What do you pack for your little one’s lunch box? We call it ‘Obento’ in Japanese.

When Oscar was at Japanese kindergarten, he was provided with a hot lunch twice a week, bread and milk once a week then had to bring his own Obento lunch box twice a week. Because Oscar loves taking his Obento lunch box, but he can not do that at English nursery, I decided to ask at the Japanese Kindergarten (also know as ‘Yochien’) if Oscar can take Obento everyday. It was OK, but I never knew what kind of pressure I was putting myself under at that time.

Oscar was just happy to open Obento box and no matter what he finds in it, he ate it up everyday!  He normally had left overs from the previous night’s dinner also maybe with some fresh fruit.  The other kids, on the other hand, had amazing themed Obentos - some had Pokemon or Mickey mouse shape rice balls!

I felt pressure, but I just didn’t have the energy to make such an effort!  I’m not an artist…. but I really look up to other mums who made this effort though. I really loved the Harrison Ford Obento shown in this BBC video - it is a masterpiece!

Check it out: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16069217

Tomono x

On the last day of Oscar’s Japanese Kindergarten, there was Hinankunren(disaster drill) especially for earthquakes.  This exercise simulates the circumstances of a disaster so that they have an opportunity to practise their responses.

This is a normal training in Japan and we are always taught not to evacuate straight away, but to hide under chairs.  Then we have to listen very carefully to the person in charge of your room.

Oscar was taught a very easy way to remember what to do -  “O HA SHI” which means “Osanai* no pushing, HAshiranai* no running, SHIyaberanai*no talking”.

They were so good and once they finished the simulation training, they were allowed to have a little fun on the fire engine.

Hide under your chair!

Don't inhale the smoke!

Fun with the fire engine

Tomono x

I just got back from girl’s film night.  My friend Lee and I went to see Bridesmaids which was absolutely wonderful!  We laughed so much and I would say it was like girls version of the Hangover?!

The Wedding in Japan and Western countries is so different.  We have no Bridesmaids or Hen-do party culture.   The groom-to-be usually goes to choose wedding dress with bride-to-be, so there is no surprise on the big day.  The guest comes with money to congratulate the couple in stead of wedding gift.  The money you enclose in the special envelop must not be creased to show sincerity and the number of notes should not be an even number (which can be divided - get it?).

Guest receives a present from newly-wedded couple with a box of sweets in return, too.

This lovely couple is getting married in 10days in Shetland and created this lovely wedding gift list and guess what?!  They listed our Kimonos!

http://reganandrachel.gettingmarried.co.uk/Gift_List.htm
–
How do you celebrate Wedding in your country?

Tx

Hello you, how I wonder how you are?

Where did May go?  It certainly went by in a blur. What with raising my new born baby girl, as well as chasing my 3 year old boy around. Time flies, as they say.

My mum was over from Japan so were my family-in-laws from Hull, in Yorkshire. They loved meeting the new member of the family. It was really nice to have a full house and lots going on. Oscar loved seeing his cousins and was just fascinated by whatever they were doing. It’s such a shame he spent half the time terrorising them!

It is such a blessing to have a happy, healthy family. I am so grateful.

Love Tomono xxx

Brooke cuddling Yuna

Yuna meets Uncle Chris and Aunty Quinny

Sorry it’s been ages since the last post.  I just gave a birth to baby girl on 27th April, she is absolutely gorgeous and Oscar (sometimes) lovels cuddling and kissing her.

I forgot how light the baby is and now it is impossible to hold Oscar who is weigh around 16kg……

I can’t wait to dress up her with our lovely Kimonos for outing soon!

Do you live anywhere near Derby?

If so, there will be a charity event to raise money for people in Tohoku, Japan.

It will be a fun fill event for all of the family - including Origami lesson!

• Date: 10th of April, Sun
• Time: 10:30 - 16:30
• Location: Westfield Shopping Centre, Derby, DE12PQ
• http://uk.westfield.com/derby/

I really wish this event brings great success and hope for people in the Tohoku area.

As you probably know a maginatude 9.0 earthquake hit northern Japan on Friday afternoon.
There are still so many people missing, towns destroyed and millions of people in need of help.

If you could please donate towards something to help them, please take a look at this link by Brithsh Red Cross.

http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal

Thank you very much.

Tomono x

It will be the third time we’ve been on a long flight with Oscar tomorrow.  The first one was when Oscar was only 4months so as long as he was cuddled and fed him, he was happy.

The second time(22months) was getting more difficult since Oscar just kept running up and down the aisles for many many hours.

This time I will be flying without my husband, so it will be very interesting journey!

I used to travel very light since I hate carrying heavy bags or getting sweaty.  But my hand luggage now is full of things to entertain Oscar.  I got good tips to hide their favourite toys before the long flight so that they don’t get bored easily, so I’ve been hiding his favourite teddy, cars, Thomas trains and books for few weeks now.  And of course lots of food and snacks!

These will be my weapon for his tantrum….  Fingers crossed.

We will post lots more blogs while we are in Japan, so keep in touch!

Packed bags for the flight!

Tomono x

It’s already 5th May in Japan which is a national holiday called Kodomonohi or Tango no Sekku - “Children’s Day”

To celebrate Kodomonohi, I would like to give you a magic word to upgrade any baby kimono order to a Sakura Gift Set for free only on 5th May.

The magic word is ‘kodomonohi‘

All you have to do is write this word before you confirm your order in the shopping cart and you will get a free upgrade to a gift set - a saving of £10!

It’s been 2years since I had first Tango no Sekku for my son Oscar.  I could not have flying carp on the roof but had a party with friends.
I guess I just like any excuse to party!

I suppose to go for a picnic with my Japanese friends tomorrow but it might be another moody cold English day……

My Latvian friend Ineta told me they have name day ( everyday has a name in the calendar and it is celebrated like a little birthday!).

Do you have any unusual calendar in your country?

Boys day ornament

Boy's day mochi

Tomono x