June 1st was my first birthday in Japan–and it was pretty great! I received my first present, which was the lovely float white version of the popular Japanese “toy” Nohohon-Zoku. These little figurines are popular in Japan and are designed to be solar powered relaxation devices. The big guy’s head bobs gently side to side–I am not sure if it relaxes me, but it does make me smile!
Our whole family met our friends Shu and Megumi and their children Taiyo and Hinako at a mall and had lunch at “Cat’s Cafe,” a chain famous for it’s ice cream. Rachel has eaten there before and she wanted me to eat there with her, but I had always been intimidated by the many cat statues smiling in the window. It was a good meal. I ordered fried salmon–first time I have had salmon fried!
After the meal, Shu and Megumi secretly ordered a giant pitcher of ice cream (on the bottom were corn flakes and on the top were various fruits). It was a GIANT portion of ice cream–even for me. Luckily it was meant to be shared! We had a great time sharing the ice cream, and snapping pictures with our cell phones while I opened their gift.
After that Rachel and our Japanese friends went to see the new Narnia movie (which they all loved) while I stayed in the car with Coco and Owen while they napped. One might think it is odd that I spent a good portion of my birthday in a parked car in a mall parking lot–but it was really enjoyable. We folded down the seats of our van and the kids snuggled up and slept. Owen (who is not much for cuddling) even slept on my chest. I think that was my favorite part of the day.
After the movie, Shu and I went and got coffee together. He is a great friend and is very patient and forthright in his explanation of Japanese culture. I like to imagine him taking me under his wing and teaching me the ways of the Japanese. I appreciate the gift of his friendship immensely.
After coffee, Shu and I hooked back up with our families and it was time to go home. They walked us to our car and watched us depart, waving as we drove away, in customary Japanese style.
On the way home, I got lost on the tollway, which led to an impromptu tour of eastern Aichi (our province). We topped it off with a stop at an area McDonalds for dinner. At nice end to a great day!
