Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD February 13. 2026The stairs of Fate by Takahashi Mami
A few weeks ago, I visited the stairs from Your Name, also known as the Yotsuya Suga shrine stairs. I wnted to go there because my whole family had just watched the movie together the other night. That was because my husband said he had never seen the movie, and we were like, “whaaaat?!” If you’ve already watched the movie, you know how beautiful the story is -and how it makes you cry every time. By the way, I was the one who cried again, of course.
A couple of days later, somebody-or something-inside my head was telling me to visit there. So, I did. Can you guess what happened to me there?
While climbing up the stairs I was thinking “Oh, this place is so beautiful. No wonder so many foreigners want to visit.” But when I got to the top of the stairs, somebody-or something-was talking to me again. “All the problems you have right now are going to be solved soon and you’re going to have to help people who have gone through what you have in the past.”
First of all, I should say I am not a fortune teller or anything. But when I visited Sedona, Arizona about 10 years ago, the same kind of thing happened to me. At that time, I was living in Texas with my ex-husband and our two beautiful kids. While we were walking around the stunning red rocks, somebody-or something-was sending me a message. “You only have two more years to stay in America. After that, you’re going to have to go back to Japan. There are things you need to do there.” I couldn’t understand what it meant at the time. But somehow, it really happened. Two years later, I was somehow let to move back to Tokyo.
What I want to say is that this place-the stairs-is a beautiful spiritual spot that you must visit.
When you reach the top, you will see the Yotsuya Suga Shrine. When you pass through the torii gate of the shrine, you will feel that this place is truly sacred. When I reached the front of the shrine, I prayed for many things, especially for a better life for my children. Somehow, I couldn’t stop crying. It felt as if the gods were comforting me. After that moment, I became a completely different person. I gained more energy, and my life became brighter.
数週間前、『君の名は。』に登場する四谷菅神社の階段を訪れた。私がそこに行きたいと思ったのは、先日、家族全員で、その映画を見たからだった。夫がその映画を見たことがないと言ったので、私たちは「何？！」という感じだった。すでに映画を見たことがあるなら、ストーリーがどれほど美しいか、そして毎回あなたを泣かせることを知っている。ところで、もちろんまた泣いたのは私だ。
数日後、頭の中の誰か、あるいは何かがそこを訪れるように私に告げた。だから、私は訪れたのだった。そこで私に何が起こったか推測できるだろうか？
階段を上りながら、「ああ、この場所はとても美しい。多くの外国人が訪れたいのも不思議じゃない。」と考えた。しかし、私が階段の一番上に着くと、誰か、あるいは何かが、再び私にこう告げたのだ。「あなたが今抱えているすべての問題はすぐに解決され、過去にあなたと同じ経験した人々を助けなければならないでしょう。
?まず最初に言っておくと、私は占い師でも何でもない。しかし、約10年前にアリゾナ州セドナを訪れたとき、同じような現象が私に起こった。当時、私は元夫と2人の美しい子供たちと一緒にテキサスに住んでいた。私たちが見事な赤い岩の周りを歩いている間、誰か、あるいは何かが私にメッセージを送って来た。「アメリカでの滞在は、あと2年しかありません。その後、あなたは日本に帰らなければならなりません。そこでやるべきことがあります。」その時、それが何を意味するのか私には理解できなかった。しかし、どういうわけか、それは本当に起こった。2年後、私はどうにかして東京に戻らせられた。
私が言いたいのは、この特別な階段は、あなたが訪れるべき美しい精神的な場所だということだ。
頂上に着くと、四谷須賀神社が見える。神社の鳥居をくぐると、この場所が本当に神聖だと感じるでしょう。神社の正面に着くと、私は多くのことを祈った。特に自分の子供たちが心豊に生活できるよう祈った。どういうわけか、涙が止まらなかった。まるで神々が私を慰めているように感じた。その瞬間から、私はまったく別の人間になった。私は力を得て、私の人生は明るくなった。
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback FEBRUARY 24. 2017Lion Dance in Hinohara Village 1 by Hiroko
Hinohara village is the only “village” in mainland Tokyo. Located in western Tokyo and thickly forested, many of its districts face severe depopulation. My husband and I visited one of the districts, Henbori, for a two-day trip over a weekend in September.
We took the bus from JR Musashi-Itsukaichi station all the way to Kazuma, the line’s final stop. After trekking for about five hours, we came out on Kazuma Onsen hot spring. Though there was no view of Mt. Fuji that day, we enjoyed hiking and the refreshing onsen. We took the bus tracing the way back toward the JR station for just about 10 minutes and got off at Nishikawabashi in Henbori district, one of the many non-descript settlements along Hinohara Street. We wouldn’t have thought of staying there if we didn’t stumble on the only guesthouse in Henbori online.
