The Official Stay Japan Traveler by STAY JAPAN MEDIA

The Official

Traveler

SPRING 2020

Credits Head Director Shantell Mitchell

Assistant Director Caroll Hirose Cory Rotolo

Marketing Giovanni Perez

Editorial Teresa Fong Kenneth Valencich

Social Media PR Alex Loke Lillian Seiler

Art, Photo, & Content Teresa Fong Ayumi Kondo Giovanni Perez Daiki Shimizu Natasha Taliferro

ADDITONAL SUPPORT Takeshi Amitani, Celine Bennett, Louise Carroll, Emi Chubachi, Scarlett Halford, Dalton Iwasaki, Joanne Jamieson, Charleen Lay, Miguel Magtiibay, Michael Sanchez, Erin Shoaf, Kai Simms, Tayla-paige Van Sittert

Table of Contents III

ON COVID 19

V-VI

EDITOR'S LETTER

1-10

Feature

HISTORICAL ADVENTURES AND NAKED FIRE FESTIVAL

13-18 Feature

GET HAUNTED TO RICHES

21-29 Feature

RELAX AND BECOME ONE WITH YOURSELF IN OBAMA

ASK THE EXPERT

34-37

FOLKS FOOD

39-40

INTERVIEW: FUYUMEDO CAFE AND ART GALLERY

44-50

FASHION IN JAPAN

We at SJ Media strive to showcase the beauty and unique charms of Japan with first-hand accounts from our experts. While our mission involves advocating for travel and one-of-akind experiences in Japan, we take the current COVID-19 pandemic seriously and do not recommend travel at this time. Instead, we hope that by following proper protocol advised by local governments and authorities (washing hands, avoiding crowded areas, social distancing measures, etc.), we will safely be able to return to our normal lives in the near future. In the meantime, please feel free to utilize the Official STAY JAPAN Traveler as inspiration for future travel plans. Stay safe now so that you and your loved ones can travel later! Japan will be waiting for you.

ON COVID-19

III

TAKE ONLY MEMORIES, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS FROM CHIEF SEATTLE

EDITOR'S LETTER

pring has come. The room feels warm, birds are chirping, and flowers are blooming. Nature calls you to be amazed by its beauty, but what to do when "gathering" is a prohibited word? Well, make your brief outside time more exciting by wearing that spring outfit that makes you feel good. Don't forget about your mask! Remember, nature is waiting for you with open arms, but, before you feel the wind on your cheeks, let me enlighten you on Japan’s most popular spring culture: Hanami! Hanami is the act of enjoying the outstanding view of cherry blossoms, called sakura in Japanese. The question is: "How does one enjoy a 1,000+ year-old cultural event that takes place all over Japan for a month." The easiest way is to simply go to a park, pond, university, or school (this one might be a little weird if you don't know anyone from a school). Wherever you see a cherry blossom tree, stop, gaze at the beauty, and voila! Hanami. This lovely tradition is a bit deeper than a simple description makes it sound. Caroll Hirose

Hanami Where you live and who you spend your time with play a deep role in what kind of hanami you have. In my case, I've had hanami with co-workers, friends, and family. Each time is slightly different. That's why I present you with...

"How to do Hanami" With Co-workers: 1. One person needs to go early, find the right spot, and stand guard. 2. Another person is in charge of delivering food and drinks. 3. Little by little, everybody joins and the party starts. It's an obviously good excuse to escape the office, enjoy beautiful sights, and have a drinking party.

With friends: 1. Depending on the number of friends, there's no need to reserve a spot. Food and drinks are readily available at convenience stores. 2. Don't forget to bring a blue sheet or a small folding chair. 3. You can also opt to have a potluck style hanami and enjoy an internationally flavored hanami with different types of tasty dishes.

With a Japanese family:

Regardless whether you live in a city or the more rural parts of Japan, hanami is an event you can’t turn down. Why? The answer is very simple: because you'll be overwhelmed by the amount of delicious home-cooked bento and snacks that people bring.

Few things to always keep in mind when you do Hanami 1. Always take the garbage home with you. Japan is a clean country. Let’s keep it that way. 2. Depending on where you live, especially if you're planning to enjoy the night illumination, wear warm clothes. 3. Don't forget your equipment. There'll be many beautiful landscapes and cherry blossoms for you to take a quick snap of or make a quick sketch. Hanami is a Japanese cultural activity that is easy to enjoy. For those who want to keep the excitement alive for more than one event, search for Hanami trips and festivals all over Japan. Keep in mind that there are over 200 types of Cherry blossom trees in Japan. Next time you go, how many cherry blossoms will you see?

EDITOR'S LETTER

が来て、部屋が暖かく感じられ、⿃はさえずり、花が咲く。⾃然は驚くほど美しくなりながら呼びかけてきます。けれどもギャザリング禁⽌と⾔われているときは、どうしたらいいのでしょうか。まず、気分を良くしてくれる春の服を着て、⼤事な外の時間をもっと楽しくしましょう。もちろん、マスクを忘れずに。⾃然が両⼿を広げてあなたを待っていることを忘れないでね。でも、ちょっと待って、ほっぺに⾵を感じる前に、⽇本で最も⼈気のある春の⽂化「花⾒」を紹介させてくださいね。花⾒は、広がっている桜の⾵景か、⽇本桜を楽しむ⾏事です。だけど疑問に思うのは、“ひと⽉かけて⽇本中を横断する1000年前からの⽂化的⾏事をどのように楽しめばいいのでしょうか。”そこで、最も簡単な⽅法は、単に公園、池、⼤学、学校に⾏くことでしょう（けれど学校に知り合いがいなければ、避けたほうがいいかもしれない。）桜の⽊を⾒つけたらちょっと⽌まって、その美しさを眺めれば、あなたもこれで花⾒⼈！！但し、この素敵な⽂化はこれより少し深いです。

Japanese

春花⾒

Caroll Hirose

花⾒の過ごし⽅

花⾒をするときに覚えておくこと

会社の同僚との花⾒:

最初は、1⼈が適切な場所を⾒つけ

花⾒はあなたがどるために早めに場所取りに⾏き、それこに住んでいて、から、他の⼈達が来るまで場所をキー誰と⼀緒に過ごすプします。次に、別の⼈が⻝べ物や飲み物のかに深く関わって配達をします。います。最後に、他の⼈達もだんだんと参加してパーティーを始めます。私の場合、花⾒をオフィスを出て、美しい景⾊で飲み会したのは職場の同を楽しむチャンスです。僚、友⼈と⽇本の友⼈との花⾒: 家族です。友達の数によっては、場所取りの必要がなく、⻝べ物や飲み物はコンビ毎回少しずつ違うニで簡単に準備できます但しブルーので紹介します。シートまたは⼩さな折りたたみ椅⼦を 1.

