Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10. 2026Hate to Say Goodbye ― The Season of Farewells by Mami Takahashi
March is graduation season in Japan. Kindergarten students, elementary school students, junior high school students, high school students, and university students all graduate in March. Each stage of life has its own graduation ceremony. When my second son was five years old, we returned to Japan. He started kindergarten in June. He spent only nine months there, but I couldn’t stop crying at his graduation ceremony.
In Japan, teachers often prepare special moments that make parents emotional. At my son’s kindergarten, there was a surprise. Each child had prepared a letter for their parents. In elementary school, every student memorized lines and expressed their gratitude to their parents. In junior high school, the students sang together. Their voices had already changed and become stronger, and many parents were moved to tears. After that, one graduation song after another filled the hall. While listening to the music, memories appeared in my mind like a movie―my child growing from a little boy into the person he is today.
Through graduation, we experience many goodbyes. We say farewell to teachers and friends, and in April we step into a new environment. When students enter high school, many of them begin a completely new chapter of life. Most of the people around them are strangers. In a way, it is an adventure―a journey into the unknown. The same is true when they go on to university. From that point on, life becomes a cycle of new meetings and farewells.
As we grow older―through our teens, twenties, and thirties―we experience more and more encounters and goodbyes. And in Japan, March is the season that symbolizes those farewells.
I have said goodbye many times in my life―probably too many to count. Yet, it never becomes easy. There is always a sense of sadness.
When we look at the long road of life, those moments may be only a short time. But during that short time, we walked together and learned together. Some of those people we may never meet again. Still, we will continue to meet new people and say goodbye again and again.
It can be painful, but it is also part of the path we are meant to walk.
The people we have met helped shape who we are today. Perhaps, in the end, everyone is connected. And somewhere along this long journey, we will surely meet someone new again― walk together for a while― and someday, say goodbye once more. Maybe that is how we continue learning throughout our lives.
日本では3月は卒業の季節です。幼稚園児、小学生、中学生、高校生、大学生が皆、3月に卒業します。人生のそれぞれの段階ごとに、それぞれの卒業式があります。 次男が5歳の時、私たちは日本に戻りました。彼は6月から幼稚園に通い始めたので、在園期間はわずか9ヶ月でしたが、卒業式では涙が止まりませんでした。
日本では、先生たちが親の心を揺さぶるような特別な演出を用意することがよくあります。息子の幼稚園では、サプライズがありました。子供たち一人ひとりが、親への手紙を用意していたのです。小学校では、生徒全員が台詞を暗記し、親への感謝の気持ちを伝えました。中学校では、生徒たちが一斉に歌を歌いました。声はすでに変わり、力強くなっており、多くの親が感動の涙を流していました。その後、卒業の歌が次々と会場に響き渡りました。その音楽を聴きながら、私の頭の中にはまるで映画のように思い出が浮かびました。小さな男の子だった我が子が、今の姿へと成長していく様子が。
卒業という節目を迎えるにあたり、私たちは多くの別れを経験します。先生や友人に別れを告げ、4月には新しい環境へと踏み出します。高校生になると、多くの生徒が人生の全く新しい章をスタートさせます。周りの人のほとんどは見知らぬ人ばかりです。ある意味、それは冒険であり、未知への旅です。大学に進学する際も同様です。その時点から、人生は新たな出会いと別れの繰り返しとなります。
年を重ねるにつれ――10代、20代、30代と――私たちはますます多くの出会いと別れを経験します。日本では、3月こそがそうした別れを象徴する季節なのです。
私はこれまでの人生で何度も別れを経験してきました――数えきれないほどでしょう。それでも、決して慣れることはありません。いつもどこか寂しさを感じます。人生の長い道のりから見れば、そうした瞬間はほんの一瞬に過ぎないかもしれません。しかし、その短い時間の中で、私たちは共に歩み、共に学びました。その中には、二度と会うことのない人々もいるでしょう。
それでも、私たちはこれからも新しい人々と出会い、何度も別れを繰り返していくことでしょう。それは辛いことかもしれませんが、それは私たちが歩むべき道のりの一部でもあります。
出会った人々は、今の私たちを形作る助けとなってくれました。おそらく、結局のところ、誰もが繋がっているのだ。そして、この長い旅のどこかで、私たちはきっとまた新しい誰かと出会い―― しばらく共に歩み―― そしていつか、もう一度別れを告げるだろう。それこそが、私たちが生涯を通じて学び続ける方法なのかもしれない。
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback MARCH 25. 2016The Gift of the Cherry Blossom by Mathew Chromecki
When I returned to my hometown of Toronto, another long, bitter winter had finally come to an end and spring was most welcome. We chose to go for a stroll through High Park to bask in the sun’s warm rays. Along the way, our romance with the sun was distracted by a crowd gushing enthusiasm for a wide cherry tree in full bloom―a grand specimen of nature―and, like a celebrity in the limelight, seemed to dazzle the sea of admirers who snapped pics with their cellphones. A gust of wind came that eased the tree’s white flower petals off their branches and set them adrift on the flow of air; this act of nature inspired the admirers to increase their posing and photo-snapping. As I stood there admiring the ebb and flow of the festivity, I decided to find out some more about this gleeful yet oddly poignant activity.