It was an old farmhouse turned into a guesthouse. We were assigned to a tiny space on the second floor. A group of five motorcyclists squeezed in a dormitory. The spacious kitchen and tatami room on the first floor were open to the guests.
At around 7:30 p.m. when we were having tea with some biscuits, the guesthouse keeper came to ask if we’d like to come to see the locals’ practice session of shishimai lion dance for the autumn shishimai dance in two weeks.
Excited, we walked to the community centre nearby, where the dancers were taking turns practicing in the hall, a taiko drum tied around the waist and in plain clothes. Three shishi’s dance together in Henbori shishimai. The older people instructed the young taking them by the hand. Flutists played the tunes repeatedly, and some older men sang along or called out encouragement once in a while. I was fascinated and nailed to the practice.
Seeing my enthusiasm, the guesthouse keeper took me to a room at the back and showed me the feather-decorated, polished red shishi masks with goggling eyes and huge bulbous nose. Back in the hall, he told me who’s who of the dancers and flutists. I thought it was typical of Japanese society when I learned that the son of the Buddhist temple in the district was dancing in the Shinto festival. Shintoism and Buddhism coexist peacefully, or even melt into each other. Also, only the oldest son in a family could dance in the past, but now second and third sons are welcome to dance in the face of the scarcity of the youth. I wondered if girls would start to dance pretty soon.
Witnessing the passing the dance from generation to generation was exciting. The atmosphere was of a close-knit society where everyone knows everyone else. I left at around 10 p.m., but the practice continued into the late night. (To be continued)
We left Hinohara the next day, but the image of shishimai remained strong with me. I decided to go to see the festival on a day trip, though obviously I could see only two dances to catch the last bus back to Musashi-Itsukaichi. The dance dedicated to the Shinto shrine starts at 5 p.m. and lasts nearly till midnight. It’s truly a village festival, not one for tourists. I invited a friend this time. We planned to combine viewing two waterfalls and the shishimai.
We arrived at beautiful Hossawa-no-taki waterfall at around half past noon. Then the second waterfall called Kichijoji-taki was only a part of the river over several rocky bumps. There was no one but us. A tiny stone shrine stood tilting to one side.
On our way from Hossawa to Kijijoji-taki, we were greeted by a float pulled by the locals. They were celebrating their autumn festival of the district. A small masked figure in costume was dancing up in the float. Judging from the mask, I guessed it was a fox, the messenger or a trickster.
From there we caught a bus to Henbori. Since there was plenty of time before the dance started, we strolled and snacked. On the way to the venue, I saw one of the older dancers who had been teaching the youth. He remembered me when I said hello. At the venue I saw the guesthouse keeper and we stood and chatted a little. It felt good to recognize people and being recognized.
The dance started at 5 p.m. The first dance was to cleanse the ground. The second was with difficult parts in triple time. Dancers were junior high students. They did the triple time smoothly, and I saw the teachers smiling approvingly. A pro cameraman was shooting a video and taking photos. The shishimai here was recently designated as Tokyo’s important intangible folk culture asset.
The atmosphere was relaxed. Spectators ate and drank, chatted and laughed out loud. I spotted a couple of flutists looking down at their smartphone when they didn’t play during the dance. The soulful shishi dance and the modern gadget hit me as an interesting contrast between the tradition and modern life.
We had to leave at 7:15 p.m. reluctantly to catch the bus. I knew the highlight would come later. I stopped to say good bye to the guesthouse keeper, who was selling drinks. “Come again next year,” he kindly said. I should stay overnight to see the lions dance the night away.
Copyright (C) 2016 Hiroko. All rights reserved.