2. 3.

(

忘れずに持っていってね。) 2. ありあわせの料理の花⾒、いろいろな国の料理で国際的な花⾒を楽しむこと。どちらの花⾒を選んでもいいですね。

⽇本⼈の家族との花⾒:

⽇本の都市でも地⽅でも、花⾒は断れないイベントなのはなぜでしょう。答えは⾮常に簡単です。みんなが、美味しい家庭料理弁当やお菓⼦を、驚くほど沢⼭持ってくるからです。

ごみは必ずお持ち帰りください。⽇本はきれいな国なので、守りましょう。 2. 住んでいる場所に応じて、特に夜のイルミネーションを楽しみたい場合は、暖かい服を着てください。 3. たくさんの素敵な⾵景や桜をスケッチしたり写真を撮るための道具を忘れないようにね。花⾒は⼿軽に楽しめる⽇本⽂化です。さらに、ワクワクを存分に楽しみたい⼈は、⽇本全国の花⾒旅⾏や祭りを探してみるといいです。最後に、⽇本には200種類以上の桜の⽊があることを⼼にとめておいてください。次回、花⾒に⾏ったとき、何種類の桜を⾒ることができたかな？ 1.

Historical Adventures andÂ

NAKED FIRE FESTIVAL By Giovanni Perez

Ninohe City in Iwate Prefecture is just a little over two hours away from Tokyo station. It's best known for its food, culture, and history. In the following article, you can read about Iwateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Naked Fire Festival, delicious hitsumi soup, and Jomon cooking.

Kunohe Village Furusato Sozo-Kan Food Tasting Experience

We started our trip going straight towards Furusato Sozo-Kan for a tour of a 100+ year old historical community hall located in Kunohe village, Iwate City. We saw many tools that were used in the Japanese stone age, which only ended within the last 3000 years! Parts of Iwate have heavy snow and rain, so people would cover themselves with a straw blanket to keep warm.

After taking a tour of the building, we feasted on a Japanese traditional dish with a side of juicy steak and pork. The chef was talkative and had the nicest smile that made the food even more enjoyable. We also ate a traditional vegetable soup called hitsumi that was boiled on a hearth. We ripped dough into tiny balls and threw it into the pot to add some texture to the soup. When you came close to the hearth, you only had a few seconds to throw in as many balls as possible before your body would start burning from the blazing heat coming from the pot.

"The chef was talkative and had the nicest smile that made the food even more enjoyable." After stuffing ourselves, we got ready for the Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special dessert that he invented himself: matcha ice cream in an edible apple skin with whipped cream and a cherry on top. He showed us how to do it, then we proceeded to make our own. A perfect dessert to end lunch.

After lunch, we gathered around the hearth that had lost most of its heat and talked about the impact of inbound tourism on Ninohe City. It’s important for cities like Ninohe to be able to open their doors to tourists from all countries so that the history can live on.

Ninohe City

Furusato Sozo-Kan Naked Fire Festival (Saitogi)

Saitogi festival, or “Naked Fire Festival ” in English, has been going on for over 400 years. It’s used to figure out the quality of harvest for the current year. The Naked Fire Festival is open to anyone brave enough to wear a thin loin cloth, throw cold water on themselves, and use a log to bash four meters of blazing hot fire. The festival is broken down into four small rituals: okomori, mizugori, hadaka-mairi, and himatsuri.

Sword-shaped Grain Tower

Cold Water Cleansing

Five okomori, or small swordshaped towers of grain in English, are made and left outside one day before the main festival. Their condition is checked upon the next day as a way to determine the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harvest for that year.

On the night of the festival, you strip down and wear only a thin loin cloth called fundoshi, which looks like an adult diaper. You pair up with another member and stand on stage in front of a large crowd, throwing freezing cold water on yourself. Hadaka-mairi

You take off your fundoshi and exchange it for a sarashi, a five-meter strip of wide cloth. It starts below your stomach and ends just above your thighs. To prevent any funny accidents from occurring, I had to tighten it as much as possible. We wore a headband, festival socks called tabi, a straw skirt called mino, and a pair of straw shoes.

We prepared five ten-yen coins by wrapping them up with small pieces of paper and put them inside our sarashi. We quickly formed into groups again. From here, the whole group walked in pairs. We ate a pinch of salt, drank a shot of sacred sake, and clamped a white paper in our mouths. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t speak until the paper left our mouth. The festival truly begins here.

Himatsuri Fire Festival

The person in the front leads the way, swaying a bell from left to right. We are led down the side of a hill with just an armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length of visibility. Once all the members gathered together, we walked up the stone stairs, lit only by small lanterns, to pay respects to three individual shrines. We made sure to drop five-yen coins for every visit. Lastly, we walked near the edge of the burning pile of stacked logs that had been lit two hours prior to the festival. We payed our respects to about fifteen smaller gods.

After giving our respects, we positioned ourselves around the crackling inferno. While the ritual horn and drums sounded, we bashed the top of the fire tower with four-meterlong wooden rods. As we were hitting, we prayed to our own God to not burn to death. A rain of ash fell on our bodies, singeing, if not incinerating, our hair.

All participants used the nearby snow to cool off during rest periods.

We took off our straw shoes and tied them to the shrine.

The direction of the flames also indicates the quality of the upcoming harvest. Flames point towards the shrine for a poor harvest and away from it to predict a bountiful harvest. Himatsuri finishes after four rounds of fire tower bashing.

Nothing ends a festival quite like the brave participants partaking in beer and a special soup with vegetables and tofu called kenchi-jiru. Legend has it that joining the festival three years straight will bring you happiness.

Ichinohe Town Jomon Site

Have you heard of the Jomon period? No, not the board game Jumanji. The Jomon period is part of Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prehistory and dates back to about 16,000 to 3,000 years ago. The name Jomon comes from the straw rope pattern found from this time. Even now, There are constant new discoveries of Jomon artifacts. In Ninohe City, Iwate, there's an abundance of Jomon artifacts, so much so that there's a whole building dedicated to them. This museum is packed with many exciting activities, from cooking to making necklaces the Jomon way.

