Comments on: Unpacking Life in Tokyo

By: RIZAL

RIZAL — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:48:26 +0000

I like Japan verry much…
watashi wa ima 3 nen sei 6 gakki nihongo no gakusei desu..
see my facebook at sanagi.1987@yahoo.com

By: sushizume

sushizume — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:07:38 +0000

Thanks Melissa! That means a lot to me coming from you. I am doing this as a little experiment I guess, to enhance my writing skills but also because I realized I have been through some Tokyo stuff that other people could probably benefit from.

I love your seasonal suggestions. I CRAVE the Tokyo Summer…not every one’s fav time I know but I adore scuffing along in sandals to the local parks as dirty as they may be filled with cicada and the smell of fireworks.

d
xx

By: i heart japan

i heart japan — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:31:45 +0000

first of all, d, i love this series and can’t wait to read more!! i wanted to add a somewhat tangential comment, which is that one of my favorite things about japan (and this is not just limited to tokyo) is the seasons and how each season has its own activities, foods, and atmosphere. here’s my (very) brief synopsis of them.

spring — sakura! cherry-blossom flavored everything from kit-kats to potato chips, and of course having lots of hanami (cherry-blossom viewing parties)

rainy season — ajisai (hydrangeas), snails, and sudden downpours

summer — fireworks, semi (cicadas), tombo (dragonflies), chilled soba or nagashi somen, and the glorious heat!

fall — nighttime light-ups where you can see the changing leaves, crisp fall days perfect for afternoon walks (or hooping sessions!), asian pears and big fat juicy grapes

winter — kaki (persimmon), nabe (hotpot soup) parties, snow, onsen!

late winter/early spring — ume (plum blossoms)

look forward to hearing all of yours!

By: sushizume

sushizume — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:25:33 +0000

Cacapa, I totally agree with you! When I think back to where I used to live in Tokyo I cannot believe I actually fit int he TINY space!

Finding space is essential!

By: sushizume

sushizume — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:24:23 +0000

Thanks Kristen! Yep, sometimes getting out is the best remedy! Hooping helps a lot though!

By: Caçapa

Caçapa — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:31:31 +0000

Congrats on five years in Tokyo, and 32 on this planet (according to your facebook).
I’ll also be reaching the 5 year mark (in March). Time flies hey!?

The best antidote to my Tokyo Blues was to get myself a bigger apartment! Once we got married, my wife and I moved out of our tiny little box near Inokashira Park, and found something a little bit bigger and more relaxing in Mitaka. It’s still close to the park, but a little bit further away from the コンビニ (which means no 24hour delivery trucks).

And the closet space, OH MY GOD, the closet space. Going from none, to “big enough to sleep in” changes your life!

peace

By: Kristen

Kristen — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:43:21 +0000

P.S. Congratulations on your 5th anniversary. Keep it up!

By: Kristen

Kristen — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 23:38:14 +0000

My favorite tall place is the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Gov’t Building (Tochou). It’s free and the south tower has a bar with gorgeous views.

Something else I do when I feel distressed is to get out of town. Even a day trip to a leafy suburb will help, though I think India is actually a perfect antidote to Japan.

Writing, photographing, recording or filming my world helps, too. Whether it is a massive rant and whinge, a “let’s try to talk to a random stranger” podcast, or a “how to piss off the neighbors” guide, sharing my frustration helps to get it out of my system.

And exercise is a sure stress reliever. Hooping works pretty well, I’ve learned.