Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MARCH 27. 2026Nominication: The tender art of taking off the mask by Olivia
There is a moment in every Japanese nomikai when the room exhales. It’s subtle ― the clink of the second glass, the softening of shoulders, the way someone’s laugh suddenly becomes real instead of polite. This is nominication (飲みにケーション): the cultural ritual where alcohol becomes the key that unlocks the human underneath the professional mask.
At first, everyone arrives in their usual “robot mode.” Don’t get me wrong, but it feels like that because of the polite smiles, careful phrasing, and social restraint that haunts me at the office. After living in Japan for over a decade, I finally realized that it’s not coldness, though; it’s protection. Japanese society requires people to avoid burdening others, to maintain harmony, and to keep emotions out of sight. Coming from a culture that does exactly the opposite, and does not require restraint in daily life, I appreciate the efficiency and the quiet relief of not seeing one’s real emotions in official settings, and not being dependent on the person’s mood. But this standard for Japanese people creates pressure, and a quiet emotional compression may build throughout the day.
Then the first drink arrives. Alcohol, as I have found out, isn’t just a beverage. It’s permission. Permission to relax, to speak honestly, to laugh too loudly, maybe even cry, and to admit that work is exhausting or that life is confusing. It’s astonishing how quickly and dramatically the atmosphere shifts. Just recall that time when the same colleague who barely made eye contact at the office was suddenly telling you about his secret dream of starring in a movie.
Nominication has its shadows, too. Nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) pushes people past their limits. The same rituals that create connection can also leave bodies hurting and spirits drained. The pressure to keep up with seniors, the expectation to bond through alcohol, the mix of different kinds of alcohol in random order, always starting with a beer… it can all become too much. I certainly love it that the beer always comes first because it is the fastest way to say cheers and not make anyone wait. I have never experienced it outside Japan.
And yet, the emotional logic is strangely beautiful. The next day, everyone “forgets” what happened. Not because they truly don’t remember, but because forgetting is kind. It protects the intimacy of the night before, and allows people to return to their masks without shame.
For someone like me, nominication is both fascinating and bewildering. I love the warmth that emerges when people finally let themselves be human, but I’ve learned that I don’t need to drink (too much) to participate in that softness. Presence, curiosity, and emotional safety can create the same connection without the hangover.
Maybe that’s the life lesson hidden inside nominication: beneath all the rituals and rules, people simply want a place where they can breathe.
日本の飲み会には必ず訪れる瞬間がある。部屋全体が息を吐くような瞬間だ。それは微妙な変化だ――二杯目のグラスが触れ合う音、肩の力が抜ける様子、誰かの笑いが突然、社交辞令から本物の笑いへと変わる瞬間。これが「飲みにケーション」だ。酒が鍵となり、職業的な仮面の下に隠された人間性を解き放つ文化的儀式である。
最初は皆、いつもの「ロボットモード」で現れる。誤解しないでほしいが、それは職場で私を悩ませる、礼儀正しい笑顔や慎重な言葉遣い、社会的抑制のせいでそう感じられるのだ。日本に住んで十数年、ようやく気づいたのは、それは冷たさではなく、守りなのだと。日本社会は、他人に負担をかけず、調和を保ち、感情を表に出さないことを求める。日常で抑制を必要としない、正反対の文化から来た者として、公式の場では本音を隠す効率性と静かな安堵、相手の機嫌に左右されない点は評価している。しかしこの基準は日本人にとってプレッシャーとなり、一日を通して静かな感情の圧縮が生じることもある。
最初の飲み物が運ばれてくる。私が気づいたように、アルコールは単なる飲み物ではない。それは許可だ。リラックスする許可、本音を話す許可、大声で笑う許可、もしかしたら泣く許可、仕事が疲れるとか人生が混乱しているとか認める許可。雰囲気が驚くほど素早く劇的に変わるのだ。思い出してほしい、オフィスではほとんど目を合わせなかったあの同僚が、突然映画主演という秘めた夢を打ち明けてきたあの時のことを。
飲み会にも影の側面がある。飲み放題は人々に限界を超えることを強いる。絆を生む儀式が、同時に身体を痛め精神を消耗させることもある。先輩に合わせるプレッシャー、酒で親睦を深める期待、様々な酒を無造作に混ぜて飲む習慣、必ずビールから始めること…これら全てが重荷となる。ビールが常に最初に来るのは確かに素晴らしい。乾杯を最も早く済ませ、誰も待たせない方法だからだ。日本以外でこの習慣を経験したことはない。
しかし、その感情的な論理は奇妙な美しさを持っている。翌日、誰もが起きたことを「忘れる」。本当に覚えていないからではなく、忘れることが親切だからだ。それは前夜の親密さを守り、人々が恥じることなく仮面を取り戻すことを許す。
私のような人間にとって、ノミネーションは魅惑的でありながら困惑させるものだ。人々がようやく人間らしさを解放した時に生まれる温もりが好きだが、その柔らかさに浸るために（過度に）酒を飲む必要はないと学んだ。存在感、好奇心、そして感情的な安全感があれば、二日酔いなしに同じ繋がりを生み出せるのだ。
おそらくそれがノミネーションに秘められた人生の教訓だ。あらゆる儀式や規則の下で、人々が求めているのはただ息ができる場所なのだ。
Plain Talk
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback JULY 12. 2019Work Life Balance back in half a century ago… by Yuhei Dan Ito
When it comes to visiting tourist attractions in Japan, timing is everything. Just imagine your disappointment when you finally arrive at the garden or park of your dreams but there is nothing except green trees and shrubbery.