檜原村は島を除く東京都で唯一の「村」。東京西部に位置し森林が豊富な檜原の多くは限界集落だ。夫と私は9月の週末にそのひとつ、人里（へんぼり）に1泊した。
JR武蔵五日市駅からバスで路線の終点の数馬（かずま）に行き、5時間ほどトレッキングして数馬温泉に出た。その日は富士山は見えなかったが、ハイキングを楽しみ温泉でさっぱりした。JRの駅に向かうバスで10分ほど戻り、人里の西川橋というバス停で降りた。人里は檜原街道沿いの何の変哲もない集落のひとつで、インターネットで人里唯一のゲストハウスをたまたま見つけなかったら、ここに1泊しようとは思わなかったはずだ。
ゲストハウスは古い農家を改修したものだった。私たちは2階の小さな部屋に通された。バイク乗りの5人組がドミトリーに泊まっていた。1階の広い台所と畳の部屋は宿泊客が自由に使えた。
夜7時半頃、お茶とビスケットを広げていると、ゲストハウスの管理人が来て、2週間後の秋祭に向けて地元民が獅子舞の練習をしてるのを見に行くかと聞いてきた。
喜んで近所のコミュニティセンターに歩いて行くと、腰に太鼓をつけた私服の舞手たちがホールで代わるがわる練習していた。人里の獅子舞では3匹の獅子が一緒に踊る。年長者が若手を手取り足取り指導していた。横笛奏者たちは曲を繰り返し吹き、数人の年長者は歌ったり時に掛け声をかけたりした。私は練習風景に釘付けだった。
私が熱中しているのを見て、ゲストハウスの管理人は私を奥の部屋に連れて行き、羽で飾り赤く艶のある、ぎょろりとした目玉と巨大な鼻の獅子頭を見せてくれた。ホールに戻って、彼は舞手や横笛奏者の誰それを教えてくれた。集落の寺の息子が神道の祭で獅子を舞っていると聞いて、いかにも日本社会らしいと思った。神道と仏教は和やかに共存あるいは融合しているのだ。また昔は一家の長男だけが獅子を舞うことを許されたが、若者の人手不足で、今では次男、三男も歓迎されているという。そのうち女性も舞うことになるのかもしれないと思った。
次世代へ舞を継承していく様子を見るのは興味深かった。場の雰囲気は、皆が知り合いの密接な社会のそれであった。私は10時頃に帰ったが、練習はその後も夜遅くまで続いていた。
翌日、私たちは檜原を発ったが、獅子舞の印象は強く残った。私は2週間後に日帰りで祭を見に行くことにした。武蔵五日市駅への帰りのバスに乗るには2つしか舞を見ることはできないのは明らかだったが。神社に奉納する獅子舞は午後5時に始まり夜中近くまで続く。観光用でない、本当の村祭だ。私は友人を誘って、滝見と獅子舞を組み合わせた予定を立てた。
私たちは昼の12時半頃に美しい払沢の滝についた。それから次の滝は吉祥寺滝と呼ばれるが、川がいくつかの岩の段々を流れ落ちているものだった。小さな石の祠が傾いて立っていた。
払沢の滝から吉祥寺滝に向かう途中で、地元民たちが引く山車（だし）に遭遇した。この地区でも秋祭をやっていたのだ。山車の上では面と衣装をつけた小さな人が踊っていた。おそらく狐の面だろうと思った。狐は神の使いあるいはいたずら者である。
そこからバスで人里に行った。獅子舞が始まるまで時間があったので、散歩しておやつを食べた。会場への途中、若手を指導していた年長の舞手に会った。私が挨拶すると、思い出してくれた。会場ではゲストハウスの管理人に会い、少し立ち話をした。認識できる人がいて、また認識してもらえたのは嬉しかった。
獅子舞は5時に始まった。最初の番組は会場を清める「にわがため」。次の「三拍子」は、三拍子の箇所が難しい。それを舞うのは中学生たちだ。三拍子を無難にこなすと、指導した人たちが満足げに微笑むのが見えた。プロカメラマンがビデオや写真を撮っていた。この獅子舞は近年、東京都の重要無形民俗文化財に指定されたそうだ。
和やかなな雰囲気だった。観客は食べたり飲んだり、しゃべったり笑ったり。獅子が舞っている最中でも横笛がしばらく休みの間、奏者の2人ほど、下を向いてスマホをいじっていた。勇壮な獅子舞と現代の機器という伝統と現代の暮らしの対比が面白かった。
私たちは7時15分に会場を後にして、後ろ髪を引かれながらバス停に向かった。この後に山場を迎えるのを知っていたからだ。飲み物を売っていたゲストハウスの管理人に挨拶しに行くと、「また来年ね。」と言ってくれた。踊り狂う夜獅子を見とどけるなら、宿泊しなければ。
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 FEBRUARY 13, 2026
Ashigakubo Icicles ― A Magical Winter Wonder in Yokoze
The Ashigakubo Icicles are one of Chichibu’s most stunning winter attractions, located in Yokoze, Saitama Prefecture. Each year, local residents collaborate with nature to create a breathtaking ice spectacle. By carefully spraying water from a nearby stream onto the mountainside and trees in freezing temperatures, enormous icicles form, stretching up to 30 meters high and 200 meters wide, transforming the area into a shimmering, frozen landscape that captivates all who visit.
