Jonelle Patrick's Blog, page 18
February 1, 2020
Japanese Home Cooking, Weird Chocolate, Thousands Of Tiny Igloos & More!
A n d . . . we’re live!
Japanagram is my new monthly newsletter, featuring different stuff than you’ll see here on Only In Japan or on The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had. Now that it’s out, you can click on each photo below and read the whole topic!
After this issue, you’ll have to be a subscriber to see Japanagram (but it’s FREEEE, so sign up and don’t miss next month’s fun!*
Click on the photo to read:
So…will you give it a try?
When you sign up, you’ll be automatically entered to win the February book giveaway, and you won’t miss all the amusing stuff that you’ll only see in
You can easily unsubscribe at any time, of course, using the link at the foot of every newsletter. And, just so you know, I hate spam too, so I’ll never share or sell your info.
*OK, so why the heckin’ heck am I doing this? The truth is, my new publisher would really like me to give away copies of my next book (out in spring of 2021!) to people who love Japan. But because Google and Facebook keep changing the rules of who gets to see things that aren’t paid for (do. not. get. me. started.) the only way to make sure I get them into the paws of people who will enjoy them is to find fabulous readers beforehand and give copies away via a newsletter. That’s where Japanagram comes in. So, my beloved fellow enjoyer of all things Japan, I will bless your name forever if you please sign up. It only comes once a month, but it’ll be filled with Japanese home cooking recipes & travel destinations & reviews and giveaways of Japan-centric books that were not written by me but are excellent reading all the same. And I promise: no ads, and I’ll never share or sell your info.
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Jonelle Patrick writes mystery novels set in Tokyo, the monthly Japanagram newsletter, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
January 25, 2020
How Did I Survive Before There Were Standing Cat Toys?
The question isn’t really “Do I really need more gachapon capsule toys?” but “How did I ever communicate without them?”
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“Would it have killed you?”
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“＊…”
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“29. Why do you ask?”
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“Are you going to eat that all by yourself?”
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“Don’t even think of it.”
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So, guess what? I’m starting something new!・° ♪・☆
It’s a monthly newsletter called
If you think you might enjoy a fresh dose of Japan goodness, plus a chance to win a book every month, sign up!
Each Japanagram will feature a Japan-centric book review & giveaway, a Beyond Tokyo destination, a Japanese home cooking recipe, and more. Would you like to give it a try?
Or, here’s this month’s book review and how you can enter to win a copy of Convenience Store Woman
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January 24, 2020
Japanagram Book Review & Giveaway!
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Hello, fellow lover of all things quirky and Japanese! Would you like a chance to win a copy of a new Japan-centric book every month?
That’s one of the things I can’t do on my blogs, but I can do in a newsletter, so at the end of this month I’ll be sending out the very first…
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Each month it’ll be filled with fresh Japan goodness you won’t see anywhere else, including a book review and giveaway, a Beyond Tokyo travel destination, a Japanese Home Cooking recipe, a Seasonal Surprise, and a Why, Japan, Why?
(What it won’t be filled with: ads. Also, I hate spam too, so I promise never to share or sell your info.)
Here’s the February line-up
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and, best of all:
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to read the book review and sign up for the giveaway!
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Jonelle Patrick writes mystery novels set in Tokyo, blogs about cultural oddities here at Only In Japan and shares her favorite secret destinations & travel hacks on The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
January 19, 2020
If You Miss The 2020 Tokyo International Quilt Festival You Will Have REGRETS
This one is from last year, but you can be sure there will be equally fantastic offerings in 2020! (“Memories” by Reiko Hatakeyama, 2019)
I won’t be in town for the Tokyo International Quilt Festival next week but if you are, go. The hundreds of quilts on display will be world-class quality, and you will alternately sigh with admiration at the stitchery, boggle at the colors, laugh at the humor, and shake you head in wonderment at the deeper messages.
