Japanese people

I have been living in Japan for 20 years since I was born. But I am often surprised by caracteristic culuture. I also experience traditional events in Japan for the first time. Third topic is about Japanese people, I would like to show pictures of traditional things. These are very important events for Japanese.













First picture was taken at a store on Decenber 31th. People who are in the picture are my gradfather, my father and mother. They chose Mochi which was made by rice callde "rice cake" in English. It's necessary to eat for New Year. Mochi is happy foods. There many anecdotes about Mochi. For instance, a culture that was called "Hagatame"(歯固め) was brought from China in 8 centurys. That means using Mochi for making strong teeth on New Year. So, we eat Mochi on New Year. Another example is Mochi's shape. Its shape is alike human heart. So acient people desired to regenerattion of life. Above explantions are like topic is about Mochi, but the most important thing in this picture is what they were talking. They were argued about which Moshi is the best to eat. So, Mochi is very imprtant traditional food for Japanese.

Second, recently I became 20 years old. I went to 20 year-old ceremony on January 3rd. i think it was the best event for me. To wear Kimono was first time for me. Additionaly, I attended alumni association. Most Japanese 20 year-old people experience this ceremony. This picture is very facinated, isn't it?

This web is about a book of relationship between Japanese and Mochi. If you have a interest, please read it^^http://www.amazon.co.jp/%E9%A4%85%E3%81%A8%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E4%BA%BA%E2%80%95%E3%80%8C%E9%A4%85%E6%AD%A3%E6%9C%88%E3%80%8D%E3%81%A8%E3%80%8C%E9%A4%85%E3%81%AA%E3%81%97%E6%AD%A3%E6%9C%88%E3%80%8D%E3%81%AE%E6%B0%91%E4%BF%97%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E8%AB%96-%E5%AE%89%E5%AE%A4-%E7%9F%A5/dp/4639016549

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Neighborhood Hirakata

Today's topic is neighborhood in Hirakata. I had many close neighbors in my hometown. But now, in Hirakata I only have one old woman in front of my apartment. What is difference from before and after? I think the difference is the way of living in town. I live at apartment now. So my neighbors might think that I suddenly came to this town and went to back somewhere sometime. I'm same as a foreigner for them in this town. I spent my life with neighbors before in my town because I lived a house.












This picture is a bike parking. In this parking, old persons work who are retired persons. The job system can support their pension because they can earn extra money. And employees can come to the working place by bicycle. They must live near from the parking. So I can park my bicycle safety because they are like a guard. They of course live in Hirakata. User of course live in Hirakata, too. So I can feel conection with neighbors. Actually, I meet acquaintances by chance in the parking.








This is a blackboard of advertisement for neighbors. A representatrive pastes ad. on it to inform us, for example, the day of a garbage truck, festival in this town and meeting. We can get event imformention from here! Most of towns have this blackboad. If you look at this board in summer, you may get information of a summer festival or a high school festival. If you find this board in your city, please check it. It's very useful and interesting. By the way this picture says the day of collecting waste articles.

My recommended places in Hirakata

This topic is my first impression of Japan. However I have been living in Japan since I was born. So, I'd like to introduce Hirakata for foreigners to enjoy living here! In addition to introduction, I'd like to advize you to live in Hirakata. (^0^)b!!

The first picture is "the first line". You might have been to there. There are many stores along the first line. I was surprised this crowded road when I went to the first line for the first time. If you through the street infront of Kansaigaidai, you can go to the first line. It has a 100 yen sushi restaurant that is not kappazushi, UNIQLO, electric stores, Mos burger shop, game store, DVD store and so on. Actually, I took the photo from Mos burger shop. Please find the first line some time.(´　▽`)ノ★

The second picture is my favorite market in Gotenbyamama where is next to Makino. Makino also has same one. Around Kansaigaidai has many market store. I think Life(ライフ） is the best one. Because quality is better than other small market in spite of price. If you have a chance to cook cultural foods to your friend, please go shopping there.　You can go to Makino's Life by bike from seminar houses. If you have a interest in Life, please click here http://www.lifecorp.jp/CGI/store/shop.cgi?mode=detail&area_cd=06&shop_cd=197
You can see advertisement of Makino Life untill February 10.