The very person who continuously spreads fake news on purpose sues the BBC for 'fake news' is my impression.

We opened the jar of ginger, ‘tree ear’ mushrooms pickled with sake husk today. Delicious! We bought it in the brewer that makes sake with a medieval recipe. We also got a bottle of amazake. Hitomi, my friend, bought a bottle of sake that was enjoyed by her and her mum. ❤️

Last Friday I did the first firing since we came back. Here is ‘After’ pic. I have worked steadily and they are ready for next firing overnight. But we have already had three power cuts in two hours this evening. So I have to postpone it. Uh oh. #powercut

Yesterday’s power cuts blew the radiator control. Ouch. A replacement will come be tomorrow. He told me to postpone the firing. So I have nothing to do in the studio for 2 days. I did cooking; pickled plums, mooli and Hakusan. I’ve also cooked anko. A bit of cleaning. Happiness.

During the last three power cuts yesterday. Mike was carrying a torch. We used to have fun like this when we were children, because we looked spooky with the torch. But he almost looks same with or without the torch! 🤣 How come? This last one blew radiator controller, we think.

Day 2 without working radiatorsBreakfast. I cooked Azuki beans yesterday, and fermented for 8 hours in yogurt maker. It has become anko. It has ‘gentle’ sweetness. I enjoy it so much. I brew Hoojicha, Japanese roasted tea. Extreme Heat tech long T-shirt is great. Good morning.

Without moving much, breakfast tray changes to coffee time. 😆 Lunch is delayed as I had a late BF. First, I will cook tomorrow’s lunch, our main, and then warm up today’s lunch that Mike cooked yesterday. I enjoy cooking probably because I only cook when I fancy.

Thankfully radiators are working now although Mike can’t set the controller yet. We managed with heat tech, layers, cooking and going to bed early. And, I did a bisque firing today. I used to do cheeks freehand, but now I use grids. I will work on painting again tomorrow. #art

We were going to the carol service in the Cathedral, but it was so grim, we decided to postpone it to tomorrow. Instead I have added more colours on the otter and we had biscuits Mike baked this afternoon. It feels a win. And warm. #otter

We went to the carol service at Canterbury Cathedral. Queueing was brutally cold even though it was only 10 minutes. Good Christians of Canterbury and Midori went to the warm inside eventually. Before the service, a pipe organ next to us played about an hour. #ChristmasEve

Pipe organ was playing before the service. During the service filming was, understandably, not allowed, so this is all I can share. When the service started , there was pipe cathedral became dark except for candles and spot lights on the choir. It was atmospheric, in the least.

Merry Christmas to all lovely people over the world. I was a guest in my own home today. Mike did everything. Panettone at BF, a good Christmas lunch, snacks and more snacks, and a light supper. I loved carol of the bells in the King’s Christmas message. He never disappoints me.

I have made lots of Japanese preserved veggies since autumn. Unlike English pickles, we use salts. Remove liquid with salt, then add flavours. Leave them several days to 2 weeks. They are ready. I added Takuan and Hakusai to my recipes. Mike loves them, too. 💚 #japanesefood

Mike prepared Christmas lunch beautifully by himself whilst I was reading a book. It will be my turn to make New Year’s Day lunch. I’m checking my trusted recipes. It will be definitely traditional Japanese. Also I like to make deserts with frozen chestnuts. But what? #food

The first job of the day was peeling them. I found freezing them made easier to peel inner skins. Next, I will add condiments to the mooli I had salted 3 days ago. I have just realised that making foods is one of a few things both Mike and I genuinely like.

I peel them for chestnut rice. He did for paste. Both are successful. The white ones are salted mooli. I have added condiments, and they should be ready in a few days. Next, cleaning and tidy up. #NewYearsEve

Happy New Year. We had Ozo-in, Japanese traditional New Year’s Day breakfast. Chicken broth with winter vegetables and o-mochi. I mixed two soup stock, kombu and Ago. It was very nice. Meet Shitennoji, bronze rabbit, from Osaka. Mike found him in an antique market. We pat him.

It is custom in Japan, to start a new year with new clothes. Ours from a lovely friend. It’s our debut with Tabi socks. Mine have giraffes, and his have owls. I removed Christmas decorations from, and hang buntings and also a small Shimenawa on the door. #HappyNewYear2026

Vase from Nagoya. I had forgot about it until now. I had tried not to buy ceramics because we kept buying and there is no space in the cupboards. But when I saw this, I couldn’t walk pass. Aichi pref. has 2 of the 6 Old Kilns. It has plenty of good clay. Seto has a good museum.

Girl and Otter. The lonely otter we saw in a zoo last September was a model. He seemed to be waiting for someone to return. As I was unable to make him happy then, I wanted to make him happ as my work. That’s how my first ever otter has come into existence. #art #otter #ceramics