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The entrants are international, but many top-notch Japanese artists are represented, working in modern abstract (like this quilt, entitled “Believe IV” by Reiko Nobata, 2019)…
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or subtle new interpretations of traditional styles (“Wing to the Future” by Chiyoko Umeda, 2019)…
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or over-the-top applique and composition (“My Favorites” by Makiko Abukawa, 2019)…
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embroidery embellishments (“I Love Circles” by Shizuko Ozaki, 2019)…
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painterly illustration so detailed, it’s astounding that it’s composed of pieced cloth (“Beauty of Day” by Young Hee, 2019)…
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masterpieces of mixed media and techniques (“Gently Swaying” by Midori Yusa, 2019)…
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bold abstracts (“Summer Impression II” by Chiyo Nakagawa, 2019)…
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and images with such strong messages that critics still vainly trying to claim that quilting is craft, not art, will slink away, defeated (“Refuge or Refuse: Offer sanctuary or discard as trash?” by Jim Hay, 2019)
The featured artists and exhibition themes also look absolutely to-die-for:
Quilts of England
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“Quilts of England” will feature works by contemporary English artists as well as choice examples of antique quilting from British museums
“Playful Quilt” competition theme: Curious George
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See how very different artists respond to the prompt of designing a playful quilt that honors this childhood favorite
Special Exhibit: The Music Of Quilts
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These eight renowned artists were chosen to create entries based on the theme of music and quilts
There will also be bodies of work by a couple of must-see artists:
Solo Artist: Keiko Goke
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Marvel at a selection of work from master of color and playful composition, Keiko Goke
Solo Artist: Shizuko Kuroha
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“Indigo in Motion” is the concept behind this stunning collection of quilt artist Shizuko Kuroha
And finally, they’ll OF COURSE have my very favorite category:
New Work from Japanese Quilt Artists
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The art will range from traditional styles and techniques to uniquely Japanese materials and designs, but trust me, it will all be absolutely stunning
In case you’re still wavering, let me leave you with a few examples from last year’s Japanese-themed works that I couldn’t quite fit into my my 2019 Quilt Festival post…
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“Moving Picture: An Homage to Doshokusaie” by Reiko Nakahara (2019) pays tribute to 18th century Japanese painter Itō Jakuchū
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“The Family Crest in all it’s Glory” by Fumio Inoue (2019) is a masterwork of applique and quilting with contrasting thread
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“Listen!” by Noriko Hasegawa (2019) redefines subtlety in this intricately-pieced work made of native indigo dyed-cloth
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And “Playing with Stripes” by Hideko Kasuya (2019) delighted me with its so-Japanese color combinations
For more swoonworthy quilt viewing, check out last year’s favorites, PART 1 (my favorite Japanese-themed pieces from 2019) and PART 2 (the ones that just plain knocked my socks off), as well as the Epic Japanese Quilt Show in 2016 show got me hooked.
But if you want to go this year, here’s the info:
Tokyo International Quilt Festival 2020
Dates: January 23 – 29
Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (opens at 11:00 on the 23rd)
Where: Tokyo Dome (right outside Korakuen Station – you can’t miss it!)
Admission: Advance ticket – ¥2000; At the door – ¥2200 (Children up through elementary age free when accompanied by an adult)
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Do you know someone who loves quilts and quilting? They’ll thank you for sharing this!
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And if you enjoyed this post yourownself, it’s easy to get all the amusing, thought-provoking, conversation-starting Japan swaglets, the minute I post them.
Scroll down to the “I want more Japan” button, enter your email, and click the button. You can unsubscribe at any time, of course, and I promise: no ads and no sharing of your information EVER.
January 9, 2020
It’s Time For The Craziest Car Show In Tokyo
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If it’s mid-January, you know where to find me: Tokyo’s biggest eye-candy car event of the year, Tokyo Auto Salon! Unlike the more stuffy Tokyo Auto Show (where big makers debut their new offerings and concept cars), Tokyo Auto Salon is for people who definitely don’t want something off the rack. From samurai rides to gangsta wheel spikes, this show’s got it all.
I’ve been saving last year’s photos until now, so you can see what kind of delights await you in every single one of the NINE exhibit halls!
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Let’s take another look at this bad boy, my favorite car from 2019. It’s been stripped down to the vintage metal, then elaborately etched on every. single. surface. I don’t know if this one will be back in 2020, but there’s always something that’s this knock-your-socks-off fabulous
The Auto Salon is where you’ll see all the latest in car primping, and in 2019, the scrollwork Chevy wasn’t alone in riffing on state-of-the-art finishes. Color-changing paint jobs looked so last millennium compared to the next new thing: textures
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Like this subtle but super cool Honda
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And when you add in some of the custom hacks on sale (like this color-changing wheel well light) you’ll definitely have every eye upon you as you cruise Main Street
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Of course, custom paint jobs are the classic way to grab attention, so whether you’re a lean, mean, fish-annihilating machine…
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or a samurai lord heading straight for a showdown on Thunder Road, they’ve got you covered
Naturally, there were parts manufacturers who were showcasing their less-than-sexy add-ons in cars that really drew a crowd…
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Like this fuzzy Beemobile (selling fancy animated taillights)
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and hilarious examples of unsporty goods like snow chains, strapped onto cars that are not exactly anyone’s first choice of an outdoor adventure vehicle
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I was extremely disappointed that the all-bling Mercedes wasn’t on display at the D.A.D. accessory booth in 2019, but fortunately, host club employees can still trick out their rides with everyone’s favorite luxury potato holder
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If you’d prefer your sparkles to be more subtle, you can take your date to “look at the stars” without leaving your driveway, once this color-changing starry starry night is installed inside your car roof
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But if you’re the type who’d prefer to go out lookin’ for trouble, this booth will sell you the ways and the means to battle any chariot on your turf
Of course, there were still plenty of booth babes posing in scrums of otakus with big lenses (sorry, you’ll have to find examples of that creepy phenomenon elsewhere), but I was cheered to see that in the new millennium, some beefcake has joined the short skirt and pouty lip brigade.
