Lost In Translation

Two-tone tights

2012-02-01T04:42:00.000-08:00

That was pretty skillful photo booth positioning

I am wearing the two-tone tights from American Apparel. I would never wear those back in Canada, but in Tokyo it seems fitting. Since I write for fashion, I think I should try to be a little bold with my style choices and try different things, as Tokyo is perfect for experimenting. What do we think? Too wild, Japan-appropriate only, or liking it?

Tokyo Events: Roarrr

2012-02-01T04:26:00.000-08:00

Photo by Sophia!

I often receive messages from readers and friends, asking me about Tokyo's nightlife and party recommendations. Music is the most important part for me, so I like to attend events which feature great DJs.

This Friday, my friend Trent (and Sniff Sniff organizer extraordinaire) is throwing a party called "Roarrr" at Trump Room, presenting a handful a great DJs on two different floors. I've always had such a blast at the past Sniff Sniff parties, as seen here and here. Those parties will always bring back memories of first moving to Tokyo and all the excitement of this crazy city, hanging out and dancing with Sophia, and meeting loads of new friends who came and went.

My dear friends Rob and Mike from 2Princes are DJing that night, and as usual I know they'll play an incredible set (and I cannot thank Prince Ness enough for always sneaking in a song in there he knows I love). Fellow Tokyo dwellers Paul and Sébastien from Unusual Club will also be performing, along with one of Tokyo's most famous fashion bloggers, Misha from Tokyo Fashion Diaries. A string of other famous Tokyo and guest DJs will be playing as well, making it another memorable night I'm sure.

Well, this is an invitation. If you live in Tokyo or are visiting Japan at the moment, please drop by this event, come say hello and come dancing, I promise it will be good. It starts at 11pm, so be prepared for an all nighter, Tokyo style!

Tokyo Events: Style Band Tokyo 2012

2012-01-31T03:06:00.000-08:00

On Sunday evening I had the chance to attend a showcase of local indie bands, Style Band Tokyo 2012, organized by the ever excellent Tokyo Indie. It featured established Tokyo bands such as noise group Guitar Wolf, alongside up and coming artists and DJs on every floor. Guitar Wolf was probably the highlight of the night, but N`夙川BOYS (pronounced n'shukugawa) was the most fascinating for me, with great costumes, sound, and stage presence. I also loved the long-haired boys of Bo Ningen, who gave a crazy, energetic performance. I highly recommend clicking on those links and checking out those amazing Tokyo artists.

As I mention regularly, seeing live concerts is something I deeply miss from back home. Many great bands visit Tokyo and we also have a plethora of local talent, but gigs in Japan are pricey and usually very early. Thankfully it's always possible to catch DJ sets such as Metronomy and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who both had members performing at Trump Room over the last few weeks.

Despite the fact that it was a Sunday night, it was one of the best nights I've had in Tokyo, full of excellent music, performances, hanging out backstage, dancing and not wanting to catch last train.

N'shukugawa Boys (and a girl)

My friends (and Charming Men) Mike and Matthew from Gypsy Badman

DJ and highly skilled photographer Jake, aka Le Champ

A cute DJ wearing a shirt that matches my headband

Found: a hipster, toy camera, beads and vintage sweater (Prince Ness)

Bo Ningen. I wish my hair was longer.

Bo Ningen, getting a tad crazier

Yeah! Onstage stripping!

I love Tokyo music scene.

Japanese Anime

2012-01-30T05:42:00.000-08:00

Me, in manga form.

Pretty dead on, with the hair and purple ribbon and coy demeanor.

Tokyo Neighbourhoods: Azabu-Juban

2012-01-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

Even though I've lived in Tokyo for five months, I still have so much exploring to be done. Tokyo is massive, and I tend to stick to familiar areas such as Shibuya, Nakameguro, Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama as I feel quite comfortable there.

Yet, Tokyo is full of secrets and neighbourhoods I had no idea even existed, such as charming Azabu-Juban. This area is a mere steps away from the infamous Roppongi (infamous for its high number of foreigners and seedy nightlife and a particular night I wish to forget)- yet is quite the opposite of it. Cobblestone streets, cake shops, French cafés, narrow streets, it's one of Tokyo's most sought after living areas.