That is not the case if you decide to stop by Kyu Furukawa Garden in Kita-ku, Tokyo. All year round you can appreciate the beauty of roses, peonies, blooming apricot trees, weeping sakura, azalea, irises. The garden is not too big, but it is packed with possibilities to relax and embrace the calm atmosphere of the ancient Somei-mura Village. It exhibits an eclectic mix of Japanese and Western cultures. You can have a tea break at least in two different places within the garden. The first one is an old western-style building built by the famous British architect Josiah Conder. However, drinking a cup of tea or coffee with cake while looking at the rose garden will be possible only in autumn and spring. A guided tour inside the building is offered three times a day but you need to apply in advance, so it is almost impossible for non-Japanese speakers. The second place is a Japanese tea house.
Perhaps the most romantic time to visit it is Spring Rose Festival in May, especially when the light-up is on. A slightly intoxicating aroma of roses and irises is especially strong when the weather is sunny. At the festival you will be able to buy several kinds of rose-flavored treats. Last year’s most popular specialty was delicious Chou a` la cre`me with rose ice-cream. The Autumn Rose Festival is held in October and the visiting time is not extended.
Kyu-Furukawa Garden is also a must-see if you are into azaleas. If you choose the date wisely, you will be able to catch up both azaleas and roses (but not the light-up).
日本で観光名所に出かける際、重要なのはタイミングだ。念願叶って、庭園や公園に着いたがいいが、葉っぱだけの木や低木だけだったら、さぞかしがっかりするだろう。
東京都北区にある旧古川庭園のは、いつ行ってもがっかりさせられたことのない庭園だ。１年中花の美しさを鑑賞できる。ローズ、シャクヤク、アンズ、しだれ桜、ツツジ、アイリス。庭園は広くはないが、かっての染井村が持っていたゆったりした穏やかな雰囲気が伝わってくる。和洋折衷の文化に浸れる。庭園内にあるふたつある施設でお茶が飲める。ひとつは、イギリス出身の建築家、ジョサイア・コンドルにより設計監理された洋館にある。しかしケーキと一緒に紅茶やコーヒーを飲みながら、ローズガーデンを楽しみたいなら、秋と春に限定される。洋館のガイドツアーは一日に３回行われるが、予約が必要なため、日本語が話せないとむずかしい。ふたつめは、和風の茶屋だ。
５月のスプリング・ローズ・フェスティバルに行くと夢のような気分に浸れる。ローズとアイリスの香りがほのかに漂い、天候がいいとなおさらだ。フェスティバル開催時には、ローズ関連のグッズも購入できる。昨年好評だったスペシャリティはローズアイスクリームの入ったシュークリームだった。秋のローズフェスティバルは１０月で時間延長はない。
ツツジに目がないなら、旧古河庭園は絶対にお薦めだ。うまく訪問日を選んだなら、ツツジとローズを両方とも鑑賞できる。
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 MARCH 27, 2026
SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI
Each spring, Nihonbashi comes alive with SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI, a sophisticated celebration that combines the beauty of cherry blossoms with modern city culture. Centered around the theme of “Art & Flower,” the festival transforms the historic district into an immersive springtime experience, where traditional aesthetics meet contemporary design.
