De Young Museum (Yves Saint Laurent)

My girlfriend Michiko and I went to De Young Museum to see the exhibition of Yves Saint Laurent. De Young Museum is located in Golden Gate Park and this was my first time going inside the museum. Yves Saint Laurent is well known in Japan for perfumes and cosmetics more than clothing. I assumed he's been gone for a long time ago since his brand has been so famous for so long. Actually he just passed away last year in June.

He designed many stage costumes as well. There are interesting different dresses displayed. She and I were looking to see which one would be our favorite.

It's available until April 5, 2009. I have a membership so that I can take one guest for free! Let me know if you would like to go :)
http://www.ysldeyoung.org/

Kyoto (Nishiki Market)

Nishiki market is called the Kyoto's kitchen. It is about 6 blocks long and runs east-west, from Teramachi Street to Takakura Street. It is located one block north of Shijo Street (Shijo-dori). I was with my friend who was born and raised in Kyoto. We were in the same neighborhood and decided to walk to the market. Since it was new year's eve, there were a lot of people there, but we got to see many seasonal fresh produce. I had such a fun day with her and her daughters.

If you have a chance to be in Kyoto, this place is a must!

Osaka (Sky Building)

I was born and raised in Osaka. Osaka is the second largest city and known as business town. There are old buildings and new buildings well- mixed in Osaka. From sky building, we can see almost everything in Osaka.


(From Wikipedia)
The Umeda Sky Building (Umeda Sukai Biru) is the seventh-tallest building in Osaka City, Japan, and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It consists of two 40-story towers that connect at their two uppermost stories, with bridges and an escalator crossing the wide atrium-like space in the center.

New Year's food

Each item has a special meaning for New Year's wish. I didn't care for the taste of New Year's food when I was a kid. As an adult, it's much more meaningful to appreciate and understand what those things are for.

My dad used to had me and my sister drink sake on New Year's day. We were still in grammer school. We thought sake was a awful thing to drink. But now, it tastes so good :)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
I'm spending New Year's with my family and friends in Japan. It's not too cold here although it snowed a bit yesterday in Osaka.