There were no knives or even chopsticks during the Jomon period. People cut their own food with a sharpedged rock and started fires without matches. You, too, can do exactly that in Ichinoheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jomon Museum. Along with some friends and a Jomon expert, we learned how to make our own fire and experienced first-hand the Jomon way of cooking. We used the sharp rocks to cut mushrooms, potatoes, herbs, and lamb, which we cooked in a tall, black pot.

| Jomon-style Cooking

We also used replica Jomon tools to make our own fire. The ingenuity of the Jomon era was astoundingly advanced. A pulleylike system was used to bring the wooden handles of the fire-making contraption up and down. With the right amount of speed and a steady rhythmic hand motion, small particles of burning wood are made by the friction from the tools. The fire would then be transported to a small bowl with bigger wood chips that were incorporated into a fire pit. Overall preparation took about an hour and a half, with another hour for the soup to fully cook. Hot soups during cold winters in northern Japan were an essential survival tactic. Another essential item was clothes. It would be hard to imagine living in Tohoku without clothes or a house. Walking around the museum, we saw different types of clothes that were used for various activities.

Jomon Accessories Each pair of clothes had a pendant on them. We had the opportunity to create our own out of a special, thinly cut piece of bark. The native Jomon community would place thinly cut bark in water for a few days. These wet pieces of bark became soft enough to shape into whatever item needed.

Jomon Museum The museum wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be complete without attractions of pottery, weaponry, and image mapping. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a ten-minute image mapping video that portrays how the Jomon people possibly lived. This interactive museum has plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy without having to travel to multiple sites.

Want to learn about more amazing places like this one? Check out our website at: Stayjapan.com/media

GIOVANNI PEREZ When he's not busy planning events for inbound tourism to explore the rural parts of Japan, you can find Giovanni taking pictures of landscape or whipping up delicious tacos with oba-chans.

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HOROHA GUEST HOUSE

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Check out this 150 year old house, which we've transformed into a nostalgic-feeling, classic Farmer's inn. With warm hospitality and the experience of being reconnected to nature, come and stay and experience something unlike anything you ever have before! # KEY FEATURES ① Rustic farmhouse experience to reconnect with nature and a slower paced lifestyle. ② Eat around an old-style Japanese hearth for a uniquely Japanese cultural experience. ③ Enjoy warm hospitality and great stories from your gracious hosts.

IT IS BETTER TO SEE SOMETHING ONCE THAN TO HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES

Written by,

TERESA FONG

GET HAUNTED TO RICHES

Ever wanted to be instantly rich? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you had that wish at least once in your life. Of course, you can play the waiting game and buy lottery tickets, or you can try an even less conventional method, which follows a famous Japanese legend. Traditional ryokan are elegant Japanese inns that have many elements: indoor and outdoor onsen (hot springs), aromatic tatami floors, comfortable yukata, and succulent Japanese-style set meals. They're essentially 5 star hotels that feel like home. That is, if your home comes with attentive staff and a fire pit to warm your cold feet. With Ryokufuso Ryokan, however, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one unique element that no other ryokan can offer. Can you guess what it is?

| Ryokufuso It’s a ghost! That’s right. Ryokufuso is a haunted ryokan. Luckily, it’s not the typical Hollywood image of a Japanese haunting. We don’t have a woman with long, wet, shiny black hair. We don’t have a well in the back that has a sad, horrific history. Rather, we have a little boy with a heart of gold.

| The History The little boy that currently haunts Ryokufuso is affectionately known as Kamemaro-chan.

About 670 years ago, at the age of six, he was fleeing the Nambokucho war with his father when he unfortunately collapsed and died. In his final moments, he swore to protect his family for eternity. He must’ve been a very loyal child to make such a promise at such a young age! Kamemaro-chan’s passing is where Ryokufuso comes in. Even though his exact place of death is unknown, it is said that his first ghostly sighting was in the ryokan of Ryokufuso. Locals say that he supposedly haunts other ryokan in the area too, but he has a particular fondness for Ryokufuso.

| Fun fact:

| The History

Legend goes on to say that if the person who sees him is female, she’ll be blessed with a successful marriage within the year. If the person who sees him is male, he’ll be blessed with riches and success. Personally, I’d prefer the latter. Staff told me that if you seek Kamemaro-chan, he will show up as balls of light. Since he seems so willing to do that, I’m sure he’d also be willing to switch up the blessings, too.

In the West, the witching hour is at 3:00 A.M. It’s the time of night when the supernatural has the most power in the mortal dimension. I was shocked to learn that the witching hour in Japan is at 2:00 A.M. In Ryokufuso, you’ll often see guests stay up until 2:00 A.M. in an attempt to meet Kamemaro-chan. Guests usually walk around in pairs, but I needed at least three partners because I was too terrified. The staff does their part in ensuring the ryokan is as creepy as possible, with dark hallways and dimly lit corners. In my opinion, the staff does their job a bit too well, because I was shaking like a leaf!

| Japanese-style Set Meal If you also, unfortunately, don't get to see Kamemaro chan (which might be a good thing if you're a scaredy cat like me), you can at least feel like a rich celebrity with their extravagant Japanese-style set meals. It’s not often that you get to enjoy a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner, especially at this level. The skills and techniques required to prepare such a haute cuisine is certainly something to marvel at. Not only was I impressed by the overall presentation, I was also enthralled by the tiny details of the over 15 bowls and plates in my dinner setting! Just at a glance, I instantly knew that the artisans and craftsmen must have put a great deal of effort in each and every single detail. My personal favorite was the bowl shaped as a chrysanthemum with alternating patterns of blue flowers and shapes.

Japanese-style set meals in Tokyo start as low as 10,000 yen, about $100, so it’s not a meal you can enjoy every day. That’s why, when you actually have the chance to sit down to enjoy each little part of the cuisine, it will always feel special. The enjoyment is enhanced when eating in your yukata after a soak in the hot spring. Nothing beats that combination!

16 3

In your Japanese-style set meals, not only do you get shabushabu, you also get sashimi, oyster, and a delicious array of tiny appetizers. I have to admit: I’ve never had such tender pork in shabu-shabu before. At one point I forgot I left a slice boiling in the soup, but it didn’t end up dry and swiveled like usual! It was glorious.

| Plant-based Diet Ryokufuso also offers plant-based Japanese-style set meals. They serve fresh and crispy vegetables and apple tempura with a side of fruit. They also have something called, “fu,” which is dried wheat gluten. “Fu” has an amazing ability to soak any sauce you add, so they’re extremely juicy and delectable. Definitely look for it even if you don’t have a plant-based diet! You don’t want to miss this treat.

