Summer Break Feels Great

Wow - I haven't posted anything in a long time! I'm very sorry for that!   m(_ _)m

I came here to write to you and tell you about my Summer Break.

So far, so good! I haven't done much away from home, but I'm getting "out there" more. Meaning - spending more time with friends and such; instead of staying at home all day.

The heat can be seen as exhausting and/or wonderful, depending on what you are doing during the day! If you are just relaxing indoors or in the shade, then the sun and heat are not too bad. However, if you are planning on working, playing, or spending general time outside, then make sure you are prepared!

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Water? Check.
Sunglasses? Check.
Summer clothing? Check.
Summer shoeware? Check.
DEODORANT? Check!   （＾ｖ＾）

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Summer is fun and being a high school student on Summer Break is even better!   (　＾∇＾)☆

Until next time! ~

10th Grade Finals - Finale

It is nearing the end of my 10th grade year. In fact ... summer vacation starts TOMORROW !! (((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))

I can happily announce that I performed very well on my Finals tests!
Now only 1 year and a half left of my high school days. Wow.

I will be glad when I graduate, but am also working very hard to do my best while I'm still in school. Next stop will be college!

Send me a big omedetou if you wish!

-- Omedetou = Congratulations --

Until next time! ~ ♥

Japan Favorites: Week 5

This week's theme: Lolita

Lolita is a fashion trend similar to Harajuku and cosplay. The Lolita style is mimicked and enhanced after the French 'Lolita' fashions. Maybe you don't know; a lot of Japanese like French culture.

Lolita is the most popular among Japan's younger generation girls. Some of these girls give the style a 'gothic' flare, while others add in a sense of Harajuku. (Harajuku will be covered in another week!)

Lolita girls all follow a similar hairstyle; above is an example. The makeup includes vibrant eyelashes brushed with mascara, a cute glow of blush, and nude lips. Hair accessories are a must have in Japan's popculture fashion, which include numorous variations of bows and ribbons, clips, and hair colors.

This trend can be seen in just about every Japanese city ... not just Tokyo and Harajuku street! Japan produces these adorable Lolita dresses in various prints and styles. The rest of the Lolita style is up to the Lolita girl ! (“⌒∇⌒”)

Here is an example of the frilly, classic Lolita style dresses popular in Japan.

Here is an example of a punk/gothic style Lolita dress line in Japan.

These last 4 pictures are examples of Anime girls in Lolita style. It is quite popular in the Japanese and anime girls alike, and Lolita is so diverse in a sense because of that. Since some anime girls are styled after Lolita, anyone wanting to dress up in a cosplay like that anime would be wearing Lolita! Please try not to be confused by what I just said (*≧▽≦)



Lolita fashion is similar to Harajuku and cosplay, as they all tie in together in some ways. I shall cover other Japanese popculture styles in a later week!

Japan Favorites: Week 4

I'm sorry about the delay, I had a cold over the weekend!
m(￢0￢)m

This week's theme: Sakura (videos)

Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) illuminated at night in Yozakura . Beautiful

Sakura all around the Nijo Castle located in Kyoto

Sakura in full bloom in Tetsugaku no Michi, Kyoto

An amazing video portraying all of the Sakura around the Osaka Castle in Osaka! ♡＾▽＾♡

Thinking ... What Are The Options?

"My Dream" .... "Japan"
Those words represent to me the longing goal that I have to live and work in Japan. To live in Japan, you must be able to make a modest income one way or another. You have to qualify for a work visa to work in Japan as a foreigner. It is also best that you graduate with some sort of degree or skill in a job that is relative to Japan's jobs.

So now I'm just thinking of the possibilities, wants, likes, dislikes, and advantages/oppertunities there are to working in Japan. I need to find a path or career to get me there, and help me stay in work.

For example, I could 99% definitely become an English teacher. I could graduate with just about any high computer skills, Advertising Management, Culinary (maybe), etc etc etc, or get a degree in something and work abroad in Japan ... like a partnership with a Japanese company or an American company that deals with Japanese things. Doing something like that would allow me to truly explore and experience Japan, and that really is what I've wanted all this time.

