Too much raw fish

At least once a week, my family eats sushi (raw fish on a small ball of rice) or sashimi (raw fish only) for dinner.  We live really near a fish shop, Fresh Hikari, that marks down all their sushi at 5 pm every day.  If I'm not in the mood to cook dinner or if I don't have anything planned, it is our go to meal.  We also eat out at sushi-belt restaurants, known as kaiten sushi, frequently.  It is quick and easy, plus everyone likes it.

Even with eating raw fish at least once a week, we still seek out additional opportunities to enjoy it.  Today, we decided to go to Hottarakashi Tei Omakase.  Owned and operated by a fish wholesaler, the restaurant features sashimi. 

On the weekends, they have a lunch buffet.  I find it interesting that they offer this only on the weekends since most places would limit it to lunchtime on weekdays.  This is a highly desired food in Japan, so limiting availability is a common approach, but they have a different idea. 

People pay for the amount of time they are at the restaurant.  There are three rates for diners: for a 40 minute stint, the cost is ¥1,600/$15; 60 minutes costs ¥2,000/$19; and people who stay for 90 minutes pay ¥2,500/$23.50.  Kids that have not entered elementary school yet are free.

The restaurant is only open on the weekends for 4 hours each day, so people really have to plan accordingly.  We half-joked that people should show up on the 40 minute increments to not have to wait too long for a seat since most people check out right before the shortest time limit allowed.

We arrived right when it opened.  We were quickly seated in the dining room, which only had 26 seats. 

The buffet features a variety of popular fish - tuna, salmon, shrimp, bonito, squid, and a few other items as well.  The most popular thing was ikura or salmon eggs, as it is first come first serve. 

Everyone wanted to fill up their plates quickly, and were borderline rude at the buffet table.  The first 4 people took almost all of the ikura.  One woman reached over my son's head to fill her plate.  It was a bit shocking since Japan is typically all about manners and not invading other people's space.  I've heard that seafood buffets at casinos often showcase similar behavior, I just wasn't expecting it here.  No matter what, we got our food and sat at our table to enjoy the feast. 

The restaurant also provided rice and soup to enjoy along with the sashimi.  There were beers for an additional price, but we didn't feel the need to partake since it was only 11 am (and we aren't big beer drinkers - we both aren't huge lager fans, which is the predominate beer in Japan).

The fish was fresh, firm, and delicious. 

We ate our fill.  Maybe more than our fill, actually.  After a single plate of sashimi, I didn't want any more.  I think we may be taking a break from raw fish for a while.  Well, at least a week or two.

Just a little wiggle

While sitting at a diner of kushiage, fried food on a stick, my son's eyes suddenly filled with tears.  His mouth opened wide as a silent cry released from him.  After a good, long hug, he told us he had bit down hard on the kushiage skewer and his tooth was in pain.  He wiped his tears away and I checked his mouth for injuries. 

It appears to just be a hard bite without any damage.  Lots of pain from the surprise of it, just like biting the inside of one's mouth.  The one thing I did find was a loose tooth!  It made my mommy heart break just a tad.  It is another sign of him growing up way too fast. 

Once I came to terms with the impending loss of his first tooth, I inquired about the tradition of what to do with lost teeth in Japan.  According to several moms, Japanese kids throw their teeth.  Lower teeth get tossed onto the roof of their house and bottom teeth are thrown down to the ground (usually under a porch or near the bottom of their house).  The direction is important, as it is believed the adult teeth will follow the baby teeth and grow in straight.

From now until his first tooth actually comes out, my husband and I will need to discuss if we'll follow the American tradition or the Japanese one.  And if he gets money under his pillow, how will we prevent the jealousy that's sure to ensue? 

2 years later

I can't believe that we arrived in Japan exactly 2 years ago.  It has felt like eternity, but it has also gone by in a flash.  There have been many ups and downs.  I've learned a lot about this incredible country as I tried to immerse myself into the culture and explore the city and beyond.

My life here is very different than it was in the US.  I don't cook or garden like I used to.  My flock of chickens and my son's beloved bunny rabbit no longer reside in our care.  I haven't mowed a lawn once since moving.  It's funny the things you miss.  The absolute hardest part is being so far away from my dearest friends and not being able to do all the fun stuff we used to do together.

Of course, my life would have changed regardless of moving to Japan.  My son started school - which was a whole different kind of culture shock.  I lost two grandparents that greatly affected me, as my grandparents are very incredible and inspiring people.  Friends have moved and life just changes over time.