On Saturday afternoon, I met up with my Japanese teacher, a sophisticated, cultured lady who has traveled the world and who always introduces me to Tokyo gems and bits of Japanese culture. She gave me a tour of Azabu-Juban, starting with a visit to a shrine to pray for the new year, followed by a double crème café at French restaurant Le Petit Tonneau. I'm always happy whenever I get the chance to use my mother tongue, and I happily conversed with the staff.

For dinner, we walked over to Gonpachi, a popular Japanese restaurant with a particular decor. In fact, it was used as inspiration for the movie Kill Bill, and it did offer a pretty cozy, warm atmosphere. We shared some izakaya-style Japanese finger foods, accompanied with cocktails. It was such a pleasant Saturday to be in company of an interesting lady and to learn more about Japan and its culture and language.

Le Petit Tonneau, Azabu-Juban

People-watching

Tempura at Gonpachi

Beef stew + mojito (wild!)

Kill Bill!

Cold January Nights

2012-01-30T03:25:00.000-08:00

Mike, to me: "Why are you in a carpenter's workshop?"

We, Tokyoites don't let the chilly January temperatures bring us down. Some friends and I braved the cold and sat outside for some burgers at my favourite joint Whoopi Goldburger in Shibuya, along with some heaters, blankets, and strong drinks.

Tokyo winter is brutal. It's much warmer than any given day in Canada, but the cold is bitter and there are no ways to escape it really. In that case, we just embrace it...

I need more female friends (no offense boys I adore you)

Helena Bonham burger: avocado

Best Japanese Chocolate: Rummy

2012-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

I'm currently obsessed with this rum and raisin chocolate called Rummy. Even though it bears an unfortunate name, the taste is amazing and I feel sorry I missed out on it for the past few years. I was very skeptical since names and packaging are important to me, but it proved to be the opposite. I probably would have never tried it on my own because I'm such a snob, but I'm glad I was introduced to this heavenly snack. Each bite has some actual raisin bits and liquor. I highly recommend it to impress guests (and show sophistication despite the awful packaging), or just to create a new little obsession. Believe me, it works.

It deserved it own entry.

January Tokyo

2012-01-24T03:05:00.000-08:00

January had a slow start, but it suddenly turned into a frantic yet exciting time, with lots of projects and fun gallivanting around Tokyo. After nearly a month spent detoxing from the holiday indulgences and trying to get back into a healthy routine, I finally braved the chilly nights to dip my toes back into Tokyo's nightlife. Here's a glimpse of the past few days:

My Korean friend Daehyun flew to Tokyo for the weekend, and we had the chance to catch up and explore the nightlife and reminisce about our days in Seoul.

I couldn't resist a picture of Rilakkuma holding a donut at Hara Donuts in Shimokitazawa. That's how cute Japan is. And no, I would never eat two donuts.

Lately I've been eating lots of take out sushi, along with avocado + cucumber salads. It's probably just a phase, but a good one.

It was Mike's birthday and he dressed up as Justin Bieber for an art performance in Nakano.

My friend Gordon sporting his latest acquisition. He speaks the truth... I think.

My friend Mayumi-chan, aka Aerobics Girls, DJing at Trump Room in Shibuya. Great dancing music as usual, I love this girl! And thanks for the birthday present.

Metronomy also had a DJ set later that night at Trump, it was upbeat and crowded and amazing. And I would like to say hello to two people in particular who came up and said hi to me, I'm very flattered you read this blog and I feel very thankful for meeting such cool people through this page.

My friend K. and I ate hummus and pita for the first time in ages, I adore Saturday brunch, especially followed by a ballet recital.

Saturday night was another edition of the excellent dance party Hindu Love at Echo Shibuya. It was packed, sweaty and the music played until sunrise.

Echo Shibuya is probably my favourite venue in Tokyo, it feels like your own living room.

I browsed record shops and vintage shops in Shimokitazawa, and found out there is loads more within walking distance of my house, north of Shimokitazawa.