Did I mention that you get dessert? Even if it was just one strawberry, strawberries in Japan are known to always be sweet. They've developed a way of growing and harvesting strawberries to ensure peak freshness and high quality. That’s probably why strawberries, or, rather, fruits in Japan are so expensive!

| Breakfast We had a variety of pickled vegetables, a bowl of perfectly steamed rice, and a slice of the richest pink salmon. Of course, paired with all of those is a bowl of miso soup for the soul. Going to the hot springs is great, especially when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re blessed with hot miso soup right after. It really does the trick!

So, what are you waiting for? Go get haunted to riches or simply go enjoy Japanese-style set meals like the wealthy!

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IT'S BETTER TO TRAVEL WELL THAN TO ARRIVE

Photos by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

RELAX AND BECOME

ONE WITH YOURSELF IN OBAMA, FUKUI Fukui Prefecture has a little town known for its fresh fish and crystal-clear water. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also known for its name and connection to a beloved public figure. Obama City in Fukui Prefecture is a mix of Kansai and Wakasa charm that distinguishes it from the rest of the Hokuriku Region.

The small-town charm and love for quiet comforts will make anyone feel right at home. Obama City, not named after the former U.S. President Barack Obama (the town came first), is a small town located in the southernmost region of Fukui Prefecture, known as the Wakasa region.

Photos by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

It is a beautiful region of expansive green cedar forests, sweeping mountains that produce clean mountain water, fresh air, and a slower way of life. From Tokyo Station, take the shinkansen, or bullet train, through Maibara to Tsuruga Station. At Tsuruga Station, switch to one of the local trains and get off at ShinHirano Station. The local trains in Obama city are small, so you may need to pay the attendant and get off at the front of the train.

If there’s no attendant, then you must pay with exact change— on your honor! When you step off the train onto the empty platform of Shin-Hirano Station, you’ll know you’re not in Tokyo anymore! Welcome to your first step to unplugging and relaxing.

| Have a Relaxing Stay at Matsunaga Rokkan Fujiya

松永六感

Matsunaga Rokkan Fujiya ( ) is a small ryokan in the heart of Wakasa. It offers a mixture of quiet relaxation and wellness with its small size.

藤屋

The ryokan is a beautifully built structure that mixes wood and bamboo with natural stone elements. Transport into relaxation as soon as you walk into Fujiya and slide into a pair of soft slippers. Natural wood tones, earthy colors, and deep reds greet you at the door along with an iron fireplace roaring quietly in the corner.

| The Inside There are five spacious guest rooms, a small dining room, and two gender-separated hot springs.

Photo by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

Both make for a very intimate experience. They designed each room with traditional tatami or bamboo flooring, shoji or paper sliding doors, and futon. The Yamayuri room has a private bathroom, two sitting areas, large windows that let in a stream of sunlight, and a colorful haori, or kimono coat, hanging in the corner. Mountains and a dense forest surround the ryokan with no neighbors on either side.

Photos by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

At night, the area is quiet, as there is little to no nearby traffic. It's a relaxing experience. The next best part of Matsunaga Rokkan is the 8course vegetarian dinner. Before heading off to dinner, make sure to check out the mini library and the Japanese irori fire pit. You can also indulge in complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies in front of the iron kettle-warmer while reading.

Take a tour of the ryokanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greenhouse and garden across the street to have your senses awakened.

| Seasonal Vegetable Dinner Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not exaggerating when I say that I was stuffed. They served each course one-at-a-time so you can use all six senses. Each menu item is chosen and arranged based on the theme of the season and the seasonal vegetables available.

The chef was nice enough to make me something special with carrots because I mentioned my deep love for carrots during the greenhouse tour earlier in the day. Each dish is distinctively Japanese with elegant interpretations of dishes that normally would contain meat. Colorful seasonal vegetables filled the menu, such as black Japanese radish (daikon), truffle mushrooms, fresh herbs, udon, flavored wheatrice cakes (nama-fu), and seasonal Japanese sweets (wagashi).

Photo by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve filled your belly with the delicious 8-course vegetarian meal, you can slide into the steaming hot bath.

| Find Zen at a Myotsuji Temple Myotsuji is a Buddhist Shingon sect temple which includes a three story-pagoda, three Buddha statues designated as national important cultural properties, with 12 smaller Buddha statues to protect them.

Photos by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

You can experience three temple activities: seated meditation, the writing of Buddhist scriptures using calligraphy (shuji) and a typical monk’s vegetarian meal (shojin ryori) of rice porridge (asagayu) and a “vegetarian devotion lunch box” (shojin bento). They design these experiences to help one center into oneself. They are great ways to calm a hectic mind or stomach.

| Try the Local Crafts During my stay at Matsunaga Rokkan, I could relax and enjoy the quiet and spacious bath. I also met the local craftsmen that make up Obama City and its small community. During my 2-day stay, I enjoyed a tour and tasting at a local rice vinegar brewery, Tobaya Su ( ), and a hands-on experience of making a wooden plate at a local woodwork studio called Hyohon Furniture ( ).

と

ば屋酢

票本家具

| Rice Vinegar Tour Photo by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

Photo by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

| Woodworking Photo by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

| Bicycle Tour Take a bike tour through town using one of the electric bikes provided by the ryokan. There is an expansive natural environment to explore around the area, as well as various small local temples and cute cafes.

| Local Shrines Obama City is filled with small neighborhood shrines with unique charm and history. The community has maintained these shrines for generations.

Obama City has a rich religious history connected to the major Shinto shrines of Nara and Kyoto. Every year on March 2nd, the Jingu Shrine performs a water-sending ceremony . The Shrine sends blessed water from Obama City down to the famous Todai-Ji Temple in Nara. Because of this rich cultural tradition, smaller local shrines and temples are popular power spots. During my trip to Obama City, I visited Wakasahiko Shrine and Wakasa Hime Shrine.

Photo by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

Photos by, Natasha Taliferro Awayfromorigin.com

These sister shrines and temples are connected through a ranking system, making them strong power spots for the Wakasa area. The Wakasahiko Shrine, the only “upper shrine” (ichinomiya) in Wakasa, has been worshiped as the guardian of fishermen since the 7th Century.

| Cafe Watoto Watoto is a small cafe in a traditional Japanese house run by a friendly Japanese couple.

The eclectic cafe takes advantage of its traditional woodwork and design by using every space. They showcase a collection of guitars, ukuleles, jewelry, books, and family pictures. They make everything fresh and also change their menu monthly. It’s full of ofukuro-aji (a mother’s cooking). If you have a little extra time, you can go to the sea and ride on a cruise to the fishing port, the fish market, and “Sotomon” in Wakasa Bay, which is also designated as a national scenic spot.

