Weekend treat: take my parents to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka for the first time, and we spend a refreshing time in a zoo as well as on a boat ride in Inokashira Park in the early summer sun!

29/4/2024（Day1 during the Golden Week）

When I was in high school, my parents were no interested in Ghibli nor eager to watch any of the films. So, I visited the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka alone and explored this place by myself. However, recently dad, 65, got open to anime and obsessed with Gigi from Kiki's Delivery Service without I noticed. Also, he's been immensely keen to take pictures with his fancy camera, which could be more important than his family, expecting to capture something touching within the premises in photograph（Yet, he knew the fact that taking pictures inside the building is prohibited in entering）.

Anyway, I felt somewhat glad then; this is because I was being with my parents, who wouldn't have any interest in it but now are sort of fans of it, in the place where I had been alone half a decade ago. In comparison with once, it was much crowded with people, and such minor details as dining area or some object by the entrance changed. Since I've obtained a bachelor's degree in Film Studies in college, I got to understand each exhibit more deeply than before, which I was satisfied with.

After we walked around and looked all over, we had a hotdog and fish-and-chips for lunch at the deck. Mom regretted not having stood in line at another restaurant which had a lot more options on the menu, though. While going down the stairs and heading toward Inokashira Park, which is located right next to the Ghibli Museum, I heard a man playing a song from the Ghibli movies on the violin. That was absolutely a synergistic effect.

When we walked across the park to a zoo, countless tiny leaves were fluttering and clung to our hairs and clothes; this made me feel that I couldn't get along with abundant nature at heart. Then, my parents and I popped in the zoo for the first time, and I was being excited to see goats in person（because I love ones）.

It was yet to become 1pm even after admiring each animal. We were off to Inokashira Pond for a boat ride. Despite the Golden Week now, it didn't take more time than I thought to wait in line. I chose a typical boat for 3 people and asked mom to row. Thanks to water and a pleasant breeze, that was so refreshing, and I managed to chill out from the bottom of my heart literally going with the flow on the water. I wished I had been able to stay there for good.

Subsequently, we headed over to Kichijoji station enjoying checking out some thrift clothing stores on the street. I, actually, didn't know how thriving the neighborhood of the park was and there were many clothing shops located side by side. Once you pass through the street, you'll face the shopping complex named Marui（OIOI）. I found that this complex didn't have attractive retails but food options for snacking; therefore, dad had matcha dessert, and mom ordered hojicha, which is also a kind of Japanese green tea, dessert. I was content to take plenty of pictures of them together for the day, because rarely have they had pictures taken together.

Weekend treat: visit the Imperial Palace for the first time, stop by each bookstore in Jimbocho, and have a break at a retro cafe in Ginza where my favorite writer used to eat some while alive!

14/4/2024

Originally, I was supposed to visit Chidorigafuchi Moat last month as this is famous for the picturesque view of cherry trees lined up along its moat during sakura season; however, while I had had to put off the plan until the weather was preferable three times, I missed a chance to enjoy such a view for this year, after all. Nonetheless, I carried out my plans in the area without cherry blossoms.

Mom and I arrived at Kudanshita station, which is located right in front of Nippon Budokan and reminded me of the day when I went to the Spitz concert in my 10s, around 9:30 am for taking a boat without so much waiting; yet, having second thoughts, we opted for a brisk walk along and inside the East Garden of the Imperial Palace. In contrast to the past few weeks, the sun was beating down harshly throughout the day. Therefore, I sweated and was being so thirsty that I felt a bit reluctant to pay attention to each spot like colored carp, to tell the truth（I don't mean to say that was boring. If anything, it's good for a walk）. Then, we decided to head to Jimbocho by subway. By the by, I do remember that there were so many bees flying around the moat.

I was absolutely delighted to finally come to Jimbocho; I had been wanting to visit its bookstore street since I got a preoccupation with reading in college. I stopped by every single store on the street regardless of genre, because I didn't have a specific item to look for, so I explored the area following my heart.