As it turns out, the significance of Hanami dates back over a thousand years in Japan. According to anthropologist Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, and a number of other sources, the symbol of the cherry blossom or Sakura may be viewed religiously, militarily, and socially.
In Buddhism, which may have been the first historical movement to wield the symbolic power of the blooming Sakura, it symbolizes the major theme of the transience of life. The expression “Life will be over before you know it,” is believed by Buddhists because they see one human life is short in comparison with the life of the cosmos. Indeed, so is the life of the cherry blossom compared with the length of human life; hence the analogy.
For the ancient Japanese warriors or Samurai, it reflected their role as protectors of another great Japanese symbol: the emperor. When a samurai would prepare to go into battle, he was ever ready to die for him, indeed the whole army, believed that to die for one’s emperor was to die most exquisitely. During Hanami, ancestors of fallen samurai may see a fallen sakura petal symbolizing the fallen samurai ancestor who sacrificed his life for the emperor.
Finally, Hanami is a time for people of all walks of life to get together and welcome the start of the next cycle of nature. Families and friends, co-workers and companies, they all spend this weekend, days and evenings enjoying being alive. Perhaps for Tokyoites, beside hanabi (fireworks festival), there is no other celebration that is enjoyed simultaneously across the city. One interesting tradition tidbit for new employees―they are asked by senior staff to leave work early to mark a piece of land in the nearest park to ensure the company has a place beneath the cherry blossoms.
This is a short but brilliant blooming festival. With all these views in mind, I suddenly realize most cities that come to admire their local cherry blossoms, often do not comprehend the knowledge about Buddhism or the sacrifice of samurais. Nevertheless, from Tokyo to Toronto to Moscow crowds gush in pure enthusiasm for the sad beauty that is the short celebrity of the cherry blossom. Perhaps, when they go home and look over the pictures on their cellphone, they may reflect: this day with all their friends and family, was a good day.
Unfinished business
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 17. 2019Farewell to a Japan Jazz Icon by David Gregory
The messages from all over Japan read aloud during the service helped us realize how widely Koyama-san touched lives and how many like us were feeling something newly missing from our worlds. But, although wonderful and sometimes saddening us, they did not trigger crying. That happened next.
Those first few notes of the "'Round About Midnight" Miles Davis version, the cut Koyama-san always used to open Jazz Tonight, performed by a live piano and trumpet duo up front near the coffin, did it: Instant recognition, recollections, sighs around the room, eyes closed, arms crossed, heads dropped back or down, and tears, at least for me. How many times had we heard, after Miles breathed his somber opening, Koyama-san's low, raspy voice welcoming us into the studio with, "Minna-san, gokigen ikaga desho-ka everybody, how are you feeling?"?and never thought that someday we would hear him ask about us no more?
Koyama-san's widow, whom, like him, had never known me, stood alone at the coffin head and bowed in silence to everyone in turn after they placed flowers around his body as the duo continued with another slow number, the trumpet sounding so strong and crisp and unusual in a memorial service hall. After we placed our flowers, she responded to my hand on her shoulder, a touch just meant to console her, by immediately turning and reaching for me?a total stranger?burying her head in my chest, and breaking down. She needed that hug that everybody sometimes needs. She let go after her respite when she was ready to face the coffin and everyone else again, and returned to her position. Going to Kashiwa in a snowstorm was worth it just for those few moments when I could do something for her.
So our Kashiwa day was both sad and good. But, why did I even want to go a funeral for a man whom I only knew by voice, and who, although linked to jazz, was not even a musician?
Koyama-san and his Jazz Tonight program I listened to since at least the early 2000s. For more than sixteen years, while my life in Japan has been filled with huge uncertainties, he has been here Saturday nights on the radio, reliable, keeping me connected to the world's music and opening my ears to music from Japan I would not know without him. Listening to him always made me feel good, no matter what had happened in my life during the week or what was coming up in the weeks ahead. Koyama-san and Jazz Tonight were my respite. How well can I replace that comfort?
Koyama-san, thank you for helping this foreigner feel good in Japan. Please rest well in jazz heaven.
NHK Radio, thank you for giving Koyama-san a way to connect with us. Please encourage other DJs to continue doing what he did so well.
To Koyama-san's surviving family members: Please care well for yourselves now, and thank you for supporting and sharing Kiyoshi with us.
The Smallest Box by David Gregory
She came over to my table and asked if I remembered her.
“That’s my boyfriend over there.”
Their table hugged a pillar blocking the sunny Tokyo Bay view enjoyed by the other customers that afternoon in Chiba’s AquaRink ice skating facility café.
“Maybe we will marry next year.”
On my way out, I stopped to congratulate the potential groom to be. What I later heard happened with Hiromi and Hiroshi that night at another place also close to the bay sounded so too good to be true that I visited that place to confirm it really happened. It did.
Hiroshi had reserved for the course menu that night at OCEAN TABLE, next to Chiba Port, on the second floor, where tables sat by the huge windows facing Chiba Port Tower and Tokyo Bay. No view-blocking pillars there. And they had a wait, even with their reservation, because it was Christmas Eve, which in Japan matters much more than the following day; the Eve is the year’s couples’ night out, and single women without dates that night can feel their whole year was wasted.