I ate udon at a shop bearing the name "Marugame", just like my old stomping grounds in Shikoku. The udon was on par with Kagawa's fare, but it will never be the same in the middle of Shibuya. It was still amazing.

This song.

And, there was snow in Tokyo, I woke up this morning and it looked like Canada, it was quite nice. I like January.

Tokyo Haircuts: Watanabe

2012-01-20T02:14:00.000-08:00

Hair by Kenichi Momoi

To be fair, I've always had really satisfying experiences getting my hair cut in Japan, whether it was in Shikoku or Osaka. Finding a great hair salon is a challenge in a new city, but thankfully Tokyo has the best in the country.

I first read about Watanabe Hair Dressing through my friend Julie's excellent blog, and since I trust her impeccable taste, I gave it a try. I have visited the salon twice already, and I am more than pleased with the results- in fact, it's the very best haircut and treatment I have ever had, and I only have excellent reviews for the place. They cater to the foreigner crowd: most of the stylists speak English and some have worked abroad, thus are used to non-Japanese hair (which has a very different texture and thickness).

My haircut at Watanabe was a full experience involving a back and head massage, hot towels and lavender essential oils, cutting, styling, and conditioning. My hair stylist is Kenichi Momoi, and I highly recommend booking an appointment with him: he is so professional and pleasant to work with, made me feel extremely comfortable and knows exactly what is best for different types of hair (I tried to talk him into giving me a fringe, but he warned me against it, as it wouldn't work with my thick, wavy texture).

All the staff at the salon is highly qualified and professional: two of my friends raved about Chie Funakura, another stylist there. In fact I have only heard amazing, positive feedback from a handful of friends who have visited the salon before. It's by far the best haircut I've had in ages, and I am loving that place so much! If you live in Tokyo or even just visiting, you should book an appointment there. It's located near Harajuku station, click here for the information.

I seriously applaud any stylist who can somehow manage to turn my lion's mane into a sleek cut.

Haircut = Photobooth session.

Thank you, Momoi!

Shin-Okubo: Tokyo's Korea Town

2012-01-16T04:42:00.000-08:00

Korean banchan: bring it on.

This evening, my friend Valerie and I hit the Shinjuku adjacent area of Shin-Okubo for some much-craved Korean fare. Even though I used to complain about Korean food being too spicy for my taste while living in Korea, I miss it a lot and need my regular dose, as it became part of my lifestyle for that year.

Thankfully Tokyo has a rather sizable Korea Town, which is located a few minutes away from the infamous Kabukicho near Shinjuku station. I think the most interesting part of the night was walking through hordes of hosts getting ready for the night and the love hotel-lined streets... but let's move on to the food part!

We feasted on the typical Korean BBQ, which features strips of grilled pork that are meant to be wrapped into lettuce leaves and topped with vegetables and chili paste. We also shared kimchijeon, a pancake filled with kimchi and spring onion, possibly my favourite Korean dish. What I miss most about Korean food are the various side dishes that come along, banchan, and sampling a little bit of everything for a pleasurable and balanced meal.

Shin-Okubo is also filled to the brim with everything exuding Korean pop culture, from shops to restaurants and cafés, to street signs all in hangul. It's a very lively neighbourhood, with the same street food stalls and grilled meat aromas so typically found everywhere in Korea. I'm always quite nostalgic of my days living in Seoul, but I'm lucky it's so easily accessible from where I live now.

A depiction of Gyeonghuigung

I can still read hangul skillfully!

Grilled meat + vegetables

Wrap it all up

This pig followed me and touched me.

Tokyofaces: Tokyo Street Style

2012-01-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

I think Tokyo offers some of the most interesting and eclectic fashions in the world- anything goes, and everyone is very unique in their personal style. Like nowhere else in the world, Tokyo is a place to experiment and I can tirelessly people-watch all day, as I see the most fascinating and creative combinations.

I was recently introduced to an excellent street style blog called Tokyofaces, which in my opinion captures perfectly the essence and uniqueness of Tokyoites. The photography is equally gorgeous, and it features familiar neighbourhoods as well as daily updates.