I was surprised at the fact that genuine noh masks were for sale even in a bookstore（side note: 神田古書センター/Kanda-kosho Center）; I mean, most of the shops sell not only books but also records, DVDs, or posters. As well as that, I thought of actually seeing autographs of from actors who passed away half a century ago to contemporary authors, or items of like the 1920s or 30s come from other countries up close as a valuable experience. I was pondering if some books that I read a long time ago had potentially rolled in this town, at the time. Incidentally, I like 神保町ブックセンター/Jimbocho Book Center and Book House Cafe, a children's bookstore, neither of which sell used books, though. In addition, I got also startled by a really huge line for curry although this town is called "Curry Town".

In the afternoon, I took mom to BRIDGE, an underground cafe in Ginza, for a late lunch; the reason why I picked this place all the way is that one of my favorite Japanese writers named Kuniko Mukoda used to visit the cafe while alive. Thus, the articles about that were on display at the entrance. According to them, she would often order sandwiches composed of Japanese rolled omelet, some slices of ham, vegetables, and Japanese mustard, but I ordered melon pancakes, a signature dish of BRIDGE, for mom（she preferred sweets at the moment, and I have been staying away from sugar or too much carbs for fear of a relapse into binge eating disorder）. We had a great time over coffee/tea there. I like its welcoming atmosphere; it wasn't sophisticated, exclusive, nor solemn in a good way, so I didn't have to hesitate to enter, which I do appreciate. Next time, I'd love to take dad there.

Finally take a trial subscription of Disney+ in the next three months and catch up on the Marvel Cinematic Universe（only movie）!

10/4/2024

I'd love to remark the reason why I hadn't been wanting to subscribe Disney+ even in quarantine or in spite of a huge fan of Disney to the point where I used to subscribe Disney Channel and watched every single Disney animated movie（of course, the movies released after I was born and raised like everyone else）in a theater. Firstly, I'd had to dedicate my everything to university/studying for 4 years straight; I just wanted to focus on one thing, which means that for me, some kinds of entertainments could easily interrupt my work/studies. Secondly, I have been quite skeptical of a current Disney's attitude to the entertainment business and an audience in terms of exclusive content; for instance, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which requires people to constantly watch every single film or TV show to figure out this universe（keep up with the story）. That surely takes up so much time. Then, those who are yet to watch any of them might be kind of left out. So, such subscription services as Disney+ or Netflix are equivalent to forcing us to subscribe and taking a lot of opportunities supposed to happen away from us, I would say. Nevertheless, I'm trying out Disney+ anyway as I don't want to judge things without my own experience.

Weekend treat: stop by a cherry blossoms' garden crowded with families after entrance ceremony and grab some coffee nearby!

7/4/2024

Since the recent bad weather, sadly I couldn't have a chance to go see cherry blossoms in spite of full bloom season. Therefore, it was delightful that I finally managed to see them for the first time this year in the warm spring weather. My dad is an enthusiastic, novice/amateur photographer and loves taking a picture of flowers and landscape. So, he was being excited about that as well.

It was really crowded with people in a cherry blossoms' garden, which is located not in Tokyo; in particular, families in good attire, or smartly dressed children putting on their school bags "randoseru"（this Japanese backpack is commonly for kids in elementary school, but I remember that Zooey Deschanel was spotted wearing one a decade ago）, were willingly gathering and taking pictures of their children with cherry blossom trees, because that scene has been regarded as very Japanese this country.

In fact, it reminded me of the day when I attended the entrance ceremony of elementary school and the very first day of school surrounded by guardians, and I was taken some photos of with cherry blossoms trees on our way home.

I was being staring at children moving freely there admiring their "pre-sanitized" and so much energy to the point where some of them seemed ok to get soaked in a small waterway even by accident. I got power from them and their frankness; then, I a bit felt like doing my elementary school days over and imagined that it would be hopefully different from what I've done in a good way（I could've got things done better, as far as I'm concerned now）.