Visitors can explore the display via a scenic walking path, which offers close-up views of the towering ice formations framed by tranquil winter scenery. On weekends and holidays, the icicles are illuminated with colorful lights, casting a magical glow across the frozen walls and creating the feeling of wandering through a dreamlike winter forest. Regarded as one of the “Three Great Icicles of Chichibu” alongside Misotsuchi and Onouchi, Ashigakubo draws photographers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a unique seasonal experience not far from Tokyo. A short stroll from Ashigakubo Station, the site also offers warm hospitality. Local volunteers often provide complimentary hot tea or sweet amazake, making the visit both enchanting and welcoming. With its blend of natural beauty, artistic ice formations, and cozy winter charm, Ashigakubo Icicles is a must-see destination for anyone exploring Japan’s winter landscapes.
- Feb 23rd (Thu) @ 10min walk from Ashigakubo Sta. (Seibu Chichibu Railway)
https://www.yokoze.org/hyouchuu/
Kotatsu Bune ― Warm Winter Boat Ride in Nagatoro
The Kotatsu Bune (ポカポカ舟) in Nagatoro offers a charming and cozy winter experience unlike any other in Japan. Operated along the scenic Arakawa River in Saitama Prefecture, this unique boat ride lets passengers relax aboard a vessel equipped with a traditional kotatsu―a low table with a built‐in heater and thick blankets that keep feet and legs warm even in cold weather.
As the boat gently glides along the tranquil river, riders can sit back under the blankets, enjoy the warmth, and take in the peaceful winter scenery of Nagatoro’s riverside landscapes. On clear days, views of rugged rock formations and murmuring waters make the experience especially picturesque.
The kotatsu setup transforms a simple riverside cruise into a cozy winter retreat, perfect for couples, families, and visitors looking for a slow‐paced and memorable outdoor activity. Hot drinks and snacks are popular companions to the ride, enhancing the comfort and seasonal charm.
Whether you’re exploring Nagatoro’s famous outdoor sites or seeking a uniquely Japanese winter pastime, the Kotatsu Bune offers a delightful way to enjoy nature’s beauty while staying snug and warm on the water.
- The end of February @ Iwadatami Nagatoro (Nagatoro Sta. Chichibu Railway)
https://www.chichibu-railway.co.jp/nagatoro/pokapoka.html
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 13, 2026
Sea of Clouds Night View [Chichibu, Saitama]
Chichibu Sea of Clouds Night View offers a mesmerizing spectacle in Saitama Prefecture. During clear mornings and nights, fog and low clouds settle in the valleys, creating the illusion of a floating sea beneath the illuminated mountains. This breathtaking view is especially popular with photographers and nature lovers seeking a serene, almost mystical experience.
Betsukai Ice Horizon [Notsuke, Hokkaido]
Ice Horizon at Notsuke Peninsula is a striking winter spectacle in Hokkaido, Japan. Along this remote stretch of coastline, frozen drift ice stretches across the sea, creating a breathtaking, almost otherworldly landscape. Visitors can walk along the snow-covered peninsula, enjoy panoramic views of ice floes meeting the horizon, and witness wildlife like red-crowned cranes in their natural, frosty habitat.
First Tadami River Bridge [Amayahara, Fukushima]
First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint offers one of Japan’s most iconic scenic spots in Fukushima Prefecture. From this vantage, visitors can admire the Tadami River winding beneath the historic railway bridge, framed by lush forests and seasonal colors. Particularly stunning in autumn or winter, the viewpoint attracts photographers and travelers seeking a quintessentially serene and picturesque Japanese landscape.
Ginsuido [Okinoerabu, Kagoshima]
Ginsuido on Okinoerabu Island, Kagoshima, is a stunning natural saltwater pond carved into volcanic rock. Known for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the sky, the site creates a serene and photogenic setting. Surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic coastal landscapes, Ginsuido is a tranquil escape, perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking a peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: MARCH 10. 2017
The 100-Yen Shop, The Valentine Hat, and the Cheesecake by Brendan Lee
Let's admit it ― romantic holidays can be a stressful time.
For me, it isn't just the ribbons and the wrappings and the obligation, it's the sense of one-upmanship; I feel a nagging urge to try and top whatever I did before. If it was a pearl bracelet last year, this year I have to start looking for diamonds. If it was a trip to DisneySea last year, this year I'd better look for tours to Bali. And behind it all, there's a nagging sense of worry:What if this is the year that I'm not able to meet expectations? What if she opens her gifts and I see disappointment pass over her face?There's only one word for how I'd feel: crushed.