I highly recommend browsing through it (then trying to stop!), and following it to keep up with the Tokyo beat. By far my new favourite.

Photos: tokyofaces.com

Japan sounds: Miaou

2012-01-14T21:43:00.000-08:00

I have been listening to more Japanese bands lately, and discovered loads of great music. I've especially been loving Miaou, a Tokyo-based group. I had the chance to see them performing live in a small, albeit packed Shimokitazawa venue, and they blew my mind. Their sound could be described as instrumental, dream-pop, mixing guitars and synth for a pretty sonic mash-up.

Click here to fill your ears with some beautiful sounds! And, what's not to love about the name?!

miaou - into your pocket by Teto Records

Instagram

2012-01-14T02:02:00.000-08:00

Follow me on Instagram for random slices of life in Japan! My user name is vivianmorelli. How clever.

Tokyo: Health and Fitness

2012-01-14T00:22:00.000-08:00

Although getting a stomach flu might seem like the best way to trim down post-holidays, I do not recommend it and there are far better ways to start the year in a healthy way.

Here is an article I wrote for Tokyo Weekender, about healthy living in Tokyo, but I'm sure it can also apply to anywhere else.

Pick up your copy in Tokyo

Healthy Living in Tokyo: 10 tips

Having a little trouble zipping up those jeans after indulging on a few too many holiday treats? Follow these simple guidelines for a no-fail detox plan for the new year... and for a healthier Tokyo lifestyle throughout the year.

1. Lace up your sneakers, and go for a run! It's free, and it's an excellent workout in this crisp weather. Great running paths can be found in Tokyo, such as Yoyogi Park and along Tama and Meguro Rivers. For beginners, the key is to work out in intervals and build up endurance, and I suggest trying the fun "Couch-to-5K" running plan: www.coolrunning.com

2. Find a new hobby. While in Japan, why not try one of the traditional martial arts: judo, karate, aikido, kendo, just to name a few. If it's not your cup of tea, sign up for a yoga or dance class, or swim a few laps at the municipal swimming pool. Visit your ward's webpage to find the nearest community centres.

3. Eat healthy Japanese foods. Step away from heavy quantities of white rice, deep fried foods (pork cutlets tonkatsu, fried chickenkaraage, tempura), sugary red bean paste anko, and the plethora of available Kit Kat flavours. Instead, opt for brown or wild rice, fresh fish, add some grains and beans to your diet, stock up on protein-high tofu and delicious seasonal vegetables.

4. Quick and healthy picks. With conbini and vending machines on every street corner, it can be difficult to resist their assortment of tasty and high-calorie snacks and refreshments. Make wise choices, as convenience stores are full of healthy fare: salads, balanced bento boxes, sushi, frozen edamame, and winter dish oden.

5. (Less) bottoms up. If a non-drinking lifestyle doesn't sound fun, at least bring some small changes into your habits: stick to simple drinks such as wine and beer, ditch the sugar-high mixers, have your liquor on the rocks, and alternate every drink with a glass of water (and thank me later).

6. Japanese cuisine made easy! Try this healthy and simple avocado and tuna rice bowl: marinate thickly sliced maguro tuna into a mixture of soy sauce and wasabi paste, then place on top of steamed rice, along with avocado slices. Sprinkle shiso leaves and sesame seeds on top, pour some marinade, and enjoy a scrumptious meal.

7. Get some sleep. A restful night can significantly improve your health: it lowers stress levels, which in turn lowers your cravings for sweets and fattening foods, and gives you added energy to stay active. It is recommended to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and to keep a regular schedule throughout the week.

8. Stay active, and see Tokyo. Walk instead of riding the train for short distances, cycle to work and for leisure, and take fun day trips out and around Tokyo: sauntering at Yoyogi Park, exploring a new neighbourhood, hiking Mount Takao or Mount Fuji and the surrounding area, or sightseeing in Kamakura or Nikko.

9. Quench your thirst. Staying hydrated will keep you from munching on unnecessary snacks. Steer clear of soda and artificial juice: water, green tea, roasted barley tea, and sparkling water are far better choices. Try a zest of lemon, orange or yuzu to spruce up your water.

