2020.2.29

Last day of February. This year is a leap year. Feb.29 only happens once in four years. I wonder how people who were born on Feb.29 celebrate their birthday in regular years. Feb. 28 or March 1?

It was rather cold.

I stayed at home because I have a back pain.

Today I got two deliveries for stock holders. One is toiletary goods, the other is foods.

Yesterday I got a cheese cake. Today I enjoyed esting it with cherry tea I got last Sunday at Hanazono shrine.

I felt blessed.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2020.2.28

It was fine but cold and became cloudy.

I have a back pain and stiff shoulder and they are getting worse therefore I decided to cancel the schedules of weekends.

Coronavirus is getting worse and many events have been canceled these days.

Today was the last day for the free promotion of my 10th ebook. I hope many people got my present.

I got a prize of Toyota new year's present which I applied for early January. It is a whole cheese cake delivered as frozen. I am looking forward to eating it tomorrow.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2020.2.27

It was fine.

I took three hours off in the morning and did something I needed to do during weekday. 

I went to the clinic to have my blood rechecked too.

Tonight I was surprised to hear the news that all of primary schools, junior high schools and high schools will be closed from March 2 to spring break. Students will have a month off. I feel it is too extreme. I feel sorry for the families whose parents are both working. Who will

2020.2.26

It was a rainy day.

There was something wrong with the signal of the railway in the morning, and I had to use JR from Kurihama. I arrived at the office about one hour later than usual.

After work I walked to Ochanomizu to have dinner.

It was a long commuting day.

2020.2.25

It was fine in the morning but became cloudy later.

Coronavirus is wide-spreading and many events have been postponed or canceled. Some companies introduced tele work. We will introduce zoom lecture.

I dropped off at Kurihama to buy something because the points will be expired within this month.

2020.2.24

It was fine.

Today is furikaekyujitsu (振替休日) transferred holiday of the Emperor's birthday yesterday.

I stayed at home daytime and went to Kimono-style Miya in the evening. There I met some kimono friends.

I introduced a friend who is interested in kimono to Miya because they have a special campaign.

After choosing one kimono, we went out for dinner at a Vietnam restaurant.

We enjoyed talking and eating.

2020.2.22

It was fine.

I went to massage first. This is my once a month health maintenance. We enjoyed talking.

Next I went to Kimono-Style Miya to have my hairset, makeup, dressed up, and pictures taken with hinaningyo (ひな人形), which is decorated for Girls' festival on March 3.

I happened to see some friends there.

Third I went to Shinjuku to attend an event invited by my friend. It was held at Keio Plaza Hotel. There were many tsurushi bina (吊るし雛), hanging dolls decoration.

Fourth I visited the newly opened Morinda building and bought newly released Tahitian Noni CBD shot. I am looking forward to tasting.

Fifth my friend and I had dinner and enjoyed talking.

It was a nice day.

2020.2.23

It was fine.

Today is a national holiday called tenno tanjobi(天皇誕生日), Emeror's birthday. He became 60 years old. Being 60 is known as kanreki (還暦), returning calendar. Each day is a combination of 10  stems and 12  zodiac signs which is called jikkan junishi (十干十二支). 60 is one cycle. So after 60, it starts the cycle again.

Since today is Sunday, we have a transferred holiday tomorrow.

I went to Shinjuku to see a play titled "Share the World 2020" which is a story at a share house with my friend.

After that we visited Hanazono jinja (花園神社) shrine and had a famous sweets called Hanazono manju (花園万頭) at a tea room in front of the shrine.

From today free promotion of my 10th e-book started. I hope many people enjoy it.

It was a nice day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2020.2.21

It was fine.

Today is ichiryumanbaibi (一粒万倍日), which literally means one grain grows 10000 times. Therefore it is a good day to start something.

I published my 10th ebook "Things Japanese in October." I hope this will be read by many people and facilitate to understand Japan and Japanese culture.

At night I watched a movie "Remember me" on TV. Since it is animation, I usually would not go to see at the theater. But I am glad to see it because I learned something about Mexican culture and tradition. Movie is good. I like movies.

2020.2.20

It was fine.

The outbreak of coronavirus is becoming serious day by day in Japan.

We were going to have a conference today but it was postponed last week until the situation changes.

There were supposed to be international programs next month. But they were canceled.

Many things were affected.

There are many people wearing masks these days.

There was the 162nd award ceremony of Akutagawa prize and Naoki Prize which are the most famous literature awards in Japan. Congratulations!

2020.2.19

It was fine.

Today is usui (雨水) one of nijushisekki (二十四節気) 24 solar terms. The last one was risshun (立春) on February 4 and the next one is keichitsu (啓蟄) on March 5.

Usui literally means rain water. It is the time when falling snow changes to dropping rain.

