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Mom asked me to write a little something for Dad’s birthday on June 21st. Here it is. Pantry Dad is always great in the kitchen. As a hungry, hungry hippo, I constantly find myself scrounging for a snack. Not once do I fail to find something to nibble on. Nature Valley? A constant contender. Fruit […]
It’s five o’clock somewhere! And that somewhere is here, in 中野, my new home, and I’m about to throw a party. Here’s what I’ve done to prepare. Who I have many friends, because (1) it’s important to be proactive in a new country and (2) I’m popular. I also have a number of friend groups, […]
When I moved to Japan, I decided to commit to a craftsy hobby. It’s nice to build something physical with my hands. I went with beads. Why I first grew interested in beads through rave culture’s “kandi”. The idea is that you make a colorful bracelet and trade it with a new friend. It’s tremendously […]
After a few years of vacillation, I have decided to call the area around 中野駅 my new home for the foreseeable future. Here’s why. Tokyo topology Tokyo is divided into 23 wards. Among these wards, there are over 700 railway stations. Despite having a Japanese driver’s license, I have no intention to drive, so navigating […]
Concerts in Japan dole out seats rather uniquely. Through some sleuthing and bit of luck, I managed to secure a barrier seat to see Lady Gaga (round two). ＧＯＬＤ ＢＯＸ（５人） I get the first set of tickets six and a half months beforehand. This is a typical presale event for MasterCard holders. If you have the […]
Last night I was fortunate enough to see one of my all-time favorite artists at 東京ドーム. It was gothic and cooky and magnificently gay. Just Dance I can only think of a few songs throughout my life, where after one chance listen, that moment is forever seared in my memory palace. It’s summer 2008 after […]
Dad visits for a few weeks, so we paint the town red. Welcome to 日本 We meet 7AM at 羽田 airport. Today is relaxing. At dinnertime, we head to a nearby 焼き鳥 joint. It’s a pretty safe introduction to Tokyo cuisine. Who doesn’t love fried chicken and mayo? Next is a cocktail bar, for some […]
Dad books a cruise for the two of us to make our way around the south of Japan. Diamond Princess We board the cruise ship and take a selfie. Yes, the same ship infamous for its corona fiasco. We quickly find the ice cream and enjoy our room’s balcony before departure. The ocean is very […]
Dad wants to try out a bullet train, so we hop on the 新幹線 and make moves north. The plan is to visit local specialties, loosely alternating between food and beer. Shinnkannsenn Bullet trains are generally just lovely. They’re smooth, accessible, and wicked fast. I’ll take a bullet train over a cheaper flight any day […]
I’ve spent the past year dying my hair six different colors of the rainbow. I recently completed the cycle with orange, right in time for Tokyo Pride. Tokyo Pride goals It’s important for me to show out for Pride here. The city hasn’t quite grasped the magnitude of celebration it should be shooting for, so […]
