House hunt

I am on the hunt for a new place of residence, which in Japan can be somewhat daunting and confusing but also, very very fun. My boyfriend is arriving in a month and a half so I am trying to find somewhere with a big lounge and two bedrooms with lots of natural light. A tall order, but I think I can do it! These images from Come Home issue 23 are definitely getting me excited for decorating my new digs, although I think my palette may have to be a little more colourful!

Let's party like it's 2005

Going to karaoke can sometimes be like entering the twilight zone. Especially in small towns where the song choices are whittled down to silver clad ladies singing about U.F.O's and the buildings you pass state their excitement for 2005!

One thousand tears of laughter

ME AT NINE, PERFORMING TO MADONNA IN SUMMER '91! from Robert Jeffrey on Vimeo.

Creeper

When I approach Japanese people to ask if I can take their picture they often try to run away from me. I understand their instincts. I am a bit creepy. Derogatory feelings for myself set aside, it stems from the fact that many are worried they lack the communication skills to talk to a foreigner. The thought of an awkward moment shared between us sends them into a state of panic. When I saw the charming lady in the top photo with her kawaii ensemble (bucket hat, pastels, rose tinted glasses and amazing apron, swoon) I approached her tentatively. She saw me coming and shuffled away nervously, going to get her daughter who was working with her. I asked her in Japanese 'can I take a photo please?' which she misconstrued as me asking her to take a photo of me and became even more flustered, blushing profusely and edging away. After a rather broken explanation she realised that I wanted to take a photo of her and she threw her head back and laughed, really really hard. She was delighted and proceeded to give me the loveliest smile which really made my day.