Hello Everyone~ I'm Jane ^^

Hi~ My name is Jane. I love drawing. Let’s draw together!

Birthday Fragrance →

The limited edition birthday fragrance I pre-ordered since August finally arrived around a week ago! After taking it out of the box, I could not resist to have a photoshoot on the perfume since the packaging designs are so wonderful. The outer box texture is paper, with some shiny parts on the name and numbers. There is also a part of he box colored with a gradient of purple and orange, resulting in an emotional atmosphere. The fragrance container itself has the color of a beautiful jade, perfect for the theme. As for the smell, it has a strong citrus essence when you first sprayed it, but after leaving it for sometime, the smell becomes soft and sweet - very refreshing and relaxing. Overall, I am really satisfied with this product!

Demon Slayer Movie →

On Wednesday, I went to watch Demon Slayer The Movie: Infinite Train (鬼滅の刃：無限列車編）at the cinema! Despite the COVID-19 situation, the cinema was unexpectedly full. There was literally no seat left empty. However, I do think the movie was really worth it. The animation, music, and voice acting complements each other in creating this masterpiece! The story was also magnificent, but audiences have to know about the first season of Demon Slayer before watching this movie. There were several emotional parts, especially the ending. I have lost count on how many times I cried, haha. Anyways, I recommend watching this movie at the cinema, especially for those who love anime, since it gives a whole new experience compared to watching it from your laptop screen!

Hello!

Hello everyone! My name is Mawi. I am excited to meet everyone, become your friend and be your teacher as well. :)

Tastes Like Heaven on Earth →

Last week was my best friend’s birthday. We celebrated by going to a cake shop located in Ebisu after school. The place is really small, only max for 5 people, but the interior design and menu is very engaging, despite its simplicity. My favorite was the chocolate cake. The bittersweet taste that melts in my mouth as soon as I took a bite left me speechless. The flavor mixes really well, and the texture is closer to a high quality chocolate rather than cake. This was one of the best cakes I have ever eaten in my life.

Transparent Toilet?! →

If you’ve been on social media in the past few weeks, I’m sure you’ve seen the viral transparent public restrooms in Japan! In normal condition, the insides are completely seen from outside. However, when you turn the lock from the inside, the walls no longer becomes transparent, as seen at the left side of the photo. These toilets are located in several areas in Tokyo. I went to the one beside Yoyogi Park, it was a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station. I heard that this project of displaying transparent restrooms has the purpose of promoting cleanliness. Who would’ve thought that it became a viral tourism spot!

Back in Tokyo →

Hey everyone, long time no see! I hope you are doing great. I am finally back in Tokyo right now. Also, I no longer live in Nakano area, I’ve moved to another dorm located at a place called Tanashi. Life has been wonderful so far! I went to Shibuya to meet my friend last week. After almost six months in Indonesia, I just realized how I’ve missed Shibuya so much! The place is amazing as usual: beautiful buildings, cheerful atmosphere, pretty shopping malls, and delicious food. In contrast to Tokyo, almost everything in Indonesia was still closed due to COVID-19. Therefore, I’m really glad I could be back and enjoy life here. Although, we all still have to follow the new normal protocol so that the COVID-19 cases can decrease! Wear your mask! Wash your hands!! Stay safe!!!

Japanese Manhole Covers

What’s up with Japanese manhole covers? Why are they so artsy and beautiful? They are just beautiful works of art! I actually couldn’t resist taking photos of them whenever I get the chance even though I pass by them everyday. They are very unique in each city and region, how amazing is that?

Those who have been in Japan, have you seen them? I’m sure you already did! For those who haven’t visited Japan yet, I know the designs will interest you as much as I did.