It's always the best thing to think about ALL of your options - career options and path to get there options. So I'm doing more and more research on careers/jobs in Japan, instead of just focusing on teaching English. You never know, what if something didn't work out - either in a university to become a teacher, or while I'm over in Japan trying to teach?? I can't limit myself to just focusing on teaching. I rather much enjoy exploring all of my other options and oppertunities that are out there; to help me reach my goal ... My Dream .... in Japan (^_^)

Japan Favorites: Week 3

This week's theme: Macaque Monkey

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The most iconic of the Japanese Macaques - the Japanese 'Snow Monkeys' live in the northern prefectures of Japan (Hokkaido being the northern most) where snow is extreme in the winter months.

These monkey clans have alpha females as the leaders and one winter, a curious alpha female dropped food in a hot spring and decided to go in and get it. She was impressed by the warmth, and soon she showed the rest of the clan how to achieve extra warmth, during the harsh snowy winter. Now northern Macaques spend time in hot springs all the time, some even dive under water to retrieve food!

These northern-living Macaques have developed a triple layer coat to withstand the harsh winters. They look like a ball of fuzz !! (^_^)

There are many species of Macaque monkeys, here is an example of the forest and mountain dwelling Macaques. You've seen the northern monkeys, now we have the Macaques who take up residence in the majority of Japan.

The average Macaque that is seen most often throughout Japan is built smaller and has less fur density than the "Snow Monkeys" of the north. Macaques are not that skiddish of people, and are happy living side by side with a human - without destruction or disturb of either territory (monkey and human). The characteristics of the Macaque is very intriguing. They are docile and friendly to humans, but certainly keep to themselves and go on with their natural lives like their ancestors - as if people don't exist.

Here is another species of Macque monkey - the Black Crested Macaque. These resemble the body and size of the Savannah Baboon. Black Crested monkeys live strickly in the dense rain forests and valleys of Japan. When approached, they may flash you a nice smile of large white teeth! However, this is a greeting ... not a threat (^_^)

Another species is the Lion Tailed Macaque. These also live on the forest floors and low trees in the mountain regions. Certainly a larger species of Macaque, they are rather shy of humans and can be considered lucky to see one in person.

Here is the Barbary Macaque, who like to live by the sea most of their life.

And here is the Monkey Fish !! Just kidding. The Macaques who like life by the sea, can be observed as they dive into the ocean for crabs and small fish! Barbary Macaques are also known as the "Crab Eating Monkey" because of this behavior.

This one is magnificent and she knows it (^_^) ~ Snow Monkey

I hope you have enjoyed these curious critters of Japan's forests, mountains, and beaches. They truly are a iconic creature!

Japan Favorites: Week 2

This week's theme: Tea Houses

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- Isejingu, a private tea house in Ujiimazaikecho, Ise, Mai prefecture.

- Ihoan tea house in Hagashiyama, Kyoto.

- Shokin-tei tea house located in Kyoto.

- Joan tea house located in Inuyama-shi, Aichi prefecture.

- Jikouin tea house located in Yamato-koriyama-shi, Nara prefecture.

- Choushukaku tea house located in Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa prefecture. Beautiful !!

- Isuitei pavilion located in the Hashimoto gardens in Kyoto.

- Sa-an tea house located in the Daitokuji temple grounds in Kita-ku, Kyoto.

- Kasumidoko-seki tea room located in the Sa-an tea house.

- Kan'in-no-seki tea room located in the Sa-an tea house. Wow !!

- Part of the Chashitsu tea house located in old Edo Tokyo.

- The beautiful Byodo-in temple, which also serves as an open tea house ground located in Uji, Kyoto.

- This is the mother load for me; this is the kind of tea house that pulls at my heart string the most ... so breath taking !! Located in Yokohama prefecture.

- Koto-in tea house: the gate and wall to enter. It is an incredibly old and traditional tea house grounds that is protected and only open to small numbers of people wanting to view it. Located in Kita-ku, Kyoto.

- Koto-in tea house located in Kita-ku, Kyoto.

- Large tea room in Koto-in tea house.

- Interior view of a part of the Koto-in tea house. Beautiful !!

I hope you have enjoyed these stunning, beautiful architectures of Japan. Of course, there are thousands of tea houses all throughout Japan! I hope to visit my share of tea houses when I get to Japan (^_^)