During the day, streets are decorated with sakura-inspired elements such as flowing noren curtains, lanterns, and flower installations. Pop-up booths and seasonal displays invite visitors to explore both well-known streets and hidden corners, while interactive activities―like sticker rallies and small exhibitions―encourage guests to engage with the neighborhood creatively.
Culinary experiences are a key highlight, with participating cafe´s and restaurants offering limited-edition sakura-themed menus. From delicate desserts to inventive seasonal beverages, the festival turns tasting into a celebration of spring itself. Street stalls also provide opportunities to sample artisanal foods and traditional Japanese treats.
As night falls, the district takes on a magical ambiance. Soft lighting illuminates the streets and installations, creating a romantic and photogenic atmosphere ideal for leisurely evening walks.
SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI combines urban sophistication, seasonal beauty, and interactive creativity. Visitors can enjoy a rich cultural experience that blends art, gastronomy, and floral displays, offering a uniquely urban take on Japan’s beloved cherry blossom season. It’s an event that transforms Nihonbashi into a vibrant, seasonal showcase and makes exploring the city a fully immersive springtime adventure.
- April 5th (Sun) @ Nihonbashi Area (Mitsukoshimae Station)
https://nihonbashi-sakurafes.art/
Ueno Sakura Matsuri
The Ueno Sakura Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s most renowned spring events, attracting thousands of visitors each year to experience the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in Ueno Park. Known for its vast collection of sakura trees, the park becomes a sea of soft pink petals, creating a breathtaking and immersive seasonal landscape.
During the festival, visitors gather for traditional hanami picnics, enjoying the blossoms’ beauty while sharing food, drinks, and conversation. Families, friends, and travelers alike embrace this centuries-old custom, celebrating the arrival of spring amid scenic pathways lined with hundreds of flowering trees.
In the evenings, the park transforms into a magical space through yozakura―nighttime cherry blossom viewing. Lanterns illuminate the main pathways, casting a warm, romantic glow over the blossoms, creating unforgettable photo opportunities and a peaceful yet festive atmosphere.
The festival also features a wide variety of food and cultural experiences. Traditional festival stalls offer street snacks, regional specialties, and sweets, while small performance areas host live music, dance, and seasonal exhibitions.
Blending nature, tradition, and entertainment, Ueno Sakura Matsuri is more than a visual spectacle―it’s a full sensory experience. It offers visitors a chance to connect with Japan’s cultural heritage, celebrate the fleeting beauty of the season, and enjoy the lively ambiance of one of Tokyo’s most iconic parks. Whether visiting by day or night, the festival provides a quintessential and unforgettable hanami experience.
- April 5th (Sun) @ Ueno Park (Ueno Sta)
https://www.ueno.or.jp/post/uenosakuramatsuri
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MARCH 27, 2026
Kamikuki Peach Blossoms [Niyodogawa, Kochi]
The peach blossoms in Kamikuki, Kochi transform the countryside each spring into a vibrant sea of pink and white. Hillsides dotted with hanamomo trees create picturesque walking paths and perfect photo spots. Visitors can enjoy the gentle fragrance, seasonal festival events, and sweeping views, making Kamikuki a serene and unforgettable springtime destination.
Sakuratoge Pass [Kitashiobara, Fukushima]
Sakuratoge Pass in Fukushima offers breathtaking mountain scenery, especially during spring when cherry blossoms bloom along its slopes. The winding roads provide panoramic views of forests, valleys, and distant peaks, making it a favorite spot for scenic drives and photography. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, seasonal flowers, and the peaceful atmosphere of this picturesque mountain pass.
Hanamomo no Sato [Chisato, Achi]
Hanamomo no Sato in Chisato, Aichi, bursts to life each spring with stunning peach blossoms that create a colorful, festival-like atmosphere. Unlike typical orchards, this village blends traditional countryside charm with seasonal events, including local food stalls and cultural displays. Visitors can enjoy vibrant floral scenery, leisurely strolls, and panoramic views that celebrate Aichi’s spring beauty.
Haradani-en Garden [Okitayamaharadaniinui-cho, Kyoto]
Haradani-en Garden in Kyoto is a tranquil hillside garden renowned for its vibrant seasonal blooms. In spring, azaleas burst into color, painting the slopes in shades of pink, red, and white. Visitors can wander along winding paths, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, and immerse themselves in traditional Japanese landscaping, making it a serene and photogenic destination.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: MARCH 25. 2016
Hana wa katarazu. by Paul Stewart
At this time of the year in Japan, as a writer it would almost be a crime not to talk about the Cherry Blossoms and the incredible pull they have on the people here.
