Category Archives: Uncategorized

Self-storage in Tokyo: Totally Lacking

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Michelle

I’ve noticed a lot of search results for self-storage Tokyo.  I wrote a blog post a few months ago about a company called Terrada Trunk Room. A word of advice… DON’T USE THEM! They’re not shady or anything, but despite … Continue reading →

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Namjatown

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Michelle

In a skyscraper named Sunshine City in the Ikebukuro section of Tokyo lies Namjatown, a mini theme park sponsored by Namco® and home to Ice Cream City, Gyoza Town, a few rides, cosplayers, and a horror floor. Our friend Koji … Continue reading →

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Creepy man on the train

Posted on February 26, 2012 by Michelle

Every Friday I take the Ryomo Line from Oyama west 40 minutes to Ashikaga.  If Oyama is borderline country, Ashikaga is the sticks.  Fittingly, the train that services this area is old.  The train’s seats are perpendicular rather than parallel … Continue reading →

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Self storage in Tokyo

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Michelle

I need to find a self-storage place to stash one of my suitcases while I’m traveling for four weeks before I head home to New York.  I’m leaving Tochigi for the south, but will be in Tokyo for my last … Continue reading →

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着物 Kimono

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Michelle

Like many things in Japan, dressing in a kimono is a thoughtful, artistic process.  Composed of many layers of cloth, there are a multitude of options when it comes to tying the individual pieces.  The 帯 obi (sash-like piece around the … Continue reading →

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Scarf knitting

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Michelle

I made this scarf for my fashionable friend Christina for Christmas. As you can see, it is a navy scarf.  This piece is 18 cm wide (~7 in.) and 162 cm long (~5’4″).  It was knit with US size 7 … Continue reading →

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Birthday Extravaganza: Disney in Japan

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Michelle

I celebrated my 23rd birthday in Tokyo Disney. Funnily enough, Tokyo Disney is located on the outskirts of Tokyo and is actually a bit annoying to get to.  The Disney hotel was absurdly overpriced (even with the sweet advantage of … Continue reading →

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Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Michelle

This museum was the single most intense experience of my life.  The things I saw and read within will remain with me forever.  Simply reviewing and uploading the videos has made me shaky and upset.  I could barely bring myself … Continue reading →

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Babyshitting

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Michelle

In Japanese there is no “s” as we understand it in English.  The language uses moras, so in the S category you have sa, shi, su, se, and so. Because of this, the Japanese accent can make some English words … Continue reading →

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Hand Bell Family Concert

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Michelle

On November 27, 2011, I attended the “Hand Bell Family Concert” hosted at Hakuoh University, the nearby college in Oyama. A few weeks ago, the mother of two of my students (Haruna and Natsumi) handed me a flyer for this … Continue reading →

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