While many people have commented to me "you sure keep yourself busy over there," the fact is my family has always been explorers.  On any given weekend in Seattle, you'd find us at some random festival or community event.  We've always been a very active family.

Tonight, as our family recognized that this was the anniversary of our arrival, I realized my son has lived in Japan for one third of his life.  This little factoid floored me.  It put it into a new perspective that I hadn't considered before.

With each evening spent at a Bon Odori festival or afternoon going to a shrine or temple, he is defining himself through a relationship with his Japanese culture.  By living in both countries he has learned about the world in a way that many people never do.  Parents are always giving their everything to give their children things they never had - and I am gifting the world to my son.

Each time I've been told I'm "more Japanese than a Japanese person is," I take it as a compliment.  As I learn more and more about the history, art, and culture here, I am able to share even more of a passion for this place with my husband and son.  They are Japanese.  I never will be.  But by loving it as I do, I have an additional bond with them that is so special for our family.

Honestly, leaving the US was really, really hard for me.  I loved my life there and I still pine for it often.  But I wouldn't have traded this experience because it has been truly incredible.

Exploring a huge park in Saitama

After a very restful sleep (seriously, my son slept so hard after all that water play the day before), we got up and joined our friends for breakfast.  Hotel Heritage Hanno provided a very classic Japanese breakfast buffet, including salad, eggs and sausage, various types of bread, fruit, rice porridge, natto (fermented soybeans), and miso soup.  There was also a small selection of cereal, which is less common.

We ate our fill, knowing we needed lots of energy for the day.  When our bellies were full, we grabbed our bags and checked out of the hotel.  The hotel provided a shuttle from the hotel to Shinrin Koen, also known as Musashi-Kyuryo National Government Park (or we could have gone to the station).  As soon as we mentioned the park, my son was super excited.  He didn't even know what the park entailed.  All he knew was a park was in his future.  He was ready to play some more.

We were dropped off at the South Gate of the park.  After purchasing tickets to enter (¥450/$4.25USD for adults, kids under elementary school were free), we headed for Ponpoko Mountain, Japan's largest air trampoline.  This huge white mountain was like a magnet for all the kids.  I don't know how we managed it, but there was hardly anyone there. 

Our kids went nuts running and jumping, while laughing whole heartedly.  I even gave it a try for a bit and couldn't stop laughing the whole time.  This was quite the feat, since I'm normally way too self-conscious to jump with abandon in public. 

My son bounced almost nonstop for 2 hours.  I made him take short breaks for water and onigiri (rice balls).  He didn't seem to be loosing his energy, but I had looked at the map and knew there was more at the park he would enjoy.  

We departed from the group and walked up to the West Gate.  It was a long distance (2 km/1.24 miles) in the heat and humidity, but we were determined to find the adventure course.  My son's obsession of ninja training parks kept us walking despite the sweat rolling down our backs. 

As soon as we walked up to the course featuring 24 obstacles, he jumped for joy and than ran to start climbing, swinging, and exploring.  Although the adventure course is geared toward upper elementary school students, I am confident in my son's abilities and I was there to watch him and make sure he was being safe. 

The course is laid out through the woods, built amongst the trees and a pond.  Most of the structures were made of wood, which would explain why the course is closed on rainy days. 

My son loved climbing the various obstacles and riding the two zip lines.  He pushed himself to balance across wobbly balancing bridges and swing from platform to platform.  I was impressed as he championed the course.  But more importantly, he impressed himself.

After finishing his "ninja training" for the day, we met back up with friends.  The park had a display of huge bugs our sons really wanted to see.  They had little plastic boxes with humungous beetles and more from Japan and beyond.  The boys were over the moon with excitement to see the various bugs.  I was just thankful there was a barrier between us. 

By this time, it was half past three.  We still had an hour and a half commute home, so it was time to go.  We hopped on the bus to go back to the station and started our journey home. 

Shinrin Koen was an incredible park.  Although we walked through almost half the park, we just saw the tip of the iceberg. 

Sleeping and playing in Saitama

Just a stones throw away from Nerima is Saitama Prefecture.  I often visit Saitama because one of my favorite cities is there - Kawagoe.  The park moms decided to organize an overnight trip to celebrate the end of summer break. 

We headed out early to meet up at Shinrinkoen Station at 10 am (about an hour and a half away from our house) where we took the hotel shuttle to our destination.  As soon as we arrived, our entire group, consisting of 15 moms and 28 children, headed for the pool.  The Hotel Heritage Hanno's pool is a bit dated, but no one cared.  For the next 4 hours we played and played and played.  I had to coax my son out of the water a couple times for just a couple bites of food here and there, but even food couldn't distract him from the slide and waves. 

