#Kanazawa City

[calmingram]

Timeless Kanazawa 🏯

by calmin.gram

[falseandrealultravival]

A photographer (verse)

The mascot character of Kanazawa City (Hyakumansan)

Festivals around Kanazawa City

There is a blogger that actively takes photos.

I thought it was gorgeous

Author Shinichi Sano writes, ``It is the proof

That they extorted money from the surrounding area."

If you look into it, it's true

The Kaga domain included most of present-day Toyama Prefecture.

A large domain...1 million koku.

That's why there are so many extravagant festivals.

When I think about it, I find festivals like this to be unpleasant.

Photographs are often

A faint image.

It's because it's a superficial thing to spread.

If you try it, it will look “Instagrammable” etc.

It's a child's game.

写���家（韻文）

金沢市周辺の祭りなどを

写真で精力的に撮り上げるブログがある。

華やかだなあ、と思っていたが

作家の佐��眞一が書くには、「金沢が

周辺地域から財貨を巻き上げた証だ」と。

調べてみると、確かに

加賀藩は今の富山県も大部分含む

大藩・・・１００万石だったのだ。

それで贅沢な祭りが多数あるわけだ。

そう思うと、これ等の祭りが疎ましい。

写真はしばしば実体の

希薄なイメージを

まき散らす、表層的なものだからだ。

してみれば、「インスタ映え」など

幼児の遊びだ。

(2018.08.31)

[fentonphoto]

Kanazawa tree. #kanazawa #japan #tree #buildings #earlymorning #curvy #cityview #cityscape #branches #photography @japan @TravelnChill @srilankan_views

[gerokichi]

美しい日本を感じることができる、魚の美味しい街のプロローグ。

[haveyoubeentothiscity]

Population: 466,029

[s0lead0]

Sunrise from a night bus from Tokyo to Kanazawa.

October 2018.

[straycatj]

Hi, Mr. J! My wife and I are currently visiting Japan on our honeymoon, and absolutely love it. Do you and landlady have a favorite city in Japan?

I don't know other towns, but my landlady recommend Kyoto, Kanazawa, or Takayama!

And, we hope much happiness of you two!

[tokidokitokyo]

石川県

Japanese Prefectures: Chūbu - Ishikawa

都道府県 (とどうふけん) - Prefectures of Japan

Learning the kanji and a little bit about each of Japan’s 47 prefectures!

Kanji・漢字

石　いし、セキ、シャク、コク　stone

川　かわ、セン　stream, river

県　ケン　prefecture

中部　ちゅうぶ　Chūbu, Central Japan, the central region of Japan

Prefectural Capital (県庁所在地) : Kanazawa (金沢市)

Ishikawa Prefecture lies along the scenic north coast of Honshu, the main island of Japan, and is part of the central region, known as Chūbu (中部) or Hokuriku (北陸). Ishikawa combines contemporary art and ancient crafts, stunning ocean or mountain views, relaxing hot springs and traditional Japanese inns. Kanazawa boasts a vibrant geigi (芸妓) culture (think geisha), a bustling seaport in Kaga, and mountainous terrain in the Hakusan region.

This region was hit by the 2024 New Year's Noto Peninsula earthquake, with the most devastation occurring in the northern part of the peninsula. Many businesses and much of the economy relies heavily on tourism, and now is a good time to visit to assist in revitalizing the community, especially in minimally affected areas such as Kanazawa and Kaga.

Recommended Tourist Spot・おすすめ観光スポット Kutani Ceramic Art Village - 九谷陶芸村

Kutaniyaki (Kutani ware) (source)

Kutani ware is probably the best known in Ishikawa and the Noto peninsula. There are many kutani ware souvenirs to be found in Ishikawa, and you can even take classes to make your own pottery. Kutani ware contains five distinctive colors: red, yellow, green. purple, and blue. The rules for Kutani ware are few, so the freedom allowed in creating the pottery is practically endless. The high quality of the porcelain stone found in Ishikawa further lends itself to the distinctiveness of the pottery. In the city of Nomi you can find the Kutani Ceramic Art Village, which is also home to a museum documenting the history Kutani ware and how it is made. Nearby is Cerabo Kutani, a workshop where you can make your own Kutani ware pottery.

The history of this pottery dates back to 1655, when the first daimyo feudal lords of what was then the Daishoji domain wanted to make the most of the porcelain stone found in the area. A gold smelter was sent to Saga Prefecture to learn pottery, and when he returned he opened a kiln in the village of Kutani. This pottery became known as Ko Kutani, a predecessor to Kutani ware in its present form. This kiln operated for 50 years, and then closed down, for reasons unknown to historians.

The next kiln was opened in 1805, when a craftsman skilled in Kyoto pottery came to Ishikawa with his apprentice. The apprentice found the porcelain stone that is local to the area, and the pottery that they created became the modern day Kutani ware.

Regional Cuisine - 郷土料理 Kanazawa Oden - 金沢おでん

Kanazawa oden (source)

Oden is a popular traditional street food dish that can be traced back to the Edo period (1603-1868) in Japan. It is traditionally a dish of various ingredients simmered in soy-based broth and the simple yet warm and nourishing dish can still be found all over Japan today.

Kanazawa oden is a regional variation from the city of Kanazawa in Ishikawa, and is particularly distinctive from other types of oden due to the broth, which is carefully crafted from a blend of soy sauce, dashi (stock made from kombu seaweed and bonito flakes), and other seasonings such as mirin, sake, ginger, and garlic. Kanazawa oden ingredients include crab (only available in the winter!), plum shell conch, and fish balls. Kaga vegetables such as gensuke radish and wheat gluten are also staples in this dish.