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This one was posing at a booth set up like a WWF-style wrestling ring
And finally, on my way out, the Samourai air freshener display gave me the biggest laugh of the show:
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Most hilarious attempted Star Wars tie-in ever
It’s on this weekend, and if you’re in Tokyo, go.
Dates: January 11 – 12, 2020
Hours: 9:00 – 19:00 (until 18:00 on Sunday)
Admission: Adult – ¥2500, Junior (13-18) – ¥1800, Children – free
•
Are you as delighted by all things Japan as I am? Would you like to find more posts like this spicing up your email from time to time?
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It’s easy to get all the amusing, thought-provoking, conversation-starting Japan swaglets, the minute I post them! Scroll down to the “I want more Japan” button, enter your email, and click the button. You can unsubscribe at any time, of course, and I promise: no ads and no sharing of your information EVER
It’s Time For The Craziest Car Show In Tokyo!
[image error]
If it’s mid-January, you know where to find me: Tokyo’s biggest eye-candy car event of the year, Tokyo Auto Salon! Unlike the more stuffy Tokyo Auto Show (where big makers debut their new offerings and concept cars), Tokyo Auto Salon is for people who definitely don’t want something off the rack. From samurai rides to gangsta wheel spikes, this show’s got it all.
I’ve been saving last year’s photos until now, so you can see what kind of delights await you in every single one of the NINE exhibit halls!
[image error]
Let’s take another look at this bad boy, my favorite car from 2019. It’s been stripped down to the vintage metal, then elaborately etched on every. single. surface. I don’t know if this one will be back in 2020, but there’s always something that’s this knock-your-socks-off fabulous
The Auto Salon is where you’ll see all the latest in car primping, and in 2019, the scrollwork Chevy wasn’t alone in riffing on state-of-the-art finishes. Color-changing paint jobs looked so last millennium compared to the next new thing: textures
[image error]
Like this subtle but super cool Honda
[image error]
And when you add in some of the custom hacks on sale (like this color-changing wheel well light) you’ll definitely have every eye upon you as you cruise Main Street
[image error]
Of course, custom paint jobs are the classic way to grab attention, so whether you’re a lean, mean, fish-annihilating machine…
[image error]
or a samurai lord heading straight for a showdown on Thunder Road, they’ve got you covered
Naturally, there were parts manufacturers who were showcasing their less-than-sexy add-ons in cars that really drew a crowd…
[image error]
Like this fuzzy Beemobile (selling fancy animated taillights)
[image error]
and hilarious examples of unsporty goods like snow chains, strapped onto cars that are not exactly anyone’s first choice of an outdoor adventure vehicle
[image error]
I was extremely disappointed that the all-bling Mercedes wasn’t on display at the D.A.D. accessory booth in 2019, but fortunately, host club employees can still trick out their rides with everyone’s favorite luxury potato holder
[image error]
If you’d prefer your sparkles to be more subtle, you can take your date to “look at the stars” without leaving your driveway, once this color-changing starry starry night is installed inside your car roof
[image error]
But if you’re the type who’d prefer to go out lookin’ for trouble, this booth will sell you the ways and the means to battle any chariot on your turf
Of course, there were still plenty of booth babes posing in scrums of otakus with big lenses (sorry, you’ll have to find examples of that creepy phenomenon elsewhere), but I was cheered to see that in the new millennium, some beefcake has joined the short skirt and pouty lip brigade.
[image error]
This one was posing at a booth set up like a WWF-style wrestling ring
And finally, on my way out, the Samourai air freshener display gave me the biggest laugh of the show:
[image error]
Most hilarious attempted Star Wars tie-in ever
It’s on this weekend, and if you’re in Tokyo, go.
Dates: January 11 – 12, 2020
Hours: 9:00 – 19:00 (until 18:00 on Sunday)
Admission: Adult – ¥2500, Junior (13-18) – ¥1800, Children – free
•
Are you as delighted by all things Japan as I am? Would you like to find more posts like this spicing up your email from time to time?