Thrift shopping in Shimo Kitazawa

こんにちは、

Recently I rediscovered some photos from when I visited Shimo Kitazawa. Shimo Kitazawa is a small area in western Tokyo, where you can find lots of shopping streets with everything to offer from great restaurants to thrift stores. When I visited in the beginning of March, I was really lucky with the weather. I went there by bike and have been walking around the area for quiet some time. I really enjoyed the atmosphere. There were many young japanese people meeting with their friends and enjoying some cold drinks on the side of the streets. Also, you can get some great deals on second hand clothing, accessories, etc. so if you enjoy shopping, but don't like spending too much money, this is a great way to go. Have you ever been to Shimo Kitazawa? How did you like it?

Some cool graffiti on one of the streets

Hello!

皆さん、こんにちは！

My name is Yona, I am an international student here in Japan and I am from the Philippines!

Rainy Days in Japan

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about rainy days? Do you feel calm and relaxed while drinking tea and reading your favorite book? Do you feel frustrated because it’s humid and your hair gets frizzy and dry? Or do you feel happy thinking about kids playing on the puddles and enjoying the rain showers?

Japan is a gem when it’s rainy—with popular city streets like Ameyoko or Shibuya scramble having fewer people, everyone avoiding the rain and taking shelter at the nearby restaurants. Most people are enjoying a hot bowl of ramen (egg noodles) or a hot cup of joe (coffee). We take time to slow down and allow nature to take its course.

My favorite experience has got to be drinking coffee at a random coffee shop enjoying the sights, the scenery, and the people. It makes me appreciate nature, architecture, and the flow of everyday life.

Whenever the rain falls, lets’ all take time to reflect and slow down. Remember we all need a breather sometimes.

A rainy day at Kourakuen Spa LaQua

Cycling through Tokyo

こんにちは、

At the beginning of this month the sharehouse I'm staying at offered bike rental. As I have been enjoying riding the bike back in Germany, I though it would be a great way to explore Tokyo by bike as well. Since then I've discovered many new neighbourhoods that I would not have been able to see by just walking there, because they are too far away from my place. My favorite place to ride the bike at is alongside the Arakaka river in eastern Tokyo. My favorite parts are the little breaks inbetween my rides that I spent sitting by the river while enjoying some ice cream. Even though I've seen and done some great things here in Tokyo already, riding the bike in such a beatiful and diverse city is one of my favorite experiences so far. I would definetely recommend that to anyone staying here who's looking for spending some relaxing, but meanwhile exciting time outside.

Sunset from a bridge over the Arakawa

Living costs in Japan

こんにちは、

One of the first great difference between my home country Germany and Japan that I realized after coming here are the living costs. Of course, living in huge metropolis like Tokyo is more expensive than living on the German countryside. That’s why seeing the cost of my rent was no big surprise, but when I entered a supermarkt here for the first time I was shocked by the prices for food. As the fruit and vegetable section is the first one you see when entering most supermarkets, I was directly exposed to the biggest difference. Especially fruits were very affordable back in Germany, thats why I used to eat a lot of them. An apple for which you pay at least 100 yen per piece here in Japan would cost around 30-40 yen. When I saw those fruits that are supposed to be gifted, I couldn’t believe my eyes. 65000 yen for two mangos? I would never pay that much for such a small amount of fruits. That was a big shock for me especially as it is not common to gift fruits in Germany. Besides that, other food is generally a bit more pricey here in Japan as well, but the differences are definetely not a big as with the fruits. All in all, living here and experiencing a contrast like that makes me value the cheap living costs in Germany a lot more from now on.

One of the most expensive fruits I have seen in my life

A short trip to Okinawa

こんにちは、

Some time ago I have been to Okinawa for around one week. The weather was amazing, even though it’s not summer yet. I spent a lot of time outside and have been enjoying the nature and rural Japan as much as possible. I can totally recommend walking and cycling the island. It’s a great way to see more of the environment and to be able to just stop if you see something interesting. Also, the food in Okinawa was incredible. My favorites were taco rice and the shortbread-like cookies called ちんすこう (chinsukou). Besides the shisa statues that you find everywhere and in any imaginable size, those cookies would make a great souvenir for friends and family as well. All in all I had a great time and I would love to come back some day.