There was a good thing today. The other day I applied for a show and got an invitation.

It costs yen5,800 for an advance ticket. I felt lucky.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2020.2.18

It was fine.

In the morning there was a train accident and I was late for 40 minutes.

At work I was too concentrated on searching the data and did not notice the lunch time has come. I usually enjoy watching NHK's morning drama which is rebroadcast at lunch time. So I missed watching it.

On my way home there was another train accident and I had to change the train at Shinagawa and came to Kurihama by JR Yokosuka line.

There was a special discount sale of the famous chocolate denish at Shinagawa station. They said there were three kinds but one of them was already sold out. So I bought two of them.

It was a long commuting day.

2020.2.17

It was fine.

After work I went to Takanawadai to attend a seminar about the wisdom of 10000 times profit spring version. 

It was supposed to start at 18:50 and end at 21:50 but it was around 22:10 when it finished.

I walked to Shinagawa. To my surprise the supermarket was still open.

I came home by the last train.

2020.2.16

It was a rainy day.

I was going to wear kimono, but I gave up because of rain.

First I went to Yokohama to see a Korean movie "Parasite" which got the best award for this year's Oscar. It was a rather shocking movie.

After having lunch I headed for Kasuga to visit Kitano jinja (北野神社) shrine where is having a plum festival. My friend and I went there two weeks ago. At that time I did not have a stamp notebook therefore I brought it to get the red stamp today. I met my friend there and we watched the taiko drum performance and got a piece of plum tree. We had amazake (甘酒) sweet sake, which taste was differnt from the one I know. It was slight pink.

After that I went to Ueno to see the 25th Japanese art exhibition

And I went to Roppongi to see the 18th New Artist Unit Exhibition 2020. I also visited the Mercedes Benz showroom to see the First class cabin. This is a special collaborate event with Emirates. The floor was so soft. They say it costs about a million yen to go to Dubai by the first class but there is a campaign of yen600,000 soon. Someday I would like to travel by the first class! 

After that I visited Fuji Film Square and saw beautiful pictures.

Finally I went to Sugita and met some kimono friends.

It was a eventful day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2020.2.15

It was cloudy.

As the 15th day ritual I went to the nearby shrine. 

After that I went to a coffee shop to meet a friend and had lunch. Since its headquarter is in Nagoya, I felt like trying the Miso katsu sandwich. We ordered two sandwiches and shared. I was surprised at the size.

After that I went grocery shopping at two stores.

After coming home I did many things.

It was a nice weekend.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2020.2.14

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

In Japan on St. Valentine's Day women give chocolate to men they like. And one month later on March 14 men return the gift to women, which is called White Day.

How do you celebrate this day in your country?

After work I went to Hamamatsucho to attend a reunion of Panasonic where I had worked from May 1998 to December 2003. There were 23 people and I only did not know two of them.

We enjoyed having Chinese dinner and talking.

After that six women went to a Spanish bar to have the second party. It was fun.

Thank you, thank you  thank you.

2020.2.13

It was fine and rather warm in the morning, but it was slightly raining when I got to Jimbocho. In the afternoon it became fine.

Tomorrow is St. Valentine's Day. In Japan women give chocolate to men they like. There are so many kinds of chocolates these days.  

At night I watched a TV program dealing with chocolates. These days Japanese taste chocolates are getting popular and accepted in the world. 

Cocoa is produced in African countries, but they say they have not tasted chocolate. Sad, isn't it?

What kinds of chocolate do you like?

2020.2.12

It was fine and rather warm.

I booked a hotel room for someone. To my surprise during the Olympic period they said they are full and there is no vacancy.

These days every day's top news is outbreak of corona virus.

I am afraid of traffic jam during Olympic games.

Having Olympic in Japan while we are alive is a big honor, but there will be much concern having so many people during the period.

Today a new year's card I sent to Florida was returned.It took more than one month to go and come back.

2020.2.11

It was fine and beautiful.

Today is a national holiday called kenkokukinen no hi (建国記念の日), Foundation Day.

I wore kimono by myself and went to Hinodecho.

First I went to Iseyama kotai jingu shrine. Since today is Foundation Day, they were having a special ceremony. I felt lucky.

I had an appointment at 10:30 and rushed. And I fell down and hit my knee and hands. From right knee it was breeding.

I had my hair set and dressed up at Kimono-style Miya and went to a French restaurant with a friend for luncheon. It was a nice place, and foods were delicious.

After that I went to Sankeien garden. Plum trees were blooming and very beautiful.

We went to Yokohama and had Chinese course dinner using Nagasaki originated foods.

It was a nice day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2020.2.10

It was fine and cold.

There was Academy Awards Ceremony.

The Korean movie "Parasite" got the Oscar. This is the first time for Korean movie to get an Oscar.

