"Valuable advice about Japan."

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Trash can at Jusco.

So we moved to the U.S. It is definitely an experience. For example, even though I am American the large selection and quantity of goods is slightly overwhelming. I almost can't believe how cheap things are. I feel better about the future but of course it is hard to leave friends and family behind in Japan.

mt

I finally succumbed to the mt or masking tape craze. This tape is similar to regular masking tape but it's made of rice paper and is available in a variety of colors and patterns. You can stick and re stick it to many items without causing damage or leaving residue. For ideas I recommend visiting the mt site. You can also read the story behind the tape in both Japanese and English.

It's not satisfactory.

LAUGHING GOT TIRED

I saw this on the way out of a Carrefour shopping center. I was a little rushed because everything was closing. Also, I don't think you are allowed to take pictures but I couldn't resist. I love the look on the panda. Maybe I'll go back and see how much it costs but for now I am going to pocket the "laughing got tired" phrase.

Mini Giveaway!!!

WHY?: To make up for yet another long absence.

WHAT?: An envelope for the fall, a postcard for the spring, and a Rilakkuma (Relax bear) pin badge.



WHO?: This giveaway is open to anyone who is reading this.

HOW?: Just leave a comment showing your interest. Later I will randomly pick a winner and ask for your mailing address.

WHEN?: I'll consider all comments until September 25th midnight, Japan time.

ETA: Congratulations to Chie from Vivat Veritas!!!

going bananas at Tomato

This Tuesday I visited Nippori Textile Town for the first time. There are 91 shops in the area but I went straight to Tomato's main store. Although I didn't find anything in the 100 yen per meter section I still saved some money. The selection was amazing and it was good to see so much Japanese made fabric. My husband was helpful but I think I've created a monster or at least a fellow fabric piggy. I now have more shirts to sew. Here's the break down of our fabric haul:


(Cotton, texture will wash out. 1st floor) My husband found this at the bottom of a shelf. I think I'll sew a dress out of this. I'm starting to think a shirt dress might be cute?


(Cotton and linen. 1st floor) I don't know what I should make with this fabric. All I know is I love Russian dolls. Maybe I should sew something kitchen related? An apron?


(Cotton. 1st floor) This will be a dress or maybe a tunic?


(Cotton with polyester. 4th floor) This fabric is actually quite black and the design is shiny. A blouse or a dress?


(Cotton. 4th floor) Hubby shirt fabric. I anticipate going a little cross eyed when I sew on the pocket.


(Cotton. 4th floor) Hubby shirt fabric. We completely splurged on this one but I know it will be worth it.


(Canvas) This is from a store near Tomato. Hubby bag material.

We also picked up some shirt buttons at the Tomato notion store. Where I live it's difficult to find nice buttons for men's clothing so I figured we might as well take care of everything at once.

So, I have to say that Nippori is as great as everyone says it is and if you get the chance you should go.

(Passed)

Last December I took lowest level (level 4) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. It was cold and rainy. I was wondering why I had decided to pay money to take a test. I was using it for motivation but did I really study that much more? Yesterday I found out that I passed and I've never been so happy to pass a test. The highlight was my listening score, 94 points out of a hundred. So what now? Upward and onward I say. I never really looked at grammar before the test so I could study that and find out what's so special about all those particles. There are always thousands more kanji to learn. And, of course, I will keep listening.