10. Hidden workouts. Shopping as cardio? Dancing until the early hours? Missing last train and walking home? More sex? Be creative!

by Vivian Morelli

January chillwave

2012-01-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

I have just emerged from a week spent sleeping and hibernating due to some atrocious stomach flu. I have cabin fever and haven't had a proper meal in days, and I've been daydreaming about all kinds of foods. All I have been doing is writing, sleeping, dreaming about my next meals (and all the ones I've missed), making playlists for my friends and listening to chillwave.

Numazu, Shizuoka

2012-01-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

(or, the best sushi ever)

Over the course of my holiday, I had the chance to spend some much-needed time outside of Tokyo, in the mountains of Shizuoka, near Mount Fuji. I visited a friend in a city called Numazu, which is a coastal city surrounded with the Japanese Alps and with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji, on a clear day. To be fair, I didn't get the best view of Fuji since it was cloudy, but the scenery was incredible. Numazu is also famous for its quality and freshness of fish, and I ate the very best sashimi I have ever had in my life. I once claimed that the sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo was the best in the world, but Numazu's has surpassed it. I feasted on thick pieces of red tuna, salmon and octopus on a bed of rice, accompanied with green tea: perhaps the most perfectly balanced meal ever, not to mention for a fraction of the price of Tokyo's establishments.

Numazu is only a 2-hour train ride from Tokyo, and the ride is extremely cheap as well. The scenic train journey was one of the best parts of the trip, as it offers an amazing view of mountains and the ocean. Numazu is a sizeable city, but it has a small town feel reminiscent of my days in Marugame. It made me very nostalgic of my life on Shikoku island, which I now cherish so much. I'm lucky the Japanese countryside charms are only a train ride away, and I'm thankful for local friends who expertly showed me around their home.

I highly recommend taking a day trip to Shizuoka if you're in Tokyo, to breathe some mountain air, eat fresh fish, and explore the Izu peninsula.

I still dream about this meal.

If you're in Numazu, hit this!

Fresh fish galore

Numazu station

Travel bags

Numazu River

View of Mt Fuji from Numazu (wishful thinking)

Numazu station

Après Holiday

2012-01-09T05:16:00.000-08:00

My holiday is over, and it's time to get serious again. No more holiday behaviour. I'm happy to get back into a healthy routine and run and get organized again, but I'll miss staying up all night.

When else do I get the chance to walk around Tokyo all night into deserted shopping arcades and robot parking lots, hang out at laundromats, drink ¥500 conbini wine and microwaved sake, and watch horrible movies until first train? If you haven't seen this, I strongly suggest it, as it's quite hilarious.

A laundromat in Tokyo

A laundry bag in the conbini

Conbini eggs

I'm still in awe of strawberries and cream sandwiches

Deserted shopping arcade

A parking lot for robots

It was a fun holiday, but I'm exhausted and thankful for new assignments.

I also drank a full can of maple syrup over the vacation.

Winter in Japan: A Survival Guide, Part 2

2012-01-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Kyoto, Japan

Japanese winter is very mild compared to home- my Japanese friends laugh when I tell them January here feels like a spring day in Canada. Yet, the temperatures in Japan do drop low, and it's nearly impossible to completely escape the cold. A lack of proper insulation and central heating is the main issue, and even though most apartments are equipped with an air conditioning unit, you have to be standing right under it in order to immediately benefit from the warmth.

As a Canadian and after three winters in Japan, I consider myself a near expert. It's possible to spend a toasty winter in my favourite season, and here is how:

Layers
When I was a little girl and spending hours on the ski slopes, my mom would make me wear several layers of socks and clothing- every Canadian knows that layering is the key! Long underwear (for boys) and tights (for girls) under your jeans, as well as layers of thermal undershirts will make a difference: Japanese chain Uniqlo has a great line of Heat Tech clothing, specially designed to keep warmth.

Cover up
The body loses heat from extremities, so it's important to cover your hands, head, and toes. A stylish winter hat (or tuque, as we call it in Canada), mittens (I love the kind with the cord that keeps them together, as I tend to lose them), gloves (lined for boys or more elegant leather ones for girls), chunky scarves and adequate footwear are essential.

