Category: culture

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Under the train tracks – @ smokey taverns – exciting Tokyo Izakaya experience

Under the train – under the train♪wow I am not Sebastian @The Little Mermaid, but you might drink like a fish @ under the train tracks between Shinbashi station and Yurakucho station.

Many guidebooks mention that there are so many taverns under the train tracks at the center of Tokyo. Just one stop from Tokyo station or you can just walk along under the JR railroad from Tokyo toward Shinbashi area for a walk.

You can easily find very smokey, sparkle area by Shinbashi,Yurakucho stations.

It seems, as it were, an oasis for Japanese business men after daily hard work, those taverns are like pubs in England. Besides, Japanese taverns under the train tracks are cheaper than other restaurants around the flamboyant area of Tokyo station. You can just have a drink and order small snacks (otsumamis )& go home is OK without paying gratuities but covering what your had only.

  • Menu + Price tags at the edge of the eaves
  • Japanese typical taverns

Many people come together here with their colleagues or friends, some people just stop by here alone to have a drink after work. Some taverns keep old-fashioned style – to hang price tags at the edge of the eaves for taking the place of the grand menu.

You can make an order just read those price tags or, ask waiter or waitress to have today’s “Omakase” or find out a menu by a table. Prices are rather cheap because taverns are under the train tracks. Sometimes sounds of train running very noisy but I am sure that you will enjoy the atmosphere and foods & drinks there!

Even though -smoke gets in your eyes – don’t worry, your friends or companies can’t see through your oriental flush and smokey red eyes after getting drunk behind the smoke. Have a good time @ smokey taverns and enjoy Tokyo evening!

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Lucky find @Ochanomizu – used vinyl records, vintage guitars etc!

If you are literally music player, you should visit Ochanomizu area where is located in the next stop from Akihabara station. As you know, you could dig in well-conditioned of used vinyl records and old electric guitars, acoustic guitars, electric bass guitars, acoustic drums, other musical instruments @ specialty shops in Ochanomizu.

Meanwhile, Japanese folk musical instruments like Shamisen(三味線), Taiko(和太鼓),Shakuhachi(尺八), etc most of Wa-Gakki(和楽器) are available in Shinjuku.

You may have already known Japanese vinyl record online shops, like Disk Union, RecoFAN, etc, however, on-site small vinyls shops @Ochanomizu are very exciting! Several genres are categorized and sorted at the record racks in each at those stores, help you find easily your favorite records in various bargains.

Japanese city-pop vinyls are many in the stocks, especially 1970’s and 80’s. I could find them also in the storage room or attic of my parent house though, it is very fun to find something special in your memories from those record racks. It would definitely remind you of your youthful memories very quickly.

I am sure, if you are curious about Japanese popular, folk music like Enka, Minyo or Kayou-kyoku, those are also in those stores.

Japanese city pop treasure “Mayonaka no door”.
“Shimauta”is based on Okinawa folk music, which is also covered by Alfredo Casero in Argentina.

Electric guitar brand products are, like Fender, Gibson, Martin, and many musical instruments brands in various shops at Ochanomizu and Jimbocho (Jimbocho is very close to Ochanomizu) area. There are also famous for gathering delicious curry restaurants area. After finding special vinyls and guitars, spicy curry lunch would be waiting for you.

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Used books flea market @Kanda, Jimbocho in 2024!

Believe it or not, Japanese is “bookworm”.

One of the reasons why Japanese books and comics have been enthusiastically published by Japanese publishers for almost a century is, just because they are bookworms.

Japanese TV anime show started in 1963, it was “Tetsuwan Atom (Astro Boy)” written by Osamu Tezuka. But still, Japanese kids were, not only reading comic magazines (Mangas) but also watching TV anime show. For example, “Dragon Ball” by Akira Toriyama, “One Piece” by Eiichiro Oda, was still really loved by Japanese people both animes and comics. They are legendary & symbolic authors in Japanese comic history!

The season has come for bookworms! “Kanda used book festival in 2024” started on 25th October until 4th November.

Kanda, Jimbocho area is broadly known as “booktown” in Tokyo. “Kanda used book festival” is held only once a year, the festival covers flea markets and many events, deals with used books, video, CDs, drawing, painting, and etc, more than 1 million of books are exhibited.