It's a time of joy and celebration. Social gatherings spring up and workdays are scheduled on a sheet of plastic under the pink hue of Sakura. It's a joy to watch the families, friends, colleagues gather in appreciation and positivity with this short seasonal gift of Mother Nature.
A blossom is such a symbol isn’t it. It is the beginning of new life. A seed within a seed, its radiance is short lived yet so bright, it is timeless. I wonder if people can relate that to their own life as I wander along enjoying the picture that all are participating in the making of.
When your mind is at peace, you can catch a falling blossom and watch it dance all the way to the colored ground. Or watch it sail out and land gently upon the water of the nearby river. It’s like being in pink snow.
Have you ever tried to catch a falling petal? Have you tried to capture them in a picture? It’s not easy to do. But it is possible. The ability to appreciate is a moment not lost. It is full of abundance as are we. When we think about it, we realize, everything we do is to obtain some kind of feeling. The simplicity of this beautiful time in Japan as the Blossoms fall for another season, provides us with an opportunity to feel the depth and wonder of who we are.
The ability of the Japanese people to enjoy such things is something to feel good about and it is a shining example in a world of people who are also blossoming in many and varied ways.
日本で一年のこの時期、桜や行楽の人出を語らずして物書きとは名乗るれない。
この時期は喜ばしくお目出度い。平日になるとピンク色の桜の下ではプラスティクのシートが敷かれ、あちらでもこちらでも人の輪ができ、みながお花見を楽しむ。家族、友人、会社の同僚で集まり、母なる自然からの春のつかの間の贈り物を、観賞して楽しむ。
桜は象徴だといえる。新しい人生の始まりであり、種の中の種は、短い人生でありながら見事な輝きを放ち、永遠だ。みんな、どのように自分の人生を桜に関連づけるのかと考えながら、僕は花見の風景を眺めながら散策を楽しむ。
心が平穏であると、散っていく花びらを手の平で受け止めたり、花色に染まる地面に舞っていく花びらを観賞できる。あるいは、川のみなもにたおやかに浮かぶ花びらを目で追える。まるでピンク色をした雪のよう。
舞う花びらを受け止めた事があるだろうか。写真に取った事があるだろうか。簡単ではないが、可能だ。花びらはいっぱいある。ある感情を理解することが大切だ。日本のこの美しい時期、次の季節のために桜が散っていくという潔さは、奥深い感情と自分が何者かという思いに馳せる機会をあたえてくれる。
花見を楽しむ日本人の能力は、精神面ですばらしい。そして様々な分野で成功を治める世界の人々のいいお手本である。
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 MARCH 27. 2026
No Coffee for You!
In South Korea, cafe´-goers were baffled when a high-tech robot barista started randomly refusing to serve customers ― but only those wearing red. Patrons reported being politely declined with messages like, “Unable to process order,” while others received their drinks without issue.
Technicians investigating the incident discovered a malfunction in the color sensor, which caused the robot to misinterpret red clothing as an error signal. Despite the glitch being relatively minor, it sparked a flurry of social media posts, memes, and humorous speculation about robots developing “fashion preferences.”
The cafe´ quickly issued an apology and assured customers the system had been fixed, but the incident raised amusing questions about the limits of automation. For a few days, the “Red-Shirt Rebellion,” as it was nicknamed online, became a viral sensation, highlighting both the quirks of AI technology and the fun unpredictability of our increasingly robot-assisted lives.
Too Weird?
In Italy, a local gelateria made headlines after launching a highly experimental flavor: Olive Oil & Sardine Gelato. The idea was meant to celebrate unusual regional ingredients, but the combination proved too adventurous for most customers. Patrons described a taste that was more “shock” than “delight,” and photos of grimacing tasters quickly circulated online.
The cafe´ ultimately decided to pull the flavor, citing customer complaints and online feedback. While some adventurous foodies defended it as “a bold culinary experiment,” most agreed the gelato was better left untried.
The incident sparked playful debates about how far chefs should push culinary boundaries, with food bloggers dubbing it “the gelato that broke the internet.” Despite its removal, the flavor lives on as a humorous reminder that not all innovation needs to reach your taste buds.
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 MARCH 27, 2026SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI
Each spring, Nihonbashi comes alive with SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI, a sophisticated celebration that combines the beauty of cherry blossoms with modern city culture. Centered around the theme of “Art & Flower,” the festival transforms the historic district into an immersive springtime experience, where traditional aesthetics meet contemporary design.