Although Kanazawa oden can be enjoyed year-round, to get kani-men or stuffed crab shell you need to visit in the winter months.

Ishikawa Dialect・Ishikawa hougen・石川方言

The dialects of Ishikawa Prefecture are Kaga dialect (加賀弁, Kaga-ben) spoken in the southern part of the prefecture, and the Noto dialect (能登弁, Noto-ben) spoken in the northern part. There are also multiple dialects within each of the primary dialects, thanks to the mountains separating the villages. The below examples are primarily Kanazawa dialect.

1. あんやと、あんがと　anyato, angato

Standard Japanese: ありがとう　(arigatou) English: thank you

ああ、あんやと。 ah, anyato

ああ、ありがとう。 ah, arigatou

Oh, thank you.

2. ～しまっし　～shimasshi

Standard Japanese: ～してください、～しなさい　 (～shite kudasai, ～shinasai) English: please do ～, do ～

そこへ座るまっしね。 soko e suwaru masshi ne.

そこへ座ってくださいね。 soko e suwatte kudasai ne.

Please go ahead and sit there.

*Note: The masshi structure is the most famous Kanazawa dialect. This is also the catch phrase for visiting Kanazawa: 来まっし、金沢！ Kimasshi, Kanazawa! (Come to Kanazawa!)

3. ほうや、ほうや！　(houya, houya)

Standard Japanese: そうだそうだ　(sou da sou da) English: that's right, that's right

A: だちゃっかんわいね。 B: ほうや、ほうやね。 A: dachakkannwaine. B: hou ya, hou ya ne.

A: だめだね。 B: そうだ、そうだね。 A: dachakkannwaine. B: sou da, sou da ne.

A: That's not good, is it? B: That's right, that's right.

4. あゆるしゅう、あゆっしゅ　(ayurushuu, ayusshu)

Standard Japanese: よろしく (yoroshiku) English: nice to meet you, I'll leave it to you, please do etc.

A: デザートもたのむん？ A: dezaato mo tanomun? B: あゆるしゅう。 B: ayurushuu.

A: デザートも頼むの？ dezaato mo tanomu no? B: よろしく。 B: yoroshiku.

A: Are we ordering dessert too? B: Please do.

5. なーんも、なーん　(naan mo, naan)

Standard Japanese: いいよ　(ii yo) English: it's ok, don't worry

なぁーん、いいがや。 naan, ii ga ya.

いいえ、心配しないで。 iie, shinpai shinai de.

No, it's ok, don't worry.

More Ishikawa dialect here (JP).

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.09.25] Newsweek Japan Oct 2024 - Special Feature: Yuzuru Hanyu's Message to Noto

Lending a Helping Hand

Someday you'll be able to smile - What Yuzuru Hanyu wants to convey to the disaster-stricken area of ​​Noto

Nine months have passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on New Year's Day this year. In this special feature, we highlight the thoughts of figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, who experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake in his hometown of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, and continues to support disaster relief efforts, as well as the voices of young people who have begun their journey towards recovery in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. What can the lives of people living in the aftermath of the disaster teach Japan, a country prone to earthquakes?

Earthquake disasters take so much away from people. What they truly are can ultimately be understood only by those who have actually experienced them. At the same time, if there is something to be gained from a disaster, it can only be conveyed by those who have lived through it.

After achieving consecutive victories at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics and the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu announced his transition to professional status in July 2022. A native of Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, he experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake in his hometown on March 11, 2011, about three years before winning his first gold medal.

Hanyu spent several days after the disaster in an evacuation center with his family, and experienced a period when he was unable to practice properly because his home skating rink was closed. Over the past 13 years, he has supported disaster victims and engaged in relief activities for disaster-stricken areas throughout Japan.

On September 14, he participated in a skating class in Kanazawa City, inviting elementary school students from Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui Prefectures, who were affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. The following day, on the 15th, he performed alongside Akiko Suzuki, Satoko Miyahara, and Takahito Mura in an ice show titled “Noto Peninsula Reconstruction Support Charity Performance.”

Although the performance was held without an audience, public viewings were conducted in the disaster-stricken cities of Suzu, Wajima, Nanao, and Shika, and a paid streaming service was also offered to the general public. Proceeds will be donated to Ishikawa Prefecture (streaming is available on Lemino until September 30).

During a press conference after the performance, Hanyu was asked why he chose to skate in Ishikawa despite the event being streamed. He said, “I wanted to skate close to those who have suffered, those who are currently suffering, and those who are troubled by various things.”

Why does Hanyu have such deep sympathy for the victims and continue to convey his

memories of the disaster? If there is one thing he would like to convey to the people of Noto, what is it?

This magazine conducted an exclusive interview with Hanyu in Kanazawa City on September 15th. An hour and a half after the performance ended, Hanyu appeared at the interview location wearing the charity T-shirt. The fabric, dyeing, and sewing of the T-shirt are all "Made in Hokuriku," and on the front of the T-shirt is the word "CHALLENGE," the theme of the performance.

When asked about his feelings for Noto, Hanyu spoke about his own journey of continuing to challenge himself alongside the memories of the earthquake.

(Interviewers: Satoko Kogure and Nozomi Ohashi from the editorial team)

-In June of this year, Hanyu visited Wajima City for an interview with Nippon Television's news program "news every." What were your thoughts while skating at this charity performance?

My strongest wish was to make people smile, even if only a little. When I visited Noto, I couldn't forget the smiles on people's faces when they told me things like “It used to be like this” and “We had so much fun back then”. I realised that the smiles became fewer when talking about the present or the future, so I skated with the hope that people would smile in this "moment", and spread feelings of kindness and warmth.

