When I first started with this blog, I warned myself not to expect too much of it. Sure, it would be great to attract readers that aren’t just friends and family. In fact, it would be downright wonderful to get a decent number of page views and some comments on my posts. But since I was completely new to blogging, I decided it would be best not to expect too much and just have fun with it.
Now, two years later, I can gladly say that my blogging adventure has exceeded my wildest dreams. People from all over the world find their way to this blog. Some people even comment on my posts! There are regular readers, who I feel I have gotten to know quite well through their comments on my posts and through reading their blogs. This blog has really become a source of joy to me. Therefore I think a thank you is in order. Thank you, dear readers, for coming to this blog and sharing a digital moment with me. I feel like blogging brings people together in a way that I could never have imagined.
This blog has even led to some real-life encounters. In March of last year, I found this darling message on the ‘About’ page of my blog:
I really enjoy reading. I was researching some information because my husband works for Toyota and we will be coming for a visit on March 24th and leaving on the 31st. He has to go into work everyday and I’m on my own at the hotel. I have to admit I’m a little nervous. I’ve never been out of the country. We live in Lexington, KY in the United States. We are staying at the same Hotel, I think it’s called Toyota Castle.
The only language I know is English. If you can help or give me some advice I would really appreciate it. If you live near by the hotel I would love to meet you during the day. Thank you so much for sharing your information. I hope to hear from you and wish you nothing but happiness for you and your husband.
Best Regards,
Bonnie
Not one to pass up an opportunity to infect someone with my passion for Japan, I agreed to meet Bonnie. It turned out to be a wonderful experience. Knowing that Bonnie had never been to another country before, I was very impressed with how open-minded she was towards all the new experiences and impressions coming her way. As I watched her discover Japan, I felt like I was rediscovering everything myself as well. It was a pleasure to show her around.
One of the memories that stand out most to me, is the day we were wandering around the Toyota Municipal Museum grounds and stumbled upon a little tea house. There was an elderly lady tending to the tea house and she invited us inside. The weather was beautiful. Spring was in the air and nature was bustling with new life. The tranquility of the tea house and the hospitality of the elderly lady further contributed to the atmosphere of the moment. Bonnie was moved to tears. It truly was ‘ichigo ichie’ (a once in a lifetime moment).
Thank you Bonnie, for all those wonderful memories!
The Japans 
Haruko-chan,
I’ve recently discovered your blog via a google search. After reading through a few blogs and the About section, I bookmarked the website for later perusing. I really like that you focus on the everyday things that most people don’t consider writing about. They are actually what I’m most interested in and, coincidentally, something that is hard to find. I studied abroad in London last year and it was the first time that I was out of the country (I’m originally from Milwaukee, WI, USA). It was such a great, mind-opening experience and now I’m stuck with the travel bug and dream of living everywhere.
Anyways, Japan is next on my list. I actually fell in love with it the same way that many others have, through anime and manga. But through that avenue I have become really interested in Japanese culture, language, and food. I’ve been yearning to go to Japan for years now! I’m graduating from college this May and am planning to spend the next few year planning for traveling and the years after that actually traveling. I just want to let you know that your blog is really fun to read as I plan/ fantasize about finally going to Japan. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experiences.
Ruary
Hi Ruary! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I’m so glad you like the blog. The focus on everyday things was exactly what I set out to do so I’m glad it comes across. Like you, I was also a Japan fanatic with difficulty finding some ‘normal’ information about Japan. Once I moved to Japan, I decided to do something about it ^_^
I wish you the best of luck with your future plans and travels. I agree with you that living abroad is such an eye-opener. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone!
Best wishes
Haruko
Because of anime, I fell in love with Japan and have always been looking forward to visit it. That sounds weird but it’s true. Don’t have much to say, and it’s my first time post reply on your blog. You are a great writer and I enjoy reading your blog so much! Really hope to see more coming soon!
That doesn’t sound so weird because for me as well, it was anime that first got me interested in Japan. I especially like Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal. I’m glad you like my blog ^_^
I love reading your blog and your unique views on Japan. Please keep it up!
Thank you for sticking with me from the start!
Japan has to be one of the most hospitable places on earth. They are so polite! Yes, I think there is a space inside the Japanese psyche that no-one but another Japanese can get to or understand but they are wonderful hosts. Nothing is ever too much trouble for the, even if you can tell they think you are crazy. But, I love that when you scratch them (figuratively) the guys all love a cold one on a hot day – or in the middle of a freezing cold snap, or after work, or any other time! A great place to visit and learn.
Yes, the hospitality of the Japanese is amazing!
What a lovely post! Thanks for sharing this experience 🙂
And thank you for reading it 🙂
I miss you Helena! You made my trip to Japan the best trip ever!!! What a passion you have for Japan and share with others like myself! Thank you for sharing your time while I was there! You gave me memories of a lifetime! Bless you and this blog!!!
You set an example for anyone coming into contact with a foreign culture for the first time. You inspired me! Blessings to you and your family as well.