During the day, streets are decorated with sakura-inspired elements such as flowing noren curtains, lanterns, and flower installations. Pop-up booths and seasonal displays invite visitors to explore both well-known streets and hidden corners, while interactive activities―like sticker rallies and small exhibitions―encourage guests to engage with the neighborhood creatively.
Culinary experiences are a key highlight, with participating cafe´s and restaurants offering limited-edition sakura-themed menus. From delicate desserts to inventive seasonal beverages, the festival turns tasting into a celebration of spring itself. Street stalls also provide opportunities to sample artisanal foods and traditional Japanese treats.
As night falls, the district takes on a magical ambiance. Soft lighting illuminates the streets and installations, creating a romantic and photogenic atmosphere ideal for leisurely evening walks.
SAKURA FES NIHONBASHI combines urban sophistication, seasonal beauty, and interactive creativity. Visitors can enjoy a rich cultural experience that blends art, gastronomy, and floral displays, offering a uniquely urban take on Japan’s beloved cherry blossom season. It’s an event that transforms Nihonbashi into a vibrant, seasonal showcase and makes exploring the city a fully immersive springtime adventure.
- April 5th (Sun) @ Nihonbashi Area (Mitsukoshimae Station)
https://nihonbashi-sakurafes.art/
Ueno Sakura Matsuri
The Ueno Sakura Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s most renowned spring events, attracting thousands of visitors each year to experience the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms in Ueno Park. Known for its vast collection of sakura trees, the park becomes a sea of soft pink petals, creating a breathtaking and immersive seasonal landscape.
During the festival, visitors gather for traditional hanami picnics, enjoying the blossoms’ beauty while sharing food, drinks, and conversation. Families, friends, and travelers alike embrace this centuries-old custom, celebrating the arrival of spring amid scenic pathways lined with hundreds of flowering trees.
In the evenings, the park transforms into a magical space through yozakura―nighttime cherry blossom viewing. Lanterns illuminate the main pathways, casting a warm, romantic glow over the blossoms, creating unforgettable photo opportunities and a peaceful yet festive atmosphere.
The festival also features a wide variety of food and cultural experiences. Traditional festival stalls offer street snacks, regional specialties, and sweets, while small performance areas host live music, dance, and seasonal exhibitions.
Blending nature, tradition, and entertainment, Ueno Sakura Matsuri is more than a visual spectacle―it’s a full sensory experience. It offers visitors a chance to connect with Japan’s cultural heritage, celebrate the fleeting beauty of the season, and enjoy the lively ambiance of one of Tokyo’s most iconic parks. Whether visiting by day or night, the festival provides a quintessential and unforgettable hanami experience.
- April 5th (Sun) @ Ueno Park (Ueno Sta)
https://www.ueno.or.jp/post/uenosakuramatsuri
Have You Been To...
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD MARCH 27, 2026Kamikuki Peach Blossoms [Niyodogawa, Kochi]
The peach blossoms in Kamikuki, Kochi transform the countryside each spring into a vibrant sea of pink and white. Hillsides dotted with hanamomo trees create picturesque walking paths and perfect photo spots. Visitors can enjoy the gentle fragrance, seasonal festival events, and sweeping views, making Kamikuki a serene and unforgettable springtime destination.
Sakuratoge Pass [Kitashiobara, Fukushima]
Sakuratoge Pass in Fukushima offers breathtaking mountain scenery, especially during spring when cherry blossoms bloom along its slopes. The winding roads provide panoramic views of forests, valleys, and distant peaks, making it a favorite spot for scenic drives and photography. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, seasonal flowers, and the peaceful atmosphere of this picturesque mountain pass.
Hanamomo no Sato [Chisato, Achi]
Hanamomo no Sato in Chisato, Aichi, bursts to life each spring with stunning peach blossoms that create a colorful, festival-like atmosphere. Unlike typical orchards, this village blends traditional countryside charm with seasonal events, including local food stalls and cultural displays. Visitors can enjoy vibrant floral scenery, leisurely strolls, and panoramic views that celebrate Aichi’s spring beauty.
Haradani-en Garden [Okitayamaharadaniinui-cho, Kyoto]
Haradani-en Garden in Kyoto is a tranquil hillside garden renowned for its vibrant seasonal blooms. In spring, azaleas burst into color, painting the slopes in shades of pink, red, and white. Visitors can wander along winding paths, enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, and immerse themselves in traditional Japanese landscaping, making it a serene and photogenic destination.