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# ABOUT Thi s r ust i c f ar m house i s l ocat ed on a spaci ous pl ot . I t ' s t he best l ocat i on f or t our i ng t he Hi r ai zumi Wor l d Her i t age si t e! The house i s onl y 20 mi nut es by car t o Hi r ai zumi St at i on! You can al so vi si t ot her wor l d her i t age si t es i n t he ar ea, such as Chusonj i and Hi koshi j i . # KEY FEATURES - Cooki ng - Mi ni ng f or gol d - Go- Kar t

IT IS NOT THE DESTINATION WHERE YOU END UP BUT THE MISHAPS AND MEMORIES YOU CREATE ALONG THE WAY.

PENELOPE RILEY

Ask the Expert

SPRING 2020

I'M VEGAN. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Your questions about living in Japan as an expat answered by me or our team of experts!

Don’t fret! You have many options, from vegan ramen to sushi (yes!), but even if they’re just a Google search away, it’s not so easy to find them organically in the city. I suggest you make a Google map list before you arrive. Also, as most Japanese people don’t know the difference between vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian, etc., it might be better to list out exactly what you can't eat.

WHAT ESTABLISHMENTS CAN I VISIT THAT ACCEPT OTHER FORMS OF PAYMENTS BESIDES CASH?

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER RELIABLE WAYS TO GET CASH BESIDES FROM AN ATM AT A CONVENIENCE STORE?

More stores in Japan now accept credit cards. An easy find is the top floors of any mall. Malls generally accept credit cards and ban indoor smoking. It’s a double win!

The best way to get yen is from a 7-11 ATM, but if that’s not an option, here are some fairly unknown ways you can get cash (besides going to banks and currency exchange counters): If you have foreign currency, you can head to Don Quijote and buy something using that. Your change will be in yen. If you have foreign currency, you can head to Daikokuya, a store that sells discounted name-brand products, and exchange your currency there.

I actually rarely use cash nowadays when I go out. Keep in mind that I live in Tokyo! It's very different in the countryside.

THIS SEASON'S EXPERT

TERESA FONG

・・

P.S. If you have a friend in Japan, you can offer to Venmo home currency for JPY.

WHY ARE THE LIVING SPACES SO SMALL? There's quite a lot of reasons, but simply put: every year, more people are moving into the cities, making land prices skyrocket, amongst other issues. On the other hand, renovation is relatively cheap and easy to get approval for. Construction companies work quickly, too. I've seen an entire apartment complex finish in 1 month. All combined, a person could buy whatever land they can and hire a company to fashion a home within that space, which is usually small. Of course, it would be silly of me to ignore Japanese principles of minimalism. The KonMari Method should tell you everything you need.

Teresa has been living in Japan since August 2015. She loves design, dogs & cats, and food.

Folks Food

art by: @vege.pop

Popular western cuisine that has been made, tested, and tasted by expats all over Japan. These commonly found western recipes have been translated for you to try at home! Have fun and stay cookin'!

長ネギと鶏もも肉パイ 5~6人分無塩バター 75g 鶏もも肉２長ネギ 2本にんにく 15g コンソメ１個

薄力粉 55g 牛乳 200ml 生クリーム 150ml 厚切りのハム 150g 塩コショウ少々溶き卵１個

R E C I P E

冷凍食品のパイシート 4枚好みで白ワイン２−３大さじ

ｓｔｅｐ１）鍋に450mlの水とコンソメを入れ沸騰（ふっとう）させます。その中に鶏もも肉を加え、蓋をしたまま弱火で10分煮ます。鳥もも肉を鍋から皿に移し、残った水分は水差しに注ぎます。ｓｔｅｐ２）フライパンを弱火にかけ無塩バター 25gを入れ、ネギを２分間柔らかくなるまで軽く炒めます。さらにニンニクを入れ１分間炒め続けます。残りの無塩バターを加え、溶けてから薄力粉を入れ満遍なく１分間続けて混ぜます。ｓｔｅｐ３）フライパンに牛乳を少しずつ混ぜながら加えます。それから水差しにとっておいたストック250mlも同じように少しずつ加えながら混ぜます。お好みで白ワインを入れ（２−３大さじ）、満遍なく滑らかになるまで混ぜ続けます。それから３分間弱火で煮ます。塩こしょうで味を整え、フライパンから大きなボールに移します。表面が乾かないようにラップをかけて冷まします。オーブンを200度にし、トレイを入れたまま加熱します。パイシートを袋から出し5mm の厚さに伸ばし、パイ皿より4cm余るほどの大きさにしパイ皿に敷き込みます。鳥もも肉と厚切りのハムを3cmずつの大きさにカットし、冷ましたソースと混ぜ、パイシートの上に入れます。残ったパイシートを上に置き、手で周りをしっかり閉めます。パイシートの周囲を切り落とし、ナイフで真ん中に小さな穴を開け、全体に溶き卵を薄くかけます。

ｓｔｅｐ 4）オーブンで温めたトレイの中央に置き、35〜40分間焼きます。目印はパイの全体が黄金色になることです。

Photo by: @sl__mitchell

Folks Food Popular western cuisine that has been made, tested, and tasted by expats all over Japan. These commonly found western recipes have been translated for you to try at home! Have fun and stay cookin'!

art by: @vege.pop

creamy chicken, ham and leek pie serves 5 to 6 75g Unsalted butter 3 Chicken breast 2 Leeks trimmed 15g Crushed garlic 450ml Chicken stk. 55g Plain flour 200ml Milk Flour

1. Heat the chicken stock in a lidded saucepan. Add the chicken breast and bring to a low simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken breasts from the water with tongs and place on a plate. Pour the cooking liquor into a large jug. 2. Melt 25g/1oz of butter in a large, heavy-based saucepan over low heat. Stir in the leeks and fry gently for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until just softened. Add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Add the remaining butter and stir in the flour as soon as the butter has melted. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. 3. Slowly pour the milk into the pan, just a little at a time, stirring well between each adding. Gradually add 250ml/10fl oz of the reserved stock and the wine, if using, and stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes. 4. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in the cream. Pour into a large bowl and cover the surface of the sauce with cling film to prevent a skin forming. Set aside to cool. 5. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas. 6. Put the flour and butter, for the pastry, in a food processor and blend on the pulse setting until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. With the motor running, add the beaten egg and water and blend until the mixture forms a ball. Portion off 250g/9oz pastry for the lid. 7. Roll the remaining pastry out on a lightly floured surface, turning the pastry frequently until around 5mm/¼in thick and 4cm/1½in larger than the pie dish. Lift the pastry over the rolling pin and place it gently into the pie dish. Press the pastry firmly up the sides, making sure there are no air bubbles. Leave the excess pastry overhanging the sides. 8. Cut the chicken breasts into 3cm/1¼in pieces. Stir the chicken and ham into the cooled sauce. Pour the chicken filling into the pie dish. Brush the rim of the dish with beaten egg. Roll out the reserved pastry for the lid. 9. Cover the pie with the pastry lid and press the edges together firmly to seal. Trim any excess pastry. 10. Make a small hole in the centre of the pie with the tip of a knife. Glaze the top of the pie with beaten egg. Bake on the preheated tray in the centre of the oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown all over and the filling is piping hot.