Afterwards, mom and dad were so tired that we popped in Starbucks and took a coffee break. It's been about 8 years since I last ordered at Starbucks. That was why I was being excited even to stand in line for.

somewhere in Japan, 7/4/2024

29/3/2024

Singin' in the rain til cherry blossoms in Tokyo bloom.

#1 tea flavor of 2024 to date [my personal preference]

28/3/2024

Melbourne Breakfast from T2 [Australian tea brand]

On opening a sachet of this tea, I got so amazed at strong vanilla aroma coming from it that I couldn't help smelling the inside even before making tea. Also, I got a scent of profound bitter/roasting tea leaf fragrance in it; I took to a mix of these smells and appreciated such a perfect balance in no time. After pouring boiling water into a cup, the vanilla aroma got soften and turned into a certain smell like black tea with milk but sugar. I tasted/smelled it both rich and light, thanks to an exquisite blend; that was why I didn't find the vanilla too intense to the point where I get a scratchy throat or queasy [like I usually do when I drink flavored tea which contains too much flavoring]. Yet, I was wondering that it tasted like tea with milk despite not having such ingredients. Anyhow, I was being aware of its bold black tea [I guess it might be Ceylon tea] flavor at the same time, which was what I really loved and distinguished from others. As this tea is not only soothing but also refreshing, I would love to have especially before going to work and for afternoon teatime. However, unfortunately, I can't afford to make a lot of purchases of this product, because it's relatively pricey, I suppose.

Meat and potato stew --Japanese style--

24/3/2024

In Japan, it still has a tendency to require more women than men to make meals for their family. Then, a certain dish has been known for a symbol of that for so long here, which should be Meat and potato with soy sauce, for some reason. Although I won't become someone's "woman" for good, I just wanted to learn how to cook it from mom as common sense for the Japanese. I think that it's always good to try/learn new things and a lot of fun in daily life to have things I can. Anyway, beef is commonly used for this dish, but I would like to go for the recipe based on my mom's this time; I substitute pork.

Ingredients

200g sliced pork loin

6 small to medium potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped

1 head of onion, peeled and roughly chopped

1 tray green beans, removed tips and cut in half

3 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon dashi powder

water, for simmering

2 tablespoons water, for cooking green beans

Instructions

Skin off potatoes and cut each into thirds; also, skin off an onion and cut it into large pieces.

After separately laying out sliced pork in pan or pot, cook slices through on medium heat without oil（because pork has enough fat in itself, and it melts）.

As long as meat changes its color, add the potato and onion chunks to the same pan/pot.

Pour in just enough water to cover the contents, and add all the seasonings to that at the same time.

Put a drop lid, Japanese kitchenware, directly on the ingredients in the pan/pot and simmer it until excess liquid is gone and the potatoes are supposed to poke holes all the way through（it takes about 30 to 40 minutes in total）. Make sure to stir the contents every 15 minutes to allow them to soak in the flavor evenly.

In the meantime, cook green beans splashed over 2 tablespoons of water, wrapped in plastic in a microwave for 2 minutes.

To serve, put the green beans on top of stew for an aesthetic purpose.

side note：let the stew rest with the lid for a while, so that it can soak in its own juices, which should be much tastier, mom said.

Weekend treat: reminisce about my childhood at H. C. Andersen Park walking around there with mom!

24/3/2024

Despite cherry blossom season, no trees have been in full bloom to date, as far as I can see. However, as it wasn't rainy yesterday, we managed to visit a park themed H. C. Andersen in Funabashi, Chiba prefecture; several years ago, the place was actually chosen for the best sightseeing spot in Japan surpassing even TokyoDisney or Universal Studio Japan, which surprised me a lot as a local person. Yet, there was no incoming visitor in there but plenty of family, because it's kid-friendly and too local to make tourists from other countries know. Therefore, I, 24-year-old single, seemed completely out of place then. Having said that, since it is a part of my cherish memories in childhood, I had been longing to revisit and see the current situation.