Yesterday when I went to the beauty salon the beautician and I talked about it. We did not know about it but he said his customers recommended the movie.

I felt like going to see it soon.

2020.2.9

It was fine and cold. Mt. Fuji looked so beautiful.

Today is fullmoon and it is so beautiful too.

I went to Kawasaki to see a Japanese movie titled "Last Letter." It was different from the one I thought, but it was a good one.

Next I went to Hinodecho to see an ex-colleague. It's been about 5 months since I saw her last.

We went to a kimono shop together and I met another friend there to get a book.

After choosing kimono, we went to have drink.

Then I went to Sugita to have my hair cut and permed.

It was a fruitful day, and I got many presents.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2020.2.8

It was fine.

I went to Roppongi to see FROZEN II finally. Last week it was full and I could not see it because there is only once in a day. It's been a while since it was released therefore other theaters also show only once a day. And there are only a few theaters which show original with subtitles. I saw it with the accumulated points. It was a nice movie.

I went to Hinodecho to take my 3 friends to my favorite kimono shop which is doing a special campaign for the loyal customers' friends. They enjoyed wearing and buying the beautiful kimono.

They met each other for the first time today and got along well with, therefore we went to have tea and cake and enjoyed talking a lot.

I am glad to make them happy.

It was a nice day.

Thank you  thank you, thank you.

2020.2.6

It was fine but cold again.

These days trains often delay. 

Tonight I could get on the earlier train and arrived at home before 8:30 pm.

So I could watch a movie on TV which I would not go to see at the theater.

And I watched some recorded dramas.

2020.2.6

It was fine but very cold.

After work I went to a monthly meeting which started at 6 pm and I was late for 30 minutes. It was full and I could not find a seat at first, but I could sit later. I could clear my question and felt relieved.

After that I went out for dinner. So I came home late.

It was a nice day.

2020.2.5

It was fine.

Almost every week day I go to a convenience store to buy lunch. There are two of them across the street of the office. I go either one depending on the traffic dignal.

I usually buy salad, bread or rice, side dish, and dessert. I bring tea bag and soup from home. 

Every time when I go to one of them they ask "Do you have a point card? " I did not and I have been wondering how to get it. So today I asked how to get it. It was so easy. They have a bunch of cards at the register, and you can save the point from the first day.

Since today is the day of tiger when is a good day related to money things. So I started saving the points. Usually you get one point for yen 200. But today was the day of double points. 

I felt lucky.

2020.2.4

It was fine.

Today is risshun (立春), one of nijyushisekki(二十四節気), 24 solar terms. The last one was daikan (大寒) on January 20, and the next one is usui (雨水) on February 19.

Risshun literally means stand spring. It is the first day of spring.

These years I got a new custom on this day. It is to write risshun daikichi (立春大吉) which literally means stand spring big fortune, and post at the entrance. This is a kind of magic to drive evils and invite fortune.

2020.2.3

It was fine.

Today is setsubun (節分). Literally means season divide. There are four seasons in Japan. Tomorrow is risshun (立春), literally means stand spring. It is the first day of spring.

Among four seasons this setsubun is the best known. We have a custom to drive evils by scattering roasted soy beans. We say "Oni ha soto, fuku ha uchi (鬼は外、福は内)" which means "Evils out, fortunes in." After the ceremony we eat the roasted soy beans as much as our age.

Eating ehomaki (恵方巻き), sushi roll, facing to eho (恵方), good luck direction of the year without saying anything is getting popular.

These years I added one more ritual. At the midnight I post the special charm called ichiyouraifuku omamori (一陽来復御守) facing to ehou.

2020.02.02

It was fine.

I went to my parents' graveyard. To my surprise the gravestone next to my parents was disappeared. I have thought the graveyard is something forever so it was a big surprise.

After that I went to Kainan jinja. Today is Reiwa 2nd year February 2nd so it is 02 02 02 and I felt like getting a red stamp called goshuin (御朱印).

On my way back the road was so crowded.

I went to grocery shopping.

2020.2 1

A new month has started. February is nigatsu (２月) , the second month, or kisaragi(如月).

As a first day ritual I went to the nearby shrine.

I went to Yokosukachuo first and walked to the station and went to Roppongi next.  I visited Izumo taisha Tokyo branch and Tenso shrine.

Then I went to Waseda to visit Anahachiman shrine with a friend. They offer the seasonal charms called ichiyouraifukumamori (一陽来復守). 

We walked to Ushitenjin(牛天神) to see the red plum festival.

We had tea at Korakuen.

Finally I went to Ueno to visit the exhibition of Izumo and Yamato at the Tokyo National Museum.

We had dinner at Kagoshima dishes dining place.

I came home by the last train and a taxi.

It was a nice day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.