R E C I P E

150ml Double cream 150g Thickly carved ham Salt and pepper to taste. 1 Beaten egg 4 Frozen pie sheets 2/3 Tbsp white wine (opt.)

Photo by: @sl__mitchell

ベーキングタイム

ベリーベリーパイとっても楽 2~4人分冷凍食品のパイシート 4枚レモンジュース大さじ１冷凍食品のベリー 1パック500g

ｓｔｅｐ１）鍋にミックスベリー、砂糖とレモンジュースを入れ、中火で５−１０分間煮ます。砂糖の量を確認しながら、足りない場合は追加してね。そして一度火を止めます。ｓｔｅｐ２）鍋から100ccの液体を分けて小さなボールに移します。その中に片栗粉を入れ、きれいに溶けるまで混ぜます。ｓｔｅｐ３）鍋をまた中火にし、片栗粉のソースを少しずつ入れながら２−５分間とろっとなるまで混ぜます。ベリー Photo by: @sl__mitchell を崩さないように気をつけてね。鍋を火からとり、バターを入れて混ぜます。それから１５分間冷まします。ｓｔｅｐ４）パイシートを袋から出し３mmの厚さに伸ばします。パイ皿に敷き込み、４cm余るほどの大きさにしまＳｈａｎｔｅｌｌ’ｓＫｉｔｃｈｅｎす。その上に冷ましたベリーソースを入れます。パイ皿にパイシートを置き、残りの生地でラティストップ（上のアミアミ）を準備します。フォークで空気穴をあけ、パイの上にラティストップを載せます。溶き卵を塗り、グラニュー糖をまぶし、２２０度で予熱を済ませたオーブンで３０分間焼きます。（オーブンによって時間の差があります）途中、満遍なタピオカミルクティーく焼き目がついたら出来上がり。足りない場合は時間を追加お湯適量お湯適量してね。

R E C I P E

砂糖 120g

片栗粉大さじ４無塩バター大さじ２砂糖 15g 溶き卵１個

タピオカミルクティー

R E C I P E

ブラックタピオカ (乾燥) 500g 黒砂糖大さじ3 蜂蜜大さじ3

Ｓｈａｎｔｅｌｌ’ｓＫｉｔｃｈｅｎ

art by: @vege.pop

紅茶(濃い) 適量牛乳適量

ｓｔｅｐ１）鍋にお湯を沸かし、沸騰したらタピオカを入れます。キッチンタイマーを35分にセットし、中火で煮て時々かき混ぜます。(途中で食べてみて芯がなければOKです)。ｓｔｅｐ２）沸かしながら、黒砂糖と蜂蜜を加え、混ぜます。ｓｔｅｐ３）キッチンタイマーがなったら、火を止めます。蓋をし、シロップに10〜15分間ひたします。ｓｔｅｐ４）タピオカをザルに入れ、流水で冷やします。ｓｔｅｐ 5）濃い紅茶を作り、冷蔵庫で冷まします。ｓｔｅｐ 6）グラスにお好みでタピオカを入れ、紅茶と牛乳、シロップを注ぎます。

Baking Time

Triple Berry Pie Serves 4 to 6

4 Pie Sheets 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

R E C I P E

120 g Sugar

500g of assorted berries 4 Tbsp. of Corn starch 2 Tbsp. of unsalted butter 15 g Sugar to spread on top Large egg

１

R E C I P E

1.Cook Berries: Add berries, sugar and lemon juice to a large saucepan over medium heat. Simmer, until warm and juicy, about 5-10 minutes, gently stirring occasionally. 2.Thicken filling: Spoon out about 1/2 cup of the juice from the pan into a bowl. Stir cornstarch into the juice until smooth. Bring pot of berries back to a simmer and slowly pour in the cornstarch. Gently stir mixture (being careful not to mash the berries), until thickened, about 2-5 minutes. 3. Cool and add to pie shell. Remove from heat and stir in the butter. Allow to cool for 15 minutes. 4. Pour mixture into unbaked pie shell and add lattice top or a whole top with holes for steam to escape. (See directions for lattice crust below). 5.Pinch the edges of the top and bottom pie crusts together and crimp the edge. Brush a thin layer of beaten egg white over the top of the pie and sprinkle lightly with sugar. 6.Bake at 400 degrees F (200 C) for 40-45 minutes. Check it after about 25 minutes and place a piece of tinfoil over it if the top crust is getting too brown. 7. Cook the pie for 1 hour and enjoy !

Photo by: @sl__mitchell

Ｓｈａｎｔｅｌｌ’ｓＫｉｔｃｈｅｎ

Tapioca | Milk Tea Hot Water 500g black Tapioca (dried) 3Tbsp. Brown sugar 3 Tbsp. Honey

Hot water Black tea (dark) Milk

1.Boil water. Add the tapioca pearls. Once the water boils again, start the timer for 35 minutes. Lower heat to medium and stir occasionally. 2.While boiling, add the brown sugar and honey. Mix the syrup well. 3.Once the timer goes off, turn the fire off. Keep the lid on and let the pearls sit in the syrup for 10-15 mins. 4.After 10 mins, rinse the tapioca in cold water until no longer hot. 5.Make strong black tea. Cool in the fridge. 6.Add the tapioca, black tea, milk, and syrup to your preference.

Ｓｈａｎｔｅｌｌ’ｓＫｉｔｃｈｅｎ

art by: @vege.pop

STAY JAPAN [FOLLOW (US) ON INSTAGRAM] + @STAYJAPAN

Fuyumedo Art Gallery Cafe An interview by GIOVANNI PEREZ

Thanks to its delicious food, unique aesthetic, and charming owners, Fuyumedo is gaining popularity in Goshogawara, Aomori. STAY JAPAN's Giovanni Perez interviews the owners, the Yamayas, to see why Fuyumedo cafe stands out.