With an upcoming crowd in mind, we enjoyed ourselves early in the morning, so we were able to plod around each area and relaxed in a large site to the bone by hearing birds chirping or sensing smell of trees after rain last night. There are the big bridge, the lake, where you can take a boat, several ponds, a water play area for kids, obstacle courses, and a petting zoo, where goats, sheep, rabbits and so forth are. I was surrounded by nature but buildings for the first time in ages.

Although the park has some handcraft workshops both for adults and kids, we just ended up strolling; however, I was so pleased and satisfied that facilities, objects and exhibits which I saw there when I was a kid encouraged me to reminisce and willingly talk about my childhood with mom. Also, I remembered what I used to create or imagine with no fixed idea once through a cozy, hand-made feeling. For even a short time, I was feeling as if I were a youngster who doesn't mind getting dirty or wet and does just what to want. I don't want to overpraise for childhood innocence of any kind, because surely there are children who won't do "behave like children", which adults/communities/societies are demanding silently, but for this time, I'd like to admit my appreciating that.

Before noon, mom and I left the Andersen park passing by the sculpture by Taro Okamoto. This one was the most reminiscent of the days, I would say.

Weekend treat: buy gifts in Ikebukuro for ones who have been taking care of me in college; stop by an age-friendly town!

17/3/2024

Tomorrow, I will have to say goodbye to my counselor and support worker in college, which hasn't hit me yet. Having said that, I had been thinking of giving them letters and gifts as a token of appreciation. Taking such their situations as age, a professional environment, or family structure into account, I opted for individually wrapped financier from BISCUITERIE BRETONNE, which is acclaimed by so many foodies here in Japan, but opens only three branches in the Kanto region.

On the way to the shop in Ikebukuro, mom and I stopped by Sugamo known as an age-friendly town for long not only out of curiosity but also to acquire culture, because I had never been there. The rumors were true; there were many elderly people in a shopping district, which seemed to have most of the shops mainly targeted the elderly in the first place. Therefore, a selection of items differs from common chain stores, and it is necessary for owners and customers to communicate face to face for shopping/sales in contrast to a current system. Personally, I found this traditional style heartwarming then.

Next, we walked down to Otsuka station（saw a tram passing right next to us by chance, by the way）; the squares in front of the station are so open that I like.

Finally, we arrived at Ikebukuro at around 4pm, yet were being completely lost in there, between 8 lines, three shopping complexes, and two department stores, to be exact. Regardless of whether living in Tokyo/Japan, this station is too complicated to get out of and head toward an expecting exit, I'm sure. Anyways, I took mom to a certain mini garden located on the rooftop of SEIBU, which is inspired by Claude Monet's Water Lilies. I enjoyed various kinds of cute flowers there.

Last but not least, mom and I went to Animate flagship store and Sunshine city; it was really crowded in both even at dusk. Because of 10km walk, my legs started to hurt again（following last night）.

Supposedly, I've finally started to get hay fever; I still can't help rubbing the eyes, and I suffer from a runny nose. Unlike the past few years, I recently went out a lot; it is no wonder that I got hay fever. It's absolutely annoying!

Weekend treat: visit Yokohama for the first time and see every single classic spot as a novice with dad!

16/3/2024

We started off actually before noon, so it had already been in the middle of bustle when we arrived at Yokohama station. Although I wanted to enjoy the best out of Yokohama, I didn't have a specific itinerary. Therefore, we did play it by ear; firstly, we headed off to Yokohama Chinatown by bus.

Everyone was snacking （mostly, pork buns） all over the streets, so I could smell them no matter how I tried to escape from that. Anyway, I enjoyed the atmosphere and looking around colorful buildings and found that it was a good experience.