I don't know if I've found the perfect solution, but this last Valentine's Day I came up with something that put a smile on my girlfriend's face. I made her a Valentine's Hat. It wasn't hard ― after a trip to the 100-yen store, and an hour or so of scorching my fingers with a hot glue gun, my masterpiece was complete. It was gloriously insane: a pink baseball cap, festooned with pink bows and a fluffy grinning rabbit's face. And should my girl ever find herself in a raving mood, it takes just a quick tickle under the rabbit's chin to set my entire creation a-twinkling with its shockingly bright LEDs.
Will she wear it in public? Well, the jury's still out. But the smile on her face was unforgettable. And the cheesecake she made for me...well, that was pretty unforgettable, too.
Take it from me ― if you ever find yourself in a holiday jam, take a look in the 100-yen shop, and inside your heart. You might just be surprised at what you find.
なるほど、ロマンティック・ホリディはストレスを感じる。
僕の場合、リボンとかラッピングとか義理とかじゃなくて、一歩先んじるというのが苦手だ。以前した事以上の何かをしなくちゃならない気がして、しつこく責め立てられる。去年パールブレスレットだったなら、今年はダイヤモンドを探し始めなくちゃならない。去年ディズニーシーに行ったなら、今年はバリツアー探しだろう。その上、不安がつきまとう。期待通りにうまくいくだろうか。彼女がプレゼントを開けて、がっかりした顔をしないだろうか。一言でいうと、僕は精神的に傷つかないだろうか。
最高の解決方法が見つかったかどうかわかないが、今年のバレンタインディに、ガールフレンドを笑顔にさせることができた。僕は彼女のためにバレンタインの帽子を作ったんだ。簡単だった。１００円ショップに行って、熱々のグルーガンで指を焦がすこと１時間あまりで、帽子は完成した。正気と思えないようなピンクの野球帽にピンクのちょう結びの花網とにやっと笑ったうさぎの顔をつけた。彼女は大喜びだった。ふさふさしたうさぎのあごの下をくすぐって、明るいLEDライトを点滅させた。
彼女がそれをかぶるかって？まだ結論は出ていないが、彼女の笑顔は忘れられないものだった。僕のために作ってくれた彼女のチーズケーキも、それこそ、忘れられないものだった。
僕の経験から、休日で窮地に陥いったなら、１００円ショップに出かけ、自分の心に聞いてみるといい。すてきなものが見つかり、それにびっくりするかもしれない。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 13. 2026
"YBA & BEYOND: British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection"
YBA & BEYOND ― British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection is a landmark exhibition exploring the bold creativity of British art from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. The show highlights how a generation of artists challenged traditional boundaries, reshaping the global art scene with daring ideas and innovative approaches.
At the heart of the exhibition are works associated with the Young British Artists (YBA) movement, a group known for provocative themes, experimental materials, and a willingness to confront contemporary culture. The exhibition also includes works by contemporaries and affiliates who expanded on the movement’s ethos, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation art.
Visitors can experience around 100 works by approximately 60 artists, showcasing the diversity, experimentation, and global impact of British art during this transformative period. Iconic figures such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Julian Opie, Lubaina Himid, Steve McQueen, and Wolfgang Tillmans are featured, offering a comprehensive look at how these creators explored identity, society, and popular culture.
*
The exhibition goes beyond traditional displays, incorporating multimedia and interactive elements that contextualize the works and illuminate the cultural environment of 1990s Britain. Through immersive presentations, visitors can appreciate both the historical significance and contemporary resonance of these artworks.
Accompanying programs such as guided tours, talks, and interpretive sessions further enrich the experience, making the exhibition accessible to both longtime art enthusiasts and newcomers. YBA & BEYOND is a rare opportunity to engage with one of the most influential art movements of the late 20th century, celebrating creativity, experimentation, and cultural dialogue.
Period: － May 11 (Mon), 2026
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo
Closed: Tuesdays (Except May 5 / public holiday)
Hours: 10:00-18:00 / -20:00 on Friday and Saturday (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults － 2,300yen / College Students － 1,500yen / High School Students － 900yen / Junior High School & Under － free
For more information, please visit
Katarium
Katarium is a captivating exhibition that transforms the way visitors experience art, presenting each piece not merely as an object but as a storyteller. The name combines katari, meaning “to speak or narrate,” with ‐arium, evoking a place where stories come alive. The exhibition invites audiences to engage with artworks across centuries, exploring the conversations between artists, their intentions, and the responses of viewers.
The collection features around 56 works, spanning Japanese and international art, including two National Treasures, seven Important Cultural Properties, and five Important Art Objects. It highlights the interconnectedness of art across time, showcasing Edo-period folding screens, Meiji and Taisho-era paintings, and modern works such as lithographs by American artist Ben Shahn. Rarely displayed scrolls, including sections from The Deeds of the Zen Masters and Caricatures of Animals, are presented side by side, allowing visitors to imagine their original narrative continuity. By arranging these works thematically, Katarium emphasizes storytelling, dialogue, and cultural exchange. Visitors are encouraged to interpret the connections between pieces, uncovering historical, emotional, and aesthetic threads that bind them together.