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It’s easy to get all the amusing, thought-provoking, conversation-starting Japan swaglets, the minute I post them! Scroll down to the “I want more Japan” button, enter your email, and click the button. You can unsubscribe at any time, of course, and I promise: no ads and no sharing of your information EVER
January 1, 2020
Kimono Princess For A Day!
Ever since I discovered that one of the most inspiring kimono stylists I know offers private tour and photo sessions, I’ve been dying to swan around Tokyo in a gorgeous ensemble, styled down to the last deco bracelet by modern kimono maven Anji Salz. (If you don’t already follow @salztokyo on Instagram, check these photos out, and you’ll see why!)
View this post on Instagram
Finland kimono style – in Helsinki with boots, in Lapland with snow geta
December 28, 2019
The One Word Saint
As the old year draws to a close (and we say good riddance to all that was disappointing and discouraging), and a new year is about to begin (along with the ever-springing hope that it will be better than the last), I find myself thinking about this odd little booth that sits in a quiet corner of Gokoku-ji Temple in Tokyo.
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It’s a shrine to the saint who promises to grant any wish that’s only one word long.
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Go ahead. Put a ¥100 coin in the box. Light a candle. Try to capture your heart’s desire in a single word.
It’s surprisingly hard!
Let’s say, for example, you want to wish for the perfect partner. “Lover” or “Partner” seems like a no-brainer, right? But think how many ways that could go wrong, if the gods are feeling perverse!
The truth is, I haven’t been able to think of a single wish that could only be granted the way I hoped, except for ones that benefit the entire world, not just me.
And perhaps therein lies the message, don’t you think?
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This isn’t the first time I’ve been trolled by a saint, but it’s a damn good one, don’t you think?
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Happy new year, and I hope to see you every time I come here to share some new delight!
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(If you’d like to see bits and pieces like this this minute I post them, scroll down to the subscribe button, enter your email, and push the button. You can unsubscribe at any time, of course, and I promise: no ads and no sharing of your information EVER.)
December 25, 2019
A Very Dinosaur Christmas
I should have guessed something was up when I spied this suspicious gathering in my office on Christmas Eve…
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And sure enough…DinoCon was in full swing by Christmas Day
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No stocking was safe
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They weren’t very good at sharing
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All the best berries were gone by daybreak
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And it’s not like they even tried to cover their tracks
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The halls were well and truly decked
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And if some got a little more than they bargained for…
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…a very merry Christmas was had by all
Hope your own feast days have been merry and bright! Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a very only-in-Japan New Year・° ♪・☆
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So great to cross paths with you!
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If you love odd Japan stuff as much as I do, it’s easy to get all the amusing swaglets, the minute they’re posted. Scroll down to the “I want more Japan” button, enter your email, and click the button. You can unsubscribe at any time, of course, and I promise: no ads and no sharing of your information EVER
December 10, 2019
Fresh Acts Of Santa Blasphemy
Once again, Japanese costume purveyors are outdoing themselves with even more WTF ways to impersonate Saint Nick, which (I think you’ll have to agree) is a pretty heroic effort if you dispense with the red suit, the beard, and even the tiniest nod to jolly…
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This “Santa” looks like he might show up with a bag full of aliens, then click his ball pen at you to make you forget he didn’t actually leave you anything under the tree
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Only in Japan does anyone think it’s remotely festive to dress up like a reindeer
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And it’s hard to imagine being filled with yuletide glee after Bank Robber Rudolph and Lucha Treehead crash your holiday get-together
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Deadpool Santa has already taken out his rival inflatable counterpart in the battle for Xmas hearts and minds
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And even dogs get a share of holiday Santatude in Tokyo
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The season wouldn’t be compete without Little Red Riding Santa, this year’s go-to Sexy Santa style
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And it’s comforting to know that not only do you not have to decide between being Red or being the wolf, you don’t even have to be female to reap that Sexy Santa goodness
Happy holidays, fellow Japan warriors! And don’t forget that…
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…it just won’t be Parallel Universe Christmas Eve without Colonel Santa dishing out the strangest Japanese Xmas tradition of all
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Are you as delighted by all things Japan as I am? Would you like to find more posts like this spicing up your email from time to time?
[image error]
It’s easy to get all the amusing, thought-provoking, conversation-starting Japan swaglets, the minute I post them! Scroll down to the “I want more Japan” button, enter your email, and click the button. You can unsubscribe at any time, of course, and I promise: no ads and no sharing of your information EVER
