. All great choices, and gorgeous pics, like this one of Shibuya crossing:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIOn8jGzxEQ/UOdPjxvp0RI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/UeJTQDtRapE/s1600/Shibuya+Crossing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KIOn8jGzxEQ/UOdPjxvp0RI/AAAAAAAAIbQ/UeJTQDtRapE/s400/Shibuya+Crossing.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Me with my boys in the same spot, different time of day, not quite so crowded:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TP0I77RPMhw/UOdQ3kN5VMI/AAAAAAAAIcI/nmaiMiUF4JU/s1600/37+Frames+-+Buechner+12.5.19+0029_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TP0I77RPMhw/UOdQ3kN5VMI/AAAAAAAAIcI/nmaiMiUF4JU/s400/37+Frames+-+Buechner+12.5.19+0029_3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i> Photo by Dee and Tracey of</i> <a href="http://www.37framesphotographyblog.com/" target="_blank">37 Frames</a> Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-57292757243189142222012-12-12T23:13:00.003+09:002012-12-12T23:14:35.874+09:00Only in Japan<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2mT6WqflO8/UMiQcwBn21I/AAAAAAAAIaQ/J1P9t4DGSDE/s1600/IMG_5745.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2mT6WqflO8/UMiQcwBn21I/AAAAAAAAIaQ/J1P9t4DGSDE/s320/IMG_5745.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></h5>
<span class="userContent">Facebook friend's post<span style="font-size: small;"> yesterday</span>:<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>"Rare
excitement on the bus here in Tokyo. Skateboarder tried to cut the bus
off, barely realized his mistake, bus slams breaks, old people fall
over and luckily the skateboarder fell back avoiding being sucked under
the front wheel, unlike his skateboard. The miracle of Japan is not one
cuss word was spoken, no lawsuits, no police, no fights, the
skateboarder embarrassingly smiled, waved to the driver "my bad", picked
up his pulverized board and we continued on 30 seconds later. Love this
country.</span><span class="userContentSecondary"><span class="fcg"> — at <a data-ft="{"tn":"P"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=156313704381100" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E9%A7%85-Shibuya-Station/156313704381100?ref=stream">渋谷駅 Shibuya Station</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jS1Cq8Onw_0/UMiQbgxMoRI/AAAAAAAAIaI/1NWIcsvi74s/s1600/IMG_2322.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jS1Cq8Onw_0/UMiQbgxMoRI/AAAAAAAAIaI/1NWIcsvi74s/s320/IMG_2322.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></h5>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKubwsGOGVg/UMiQapyJwDI/AAAAAAAAIaA/oAtdjRIYMOE/s1600/IMG_0298_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hKubwsGOGVg/UMiQapyJwDI/AAAAAAAAIaA/oAtdjRIYMOE/s320/IMG_0298_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></h5>
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Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-92157222602989640522012-12-08T14:35:00.000+09:002012-12-08T14:35:00.559+09:00raw beauty<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppxilwIw_AU/UBF5vCMyVKI/AAAAAAAAHv4/wd1jltHSAV4/s1600/37568_474792949516_639284516_6528010_3167317_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ppxilwIw_AU/UBF5vCMyVKI/AAAAAAAAHv4/wd1jltHSAV4/s320/37568_474792949516_639284516_6528010_3167317_n.jpg" width="238" /></a> </div>
And we're back, with more of Top 10 things I miss the most. Coming in at number six...<br />
<br />
6. SUSHI<br />
<br />
I don't mean to whine, but I <i>reeaaally</i> miss th<span style="font-size: small;">e</span> fish. I miss the generous cuts, at moderate prices, that melt in your mouth. Sushi, even good quality stuff, is no big thing in Japan. It's neither precious nor pretentious (though it can be, at the sorts of expensive restaurants I don't go to). It's not haute cuisine. It's basic, and in Tokyo it was everywhere. My favorite place to eat it was at the jam-packed lunch counter at Midori sushi in the Mark City mall in Shibuya. I'd get take-out from the little sushi shop on the Hiroo shopping street. I'd grab minced tuna-and-scallion rolls from a supermarket cold case - the label on the plastic box would note the exact time the roll was made (that morning) and a "best before" time (later that day). I was not picky, because I didn't have to be. You don't have to spend a lot of money on sushi in Tokyo to be happy. (If anybody reading this knows a decent sushi restaurant in New York's Westchester County that won't break the bank, please post a comment below!)<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWaOPK7-vBE/UKvEOB7PoeI/AAAAAAAAITo/_Hb5e2R9Mo0/s1600/DSCF0943.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CWaOPK7-vBE/UKvEOB7PoeI/AAAAAAAAITo/_Hb5e2R9Mo0/s320/DSCF0943.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<i>Snapper. Salmon. Mackeral. With pickled ginger.</i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okJDgwlpam4/UKuxx7qokyI/AAAAAAAAIR0/WywHpPmXwuM/s1600/IMG_0119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okJDgwlpam4/UKuxx7qokyI/AAAAAAAAIR0/WywHpPmXwuM/s400/IMG_0119.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">S</span>almon, cucumber and crab topped with avocado, mayo and roe; Midori's idea of a California roll</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOrbrw36krg/UKuxtS7vHjI/AAAAAAAAIRU/cJsaEKeiZoM/s1600/03122008661_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qOrbrw36krg/UKuxtS7vHjI/AAAAAAAAIRU/cJsaEKeiZoM/s400/03122008661_2.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;">supermarket sushi<span style="font-size: small;"> plat<span style="font-size: small;">ter<span style="font-size: small;">s, priced around $12 each</span></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">unagi and a <span style="font-size: small;">r</span>aw veggie salad riding the sushi train at a kaiten joint<span style="font-size: small;"> on Omotes<span style="font-size: small;">ando</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">conceptual advertising</span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-9V6-SyCHc/UKvERlMjxWI/AAAAAAAAIT4/D1XJMQ4R4R8/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I-9V6-SyCHc/UKvERlMjxWI/AAAAAAAAIT4/D1XJMQ4R4R8/s400/IMG_1660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">a food show vendor's <span style="font-size: small;">plastic samples</span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">look good enough to eat</span></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2jKisfrA8o/UKuxwZ3rlzI/AAAAAAAAIRk/q35s-ZlpJ-4/s1600/DSC_0081_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P2jKisfrA8o/UKuxwZ3rlzI/AAAAAAAAIRk/q35s-ZlpJ-4/s400/DSC_0081_2.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">frozen tuna in a warehouse, around 6 a.m., Tsukiji fish market </span></i><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5DtbPgaaUE/UMDVnGvEGyI/AAAAAAAAIYA/1hQxmdw7Hv4/s1600/photo(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5DtbPgaaUE/UMDVnGvEGyI/AAAAAAAAIYA/1hQxmdw7Hv4/s320/photo(1).JPG" width="320" /></a><i> </i></div>
