Sumo Emperor's Cup

The tournament ended a few minutes ago, the champion a first-year student (18 or 19) at 日本大 university. A future professional wrestler, no doubt. https://www.youtube.com/live/Y0QIwtDg5r4?si=PW-IARYuqagiYPmv

Touching Story, Sexy Car

https://youtu.be/UiYliMxhuXE?si=kJCNUh_iWiMcgS7Y Makes one want to drive a Nissan.

Yuki Onna: 雪女

Yuki Onna is a Japanese tale of the supernatural first introduced to Western readers by Lafcadio Hearn, or 小泉 八雲 as he is known in Japan. My copy is a graded reader level 4 in the series, or N2 on the Japanese language proficiency test. The kanji are accompanied by furigana readings for ease of understanding.

Sample page:

Crow Boy: からす たろう

Excellent 絵本 by やしま たろう。First published in English by Viking. I strongly recommend this book. It could change your perspective on a lot of things. Do read.

Smorgasbord

Photos

Lower photo: ザクロ、or pomegranate

Monumental Cleaning

Vending Machines

The vending machine, or 自動販売機、shortened form 自販機。This week's Vox Populi column in the Asahi celebrates vending machines stocked with hot canned drinks to warm the hands and soul on cool autumn days. From Ozaki Yutaka's song "15の夜" (1983): “Warmth you can buy with a hundred-yen coin, gripping a can of hot coffee tight.” Live version: Check out this video from this search, 尾崎豊 15の夜 https://share.google/utiJQ6gDkniymGElJ VOX POPULI: The charms of a vending machine with hot drinks on colder days | The Asahi Shimbun: https://share.google/VdwtvNkJLujs7FW4X

ひらみ ぱん Bakery Cafe, Entitled Europeans

Went to this famous bakery cafe in Kanazawa yesterday. Excellent food, coffee, atmosphere. Line outside, as anticipated (waiting in line not brilliant, but that's the drill): family of four and three couples ahead of me. About 10:45. Affluent ( it's not just the obvious effort to be polloi in Uniqlo and Onizuka Tigers, but the self-confidence, the air of entitlement, and the smirk of privilege) European (Swiss? Austrian?) family of four behind me in the queue. After about 15 minutes a member of the staff opens the door and invites the first group to enter. Over 15 minutes several couples leave, but none of those ahead of me are seated. Growing impatient, but what's the point? About 10 minutes later, the staff usher into the cafe the next four groups, including me. A few minutes after that, the horse-faced patrician matriarch enters with her brood and husband in tow and announces she will be seated. The owner-chef rushes out of the kitchen to assist staff in bussing a 4-top. Again, all smiles from these people who are accustomed to getting their way, always. Ugly, entitled Europeans. Don't come here ( wherever you're from). We don't want you. https://photos.app.goo.gl/AmJcnhAfcCaiyTj76

Kanazawa Kids on Books and Libraries

Was in Kanazawa yesterday and visited the Izumino Library. https://maps.app.goo.gl/rSmHNvxGkTrK8ZrdA https://photos.app.goo.gl/WUbwZacqvptQCy4A9 Impressive local library in a castle town known for sophisticated culture. The Prefectural Library, also in Kanazawa. https://www.library.pref.ishikawa.lg.jp/ Really worth a visit.

Rail Journey: Niigata, Kurobe- Unazuki Onsen, Kanazawa, and Return

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hqdnJynmCRfpfSAt5