Taiyaki!

Small joys! I found this in my local supermarket one day. It’s pre-made Taiyaki (たい焼き) that you could buy and heat up at home. I used to eat Taiyaki in the Asian Culture Club in my College and I loved it. I knew you could buy it in Taiyaki shops over here, but pre-wrapped in the supermarket?!? Heck yes, I’m excited about that!

They’re a lot like pancakes or waffles, but with red bean paste inside them. They’re really delicious treats and I like them for breakfast or desserts especially.

Anyway, find a reason to smile today!

Wrapping Courtesy

Hi everyone!

This is probably going to be that weird post that you never expected to see, but I had to post about it because I was so thoroughly floored by it. (Boys beware, this is a girl's thing). Often times in the US, you go to the supermarket/pharmacy and the cashier stuffs everything into bags, not caring what is seen and not seen. Now at this point, you're probably used to this, as was I. So I was completely taken aback when this happened.

Above is a photo of the bag given to me at the pharmacy. In comparison to the rest of the bags given to me, it was not see through and it didn't look like a bag that had come from that store. So why did they give it to me and use this bag? Because in addition to buying tissues, paper towels, etc., I also had to pick up some feminine hygiene supplies. So when I went to check out, they noticed the pack, set it aside, and neatly put it away inside this different bag so that no one would see my feminine hygiene products or realize it was from any store in particular. Talk about courtesy wrapping! It was (and continues to be whenever I happen to go in for the same item) such a nice gesture that I just had to share.

Do something courteous today!

About "Japanese Language and Culture"

Everyone knows that Japanese Language and Culture is different and unique. I see it every day when I walk down the streets to work. As a constant mix of the old and new, Japan constantly surprises me. I can go to a major hub of commerce and then walk five minutes to find myself in the presence of an old Shinto Shrine.

Furthermore, wherever you turn, there's a mix of Kanji, Kana, and Romaji. While Japanese is not my native language, it was my minor in college and I find it to be very fun, beautiful, frustrating at times, and also a rewarding way of communicating with others. 

Here I hope to outline my personal discoveries and impressions on Japanese Culture and Language.  

About "Daily Life In Japan"

As a foreigner in Japan, or a Gaikokujin (外国人), there is so much to see and do. However, I often find it's the little things that are different that make life here a new adventure every day. In other words, it's one thing to be a tourist and another to be a resident (trust me, I've been both, I know!). 

So here you can find some of the things I experience as a current resident in Japan. From the food, to shopping, to getting around from place to place. 

More coming soon! :)