My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 14th

Following yesterday’s “desserts that have nothing to do with Christmas” post, I thought I would share some real Christmas cake: What’s that got to do with Japan? Well, I bought it here in the foreign food store. I would love to take a photo of the Christmas food available in there, but it’s displayed right … Continue reading →

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 13th

Today’s advent calendar theme is… Christmas desserts that have nothing to do with Christmas (except the packaging)! Like this cheesecake: ☆★☆ And this pudding: ☆★☆ And these cakes: ☆★☆  

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 12th

One of my co-workers went to Tokyo Disneyland and we got these cute Christmas marshmallows as souvenirs: In 2008 I went to Disneyland at Christmas time and it really was magical!

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 11th

I’m always excited when I see the red cups appear in Starbucks, because I know that means it’s officially Christmas! These Christmas drinks have been available since some time in November, and will disappear at the end of December, I think. In Japan this year, the Starbucks special Christmas drinks are: キャラメル エクレール ラテ (Caramel … Continue reading →

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 10th

Today, I bring you… The Saddest Christmas Tree! Usually, outside Hamamatsu Station, there are a few plants like this in these pots. Up until the other day, they were strange animal-shaped plants, and I kept thinking that they really should have had Christmas trees instead. Well, someone must have heard my thoughts, because yesterday I … Continue reading →

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 9th

Despite being a country that doesn’t really celebrate Christmas, someone felt the need to design…… Christmas toilet paper: And Christmas tissues. I mean, really, who would but something like that?? 😉

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 8th

The Daiso: the shop that sells everything!  Anyone who lives in Japan ought to know where their local 100 Yen store is, and if that store is a Daiso they are particularly lucky, as Daiso is the queen of 100 Yen stores. Most Daiso stores also have extra stock which costs a little more than … Continue reading →

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 7th

Yesterday, I went for a walk and found this fellow… As far as I know, this place is a kind of lottery ticket shop. But it’s a strange place and usually has a nautical theme. There’s a big boat on the roof and lots of crabs and fish and things. I wonder if there’s some … Continue reading →

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 6th

Today’s image of Christmas in Japan is… Rilakkuma! I found this at my local 7/11 convenience store, which is strange because usually Rilakkuma is affiliated with Lawson’s. The stocking contains a bag of popcorn and a bag of corn snacks. I have to admit, finding a Christmas image in Japan for every day of December … Continue reading →

My Japanese Advent Calendar – December 5th

Two of my favourite shops at Christmas time in Japan are Plaza and Loft. You’re not really supposed to take photos in these shops, but I wanted to share them with you all as part f my “Advent Calendar” project. So, here’s Plaza in Hamamatsu: And here’s Loft in Hamamatsu: Also, here’s Tokyu Hands in … Continue reading →