Hiroshi had changed into a suit after skating, and had urged Hiromi, against her protests about overdressing, into a plaid one-piece, raising expectations. They had never come to a place this nice, one requiring reservations. Saizeriya was more their speed: fast faux-Italian, cheap, and everywhere.
The unexpected wait made Hiroshi antsy. He relaxed and all was perfect after they were seated.
They talked. They ate the Christmas Dinner courses. They ignored the soft Christmas background music. They admired the gleaming, golden Christmas Tree rising from the first-floor buffet area through the open center space across from their table. They could see outside the sparkling flashes and half the tree in Port Tower’s Christmas Illumination, and beyond, the lights from the ships on and facilities around Tokyo Bay, appearing almost twinkling. Perfect—but not for Hiromi.
She went to the toilet. Still he had not asked. The day was done. The reservation system only allowed them two hours there. They had been together all day. He had remembered her birthday-just by coincidence, also that day-with a necklace at AquaRink. Nice, but was that all? He had pestered her since early December about what Christmas present she wanted until she had finally exploded with, “Nothing! Don’t you know I just want a proposal?!” And had added she wanted it to be a surprise. Here he had the perfect chance, and he was wasting it.
She could try enjoying what was left of the evening. Dessert was next. At least here was better than Saizeriya….She was still stuck when she returned to the table, and had no chance to do or say anything, anyway. It was his toilet turn.
Their desserts came. Hiromi sat and waited and pondered the future. Outside, the tower stood alone against the dark sky and Tokyo Bay’s inky darkness.
Their desserts waited. Maybe his tooth was bothering him again. Maybe he was just tolerating it to make the night go well. Maybe for her. Maybe she should go to check on him. Wait-maybe she just heard his voice across the room.
No, only Santa Claus, posing for photographs with diners at the far table. He then started circling the room, giving a small present from his big sack at each table. She could check after he was done.
Hiroshi still had not returned to his seat when Santa reached their table. He handed Hiromi a big, red stocking, by far the room’s largest gift, accompanied by a squeaky, “Atari! You’re a lucky one!” Yeah. She set it aside and Santa moved on. What was he still doing in the toilet?
Santa finished his round, returned to Hiromi, and pointed at her unopened stocking with squeaky, “Un! Un!” grunts. The other diners had opened their presents. She forced a smile and said she was waiting for her boyfriend to return. “Un! Un!”
When Hiromi still resisted, Santa took the stocking in his white-gloved hands and opened it himself. Out first came a big, pink box, heart shaped. He opened that and pulled out another heart-shaped box, and then, from inside that, another heart-shaped box. Another smaller, heart-shaped box followed. He removed from that an even smaller heart-shaped box, and thrust it to Hiromi with one more squeaky, “Un!”
Still gone. Well, he’d miss it. Hiromi obeyed Santa this time and opened it, the smallest box in the room …and her mind and face went blank.
After that frozen moment passed, Hiromi looked at Santa. The second shock hit, and more followed. Santa Claus had ripped off his gloves, furry hat, sunglasses, and huge, flowing beard. He took the box from her?she was still speechless?dropped onto one knee, held the open box out and up to her in both stretching hands, and said in a voice loud enough for everyone in the room to hear, “Hiromi-san, boku-to kekkon shite kudasai! Hiromi, please marry me!”
Outside, to anybody looking, Port Tower’s Christmas Illumination still flashed, and the lights on and around Tokyo Bay still appeared almost twinkling. Inside OCEAN TABLE, on the second floor, everything was happening so fast that Hiromi just did not know which was more difficult to believe: Hiroshi and the ring he first tried slipping onto the finger on her right hand, the one he had taken in his before she held out her left hand, or the following PAN! and PAN! PAN! PAN! PAN! PAN! and PAN! PAN! and PAN! explosions ripping and ribbons shooting around the room as diners at the floor’s other tables popped the party crackers they had found with the notes in their presents from Santa Claus.
Copyright © 2018 David L. Gregory All rights reserved.
I Did It! by David Gregory
She had been here before. But, those were tour-guided or hand-held visits. After living most of her life in white-bread suburban USA, driving everywhere, shopping in giant malls and supermarkets, and needing only one currency and one language, my mother ventured out on her own, within and beyond Chiba, during one trip to Japan. From her notes, here are Dorothy's...
ADVENTURES IN JAPAN
Grocery Shopping in Neighborhood―Walk five blocks...buy only one bag...walk five blocks back. Survived it!
Shopping in City Center―Walk six blocks to bus stop. Ride bus fifteen minutes. Arrive at stores. Walk around. Look. Decide: cookies.
Buying: “Ikura desu-ka how much?” Hmm. “Kakimasu kudasai write please.”
Paying options: give large bill, let clerk figure change, or open change purse, let clerk take out correct amount. Decide to just give some cash.
Clerk shakes her head (“NO! MORE!”), then counts out correct amount needed from register and shows me. I mimic her action from my change purse. Smiles! Deep bows with many, “Arigato gozaimasu thank you very much!”-es.