Even when we decided to leave the pool, he didn't want to go.  That was until I told him our next destination was the onsen!  More water!  There were three pools in the women's section of the onsen, but there was also a co-ed (bathing suits required) section with 5 pools that we decided to enjoy first.  The co-ed section was beautiful, with waterfalls and lots of greenery surrounding the warm pools of natural spring water. 

Soon it was time for dinner.  Our big group had a private dining room.  They set up one row of tables for all the kids and the other for all the moms.  We knew we had a big group, but seeing all that food was eye opening. 

The kid's meal

The first course of the adult meal.  I was having so much fun,

I forgot to take photos of the other courses.

The whole evening was so much fun.  We laughed so much and just enjoyed the time together.  The kids played their hearts out. 

When it was time to head to the room, my exhausted boy did not protest.  He was ready to hit the hay.  So was I.  And when my head did hit that pillow, it was with a smile on my face.

Upcoming anniversary

With our two year coming-to-Japan anniversary just a couple days away, I'm consumed with thoughts.  I am reflecting on our life here and the differences between living in Japan versus the US.  It is no surprise to anyone that I love Japan very much.  I think it is a very special place that has always been almost magical for me.  I also have lots of frustrations here with things that I know could be vastly improved.  Life anywhere contains both positives and negatives.

As our anniversary comes around, I have lots of people inquiring about our impending departure date.  When I told people we were moving to Japan, I often used the words "for two years."  I included these words because that is the length of time I committed to my husband that I would stay.  With my experience living here before, I knew the first year is spent overcoming a lot of hurdles.  The second year was a chance to really find a groove. 

What many people heard was "we are moving to Japan for two years" or "we are leaving Japan in two years."  I have to take responsibility.  My verbiage provided a path for people to think my husband had a two year contract.  This isn't the case.  I was only willing to agree to a two year stint.  Of course, when I agreed to this it was because I had lived here previously with a year contract that I could renew if I wanted.  So, to me, we could easily be here for two years and then just go back home.  I was living in a fantasy world. 

My husband has to wait for a transfer in order to go back to the states.  And we also have to consider what is best for our family.  Our time in Japan is not done - which both excites and saddens me at the same time.  We don't know when our Japan chapter will end.  And right now, we aren't ready for that chapter to be over.

The grapes of wrath

One of my favorite things about living in Nerima is the proximity to agriculture.  From small family gardens in a plot next to their house to larger farms that sell their produce, we are surrounded by growth and prosperity.  I have loved going daikon pulling and harvesting peanuts (to name a few).  When my husband read about harvesting grapes, I didn't hesitate to join the fun.

We showed up at 10 am, right when they were getting everything going.  There were already lots of people there, including a slew of kids.  We were welcomed into the shade of the vineyard.  I grew up seeing the vertical rows of wine grapes, but here they are grown on a trellis, making a lovely shaded area.  Several tables were set up under and near the grapes with various activities.  They also had musicians playing for some added fun.

My husband's heart was so happy as he remembered his grandfather growing grapes and helping to harvest year after year when he was a child.  Wandering under the green, purple, and red grapes helped him to recall memories of family fun.

My son decided he wanted to decorate a bag.  Kids were painting grape leaves and using them as stamps on a fabric bag.  He then used a bottle cap to print big round purple grapes. 

Once he finished his bag, he sat nicely and learned about how grapes were grown.  The vineyard participates in a program for locals to learn how to grow grapes.  For an annual fee, they get to join various events throughout the year to help the harvest.  I learned that they actually remove the bark off the vines every year to prevent bugs from making a home in it.  These bugs can do real damage to the crop, and the removal of the bark doesn't hurt the plant. 

After the little lesson, our son was handed a pair of scissors.  He could pick a bunch to harvest.  He couldn't pick a bunch of bunches, as we had to pay for the grapes.  But he could pick one or two.  A quick peruse and he found the right bunch.  I don't know how he really chose because they were all wrapped in paper bags.  But it really didn't matter how he chose the right one.  We were just glad the decision didn't take a super long time.  Such big decisions can sometimes take a really long time for a 6 year old!

My husband lifted him up and held the bottom of the bunch while our son made the cut. 

But before we headed out, we let our son make a lantern that will be part of the 2019 Urban Agriculture World Summit that will be held in Nerima at the end of November.  He carefully drew three varieties of grapes and... a watermelon. 

