Lining up at Costco

Yesterday our neighbors invited us to join them for their monthly Costco run.  I quickly accepted the invitation because, well, I love Costco.

As we got in the car this morning, we all commented on how worried we were, assuming the crowds would be crazy.  I had already informed our son that he would most likely be riding inside the cart because that would be the safest place for him to be in a very crowded store.  Many photos of people stockpiling at Costco yesterday were on the internet, making us reconsider even going.  But we decided to forge ahead.

We were still on the freeway when the traffic came to a halt.  It slowly crept forward and we kept questioning if there was an accident or if we were caught in Costco traffic?  Looking at the GPS, we saw we could walk to Costco in 10 minutes.  After getting off the freeway, and no sight of traffic letting up, we decided to hop out of the car and go the rest of the way on foot.  The husband half of our neighbor-duo stayed in the car and drove the rest of the way to Costco.  (We didn't abandon the car.)

As we walked up to the building, we noticed a line to get inside.  We chuckled to ourselves that we've never seen a line to get into Costco, and wondered a bit what we were really getting ourselves into.  Did we really want to go this bad?

We walked along the outside of the building to find the end of the line.  It went on and on and on, wrapping around an entire length of one side of the store and then wrapping back and forth three times in an area behind the building.  There was a man holding a sign to show the end of the line.  As we queued up, the man told us the wait might be over an hour.  Over an hour?  None of us wanted to wait that long.

We decided to wait until our neighbor caught up to us.  Even if we decided to bail on Costco, we could go wander around the outlet mall next door.  But as we stood there, we noticed the line was moving quickly.  Many people were leaving Costco with just one or two purchases - toilet paper and paper towels.  Our neighbor was hoping to buy toilet paper and commented she was worried they would sell out before we got inside.

Suddenly, we saw a semitruck pull up to the back of the store.  The side of the truck lifted up, revealing a load of toilet paper.  There was an audible "ohhh" from the subdued customers.  Our Canadian neighbor and I laughed, commenting if this was in North America, people would have cheered.

As we neared the front of the line, we realized the line wasn't because of crowding.  It was due to crowd control.  They were only letting a certain number of people into the store at a time.  Outside the front door, we saw a sign detailing one pack of toilet paper per card holder.  So, if a family had two Costco cards with them, they could get two packs.  This made a lot of sense with the purchases we saw leaving the store.

Limiting the toilet paper.

Masks were sold out.

Our neighbor who stayed in the car was able to catch up with us before we entered the warehouse.  We were glad we decided to split up due to needing to wait in line.  When he arrived, we all agreed we would go into Costco and decide on an action plan in there.  Would we stay or would we bail?  We still were not sure.

We made it to the door in just 25 minutes, way under the "over an hour" estimate we were told.  This, of course, made us very happy since it is always better to feel like we didn't have to wait as long as expected.

Once inside, we couldn't believe how few people were in the store!  There was a beeline for people to get toilet paper (of which there was a very large stock), but otherwise, the store was less crowded than on a week day.  We suddenly were confident we could get all our shopping done.

There were a couple crowded areas, those that are always packed regardless of when you go.  The only other sign of the mayhem was the line to check out.  Two lines were formed from the registers, all the way to the other end of the store, to the meat department.  There was a nice man at the end of the line with a sign, just like outside.  He directed the new arrivals into one or the other line.

Since every cash register was open, this line also went fast.  It was at this time, I really started to notice how nice people were being.  There was no shoving, cutting in line, or grumpiness around us.  Everyone was going along with the instructions and it was no big deal.

The one place we decided to avoid was the food court.  There was no way we were going to find seating for five people.  So, we decided to be grateful for what we had and just go to kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) somewhere else instead of eating burgers, pizza, or hot dogs.  The sushi was a healthier choice anyway.

I have absolutely nothing but accolades for Costco and their staff today.  They were so well organized and able to give everyone a great shopping experience despite the stockpiling and nervousness going on in the community.  Every person I interacted with was professional and kind.  I bet they are beyond exhausted tonight, as I'm sure the flow of customers never let up over the course of the day.  But when I was getting down about the stockpiling and reselling of items (not to mention the price gouging that has been an embarrassing issue with masks and hand soap/sanitizer), Costco renewed my faith that we are not a bunch of heathens.  And to top it all off, I was able to cook my very first pot roast in Japan with my Costco purchase!