I am a kind of niche collectors of “Ukiyoe hanga 浮世絵版画”and cult movie pamphlet (brochures of cult movies which especially directed by foreign creators). I opened my eyes wide, found a couple of brochures of 80’s movie, some Ukiyoe hangas. I was so happy to find treasure buried in a heap of garbage. I prefer looking for treasure in flea markets to participate in internet auctions!!

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Ninja and Shogun – Japanese medieval mind game- rebellion against Tokugawa- below the surface

Ninja was – because they were supposed to vanish around the end of 20th century -But people, especially foreigners believe that their descendants are still living in small villages anywhere in japan like “Ninja no Sato”.

Yes, their descendants are still alive, especially Iga-Ninja(伊賀忍者)、Koga-Ninja(甲賀忍者)、Agatsuma-Sanada Ninja(吾妻真田忍者) are very famous, then, the some real descendants and performers are teaching Nin-jyutsu(忍術) to tourists just as an entertainment below,

伊賀忍者博物館

https://koka.ninpou.jp/

https://agatsuma-ninja.com/

However, Ninja used to be treated – secret agents, private detectives, spies – were hired by Shogun and local Samurai, to play an important role in medieval Japan.

Some says Ninja exist at the beginning of 15th century to the end of 20th century. From the end of 15th century, samurai turned into local feudal loads(Daimyo), they gradually controlled their province.

After victory of the battle of Sekigahara, Ieyasu Tokugawa unified Japan as a one country in 17th century. But at that time, Japan was still divided around 68 territories. Daimyos who contributed to Sekigahara, were given Han（dominion）where closed to Edo(Tokyo), On the other hand, Daimyos who were opposed to Ieyasu Tokugawa while Sekigahara, were shunted off to faraway. They are called “Tozama(外様)Daimyo”.

In this way, Tokugawa and Tozama(外様)Daimyo – below the surface battles began! For exsample, some Tozama Daimyos began import and export trade with foreign countries secretly. Some Tozama Daimyos tried to rise in rebellion against Tokugawa Bakufu. Furthermore, Since Tokugawa banned believing Christianity, Christians plotted treason against Tokugawa in Nagasaki.

Meanwhile, Tokugawa hired many Ninjas for investigating local movements, also Tozama Daimyos hires Ninjas to win those information warfare as well.

So that Ninja was very important existence both of Tokugawa and Tozama Daimyo.

Now, Ninjas are famous – under the influence of comics and animes “Naruto” “Nintama” and drama “House of Ninjas(Ninja-no-ie)”.

Japanese people might think – Ninjas had gone –not exist in present, but you know, Ninjas are spies, they should have just kept his or her head down, hunkered down. Believe it or not, your neighbors might be Ninja!! and Ninja-no-Ie!

By the way, female Ninja are called “Kuno-ichi”. Because “female” is described “女“in Kanji letters, so it can be broken in three parts as

“女”= ”く　ノ　一“ く＝ku, ノ＝no, 一＝ichi,

This is very funny cryptography, right??

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Beautiful fireworks and spend a relaxing times with our ancestors’ spirits at hometown – Japanese erstwhile summer vacation

Companies in Japan, officially allow Japanese workers to have two long vacations for a whole year – in summer and in winter. We call them “Bon yasumi” (盆休み　summer vacation), “Shogatsu yasumi”(正月休み　winter vacation) respectively.

Bon yasumi is set for welcoming our ancestors’ souls from the graves of dead ancestors of the family cemetery to present clans’ homes.

Ohaka – a grave in cemetery

Bon festivals take place in the clan’s home around mid-July or mid-August. In this festival a variety foods are offered to the spirits of ancestors, and their repose prayed for.

People who have moved to the cities to work return to their hometowns during this period.

Hakamairi – visiting the family’s grave

In towns and villages across the country people wearing Yukata(light cotton kimono), gather for outdoor dances known as Bon Odori (盆踊り) and fireworks(花火) for sympathizing with the spirits of the ancestors.

Bon Odori Stage
Wearing Yukata and Bon Odori dance

Visiting a family grave manners (墓参り) commonly would be done in Higan(彼岸).Higan is two periods of seven days with the middle day falling the spring or autumn equinox. Higan means “the other shore” or “in nirvana” in English.