After that, dad and I popped in Hotel New Grand, which was opened in 1927 and hosted Charles Chaplin and so forth, on our way to the port. Its interior design was chic and beautiful beyond description; I liked the entryway staircase, royal blue carpet of which brought about a solemn, private atmosphere across the room. Since a wedding was being held in the hotel at the time, guests were gathering in front of the staircase and waiting for the bride and groom. Like this, I saw weddings guests here and there in Yokohama for the day.

As dad's request, we took a tour of the ship named Hikawa Maru. The engine room reminded me of two films: Titanic and The Poseidon Adventure, both of which are tragedy.

We were in a rush to the rest of places of interest which I wanted to visit, such as Red Brick Warehouse, MARK IS minatomirai, and Sogo, the department store chain, by sunset. Each retail complex was so fun that I'd like to take more time looking around to the fullest next time. Lastly, I bought a piece of carrot cake for mom as a souvenir, and we went home. Due to 14km walk, I've got a cramp in my legs.

16/3/2024

I watched several movies which recently came out yesterday; Then, I was thinking if "multiverse" was a latest cinematic trend, such as Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, or Everything Everywhere All at Once. Both of the movies were terrific, and I was being totally immersed in them because of their puzzling setting, universal theme, and unexpected development. On the other hand, I wondered whether people（more of audience）weren't satisfied with their own present life, so the existence of "multiverse" was a kind of hope for their daily life. If I were one of multiple me, I might feel less disappointed at my life and myself or couldn't feel alone anymore. In other words, "multiverse" is, so to speak, therapeutic for individuals who live in societies where neoliberal perspectives are dominant, as far as I'm concerned.

Weekend treat: go shopping at an outlet mall to see what's new and consider purchasing designer fashion someday in the future!

10/3/2024

Graduated from university this month, I started to consider changing my wardrobe for the sake of getting more mature and caring about things from my items to the earth with the responsibility. In my school days, I gradually found it really beautiful to purchase items which are high in quality and last a lifetime and cherish what I've got for good by treating nicely and repairing, thanks to some lifestyle vlogs on Youtube.

Then, I have been planning and wondering what/how many I should buy for the rest of my life, with regard to clothing. I have referred to one of my favorite magazines named Fudge, whose taste in fashion is exactly my ideal, so first I listed up some of the fashion brands that the magazine is fond of.

Mom drove me to this outlet mall in Kisarazu, Chiba prefecture, all the way. Behind the mall, there is actually an amusement park which has a ferris wheel seen from the parking areas of the mall. Therefore, I took her there with my curiosity, but we ended up not riding any due to lack of cash at that moment. Nevertheless, I didn't feel disappointed at that; On the contrary, I was being satisfied that I could see a ferris wheel for the first time in ages.

Afterwards, we headed over to the outlet mall and looked around the shops one by one, even luxury brands. I won't make a purchase of such items not only because I can't afford to but also because they never suit me. However, I love seeing flashy（in a good way）, unique and occasional clothes, because it feels like I'm looking at art.

As she's liked shopping as well as window-shopping since I was a child, she was pleased that I finally got interested in slow fashion and designer fashion. I took to MARNI, LOEWE, Chloé, Mulberry, and STELLA McCARTNEY through this outing. I enjoyed myself at Fred Perry, Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood, Marimekko, which mom doesn't like somehow, Lacoste, and agnès b., as well. For the near future, I will work hard and earn money to fulfill my longing myself.

Scrambled Tofu Recipe from mom

9/3/2024

Since I suddenly missed mom's scrambled tofu, I asked her to teach me in her free time. It's more of washoku than Chinese cuisine in terms of taste as we don't use any strong, spicy, nor aromatic seasoning for it; Our Japanese style scrambled tofu is mild enough to feed those who are kind of sick and have upset stomachs alike. Therefore, I like it.

Ingredients

1 pack（400g）firm tofu

1/2 carrot, diced

2 peppers, diced

4 shiitake mushrooms, diced

about 115g minced chicken breast

1 egg, mixture

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1/2 tablespoon dashi powder

1 tablespoon soy sauce

water

Instructions

In a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and heat to medium-high.