Low supply of essential items

When Covid-19 (Coronavirus) first became a concern in early February, everyone rushed to the stores and bought up all the masks.  And I mean, all the masks!  I still don't see them in the stores.  It is to the point that there isn't even a space for them anymore.  There are still signs hanging in the general area, but other health aids have taken up residence on the shelves.

With yesterday's announcement by the Prime Minister recommending all elementary, junior high, and high schools should close for the entire month of March (the end of the school year is the middle of March, so it is basically a two week closure butting up against a two week scheduled vacation), people have gone into stockpiling mode.  In addition to this announcement, Hokkaido has declared a state of emergency and has asked everyone to voluntarily quarantine themselves from today through March 19.

I didn't know what to expect, but when I swung by the drug store this afternoon to pick up some toilet paper - they were all out!  I did not see a single roll in the store I was in, and the park moms shared in our Line group that the biggest store in the neighborhood, IMA, was also sold out.

This store is out of masks and antiseptic.

Not listed on the sign - toilet paper was also sold out.  

Usually all these racks are full!

I think part of the stockpiling is due to the local schools listening to the Prime Minister's recommendation and closing their doors effective Monday.  My son's kindergarten has decided to stay open at the moment, but that could change at any time.

I'm sort of in a daze about the whole thing.  It feels as if I am dreaming.  So many things are unclear and out of my control.  I am focused on getting organized in case my son's school closes.  Science projects, art, reading/writing, and games are my main objective.  I will control what I can, and for me, that is being prepared to be indoors for a bit.

Breaking news

I was scheduled to attend a PTA meeting at the school today.  When I dropped my son off, I was notified that I would need to wear a mask during the meeting to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.  They would also be opening all the windows in the gym and setting up the seats with space between each chair to reduce contact between the attendees.

When I (through the help of a friend) asked why all these precautions were being taken for parents attending a meeting, but not for the kids who were going to the school, I was met with a surprised look from the principal.  She then replied that since they were a public school, they had to wait for the judgement of the ward.  So far they had not received any directions regarding children wearing masks or doing any other preventive measures.

I attended the meeting, wearing my mask and my jacket, since it was pretty cold in the gym.  It really wasn't a big deal.

Later this evening, we received breaking news from the news media.  Prime Minister Abe has asked all elementary, junior, and senior high schools to close for the remainder of the school year.  To help stop the spread of coronavirus in children, he wants all kids out of school through the end of March.

Tomorrow I will find out what our school has decided.  The anticipation is excruciating.  Living through SARS, H1N1, and many other serious illnesses (not all reaching pandemic levels) has not been as stressful as Coronavirus (Covid-19).  Maybe it is because I'm a mom?  I really don't know the difference.  But it is really freaking me out.

Sticking close to home

As I continue to watch the news regarding the coronavirus (also known as Covid-19), I find myself getting more and more concerned.  I realize that I am healthy, as is my family, and we are very low risk for getting it, but the concern is still there.

I find myself reading much more about the spread and it is daunting.  I understand the facts about the disease.  It is the unknown that is unnerving.

I've been sticking closer to home recently.  Today, instead of exploring, my son and I simply walked around Hikarigaoka Park with our neighbor.  It feels a bit boring, but it makes me more comfortable.

I wonder how long I will feel this way.  Is it a passing phase, or will the reality of living in such a crowded city plague my mind?  I've never been much of a germaphobe, but I think I'm dipping my toe in the water right now.

Supplied

While I stayed home on Sunday to get some things done around the house, my husband and son ventured out to get some more school supplies.  Although the list isn't long, everything must be purchased before the start of school in early April.  Since we like to be prepared, it eases our mind to get it all done sooner rather than later.

We have already purchased the randoseru (backpack) and gym clothes.  But we still needed to buy our son a pen case, pencils, a red pencil, erasers, indoor shoes, scissors, and a color pencil set.  At some point I will need to make a fabric mask for him to do kitchen duty as well as some bags.

The school told us that it is against the rules to bring supplies with characters.  This made me sad since I have such fond memories of awesome lunch boxes with Winnie the Pooh and other characters on them.  Picking out the folder that I would carry all year was a really big deal when I was 6.