(My error: thought there was decimal point in Yen price....)
Open cookies, expecting pirouettes with chocolate centers. Instead, peanut butter waffle rolls, no chocolate. No wonder, now I see peanut sketch on package. “Shoganai can’t be changed,” I did it to myself. It could have been worse!
~~~
Travelling to Visit Friend’s Family on Other Side of Chiba―Walk ten blocks to train. Purchase ticket. Electronic lady on ticket machine screen says, “Arigato gozaimasu” and bows. Ride train twenty minutes, watching for correct stop, get off, walk seven blocks to house. I did it myself!
Visiting Hisae Overnight―My Japanese study partner in USA returned to Japan, now lives on other side of Tokyo Bay.
Take large purse and large tote bag with jacket, nightie, toothbrush, cosmetics. Walk six blocks to bus stop. Ride bus to train station. Ride train eighty minutes to Yokohama. Find correct exit from station. EASY. Did not even look at note in pocket explaining route and Japanese signs. And, look! Hisae and three-year old Kei are waiting! “Hello!” they say! Many hugs!
I did it!
Then, still more travel: train together fifteen minutes, short taxi uphill to lovely apartment, sunny and bright.
Returning to Chiba, just reverse process. Next time, we can meet at a station halfway in between. I can do it.
I can do it!
Copyright (C) 2015 David Gregory. All rights reserved. Chiba, Japan
Book Review
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MAY 11 2018Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami
by Rey Ventura Reviewed by Randy Swank video maker and scriptwriter Rey Ventura won the 2015 National Book Award for his third collection of essays, Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami, but for some strange twist of fate you will find very little information on this book. You can’t even buy it on Amazon. This is a shame because Cherry Blossoms... is a beautiful, insightful and thought-provoking book. |
Cherry Blossoms in the Time of Earthquakes and Tsunami |
In "Miniskirts and Stilettos" we meet Ginto, a young lady who comes to Japan dreaming of making it big as a singer and entertainer but has to deal instead with a much darker reality; while "Mr. Suzuki Tries Again" and "Into the Snow Country" are tragicomic tales of arranged marriages where the dreams and expectations of bride-starved farmers from Japan's Deep North clash with those of young Filipino women who want to escape their poverty and go into marriage "as a girl goes into a convent." Ventura tells these stories with a great eye for detail and manages to find a ray of light even in the darkest corners, or poetry in the midst of a nuclear disaster. The book's first essay is called "The Slow Boat to Manila" and indeed, slowness is the first word that comes to mind when considering Ventura's approach to writing. Everything Ventura does is slow. He is no magazine reporter after all, and will spend days or even months getting to know a person he wants to write about. That's the kind of personal commitment and deep connection with his subject that one feels when reading his essays. |
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10, 2026
African Festival Yokohama
Haru Matsuri − Mongolian Spring Festival is one of Japan’s largest celebrations of Mongolian culture, bringing together music, art, and tradition in a lively, colorful setting. Known locally as “Hawarim Bayar”, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Mongolia’s rich heritage right in Japan. (harumatsuri.net)
The festival unites Mongolian communities with local audiences, creating a space for cultural exchange and shared celebration. Attendees can enjoy traditional performances, including folk music, dance, and theatrical displays, while interactive activities showcase Mongolia’s vibrant customs. One of the festival’s highlights is Mongolian wrestling, giving spectators a close-up look at this iconic sport.
Educational programs are also an important part of the festival, with lectures and workshops covering topics such as Mongolian history, art, and even dinosaur fossil research. These sessions provide a deeper understanding of the country’s culture while keeping the experience engaging and lively.
Food and crafts play a key role in Haru Matsuri. Stalls offer authentic Mongolian cuisine, and markets feature handmade textiles, crafts, and artworks. Combined with performances and cultural demonstrations, the festival delivers an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
Haru Matsuri is a vibrant celebration of spring, community, and cultural heritage, blending music, sport, art, and history into one unforgettable festival.
April 18th & 19th @ Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park
African Festival Yokohama
If Tokyo is a meeting point of cultures, Yokohama is where they truly mingle―and the African Festival Yokohama showcases this in full colour.
Taking place at the iconic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse from April 10−12, 2026, this three-day festival immerses visitors in African culture, right on Tokyo’s doorstep. Entry is free, making it an inviting experience for both residents and travellers.
From the moment you arrive, the energy is contagious. Live African drumming fills the air, dancers move with vibrant rhythm, and the stage programme keeps the atmosphere alive throughout the day. It’s an experience that engages all the senses, from sight and sound to taste and touch.
Food lovers will find plenty to explore. Authentic African dishes, rich with spices and bold flavours, are served alongside unique beverages rarely seen in Japan. A nearby market offers handcrafted textiles, jewellery, and other crafts, transforming the venue into a lively, colourful bazaar. Founded in 2006, the festival’s mission goes beyond entertainment. It celebrates cultural exchange, bringing together African communities in Japan, locals, and international visitors for shared experiences.