-I heard that the production costs for the performance were kept low by not focusing on elaborate lighting, allowing as much of the revenue as possible to go to charity. You yourself have donated more than 300 million yen to ice rinks and disaster-stricken areas.

When the rink that I used as my training base became unusable due to the Great East Japan Earthquake, Shizuka Arakawa (Olympic gold medalist in figure skating) helped advocate for the restoration of the rink in Miyagi Prefecture and Sendai City.

I always think that it was these various circles of support and the thoughts of many people that led to my Olympic gold medal. That’s why I want to give back (donate) to the rink that helped me so much and to support those in the disaster-stricken areas who have cheered me on.

-You were 16 years old when the disaster struck Sendai City. I imagine that this experience had a big impact on your subsequent skating career. Can you tell us about your memories of the time of the disaster?

Just before the earthquake, there were several tremors, including one that was a magnitude 5, but it didn’t damage the rink. So, when the earthquake on March 11 happened, I initially thought we would be okay, and since the general public was also present, I felt I needed to calm everyone down, saying, “It’s okay, everyone.”

But gradually the earthquake got longer and stronger, and eventually the electricity went out, there was a loud sound of glass doors clashing, and the building began to crack so hard it seemed as if it might collapse... I experienced the earthquake amidst that deafening noise.

It was very tough at the time, but I kept my skates with me at all times. There was no electricity in the evacuation center, so I remember looking up at the sky and thinking, "The stars are so beautiful," and warming myself by a kerosene heater. Lifelines were not easily restored, and I had no time to think about skating. But many people organised charity performances, and that was the trigger for me to think that I had to practice skating again.

There was a sense of wanting to support the disaster-stricken areas through various ice shows, and I was able to continue skating with support such as being allowed to go to the rink early (before the show) to practice.

-I think there are some things that only those who have actually experienced it can talk about. What does it feel like to have the town you've lived in taken away in an instant?

I didn't lose anything, so to be honest, I don't feel it as much. You know how sometimes a familiar store renovates or moves? It felt like that happening all at once across the whole town, and a world I had never seen before suddenly appeared. Even though I thought, "It’s all broken," I didn't have time to feel sad about it.

-Two weeks after the disaster, you left Sendai and resumed skating practice at a rink in Kanagawa Prefecture. Even now, there are people in Noto who have been forced to leave their hometowns due to the disaster. What were your thoughts when you left your hometown?

I had things I needed to do, so out of that sense of mission, I felt I had no choice but to leave my hometown. It meant leaving my family behind, and I struggled thinking whether it was right for me to go alone. I always had the feeling that I had fled the disaster area.

Now I might think that there is no need to have such a feeling, but back then, I went (to Kanagawa) with a sense of mission to do the best I could, even though I was tormented by guilt.

-In the disaster-stricken areas of Noto, many of those who wanted to move into temporary housing by this summer have finally begun to regain their living conditions. While it’s quite challenging to shift focus from recovery to reconstruction, how do you remember the path to recovery based on your own experiences?

I was 16 years old, so I couldn't take any active steps to support the recovery. I had no choice but to wait for the government and local people to take action.

In that situation, I felt that I was given a role that only I could play, which was to work hard at skating for the people affected by the disaster. It wasn't a proactive or voluntary feeling, but more of a passive one.

Wherever I went, no matter how I skated, I was labelled a "skater from the disaster area." It felt like society had created it for me before I could even think about the meaning of skating as a skater from a disaster area. I didn't rebel against it, but I felt like various burdens were placed on my shoulders before I knew it.

-So, you could say that being from a disaster-stricken area become part of your identity?

It took many twists and turns before I could accept it. I had just entered high school and was in my second season as a senior (2011-12), and thanks to all the hard work I had put in, I was able to achieve results and even became a member of the Japanese national team. But I was frustrated that I was no longer seen as anything other than someone from the disaster area who was trying his best, and it was a tough time for me.

But then I read letters and messages of support from all kinds of people, and I started to think, "There's probably no one else who can receive this much support," and gradually (being from the disaster-stricken area) became a part of my identity.

-I believe you have turned your experience of the disaster and being from a disaster area into your strength. How can one transform such experiences into something positive?

It's really difficult, isn't it? You can't force someone to look forward, and what has happened so far and what will happen in the future is different depending on each person's position. But surely, a time will come when something happens. In my case, it was the supportive messages from everyone, as well as my results and failures, that provided me with the opportunity to accept the reality of the earthquake.

For example, in Noto, it could be when the water supply is restored, or that people no longer have to go to school in Kanazawa (away from their hometown), or they can start a business in a different place. I think that there are many different opportunities waiting for you. I think that in the process, people will gradually come to see their own way of life and the value of their own lives.

I think that the disaster is something that "shouldn't have happened." Absolutely. However, as sad as it is, what has happened cannot be undone. What has been lost cannot be brought back. However, at some point, we must accept and acknowledge that reality.

It may take decades, but the time will come when you will be able to smile again. I believe that, and I think it's okay not to push yourself and just let things take their course.

I can’t say I want people to smile right away, and I myself have found it difficult to visit places like Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, which suffered from the tsunami. So much was lost there, and I hesitated, thinking if I had the right to go.

But I thought that by winning the gold medal, and achieving consecutive victories, by showing my gold medals and my performance, maybe I could provide a small trigger for others to feel, “I’ve worked hard too,” or “There is meaning to my life”, so I’ve finally been able to take action.

I'm sure that some sort of opportunity is waiting for everyone, so I want to say that it's going to be okay.

-If there is anything you’ve gained from the earthquake, what do you think it is?

I started to think a lot about life. I realised that the same time will never come again, and that this moment is truly a one-time experience.

