kawaii jyan!

Ask any student of the Japanese language and they'll be able to tell you the word for "cute" (kawaii). This may seem like an odd word to be universally known...until you find out that 'cute' is ingrained in the Japanese culture. Everything - no seriously - EVERYTHING is cute. For some reason, it never seems to get old for me...

Meet PiPo-kun, the symbol of the Tokyo police.
With his danger sensing antennae and super big ears to hear cries for help (no seriously), he puts fear into the hearts of criminals everywhere.

What better way to warn train passengers not to get hurt by the closing
door than with a cute kitty?

Say hello to Kenketsu-chan, the blood donation mascot!
Her ears are droplets of blood and her smile gets bigger the more you donate.

This was looping at the Chinatown train station. Silly concierge touch card can't seem to figure out what he's supposed to touch. Thank goodness he figures it out in the end!

Kawaii...ne?

but some things never change

As much as I can revel in all the fun things that feel so different, the truth is - they're just the little things. No matter what side of the planet you're on, the pains and joys of life are exactly the same.

The couple I am staying with was expecting their first child but my dear friend found out she had a miscarriage. It's a sad time in the house, so please send your prayers their way.

It's the little things

Today, laden with books, I arrived at my first Japanese class. Studying a foreign language is always a lesson in humility. The staff speaks to you embarrassingly slow (where...are...you...from...?) which, don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for. And, sometimes, you get put in level that's too high for you, so that you have to inform everyone the room that you need to try an easier class.

But...ever since highschool, I'm happiest when I'm studying this crazy language so despite first day headaches, I had fun. And I can't wait to go back tomorrow.

Exploring on my own today, I started taking pictures and videos of the little things you can't find back in the States. I missed these little things...

On every sidewalk and in many city buildings, the yellow walkway helps to guide the blind (though to be honest, I've never seen ANYONE use it)

Sugar syrup for your coffee

Lines. Honest to goodness lining up.

Chirping crosswalks that let you know when it's time to cross.

The Yakimo man, who drives through the streets singing about his delicious sweet potatoes for sale

I think I'll keep doing this - to share with you all, but also as a keepsake for myself. :)

tadaima!

Just a quick check-in to let everyone know that I arrived safely.

And no, I didn't cry when I arrived. :) There was no big splash of emotion...rather, as soon as I walked through customs, it felt like I'd never left. I'm even using the same cell phone I had when I was here in 06...so when I turned it on in the airport, it beeped with unchecked messages from several years ago. Weird.

Today, just a bit of exploring and getting settled. The friends I'm staying with live in the classy part of town (seriously, lots of Jaguars and Benz parked in this area). I kind of miss my little blue collar Aichi prefecture. I feel like I'm going to dent someone's million dollar home with my giant foreigner feet.

Here's my darling little room

and the view from my window

My computer is still on Chicago time. It's 1:39 am. Sleep well Chicago.

Take two

Well, this feels familiar

It's pretty strange to be using this blog again.... definitely not what I expected when I wrote my 'last' entry two years ago.

Here's the story in a nutshell:

-I miss my friends, I miss my other home in Japan...everyday.

-A dear friend moves back to Tokyo and offers me free housing.

-An American Airlines frequent flyer miles deal arrives at my door, making it possible to fly round trip for $500.

-I realize that my apartment and phone contracts both end at the same time.

-My amazing job says yes, I can take a leave of absence.

-I pack up my things and head out for three whole months just to study the beautiful language and reunite with the place and people that are so dear to my heart.

The end.

I'm going to cry when I get there. I'm sure that'll go over really well with the customs officer.

Have I mentioned I hate flying? Leave it to me to fall in love with the farthest possible country to fly to. Feel free to send your prayers my way as I fly tomorrow.....

More upon my arrival.