Nihongo-a-Go-Go :: Mandy's Journal

Shtuff from Kyoto

Well...hmm. First week back at work was rough, as I guess I expected. At least I had payday on Wednesday to look forward to. I'm getting really sick of work, so I'm glad I only have three months and one week to go. *nods*

Didn't do anything noteworthy this weekend. Just tried to catch up on resting a little. I'm pleased to announce that I've been making bentos for lunches lately. Very cute, much more healthy, and it saves Aimee and me money if we go shopping for lunch foods rather than buying them at the convenient store. So...yay, I rock a little!

As there was nothing noteworthy, there was little that was picture worthy. So, I took a few pictures of some of the little things I got in Kyoto. Only three for today. :)

First, we have Sirotan. This is one of the cutest things in Japan. Which is impressive, since much of Japan is founded on cuteness. (For example, how can they expect me to eat takoaki, which are octopus ball...things? The mascot, for every place that sells them, is an adorable octopus playing with happy children...who are all munching on takoaki!!!! It's like, 'See how cute I am? Taste my flesh!). But anyway, the idea behind Sirotan is that he is a cute little white seal who dresses up as other creatures. There are puppy Sirotan and watermelon Sirotan and squid and kitty and stingray Sirotans...in many different sizes, from keychain to body pillow. I bought a rather smallish one in Kyoto Station. This one is Ichigo Sirotan...the pink strawberry. :)

I also got a little keychain one for one of my dolls that matches. And it was only 200 yen, because it was missing the hook. Yay!

Next cute thing is a plush figure of Ushiwakamaru, a legendary hero of Japan. This hero is generally shown at several stages of his life, as he had adventures at each. My favorite incarnation is him as a child, in a poofy, flute-playing idiom. He sort of reminds me of Krishna, in a way. There is a new, lovely Volks doll of him...very very awesome.

Here this lovely version is!!

But anyway, here's mine. And yes, his geta (shoes) are made out of real wood!

Finally, I bought a beautiful wooden doll while I was there. This type of doll is called "kokeshi," and they are handmade. There were so many to choose from, with different kimono colors and patterns, slightly different expressions and hair...but this lovely sakura girl caught my eye. I named her Mayumi, after one of my friends in Japan who moved from Nagoya to Kyoto. I really miss her. :(

Well, that's all for today. Stay tuned...I promise to do something picture-worthy soon! :)

Posted by Mandy at June 17, 2005 10:25 PM