We ended up taking home 3 bunches.  My son harvested red and purple and we grabbed a green bunch from the farm that was harvested by the owner.  Impressed with our treasures, we decided that it was time to head home. 

I love spending time in the fields, seeing how food comes to life.  It is a special place for me that always leaves a smile on my face. 

The white stuff

When people think of popular treat flavors in Japan, hojicha (roasted green tea), matcha (ground green tea powder), and sakura (cherry blossom) first come to mind.  One doesn't typically think of milk.  Yes, you heard me.  Milk.

Milk flavor is sweet and simple - much sweeter than the stuff in the gallon jugs.  It is the vanilla without the vanilla bean.  It's a little dollop of sweetened condensed milk instead of a bold flavor.  Often found in the freezer section and candy aisles, it is a popular choice.

I have always been a fan.  It reminds me of Japanese birthday cake, with its whipped cream in place of buttercream.  It is nothing fancy, just a simple sweet treat. 

Getting around

As I ride my bike around town, I often think about cars.  Mostly, I think about how I don't really miss having, maintaining, or driving a car.  It is so nice not having to fill up the tank, pay for insurance, go in for oil changes, as well as dealing with any maintenance. 

The only times I have really missed having a vehicle is when I want to go to Costco, take a road trip, or going to or from the airport.  The airport run makes me wish for a car only because of the luggage and nothing else.  It takes about the same amount of time to drive as it does to take the train from our house to or from the airport.  If we had an easier form of public transit (like a direct shuttle bus), I wouldn't want a car for that usage.  We actually have a friend who has picked us up from the airport every time we've returned from the US, but I don't expect him to do that forever!  And we have done lots of airport runs to pick up and drop off guests.

I still really want to take a road trip through Japan.  My husband has suggested we could rent a car at some point and go for a road trip, but it has yet to happen.  Of course, if I had a more specific request, maybe we could bring this dream to reality.  I'm guessing that he's dragging his feet knowing that he would be doing all of the driving.  Although I have my Japanese driver's license, I still have zero desire to actually drive here.  The roads are so small and driving on the opposite side does not appeal to me.  Plus, I'm nervous about not being able to read the road signs.

Riding a bike is so much easier in my opinion.  That might seem like a very bold statement, but getting a child into a bike seat with a helmet on is much easier than a car seat any day.  It can be a pain to ride in the rain.  Luckily Japanese weather typically means short hard rainstorms and not constant dripping.  So, a lot of times, I can schedule my trips between rain showers and it doesn't matter in the end.

It is also nice because I don't have to drive around everywhere looking for parking.  And that is a winning recipe every day of the week. 

While the bike seat still isn't my friend after riding really long distances, it is nothing like when we first arrived.  I wish I tracked how much I ride around town, because it really does add up! 

I have never felt comfortable riding my bike in Seattle.  I have lived some places where I've been able to walk to the grocery store, but I've never hopped on a bike to get there and back.  It is unique to Asia because cars in the US simply don't watch for bikes.  Sharing the road isn't common and isn't encouraged like it is here.  When we move back, I will most likely stick to the trails, if I even get on a bike at all.

Elephant Poo Paper

While at Inokashira Park Zoo, they were having a special event.  All the zoo guests were invited to make paper out of elephant poop.  The zoo no longer has an elephant.  (It used to and there is a shrine in the old elephant enclosure.)  But, they could still coordinate this fun activity for the kids.  They still secured local elephant poo from Ueno Zoo.

The woman leading the activity is an activist sharing her love of the giant animals and deter people from purchasing ivory products, like traditional Japanese hair pins and hankos (name stamp).  My husband said hairpins made from ivory are less common these days, but the ivory hanko is still easy to find.

Photo courtesy of: creative-museum.com

We walked into the classroom and found a seat.  My son was super excited for the craft project and I was appreciative of the air-conditioned break.  We then began the process of making the paper.

***Please note - before we ever touched the poo, it was sterilized in boiling water for 6 hours.***

The tray with the poo and a small amount of water.

The guys broke it up into little pieces.

They made sure there weren't any clumps and

it covered the whole tray.

After using fun punches, my son decorated the paper.

The masterpiece in process.

We put a sheet of clear plastic and

squeezed the water out.

Lots of squeezing.

We pounded the paper in a towel to remove

even more water.

Since we didn't have time to let it air dry, they

put it under an iron to steam it.

The finished product!

It was a fun project.  My son loved making the paper and bringing it home.  Unfortunately, it wasn't fully dry when we picked it up and the decorations didn't stay on.  But it was still a fun activity and it reminded us to be mindful of our purchases.