Tokyo Voice Column
TOKYO NOTICE BOARD TNB Throwback: MARCH 25. 2016Hana wa katarazu. by Paul Stewart
At this time of the year in Japan, as a writer it would almost be a crime not to talk about the Cherry Blossoms and the incredible pull they have on the people here.
It's a time of joy and celebration. Social gatherings spring up and workdays are scheduled on a sheet of plastic under the pink hue of Sakura. It's a joy to watch the families, friends, colleagues gather in appreciation and positivity with this short seasonal gift of Mother Nature.
A blossom is such a symbol isn’t it. It is the beginning of new life. A seed within a seed, its radiance is short lived yet so bright, it is timeless. I wonder if people can relate that to their own life as I wander along enjoying the picture that all are participating in the making of.
When your mind is at peace, you can catch a falling blossom and watch it dance all the way to the colored ground. Or watch it sail out and land gently upon the water of the nearby river. It’s like being in pink snow.
Have you ever tried to catch a falling petal? Have you tried to capture them in a picture? It’s not easy to do. But it is possible. The ability to appreciate is a moment not lost. It is full of abundance as are we. When we think about it, we realize, everything we do is to obtain some kind of feeling. The simplicity of this beautiful time in Japan as the Blossoms fall for another season, provides us with an opportunity to feel the depth and wonder of who we are.
The ability of the Japanese people to enjoy such things is something to feel good about and it is a shining example in a world of people who are also blossoming in many and varied ways.
日本で一年のこの時期、桜や行楽の人出を語らずして物書きとは名乗るれない。
この時期は喜ばしくお目出度い。平日になるとピンク色の桜の下ではプラスティクのシートが敷かれ、あちらでもこちらでも人の輪ができ、みながお花見を楽しむ。家族、友人、会社の同僚で集まり、母なる自然からの春のつかの間の贈り物を、観賞して楽しむ。
桜は象徴だといえる。新しい人生の始まりであり、種の中の種は、短い人生でありながら見事な輝きを放ち、永遠だ。みんな、どのように自分の人生を桜に関連づけるのかと考えながら、僕は花見の風景を眺めながら散策を楽しむ。
心が平穏であると、散っていく花びらを手の平で受け止めたり、花色に染まる地面に舞っていく花びらを観賞できる。あるいは、川のみなもにたおやかに浮かぶ花びらを目で追える。まるでピンク色をした雪のよう。
舞う花びらを受け止めた事があるだろうか。写真に取った事があるだろうか。簡単ではないが、可能だ。花びらはいっぱいある。ある感情を理解することが大切だ。日本のこの美しい時期、次の季節のために桜が散っていくという潔さは、奥深い感情と自分が何者かという思いに馳せる機会をあたえてくれる。
花見を楽しむ日本人の能力は、精神面ですばらしい。そして様々な分野で成功を治める世界の人々のいいお手本である。
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 MARCH 27. 2026No Coffee for You!
In South Korea, cafe´-goers were baffled when a high-tech robot barista started randomly refusing to serve customers ― but only those wearing red. Patrons reported being politely declined with messages like, “Unable to process order,” while others received their drinks without issue.
Technicians investigating the incident discovered a malfunction in the color sensor, which caused the robot to misinterpret red clothing as an error signal. Despite the glitch being relatively minor, it sparked a flurry of social media posts, memes, and humorous speculation about robots developing “fashion preferences.”
The cafe´ quickly issued an apology and assured customers the system had been fixed, but the incident raised amusing questions about the limits of automation. For a few days, the “Red-Shirt Rebellion,” as it was nicknamed online, became a viral sensation, highlighting both the quirks of AI technology and the fun unpredictability of our increasingly robot-assisted lives.
Too Weird?
In Italy, a local gelateria made headlines after launching a highly experimental flavor: Olive Oil & Sardine Gelato. The idea was meant to celebrate unusual regional ingredients, but the combination proved too adventurous for most customers. Patrons described a taste that was more “shock” than “delight,” and photos of grimacing tasters quickly circulated online.
The cafe´ ultimately decided to pull the flavor, citing customer complaints and online feedback. While some adventurous foodies defended it as “a bold culinary experiment,” most agreed the gelato was better left untried.
The incident sparked playful debates about how far chefs should push culinary boundaries, with food bloggers dubbing it “the gelato that broke the internet.” Despite its removal, the flavor lives on as a humorous reminder that not all innovation needs to reach your taste buds.
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
