Category Archives: Modern Traditions

Coming of Age Day — 成人の日

Posted on January 12, 2015 by superhappyawesome

Happy Coming of Age Day! Today is a national holiday in Japan. Everyone who turned twenty in the past year gets all dressed up and goes to a big ceremony to celebrate. There’s lots of partying after, since 20 is … Continue reading →

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Today’s Watercolor AND Youtube: Tanabata!

Posted on October 17, 2014 by superhappyawesome

This past weekend was the third and final of my city’s big festivals! The first is the Daruma festival in early January and the second is the Tanabata Festival in July. I put together this little video about it for my … Continue reading →

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United Arrows Shaved Ice

Posted on August 23, 2014 by superhappyawesome

One of my absolute favorite things about Japan is the profusion of shaved ice in the summer time. From the Dom Pérignon shaved ice at the Grand Prince Takanawa (it’ll set you back a cool ¥30,000, or about $300, but … Continue reading →

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Today’s Watercolor: Obon Cucumber Horse & Eggplant Cow

Posted on August 20, 2014 by superhappyawesome

Hey guys! Wow, it’s been a crazy summer so far. Between my presentation at Otakon and the World Heritage Tour in Tomioka, I’ve barely had time to paint anything, let alone post. Luckily this weekend I finally had a chance … Continue reading →

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Tanabata Macarons!

Posted on July 8, 2014 by superhappyawesome

Happy Tanabata! The Star Festival is a romantic holiday in Japan, where two literally star crossed lovers meet once a year across the Milky Way, if the night is clear. I picked up these adorable Tanabata Macarons the other day, … Continue reading →

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White Day in Japan!

Posted on March 17, 2014 by superhappyawesome

Friday was White Dayhere in Japan. On Valentine’s Day I went all out, staying up until 1 am to bake a hundred little cat-shaped madeleines and putting together bags and with name tags. The morning of the

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Sakura mochi!

Posted on March 7, 2014 by superhappyawesome

The morning of graduation I opened the teachers’ room door to be greeted by the almost overwhelming scent of Sakura. One of the teachers has a

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Today’s Watercolor: Hearts!

Posted on February 11, 2014 by superhappyawesome

This week is one of my favorite holidays, so in honor of Valentine’s Day I have not one but two watercolors planned! The first one is under the cut, and the next one will be up later this week. I’m also … Continue reading →

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Happy New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2014 by superhappyawesome

I actually sent out traditional Japanese 年賀所 or nengajo this year! I always love receiving a big stack of of cards on New Year’s day, but I’ve always been daunted by the process of making them. I finally buckled down … Continue reading →

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Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s Summer Fireworks Hair

Posted on August 29, 2013 by superhappyawesome

Summer is winding down, so I thought I’d share this lovely photo of pop darling Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s fabulous summer fashion, which she posted on twitter recently. Is it better than her Christmas Hair? Afterall, nothing says summer like fireworks. … Continue reading →

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