They knocked a couple items off the list and picked up a few extra items as well.  Pen case, check.  Pencils, red pencil, and eraser, check.  Scissors, check.  Extra items included a pencil sharpener to decorate our son's desk and some labels.  We have to label absolutely everything.  He also grabbed a plastic sheet that is used to have a firm writing surface in workbooks.

The more we buy, the closer we get.  It is such a big deal for kids to start elementary school  Of course, it is a big deal for their parents, too.

Put a nail in it

Living in a small house without a yard has it's drawbacks.  I know I should be grateful for what I have.  After all, many people in Japan don't even have the small area I do have.  But, I have a kid who loves to run around, get dirty, and try new things.  While it is always great to go to a park, not having our own space to just explore possibilities is really hard for our family.

Since my son loves to build things and participate in anything classified as construction, I decided to be a bit bold and let him do a construction project in our courtyard.  I was a bit worried about all our neighbors and the noise we would create.  Would they be very bothered?  Would they complain?  I wasn't sure.

The home improvement store, Shimachu, didn't have any kits to build bird houses or the like, so I came up with a plan on my own using scrap wood they had for sale.  My son could build a peg board that he can play with.

He was very excited to use the new saw and hammer we bought for the project.  We left all of our tools in the US.  So, everything needed to be purchased.

He measured the 1"x2" piece and cut it in half to make two long feet under the board.  He then cut off a small amount of the larger board to make it the size we wanted.

After nailing the feet to the board, he got busy with hammering in all his pegs into the top.  He was very careful to make sure he didn't hammer them all the way through the board.  As he pounded nail after nail, I glanced around to make sure no one was looking out their windows or scowling at us.  No one even seemed to notice.

He had so much fun sawing and hammering.  And now he has a new toy to play with.  As soon as it was finished, he brought it inside and found my collection of rubber bands.  He quickly made a camera, trains, a few letters, and even a fancy control panel.

I felt bad when I had to call him away to eat his dinner because he could have easily played with it for a very long time.  I'm sure he'll be back at it tomorrow.

I think as long as we don't make hammering a regular thing, or just make sure we don't do it at inopportune times, we have lots of small construction projects in our future.  I keep trying to make sure my son has experiences that I value and he appreciates despite having some extra hurdles.

Still getting used to the new tax

On October 1st of 2019 the consumption tax in Tokyo raised to 10%, but not on all things.  It is a bit strange because the new tax isn't across the board.  It is a headache to comprehend.

The main gist of the tax mayhem is almost everything now has a 10% sales tax.  The exception to the rule is for food and non-alcoholic beverages.  Oh, and also printed newspapers that are printed more than twice a week - because that isn't confusing in the least.

Even disregarding the newspaper factor, the taxes are not cut and dry.  The tax on food and non-alcoholic drinks is very complicated.  Dining in - whether in a restaurant, convenience store, or other food establishment - is taxed ten percent, while dining out is eight percent!  Suddenly the question "will you be dining in or is this for take out" has a whole lots of implications.

The Japan Times lists these other common questions by people trying to figure out what tax rate they will be required to pay:

• Tap water will be taxed at 10 percent, bottled water at 8 percent. The government makes a distinction between them based on purpose: Water from a tap may be used for other purposes besides drinking.
• Catering by a chef for an event is charged at 10 percent, as the government excludes “providing food and beverages which involve cooking or heating prepared food or serving them at a designated site” from the lower rate. Simply ordering food to be delivered will be subject to the 8 percent rate.
• Tax on popcorn at cinemas is 8 percent because movie-goers are taking the snack out of the concession stand into a theater, which is intended mainly for watching a movie rather than for eating or drinking.
• Eating a snack at a karaoke box will see tax applied at 10 percent, because a karaoke room is considered an eating space.

If you're confused right now, you're not alone!  I'm super confused as well, and I've been living with it for 5 months now!

Something to sweat in

I have begun back to school shopping.  That sounds so weird as I type it.  Back to school shopping is done in August in the states.  I'm still trying to get it into my brain that school starts in April here.  I love that they start the school year by walking under the cherry blossoms.  While it isn't fall leaves, it is a lovely image.

