“Ichigo ichie” (一期一会): a Japanese idiom meaning “one time, one meeting”. The phrase embodies the cultural concept of treasuring meetings with people, and is often translated as “one chance in a lifetime”, reminding people to cherish any meeting or experience they are part of, as they may not be repeated. The phrase “ichigo ichie” has been … Continue reading
Whilst I was in London recently I popped in to see my old colleagues at the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and was invited in to see the latest exhibition: Unexpected Stories by Umi Kumano (熊野海). Umi Kumano is a Japanese artist from Fukui, who currently lives in Berlin as a guest student at the Berlin University of … Continue reading
This weekend I went to the UK’s biggest J-culture event HYPER JAPAN at Olympia in London. I was working there, enthusing to the masses about travelling to Japan and what a cool destination it is, and after my shift finished yesterday I hung around for a little while to take in some of the craziness. … Continue reading
After returning from my Mount Shosha adventure on 18th December I decided to explore Himeji a bit more, and went in search of some kind of reward for my morning’s efforts. I soon found what I was looking for: Jidai Cafe. Jidai Cafe is a tacky tourist trap of a cafe serving ninja themed food, … Continue reading
I don’t think I have ever been as giddy with excitement as I was when I stepped into the Kawaii Monster Cafe with my friend Adam on Saturday 5th December last year. I just couldn’t stop smiling and giggling. The Kawaii Monster Cafe was everything I hoped it would be! It’s a place like no … Continue reading
How do you follow a visit to an owl cafe with Japan blogger Jasmine from Zooming Japan? With a visit to another theme cafe, of course! As fans of everything kawaii, neither of us could resist having lunch in the adorably cute Ojipan Cafe in Harajuku. Ojipan (おじぱん) is a Q-LIA character (similar to Sanrio … Continue reading
So, I’m back in the UK now after an amazing month in Japan, and Christmas has already been and gone. Japan was Christmas crazy whilst I was there, with festive tunes playing in every shop, lift and hotel, and Christmas displays everywhere. Everything was lit up, covered in santas and very, very sparkly. Christmas was … Continue reading
Last time queen of kawaii Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ) came to the UK I couldn’t go to her concert and I was gutted, so when I heard she was returning I knew I couldn’t miss it for the world! My friend and I went up to Camden for the night a couple of weeks ago, … Continue reading
10th – 12th July 2015 saw the HYPER JAPAN Festival, dubbed ‘the UK’s biggest J-culture event’ come to the O2 in London. Having previously been held at venues such as Olympia and Earls Court, the O2 was a new home for this ever-popular event. I went along on the Saturday and Sunday to get my … Continue reading
Good news for Japan lovers in the UK – the HYPER JAPAN Festival is this weekend! This summer event will be taking place at the O2 in London from 10th – 12th July, and tickets are on sale now! Find out more about HYPER JAPAN Festival 2015 on the official HYPER JAPAN website, and get your tickets … Continue reading
Haikugirl's Japan 