- April 10th - 12th @ Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
http://www.africanfestyokohama.com/
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10, 2026
Ryusendo Cave [Shimohei, Iwate]
Ryusendo Cave, one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan, boasts a high degree of transparency that is recognized around the world, and is designated as a national natural monument. People are constantly fascinated by the pure blue waters of the lake. The deeper you go, the more mysterious the blue world becomes, and the more beautiful is the "Moon Palace" illuminated by LED lights.
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine [ Katsuyama, Fukui]
The rainy season is the time when the moss of "Heisenji Hakusan Shrine" shines brightly. Heisenji Hakusan Shrine was once a large religious city built of stone. The stone-paved approach to the shrine has a majestic atmosphere, with cedar trees over 1,000 years old lining the 1km-long path. From the rainy season through the summer, the temple grounds are covered with a carpet of fluffy moss. The atmospheric remains, which have been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful historical climates in Japan, are beyond words.
Oirase Trail [Towada, Aomori]
Designated as a national natural monument, it is one of the most scenic spots in Tohoku. Along the 14-km-long mountain stream from the shore of Lake Towada, there are a number of waterfalls, fresh greenery and autumn leaves. Enjoy the different faces of the upper, middle, and lower streams. The green color of the trees and the white of the clear stream create a stunning contrast, creating a breathtaking view.
Nyuto Onsenkyo [Komagatake, Akita]
Nyuto Onsenkyo in Akita Prefecture is a hot spring resort full of Japanese atmosphere located at the foot of Mount Nyuto in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Hot-spring inns are scattered among the mountains surrounded by virgin beech forests, and more than 10 different hot-spring water sources are drawn from the hot springs.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: APRIL 14. 2017
Springtime in Tokyo, Time to Stretch Your Legs by Lorne Fetzek
Tokyo winters can seem unbearably long. In fact, compared to other parts of Japan, winter in the city is comparably mild, but, as the days pass, and temperatures never seem to rise, denizens of the great metropolis seek shelter in the warmth of the subways and innumerable bars and restaurants that pepper virtually every neighborhood.
All of us dreaming of one thing, the first hints of spring that will allow us to shed our heavy coats and scarfs and allow us to once again enjoy the suns full warmth.
Some of us may have also gained a few kilograms during the long winter period of relative activity. For those of you looking for any excuse to shake the winter blues, I have a suggestion. Walk!
Despite still being the world’s largest metro area, the city center of Tokyo is surprisingly compact. So, like the Japanese do, use Nihonbashi (日本橋) as a starting point, and start walking to enjoy this beautiful city. A 1/2 to 1 hour walk in any direction will serve as a personal challenge and also an opportunity for discovery.
While the physical benefits of a nice walk in early spring might seem obvious, there are also some practical merits.
For starters, if you’re newly arrived and don’t know your adopted city yet very well, there’s no substitute for a good walk to get to know the surroundings in a way that’s just not possible if your underground, or in a car or taxi. Walking gives you the “feel” of the neighborhood and you’re virtually guaranteed to remember the neighborhood better if you walk it than if you’ve simply driven through and especially if you’ve only emerged from a subway exit!
The second major benefit is discovery. I suggest that you give yourself some extra time, and as you are walking from point A to point B, take the opportunity to check out along your stroll the many shops, bars, restaurants, and other establishments along the way. And, as you go, keep a list of the places you’d like to come back to! On a recent 1 hour trek from Nihonbashi to Toranomon (虎ノ門), I listed 15 places, all restaurants, actually, that I want to come back and try. Once you’ve got your list, once you get home, do a deeper dive by checking the websites of the places you listed for more information.
You’ll be an expert on Tokyo’s neighborhoods in no time!
Spring is here! Make it count!! And, happy trails to you!
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10. 2026
Eric Carle: Art, Books, and the Caterpillar
Bold, colourful, and instantly recognisable, the work of Eric Carle has long captivated generations of readers. His signature style―hand-painted collage illustrations with vibrant, layered textures―transformed the world of children’s literature, turning simple stories into visually immersive experiences.
This exhibition celebrates Carle’s enduring influence, bringing together around 180 works that span his career. Original illustrations, early sketches, and the materials behind his iconic designs reveal the painstaking craft behind the seemingly effortless pages of his books. Visitors can see how Carle’s use of cut-outs, bold shapes, and vivid colours turned reading into a tactile, playful experience, where children and adults alike are invited to engage with both the story and the art itself.
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Carle’s approach goes beyond nostalgia. It demonstrates a deep understanding of storytelling and visual communication, blending narrative and artistic expression to spark curiosity, imagination, and joy. While familiar characters like The Very Hungry Caterpillar draw visitors in, there’s equal fascination in the design techniques that make his books timeless.
The exhibition captures the universal appeal of Carle’s work: it’s playful yet sophisticated, educational yet deeply entertaining. For anyone interested in the intersection of art and literature, it offers a rare glimpse into the process of one of the most influential children’s authors of the 20th century, reminding us that even simple ideas, when handled with creativity and care, can inspire generations.
Period: Saturday, April 25 − Sunday, July 26, 2026
Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Closed: Mondays,May 7 (Thu.), July 21 (Tue.) * Opens on May 4 (Mon.), July 20 (Mon.)