I also think that I've come to live my life constantly thinking about my responsibilities.

-What do you mean by responsibility?

It's the responsibility to the people who gave me their time to watch my performance. I can't show them something half-hearted, I can't spend time without putting my life or heart into it. Also, as someone who survived the earthquake, I feel a sense of responsibility for how I live my life.

-You've seen a lot of things as a result of the earthquake, such as life and death, sadness and small joys. Do you feel that it has broadened the scope of your expression?

Yes, that’s how it turned out. It would be better if the disaster never happened. But since it happened, it has some kind of impact. The deeper the sadness, the happier you feel about the smallest things. After the earthquake, I was able to feel happiness in things like the sprouting of grass, something I wouldn't have been able to feel if I had always been happy.

And I also think that I feel a sense of happiness from having opportunities to talk with various people and share thoughts like this. I'm sure that each and every one of you has something that made you feel the way you do now.

-Is the happiness you felt when you were a competing athlete different from the happiness you feel now?

During my competitive days, the happiness I felt was more selfish, driven by the results I achieved.

Now that I'm a professional, I think what people who come to see my skating want is the kind of experience they can get through watching my performance, or the kind of expressions they can see, among other things.

When I think about it that way, I realised I'm doing it for the people around me... The time and energy I’ve dedicated for everyone connects directly to their smiles and emotions, and that truly makes me the happiest. Since becoming a professional, I’ve come to think more like this.

But I think that has always been a part of my personality. It’s a very trivial thing, but ever since I was a child, I have always felt happy when someone praised me. I would feel happy when someone looked at me and thought, 'That was good.' That’s probably the fundamental source of my happiness, and now it has just grown in scale.

-Today's solo performance was "Haru yo, koi". You performed this song in the ice show "Notte Stellata" (Italian for "A Starry Night") held in Miyagi Prefecture last March, with the aim of sending hope from the disaster area. Did you choose this song without hesitation this time as well?

Yes, I think this was the only choice. Most importantly, I hope for everyone to feel kindness. Of all the songs I’m currently skating to, "Haru yo, Koi" has the most heartwarming and familiar melody that resonates deeply.

This song was used in a morning drama in the year of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (the theme song for the NHK morning drama "Haru yo, Koi" from 1994-95). It was also sung by Yumi Matsutoya for a charity project to support the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, so I chose it because I felt a connection to it.

-The title of today's performance was "Challenge". What is your current challenge?

I think every day is a challenge. After all, when I think about wanting to deliver a good performance and for the audience to feel something from it, I realise that even if I perform the same performance, if there’s no improvement in it, it's unlikely that people will think it was “good”.

It's very difficult to continue evolving from a point that I consider to be complete, and that's the challenge for me. I think that the fact that I am alive now and going through each day is, in a sense, a continuous challenge, an ongoing challenge to protect my life. When I think about Noto or remember March 11, it feels like that’s what it is.

-Do you ever feel exhausted or lonely from continuously fighting and challenging yourself?

For example, in your daily life, when you come home from work and feel “I’m so tired”, I think that means you must have worked really hard (laughs).

Because what I do is showy, people pay attention to my every move and I get reported in the media for what I’ve done. But to me, this is just a part of my life.

Everyone has a lot of hardships in their daily lives, right? We rarely get praised for what we do. It's not so easy to hear things like, "Thank you for cooking dinner again today!" or "You worked hard today, that’s great!" I think that's just how life is.

Everyone is fighting hard every day. In my case, it’s just that my efforts are visible to everyone.

-Hanyu will turn 30 this December. What do you envision yourself doing at 40, 50, and 60 years old?

That’s just a future I can only imagine now, so I don’t really know how it will turn out, but I think I'll still be doing my best in the "now" at each moment.

As I said earlier, working hard or fighting is the same in any field, and even when there’s no work, or if I’m just playing games, I’m sure I’m still fighting in my own way.

There are days when I feel lonely despite being surrounded by people, and days when I can feel the warmth and kindness of those around me, and I think that this will never fundamentally change.

Since what I’m doing is on a large scale, I feel great happiness and also great sadness. But I think the range of those emotions is probably the same as everyone else’s.

I don't know if I'll still be skating when I'm 40. It might be impossible by 60, but I believe the range of emotions I have will remain constant throughout my life.

-How do you feel in your daily life now? Are you happy?

Yes, I’m happy. Because everyone is happy.

-So that’s what happiness means to you.

I mean, living day to day can be surprisingly tough, right? Sometimes I think, "It’s such a hassle to eat..." Ah, this might just be me though (laughs).

For example, even if I want to sleep all day or live carelessly, society doesn’t really allow for that. There are rules in the world, and we have to live according to them. I think everyone is doing their best within those rules.

In the realm of skating, I’m doing my best within the rules of skating. I have to face thousands of people with my one life, and I may think, "I don’t have the energy for tens of thousands of people!" But still, I try my best.

So, even if not everyone in the audience thinks it was great, if even one person feels happy because of it, that’s enough to make me feel rewarded and happy. So, I think right now is probably the happiest I've ever been.

-At the press conference in July 2022 when you turned professional, you said, "For me, the existence of Yuzuru Hanyu is heavy." Does that still hold true?

Honestly, I’ve never thought that it wasn’t heavy. But I think this weight makes me reflect deeply on the meaning of my life.

Of course, there were times when I felt like I was becoming disconnected from the so-called Yuzuru Hanyu that the general public sees, and there were times when I struggled with negative feelings because I couldn’t keep up with that image.

However, it’s precisely because I am Yuzuru Hanyu that I want to live my life to the fullest. As long as there is a place for me to perform and a society that has high expectations of me, I have to keep working hard. Perhaps "I have to work hard" has a similar meaning to "I have to live." That's what I think.

Source: Newsweek Japan Oct 2024 issue, pg 18-25 Online: https://www.newsweekjapan.jp/stories/culture/2024/10/517791.php Info: https://x.com/Newsweek_JAPAN/status/1837401474730520872

[jounosnumberoneslut]

„ Are you blushing? ’’

Jouno Saigiku x reader fluff

Sorry for the grammatical mistakes english isn't my native language!

Contains... reader and Jouno have crush on each other, they have to work a very interesting mission together, sly Jouno as always

AFAB reader

You work as a Hunting Dog, your speciality is similar to Tachihara’s. In adversary corporation, you can take any role like an actress, in order to earn information. Tachihara is different from you in that, he can integrate for months, while you can only accomplish such duties for a shorter duration of time.

You're not required to take part in such a mission by yourself this time. As per Fukuchi's orders, Jouno and you must act as a married couple in order to sneak into the home of one of Japan's most prominent families, who is hosting a private party this weekend. Teruko created fabricated publicity about you as if you had always been a famous celebrity couple attending this event.

You only have one issue with the entire operation—you've never collaborated together, always working alone. It's easy to play games and flirt with strangers in exchange for information, but the thought of having to pretend yourself as your handsome superior’s wife is sheepish. And the icing on the cake, you two have to go to the other side of Japan, to Kanazawa where you have to finish your mission.

You take a deep breath and remind yourself that this is just another mission, and you've been trained for this. You start brainstorming ideas on how to make your fake relationship with your partner seem more believable, hoping that it will help you complete the mission successfully.

When you reached your destination city, Jouno reminded you that Fukuchi had given you a large sum of money to purchase gorgeous clothes for the evening. Before taking your hotel room, you made your first stop in an expensive-looking casual clothe store. The saleswoman gave you a warm welcome and offered a helping hand.

- I want my wife to stand out from the crowd tonight, thus she would require a particular, elegant attire. It should be a half shouldered, close-fitting, from Jersey fabric, doesn’t reach down under to her knees. With metallic dark red colour, that will be match with my own suit. - he said this with flat expression, just that tipical Jouno smile, you didn’t have time to be shocked.

- I'll bring here them which correspond to your description Sir! What’s your size madam’?

- (your size). - the saleswoman nodded and vanished into the storage, let the two of you alone for a few minutes. You freak out silently to your coworker, your face was red.

- Jouno! What was this? What are you-

- It was Fukuchi’s order, don’t blame on me. - again that calm cocky smile. The woman returned with one dress what excatly looked like what Jouno said.

- I think this will be perfect, maybe it’s a little bit shorter. I found similars if you don’t like it, the fitting rooms are down the hall.

As you thanked the woman for her assistance and took the dress to the dressing room, Jouno followed you.

- You don’t have to be here, I can decide myself is it fits well or not.

- Don’t worry I won’t join while you change your clothes, I’m just curious for the result.

You went inside the cabin and pulled back the curtain after you, not that Jouno could see you anyhow. You tried not to overlook anything odd about your coworker’s act as you grew more and more confused and your heartbeat quickened. It’s merely a job that the two of you must complete.

Since the material of the half-sleeved dress is somewhat thicker, you can calmly take your bra of, so that its strap does not detract from the whole look. That idiot Fukuchi... no matter how you elegantly dressed? You donned it, and it fits your shape smoothly. The rear of the dress just covers your buttocks which is fortunate because it stretches on your thights.

- Let me check it. - suddenly Jouno pulled the curtain aside and stood in the front of you.

He put both of his hands on you shoulders, using one to investigate the clothing, and the other to delicately touch your exposed skin. You remainled silent, were so overhelmed. He gradually raised your arms and indicated to keep them high a little bit. Jouno slowly crooked down in front of you, smoothed his large, gently hand down to the bottom of the dress on both sides of your body. He stayed down and talked to your thights.

- Y/n, are you blushing?

- What, no, no....I just-

- Don’t lie. Your whole face is burning. And your heart wants to breaks out of your chest. I just have to inspect, is it appropriate. A little bit short but don’t worry, I’ll protect you from the perverts.

Jouno carefully got to his feet and move you toward the mirror. He stepped behind you and held your hands on your lower stomach. He placed his head to your crook of neck, you could feel his breath on your bare skin, you swallowed back the quiet moan what wanted to break out.

As you both stood in front of the mirror, Jouno's touch sent shivers down your spine. The intensity of the moment made it hard to resist giving in to the overwhelming desire that pulsed between you.

- How do we look? It will be better if I’ll wear my own suit with the same color.

- Magnificent. Like husband and his wife.

Jouno smiled, as heard your shaky words. He gave you a small kiss onto your neck and left you alone in the cabin, ordered you to change your clothes back while he pays, then you’ll meet outside and go to your hotelroom. You don’t understand why he acts in this manner. He never gave any indication that he desired anything from you. He might be acting in this way because he enjoys torturing you. We’re talking about Jouno, so that could be the reason. He is aware of your embarrassment.

Perhaps Jouno gets a thrill out of seeing you uncomfortable and vulnerable. It's possible that he derives pleasure from exerting control over you and revels in your unease. His knowledge of your embarrassment may fuel his sadistic tendencies, making him enjoy tormenting you even more.

As soon as you got to the hotel, you had a full hour to get ready for the event. You closed yourself in the bathroom, where you changed into your new clothes and the jewelry whats the saleswoman had suggested and Jouno bought. You apply your own makeup and put a crimson lipstick nex to your outfit. As you were finishing Jouno put on his own stylish outfit, which was made of the same metallic and dark red fabric as yours.

Once you were both ready, you admired each other's outfits in the hotel room mirror. The coordinated attire made you feel like a power couple, ready to make a statement at the event.

As a last steps Jouno stood in front of you, took your right hand, put a ring on to your finger, then one of his own. You are completely immersed in the intimate situation and came back to life when you felt Jouno’s lips on your mouth. When he leaned back, licked his lips.

- What was this for Jouno?! - your head was redder now than all day.

- I just checked did you put on lipstick or not. Good girl, I wanted to ask put on a red one.

- You are acting so strange since we left Yokohama! I don’t know what’s behind it all, but please tell me, I can’t go for this event like this!

Jouno chuckled and sat on the bed.

- My dear Y/n. You are adorable, but I don’t want to screw this mission up. How badly I want to play with you more...I’ll be honest. Originally this mission was for you and Tecchou, I asked the boss to swap with him. And Fukuchi didn’t give us money to your clothes. This was also mine idea. I just wanted spend more time with you and this is funnier than a date in a café, don’t you think? This was fun to me, hearing your emotions.

You’ve been overhelmed by the emotions after Jouno’s words. You wanted to hug and smack him out of anger and surprise but you managed to to control yourself. He just smiled at you and awaited to your reaction. You swallowed a big one, walked over to him, sat down on one of his leg, tucked his hair behind his ear.

- This means you won’t take me out to a café? - you asked. He caressed your red cheek.

- Are you free on the next weekend?

FUN FACT

It’s funny, some prompts are sooo simple like this one, but I didn’t want to write so simple fic.

I talked about this with @nikolaiismysugardaddy she said I should left here what was my first idea:

.

You and Tecchou silently ate in the lunchroom of the Hunting Dogs HQ. Jouno joined to you with his own meal. He warmed up his noodles, and asked for the salt. You reached for the salt like him and your hand accidentally met with his. You pulled away your hand, embarassed because of his touch.

- Are you blushing? - Jouno asked.

* Tecchou just eating between the two of you*

The End

.

Whatever... I hope you like this one @spenzitz 🩶🩶 have a nice weekend!!

masterlist

dividers are from @cafekitsune

[skyistumbling]

Scenes from Kanazawa: A sleepy city but beautiful to wander at night in the snow. You can hear the life coming from the bars as you pass them complimented by your shoes crunching on the snow below you. Find a bar that’ll welcome you with open arms and enjoy a night of wonderful conversation and nights you might not remember. 

[fentonphoto]

Walking along the river at dawn in Kanazawa, Japan.

[kagayuzen]

A memorial service to honor the memory of Miyazaki Yuzenzai, the founder of not only Kaga Yuzen but also Yuzen dyeing, will be held again this year on May 17, the anniversary of his death. The Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred on January 1 this year toppled tombstones, stone monuments, and lanterns at Ryukokuji Temple in Kanazawa City, and for a time it was feared that the event might not be held, but restoration work was completed and the event was held. We hope you will come and see the exhibition.

Venue: Kaga Yuzen Ryukokuji Temple (2-25-72 Higashiyama, Kanazawa City)

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

[prfm-multiverse]

Kokontozai: KASHIYUKA’s Shop of Japanese Arts and Crafts — Kaga Mizuhiki Decorative Gift Envelope

Searching all of Japan for handcrafted items that express its heart and soul, our proprietor, KASHIYUKA, presents things that bring a bit of luxury to everyday life. This time she visited the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa prefecture. Here she encountered Kaga Mizuhiki, an exuberantly decorative handcraft that began in this town about 100 years ago, then spread throughout Japan.

[edogawa-division]

Happy Birthday Joey!

“So we’re in agreement on what to do?” 

“Hell yeah! Operation: Clown Romance is a go!” 

“Okay, we need to work on that name.”

“Hehehe. Nah.” 

— Later, Kanazawa Division —

The sun had long since set and night had fallen upon Kanazawa with the city lights acting as a beacon for Kaoru Shinozaki as she piloted the Aquila, her personal aircraft, closer to the city. Flipping a switch on the control panel, Kaoru turned on the aircraft’s cloaking device, allowing the Aquila to seemingly blend into the night sky. No need to worry anyone about why a large unidentified aircraft was entering Kanazawa’s sky without permission. 

Lyall Shiba stood next to her in his full goth get-up. Leaning over Kaoru’s shoulder, watching as she touched the controls. The two of them were nervous as they wanted what they had planned to go off without a hitch. After all, there was someone who they desperately wanted to impress, especially since it was his birthday. 

An image of a certain homicide detective flashed in Kaoru’s mind, and she turned a bright scarlet just thinking about him. “What if he says no?” The genius questioned, beginning to lightly panic. What if Joey just saw them as friends? This would be so embarrassing. 

“We’ll cross that bridge if we get there in the extremely unlikely event, Joey says no,” Lyall assured. “Trust me, Kaoru, I don’t think he’s gonna say no.” 

Even with the little pep talk Kaoru’s heart wouldn’t stop pounding in her chest, the genius swearing up and down that Eros himself had pierced her heart with one of his arrows. Still, Kaoru took a deep breath to calm her nerves. Finally entering the city of Kanazawa Kaoru set the Aquila on autopilot, entering a set of coordinates with a specific spot in the city as the destination. This was it, the hacker thought. 

“Alright time to get this show on a roll.” Kaoru turned her head to nod at Lyall, giving him the cue to contact Joey. The former model took his phone from his pocket, entered a number he knew by heart, and nervously waited as it rang. It was perhaps the longest minute of their lives before Lyall heard a familiar voice on the other side and put it on speaker mode.  

“Hello?”

“Hey Joey, it’s Lyall. Kaoru and I are in Kanazawa, and we were wondering if you wanna hang out?”

“Yeah, Jo! It’s your birthday and we’re here to celebrate!”  

— Later —

Clouds covered the night sky as Joey Kurusu stood on the roof of one of the highest buildings in Kanazawa, waiting for Kaoru and Lyall. When he got the call from Kaoru and Lyall asking if he wanted to hang out, Joey jumped at the opportunity to spend time with his crushes. Glancing up above the homicide detective sighed as he had hoped the clouds would have disappeared by now.

The blond shivered as a cold wind hit him. Why had they asked him to meet them here? Couldn’t they have met in an anime cafe or something? It was freezing. Still, Joey wasn't going to waste the chance to spend time with some of his favorite people on his birthday. 

“Where are they?” Joey muttered. “Let me just text Lyall real quick to see where they’re at. They shouldn't be that far out.”

Just as Joey was about to pull his phone out, he felt something touch his back, nearly causing him to drop his phone in fear. Thankfully, he was able to catch it before it fell and broke on the ground. “Alright, who the fuck did that?” He cursed but before Joey could turn around to face whatever scared him the homicide detective to his shock felt something grab onto his shirt and jacket. “Hey! Let me the hell go-” 

Joey could only let out a loud scream as he felt a powerful yank on his shirt and jacket and to his absolute horror he found himself being quickly lifted off the ground. 

“WHAT THE FUCK!” 

Joey continued screaming as he watched the roof he was standing on grow further and further away. It didn’t help that the wind was picking up speed, throwing him from side to side as if he were on some sort of demented amusement park ride. 

“OH MY GOD! LET ME FUCKING DOWN!”

Looking above him Joey was rightfully confused as to why there was nothing there. To his surprise, the night sky seemed to fracture and twist slowly revealing a massive technologically advanced aircraft. It was like anything he had ever seen and a single thought was running through his head right now. One that he loudly let out of his mouth. 

“AM I BEING ABDUCTED BY ALIENS?”

Normally Joey would be stoked at the idea of aliens but not when he was being abducted! Oh god. They were gonna probe him to learn about the human body. Never mind that they were gonna make him carry some alien babies like in the Sims! He wasn’t ready to be a parent let alone to alien babies!

Joey watched as the aircraft’s belly began to open revealing an ominous blue glow. This was it. This is how he died. Abducted by aliens who were gonna probe him in the ass. The blond detective whimpered as he wondered what he’d done to deserve this. Joey tightly closed his eyes not wanting to see whatever had decided to abduct him. It was when Joey heard something like a door closing did he knew that he was finally in the UFO. 

“Don’t give me babies!” Joey shouted his eyes still closed as scrunched in on himself with whatever had decided to grab onto him still holding on to his shirt and jacket tight leaving him to dangle in the air. 

“I mean only if you want to?” 

“When you said “Pick him up” this is not what I thought you had in mind.” 

The homicide detective could hear his mind let out a record scratch as he heard a familiar set of voices. “Lyall? Kaoru?” Joey opened one eye and just as he thought a certain genius and goth were in front of him.

“Happy Birthday Joey!” Kaoru cheered, throwing her arms in the air before she noticed Joey going slack in relief just letting himself hang limply in the air. For a second Kaoru could swear that she saw Joey’s ghost leave his mouth.  “You good?” 

“Kaoru…” Lyall sighed. “You just plucked Joey into the sky like he was a claw machine prize. I’m surprised he’s not having a heart attack after that.” 

“He’s fine. Aren’t you Jo?” Kaoru turned to question Joey who was unresponsive as he just continued to dangle in the air. “Oops.” 

“Put him down, Kaoru.”

“Okay yeah. One sec.” The mad genius embarrassedly scratched the back of her as she gently placed Joey on the floor watching as he shakily stumbled around. Quickly rushing over Kaoru helped Joey steady himself on his feet giving him a sheepish smile. “Sorry about that Joey. Didn’t think about how being lifted into the sky would be for you.”

“It’s fine,” Joey assured, just glad he hadn't been abducted by aliens. Finally getting his bearings the homicide detective began to look around him amazed by the technology around him. “What is this?”

“Oh right! Joey! Welcome aboard the Aquila! My very own aircraft! Impressive right?” Kaoru boasted. “So worth those 2 weeks of no sleep when I was making her!” 

“Scared the hell out of me when she picked me up in it earlier.” Lyall huffed because when Kaoru said she’d pick him he thought she meant a car, not an aircraft more advanced than what any army in the world had. 

“Oh god, I thought I was gonna be probed by aliens when I saw this thing in the sky,” Joey confessed, drawing a giggle from Kaoru and a snicker from Lyall. “Anyway, terrifying Uber pick-up aside, you guys said you wanted to hang out? Which I’m totally down for. Just hanging out with two of my closest friends.” 

Kaoru and Lyall grew silent at the mention as they were reminded of why they were there. Not a word was said between all three of them as they stared at one another, the tension in the air thick enough to cut with a knife. One second passed and then another and another until it was next to unbearable. 

“Uhhh guys?” Joey asked, confused at the sudden and oppressive silence even growing concerned as Kaoru and Lyall glanced at each other. A hidden message passed between the two of them. “Alright, now you’re really worrying me. What’s going on?” 

“Fuck it!” Kaoru shouted having had enough of something. “Screw the plan, Lyall! No time like the present! Am I right?” 

“Oi Kaoru!” Lyall admonished before sighing and cracking his neck. “I guess we’re doing it like this then. What’s even the point of making a plan if we’re not going to stick to it?”

Before Joey could even question what they meant by that Kaoru had grabbed the blond by the shirt and brought him into a…kiss. It was harsh and passionate and for Joey, all he could do was stand there as one of the people he was in love kissed him with all she had. He barely registered Kaoru pulling back as his brain was still rebooting from the shock. 

“Joey...I love you. Couldn’t really begin to tell you when it started but I’ve been in love with you for a while now. I love you and your go-with-the-flow attitude. I love the way you always make me laugh with your jokes.” Kaoru confessed as her cheeks turned a bright red. A shy smile across her face. “I love you Joey Kurusu.” 

“E-eh?” Joey barely managed to get out. His brain was still trying to process the kiss and the confession. Let alone the fact that he was under the impression that Kaoru had a crush on Lyall. Speaking of….

“My turn now,” Lyall coolly took Kaoru’s place in front of Joey and gently grabbed him by the chin, lifting his face to stare into Joey’s lavender eyes. Smirking at his blushing face, Lyall leaned down and just like Kaoru had before kissed Joey. It was softer but no less passionate and once again Joey was having a complete mental reboot. 

“Joey,” Lyall as he pulled back, taking a strand of Joey’s hair and brushing it behind his ear. “I’ve been in love with you ever since we met in rehab. You've become one of the most important people in my life and one of the reasons I managed to get sober. I can’t ever thank you enough for that. I was in a dark spot back then and you helped me get better and you’re just amazing to me Joey even if you don’t quite think that. I love you Joey and I hope you can love me back.” Lyall finished giving Joey a soft smile before stepping back to stand next to Kaoru. 

“I-I thought you guys liked each other.” Joey sputtered out pointing a shaky finger at the two of them. It was like he couldn’t believe that they had just taken turns confessing to him. Him of all people. 

“We do. It’s just that-” 

“We like you too Joey!” Kaoru assured, giving the blond finger guns. “The three of us have two hands for a reason!” 

“Did you just give him finger guns?” 

“I can't help it. I’m nervous dude.” 

“You can’t just call me dude not when I’ve had my tongue down your throat Kaoru-” 

“Oh my god!” Joey laughed, getting the other two’s attention. “I thought I would have just to bottle up my feelings and never say a word, loving and adoring you two from afar, getting my heart broken when you marry and have children. I'll probably be Lyall’s groomsman at your wedding, smiling and pretending I'm ok. And then inevitably dying alone, confessing to one disinterested nurse why I lived alone my whole life just before I passed. She will do nothing with this secret, and my love for you two will never know the light of day.” 

“Joey what the hell that is an oddly specific scenario-” Lyall looked at the blond male flabbergasted. “Just how long have you been thinking that?” 

“Ehh maybe for a while but-”

“Wait a second,” Kaoru butted in finally processing what the lavender-eyed male said. “You like us Joey?”

“Uh…well,” Joey sputtered his face now a bright red for the hundredth time tonight. “Y-yes? I mean I wasn’t expecting the confessions but ooof-” 

A cascade of lavender flashed in Joey’s eyes as Kaoru tackled him to the ground in her excitement. Now flat on his back with his arms wrapped around the genius he looked to see Kaoru’s bright smiling face so close to his own that he could feel her breath on his skin. “Thank Athena! I was afraid you’d just thought of us as friends! But you like us! Best day ever!” Kaoru cheered, throwing her arms around Joey’s head and tightly hugging him close to her chest. 

“Kaoru you’re gonna smother him to death with your boobs.” Lyall kneeling next to two of them, as they lay on the floor. Kaoru gave a slight glare at the goth before a mischievous smile stretched across her face. Faster than Lyall could react Kaoru reached out to grab his shirt and with a slight tug pulled forcing him to land directly on top of them. 

“Really Kaoru?” Lyall grumbled quickly adjusting himself so that he was on one side of Joey reaching out to wrap his arms around him. 

“Shush just join the cuddle pile.” Kaoru teased back hugging Joey from the side she was on.  

This isn’t how Joey expected to spend his birthday lying on the floor of an aircraft in the sky smushed between the two people he liked. Joey still couldn’t believe it. They both liked him. He always just assumed he was destined to be the pinning side character to their shojo romance. Another silence filled the air but unlike last time it was enjoyable as the three of them basked in the aftermath of the confessions. 

“Soooo…wanna give dating us a spin Joey? No takebacks if you say yes, tho.” 

“I assure you you won’t regret it, Joey.” 

“Yeah…I’d love to.”

Happy Birthday Joey!

@kanazawa-division

[hopes-memorial]

Angst starter for @twilight-blonde-beauty

Of course, the news of Botan and Natsumi's wedding was quick to reach the ears of Naosuke Yamashiro. The head of the clan didn't send word of congratulations to the happy couple, of course not. It was more of summons to visit their family home in Kanazawa. While he was happy to go back to the city for their honeymoon, he was less than pleased that they would have to go to his ancestral home. The threat of being disinherited weighed heavy on his mind, and while he didn't necessarily need the money that was guaranteed with his grandfather's death, it was a matter of pride that he attained it despite the odds that were against him from the beginning.

Masao agreed to take the two, of course, though instead of falling asleep on the way there as he normally would, anxiety clawed at him in a way that not even the presence of the two people he cared for the most could make go away, and as they arrived, the florist reaches out to him, making Botan sigh deeply and squeeze his hand back before getting out with Natsumi. The mansion is utterly beautiful, a perfectly intact piece of history that was the pride of their family, something that he would inherit once his grandfather passed as the only child of the main family.

As he stares at his home, he looks over at his wife. Were it up to him, they would never come here, but he couldn't run away from it forever, as much as she loathed it.

"Are you ready to face my family, Natsu?"