Old Japaneses believed that since our ancestors’ spirits may recall during Higan, so visiting family graves means seeing and talking with our ancestors while Buddhist rites carrying out.

However, modern busy lifestyle deprives our time of visiting the family’s grave(墓参り）. Nowadays, Japanese people have a tendency to close their family’s graves. So to speak,people prefer to be buried as joint funeral with others in huge cemetery. Or we have some choices like – burial with plants, burial at ocean, etc.

Then, when it comes to have no time to visit family’s grave, sometime we ask for professional agents who visit our family’s graves in our behalf. Some temples provide users for online Hakamairi. Even though you can’t visit family’s grave physically, don’t worry! you could access to the temple’s site to see your ancestors and dead family members virtually!!

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Are you experienced? The sacred sunrise from the top of Japan – Mt.Fuji Climbing!

One of the most famous iconic symbol of Japan is Mt.Fuji.

-If you can just get your mind together

Then come on across to me

We’ll hold hands, and then we’ll watch the sunrise –

– “Jimi Hendrix “Are you experienced?”-

Mt.Fuji’s climbing rule changes for the 2024 mountain opening.

*Access restrictions will be imposed – Maximum 4000 people per a day.

*Restricted access the Yoshida trail gate at the fifth station will be closed from 4p.m. to 3a.m.

*Hiking fee 2000 yen should be made on the day or paid in advance on the Yamanashi Prefecture reservation system site.

*Optional donation will be appreciated – 1000 yen for conservation of Mt.Fuji’s environment.

Yes, Mt.Fuji is still beautiful when you look up the iconic mountain in the vicinity of the area. But it is not enough. Seeing is believing!! That must be true.

Let’s try to climb to the mountain and feel special moment & atmosphere at the top of Mt.Fuji.

I am not sure you can see the beautiful sunrise from the top of mountain, because mountain’s weather is always changing and Mt.Fuji has been told as “capricious volcano” for the last 1000 years. Yes, don’t forget, Mt.Fuji is just a dormant volcano right now. The last volcanic eruption in the past 500 years happened in 1707, while the edo era of Japan. In 2024, Mt.Fuji is volcanic level is level 1, potential for increased activity.

You might miss an unforgettable mountain view for good if you procrastinate to climb to the mountain this time. As I mentioned before, Mt.fuji is capable of eruption at any time.

You have a couple of choices of trails and trips.

From Yamanashi Pref. – Yoshida Trail is expected to open on July 1st – September 10th in 2024.

From Shizuoka Pref. – Subashiri Trail – July 10 to September 10, Gotenba Trail-July 10 to September 10, Fujinomiya Trail – July 10 to September 10 (Trail between 5th and 6th station: open from July 1).

Night climbing will not be allowed without staying in a mountain hut.

Most of climbers decide to stay one night at mountain houses (huts) where is stood in the level 8 of the mountain, but some of them, especially young people from foreign countries, try to climb it one night without having rest. It is called “Dangan Tozan 弾丸登山”- means “Bullet Climbing”. Bullet Climbing causes altitude sickness, hypothermia, risk of fall, crowded path to the top and so on.

https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/

Please read the official site above carefully, you should not force yourself to make an excessive schedule.

Shadow of Mt.Fuji – what it calls “Sakasa Fuji” – inverted Fuji.

It will be likely to be hot out, make sure you stay hydrated, and bring a long-sleeve t-shirt with you, because the mountain top is very very cold and windy!!

There is the Fuji-san Hongu Asama Taisha shrine and a post office in the top of Mt.Fuji, you can buy special souvenirs and post cards which you can mail it to your family & friends from the top of the mountain! It must be unforgettable experience in your life.

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Sanrio fan’s paradise! Let’s get together @ Sanrio Café in Ikebukuro or Kamakura!

One of the most famous super star of Japan is Hello Kitty by Sanrio.

She always acts as a liaison between foreign countries and Japan. She is playing the  biggest role as an ambassador of Kawaii Culture.