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults − 2,300yen / University & College Students − 1,600yen / High School & Junior High School Students − 1,000yen / Elementary School Students & Younger − free
For more information, please visit
https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/
100th Anniversary of Satoshi Kako: Science Picture Books
Celebrating a century since his birth, the work of Satoshi Kako offers a unique intersection of education, imagination, and storytelling. Over his prolific career, Kako created more than 600 books, many of which transformed the way children learn about science and the world around them.
Rather than presenting knowledge as abstract or intimidating, Kako’s books translate complex concepts―rivers, construction, ecosystems, and machines―into playful, accessible narratives. His illustrations are carefully crafted to guide understanding, using detailed drawings, clear sequences, and interactive layouts that invite readers to explore and think critically. This exhibition brings those processes to life, showing original illustrations, concept sketches, and materials that highlight Kako’s innovative methods.
What sets Kako apart is his ability to balance education with creativity. Each page is designed to spark curiosity, encouraging children to observe, question, and discover. By blending storytelling with scientific accuracy, he made learning immersive and joyful, proving that education can be both rigorous and fun.
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The exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both the charm of his stories and the sophistication of his craft. Families and children are drawn to the bright visuals and engaging narratives, while older visitors and educators can explore the meticulous design and educational thinking behind the work.
Ultimately, this showcase is a celebration of Kako’s philosophy: that knowledge is most meaningful when it is approachable, imaginative, and capable of inspiring wonder in readers of all ages.
Period: − June 14, 2026
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays, and May 7 *Open on March 30, April 27, May 4, and June 8
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 / - 18:00 on from April 25 to May 6 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults & University Students: 630 yen / Free for High School Students and younger
For more information, please visit
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10. 2026
Not Motivated Enough!
A new “smart fridge” has taken motivation to a bizarre level. Designed to encourage healthier habits, it tracks user activity through motion sensors and connected fitness apps. If it determines you’re “not motivated enough,” it automatically locks or deletes access to certain snacks. Ice cream, chips, and cookies have reportedly been denied to users who fail to meet activity goals. The concept has sparked debate about how far technology should intervene in daily life, balancing playful encouragement with intrusive control. While some see it as a clever nudge toward wellness, others question whether a fridge should have the power to enforce discipline. Either way, it’s a curious example of tech that blends practicality with unusual enforcement.
Unworthy of Toast
In a bakery using AI for quality control, a loaf of bread was judged “unworthy of toast” by a robotic inspector and immediately discarded. The system evaluates loaves for shape, texture, and crust coloration, ensuring only the highest standards reach customers. This particular loaf failed to meet the strict criteria, leading to its dramatic destruction. The incident highlights both the precision and quirks of automation in food production. While ensuring quality is important, the story also underscores the sometimes absurd level of judgment technology can impose. The bakery maintains that the AI’s role is to guarantee consistency and excellence, though this loaf will forever be remembered for not making the toast cut.
Links
Guesthouse Tokyo
10 minutes to Ikebukuro.
Interhouse
safe and accessible solution for your accommodation needs in Tokyo.
Sakura House
1830 monthly furnished rooms at 204 locations in Tokyo.
TOKYO ROOM FINDER
Contact our international team that will assist you in finding housing
and overcoming any communication barriers in Japan!
J&F Plaza
Furnished & unfurnished guesthouses and apartments in Tokyo.
May Flower House
Tokyo furnished apartments. Ginza, Roppongi, Yotsuya and more.
TenTen Guesthouse
33,000yen/30 days for working holiday students.
GOOD ROOM TOKYO
Share room, Private room, under 50,000yen
MOVE JAPAN
Private furnished rooms in Tokyo with free internet. Call us first or call us last!
Tokyomove.com
Hassle free moving starts from 6000yen.
Tokyo Helping Hands
Very flexible working hours to effectly help you with moving, deliveries, disposal, storage and more!
AirNet Travel
We'll cut you the best air ticket deals anywhere.
Fun Travel
Discount air travel & package tours 2min from Roppongi Stn.
No.1 Travel
We go the extra mile for you. International air tickets and hotels.
JR Tokai Tours
Top-value travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen.
Matsuda Legal Office
All kinds of Visa, Immigration & Naturalization, International Marriage etc.
Futaba Visa Office
Licensed immigration lawyer & certified public tax consultant.
American Pharmacy
English speaking pharmacy since 1950.
Tokyo Skin Clinic
EU-licensed multi lingual doctors.
Tax-free AKKY
Japanese Appliance, Watch, Souvenirs
Tokyo Speed Dating
1st Sat. & 3rd Sun. at Bari n Roppongi ETC.
Tokyo Spontaneous
Picnic, Parties, Language exchange
TMA
Japanese women & Western men.
Tokyo Fab
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10, 2026African Festival Yokohama
Haru Matsuri − Mongolian Spring Festival is one of Japan’s largest celebrations of Mongolian culture, bringing together music, art, and tradition in a lively, colorful setting. Known locally as “Hawarim Bayar”, the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Mongolia’s rich heritage right in Japan. (harumatsuri.net)
The festival unites Mongolian communities with local audiences, creating a space for cultural exchange and shared celebration. Attendees can enjoy traditional performances, including folk music, dance, and theatrical displays, while interactive activities showcase Mongolia’s vibrant customs. One of the festival’s highlights is Mongolian wrestling, giving spectators a close-up look at this iconic sport.