At a recent school orientation meeting, we received a list of things to buy.  It was a pretty short list - pen case, pencils, a red pencil, erasers, indoor shoes, gym clothes, fabric mask (for kitchen duty), scissors, a color pencil set, and some bags.  The thing that stood out the most to me was the PE uniform.  All kids need a particular white shirt, blue shorts, and a little brimless, reversible hat.

We were told to purchase the set of clothes at a local stationary shop.  While I thought it was a bit strange, I took my son to the shop and bought the shirt, shorts, and hat.  The ensemble cost ¥5,640/$50.  After purchasing the randoseru and the gym clothes, I'm wondering how some families afford going to public elementary school.  We've only bought two things (albeit the two most expensive items) and we've already spent more than $400.

I now need to iron on the school logo and attach a name tag to the front of the shirt.  As I continue to pick up the other items on the list, I'll need to label those as well.  Let the fun begin.

I am my mother's daughter

I've had a very reflective day today.  A friend invited me to go for a walk in lieu of going to coffee.  There is something almost therapeutic about walking and talking with a friend.  It allows both of us to process things going on inside our heads while releasing a few endorphins along the way.

As we were chatting, the subject of our moms came up.  I explained that I grew up with 2 incredible women who taught me very different things over the years.  While people easily see some of the things I learned from my stepmom (cooking and quilting, for example), the fact of the matter is I am more like my mom than anyone else I know.

When I was a child, my mom was a single parent with 4 kids.  She had incredible organization skills, which she put to use to keep all four of us in activities and progressing in school.  That calendar boggles my mind to this day.  My mother never had it easy.  She worked for everything she ever had.  And when she did get something, she gave it away - usually to one of us kids.  Every day, my mom did her best to raise us.

The summer before second grade, I told my mom I was interested in Japanese culture.  She quickly introduced me to a Japanese friend of hers who could talk to me about Japan and signed me up for Japanese lessons in a summer school program.  She heard me and ignited a lifelong passion that led me to where I am today.

Over the years, she would encourage me in a sorts of crazy endeavors, but none so crazy as the day I decided to move to Japan immediately following college graduation.  While I know she didn't want me to move across an ocean, she applauded me and supported me nonetheless.  That's just the kind of mom she is.  She helped me pack up my house and took me to the airport.  I still have the card she gave me right before driving away, with some yen tucked inside (although the yen was quickly spent).

While in Japan, on my own, I found in myself one of the greatest gifts a mom could ever give her daughter - resilience and self-reliance.  Through good times and bad, my mom taught me to be a survivor.  She taught me that sometimes we fight to keep our head above water and other times we are able to torpedo out of it like a dolphin.  She demonstrated every day that just because we have current circumstances, they are not forever circumstances and if you work hard enough, you can change them.

As I go through life living in a foreign country, I rely on my resilience daily.  I don't often say it, but in all honesty, I don't think I'd be in Japan without the love, support, and lessons of resilience from my mom.  Out of all the lessons in life I hope to pass on to my son, this is of upmost importance.  I hope I'm up for the challenge.

Sharing American Fare

I had a hankering for biscuits and gravy.  It is something that I enjoy as a special treat from time to time.  I love it.  Ever since enjoying a Japan-ified version at Eggs, a restaurant in Ikebukuro, I've been craving the real deal.

This dish is not something you can easily find in Japan.  I get a laugh every time I see biscuits and gravy listed as an "American food that no one appreciates except Americans."  In fact, gravy in general isn't common here.  You don't even see mashed potatoes with gravy.  This is a crying shame, if you ask me.  Luckily, it is very easy to make from scratch.

One of the key ingredients in biscuits and gravy is sausage.  Unfortunately, breakfast sausage isn't a thing here.  I've never seen it in the store, not even in import shops.  So, when we visited the states last May, I brought back a jar of sausage seasoning (yay for Penzey's!).  Problem solved.

The other difficult ingredient to find here is buttermilk.  But that is super easy to remedy by adding a small amount of lemon juice to milk (1 tablespoon of lemon juice per cup of milk).  Leave it on the counter for a couple minutes and you have sour milk, which is a great substitute.