*
The exhibition underscores art as a living conversation ― each painting, screen, or print becomes a voice communicating across generations. For audiences, it offers a profound experience, blending visual beauty with narrative depth, and highlighting the power of art to convey stories, memory, and human creativity. Katarium is an immersive journey into the language of art, inviting reflection and discovery at every turn.
Period: - May 24 [Sun], 2026
Venue: Artizon Museum
Closed: February 16 [Mon], March 16 [Mon], April 13 [Mon], May 11 [Mon]
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 / - 20:00 on Fridays and May 2, 9, 16, 23 [except March 20] ) (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults 2,500 yen / Under university and high school students Free Entry with Advance booking
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 13. 2026
"Drunk" Raccoon
In the U.S., a mischievous raccoon made headlines after breaking into a local liquor store and helping itself to alcohol. The incident occurred when the animal somehow gained access to the store, sampling various bottles before eventually passing out in the bathroom. Store staff discovered the sleepy intruder the next morning, quickly sharing photos of the raccoon sprawled among empty containers, sparking laughter and astonishment online.
Authorities confirmed that the raccoon appeared unharmed, though certainly intoxicated, and was safely returned to a nearby wooded area. The story quickly went viral, with social media users joking about the “party animal” and creating memes of the drunken encounter. While unusual, experts note that wildlife sometimes consumes fermented fruits or beverages if they can access them. This playful yet bizarre incident highlights how human spaces and curious animals can collide in unexpected―and hilariously strange―ways.
Stolen by Seagull!
A bizarre discovery in a U.S. basement recently went viral when a man stumbled upon a mysterious scrapbook filled entirely with photos of Robbie Rotten, the iconic villain from the children’s show LazyTown. The scrapbook, hidden away for years, contained meticulously arranged images, clippings, and doodles dedicated to the character, sparking curiosity and amusement across social media.
Viewers quickly speculated about the origins of the collection ― was it a long-lost fan project, a quirky family hobby, or an inside joke gone viral? The unusual find prompted widespread online discussion, with fans sharing memes, recreations, and theories about the scrapbook’s mysterious creator. Although the discovery raises more questions than answers, it has captivated audiences worldwide, proving that even hidden corners of a home can harbor unexpectedly entertaining and strange treasures. The Robbie Rotten scrapbook is now celebrated as one of 2025’s oddest viral sensations.
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 FEBRUARY 13, 2026Ashigakubo Icicles ― A Magical Winter Wonder in Yokoze
The Ashigakubo Icicles are one of Chichibu’s most stunning winter attractions, located in Yokoze, Saitama Prefecture. Each year, local residents collaborate with nature to create a breathtaking ice spectacle. By carefully spraying water from a nearby stream onto the mountainside and trees in freezing temperatures, enormous icicles form, stretching up to 30 meters high and 200 meters wide, transforming the area into a shimmering, frozen landscape that captivates all who visit.
Visitors can explore the display via a scenic walking path, which offers close-up views of the towering ice formations framed by tranquil winter scenery. On weekends and holidays, the icicles are illuminated with colorful lights, casting a magical glow across the frozen walls and creating the feeling of wandering through a dreamlike winter forest. Regarded as one of the “Three Great Icicles of Chichibu” alongside Misotsuchi and Onouchi, Ashigakubo draws photographers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a unique seasonal experience not far from Tokyo. A short stroll from Ashigakubo Station, the site also offers warm hospitality. Local volunteers often provide complimentary hot tea or sweet amazake, making the visit both enchanting and welcoming. With its blend of natural beauty, artistic ice formations, and cozy winter charm, Ashigakubo Icicles is a must-see destination for anyone exploring Japan’s winter landscapes.
- Feb 23rd (Thu) @ 10min walk from Ashigakubo Sta. (Seibu Chichibu Railway)
https://www.yokoze.org/hyouchuu/
Kotatsu Bune ― Warm Winter Boat Ride in Nagatoro
The Kotatsu Bune (ポカポカ舟) in Nagatoro offers a charming and cozy winter experience unlike any other in Japan. Operated along the scenic Arakawa River in Saitama Prefecture, this unique boat ride lets passengers relax aboard a vessel equipped with a traditional kotatsu―a low table with a built‐in heater and thick blankets that keep feet and legs warm even in cold weather.