１. なぜカフェを始めたか? →カフェを始めたいと思う前に、私たちはギャラリーをやりたかった。いろいろな⼈の作品を発表できる場を作りたかった。カフェは、作品を⾒に来た⼈たちがゆっくりお茶を飲みながら話ができればさらに良いと思って、あとで考えて作った。 What made you want to start a coffee shop? →The idea actually

４．カフェを建てる前も同じような仕事をしていましたか？→⼆⼈とも⼩学校の教師でした。 What did you do before opening Fuyumedo ? →Ayako and I were both Elementary School Teachers.

５．お店の名前の「ふゆめ堂」の由来は何ですか？→「ふゆめがっしょうだん」という絵本があって、その絵本をあや⼦がとても気に⼊っていたから。「ふゆめがっしょうだん」は、冬の⽊の芽の写真を連ねた絵本。みんな何かの顔のように⾒えるとことがとても⾯⽩い。 What's the story behind the name of your shop? →There’s a picture book

started with opening a gallery space. We wanted to showcase various artworks that interested both of us. We then thought that our customers needed somewhere they could relax and enjoy a nice conversation. That's when we decided to open a coffee shop alongside the gallery space.

２．カフェを始めて⼀番良いと思うことは何ですか？ →毎⽇誰かと会えること。 What's the best part about owning a coffee shop? →Meeting the people who come through our doors.

Art by Ayumi Kondo

３．今までカフェであった⾯⽩い話や出来事はありますか？→客さんといろいろ話していると、⼈と⼈が意外なところでつながっていることに気づきます。世界は狭いと思う。IT’S A SMALL WORLD ! Do you have any funny stories about your shop? →When

speaking with various people, we often find out that we're connected, either by a friend, relative, or in some other way. It really does feel like a small world.

by the name of “Fuyume ga Shoudan” that Ayako fell in love with. “Fuyume ga Shoudan” is a collection of various types of tree sprouts (me) in winter (fuyu) that look like small faces. We thought it was so interesting that it inspired the name of our coffee shop.

６．他のカフェと⽐べてこのカフェはどのように違いますか？→⼆⼈の趣味で成り⽴っているところ。アート・古物・雑貨・本など⼆⼈の共通の趣味・好みが詰まっているところ。そして、ギャラリーが併設されているところ。 What sets you apart from other coffee shops? →Our interest in gathering paintings, pottery, books, and other forms of art drove us to make a coffee shop that has both famous and local art pieces from around the world.

コーヒーを飲むこと以外にカフェでどのようなことができますか？→絵画・写真・⽴体などの展⽰。歌のミニコンサートやパフォーマンス。ほんの読み聞かせなど様々なことができます。これからいろいろと挑戦していくつもりです。 What other activities can you do in Fuyumedo? →You can 10.

enjoy works of art, professional photography, mini concerts, and more. We also do book readings and are always thinking about new and exciting activities to do next. Art by Ayumi Kondo

７．３つの⾔葉でカフェを表すと →よい時間・よい空間・よい⼈間 Describe your coffee shop in 3 words. →(great) Times, (great) Atmosphere, (great) People

８．⻘森の何が好きですか？→全部。特にリンゴを代表とする⻝べ物。冬の景⾊。 What do you love about your location (Aomori)? →Everything. I'm especially fond of anything to do with

apples, since Aomori prefectures produces more than 60% of all domestic apples in Japan. Also, the Winter season brings in such breathtaking scenery.

９．カフェを始めて何か新しい気づきはありましたか？→ ⼀番⼤切なのはまごころであることがよく分かった。愛がなければコーヒーも料理もおいしくならないことに改めて気づいた。 What have you learned since opening your own business? →I realized the importance of doing something with sincerity. Also, if there is no love, both the coffee and the food will not be delicious.

Special thanks to cafe owners Mr. and Mrs. Yamaya for allowing us to interview their unique cafe!

Next time you find yourself in Aomori, why not stop by Goshogawara City and visit Fuyumedo Art Gallery and Cafe? Giovanni recommends their neapolitan pasta and coffee set!

"Great times. "Great atmosphere. "Great people."

J E T S

THE

FAS District

SHION

Reviewed by,

DAIKI SHIMIZU

FASHION IN JAPAN 「 DAIKI SHIMIZU 」ある⼥の⼦の「顔はカッコよくないけどお洒落だよね。」の⼀⾔で衝撃が⾛りファッションに⽬覚める。⼤学在学中は、専⾨学校にも通い洋服作りの⼀連を経験。その後百貨店や路⾯店でのアパレルの販売を担当し数千⼈以上を接客。現職は⺠泊・農泊促進のコンサルをする⼀⽅で趣味のファッションでは知⼈・友⼈の ON/OFF のコーディネートを担当し、ファッションの楽しみをリアルな⽇常でも発信している。 1-2 テーマの背景昨今全世界に影響を与えているコロナウィルスだがファッション業顔にも暗雲が⽴ち込めている。しかし今この窮屈な⽣活が強いられる中で、⼈々に笑顔を与えられるのが「ファッション」なのかもしれない。

THE

FAS District

SHION

Reviewed by,

DAIKI SHIMIZU

FASHION IN JAPAN ă&#x20AC;&#x152; DAIKI SHIMIZU ă&#x20AC;?

Daiki Shimizu studied business as a university undergraduate. Upon graduation, he went to fashion school, where he learned how to make his own clothes. After fashion school, he worked at various department stores, apparel shops, and street shops, where he helped t housands of customers with their fashion decisions. Now, he is a consultant for farm stay guesthouses by day and a fashion advi ser by night, where he provides advice to his colleagues and close friends on the current trends, one sock at a time.