On Sunday, my son and I whipped up a batch.  And it was, in fact, divine.  As I took my first bite, I found myself closing my eyes and relishing the fabulous flavors for a minute or two.  I was so excited that I texted a friend who studied in the US many years ago to boast about my breakfast.  She quickly replied that she missed eating biscuits and gravy, but had never learned to make it.

Well, I could easily remedy that gap in knowledge.  I invited her over to teach her how to make the gluttonous breakfast.

While our boys were at school, she came over ready to learn.  We whipped them up in no time flat.  It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish.  We then sat down to a scrumptious lunch.  I felt so spoiled having it twice in one week!

She was surprised with just how easy it was to make it.  I even sent her home with some of the sausage seasoning (I'm not going to use a whole jar before it goes stale, so I might as well share).

I even converted the recipe for her into Japanese measurements!

As I was teaching her, I felt so wonderful.  My stepmom (who taught me how to cook) was a wonderful teacher for me.  And I use her lessons daily!  Although I get to teach my son on a regular basis, it was nice to share my knowledge with someone else.  I am often in a kitchen by myself these days.  I, honestly, prefer sharing the space and working together to create meals.

So, in a way, I was able to satiate multiple forms of appetites today - a culinary craving, a teachable moment, and a shared kitchen.  Such a joyous day.

Resting up

I pulled something in my back today.  No blog.  Just rest.  Be back tomorrow.

Further research

One thing I love about living in a country that I wasn't raised in is the constant learning.  Japan is so different in so many ways from the US.  I am always finding opportunities to learn about history, culture, and customs that I didn't previously know.

We recently stopped by Kanda Myoujin, a Shinto shrine located in Chiyoda (about a 5 minute walk from Akihabara, also known as electric town).  This beautiful red shrine is one of the oldest in Tokyo, with roots back to 730 AD.  It has moved around a bit over the years, but was thoroughly refurbished in 1995.  It is one of  the most colorful shrines I've seen in this city.

The deities enshrined here are guardians for 108 Tokyo neighborhoods.  People come here to pray for family happiness, marriage, prosperity and success in business, recovery from illness, and protection against accidents and disasters.  Considering how many disasters this shrine has survived (Great Kanto earthquake in 1923 and WWII fire bombing in 1945), I think it is a good place for those looking for blessings in that arena.

On the shrine grounds, there is a cultural center worth checking out.  Inside the EDOCCO building including cultural demonstrations and classes (for a fee), a cafe, and a shop.

The shop was really impressive, selling all sorts of Shinto and historical themed goods.  My husband spent some time looking at several of the Shinto items used to adorn the home.  I checked out a table full of books.  I immediately saw two books that I needed to take home.  It is relatively difficult to find well written guides to Shinto and Japanese customs, but these books deliver the information in an easily digestible way.  "A Visual Guide to Shinto" by Yamaguchi Satoshi and "Customs of Japan [Revised Edition]" by Tsuchiya Haruhito made their way home with me.

I have been periodically picking up both texts and reading small sections, learning so much from both books.  Although I have learned a lot about both topics over the years, there is still a lot I do not know.  I'm sure that these will become well worn resources very quickly.

Cancelled jog in the city

Coronavirus is still top of mind for those of us in Japan.  After 59 people have been diagnosed across Japan (not including the 454 aboard the cruise ship docked in Yokohama that have tested positive), the health minister is urging everyone to avoid crowds and non-essential gatherings, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Companies have already been encouraged to let employees telecommute and work alternative hours during the Olympics to ease traffic congestion throughout the games.  But many companies are resistant to accommodating this request.  Will they be willing to be flexible during this health crisis?  Only time will tell.

Even if corporations don't make allowances, some sporting events are.  The famed Tokyo Marathon announced today that they were cancelling the run for all "general entry" athletes.  They will still hold the event for elite athletes, but 38,000 people will not be allowed to run (even worse, they don't get their entrance fees reimbursed!).

Nerima Kobushi Half Marathon

I'm not sure how I feel about all of this.  But as more and more reports come in with increased numbers of those infected and dying, I get more and more cautious.  Better safe than sorry!

Blossom identifier

How do you tell the difference between plum and cherry blossoms?  The absolute easiest way is by looking how the bloom is attached to the branches of the tree.

If there is a stem between the branch and the flower, it is a cherry blossom.

Cherry tree

Cherry tree

If the flower is attached directly to the branch, it is a plum blossom.

