It's Thursday and the last day of the year so I thought it would be fitting to revisit some of my favorite Tokyo Thursdays stories, vintage 2009.
Some of you might have given Warm Hearted Money Presents, French Spirit meets Japanese Tradition with Maïa Maniglier (September 17).
People might not be aware of this “warm-hearted money present culture” in Japan.
The way to give money in Japan is much different from Western culture.
In Japan, people offer money or gratuities in Kokoroduke envelopes.
However, people are gradually forgetting to convey the custom in this traditional and smart way. Maia Maniglier wondered : if there were modern and designed envelopes, people might bring their own warm-hearted culture back."
Can you remember these hot, sticky summer evenings then Cool Sheets End Sleepless Nights, Slow the Meter in Japan (October 15) was a perfect read and a neat idea.
Combine a mat and a fan and they suggest you can say goodbye to sleepless nights."
In a more meditative state of mind, Quiet Time on Sundays in Tokyo at Hanazono Shinto Shrine's Flea Market (August 27) might be for you.
and pieces being shuffled around yet Yasuda Mako suggests in Hanazono Jinja Aozora Kotto-ichi
(Real Tokyo) that the flea market at Hanazono Shinto Shrine is a quiet
oasis a few minutes walk from the noise and bustle of Shinjuku."
For book lovers and expat eyes there's Tokyo Sanpo, Sketches of Tokyo Life through French Eyes (June 25).
It became a book, Tokyo Sanpo (Editions Philippe Picquier)."
I will wrap this up with Tokyo Metro Posters 'This is not your living room' Metro Etiquette (January 29).
No explanations needed
If you missed these stories when they were published, your chance to catch up.
A quick walk through a Year of Tokyo Thursdays for Tokyo Thursdays #120
A nice round number!
Add a visit to Japan to my 2010 Wish List!