Educational programs are also an important part of the festival, with lectures and workshops covering topics such as Mongolian history, art, and even dinosaur fossil research. These sessions provide a deeper understanding of the country’s culture while keeping the experience engaging and lively.
Food and crafts play a key role in Haru Matsuri. Stalls offer authentic Mongolian cuisine, and markets feature handmade textiles, crafts, and artworks. Combined with performances and cultural demonstrations, the festival delivers an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
Haru Matsuri is a vibrant celebration of spring, community, and cultural heritage, blending music, sport, art, and history into one unforgettable festival.
April 18th & 19th @ Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park
African Festival Yokohama
If Tokyo is a meeting point of cultures, Yokohama is where they truly mingle―and the African Festival Yokohama showcases this in full colour.
Taking place at the iconic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse from April 10−12, 2026, this three-day festival immerses visitors in African culture, right on Tokyo’s doorstep. Entry is free, making it an inviting experience for both residents and travellers.
From the moment you arrive, the energy is contagious. Live African drumming fills the air, dancers move with vibrant rhythm, and the stage programme keeps the atmosphere alive throughout the day. It’s an experience that engages all the senses, from sight and sound to taste and touch.
Food lovers will find plenty to explore. Authentic African dishes, rich with spices and bold flavours, are served alongside unique beverages rarely seen in Japan. A nearby market offers handcrafted textiles, jewellery, and other crafts, transforming the venue into a lively, colourful bazaar. Founded in 2006, the festival’s mission goes beyond entertainment. It celebrates cultural exchange, bringing together African communities in Japan, locals, and international visitors for shared experiences.
- April 10th - 12th @ Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
http://www.africanfestyokohama.com/
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10, 2026Ryusendo Cave [Shimohei, Iwate]
Ryusendo Cave, one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan, boasts a high degree of transparency that is recognized around the world, and is designated as a national natural monument. People are constantly fascinated by the pure blue waters of the lake. The deeper you go, the more mysterious the blue world becomes, and the more beautiful is the "Moon Palace" illuminated by LED lights.
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine [ Katsuyama, Fukui]
The rainy season is the time when the moss of "Heisenji Hakusan Shrine" shines brightly. Heisenji Hakusan Shrine was once a large religious city built of stone. The stone-paved approach to the shrine has a majestic atmosphere, with cedar trees over 1,000 years old lining the 1km-long path. From the rainy season through the summer, the temple grounds are covered with a carpet of fluffy moss. The atmospheric remains, which have been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful historical climates in Japan, are beyond words.
Oirase Trail [Towada, Aomori]
Designated as a national natural monument, it is one of the most scenic spots in Tohoku. Along the 14-km-long mountain stream from the shore of Lake Towada, there are a number of waterfalls, fresh greenery and autumn leaves. Enjoy the different faces of the upper, middle, and lower streams. The green color of the trees and the white of the clear stream create a stunning contrast, creating a breathtaking view.
Nyuto Onsenkyo [Komagatake, Akita]
Nyuto Onsenkyo in Akita Prefecture is a hot spring resort full of Japanese atmosphere located at the foot of Mount Nyuto in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Hot-spring inns are scattered among the mountains surrounded by virgin beech forests, and more than 10 different hot-spring water sources are drawn from the hot springs.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: APRIL 14. 2017Springtime in Tokyo, Time to Stretch Your Legs by Lorne Fetzek
Tokyo winters can seem unbearably long. In fact, compared to other parts of Japan, winter in the city is comparably mild, but, as the days pass, and temperatures never seem to rise, denizens of the great metropolis seek shelter in the warmth of the subways and innumerable bars and restaurants that pepper virtually every neighborhood.
All of us dreaming of one thing, the first hints of spring that will allow us to shed our heavy coats and scarfs and allow us to once again enjoy the suns full warmth.
Some of us may have also gained a few kilograms during the long winter period of relative activity. For those of you looking for any excuse to shake the winter blues, I have a suggestion. Walk!
Despite still being the world’s largest metro area, the city center of Tokyo is surprisingly compact. So, like the Japanese do, use Nihonbashi (日本橋) as a starting point, and start walking to enjoy this beautiful city. A 1/2 to 1 hour walk in any direction will serve as a personal challenge and also an opportunity for discovery.
While the physical benefits of a nice walk in early spring might seem obvious, there are also some practical merits.
For starters, if you’re newly arrived and don’t know your adopted city yet very well, there’s no substitute for a good walk to get to know the surroundings in a way that’s just not possible if your underground, or in a car or taxi. Walking gives you the “feel” of the neighborhood and you’re virtually guaranteed to remember the neighborhood better if you walk it than if you’ve simply driven through and especially if you’ve only emerged from a subway exit!
The second major benefit is discovery. I suggest that you give yourself some extra time, and as you are walking from point A to point B, take the opportunity to check out along your stroll the many shops, bars, restaurants, and other establishments along the way. And, as you go, keep a list of the places you’d like to come back to! On a recent 1 hour trek from Nihonbashi to Toranomon (虎ノ門), I listed 15 places, all restaurants, actually, that I want to come back and try. Once you’ve got your list, once you get home, do a deeper dive by checking the websites of the places you listed for more information.