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<i>tuna-on-tuna roll</i></div>
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Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137383147629942121.post-35807970482740520022012-12-07T01:59:00.000+09:002012-12-07T02:12:17.824+09:00I wish it was spring right now<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0G6AjIufQQ/UEiwaf_EATI/AAAAAAAAIOs/yz3QOeb6WIc/s1600/03282008851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0G6AjIufQQ/UEiwaf_EATI/AAAAAAAAIOs/yz3QOeb6WIc/s400/03282008851.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Brrrrrr. It's cold in New York today, and I've got cherry blossoms on the brain. Next up on my list of Top 10 Tokyo people/places/things I miss the most....<br />
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7. SAKURA!<br />
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For about two weeks every year, Tokyo's concrete jungle transforms, even the ugliest architecture made pretty by so many pink petals. There are celebrations in the parks, people eating and drinking under the trees 24/7, blue tarps spread out beneath blacktop and patchy grass. Ueno Park in particular draws massive crowds, even on weekdays; sakura season may be the only time of year Japanese salarymen and office ladies feel they can play hooky from work. Other<i> hanami</i> (literally "flower viewing") hotspots: the Nakameguro canal (a stunning display), Yoyogi park (a younger and rowdier scene), and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (but don't even think about bringing a Frisbee - the fun police keep the lawns strictly ball-and-kite free). Even our little Octopus playground park gets busy. Here are some of my favorite pics taken during prime time (late March - early April):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-JQ-w5mn_0/UMDJsK2zu-I/AAAAAAAAIXI/nwG-vsQjISs/s1600/IMG_9199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-JQ-w5mn_0/UMDJsK2zu-I/AAAAAAAAIXI/nwG-vsQjISs/s400/IMG_9199.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br />
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<i>Blossoming cherry trees along Meiji dori near Shibuyabashi, April 5, 2012</i></div>
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<i> Claire in Yoyogi park, March 27, 2009</i></div>
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<i> Terry snapped this by the Nakameguro canal on April 9, 2011 (the boys and I were in New York). With the country still reeling from the 3/11 disaster, official hanami events in Tokyo were canceled and there were fewer people about. </i></div>
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<i>Conor, 8 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2</span>, and Dylan, nearly 7, at Koishikawa Korakuen, a walled garden near the Tokyo Dome and one of the best places for viewing cherry blossoms, April 6, 2009</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxS5n0iZn10/UCqgGB6V1NI/AAAAAAAAIGo/mOBdep23Mn0/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxS5n0iZn10/UCqgGB6V1NI/AAAAAAAAIGo/mOBdep23Mn0/s400/IMG_0310.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Meiji-dori in Ebisu, across from our bus stop and near our old apartment</i></div>
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<i>Meiji-dori in Ebisu, facing southeast. That's Ippudo (ramen!) on the left beyond the vending machines</i></div>
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<i>At the 06 Toei bus stop, looking toward Shibuyabashi, March 27, 2008</i></div>
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<i>The boys' first close encounter: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, March 28, 2008 </i></div>
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<i>A Jingumae side street we would walk down to get to school when the kids were smaller, near the Children's Hall in Shibuya</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNHoVqqy-j4/UCuy_sdTPbI/AAAAAAAAIKw/agYl3NcUHUk/s1600/DSC_0041_2_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNHoVqqy-j4/UCuy_sdTPbI/AAAAAAAAIKw/agYl3NcUHUk/s400/DSC_0041_2_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Nakameguro canal</i><br />
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<i>When the blossoms fall away, they are replaced with lush green - this canal is such a gorgeous place, despite the surrounding architecture</i></div>
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<i>Conor on Meiji-dori with Edmund Buddles, April 4, 2009</i></div>
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<i> Edmund and Conor on Shibuyabashi pedestrian bridge, heading for Ebisu station</i><br />
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<i>Nature lover with big lens in Koishikawa Korakuen</i><br />
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<i>Hanami in Yoyogi park, March 29, 2009 </i><br />
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<i> Terry and Ichiro, friend from NYU biz school now living in Tokyo; Ichiro's family showed us how it's done</i><br />
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<i>Boys were welcomed into a random ball game. Best thing about Yoyogi park: anybody can join in</i></div>
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Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14702083509952464653noreply@blogger.com0