It’s my birthday today, so I’ve decided to write a very self-indulgent post featuring some of the things I love about Japan. I’ve picked 30 random topics off the top of my head, in no particular order – one for every candle on my virtual birthday cake. 😉
1. Takoyaki
Osaka’s favourite octopus balls!
2. Daibutsu
Big Buddha statues.
3. Studio Ghibli
My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service…
4. Mochi
Squishy, soft, sweet…
5. Sakura
Beautiful cherry blossom and cherry blossom viewing parties.
6. Omamori
Lucky charms.
7. Hitsumabushi
Grilled eel on a bed of rice – a speciality of Nagoya.
8. Rilakkuma
The most relaxed bear in Japan.
9. Hello Kitty
The one and only Kitty-chan!
10. Origami
The art of paper folding.
11. Omiyage
Souvenirs – always designed so beautifully.
12. Fuji-san
The symbol of Japan.
13. Matcha
Green tea – a good flavour for cakes, biscuits, ice cream…
14. Harajuku girls
The unique fashions of Harajuku.
15. Maiko/Geisha
Classic beauty.
16. Adzuki/Ogura
Squashed red beans never tasted better than when you spread them on toast.
17. Kimono
Simply beautiful.
18. Kaitenzushi
Round and round the sushi goes…
19. Crazy Kit Kats
Name a flavour and it’s probably been done…
20. Karaoke
Singing until the early hours with all your friends.
21. Jizo
Those slightly freaky little statues at temples and by the roadside.
22. Ema
Message boards at shrines and temples.
23. Izakaya
The place to hang out, chat, drink, eat, and drink some more…
24. Shrines
For Shinto.
25. Temples
For Buddhism.
26. Rockabillies
Dancing rockers in Yoyogi Park.
27. Taiko
The beating heart of Japan.
28. Haiku
Capturing moments in 5-7-5.
29. Matsuri
Japanese festivals – worth experiencing!
30. J-Pop
Sickly sweet, utterly catchy, and a little bit mad.
There are so many more things I want to mention, and that’s without naming any places, people, specific festivals… There is just SO much to love about Japan! (*^_^)v
What do you love?
Haikugirl's Japan 
Happy Birthday! Great list with some of the amazing things that I love about Japan.
Japan Australia
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Thanks – glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
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It’s a great pleasure that I’m in your blog on your special day! Happy birthday, Ali! 😀
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You’re very welcome, Azusa! You’re one of the things I love about Japan too! 😉
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Happy Birthday! Some self-indulgence on your birthday is totally allowed.
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Thanks Judith! And thanks for your continued support! 🙂
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Happy birthday!
Your blog is always a fun read.
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Thanks, and thanks for reading! 🙂
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Happy Birthday!
I love the countdown traffic lights and the mini sandwiches with all the crusts cut off (amongst many other things).
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Thanks Abi! Haha – yes, I love those traffic lights too!! 🙂
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Good list and nice pics, though I can’t say I share all your likes – not a big fan of Matcha or Taiko myself. Anyway I’m going to add your blog to my blog reel, it’d be great if you could add mine to yours. Happy 30th! I’ll be joining you in July.
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Thanks for stopping by, Pete! Well, the world would be a boring place if we all liked the same things. 😉
Sure, I’ll add your blog to my list! Happy birthday for July!
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