This is the Kissa Ginza (喫茶店 銀座) in Ebisu in Tokyo. It is an “anaba,” (穴場 unusual hidden spot) a time-slip coffee shop that has not changed since mid Showa. Many, many V-cinema and yakuza movies have been filmed here, and it continues to be a popular, active location.

The other end of the world is exploding, nothing is going the way we wish it would, and we’re being driven mad while drowning in hypotheticals.
And yet though it all, sakura pudding for breakfast is still an option.
I shall count my blessings today.

Never underestimate the versatility of the Japanese soba-zaru (蕎麦ざる). The thatched plate used for serving freshly boiled noodles works just as well when serving Krispy Kreme donuts with a seasonal sakura theme, like our afternoon snack!

Sakura nagashi (桜流し) is the beautiful flow of fallen sakura petals as they float down the streams nearby. Some are brilliant pink, others simply highlight the clarity of the water. With the ubiquitous blossoms passing, we have but a moment to enjoy this sight, as well.

A sweet little 'happening' today. On my way to pick up cookies from the world famous Monsta Sweets「GRAND OPENING 4/20土」, I happened upon a soaking wet sparrow in the middle of the road. He was freezing and unhappy, so I picked him up with no resistance and cupped him in my hands to warm up. After…

While heading to work in the rain today, I looked up to find the Kizakura (黄桜) in full bloom! They are sakura - but a green-ish, yellowish blossom from Kyoto that is nearly invisible against the genteel pink of the Somei-Yoshino. The world blooms on, beauty in every corner even…

Quick bowl of homemade ramen before rushing back into work again. What would you add?

I’ve repurposed a lovely shochu (焼酎) bottle from a recent hanami party as a vase for some color in the entrance of my home.
Kanpai Planet do you know what shochu this was from?

Good morning. Today I’m off set, so I’m wearing a sakura-colored Yuki-Tsumugi (結城紬) kimono with green highlights in the obiage (帯揚). Notice that in much Japanese color coordination, brown fills in where western sense would call for black.

I’m in the backwater regions of Chiba from morning to night, but there is still time enjoy the blooming life by which I am surrounded! Animals, flowers… the lush green of the living world invigorates my tired bones.

Happy Easter (Pascha)! On this day as Christians we celebrate the purification from all the sadness, sin, and heaviness of the world.
Christianity has a fascinating history in Japan as well since its introduction in the 16th century. It makes for good tea conversation!
But for…