Bye Bye January 2024

Bye January, the month that promises so much and hello February, the month that makes me realise that the promises were all empty.

Kasai Rinkai has loads of daffodils out at the moment near the big wheel.

We got a new futon! I don’t want to be dramatic, but when we first moved here, we bought a very cheap futon and have been using it for the last 7 years. When I say it was flat, I mean, it was almost pointless sleeping on it, we probably would have felt just the same level of comfort sleeping on the floor! ...

june memories 2023

june memories

The Rainy season in Kanto started on the 8th June this year but we haven’t had much rain. We’ve had lots of overcast days but also days with nice blue skies. The hydrangeas have been out in full force with all their pretty blues, purples, pinks and whites.

Some of my husband’s family came to visit Japan this June, so we met up with them when they were in Tokyo. We took them to Asakusa and had wonderful gelato at I’m mikan. I had a citrus flavour and milk – both were really good. My husband asked ...

march + april memories and may wish list 2023

march + april memories

Cherry blossom season was a bit up and down this year weather-wise. One day it would be lovely, bright, warm sunshine and the next it would be cold and rainy.

Each year, I try to go to one new place to see sakura and this year I managed a couple – locally, Tsukishima and Monzennakacho. We went on a night river cruise from Monzennakacho which was special.

My husband’s friend was in Tokyo during March/April and we went for monjayaki at Tsukishima. I’d never had it before and I didn’t think I’d care for it – ...

messy or not?

I’m messy. It really doesn’t bother me to sit in a room, surrounded by items strewn all over the place. I tend to know where everything is even though it’s like that. Contrary to home though, at work when I had an office job, my desk was always immaculate.

My husband is the opposite (as we are in most things). He prefers it tidy.

Which are you?
The messy slob (Emily) ...

A treat after japanese immigration

My husband took a day off to do some life admin. We thought, why not combine that with my admin – going to immigration to apply for ‘application for permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted’ or 「格外資格外活動許可申請書」?

‘It won’t take long. Just nip in and out, then free for the rest of the day.’ Oh, how we laughed! We were there for 4 and a half hours! And my folder was taken! It was a nice green, Sumikko Gurashi one with sections. They said it’ll take between one and ...