I visited Sanrio Café in Ikebukuro. There are many Kawaii characters of Sanrio, Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pom Pom Purin, Kuromi, etc.

https://www.sanrio.co.jp/special/sanriocafe/

To say nothing of Ikebukuro, is also famous for Otome 乙女road where has lot of girl’s otakuオタク(nerd) shop paradise. There are many stores of amime goods in Otome road. Especially Fujyoshi腐女子 (girls who really love to B.L.(boy loves boy) comics and animes)) must be fascinated by these flamboyant world!

On the contrary to, Akihabara is the paradise of otaku guys or geeks 🙂 who love lolita girls and cute school girls’ animes. The area has a concentration of computers, video games, anime goods, retro games, dvds, home appliance stores in Akihabara.

Oh no, I am getting off the track. Ok, I am back to the main topic, sanrio café.

Sanrio stores can be found everywhere in Japan. But Sanrio cafés are only located in Ikebukuro (Tokyo wards) and Kamakura (Kanagawa prefecture).

I ordered Kuromi soda(iced coffee with black sesame taste icecream)

And Kuromi pancake!(chocolate pancake) @Sanrio Cafe. Cause I am a big fun of Kuromi.

  • Hangyo-Don
  • Kuromi Soda & Kuromi Pancake

Kuromi has gothloli(abbreviation of gothic lolita) look with black costume and wearing heavy make up(look like the rock band Kiss!).

According to Hello Kitty Wiki, https://hellokitty.fandom.com/wiki/Kuromi

  • Kuromi
  • My Melody

Kuromi (クロミ, Kuromi) is My Melody‘s rival, who is a white rabbit or imp-like creature wearing a black jester’s hat with a pink skull on the front and a black devil’s tail. The skull’s facial expression changes to match Kuromi’s mood. Fittingly, her birthday is Halloween (October 31st). Her name translates from Japanese to English as “black beauty”.

Kuromi’s appearance is also similar to those of cartoon characters from the 1990s such as Pichu from Pokémon. Kuromi has become a popular character for the punk, scene, and goth crowds due to her appearance.

If Hello Kitty and My Melody were angels, Kuromi would be a sweet little demon. She has just irresistible charms for gothic lolita-lovers. Don’t you think she is intriguing anything against My Melody above, do you?

Let’s enjoy the sub-culture paradise of Ikebukuro and Sanrio café!

Please stop by Ikebukuro area and see around Otome road. Also Ike-buses池袋バス are available from the east exit of JR Ikebukuro station. The fare is 100 yen.

  • Ikebukuro Sanrio Gift Store
  • Animate @Otome road
  • Ike-Bus route map
  • Ike-Bus station @ the east exit of JR Ikebukuro

Sanrio goods are also available at Ginza and Asakusa, Shibuya. You can find many small Sanrio stores on the website below,

https://stores.sanrio.co.jp/en/tokyo

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Tokyo flower festivals – Ueno, Kameido, Katushika, Edogawa,Kinshicho Explore – Tokyo retro eastern area!

As I mentioned in the previous posting, cherry blossom blooming – initiates new semester and new businesses year in Japan, because cherry blossoms commonly bloom in the beginning of April. (However, under the influence of global warming, cherry blossoms have been blooming and scattering during March the last few years in Tokyo area).

Iris Festival – Horikiri Shobu-en

Cherry blossom blooming season is one of the famous highlights of Japanese sightseeing, moreover you admire flower blooming scenery, we could introduce you some famous flower festival spots in Tokyo.

In Kameido(JR Sobu Line station), where is famous for The Plum Tree Festival from February to March at Kameido Tenjin Shrine. After that, Wisteria Festival takes place in the middle of April. There is over 300 tress of plum and beautiful wisteria trellis – consists of over 50 trees of wisterias.

Wisteria Festival at Kameido Tenjin Shrine

If you have a sweet tooth, you may try to have famous Japanese traditional sweets – Kuzumochi(葛餅) in Funabashi-ya in Kameido – the shop is located in close to Kameido Tenjin Shrine.

Kuzumochi with Kinako and Kuromitsu

In Katushika, Edogawa, there is famous Flower Irises Festival during May and June.

The flower garden names are, Horikiri Shobu-en, (Edogawa) Koiwa Shobu-en, respectively. Horikiri Shobu-en and Edogawa can be reached by Keisei line. Only 5 or 10 minutes walk takes you to those flower irises gardens.