Drink up
I stay warm by sipping tea throughout the day, which I keep in an insulated bottle. You can also easily purchase a selection of hot beverages from vending machines and convenience stores, which abound in Japan. At the evening, I love sharing mulled wine with friends, and here is an easy recipe: pour a bottle of red wine in a saucepan, add an orange and a lemon (peeled but full), and spice with cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg. Let simmer for several minutes before serving. In Japan, we also regularly drink hot sake or shochu, the local liquors. Delectable, and fun.

Eat warm foods
In Japan, foods tend to be very seasonal, and luckily winter has its own delicious variety. Nabe is probably my favourite: it's a hot pot, in which you can throw anything ranging from chicken to shrimp to kimchi, and seasoned with different broths, such as miso or soy. The best part is to share it with friends and slowly enjoy this meal. Another popular winter fare is oden, a dish consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon radish, tofu and fish cakes stewed in a soy broth. Oden is readily available at most convenience stores, and you can pick several items from a simmering pot.

Soak
Take a bath, Japanese style: shower and rinse throughly before entering the bath, in which you soak (and NOT wash, unlike in my home culture). Japan boasts with sento (communal bath house) and onsens (natural hot springs in which you can bathe and relax). I highly recommend getting over your fear of public nudity and trying them, as they are the outmost relaxing and soothing experience (minus the first visit, perhaps!)

Kotatsu
In Osaka, I luckily owned a kotatsu table: a low, wooden table covered with a futon or blanket, with a heat source generating from the table itself. Traditionally, most Japanese families kept warm around the kotatsu, but their popularity has decreased nowadays. I miss my kotatsu table, but I'm also relieved to not have it, as my whole social life revolved around my desire to never get away from the table.

And...
Lastly, don't forget to insulate your windows and door frames by simply taping around the edges or putting plastic sheets over it, like we do in Canada: saves lots of energy and money as well. Hot water bottles from MUJI can be placed in your futon to keep your feet warm. Having guests in your futon is another way to cope with winter, and you can blame the idea on me.

Stay warm!

{Read my Winter in Japan: A Survival Guide, Part 1}

Tokyo: I live here.

2012-01-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

I adore this video by Mark Bramley about Tokyo, it depicts perfectly the city I now call my home. It really captures Tokyo's unique beat and daily life scenes- wonderful work of art.

Lost in Tokyo from Mark Bramley on Vimeo.

Winter Style: My Picks

2012-01-04T22:56:00.000-08:00

I love dressing for winter, and I find cold temperatures offer way more stylish options than the summer months... must be because I'm Canadian!

Skip over to read about my style picks for Tokyo Weekender magazine!

My Tokyo Birthday

2012-01-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

My birthday is usually a low-key affair, with it being so close to New Year and Tokyo being a deserted place at that time of year- which is perfect for me, as I like understated events and celebrations. A few close friends, quality coffee, purple ribbons, a little robin egg blue something from home, hot ginger wine in posh Daikanyama, great great music, and a stint at my favourite Shibuya drinking locale.

"Am I Normal?"

The answer is yes.

Best birthday present, best art, best mix

Tokyo love

I love you for playing "Common People" by Pulp

Merci maman xx

You know where I ended up.

Birthday girl {dress, American Apparel}

New Years Day in Japan

2012-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

2012 is the year of the dragon. Even Kitty-chan dressed up!

The New Year celebration in Japan is called shogatsu and it's probably the most significant holiday of the year. Customs such as sending postcards to friends and family and creating mochi (rice cakes) take place. Traditional games are played, and families visit a shrine after midnight on December 31. Different New Year-specific foods are also consumed: osechi (a platter typically consisting of boiled seaweed, fish cakes, sweet potatoes, black soy beans), as well as a soup called ozoni, which is made of rice cakes and various ingredients according to each region of Japan.

Tokyo is usually a little empty, as most people return to their hometowns to spend time with their family. Although I luckily got to partake in some of those traditions (I sampled some foods, visited a shrine, and received gorgeous postcards), my own celebration was a bit more low-key, and centered around staying home: literally not leaving the house.