You’ll be an expert on Tokyo’s neighborhoods in no time!
Spring is here! Make it count!! And, happy trails to you!
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10. 2026Eric Carle: Art, Books, and the Caterpillar Bold, colourful, and instantly recognisable, the work of Eric Carle has long captivated generations of readers. His signature style―hand-painted collage illustrations with vibrant, layered textures―transformed the world of children’s literature, turning simple stories into visually immersive experiences. |
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Carle’s approach goes beyond nostalgia. It demonstrates a deep understanding of storytelling and visual communication, blending narrative and artistic expression to spark curiosity, imagination, and joy. While familiar characters like The Very Hungry Caterpillar draw visitors in, there’s equal fascination in the design techniques that make his books timeless. |
Period: Saturday, April 25 − Sunday, July 26, 2026
Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo
Closed: Mondays,May 7 (Thu.), July 21 (Tue.) * Opens on May 4 (Mon.), July 20 (Mon.)
Hours: 10:00-18:00 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults − 2,300yen / University & College Students − 1,600yen / High School & Junior High School Students − 1,000yen / Elementary School Students & Younger − free
For more information, please visit
https://www.mot-art-museum.jp/
100th Anniversary of Satoshi Kako: Science Picture Books Celebrating a century since his birth, the work of Satoshi Kako offers a unique intersection of education, imagination, and storytelling. Over his prolific career, Kako created more than 600 books, many of which transformed the way children learn about science and the world around them. |
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The exhibition allows visitors to appreciate both the charm of his stories and the sophistication of his craft. Families and children are drawn to the bright visuals and engaging narratives, while older visitors and educators can explore the meticulous design and educational thinking behind the work. |
Period: − June 14, 2026
Venue: National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
Closed: Mondays, and May 7 *Open on March 30, April 27, May 4, and June 8
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 / - 18:00 on from April 25 to May 6 (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults & University Students: 630 yen / Free for High School Students and younger
For more information, please visit
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD APRIL 10. 2026Not Motivated Enough!
A new “smart fridge” has taken motivation to a bizarre level. Designed to encourage healthier habits, it tracks user activity through motion sensors and connected fitness apps. If it determines you’re “not motivated enough,” it automatically locks or deletes access to certain snacks. Ice cream, chips, and cookies have reportedly been denied to users who fail to meet activity goals. The concept has sparked debate about how far technology should intervene in daily life, balancing playful encouragement with intrusive control. While some see it as a clever nudge toward wellness, others question whether a fridge should have the power to enforce discipline. Either way, it’s a curious example of tech that blends practicality with unusual enforcement.
Unworthy of Toast
In a bakery using AI for quality control, a loaf of bread was judged “unworthy of toast” by a robotic inspector and immediately discarded. The system evaluates loaves for shape, texture, and crust coloration, ensuring only the highest standards reach customers. This particular loaf failed to meet the strict criteria, leading to its dramatic destruction. The incident highlights both the precision and quirks of automation in food production. While ensuring quality is important, the story also underscores the sometimes absurd level of judgment technology can impose. The bakery maintains that the AI’s role is to guarantee consistency and excellence, though this loaf will forever be remembered for not making the toast cut.
Links
Guesthouse Tokyo10 minutes to Ikebukuro. Interhousesafe and accessible solution for your accommodation needs in Tokyo. Sakura House1830 monthly furnished rooms at 204 locations in Tokyo. TOKYO ROOM FINDERContact our international team that will assist you in finding housing and overcoming any communication barriers in Japan! |
J&F PlazaFurnished & unfurnished guesthouses and apartments in Tokyo. May Flower HouseTokyo furnished apartments. Ginza, Roppongi, Yotsuya and more. TenTen Guesthouse33,000yen/30 days for working holiday students. GOOD ROOM TOKYOShare room, Private room, under 50,000yen |
MOVE JAPANPrivate furnished rooms in Tokyo with free internet. Call us first or call us last! Tokyomove.comHassle free moving starts from 6000yen. |
Tokyo Helping HandsVery flexible working hours to effectly help you with moving, deliveries, disposal, storage and more! |
AirNet TravelWe'll cut you the best air ticket deals anywhere. Fun TravelDiscount air travel & package tours 2min from Roppongi Stn. |
No.1 TravelWe go the extra mile for you. International air tickets and hotels. JR Tokai ToursTop-value travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen. |
Matsuda Legal OfficeAll kinds of Visa, Immigration & Naturalization, International Marriage etc. |
Futaba Visa OfficeLicensed immigration lawyer & certified public tax consultant. |
|
American PharmacyEnglish speaking pharmacy since 1950. |
Tokyo Skin ClinicEU-licensed multi lingual doctors. |
|
Tax-free AKKYJapanese Appliance, Watch, Souvenirs |
Tokyo Speed Dating1st Sat. & 3rd Sun. at Bari n Roppongi ETC. Tokyo SpontaneousPicnic, Parties, Language exchange |
|
TMAJapanese women & Western men. |
|
50 Shades of Yikess
