Some of my memories.

December...Shiwasu(師走) is a Japanese traditional name for December. Shi (師) is the Japanese word for priest or teacher and Hasu (走) is the character for run. Together they literally mean “teachers and priests run”.People are extremely busy cooking and cleaning in preparation for the upcoming New Year’s celebrations. People are rushing around here and there in December in order to welcome the New Year.

The poinsettia are blooming.







Christmas is coming into my living room. The Christmas plate “Robin” made by Noritake 2001.The other displays are presents from my sister, daughter in law, and close friend. I love this space this time of year, because the displayed items bring back precious memories.




Christmas lights at my neighbor’s house.


This is a cookie, a gift sent from my close friend who lives in Ibaraki prefecture far away from Nara. She suffered from cerebral infarct last July. After 5 months of her verbal and physical rehabilitation, she returned to her normal life. I am now so happy to say she made a full recovery! This is a special tea time for me. I think of her while I drink a cup of fragrant, steaming cup of tea and enjoy my cookie.
Congratulations to my friend!




Kochi Castle
My husband, his mother and I went to Kochi city, which is his mother’s home town. She has been missing the place she grew up. After 6 hour driving from our house we reached the Kouchi castle. It was the first time for me to visit the city. My husband’s mother was born here and grew up here, seeing the castle every day. She was able to go up to the tower of the castle with our help, and enjoyed looking over the town.



The following day we went to Katsura beach. Right before your eyes is the Pacific Ocean.


Sakamoto Ryouma (1835-1867), an unlikely reformer, who is Japan’s most beloved historical figure, was born in Kochi. The large bronze statue of Sakamoto Ryoma looking out to the sea stands on the beach.





While walking on the beach I felt really relaxed as the gentle breeze from the ocean touched my skin. I found joy in picking up beautiful stones, remembering that my brother, sister and me used to be much closer to nature in our childhood. These collections formed from nature are beautiful!





Mt. Iino known as Sanuki Fuji in Kagawa prefecture.
Before the sunrise, from our car driving back to Nara.



The last photo is …..Now I will introduce to you a close friend of mine. He is my neighbor. He usually likes being photographed, but not always. Once I bring my camera to my eyes he is willing to pose for me. I start walking but he can not stop running around and barking in the garden!



                                                  Thank you all for visiting the Green Tomato.
                                                    I hope next year will bring you happiness.