As the boat gently glides along the tranquil river, riders can sit back under the blankets, enjoy the warmth, and take in the peaceful winter scenery of Nagatoro’s riverside landscapes. On clear days, views of rugged rock formations and murmuring waters make the experience especially picturesque.
The kotatsu setup transforms a simple riverside cruise into a cozy winter retreat, perfect for couples, families, and visitors looking for a slow‐paced and memorable outdoor activity. Hot drinks and snacks are popular companions to the ride, enhancing the comfort and seasonal charm.
Whether you’re exploring Nagatoro’s famous outdoor sites or seeking a uniquely Japanese winter pastime, the Kotatsu Bune offers a delightful way to enjoy nature’s beauty while staying snug and warm on the water.
- The end of February @ Iwadatami Nagatoro (Nagatoro Sta. Chichibu Railway)
https://www.chichibu-railway.co.jp/nagatoro/pokapoka.html
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 13, 2026Sea of Clouds Night View [Chichibu, Saitama]
Chichibu Sea of Clouds Night View offers a mesmerizing spectacle in Saitama Prefecture. During clear mornings and nights, fog and low clouds settle in the valleys, creating the illusion of a floating sea beneath the illuminated mountains. This breathtaking view is especially popular with photographers and nature lovers seeking a serene, almost mystical experience.
Betsukai Ice Horizon [Notsuke, Hokkaido]
Ice Horizon at Notsuke Peninsula is a striking winter spectacle in Hokkaido, Japan. Along this remote stretch of coastline, frozen drift ice stretches across the sea, creating a breathtaking, almost otherworldly landscape. Visitors can walk along the snow-covered peninsula, enjoy panoramic views of ice floes meeting the horizon, and witness wildlife like red-crowned cranes in their natural, frosty habitat.
First Tadami River Bridge [Amayahara, Fukushima]
First Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint offers one of Japan’s most iconic scenic spots in Fukushima Prefecture. From this vantage, visitors can admire the Tadami River winding beneath the historic railway bridge, framed by lush forests and seasonal colors. Particularly stunning in autumn or winter, the viewpoint attracts photographers and travelers seeking a quintessentially serene and picturesque Japanese landscape.
Ginsuido [Okinoerabu, Kagoshima]
Ginsuido on Okinoerabu Island, Kagoshima, is a stunning natural saltwater pond carved into volcanic rock. Known for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the sky, the site creates a serene and photogenic setting. Surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic coastal landscapes, Ginsuido is a tranquil escape, perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking a peaceful, otherworldly atmosphere.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: MARCH 10. 2017The 100-Yen Shop, The Valentine Hat, and the Cheesecake by Brendan Lee
Let's admit it ― romantic holidays can be a stressful time.
For me, it isn't just the ribbons and the wrappings and the obligation, it's the sense of one-upmanship; I feel a nagging urge to try and top whatever I did before. If it was a pearl bracelet last year, this year I have to start looking for diamonds. If it was a trip to DisneySea last year, this year I'd better look for tours to Bali. And behind it all, there's a nagging sense of worry:What if this is the year that I'm not able to meet expectations? What if she opens her gifts and I see disappointment pass over her face?There's only one word for how I'd feel: crushed.
I don't know if I've found the perfect solution, but this last Valentine's Day I came up with something that put a smile on my girlfriend's face. I made her a Valentine's Hat. It wasn't hard ― after a trip to the 100-yen store, and an hour or so of scorching my fingers with a hot glue gun, my masterpiece was complete. It was gloriously insane: a pink baseball cap, festooned with pink bows and a fluffy grinning rabbit's face. And should my girl ever find herself in a raving mood, it takes just a quick tickle under the rabbit's chin to set my entire creation a-twinkling with its shockingly bright LEDs.
Will she wear it in public? Well, the jury's still out. But the smile on her face was unforgettable. And the cheesecake she made for me...well, that was pretty unforgettable, too.
Take it from me ― if you ever find yourself in a holiday jam, take a look in the 100-yen shop, and inside your heart. You might just be surprised at what you find.