Add minced chicken breast and cock it thoroughly.

Once it has cooked, add carrot, peppers, shiitake mushrooms, and tofu, which doesn't need draining nor slicing into cubes beforehand.

Scramble the tofu in the saucepan with a spatula and also stir all the ingredients in so far to combine.

Add 1/2 tablespoon of dashi powder, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and water almost to cover the scrambled stuff. Then, cook off the excess liquid for 5 minutes or so.

If most of liquids have evaporated, add the egg mixture to the saucepan and cook it stirring.

Weekend treat: for an annual event at Nezu Museum in spring!

28/4/2023

An instructor of a course in Japanese Art talked about an annual event at Nezu Museum in spring, and it is "Irises（screen）" by Korin Ogata exhibition. Then, I was being so curious about it that I was off to this art gallery in Minami-Aoyama all the way after school.

This is known for its entrance as beautiful architecture designed by Kengo Kuma and in a lot of magazines, I remembered. Therefore, I was delighted to see it. Yet, the place appeared to be too exclusive for me, and I found elderly people being formal in their attire but living within a kilometer suitable for it. I was being a little out of place.

Having said that, I immersed myself in the exhibits/collections of the gallery, knew of Otsu-e, a folk art in 17th century in Shiga, and had fun strolling the Buddhism themed garden. I want to take my parents there one day.

Weekend treat: make a reservation and visit Japan National Stadium well-known for Tokyo Olympics 2020 designed by Kengo Kuma early in the morning!

5/2/2023

Mom and I were off to Japan National Stadium in Shibuya district as she didn't want to go there alone/by herself. I was, actually, not interested in it. What is worse, it was absolutely freezing, but we were required to wait outdoor for the stadium to open at 9:30am.

Against my low expectations, it was way beyond description. When I was walking into the arena area and looking up, I felt as if I were a protagonist in a movie and recalled a certain scene from Disney's Planes. Literally, my horizons broadened out.

Due to reservation system, we looked around throughout the stadium including locker rooms for athletes taking our time. As I know next to nothing about sports, even athletes, I wasn't excited with the soccer balls that were used at World Cup games, autographs, nor the uniforms on display, to be honest. Instead, I enjoyed the view from the upper stand area, but I was almost falling down the stairs, which was horrible.

Weekend treat: go to the Matisse exhibition in Ueno which I had been waiting for since lockdown and the residence of Taikan Yokoyama!

22/7/2023

Since COVID-19 came out, I had hesitated and procrastinated what I wanted to even after lockdown. Therefore, going to Ueno for art by myself like I used to reminded me of what I really like. Due to much stress from university and relationship with parents, I had been lost for so long that I had rarely felt happy, relaxed, nor normal. I think that I got myself back together, thanks to that.

I had been interested in Matisse's for ages by the trigger of glimpsing his paintings on Pinterest. I simply like the color that he used and admire his keen sense of color as well as pattern combination. As a feminist, I was a bit bothered about his view of women, because he seemed to stick to women as a model; Probably, he could have had a respect to women rather than contempt, but I don't like a trend of praising "something" so-called femininity（of course, it is ok to be a feminine woman based on gender, which nobody should interfere with）.

Anyway, I was glad to see his works in person and have several more favorites.

After leaving the museum, I visited the old residence of Taikan Yokoyama, a pre-WWⅡ Nihonga painter well-known for Wash, in front of the Shinobazu Pond. Due to extremely hot this summer, it was harsh to walk outdoor even within a few meters. The reason why I was eager to come is that I had been impressed by one of his works at Important Cultural Properties exhibition this spring.

As no one was there except for its clerks and curators at that time, I was nervous to enter it myself. However, thanks to such a situation, I had a private guided mini tour inside the house voluntarily provided by Taikan's great-grandchild in person, which surprised me indeed. I was lucky to have an opportunity to ask him plenty of questions about work and lifestyle of Taikan.