私もそうだ。中学⽣の少年がクラスの⼥の⼦に⾔われた⼀⾔でファッションに⽬覚め、誰と会い何をするのか、想像しコーディネートを楽しんだり、周りの知⼈と購買体験を楽しんだりと。もはやファッションは今や「アクティビティ」や「体験」に近い。さて、 with Corona の環境下で今ファッションで何が楽しめるだろうか。ファッション業界では、「 Sustainable 」がブームになっている。「 Sustainable 」は環境汚染への考慮や、⽑⽪を使わないなど動物保護の観点など幅広い意味で捉えられる。コラム： Recommend brand 「 Stella McCartney 」「 Sustainable 」というワードを出した時に最初に思い浮かぶブランドは「 Stella McCartney 」だ。何故ならデザイナー⾃⾝が環境に配慮した活動を続けている先駆者だからである。服作りにも⽑⽪を使⽤しないことや、 2020SS メンズのコレクションでは衛星から⾒た地球を転写したコートを発表するなど洋服を通して、 Sustainable な世界への実現を訴えかけている。 WRITTEN BY,

DAIKI SHIMIZU

さて、「 Sustainable with Corona 」とは、コロナの環境で家にいる時間が⻑いからこそ、エコで⾃宅でファッションを楽しむというニュアンスである。「今家で何を楽しんでいるの？」「ファッションを楽しんでいるよ！」こんな会話をしてみたいものである。「 Sustainable 」にも「⾊」や「柄」、「素材」、「型」など表現の仕⽅は様々である。 2020SS では、ネイチャームードと⾔われるボタニカルな柄使いや、フォーマルなショートスーツ、定番であるデニム使いなどがある。

Covid-19 has been hurting plenty of industries, both domestically and internationally. The fashion industry in Japan has also taken a big hit. However, putting some of our focus on what we could wear when i t finally becomes okay to venture outside again can give us some hope while living in our compact housing units. I remember as if it was just yesterday, when I heard a female classmate say that fashion is fun. "The feeling of coordinating the right clothes to meet someone or to go out and shop while being surrounded by similarly fashionable people makes it all the better." What she said opened my eyes and created a deeper meaning to what the word fashion is to me. Now, I often think of it in terms of “activity” and “experience.”

Daiki’s Recommendations: “Stella McCartney” When I think of the word “Sustainability,” the fashion designer Stella McCartney immediately comes to mind. Reason: The designer is known for pioneering more environmentally friendly clothes in the fashion world. This is represented by her latest fashion line with clothes made from plants. She has also avoided use of any animal products. For the 2020SS Men’s Fashion Collection, she used a picture of t he world that was taken from an orbiting satellite and put it on a jacket.

How can you enjoy fashion during Covid-19? The trend in the fashion world is “Sustainability.” Fashion has moved in the direction of decreased pollution and diminished use of animal products. WRITTEN BY,

DAIKI SHIMIZU

すっかり汗ばむ陽気になり、夏の到来を感じさせる今⽇この頃だが「 Sustainable with Corona 」を意識して、新しい価値を発⾒しファッションでこの夏を楽しんでみてはいかがだろうか。 2. 取り⼊れたいオススメのアイテム今年ぜひ取り⼊れて欲しい筆者オススメのアイテムがある。ワンピースやジャンプスーツ、ロングシャツなど⼀枚で着ることが出来るアイテムだ。 with Corona の中では、基本的には「おうち時間」がいつもよりも⻑いだろう。ただし、夏になればウィルスも⼀休みで少しだけ街にお出かけする機会も増えるかもしれない。そんな時に活躍するこれらのアイテムだ。「おうち」でのリラックスも出来て急な外出にも対応出来る。⼀枚ジャケットを⽻織ればオフィスカジュアルにもなる。トレンドであるネイチャームードを取り⼊れて柄を取り⼊れるのも⾯⽩いかもしれない。

WRITTEN BY,

DAIKI SHIMIZU

3.TPO 別のコーディネート ON/OFF の切り替えがしやすいように敢えて無地のシンプルな⼀枚着のコーディネートを集めてみた。ポイントは⾜もとです。シンプルにスニーカーかヒールの靴を履くかの２つの選択によって、カジュアルなのかフォーマルなのかに分けることが出来る。出所 )FASHION WALKER 4. まとめ世界中で暗いニュースが⾶び交っているが、今出来る環境で楽しむことが⼤切である。ファッションを楽しむことで⾃分には内⾯に与える影響が⼤きいし、関わる相⼿には外⾒で与える影響が⼤きい。偶然会った⼈に、「その洋服どこのですか？」と興味を持ってもらえたら少しだけ嬉しくないだろうか。本当はブランドにもトレンドにも拘る必要はなく、洋服を着る本⼈が楽しむことが⼀番である。楽しむ要素の⼀つにトレンドなどが⼊ってくれば良いのではないかと筆者は考えている。⽇本には四季があり、それぞれの季節でファッションを楽しむことが出来る。コロナの波が薄れた頃にお気に⼊りの洋服でぜひ⽇本を旅して欲しい。きっとその旅もより楽しくなるだろう。

Sustainability with Corona: How to be fashionable while still being at home for long hours. What would you say if a friend asked, "What are you doing for fun while staying at home?" Just imagine their face when you excitedly tell them, "I’ m having fun with fashion!" “Sustainability” in fashion comes in many forms, such as “color,” “pattern,” “material,” and “type.” An example of this is the use of botanical patterns, also known as “Natural Mood,” formal short suits, and classic denim clothing used during the 2020SS fashion collection show. Summer must be coming soon, since I’m sweating more than usual. “Sustainability with Corona” will be the new fashion to look forward to wearing in the summer, so why not start getting prepared for it now?

2. Recommended i tems: Onepiece jumpsuit | Long T-shirt that can be turned into a dress. Covid-19 fashion theme: Many of us have been spending more time in our private bastions than we’re accustomed to this year. Around summer, there might be more chances to get out of the house for a quick walk around the park or to a local coffee shop. That’ s why I recommend either a one-piece jumpsuit or a Long T-shirt that can be turned into a dress. Nothing beats relaxing clothing that you can wear at home and go out for a quick walk without having to change at all and still look your best! A simple jacket over your clothes will quickly turn that casual one-piece into business casual, making it even easier for people who need to go to work at short notice. This trend is also called Nature Mood. 3.The Secret to Coordinating.

WRITTEN BY,

DAIKI SHIMIZU

The secret to being able to go from casual wear t o business wear quickly is in the feet, or rather, in the shoes. There’ s no need to change clothes! Instead, wear sneakers for a casual look and put on heels for a more business casual attire.

4.Summary In summary, the whole world is exper iencing some d ar k t imes. That means we need to adapt to our surr ou nd ings and t r y t o enjoy what we can. For me, fashi on is something that you can enjoy whil e f eel ing good inside and outside. It’ s also nice when someone st ops you on t he street to ask, “Where did you get those gr eat cl ot hes?” The important thing is not the actual b r and , or even f ol l owing t he latest fashion trend. It’ s wearing what you l ike! Japan is f amou s f or it s seasonality, which means we have fou r d if f er ent t ypes of f ashionab l e wear to enjoy. Once the wave of Covid -19 has passed , I hope t hat you can wear your favorite clothing whil e t r avel ing Japan!

WRITTEN BY,

DAIKI SHIMIZU

In difficult times, fashion is always outrageous.

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