なるほど、ロマンティック・ホリディはストレスを感じる。
僕の場合、リボンとかラッピングとか義理とかじゃなくて、一歩先んじるというのが苦手だ。以前した事以上の何かをしなくちゃならない気がして、しつこく責め立てられる。去年パールブレスレットだったなら、今年はダイヤモンドを探し始めなくちゃならない。去年ディズニーシーに行ったなら、今年はバリツアー探しだろう。その上、不安がつきまとう。期待通りにうまくいくだろうか。彼女がプレゼントを開けて、がっかりした顔をしないだろうか。一言でいうと、僕は精神的に傷つかないだろうか。
最高の解決方法が見つかったかどうかわかないが、今年のバレンタインディに、ガールフレンドを笑顔にさせることができた。僕は彼女のためにバレンタインの帽子を作ったんだ。簡単だった。１００円ショップに行って、熱々のグルーガンで指を焦がすこと１時間あまりで、帽子は完成した。正気と思えないようなピンクの野球帽にピンクのちょう結びの花網とにやっと笑ったうさぎの顔をつけた。彼女は大喜びだった。ふさふさしたうさぎのあごの下をくすぐって、明るいLEDライトを点滅させた。
彼女がそれをかぶるかって？まだ結論は出ていないが、彼女の笑顔は忘れられないものだった。僕のために作ってくれた彼女のチーズケーキも、それこそ、忘れられないものだった。
僕の経験から、休日で窮地に陥いったなら、１００円ショップに出かけ、自分の心に聞いてみるといい。すてきなものが見つかり、それにびっくりするかもしれない。
MUSEUM -What's Going on?-
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 13. 2026"YBA & BEYOND: British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection" YBA & BEYOND ― British Art in the 90s from the Tate Collection is a landmark exhibition exploring the bold creativity of British art from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. The show highlights how a generation of artists challenged traditional boundaries, reshaping the global art scene with daring ideas and innovative approaches. |
* |
The exhibition goes beyond traditional displays, incorporating multimedia and interactive elements that contextualize the works and illuminate the cultural environment of 1990s Britain. Through immersive presentations, visitors can appreciate both the historical significance and contemporary resonance of these artworks. |
Period: － May 11 (Mon), 2026
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo
Closed: Tuesdays (Except May 5 / public holiday)
Hours: 10:00-18:00 / -20:00 on Friday and Saturday (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults － 2,300yen / College Students － 1,500yen / High School Students － 900yen / Junior High School & Under － free
For more information, please visit
Katarium Katarium is a captivating exhibition that transforms the way visitors experience art, presenting each piece not merely as an object but as a storyteller. The name combines katari, meaning “to speak or narrate,” with ‐arium, evoking a place where stories come alive. The exhibition invites audiences to engage with artworks across centuries, exploring the conversations between artists, their intentions, and the responses of viewers. |
* |
The exhibition underscores art as a living conversation ― each painting, screen, or print becomes a voice communicating across generations. For audiences, it offers a profound experience, blending visual beauty with narrative depth, and highlighting the power of art to convey stories, memory, and human creativity. Katarium is an immersive journey into the language of art, inviting reflection and discovery at every turn. |
Period: - May 24 [Sun], 2026
Venue: Artizon Museum
Closed: February 16 [Mon], March 16 [Mon], April 13 [Mon], May 11 [Mon]
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 / - 20:00 on Fridays and May 2, 9, 16, 23 [except March 20] ) (admission 30 minutes before? closing)
Admission: Adults 2,500 yen / Under university and high school students Free Entry with Advance booking
Strange but True
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD FEBRUARY 13. 2026"Drunk" Raccoon
In the U.S., a mischievous raccoon made headlines after breaking into a local liquor store and helping itself to alcohol. The incident occurred when the animal somehow gained access to the store, sampling various bottles before eventually passing out in the bathroom. Store staff discovered the sleepy intruder the next morning, quickly sharing photos of the raccoon sprawled among empty containers, sparking laughter and astonishment online.
Authorities confirmed that the raccoon appeared unharmed, though certainly intoxicated, and was safely returned to a nearby wooded area. The story quickly went viral, with social media users joking about the “party animal” and creating memes of the drunken encounter. While unusual, experts note that wildlife sometimes consumes fermented fruits or beverages if they can access them. This playful yet bizarre incident highlights how human spaces and curious animals can collide in unexpected―and hilariously strange―ways.
Stolen by Seagull!
A bizarre discovery in a U.S. basement recently went viral when a man stumbled upon a mysterious scrapbook filled entirely with photos of Robbie Rotten, the iconic villain from the children’s show LazyTown. The scrapbook, hidden away for years, contained meticulously arranged images, clippings, and doodles dedicated to the character, sparking curiosity and amusement across social media.
Viewers quickly speculated about the origins of the collection ― was it a long-lost fan project, a quirky family hobby, or an inside joke gone viral? The unusual find prompted widespread online discussion, with fans sharing memes, recreations, and theories about the scrapbook’s mysterious creator. Although the discovery raises more questions than answers, it has captivated audiences worldwide, proving that even hidden corners of a home can harbor unexpectedly entertaining and strange treasures. The Robbie Rotten scrapbook is now celebrated as one of 2025’s oddest viral sensations.
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