A shisa statue at the entrance of a house

My life during #Stayathome

こんにちは、

It has been months now since the Coronavirus outbreak and since then life has changed drastically. I am trying to stay home as much as possible. I spend most of my time learning Japanese, watching series, playing games and cooking. Also, I am working from home now which is a great experience.

Especially during days with nice weather outside, it’s hard not to go outside. Sometimes I take a walk around my neighbourhood.

How does you life look like right now?

I hope you are all staying home as much as possible and that the situation calms down soon, so that we can go back to life like it was before.

Missing School →

As a student, holidays are usually the one of the most anticipated part in education years because we need a break after weeks of studying and hardwork. However, ever since the COVID-19 situation, many schools and universities are closed even longer and some even have their courses changed into online. It is not easy to adapt in a new environment like this. Personally, the online classes in my university hasn’t started yet, so I cannot say much about my experiences. However, it is now almost three months since I visited my campus. I miss the environment so much. I miss the classroom, the auditorium, the garden, cafeteria, and many more. The picture beside is the view of Waseda’s garden, which can be seen from the main cafeteria. It’s very beautiful, isn’t it? I hope the COVID-19 situation can be resolved soon, so each of us can go back and enjoy our education lives in wonderful environment.

Sliding Down a Slope of White →

Since most of us would probably be at home right now, I’d like to throwback to some other experiences I had when I was back in Japan. Around the beginning of March, I went skiing for the second time in my life. This time, I went to a renown resort called Gala Yuzawa. It only took around 1 hour from Tokyo with Shinkansen. Surprisingly, the ski resort is very tourist-friendly and provides various outstanding services, living up to its reputation. As I have learned the basics from my first ski experience in Hokkaido, I was able to ski on my own. The main slope for beginners is very wide and smooth. Going up the slope was much easier as well since we can use the chair lift as we like. Overall, it was a worth the experience.

Breathtaking Cherry Blossoms →

In the midst of the pandemic, good thing that spring still comes on time in order to cheer us up. My family and I went to Shinjuku Gyoen, a park located in the middle of Shinjuku. It is famous for being so wide and for containing a huge variety of plants and trees. There are many kinds of cherry blossoms, which I can’t really differentiate, but they’re all very beautiful. Sakura trees were completely filled with dark pink, bright pink, and even white petals. It is the first time my parents had ever seen cherry blossom in their lives. They said it was very satisfying and would recommend to see it again, once the situation gets completely safe. Don’t forget to stay inside, wash your hands, wear masks, and keep physical distance. Stay safe, everyone!

Deserted... →

Last week, I was at Haneda airport for my flight home. There was almost nobody else besides me and the airport staffs. COVID-19 pandemic had stopped many flights and many people have taken precautions not to travel anywhere. I never thought an airport, especially in Tokyo, could ever be this empty. Even inside the plane there were barely anyone, yet the flight was still reassuring. It was a thrilling experience. Stay safe everyone, and don’t forget to wear masks and wash your hands!

My First Roller Coaster →

Have you ever been to Tokyo Dome City? Have you played the roller coaster there? For the first time in my life, I had my roller coaster experience there! The roller coaster is called “Thunder Dolphin”, and it was very scary. I tried to open my eyes every time, but it didn’t work. I sometimes closed them by reflex. My friend, who is used to ride on various roller coasters, admitted that Thunder Dolphin is one of the scariest roller coaster in Japan. Not only extremely fast, the rail is also located pretty high so it increases the frightfulness. After the ride ended, my entire body was trembling and I could barely feel my hands. I had to hold onto my friend to walk down the stairs for a few minutes….. but after that, we just laughed it off! It was a such contradicting experience: horrific yet fun and addictive. To people who want to challenge themselves in riding these kinds of attractions, I recommend you “Thunder Dolphin”! It’s very worth it.