chicken, cake and romance

Merry Christmas everyone! Here we are in front of Tokyo Tower, which we happened to walk by on Christmas Eve night as it was across from the church we went to for a Christmas Eve service.

Christmas in Japan is a bit different than what I'm used to in America. There are still lots of Christmas lights in public places, Christmas music playing in department stores, and Christmas decorations for sale. But when the actual day rolls around, it's life as usual. People go to work, school activities, etc. I had students with band concerts and basketball games on Christmas day. It feels almost sacrilegious. :) I feel like everyone should be cozied up at home with their families, but that comes later, for New Years'.

Here are three things I've noticed about Christmas in Japan: 1) Romance - Christmas Eve especially is a romantic holiday here, almost like Valentine's Day. I knew this, but not to what extent, until this past Christmas Eve just a few days ago when Jesse and I were in Tokyo and noticed that almost everyone walking down the street was a part of a couple. It was kind of creepy actually. There were no individuals, no groups, no children, no friends, no elderly folks, just a continuous stream of young couples. 2) Christmas Cake - Generally white cake with strawberries, it's for sale everywhere. 3) Fried Chicken - I just learned about this one this year. It seems that many people think that's what we eat for Christmas in America. I heard a rumor that this started with KFC. It must be working. I tried to order chicken nuggets on Christmas Eve (long story) and they were sold out. I had been wondering why McD's was doing a big promotion for nuggets.

So that's Christmas in Japan. My Christmas in Japan is a different story. But that's not to say it didn't involve chicken, cake and romance. :)

pottery town

Last weekend, Jesse and I went to Mashiko, a town famous for its rustic, natural-style pottery. We had a great time checking out all the shops and galleries, and even a couple kilns. The whole town was centered around the pottery, with even the restaurants serving food on handmade dishes. We ended up leaving with a teapot and cups that we love.

ode to rice fields

The rice fields turned brown practically overnight last week. The rice has been cut for quite some time, but the weeds/grass that grew in its place kept the fields fairly green and decent-looking. Then it got cold. One day, I was looking out the train windows at a sea of green, the next day at a sea of brown. I knew it was going to happen. It's just that it makes me a little sad, knowing that when the fields are green again, I won't be here to see them. I've really enjoyed watching the rice fields through the seasons. It's something I'll miss. Here are some pictures of the rice fields behind our house.

The picture above is normal winter, the picture below is one day last year when we got snow!