Here's my Monday morning, pretty much every week: I go to aikido at the kids' school, then stop by my favorite grocery store called Hiruma to pick up something for that night's dinner. My friend Karol also practices aikido, and I often bump into her at Hiruma right after class. Today as we headed out to …

Continue reading If it’s Monday it’s Donburi Night!

Two weeks ago Mark and I had the honor of attending a Japanese wedding. The groom (also named Mark) and I play on a field hockey team together at our club, Yokohama Country & Athletic Club. When Groom Mark invited the team to his wedding I was honored and eager to attend, knowing that I probably …

Continue reading It’s Happy Wedding Time!

Japan has so many o-hanami (cherry blossom viewing) opportunities! One great variation is nighttime o-hanami, which I dragged the family to this past weekend. We visited Sankeien Garden right here in Yokohama, a beautiful park filled with historic buildings brought it from all over Japan. The ponds and gardens exemplify the beauty of Japanese landscaping, and …

Continue reading ‘Tis the (Sakura) Season: Nighttime O-Hanami

My home town of Washington, DC is famous for its cherry blossoms, a gift from Japan in the early twentieth century. Living in Washington prepared me somewhat for the frenzy of sakura (cherry blossom) season, though here in Japan the excitement extends nationwide. There's even a word for viewing sakura: o-hanami. While jaded Washingtonians don't necessarily trek …

Continue reading ‘Tis the (Sakura) Season: Road (Rail?) Trip to Tokyo