Plum tree

Plum tree

No matter what kind of tree it is, stop and enjoy the sight!  They are only here for such a short period of time each year.  Each time I see them, I always think they are a gift.

Pizza please

When we decided to just hang out in Nerima and go to local parks, we knew we needed to grab lunch at some point during the day.  Knowing that the rocket park and octopus park were located close together made out destination easy to choose.  After a bit of research, my husband found a pizza restaurant he wanted to check out.  It sounded good to me.  Pizza always sounds good to me!

We biked over to Up Market and found a bona fide pizzeria.

The restaurant is housed in 2 buildings - one is the kitchen with the wood fire oven and a salad/tapas bar, as well as the cash register; the other is two stories of seating.  There is also a lovely courtyard for sitting outside (pets are welcome in this area!).

The menu looked amazing - featuring authentic Italian pizza and pasta.

They had an appetizing kids plate featuring salad, chicken, a beef patty covered in marinara sauce, french fries, ketchup rice, and panna cotta.  My son was super excited to order it.

My husband ordered the pasta of the day featuring roasted meat and mushrooms, while I ordered a pizza with meat and vegetables.

Everyone's food was amazing.  The kid's plate food was filled with very tasty food.  My husband's pasta was well balanced and full of flavor.  The pizza was the perfect level of saltiness, had just the right amount of toppings, and the crust was perfect.

This restaurant was an amazing little escape.  I actually forgot I was in Tokyo during our lunch.  There aren't many places I can say that about!

Religious touch screens

I have noticed big orange information signs with touch screens at several shrines recently.  In addition to a large map of the surrounding area, they have tons of information just a finger tap away in both Japanese and English (possibly more languages, I didn't check).

I'm so impressed that they don't just offer directions, but contain information about appropriate behavior (like how to pray) and information about the shrine.

Sorry for the horrid photos of the screen.  

It's really hard to capture it on a sunny day.

These signs will be very helpful for first time visitors and those looking for additional information.  I'm guessing people are thinking ahead to the influx of visitors expected for the Olympics.  I hope I see more and more of them!

Lost and Found

I have seen a BBC article floating around Facebook recently about how lost things actually get returned in Japan.  It is such a novel concept in most of the world, but here it is just a fact of life.  When I lost my cell phone, it was handed into the police station the same day.  When my son left his Hike it Baby hat on a bus, it was turned into the bus depot lost and found.  

Over the years, I have heard story after story of items being lost and returned.  There is a real mentality of "this isn't mine, but it must be someone's" unlike the "finders/keepers" concept I grew up with.

On Monday, we headed to Nerima Children's Forest for a day of fun in the mud.  When the day was over, I focused on getting my son washed up and out of the park as quickly and easily as possible.  I had left his change of shoes in my bicycle basket and ended up carrying him, as well as all our stuff, back to the bike.  As far as leaving the beloved park goes, it went super smoothly.

The next day, we were heading out the door to play in Ueno and I realized I must have left his neck warmer at the mud park.  I was disappointed, but consoled myself by realizing that winter is almost over.  It wasn't a huge loss, even though my son loved it and used it almost daily.

Wednesday evening, my son wanted to play ayatori magic (tricks with a string, similar to cat's cradle) and asked me for his string.  I told him it was in his REI coat pocket.  He quickly reported that he couldn't find his coat.  In a huff, I went to help him only to discover that it wasn't there!  

We had left his rain coat, warm liner, and neck warmer at Nerima Children's Forest.  Ugh!  I felt so frustrated.  Losing one item was unfortunate, but 3?  That was too much.

After complaining to a friend, she reminded me I was in Japan and the outerwear was most likely still at the park.  

After dropping my son off at school today, I headed over to the park.  It is a 25 minute ride, so I was really hoping they would be there.  When I arrived at the park, I walked right up to the office.  When the staff member opened the door, I told her I had left the coats and neck warmer.  She reached to her right and picked them up.  "You mean these?  I have them here for you!" she replied.

I was amazed.  I had convinced myself that they were long gone.  I just went on the off chance that I could claim them.  I laughed and replied "in the US these would not have been here.  Thank you so much!"

Now when people ask me if that BBC article is true, I have several personal examples to prove things find their way back to you in Japan.