In the rainy season begins June in Tokyo, hydransias start to bloom.

At the Kinshi（cho） Park is one of interesting selfie spot – with Tokyo Skytree Tower and hydransias and you!

Ueno, Kameido, Katushika, Edogawa, Kinshicho, are located in Tokyo eastern area, also are called “Shita-machi(下町)“downtown area in Tokyo” including Yanaka(谷根千) area.

You can explore retroactive atmosphere in deep, old Tokyo eastern area and enjoy this short escape from neo-futuristic city of Tokyo !!

Those flower gardens above are – all free of charge! Yeah!!

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Kappa Bashi Dogugai （合羽橋道具街）- for all enthusiasts of cooking utensils & kitchen gadgets!

Do you know Kappa Bashi Dogugai(合羽橋道具街)Tokyo?

If you are a professional chef, even though nothing but an amateur cook, you will be fond of this town. There are many kitchen wares and supplies in many genres of cuisines tools for professional cooks in everywhere Kappa Bashi.

Just five to ten minutes walk will take you to Kappa Bashi Dougugai from Asakusa station. It is located in between Asakusa to Ueno.

  • Asakusa Gojyuno-to
  • Asakusa Kaminari-mon
  • Ueno Park

The landmark of Kappa Bash is “The Big Shef” from Niimi Youshokki Store at the corner of south end in Kappa Bashi Dogugai street.

I just stop by this street to find a couple of knife sharpener of my own knives.

Even old, rusty, dull, flawed knives are likely to be renewed by using three types of knife sharpener (Toishi砥石) from coarse to fine textures. The knife sharpener experience was a kind of magic, exhilarating. My own knife became almost brand-new one!!

Knife sharpener lessons on site are available in Kappa Bashi Dogugai.

Also, you can find out many lesson videos @You Tube.

Nothing would need to have an elaborate training for sharpening knives. Don’t be afraid and not to be too much meticulous. Learning useful tips of knife maintenance will make your knives long-lasting. It is also contributing to sustainable living.

Maybe you also like plastic food samples. I like them too. They are look like real dishes and fresh foods. Small food sample of magnets, key holders are also good for souvenirs.

Japanese Hashi(箸)and Yunomi(湯呑み)ceramics, dishes, Tekki(鉄器),Sake bottles(徳利)and cups(御猪口) are very cute and have a varieties of colors, textures.

  • ironwares store
  • lantern store

If you plan to go to Asakusa, Ueno, don’t forget to stop by Kappa Bashi Dogugai. But one point that I need to mention, most of stores of Kappa Bashi will be closed on Sunday and generally open 9a.m. to 5p.m. Don’t be late, don’t procrastinate to visit there and enjoy finding your precious curios – @ Kappa Bashi Dogugai!!

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R.I.P. Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yukihiro Takahashi – Techno Pop Giant Y.M.O.

R.I.P. Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yukihiro Takahashi – Techno Pop Giant Y.M.O.

I was really fascinated by their fashion and music, furthermore, bedazzled by their neo-futuristic image performance when the first time I found Y.M.O.

No one could resist 80’s technopop movement in Japan, To say nothing of, they were the top of the top – the trio band Y.M.O. (abbreviation of Yellow Magic Orchestra) Everyone realized they are “special” at that time. Even nothing but a small girl (me!) who was not familiar with music scene back then.

They had immense influence on later music scene, inclusively fashion, art, range from pop culture to sub culture in Japan.

They wore make-up in the stage and played the coolest instrumental techno tunes, sometimes played standup comedies, especially Mr.Sakamoto is widely known as a famous actor, also as the great composer of the films “ Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” “The Last Emperor” “The Sheltering Sky”.

I can’t describe my feelings… a part of me just died…my youth is forever gone…I can’t find the exact word to express how deeply I mourned the news.

Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away the end of March, 2023.

I got just shocked Yukihiro Takahashi’s news three month ago. He was also Y.M.O. member who was known as a “precise” “super technique” drum player.

Surprisingly, suddenly I found the fact that we lost 2 members of Y.M.O. out of the three.

R.I.P. Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yukihiro Takahashi – Their music forever!

Rydeen at comedy show (that’s why they were wearing typical middle age guys’ costumes, but their play was terrific!!)

The film – Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence