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airanddust · 1 year ago

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Eight days in Tokyo

After three years we finally made it to Japan. Back in 2020, Robert and I originally planned to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and then you-know-what came along. Fast-forward to this year, when, while checking my airline miles, I found I had enough to book us (awful, but virtually free) roundtrip economy tickets for an eight-day trip to Tokyo—so we went for it in mid-September.

Note to self: wait until REAL autumn to go to Japan. I’m pretty sure I got heat exhaustion during our trip. The humidity was suffocating and made the real temp feel like 99º F and was severely tiring.

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Dormy Inn Korakuen in Bunkyo City, right by the Tokyo Dome. It was reasonably priced in a quiet part of town. They sold me on the amenities, which included an onsite onsen—accompanied by a yogurt drink in the morning or ice cream bar at night—along with free ramen in the evenings, a massage chair (which we discovered far too late), and an extensive manga library.

We got a double room, and while I was preparing for it to be incredibly tiny based on what I’d heard about Japan hotel rooms, it wasn’t quite as small as I expected and held all our things with room for us to still move around.

What we planned

Months ago we started compiling a Google map of all the places we wanted to go, made a reservation at a mini pig cafe, and bought a three-attraction pass using Klook primarily to visit Tokyo DisneySea. (There is apparently no other way for foreign tourists to get Disney tickets unless you have a Japan mailing address.) We later added the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise and TeamLab Planets, which meant we had four scheduled events and were free to explore the rest of the time.

What we did

Day 1: travel day

From Narita airport we took the Skyliner to connect to another train to our hotel, which took over an hour and a half, but actually longer than that overall because the ticketing was confusing and we were jet lagged.

Finally we figured out we needed both a Suica card (which you can use on almost every train) and a dedicated Skyliner ticket to get to Tokyo proper. From there we used Google Maps, our most trusted ally, to navigate to Bunkyo City.

The trains in Japan are clean and efficient and most stations play cheery recordings of bird songs. People line up in orderly fashion to board. The thing that most stood out to me, being from Seattle, is that there was not a hint of urine in any of the station elevators or hallways. Every place we went felt safe even at night. The trains seemingly go everywhere in the city and they’re easy to use with Google Maps, which even tells you which car to board for the best transfer. 10/10.

Day 2: Bunkyo City, Toshima City, and Harajuku

We got breakfast at 7-Eleven, which carries all manner of food and drink and even blenders to make your smoothie and a microwave to heat up whatever food you bought. We accidentally ate in without telling the cashier. (Turns out you pay 10 percent tax to dine in vs 8 percent to take out, which we didn’t realize because the sign was in Japanese in the back of the seating area.) In addition to food, konbini stores like 7-Eleven also have fax machines, ATMs, and the ability to replenish your Suica card, which is something we did a lot.

After our 7-Eleven experience we explored the manic overwhelm that is the 24-hour mega-mart Don Quixote, grabbed some pastries at BOU’LANGE, and walked around Koishikawa Korakuen garden to take pictures.

We rode the train north to the Sunshine City Mall where we hit the Pokémon Center and Gashapon Ikebukuro, the world’s largest capsule toy store.

We noticed a bunch of teenagers crowding around the mall’s central atrium and found out it was because a K-pop band called CIX was about to perform. We were going to stick around to see how it went until we found out there was an aquarium on the roof (?!?) and went there instead. We saw rare Baikal seals, which are the only mammals that live in Russia’s Lake Baikal, the deepest body of water in the world, along with river otters, penguins, pelicans, sharks, and a bunch of other fish.

That night we had a reservation at MiPig Cafe Harajuku where we got to hang out with baby pigs for about 40 minutes. (We booked an hour, but their system is such that you spend about half an hour sitting on the floor, then the rest of the time getting up to leave and checking out.)

One little pig fell asleep on me before another one came over to bully him off my lap. The staff explained many of the pigs are siblings, and there are lots of rivalries. Sure enough, we saw the same pigs start fights multiple times while we were there. It was adorable but also left me wondering what happens to the pigs after they grow up…? Maybe I shouldn’t think about that.

Day 3: Yokohama

We took the world’s longest train ride (only slightly exaggerating) to Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, which is kind of like a distributed theme park on an island about an hour and a half outside the city.

We saw a SeaWorld-style show with beluga whales and dolphins and wandered labyrinthine hallways of aquariums. I rode a dinky little roller coaster called Surf Leviathan while Robert went to the Umi Farm, where he caught a sea bream they then cooked and served him.

A dolphin at the up-close-and-personal FUREAI Lagoon chucked a basketball to me—I was so surprised—and after I threw it back, he chose Robert next and then continued down the line of people standing along the wall.

We had yakiniku at Satsuki in Bunkyo City that night, up three flights of tiny stairs in a cramped building that was very cozy.

Day 4: Shibuya + Ginza

We headed over to Shibuya and popped out of the subway right into a festival at Shibuya Crossing, then traversed the famous crossing for ourselves.

We made our way to Flipper’s for soufflé pancakes (well worth the hourlong wait) before nearly sweating to death walking through Yoyogi Park to Meiji Jingu, a shrine where we accidentally crashed not one but two weddings. At this point it was so hot I didn’t think I could make it to the next train station. The humidity was demoralizing.

We hit up Ginza next and walked around what felt like a never-ending indoor mall, then got custom-printed drinks at Nissan Crossing. I got the chocolate latte and Robert ordered the lemonade and both were delicious.

The flagship Muji store had been on our list for a while and we were excited to check out all seven floors (plus hotel and food?!?) but it turned out three floors were closed for renovation, so we didn’t get to witness all of the store’s glory. Probably for the best because we ended up bringing home an extra suitcase of souvenirs anyway. Instead we got in line at Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie for dinner, which took over an hour. The udon was decent but I probably wouldn’t return.

Day 5: Tokyo DisneySea

We went to Tokyo DisneySea, which we thought would be less crowded on a Monday than a weekend, but it was so busy I can’t imagine how bad it would have been on a weekend. It was also so hot there were announcements about taking breaks and drinking water, which I’ve never heard at a theme park before, even having grown up in Florida. At one point I couldn’t even muster up the energy to move across a sunny walkway—I had to stop and sit for a few minutes before my body would let me go on.

Many hours were spent in line for Indiana Jones, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and 20,000 Leagues of the Sea, and our feet paid the price. I’m not a huge fan of Disney rides—I appreciate the theming, but the thrill level isn’t there for me—so I don’t think they were worth waits of that length, but I’m still glad I rode them since these rides are Tokyo-specific. I heard someone compare Tokyo DisneySea to Universal and it did feel more like that than a typical Disney park. The seaside theming and landscaping is really on point.

Day 6: Akihabara + Ueno

On Tuesday we explored Akihabara and Ueno, where I’m pretty sure I got heat exhaustion because I was tired and confused and barely able to finish sentences. After taking a break I was ready to give it another shot. Ueno is stuffed with signs, shops, souvenirs, and shrines, and was probably the biggest sensory overload of the trip for me.

We stopped at Pastel Caffe for honey toast and a caramelized banana parfait that revitalized me for our self-guided tour of Ueno Park and the Shinobazunoike Benten-do temple, where a lady randomly approached us and proceeded to, uh, bless us?

After being…blessed?…we went to Monster Hunter Cafe, which Robert had been wanting to check out after a renewed interest in their mobile game. The city’s many vending machines already had me hooked on strawberry milk but Monster Hunter’s version took it to another level (or maybe it was the heat exhaustion 😅).

Ueno boasts a great many souvenir stalls and brightly lit claw game shops, where Robert won an Oshi No Ko stuffed character. He also ran into a guy from the States who asked for a picture together since they were both wearing LA Rams gear.

Day 7: Ginza + Bunkyo City + TeamLab Planets

On our last full day, we got reservations at the six-seat Michelin-starred ramen shop Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou (h/t Koes!). You line up at nine a.m. to get tickets for a timed entry, then return at the time they assign you. While we waited for our slot we ventured over to Roar Coffeehouse; Ginza’s Pokemon Center; a shopping mall; and Ginza Petit Custa. When we returned to Chukasoba, we were served the chef-recommended "ravioli" ramen we'd ordered earlier. I'm no food expert but the ramen was pretty dang good.

With souvenirs piling up (cough Pokemon Center cough) we needed a suitcase to take back home, so we went by Ginza Karen (which, to my disappointment, was not staffed entirely by Karens), apparently a well-known luggage store. We settled on a Japanese-made bright yellow roller bag.

That night I wanted to ride the Thunder Dolphin coaster that was basically across the street from our hotel, but, true to its name, it was closed due to thunderstorms so instead we went up to the neighboring Bunkyo Civic Center observatory (for free!) to take in nearly-360-degree views of the city.

We shopped for some more souvenirs and Japan-specific skincare products at good ol’ Don Quixote before grabbing the abalone course at Grow in Bunkyo City, which was delicious. I wish we’d had time to finish the entire course but, alas, we had to miss the garlic rice and dessert because otherwise we’d have been late for our TeamLab Planets reservation.

Speaking of TeamLab Planets, I wasn’t sure what to expect because reviews were mixed, but it was a fun experience. It bills itself as an interactive art museum, and most of the exhibits offer completely unique experiences that will never be recreated. In the koi room you wade through knee-deep water while virtual fish swim around you in real-time projections that are based on your movement and the amount of people in the room. Our favorite was the flowers in space projection, another unique exhibit where it feels like you’re floating through a universe of flowers and butterflies.

Our last stop was Lawson’s for plane snacks and a final serving of strawberry milk, because I’m addicted and convenience stores back home are trash compared to Japan’s.

Day 8: back to the States

Our flight home from Haneda was delayed because…drumroll, please…the captain forgot his ID in his hotel room back in Tokyo. Our completely full plane waited on the tarmac for over an hour as some hapless soul fought traffic to retrieve the captain’s passport before we were allowed to leave. I guess on the bright side, the timing meant we got to see a Pokémon-themed plane as we taxied off, so there’s that.

Tokyo was a feast for the senses and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Japan (although first I need to learn more than two Japanese words). I already miss the convenience stores, vending machines, trains, and bathrooms—seriously, they’re next level.

Random observations

Generally, walk on the left side of the sidewalk/escalator/etc

DOWNLOAD GOOGLE TRANSLATE! I mean, unless you are fluent in Japanese…

Don’t go in the summer unless you want to get heat stroke

Despite the heat, people mostly wear pants, dresses, and skirts, and everyone dresses much more formally than they do in the States (particularly in Seattle)

Almost no one wears sunglasses—I saw maybe three other people wearing them the whole time, and one of them was a tourist

There’s no tipping in Japan, but there is a two percent tax difference between dining in and taking away

You can apparently only pay cash to reload your Suica card…? Or at least, that was our only option

No one locks up their bikes—it was a shock to see dozens of bikes just sitting around freely, because bike theft apparently isn’t a thing there

There are actual telephone booths around the city

#tokyo #tourist #japan travel #japan trip #japan vacation #wanderlust #ginza tokyo

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bestentours11 · 8 months ago

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Explore 8 Top Destinations In Japan Tour Packages From India

Japan, with its blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, has long captured the imagination of travelers worldwide. For those embarking on a journey from India to Japan, tour packages offer a convenient and immersive way to explore this fascinating country. In this guide, we'll unveil eight must-visit destinations that are often included in Japan tour packages from India, promising unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

1. Tokyo: The Bustling Metropolis

Tokyo, Japan's dynamic capital, is a city where traditional culture intersects with futuristic innovation. Included in many Japan tour packages from India, Tokyo offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, from bustling street markets and serene Shinto shrines to neon-lit skyscrapers and world-class museums. Wander through the historic districts of Asakusa and Shibuya, marvel at the iconic Tokyo Tower, and indulge in mouthwatering Japanese cuisine at local izakayas.

2. Kyoto: Timeless Elegance

Kyoto, with its well-preserved temples, traditional tea houses, and serene gardens, transports visitors to Japan's ancient past. Featured prominently in Japan tour packages from India, Kyoto is a treasure trove of cultural riches, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Immerse yourself in the art of the tea ceremony, stroll through bamboo forests in Arashiyama, and witness the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in spring.

3. Osaka: Culinary Delights

Osaka, known as Japan's culinary capital, is a paradise for food lovers seeking authentic Japanese cuisine. Included in Japan tour packages from India, Osaka offers a gastronomic adventure like no other, with its bustling food markets, vibrant street food stalls, and world-renowned restaurants. Indulge in savory okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), fresh sushi and sashimi, and melt-in-your-mouth takoyaki (octopus balls), experiencing the diverse flavors of Japan.

4. Hiroshima: Historical Significance

Hiroshima, forever marked by the events of World War II, is a city of resilience and peace. Featured in Japan tour packages from India, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome serve as poignant reminders of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare. Pay homage to the victims at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, then journey to the nearby island of Miyajima to marvel at the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.

5. Nara: Cultural Heritage

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a living testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. Included in Japan tour packages from India, Nara is home to some of Japan's oldest and most significant temples, including Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Encounter friendly deer roaming freely in Nara Park, explore the tranquil beauty of Isuien and Yoshiki-en Gardens, and admire the intricate craftsmanship of Nara's traditional wooden architecture.

6. Hakone: Natural Beauty

Hakone, nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji, is a picturesque retreat known for its hot springs, lush forests, and panoramic views. Featured in Japan tour packages from India, Hakone offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Relax in rejuvenating onsen baths, cruise across Lake Ashi aboard a traditional pirate ship, and soak up the breathtaking vistas of Japan's iconic mountain, Mount Fuji.

7. Sapporo: Winter Wonderland

Sapporo, located on the northern island of Hokkaido, transforms into a winter wonderland during the snowy months. Included in Japan tour packages from India, Sapporo hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, where intricately carved ice sculptures and illuminated snow statues dazzle visitors from around the world. Sample piping hot bowls of miso ramen, glide down snow-covered slopes at nearby ski resorts, and experience the magic of Hokkaido's winter landscapes.

8. Nikko: Scenic Splendor

Nikko, nestled amidst lush mountains and dense forests, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Featured prominently in Japan tour packages from India, Nikko is home to Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated mausoleum dedicated to the Tokugawa shogun. Marvel at the intricate carvings and vibrant colors of the shrine, hike through pristine wilderness trails, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred mountain retreat.

Conclusion

Japan tour packages from India offer travelers a gateway to a land of ancient traditions, modern innovation, and natural splendor. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto and the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, culinary delights, or scenic beauty, Japan's diverse attractions cater to every traveler's interests, making it the perfect destination for your next adventure.

#japan tour packages from india #japan packages #Japan tour packages #japan travel packages

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katefathers · 1 year ago

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I've been pretty MIA on this blog for the last few months, and now that things are starting to slow down--and this is, osetensibly, a blog--I figured I'd finally post about why!

I went to Japan! And South Korea! In July, my best friend and I finally set out on the trip we'd been talking about for over 20 years, starting in Tokyo and then migrating to an onsen in Hakone, then on to Kyoto and Osaka. We saw the floats for Gion Matsuri. My friend fell in love with shaved ice, and I ate so much my shorts grew tight. I had to stop myself from stuffing my suitcase full of pottery, and we drank so much white peach water I think I'm now going through withdrawls, and we accidentally found a view of Mount Fuji while walking along the coast in Kamakura. It was hot and exhausting and totally wonderful, although I've learned my lesson: invest in a transit pass.

Towards the end of the month we took an overnight ferry from Osaka to Busan, celebrating my friend's birthday with a feast at the night market near our hotel. We hiked around Jeju Island, gorging on citrus and pork, and then wound down wandering around the Myeongdong district of Seoul. Our hotel hosted rotating groups of Scouts, in town for the World Scout Jambouree; watching the colours of their neckerchiefs change every time you left the lobby felt like being in a David Lynch film.

It took me about a week to recover from this trip, but since then I've moved cities (again) and into a new house, which has meant non-stop packing and unpacking and renovation. I even forgot to post about the latest issue of Starburst Magazine--a Doctor Who issue--which you can find here. But now the reno is getting wrapped up (at least for now), and I finally feel like I have the mental capacity for our regularly scheduled programming. Prepare yourselves for some reblog spamming.

#my writing #travel #Japan #South Korea #Starburst Magazine #film #tv #Doctor Who

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dsandrvk · 1 year ago

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Tuesday, May 24 - Kinosakionsen to Kanazawa

Today was basically a travel day, since we had five hours of train time, with an hour "layover" in Kyoto, enough time to take the escalators up to the top of the station and take our pictures, grab some food for the train, and get on our express train to Kanazawa. It always amazes me that it is faster to cross the country a couple of times on a train rather than take what looks like the more direct route. But they do seem to know what they are doing. While our second train was just a fast regular train, we could see a new Shinkansen line taking a straighter path on part of the same route - it's new and hasn't opened yet. The Japanese are still making plans to extend their super fast train lines - they even have a mag-lev train from Tokyo to Osaka scheduled to open in 2037 that will cut the travel time in half to 67 minutes and that train will reach speeds of 311 mph. Pretty incredible. Our little express train was not the sleek long-nosed type like the Shinkansen, but a very blunt-nosed engine.

We did have a little time after our sumptuous breakfast (pictured) to explore a little more of Kinosakionsen. It appeared it was emergency test day, as all the firemen were outside their stations, and as alarms blared (very loudly) they all tore around on the main street in their engines, sirens wailing. We also saw this little shrine and Torii gate array next to a parking lot.

Kanazawa is a large, very modern city, and like most Japanese places, full of public art. The large wood structure resembling a Torii gate is actually holding one end of a superstructure at the train station. And the "clock" is a little fountain that also says "welcome" in Japanese and English and is obviously programmable like any digital display. The sign is from a bagel shop we passed by on the way to our hotel.

Our hotel is called "Japanese style", but basically that means we take our shoes off, store them in a locker and walk around on plastic tatami mats. Our room is fairly standard, although the decor is very Japanese. We stayed in the more Western brand hotels from this chain the last time, and they have a very nice onsen, an "ice cream bar" which is by the onsen and open from 3PM on, and which has self-service ice cream bars, a ramen noodle late evening service from 9:30 to 11PM, and a full breakfast. We almost don't need any more food, but there's always room for sushi!

We did a little exploration in the evening before settling down to dinner and the onsen (and noodles), and were surprised to see how many hotels there are just in our area. And there are also a lot of European tourists and some Americans. In places like Matsue and Tottori we were pretty much the only non-Japanese.

Tomorrow we will go to the garden here, as well as the castle grounds. It's nice to have a day that we don't have to plan around a train or bus schedule, so we will appreciate that. The rain seems to have passed and tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and mid-60's - a perfect day.

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ainitsuite-agape · 7 years ago

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Yuri on Museum, Chacott and Onsen on Ice @ OSAKA - part 3

PART 1 - Yuri on Museum

PART 2 - Chacott shop

The last stop of our Otayuri meeting journey was at Minoh/Osaka for the Onsen on Ice, and let me tell you that it was THE BEST PART!! <3

The Onsen complex is HUGE and is set up over different floors. It's not only the baths, it has so many different activities available!! A movie theater, a ping pong area and of course places where you can chill, have lunch, dinner, and - I didn’t have time to check it - but it even has a manga room! <3

Anyway, we’re here for the YOI stuff so.....

OEDO ONSEN MONOGATARI MINOH ~ 1-1 Onsencho, Minoh, Osaka Prefecture 562-0006, Japan

After the entrance, a lovely red corridor welcomes you with the sight of all our beloved skaters hanging from the ceiling! All the characters paired by ship :P (no JJ/Leo is not a ship - you can see in the first image JJ is paired with Seung-Gil :P I paired them in the pic because I’m into the club19 JJLeoBek brofriendship <3)

You collect a numbered bracelet at the entrance. You have to keep with you for all the duration of your staying at the Onsen. Using it will be the only way you can purchase things: From buying lunch to YOI merch, you just have to swipe the bracelet on a reader and everything will be added on your account. You’ll pay everything at the exit ( = a clever idea to make you loose count of how much you will spend XD).

You can leave your wallet and your belongings in the locker room (and add another numbered bracelet on your wrist) and...you’ll have to change into a yukata! <3

They comes in different sizes and colors depending on your height and they are all lovely! Sadly no black yukatas (as Yuri and Otabek’s ones) BUT the ones available were super cool nevertherelss. <3

We decided to have lunch first and our favourite skaters were waiting for us in there!! <3 <3

After squealing for a while and forcing our impulse to bring them home with us, we actually sat down to have lunch. Otabear was with us <3

And he was not alone! Our Japanese companions kept taking out YOI merch from their bags and quickly the table was full of Otayuri goodness!! <3 <3 <3 our hearts were overwhelmed! <3 <3 I mean look at them! <3 <3

I ordered a kitsune udon as I didn’t noticed they had YOI-themed menus (but they were not serving katsudon ;__;) BUT I took a ramune to drink, to match what Yuri is drinking in his onsen illustration :P

The YOI menus came with free postcards and - as happened before - we were spoiled by the Japanese’s kindness! The other girls who took the menu gave them to me and @urielsgate ;_____; <3 <3

After lunch we ventured in the corridor where you can leave a post-it message to your favourite skater <3

I seriously wanted to take pics of EVERY CUTE MESSAGE, but I just leave you some GEMS!

CANADIAN FLAG MAN SHOUTING JJ WAS THE LITERAL BEST ! ! ! XD XD XD

Someone even wrote a message in Russian near Otabek and of course it says “Are you going to be my friend or not?” * melting * (thank you @starkysnarks for the translation)

I left my little message too . . .

Also me and @urielsgate laughed a lot for the message near Michele: “Una bella pizza per favore!” XD it was sooo cute! (no Italian would ask so politely for a pizza XD but if you’re wondering what is says: “A really nice pizza please!”)

We decided to add a message from our beloved Michele to all the visitors: STATEVE ACCUORT! XD (which means be careful / beware in Naples’ dialect, but I’m not sure we wrote it right since it’s not really our dialect :P but you got the flavour!)��

We then moved on the top floor where the YOI merch shop is located, just after the ping pong area, and let me tell you, it was a huge room full of ping pong tables were lots of people where playing in yukata <3

My mind was too focused on the YOI shop to remember to take a picture, BUT now I understand completely why they put THIS IMAGE in last year’s YOI official calendar as I saw similar scenes with my own eyes!! <3 <3 <3

And look who was greeting us at the shop!! <3 <3 YAKOV AND GRANDPA KOLYA!!

There were a lot of goodies in the shop and we seriously wanted to buy everything but, when you’re on a budget, you need to behave so at least I took many pictures :P

There were also some games you could play to win some merch!!

One of them was a moving platform where you had to throw a ring over the skaters circling around Victor’s matrioska as if they were skating! <3 <3

Another game we played was collecting all the characters’ stamps from some stalls placed all around the Onsen! <3

You could collect either the blue stamps or the red stamps, and of course all the ships were split in the two colours, so you needed to play it twice, once collecting all the blue and once the reds, if you wanted to have all the stamps!!

Anyway once you have all the stamps of the same color in the book can go back to the YOI merch shop to collect your gift:

The envelope had a black mask inside, like the one Phichit and Yuri uses at some point during the show! <3

After an ice cream break, we decided to try the baths!! <3

As Yuuri says in the show, no pictures are allowed inside the Onsen (for obvious reasons) so I’m going to rely on the pics from the Onsen’s website to give you a glimpse of the bathtubs we tried <3 <3

It’s an experience I highly recommend you to try if you ever visit Japan. Surely you will not regret it! <3

Of course no swimsuits are allowed, they will provide you with just a tiny towel to cover yourself while you reach the baths and that you can put on your head (or on the side of the bathtub) while you enjoy the hot water!! <3

Of course I tried balancing it on my head, but as soon as I moved a bit inside the bath, it dropped in the hot water XD XD

The perfect ending for a perfect day at the Onsen is eating katsudon!

We found a place near Osaka’s train station so we could finally triy it and...VKUSNO!! <3 <3

It was sooo goood!!! Victor, Yuuri....I totally understand you now!! <3 <3 (I’m still drooling looking at the picture!)

And....that’s it for the OTAYURI MEETING <3

I’m so glad and so grateful to @mitty3000 and all the other lovely Japanese girls who joined us in this amazing day! It’s so cool that a show like Yuri on Ice brought us together <3 <3

LONG LIVES YURI ON ICE AND LONG LIVES OTAYURI!! <3 <3

#onsen on ice #onsen on ice osaka #otayuri meeting #yuri on ice #YOI report #agape tells you things

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darkdreamtheorist · 2 years ago

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Worldbuilding Helluva Boss: Mictlan & the Aztec bathhouse

What do other hell-scapes around the world look like in the Helluva Boss canon? Take Mictlán, one of four death houses in Aztec Hell, where sick and old souls endure a four year journey to reach their resting place. Now imagine a stop before that, where the souls would soak in lava pits or ice floes or steam off while served the best foods the mortal realm has to offer. Who would design such a place?

Why, Tlazolteotl, that's who! goddess of vice, filth, lust, and adultery. Tzoltea to her friends. She's also the patroness saint of purification and STEAM BATHS! She conceived the resort after having a day at the spa herself from all corners of the Mortal Realm! At a Pantheon mixer in Olympus, She was given a medallion by Dionysius to an Atlantean bath complex, bathing in the scalding, tepid, and frigid thermae (read/bathhouse); then Ratatoskr, messenger squirrel of Odin, lead her 'round Yggdrasil to a steam house far off a Norwegian village over some mountains followed by a feast at Glasgow during Oktoberfest; soaked on a hot spring in Osaka with a Tanuki, who discussed how using a dragon emulated the natural Onsen effects w/o finding hot spots. Off to the fiery cauldron of Kauai, her last stop, and fire dancers in a luau with some fruity mai-tai n pig on spit!

Such a relaxing holiday, she can't enjoy it on her own, so she got up to design a resort in Mictlán, Tzoltea's Tantalizing Thermae: A sprawling sauna/pool house retreat inspired by her holiday in the mortal world, complete with cabanas, poolside bars, floorshows, an int'l buffet, and the main attraction: three types of bathing experiences from the very countries she skinny-dipped into-- Spicy Maui Lava Pits; Norwegian Spring Saunas; and Floe-ing Fjords! No soul will go restless and grieving when in respite!

To keep thermal conditions of each bathhouse at optimum temperatures, she hired a big fat femme dragon-gator demon with elemental properties who loves a good soak (and vaguely looks like BL ZeBub from Devil & Daniel Mouse) to heat the lava pits and chill the floes when necessary thru secret tunnels while also securing the resort from non-guests dipping a toe w/o reservations. Plus they gets to wear a wonderful one-piece Bandeau swimsuit in charcoal black with a Leuco Dye decal logo that shows a volcano when in the lava pits and glacier in the floes. they should be doing their security/lifeguard duty, but they sneak a chance to skinny dip on one of the pools during off-hours.

#Tzoltea's Tantalizing Thermae #helluva boss #worldbuilding #Mictlan #last resort for respite

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evenmoregreener · 3 years ago

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Questionnaire of Laruku from B-PASS magazine (March. 1995)

Another translation of a translation from Russian. This "interview" was translated for Russian l'arc fan-club in 2018. I haven't found any other English translations on the net, so I decided that it will be interesting for you to read something like this. All credits are down below, big thank you to the original translator, what a great woman!

The original Russian text has some typos plus English isn't my first language, that's why text might seem a bit of strange. About special signs: (translator's note) - notes of an original translator; "*" - my own notes; (?) - neither me nor the original translator understood the context. Please, enjoy!

1. Date of birth Hyde: 13th of Friday Tetsu: 3 of October Ken: 28th of November, Sagittarius Sakura: Secret 2. Blood type Н: Color of the blood - red Т: А or 0 К: АВ S: The hot blood of a man runs in my veins 3. Place of birth Н: Jelsarem's Rod Т: Kansai К: Alaska’s native S: Kingdom of Nerima (Nerima is a ward in Tokyo, where Sakura was born - translator's note) 4. Height, weight, shoe size, visual acuity Н: “?” Т: Small, light, 24,5 – 25 cm К: 178 cm, 56 kg, shoe – 25,5 cm S: 5 feet 8 inches, 120 feet, 10 inches, about 1,0 and 1,0 5. Body size Н: As in the previous Т: I don’t know К: I prefer В 85, W 58 H 88 S: “Nice body” 6. Which musical instruments and how many years do you play? Н: I've been playing guitar for 9 years Т: 11 years on bass К: From about high school S: Secret 7. Where did you work? Н: Mister Donats Т: At the record store К: Jewelry store, tutor S: Secret 8. Skills Н: Shaolin martial arts, second dan Т: Calligraphy К: Youth baseball S: Secret 9. Hobby and special abilities (besides music) Н: Bite Т: Radio controlled models К: Tetris S: To make people do something

10. Philosophy of life Н: Do not stick sticks into the rice Т: I sleep today for tomorrow, tomorrow I sleep for today. (a phrase from manga - translator's note) К: Hurry slowly S: Live today 11. Real name Н: Jiji Т: Teppi К: Jakenosuke S: Sakurajima Samuel Tarot

12. Favorite musicians Н: Depeche mode Т: Me К: The The (an English new wave band — translator's note) S: Ishihara Yūjirō (Japanese actor, singer, film producer - translator's note) 13. Favorite celebrity Н: Takeda Tetsuya (Japanese singer and actor - translator's note) Т: Me К: Isshiki Sae (Japanese actress — translator's note) S: Saburo Ishikura (Japanese actor - translator's note) 14. Respected people Н: Yoshitada Hirai * Т: Me К: Professor Ichinose S: Takakura Ken (Japanese actor - translator's note) 15. Favorite films and films that you’ve recently watched Н: The Omen. Recently watched Jurassic Park. Т: Favorite film – The Outsider, recently watched “Cría cuervos” (Spanish film of 1976 - translator's note) К: Perfect World, cried when watched, although usually I don't cry during films S: Jingi Naki Tatakai (Battles Without Honor and Humanity) 16. Favorite books (including manga) and books that you’ve recently read Н: Stephen King. Recently read compilation that’s called Night Souls (?). Pretty interesting. Т: «Harper’s Bazaar», Vogue Italia, recently read Matsumoto Hitoshi’s “Isho”. К: «Kirin», about motorcycles, novels for men. It’s a bit of awkward, but I buy Young Rose which I love to read for a long time. S: I can't list everything. 17. Alcohol and tobacco Н: Both, about 10 years already. Alcohol – a little, tobacco – one piece. ** Т: I don’t smoke. Alcohol – yes, except sake, I drink rarely though. К: I love Kassis, always have it at home, drink 2-3 times a week. I don’t smoke right now. S: Any alcohol, I can drink a lot. Per day I smoke more than two packs (Seven Star) 18. Do you love animals? Do you have any pets? Н: I do, but I have allergy. Т: I do. I had 5 dogs and one cat, now I don’t. К: I love obedient and loving. S: More than pets I love girls. 19. The concert that left the strongest impression Н: GASTUNK in EGG PLANT (legendary club in Osaka of 80’s - translator's note) Т: Shiki-Yakou (the name of tour Dead End of 1985) К: In Aichi Kinrou Kaikan (concert hall in Nagoya — translator's note) S: Radio concert Anikies (Dankon Anikies – fictional band that was made up by ken, sakura and kyo (Die in Cries), when ken and sakura were guests at kyo’s radio program «kyo MIDNIGHT　ROCK　CITY» on 9th of December, 1994 - translator's note) 20. Three most beloved albums Н: Some Great Reward of Depeche Mode, God’s Own Medicine of The Mission, La Vie En Rose of D'erlanger*** Т: Laruku’s new album, Tierra, Dune К: Black Sabath – Heaven & Hell; Cure - Disintegration; Kisugi Takao (Japanese singer and composer - translator's note) - Best collection S: Secret 21. Recently bought CDs and your impressions of them Н: No Т: Second Coming/The Stone Roses К: Suede (Britpop band - translator's note) S: Secret 22. Concert that you visited recently Н: Haven't been on the concerts for about a year, but sometimes before Shibuya live watched Modern Choki Chokies (a Japanese pop band from the early 1990s - translator's note) Т: Echobelly (a British rock band — translator's note) К: kyo-chan’s solo S: Secret 23. TV shows that you often watch and radio shows that you often listen to Н: Doramas and MIDNIGHT ROCK CITY Т: TV – BEAT UK, I don't listen to radio К: Yoru-ni dakarete (dorama of 1994 - translator's note), though it has already ended. I don’t listen to radio, since I don’t have one S: I’m interested neither in TV nor radio 24. Favorite dish, favorite color and flower Н: Japanese cuisine. Monochrome color. Flowers that grow well in an apartment, even if they are not watered Т: Sushi, tillandsia, cacti, I like all of the colors К: Favorite dish – ice cream, caviar, sushi. Favorite flower – orchid. Favorite color – silver S: Anton rib (dish that was mentioned in Kinnikuman - translator's note), sakura, black 25. Musical instruments that you can play and ones that you want to learn to play Н: Guitar, bass, acoustic guitar, would like to learn to play flute. Т: Several guitars and basses К: Guitar, bass, synthesizer. Would like to learn how to play saxophone S: Variety which you can find in stores 26. Thing that you want the most right now Н: Hot blood of some girl. Т: Sharp Zaurus P1-5000 К: Onsen, pool S: “?” 27. How do you spend your weekend? Н: Sleep Т: Vacantly К: Go back and forth S: Stay under the waterfall 28. What do you do when you are all alone at home? Н: Sleep and writing lyrics Т: Play the guitar, listen to music К: Watch TV… S: Drumming Japanese drums 29. A dream that you have seen lately. Н: Back at night souls of dead sheep were hurrying through the window, I was worried where they are going. I told Sakura: when the sheep will come back, let’s go after them, but they didn’t come back. Т: A dream where I somehow ended up eating sushi in America. К: Relocation S: In loincloth and a bandage on the head I wandered in a stormy sea. And that was awesome! 30. Most attractive feature Н: Compact, compact and compact Т: “?” К: Ankles. Strong side: strong legs. Weak side: often catch cold. S: 31. Role in the band. Н: Probably, bringing everybody together Т: President К: Am-group (?) S: Educator of the head of singing monkeys 32. Describe in one word what Laruku is Н: Cloudy sky after heavy rain Т: Rock band К: Rainbow S: Soul of a man 33. What do you expect from the other band members? Н: I’d like everybody to stay as healthy as they are now Т: Perfection К: Rainbow! S: Soul of a man 34. Where do you want to go abroad? Н: Paris Т: To America К: Any countries where I could live. To drive back and forth S: Country on the shore of the Japanese Sea 35. Where have you been? Where have you recently traveled? Н: During the vacation in September traveled to Nagano to visit Osamu's house four years later, I would like to live calmly in the district of Karuizawa station. Т: To Okinawa. It was beautiful. К: Morocco. It was hot. S: In Morocco I saw the waves of the Atlantic Ocean 36. What do you recommend to see in your hometown? Н: On the roof of Nisshou haitsu Т: A lot of yankees. К: The view on the fast stream S: Secret 37. Enjoyable things that you like during tours (except for concerts) Н: Food Т: Except for concerts, nothing (laughs) К: You can overeat S: Meet different locals with the soul of a man 38. What do you definitely do before the concert, what do you pay special attention to? Н: I am in a deep thought Т: I listen to Metallica at full volume К: Going to a toilet S: Warm up and stretch of the muscles 39. What do you pay special attention to before the interview? Н: I find out the topic Т: So as not to be late К: I try to be serious S: Worried about whether I can express and tell about my masculine soul 40. What do you carry with you all the time? Н: Watch and two bracelets because I like them Т: Nothing К: Bracelet, necklace - I feel uncomfortable without them S: Pants 41. Memorable thing Н: The bracelet that I bought when I first came abroad. I really wanted it, but pretended that I am not interested, and bargained. But since there is no set price, I don’t know if it’s cheap or not. Т: No К: Various guitars, they are associated with different memories. S: Secret 42. Three biggest news in the last six months Н: 1. Motoka’s wedding. 2. The house in front of my window was demolished. 3. Because of the house, which has now been built, the lighting has become worse. Т: Promotion trip; creation of an official fan club; award from the director! К: Couldn't go to the sea. Swam in a pool in Morocco. Was in onsen. S: Secret 43. Plans for the end of the previous year and the beginning of the new Н: Composing music and lyrics Т: Car driving and karaoke К: Continue visiting onsen. S: Polish my masculine soul 44. Your personal plans for 1995 Н: Enjoy work Т: Become an artist № 1 К: Necessarily swim in the sea. Master the butterfly S: Gain a soul of a man 45. Music that you listened to this morning or last night Н: Laruku’s new song T: Morning call from the manager K: Maribeth S: Pink Floyd 46. Dish that turns out well when you are cooking Н: Chinese cuisine Т: I can't cook К: Ikuradon S: Sashimi 47. The image of the ideal woman Н: An optimistic and domestic woman Т: No К: Fujiko-chan S: That looks like Shiraishi Hitomi (Japanese actress - translator's note) 48. Favorite sport Н: No Т: No К: No S: Judo 49. If I were born again... Н: I would like to become an astronaut and fly into space Т: I would like to be genius К: I would like to be a dolphin S: I would like to be a woman, in order to live and not talk nevermore about the "soul of a man" 50. Goals in life Н: Enjoy the rest of the years Т: It’s a secret К: Live a long life S: Soul of a man 51. One word for readers of our magazine Н: If you're not careful, I'll bite you! Т: Nice to meet you К: Hello, this is Ken. I'll continue in answer 52 S: Life in a loincloth and headband 52. Free theme Н: Woof Т: Nowadays Laruku are fully different! К: In 1996 I want to perform a lot at concerts. That is why we definitely will meet, so look forward! S: And this year there will be Anikies!

* Marked in credits to HYDE’s “Roentgen” album as an art director and designer. ** Probably he meant one pack. *** Was covered by HYDE in D’ERLANGER TRIBUTE ALBUM ~Stairway to Heaven~.

Translation from Japanese: Liubov Chachanidze aka Diana_ Translation into English by me (The Green Explosion inc.)

Original: https://diary.ru/~l20arc-en-ciel/p216393417_anketa-iz-zhurnala-b-pass-za-mart-1995-goda.htm

#laruku #l'arc #hyde #hideto takarai #l’arc en ciel #ken kitamura #ken #tetsu #tetsuya ogawa #sakura #yasunori sakurazawa #interview #translation #jrock

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nellavee · 3 years ago

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no place i'd rather be

Being with Bokuto is unpredictable.

He’s wild, spontaneous, and impulsive. It’s great, because you get dragged into the stupidest—and most fun—memories of your life. Countless are the times where you’ve disappeared to different places in Japan, or even overseas, during MSBY’s off-season, to have fun. The trinkets on your shelves and the magnets and photos on your refrigerator are just a small testament of all the adventures you’ve gone on.

Not that you’re not just as much of a free spirit. You’re one of the few who can actually keep up with his antics, after all.

pairing: Bokuto Koutarou x GN!Reader

wc: 2.5k

a/n: merry christmas! this is my Secret Santa gift to @trueshellz �� it's also my first time writing an x reader fic, i hope you enjoy it!

Being with Bokuto is unpredictable.

Not that you’re not just as much of a free spirit. You’re one of the few who can actually keep up with his antics, after all.

Which brings you two to the current situation.

“Y/N!!!” Bokuto had gone up to you excitedly earlier in the day, “Look! I never knew about the Monkey Onsen!”

He passed you his phone, and you’re greeted by the sight of cute monkeys bathing in hot springs. Some of them are playing, cleaning themselves, and sleeping. It’s honestly pretty cute.

”Oh yeah, I’ve heard of this before. In Nagano, right?” ”Yeah! We should go!”

You double-checked the date—it’s the 19th of December. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to do it anytime soon though, Kou. It’s probably going to be real crowded soon.”

“So we go now.”

You looked at him like he was crazy, but his eyes were sparkling and something told you he wasn’t going to let this go.

“Right now?”

“Right now.”

And so here you are, halfway through the five-hour roadtrip from Osaka to Nagano. It’s nice, the rural scenery and calming atmosphere a nice break from the city views and fast-paced life.

“Uh. Yeah, I just got a severe weather alert. And the news says it’ll only get worse from here.”

“You have signal?” Bokuto looks over your shoulder at the weather app on your phone.

...which dies right in front of you.

“Well. Not anymore.”

“Well then,” Bokuto looks around, “At least we actually brought winter coats.”

It would be nice and calming if your car didn’t break down in the middle of a snowstorm at 10pm.

It was foolish to think your humble Toyota Corolla could brave the steadily increasing amount of snow and ice on the roads, but hindsight is 20/20.

You take a deep breath. Being with Bokuto is unpredictable. Not everything goes as plan—if there was one in the first place. And so you two have learned to make the most out of every situation, to celebrate the consolations whenever something goes wrong.

“Oh! Fuck yes! I have signal!” Bokuto holds his phone up in the air.

“Quick! Are there any nearby places we can stay at?”

Bokuto hums as he looks up inns and cabins in the area.

Luckily for you guys, there is a bus stop to take shelter in for a little bit. You huddle closer to your heater of a boyfriend, and he is content to wrap an arm around you to keep your bodies’ heat between yourselves.

“There’s one about a kilometer away from where we are, Barn Owl Inn,” he mumbles into your hair as he kisses you, “I’ll try to call them in advanced to see if we could get your car towed, too.”

You nod and make your way to the car to gather your belongings.

As you fumble with your duffel bag, a small velvet box falls out of an open pocket and onto the snow.

You hurriedly pick it up, not wanting to lose it.

You open the box when stand back up, something that’s been engrained in your muscle memory for months now.

In it is a simple silver band, the inside engraved with the writing “With you, everything is an adventure.”

It’s cheesy, you know that. But it’s times like this, when you hop in a car on a whim and drive off with no plan, that you really can’t imagine anyone else on the driver’s seat next to you (or calling for someone to tow your car) but Bokuto.

It’s times like this that you wouldn’t change for the world, that you would like to experience over and over again, for as long as Bokuto will have you by his side.

“Uh, babe!” Bokuto’s voice, still loud enough against the roaring winds, snaps you out of your reverie, and you stuff the ring back into your duffel bag, “My phone just died!”

You look up at him with a grimace, “What do we do now?”

Bokuto gestures for both of you to climb into the backseat of your car. It’s cold, because the car heater obviously isn’t running, but it’s better than standing out in the snow.

“I don’t have a battery pack. But I do,” Bokuto digs into his own bag and pulls out an obnoxious Disney blanket, “have our lucky blanket!”

You stare at him, dumbfounded, “You decided to bring that blanket and not any other essential?”

“Hey! At least we’re warm!”

You shake your head at him with a smile. That blanket has been through a lot with you guys, and you can’t help but smile at the Christmas patterns and the Mickey Mouse heads scattered around its design.

Bokuto wraps the blanket around both of you, pulling you impossibly closer to preserve your body heat. Humming contentedly, you close your eyes.

Bokuto snuggles you closer in his arms, but you don’t feel him relax. Instead, you notice the minute ways that his movements become more restless and uneasy.

“Kou?” he hums in acknowledgement, “Are you okay?”

You feel him gulp and nod hurriedly. “Mhm.” he replies shortly.

“Are you sure?” you look up at him, unconvinced.

He averts his gaze, and his voice is shaky when he speaks. “I uh, I just feel bad.”

You sit up straight, surprised at the change of mood, “Why?”

“Well, this was my idea in the first place. And now look where we are. I wanted us to have fun, but instead we’re stuck here in the middle of nowhere, freezing and with no way to get out. And it’s not like this is the first time this has happened.”

Your eyes soften as Bokuto pouts. You didn’t realize it would upset him this much, but you’re determined to make him feel better.

Cupping his cheeks with your hands, you ask him, “Do you remember our first trip?”

“How could I not?”

It was a gloomy day at Tokyo Disneyland. It was the first time in a while that Bokuto wasn’t busy with MSBY, and he was determined to take you to Disneyland because you’d never been. The rain started pouring after just an hour into your time at the park, and by the time you’d ridden three rides, everything was shut down for the afternoon because of the storm.

You were caught in the hard downpour as you sought shelter, and Bokuto’s mood was as flat as his hair had become.

“It’s okay, Bo! I promise.” you had reassured him countless times as you stood under a shaded area with picnic tables around.

“It seems like we’ve got a knack for doing stuff during inopportune weather huh...” Bokuto reflects, his voice mixed with slight amusement and guilt.

“It was still wonderful, Kou. It was so sweet to see you so excited to bring me to Disneyland. And that’s where we got our lucky blanket, right?” you run your hand through the blanket keeping you warm, “As expensive as it was.”

The blanket was from one of the souvenir stores you looked at for something to dry you and Bokuto off. You remember blushing as you huddled close in the blanket, in much the same way you are now in the car, relishing in the warmth of Bokuto’s skin on yours.

And later that day, when the park was up and running again and the nightly parade was going on, it was in that same blanket that you huddled, exchanging your first “I love you”s in the cotton and polyester haven you created with just the two of you and the background of music and cheering from the Disneyland crowd.

“That was one of the best days of my life. And it wasn’t because of Space Mountain or the huge ice cream sandwich I demolished,” you kiss Bokuto’s red nose, “It was because of you. Because you’re the thoughtful, sweet, carefree person you are. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve done with you, Kou. Not once have I ever regretted being by your side.”

Bokuto looks up at you meekly, “Even now?”

You laugh lightly, “Especially now. Because then I don’t have to be here alone, and neither do you.”

Bokuto nods. “Thank you, for being you. And always going along with me and my stupid adventures.”

You look Bokuto in the eyes and squish his cheeks, “I’d go on every single adventure with you for the rest of my life, Koutarou. Trust me babe, there’s nobody I’d rather be huddled for warmth in this overpriced blanket with. Twice.”

Bokuto finally laughs, eyes crinkling in the adorable way that you swear you want to keep on his face forever. “There’s nobody I’d rather be here with, too,” he kisses you, warm despite the cold air in the car, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Finally, Bokuto relaxes as you pull him into an embrace.

It’s silent for a few minutes, until you look up to see the road in front of you illuminated by what looks like a vehicle’s high beams coming from behind you. You hear a beep, and both you and Bokuto jump out of the car.

“Are you okay over there?” the driver of the pickup truck hollers.

Thank goodness.

“Uh, we kinda need help!” Bokuto shouts back, “Do you know the Barn Owl Inn?”

After another hour being assisted by the kind Washio-san, whom you learn actually works at the Barn Owl Inn, your car is towed and you’re able to find warm shelter.

“We’re not on our way to see monkeys swim in onsens, but damn did we strike gold with this inn.”

Bokuto’s right. The Barn Owl Inn is cozy and cabin-like, warm lights and wooden interiors everywhere. Since they aren’t incredibly busy, you and Bokuto were offered one of the nicest suites in the inn, and it’s gorgeous.

An elegant four-post bed sits in the middle of the room, the plush pillows and warm comforter making you want to sink into it and never leave. The high ceilings make it feel so open, and the large fireplace is a nice change from the biting cold of the storm raging outside.

The windows are huge in the room, as well. Overlooking the open terrain, you’re anticipating the lovely view they will provide once the storm settles and all that’s left is soft, white snow on the ground and topping the trees.

For now, you watch the snow fall and the wind blow with a warm mug of hot cocoa that the innkeepers were lovely enough to prepare for you two.

“It’s gorgeous. I honestly want to stay here forever.” you reply to Bokuto, who has come up behind you to wrap his arms around you and join in watching the storm.

“Maybe we could do that.”

When you finish sipping your hot cocoa, you kiss Bokuto’s cheek and move to untangle yourself, “I’ll just brush my teeth real quick."

You don’t notice the way he perks up as you walk away.

When you come back, the sight in front of you renders you speechless.

“Santa came early?” you laugh in surprise and disbelief.

Bokuto is standing in front of the window, exactly where you left him. Except now, he’s got a full Santa Claus outfit on, beard and belly and everything.

“I uh, I know it’s not Christmas yet, but I really wanted to give you your present,” Bokuto starts, fidgeting with something in his pocket, “It was supposed to be when we got to Nagano.”

You gasp slightly as he kneels down on one knee, pulling out a velvet box not unlike the one sitting in your duffel bag.

“I wasn’t planning on doing this tonight, but when have we ever stuck to our plans? All I know is that when I look at you standing next to me, I know that’s how it’s meant to be. Us two, hand in hand as we take the plunge into whatever we decide to do next. Whether it’s move to Osaka or drive to see monkeys in onsens or go all the way to Hyogo to prank Tsum-Tsum.”

Bokuto opens the box, a silver ring sitting pretty inside, “This can be our next adventure. If you’ll have me. Like you said earlier, there’s nobody I’d rather have by my side. Forever.”

Your eyes start to well up. Not trusting your voice to express everything to Bokuto, you run to your duffel bag and fish your own box out of one of the pockets.

You basically speed back to Bokuto, who’s looking at you with a confused and amused face, and slide into a kneel right in front of him.

The two of you eventually start laughing through your tears as you present your ring boxes to each other.

"Did... did you also want to propose to me this Christmas?"

You can only shrug with a chuckle, "Apparently."

“Marry me.” Bokuto says with stars in his eyes and a blush on his face.

“Only if you marry me.”

“Deal.”

You tackle Bokuto into a kiss—it’s a little tricky with his Santa beard—and he wraps his arms tightly around you.

The dam breaks and you both sob, snotty and wet and perfect.

You pull away, and Bokuto picks up both ring boxes. He takes his out and you offer your hand. He slips the band onto your ring finger and seals it with a kiss. Fresh tears flood your eyes as you do the same to him.

“I love you so much, Y/N.”

“I love you more!”

“Not possible.”

You find yourselves wrapped under your Disney blanket again as the happy tears subside, cuddling as you watch the snow still falling through the window.

As you stare at the rings on your fingers, you catch sight of the Santa beard that Bokuto is wearing from the corner of your eye again. You try not to burst out laughing, instead snickering as you meet Bokuto’s eyes.

“You really proposed to me in a Santa costume, huh?”

Bokuto barks out a laugh, “I’ve been planning it for months, and when we decided to go to Nagano, I brought this costume and the ring along with me. I wanted to propose to you on Christmas morning.”

He bounces you on his lap with a grin, “So, what do you want for Christmas, my dear?”

You wrap your arms around Bokuto’s neck, laughing as you are rocked.

“Don’t worry Santa-san, I’ve got all I need right here.”

#dearsecretsantasan #HQ2021ficexchangeevent #bokuto koutaro x reader #bokuto koutarou #bokuto is a sweet boy #we love bokuto in this house

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risukadarlin · 3 years ago

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[kyouai catharsis] vol. 3: ice moon - track nine

9; reputation ~ at the publishers ~

masterpost

✿

It was no good, in the end.

Mr. Kiryuu still isn’t at home.

I’m at a loss.

I wonder where he’s run off to.

They usually turn up at onsen retreats when they run off like this, right?

If they go without writing, that’s usually the case.

But I think this is different.

it’d be best to assume he’s run off to find Mr. Osaka’s missing wife.

So… Where’s his wife?

If we knew that, we wouldn’t be worrying like this.

It looks like the Bonfire has been on indefinite hiatus since she left too.

His editor was crying.

I want to cry too.

If Mr. Kiryuu really does have something to do with Mrs Osaka’s disappearance, the police’ll get him eventually.

Kidnapping Mr. Sakurai’s daughter like that…

His life as a poet is over.

Whereabouts do Mr. Kiryuu’s parents live?

Are you going to look for him there?

That’s impossible.

His family situation is a bit complicated.

His parents and his father’s parents are divorced.

Mr. Kiryuu was the only one left to inherit.

He has all sorts of houses in all sorts of places.

He’s got basically no family left.

But he does have all the dirty cheap houses they left to him.

He has a lot of places to hide.

And the owner’s surnames will be different so it’ll be hard to find… What a mess…

I guess we have no choice but to suspend Ice Moon.

We’ll be lucky if that’s all we have to do.

I thought he’d never give up writing, no matter what happened.

I completely misread him.

A terrible mistake for an editor-in-chief to make.

Exactly…

I’m going to drink with the Bonfire’s editors.

#kyouai catharsis #drama cd #drama cd translation

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katrinatravelsthroughasia · 5 years ago

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Day 6

We made our way from Osaka to Okayama in the morning via the Hikari Shinkansen. It’s fun to speed past rural areas and small towns and imagine the life people live there. During the planning of our trip, we actually decided to spend a day in this town (and the very close Kurashiki) upon recommendation by one of our Japanese professors. I also heard a confirming, positive comment from another friend, so we decided to just go for it without knowing much about the place.

As soon as we arrived we dropped our bags off at the hotel and took a local train to Kurashiki to find both a place to eat lunch and the Bikan Historical Quarter. We quickly found a curry place (I got omu-curry and Kyla got chicken katsu-curry) before wandering down a covered shopping street. We were lured into a leather shop by the earthy scent and stayed to buy things we can’t fit in our suitcases… like a rectangular, bright mustard colored purse.

We finally made it to the Bikan Historical Quarter and enjoyed wandering the old streets. All of the houses and shops were in very good condition, and many sold appealing items. We found ourselves in a garden (新渓園) of historical significance, and greatly enjoyed the bubbling water and a shaded veranda for a while. I would have liked to have stayed longer (I actually would have liked to have lived there) but there are always too many things to see and do so we eventually moved on. We also crossed a river with traditional boats before briefly stopping to get some shaved ice (かき氷) to cool down.

On our way in earlier in the day we found a shrine that we wanted to stop at on the way out. So, after the shaved ice, we took off for Achi Shrine (阿知神社). In the process of getting to it we walked along a curving street with a uniform old timey feel to it. It was cute to see the interaction between the locals there, and Kyla really liked the vibe. However, we were headed in the wrong direction so we backtracked a little bit to climb the many steep steps to visit the shrine on a hill. We didn’t spend long, but stayed for long enough to appreciate the view of Kurashiki and the shrine itself.

When we got back to Okayama we officially checked in and took a short rest in the hotel room. Because it was getting late, we had to hurry to Korakuen Garden (後楽園), the beautiful property of a very rich, powerful, and long dead noble man, and enjoyed a quick tour of the grounds during the golden hour before their closing. We ate a quick dinner of ramen, then took the tram to a department store next to our hotel to look around Uniqlo and Tokyu Hands-- we didn’t actually buy anything, though. To end the day we enjoyed the hostel’s onsen until we turned pink. Until tomorrow!

#katrinatravels #katrinagoestoasia #okayama #kurashiki #japan #day6 #10daysofkansai #smalltownsarethebest

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silverfootstepswrites · 6 years ago

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Butterfly [51]

summary Do it yourself

“Man, can’t believe the school year’s almost over. We should go on a trip during the break,” Shikamaru declared, crossing his arms behind his head. He flopped onto his back, stretching his legs out.

“Where were you thinking, Nara-sensei?” asked Itachi, looking up from his sketchbook. Kiba lowered his phone to peek at them, listening in on the conversation.

“Dunno.... maybe Hakone? An onsen sounds nice,” mused Shikamaru. Kiba grimaced. He aimed a kick at Shikamaru’s thigh.

“We’ve got a million hot springs around here. Yufuin is like... 40 minutes away. Why would I go all the way up to Hakone?” retorted Kiba. Itachi wasn’t as violent in his protest, but he nodded as Kiba spoke.

“I bet Haruno would want to go,” grumbled Shikamaru.

“I bet she’d call you an idiot too,” snorted Kiba.

And then, at the same time, they turned in the direction of the door to yell: “HARUNO!”

Sakura appeared in the doorway, a cardboard box on her hip.

“Either way, I can’t go. I’m busy during spring break,” she told them.

Kiba and Shikamaru snuck glances at Itachi, hopeful smiles stretching their mouths. But their expressions fell when they saw the bewilderment in his face. Shikamaru very carefully nudged Itachi’s back with his foot.

“What are your plans, Haruno-sensei?” Itachi questioned. Sakura reached into the box to pull out a poster. It was light blue with glittering snowflakes creating a frame. In the middle was a bejeweled ice skate.

“Stars on Ice Japan Tour 2018,” Itachi read the English, squinting a little without his glasses.

“I’ll be in Osaka and then Yokohama,” she added.

“You weren’t going to tell us?” asked Shikamaru, reading the dates. She would be gone for all of spring break. Sakura lowered the poster, eyebrows rising.

“I just did,” she replied. “Weirdo.”

Kiba made a face at her back as she turned around to head back into the house.

“She’s always doing this,” sighed Shikamaru.

“Yeah. One day she was all-” Kiba raised his phone to his ear. “Hey. I’m getting married. Lol.” He mocked her in a high-pitched voice.

“I can hear you!” Sakura called from inside.

“Good! I hate you!” Kiba shouted in response. Kiba and Shikamaru exchanged a long look. Then, sighing, Kiba sat up to clap his hand on Itachi’s shoulder.

“Alright, Uchiha-sensei. We’re in crisis mode,” he whispered.

“Crisis mode?” repeated Itachi. Kiba shushed him. Itachi looked to Shikamaru. But Shikamaru was sitting up too, his expression weary as he nodded along.

“You gotta pick up the pace, man. Especially if she’s going to be seeing all those skaters,” Kiba hissed. When Itachi gave him a blank look, Kiba huffed. He typed something into his phone before throwing it at him.

Itachi barely managed to catch it by the tips of his fingers. It was open to an image search.

“Look! Look at how buff all those skaters are! And it’s, like, statistically improbable how good-looking each one is!” Kiba whispered loudly, casting nervous looks over his shoulder. Like Sakura would be hovering over him, listening in. Itachi lowered the phone. Shikamaru was nodding.

“They’re all hot,” he agreed in a low voice. He flexed his arm, giving Itachi a pointed look. Itachi glanced at his own arm, then at the phone. Then back up at Shikamaru and Kiba. Who were staring holes into him.

“Um.”

Itachi typed a few words into Kiba’s phone. He looked up the website. And then he held it up for his friends to see.

“All the tickets are sold out. For every show,” he told them.

“Guess I’ll die, then,” declared Shikamaru, falling onto his back again.

Yoshino held out a paper bag. Sakura peered inside. There were pocket warmers and energy drinks.

"Take care of yourself, Sakura-chan. I wish you weren’t going alone," Yoshino fretted.

"Let me give you some spending money. Buy yourself a nice dinner," Shikaku declared, digging in his back pocket for his wallet. Shikamaru grabbed his father’s arm.

“Mom, Dad, you don’t have to do this every time. She’s not a kid,” sighed Shikamaru. Yoshino reached out to rub her hands up and down Sakura’s arms.

“I know. I know. It’s just... well, you understand me, right, Sakura-chan?” Yoshino said. Sakura smiled.

“I get it. Thank you, Oba-san, Oji-san.”

Sighing, Yoshino pulled Sakura in for a hug, stroking Sakura’s back. “Why couldn’t we have had a beautiful, sweet daughter like you instead of that rude son?”

“Hey!”

The flight to Osaka was short. By the time the attendants served drinks, it was time to begin the descent into Itami Airport. Haku met her at arrivals, bouncing from foot to foot as she dragged her suitcase behind her. He pulled his black mask down to reveal his grin.

“Hey,” Sakura greeted him, throwing her arms around him. He squeezed back just as hard. But she felt something hard against his chest. She pulled away, already glaring at him.

“Are you-?”

She didn’t even get a chance to finish the question. Because Haku reached into the front of his jacket. He hooked his thumb into the ribbon and pulled out the gold medal he had won at Worlds. He waved it back and forth like a pendulum.

“You seriously wore that all the way here?” she demanded.

Haku nodded. He let it drop back under his shirt. Sighing, she reached out to ruffle his hair.

“You’re unbelievable,” she declared.

“Yeah, I know,” he retorted.

They had lunch together, Haku talking a mile a minute as he caught her up on everything. She had missed the first couple days of rehearsal because of work. Sakura knew that Tsunade would have excused her without hesitation. But it felt wrong to be missing so many days, especially since it would be the last few days she would see the seniors. So she had stuck around until the last day of the spring semester and even attended graduation before taking the next flight up to Osaka.

“I can’t believe Karin-chan’s retiring. I feel old!” Haku groaned, reaching for her plate. Sakura pushed it over to him so that he could steal the last of her salad. She slapped his fingers away when he began reaching for her cookie, though.

“Okay. Anyone I should keep an eye out for?” she asked. Haku gave her puppy dog eyes when she opened the plastic and tore off a hunk of her cookie. She didn’t offer him a crumb. He made a face. Crossing his arms, he rested his elbows on the plastic table.

“Nah, not really. Everyone seems pretty cool,” he replied.

They hung out for a little while longer. They made a little detour to visit Kobe Harborland. They took a couple selfies in front of the ferris wheel, which Haku spent the taxi ride editing and filtering to look just right.

When they arrived at the arena they ran into one of the other skaters in the parking lot. She hugged Sakura, chattering nonstop about how nice it was to see her. This continued on as they entered the lobby. They flashed their ID at security, who pointed them in the direction of the locker room. Sakura waved at Haku as they parted between the men’s and women’s locker rooms.

The one-sided conversation stopped short when Karin spotted them. She pounced, grabbing Sakura in a hug. She kissed each of Sakura’s cheeks, leaving lipstick marks.

“Прости,” Karin apologized as she rubbed at the red with the edge of her sleeve.

“That’s okay, Karin-chan. It’s good to see you too,” laughed Sakura.

Stars on Ice had reached out to Sakura many times throughout her career. It had surprised her when they had contacted her again this year. After all, there were dozens of young skaters who were in the spotlight now. Why reach out to someone who had retired? And rejected them dozens of times before?

But they had been thrilled to have her. And as one of the staff members gave her the rundown, Sakura was surprised by the amount of freedom she was given with her programs. As soon as the meeting was over, someone dashed across the rink toward her. She barely recognized Mangetsu before he collided with her.

“Hi!” she exclaimed as he squeezed her in one arm and Haku in the other.

“Get off me, you old fart!” Haku snapped, shoving him away. And then he struggled to pry his arm off of Sakura.

“Relax, Shimizu. We were friends first, right?” Mangetsu goaded him.

“Hi, Hozuki-kun,” Sakura laughed. She threw her arms around Haku, squeezing him against her chest.

“Don’t be jealous, little Haku-chan,” she teased in a baby voice.

“The both of you suck. Lemme go!” snarled Haku, flailing his arms around. But Sakura held tight. And Mangetsu held onto the both of them, cackling as Haku began spewing profanities.

Sakura showed off the new choreography to Karin. But as she did a triple-salchow, she miscalculated the distance and botched her landing. She skidded on the ice, giggling as she rolled onto her side.

“You okay, Haruno?” called Karin.

“My butt!” groaned Sakura, still laughing.

Mangetsu did a wide loop around her, waiting for her to get to her feet. But when Sakura held out her hand, he drew closer. He grasped her outstretched hand and pulled her to her feet. Once she was steady, he swung her in a circle around him. She released his hand, grabbing the opposite one as she completed the loop.

Mangetsu pulled her in closer, but she pushed off his chest, rolling her eyes at him.

“Maybe we should’ve done pairs,” he suggested, releasing her hand.

“No way. We would’ve killed each other,” she pointed out.

“You’re right,” he conceded, chuckling. "But you’re tiny. I bet I could lift you easy.”

A look crossed Sakura’s face as she considered that. She tilted her head a little. Skates slowing, she looked in Karin’s direction. The redhead was by the edge of the rink, chatting with Suigetsu and one of the Chinese skaters. She had mentioned on more than one occasion that sometimes Suigetsu would lift her. And then they would joke about having her replace his ice dance partner.

“Wait, let’s try it,” Sakura suggested. She held out her hands. Mangetsu grabbed them, lacing their fingers together.

“Alright. On the count of three,” he told her.

Everyone turned to watch as Mangetsu lifted Sakura into the air, his arms shaking a little. But as her elbows locked, Sakura found herself held rather securely in a press lift.

“Am I heavy?” she called down to him, core and back muscles tight as she tried to keep steady.

“Not really,” Mangetsu replied.

“Wait, how do I get down?” Sakura then wondered, realizing that the rink was suddenly a couple meters away from her feet. She began giggling, and so did Mangetsu. Their arms began shaking from the movement.

“Help!” she laughed.

Haku and Suigetsu glided over. Suigetsu said something to his older brother while Haku approached Sakura. As Mangetsu began easing his arms down, Haku wrapped his arms around Sakura’s legs. She tried to stop laughing at how ridiculous the situation had become. She sagged against Haku when her blades finally touched the ice.

“This is like how cats climb up into trees and can’t get down,” Haku remarked.

Sakura turned, already lunging from him. But Haku had read her body language and began skating away. She hurried after him, arms pumping at her sides. When she finally seized his shoulders from behind, he kept going, dragging her along after him.

“Conga line!” Sakura announced. Karin caught up to them, grasping Sakura’s shoulders. When a fourth skater joined in, he threw them off balance, sending them tumbling onto the ice. Sakura sat there, laughing and laughing until her stomach hurt. Haku laughed right along with her, barely protesting when she slapped his arm a couple times.

“Feeling nervous?” Karin asked as she fixed the buttons of Sakura’s costume that Saturday afternoon.

“A little. But also no,” replied Sakura.

“I heard the tickets sold out right away when people found out that you were joining the line-up,” Karin teased just a little. And Sakura looked over her shoulder at her. Karin stuck out her tongue before she gave Sakura a light slap on her back. Her costume was all secured.

They could hear string music playing as the introduction video played on the big screens. She and Karin made their way into the tunnel. It led straight out onto the ice. And in the darkness, she could make out the packed stands. Black silhouettes crowding together.

One by one, they played a short clip for each performer. And then they would do a short lap around the rink before heading back out, just to whet the appetites of the audience.

A staff member with a clipboard tapped her on the arm, urging her forward.

The ice was dark as she skated out of the tunnel. She could hear the whispers and rustles of paper as she glided out. And when the purple and white spotlights flickered on, screams erupted all around her. Sakura threw her arms up, beaming.

People had brought along signs with her name on them. They shook them, waving their hands as she moved past them. She did a lap all around the rink. It was smaller than what she was used to, but it was nice that the seats were so close. She could finally see the faces of all the people in the audience.

Including Itachi, who sat in one of the VIP seats at the very front. Her eyes widened as their gazes met. And she wondered whether she had just been seeing things. But when she glanced over her shoulder, he was still sitting there. Shaking her head a little, she forced the smile back onto her face.

“Oh, Itachi-kun, she looked right at me!” Mikoto said, shaking Itachi’s arm a little. It took a second for his mother’s voice to process in his brain. Itachi looked over at her, at the way Mikoto held the pamphlet in front of her mouth as she spoke. Her sparkling eyes. And he laughed a little.

“Yeah, Mom. She did,” he agreed with her.

#writing #butterfly #itasaku #been feeling sad about the lack of reviews on ff.net #so i won't be updating there for a while #feels good to be back though #i'm exhausted #september is the worst month tho #it'll be better from now on :)#my students are real weird this year and i love them all

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victorl0 · 3 years ago

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ainitsuite-agape · 7 years ago

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Yuri on Museum, Chacott and Onsen on Ice @ OSAKA - part 2

PART 1 - Yuri on Museum

PART 3 - Onsen on Ice (coming soon!)

After the Museum we visited the Chacott Shop in Osaka, where Otabek’s first FS costume is on display and also a rough version/draft of Yuuri’s Eros costume!

Chacott Osaka Shinsaibashi Store ~ Shinsaibashi W-Place Bldg. 2F, 2-1-25 Nishi Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0086

The shop was pretty quiet when we arrived there, as their normal clients are ballet, ballroom and jazz dancers and people who practice yoga and fitness in general. Surely not YOI fangirls XD though they had a small table with some vaguely YOI-Ice skating merchandise available, but I must say it was not that interesting, and not what we came for :P

What we wanted to see was Otabek’s costume and it was waiting us near the door, in all his golden glory!

Pics spam from every angle (for cosplay purposes and actual understanding of Otabek’s body shape and proportions) under the cut <3

NEXT STOP: Onsen on Ice!!

#otabek altin #yuri on ice #otabek altin fs costume #yuuri katsuki eros costume #otabek golden costume #chacott shop osaka #agape tells you things

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zukalations · 7 years ago

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Relaxing Breeze - Misaki Rion

Relaxing Breeze (Fuwari) was a musumeyaku feature published in GRAPH, where an interview would take place at a cafe. It was focused on offstage topics such as how they destress or what they do on days off.

This interview with Misaki Rion took place in the December 2016 issue, a few months before her retirement.

Relaxing Breeze - Misaki Rion

~A time of gentle relaxation in a cafe~

First, go ahead and order! What should I choose... I think for my drink I'll have the hibiscus tea! (reading menu description) 'A favorite of Cleopatra...a simple beautifying tea with a slightly sharp flavor.' 'Beautifying tea,' that's certainly interesting (laughs). I drink a lot of herb tea. If you asked which I liked best, herb tea, black tea, or coffee, I might have to pick herb tea. For cake, I'll try this "Fruit Variety Shortcake". I really like tarts or cakes with fruit so I've got to! (laughs)

Today we're doing a location shoot at this cafe - do you go to cafes ordinarily? I haven't been to a cafe recently so I'm really happy. When I'm on tour and such, I love wandering around with my classmates and finding some cafe to sit in and relax. At a cafe, I really love when there are options for drinks besides coffee and black tea, such as the hibiscus tea here.

What are the fashion points of your outfit? Since we're doing a photoshoot at a cafe, I wanted to do something that looked like what I'd wear on an off day! Ordinarily for photoshoots I'll think 'I've got to make sure my hair is arranged nicely!' or 'Should I braid it up!?' but today I decided to skip that - I thought I ought to come looking less ornamented. Therefore I also went with simple clothes, concentrating on things that felt fun (laughs). I usually go with something that has this sort of feeling on days off, and of course I always wear skirts. Also, I love berets! When I'm wearing hats in autumn and winter, it's usually berets.

How do you normally spend your days off? If I'm in rehearsal, I go shopping a lot. And while I'm shopping, I'll take a break to go to a cafe. If I'm in my home town of Kobe, there's one place I'll go to all by myself. I never tell anyone the name of it (laughs). It's in the middle of a shopping district, but it's a tiny place with a lot of atmosphere. I'll always just wander in and space out (laughs). I'll also work on maintaining my body and make sure I get enough rest, of course.

Do you go to Kobe often? No, usually it's Osaka, I think. But sometimes Kobe! If I specifically think 'I want to go to that place!' then I'll go.

Where in Osaka do you go? I go to Umeda a lot. Sometimes I'll go as far as Shinsaibashi, but recently I'm low on stamina, so that's...a bit much (laughs). When I'm shopping, I'm always looking for clothes that reflect the show I'm in. For example, for Elisabeth if I see any hair accessories that resemble Sisi's stars I buy them immediately (laughs). But I think that's very refreshing in its own way.

What else do you do to refresh yourself? Of course it's very refreshing to go out to eat with my classmates. I also soak in the bath! Recently I've really realized how soaking in the bath for a long time takes away all the tired feelings (laughs). I like putting in bath salts, but of course currently I'm taking Elisabeth's example and trying milk baths (laughs).

Even though you're refreshing yourself, you're still immersed in the show. I totally am! But if I think about it, I don't think I ever wouldn't be. It's really hard to construct a division like that.

You said you go out with your classmates - does that include those from other troupes? If I send a message saying 'What're you doing right now?' even the girls in other troupes will sometimes have matching schedules, even if I'm not expecting that at all (laughs). Even if we can't meet we'll be in contact a lot. Especially Manaki and Hinami - morning and night! (laughs). It starts with 'Good morning~' (laughs), and then 'When do you go to the theatre today?' or 'Say, are you planning on being at the internal lessons?' and such. We can hardly ever see each other at the theatre, so when we get home at night it starts up again with 'I'm back~' (laughs). We don't talk about anything in particular, but we're always sending messages (laughs). So I'll say 'hey there!' and Manaki will reply with a cute stamp, that kind of thing (laughs). I've always got on well with the two of them, and since we are in the same position, we can really understand a lot about each other's situations.

So, what are you into recently in your offstage life? I knew this question was coming! (laughs) I've really never been the type who's really into a particular thing, but recently I'm obsessed with watching DVDs of Takarazuka shows! I'll start as son as I get home, and I'll replay my favorite love scenes or duet dances over and over (laughs).

(the Fruit Variety Shortcake and Hibiscus Tea arrive) It looks so go~od!!! The Hibiscus Tea is such a pretty pink! I'll try it... It's delicious! IT's a little bit tart, very invigorating.

Do you drink herbal tea at home? I have plum kelp tea at home (laughs). I really like it! I don't use individual bags, but buy it loose in a tin. I drink it all the time. I like strong tea!

Why don't you try the cake? I will! It looks so good~ And it tastes good too! The fruit is so delicious. Grapes, oranges, kiwi...not to sweet, with a really mellow feeling. I'm so happy - it's been a long time since I had cake! (laughs)

Is there anything else you enjoy outside of Takarazuka? Hm, not really... I really enjoy how things are now. I always wanted to to totally devote myself to something, and right now that's just what I'm doing. Therefore both the good and the bad is all part of that, I think. Oh!!! I like children! My little niece is so cute. She'll some and hug me and it's so fun when she's around. Recently, she's grown up enough that she can come and see the shows. I'm not sure if she understood what was going on in Elisabeth, but it seems that she was awfully proud to see me (laughs). 'What was that misty stuff at the end?' she asked, so I told her 'Oh, at the end, they use dry ice!' Last time she still didn't realize that I was there onstage, so I'm very happy that she understands now.

Finally, if you had a long vacation, how would you like to spend it? Let me think... I retire in April, so I'd like to go on vacation with my family. I'll invite them! Whoops, I said it (laughs). If they said they'd like to go, it'd be nice to go to Hawaii or Europe. In any case, somewhere overseas! I want to relax together with everyone. If I had a day or two off right now, I'd like to go to an onsen. I want to refresh my body (laughs).

#takarazuka #article translation #mag: graph #sienne: misaki rion #troupe: sora

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aintneverhadfriendslikeus · 7 years ago

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Parcly Taxel: As part of my stay at Morizuya's place, I got a full Japanese breakfast, consisting of rice with several other condiments like fish, tofu and corn. Rice is, of course, the staple food of the East Asian cultures, and Japan as a whole is very proud of its agricultural/culinary output.

Spindle: Kinosaki itself is a very small place, part of the larger city of Toyooka (豊岡). Besides its onsen, the town's main feature is the river bisecting it, crossed by a few stone bridges and the railway track. The streets are sparsely populated in the morning, except near the railway crossing when a train comes; shops and dining places are often run by one or two ponies each, in whom I could feel much dedicated love.

Parcly: The coldness of winter was now making itself felt, even within the room we had slept in under a blanket and over appropriate tatami mats. We visited Goshonoyu again, where the male and females' rooms had been swapped, to soften our hooves up. The ice that Spindle formed upon contact with the water melted off within seconds, and she made a smile.

I bought matcha mochi, sushi and clear bottled tea for the upcoming journey. The craze in convenience stores now was taking refreshing but opaque drinks and making them transparent, the idea being that you wouldn't want to be seen drinking anything other than water in an office. Labels aside, some were concerned about the additives within these novelties, but I had more delicious and nutritious food to taste between the trains.

Spindle: Railway timetables are accurate to the minute in most parts of the world. Railway timetables in Switzerland and Japan are accurate to the second, with trains leaving on the full minute.

At 11:33 we left Kinosaki the same way we went in, on a train running at 80 km/h all the way to Shin-Osaka (新大阪). Along the way I saw the forested mountains that make up Japan's spine, some surmounted by electricity pylons. Since my species lives in high mountains, the forests below are our playgrounds, where we curve our ribbon-like bodies around trees to convert ponies full of hatred into friends.

Parcly, on the other hoof, saw farms and isolated clusters of houses, some of which looked like castles. A few cemeteries, immediately recognisable by their tall or flowery headstones, also came and went. As we neared Osaka, these remnants of a Japan forty or fifty years past slowly gave way to skyscrapers, apartment blocks and shopping centres.

Parcly: We made our way to Shinkansen platforms for the No. 31 to Hiroshima. At first I could not get a seat, since the three non-reserved cars at the front of the sixteen-car "bullet" were full, but a kind old mare in car 1 left at Shin-Kobe (新神戸), vacating her seat to me. As these trains are three times faster than what we had just got off and I was travelling west, I saw more tunnels, fields and rivers outside under a setting sun – in effect "chasing the sunset" just as I had chased the sunrise while flying from Hong Kong to Osaka.

Spindle: Upon arrival at the westernmost city in Japan we had reached till that point (the northernmost being Asahikawa), we went to our accommodation straight away. A steep narrow entrance staircase connected the rooms on top and a "camp zone" at bottom, the latter of which had an opening so tiny that Parcly had to float inside tethered to her bottle, her alicorn legs proving too cumbersome. Other facilities included a kotatsu (炬燵) and free cake (not a lie).

Parcly: We rested inside while deciding what to do in the long winter night, which began around six. Setting off at seven, we passed by the city's beating heart and distant capillaries alike: carparks squashed between buildings, trams, huge junctions branching into alleys, bicycle stations, red-light districts. Some of these are by-products of the atomic bomb, some were present before that, but the majority came afterwards.

We had dinner in a very small okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) restaurant, with 21 seats arranged in a rectangular horseshoe. Inside lies the table and then the hotplate, overlapping to suggest continuity between the chefs and guests – a very intimate and somewhat intimidating experience, but in a style unique to Hiroshima.

Spindle: The dish consists of layered ingredients, always containing noodles and what Saffron Masala calls roti, compressed and flipped as time passes on the hot plate. The bottom layer always gets charred, but this improves the flavour, and while the proper way to eat it is from the same spatula used to cut and serve it, Parcly wasn't fond of burning her mouth and used chopsticks instead.

Parcly: I felt full even with my alicorn-level metabolism and wandered around the city's shopping district to help digest my fill, which includes such department stores as Don Quijote. By the time I left that, I was so disoriented that I had to take a taxi back, just to plop my hindlegs under the kotatsu.

#Parcly Taxel #Parcly in Japan #Japan #Hiroshima #kotatsu #resting #relaxing #smile #sitting #Shinkansen

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