My friend Nicole was visiting from Kyoto, so we just lounged around the house in our pajamas and Christmas socks, and only left the house when I had the brilliant idea of baking cookies. Most shops are closed on New Years day and the following days, but thankfully we gathered enough ingredients for some creative baking (as well as a crêpes feast, take two). It was the laziest of days that ended with a shochu kampai ('cheers', in Japanese) with the rest of my house mates... not a bad way to spend the first bit of 2012.

Food binge + baking ambition

Happy New Year!

Love from Japan, and many thanks for reading and for your lovely comments and messages. xo

Happy New Year (with a shake).

2011-12-31T22:52:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, love from Japan.

The earth shook today (7.0 off the coast of Tokyo) as a rude and surprising awakening to 2012, perhaps just reminding us of its presence.

Thankfully everything seems fine, and Tokyo rang 2012 in its usual lively fashion. Although I was craving a low-key New Years' Eve celebration with a secret plan involving a bottle of quality bubbly and the coziness of my house and selfish self, many visiting friends and fellow Tokyo-ites convinced me that a fun night out would be a much better idea.

And it was. We all gathered in Shibuya and went to see a performance by British DJ Gold Panda and Japanese act De De Mouse, for a night of dancing and actually attending a proper concert, one of my favourite activities. It was the perfect way to end a fantastic 2011 and to welcome an exciting new year, surrounded with friends who have managed to make Japan feel like home.

Interesting Japanese fact: on New Years Eve, the traditional food to be eaten is soba noodles: toshikoshi soba. The concert venue/nightclub even served bowls of soba, which we devoured before midnight. Only in Japan.

Gold Panda at work

Fun fact: Gold Panda used to teach English in Japan.

In true Japan style, the night ended with a steaming bowl of ramen, a 7:00 am train ride on the Yamanote line amongst sleepy souls, and a gorgeous sunrise.

Ramen in Shibuya, mmm

The Yamanote line, my favourite.

Note: I highly recommend having a listen to the album Companion by Gold Panda (2011), and here are some tracks.

Holiday Behaviour

2011-12-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

Yet another Photo Booth gem

In Japan, I've adopted odd ways of spending my vacation time (if I'm not traveling), and here is how it usually goes: I lounge around my futon, text message randomly, google information and pictures, watch YouTube videos, eat all the food I have around the house because I'm too lazy to go out, take Photo Booth pictures (a strange habit I picked up here- I blame it on living in Marugame), listen to countless hours of music, read fashion magazines, bake cakes in my rice cooker, write letters and stay up all night.

I also like to reminisce and look through pictures and read journals and old blog posts. Two years ago today, I came to Tokyo for a few days, to ring in the new year. I was living in the rice fields of Shikoku, but wanted a slice of city life for the holidays. I stayed at my friend Yoshi's house, who welcomed me into his home and let me crash on his floor for as long as I wished. I remember being so mesmerized by Tokyo, even writing it was like bathing in chocolate soufflé, wishing I lived here.

I remember walking from Ikenoue station and getting lost in the maze that led to Yoshi's house, unaware that I'd be living in that very house two years later- pure coincidence. Life is crazy, like that. Even though some days it completely drives me out of my mind, I still think Tokyo is just as mesmerizing, and I'll never get tired of walking its streets and riding its crowded trains.

So yes. This is what I've been up to.

I also like to play this game where I go through pictures on my iPhone while listening to music, and take screen shots that make clever little captions.

This reminds me that I really should pack my bags and take a little winter trip to a different prefecture... stay tuned.

Fashimi: Top 10 Eats in Tokyo

2011-12-26T20:04:00.000-08:00

Skip over to my friend Sophia's wonderful blog to read about her Top 10 Eats of 2011 (Part 1) in Tokyo. I had the chance to try some of those places with her, and they really are as delicious as they look in her photos. If you are in Tokyo, I highly recommend trying one, two... or all of those places.

Ippudo ramen, my favourite kind.

Stay tuned for Part 2!