BIWA DAYS – Ordinary Days around Lake Biwa

Hi, I’m mamiske. Living in Shiga, Japan, near the beautiful Lake Biwa. I’m practicing English by writing about my daily life. Sometimes snowy mountains, sometimes the blue lake. Welcome to my ordinary days!

[biwadays]

Strawberry Harvest Festival: A Gift from the Planter

Finally, our strawberries have reached their peak harvest!

We were able to harvest as many strawberries as in this picture for two days in a row.

I feel like these two days alone paid for themselves for the cost of the planter (laughs).

The freshly picked strawberries are so sweet, and the kids are so happy.

Have you ever eaten something you grew yourself?

[biwadays]

Sakura Magic: A Quick Stop on the Way Home

Yesterday, I stopped the car for a moment on my way home from work. The cherry blossoms were so beautiful and in full bloom.

Even though it was only for a few minutes, I felt the arrival of spring. I love this season when Shiga turns pink.

How are the cherry blossoms in your town?

[biwadays]

Spring Break Adventure: Family Trip to Nesta Resort Kobe

Yesterday, March 30th, the preschool was closed for year-end preparations.

So, I took a day off and went on an overnight trip to Nesta Resort Kobe.

We played at the resort all day Monday.

Although the "Canyon Drop" was canceled due to the wind, we enjoyed many other attractions like grass sliding and meeting animals.

Finally, we soaked in the hot spring on-site and had dinner before heading home.

The kids were completely tired out and fell fast asleep in the car on the way back.

[biwadays]

Spring Break Memories: A Day Trip to Eigenji Onsen

Today was a workday for me, but my wife, children, and grandma went to Eigenji Onsen. The hotel was fully booked, so they enjoyed a day trip plan instead.

They soaked in the hot springs many times and had a delicious lunch. They seemed completely exhausted because they fell asleep as soon as they got home.

I’m glad my family had a wonderful holiday. Have you visited any hot springs lately?

[biwadays]

Piano Recital at Biwako Hall: A Day of Nervous Excitement

Yesterday, my second-grade child had a piano recital at Biwako Hall. I was worried until the very end because they hadn't practiced much, but they managed to finish the performance well.

The grandparents came to support us. After the recital, we had lunch together at a nearby cafe overlooking Lake Biwa.

It was a heartwarming day watching my child's big moment.

Does your family come together for special events?

[biwadays]

A Cross-Generational Trend: Sticker Trading Fever!

Lately, my children have been obsessed with making sticker books and trading stickers with their friends. It seems like this is a nationwide trend among kids in Japan right now.

Interestingly, even their mother has started making her own sticker book! I think it’s because this was also a huge trend when parents were children. Now, the parent generation is enjoying it again with their kids out of nostalgia.

It’s wonderful to see different generations bonding over the same hobby, even as times change.

Does your country have any "revival" trends that parents and kids enjoy together?

[biwadays]

Judo Tournament: The Challenge for the First Win

Today, we went to the Twin Arena in Nagahama City.

My second-grade child participated in a judo tournament, so I went there to cheer them on.

Unfortunately, they lost in the first round.

It felt like they were close to winning, but they haven't won a match outside of club practice yet.

I think they feel disappointed, but I hope this experience motivates them to work harder in their next training session.

Do your children practice any sports?

[biwadays]

Home-grown Happiness: Our New Strawberry Planter

I bought a strawberry planter at a local farm called "Kawanishi Farm."（河西いちご園）

We’ve already enjoyed the delicious, ripe strawberries that were on the plant.

Now, watering the plants is my children's job.

I hope they enjoy taking care of them every day.

It looks like we can enjoy our own "mini strawberry picking" at home for about the next two months.

It's another wonderful way to enjoy spring here in Shiga.

Are you growing any plants or vegetables at home?

[biwadays]

Hinamatsuri 🎎: A Little Artist’s Paper Craft

Today is March 3rd, Hinamatsuri (Girls’ Day) in Japan. Usually, families display traditional Hina-dolls to wish for their children's happiness.

We were too busy to put up our dolls this year. However, my child brought home a wonderful artwork they made at nursery school!

It’s a handmade Odairi-sama (the Emperor) and Ohina-sama (the Empress). My child used colorful paper to make their beautiful kimonos.

Even without the traditional dolls, this handmade art made our living room feel very special. I’m so proud of my little artist! 🎨

Does your country have a special day to celebrate children’s growth?

[biwadays]

Sunday Vibes: Playing at the Park

Yesterday was Sunday, and the weather was beautiful. ☀️ I spent the afternoon at a nearby park with my children.

We were very active! We played tag and frisbee. The kids also enjoyed the horizontal bar and swings.

Watching them run and laugh under the sun was the best part of my weekend. I’m still a bit tired from all the running, but my heart is full.

These simple moments in Shiga are what I treasure the most.

How did you spend your weekend? 🍃

To YouTube

[biwadays]

Emperor’s Birthday: A Family Trip to Osaka

Yesterday was the Emperor’s Birthday, a national holiday in Japan.

I took my children to my parents' house in Osaka for an overnight stay.

My kids were so happy to see their grandma and grandpa!

They played together all day and ate a lot of delicious food.

Watching their satisfied faces made me feel very happy, too.

In Japan, it's very important to spend time with grandparents during holidays.

It was a relaxing and wonderful time for our family.

Do you often visit your parents' house with your children?

[biwadays]

Weekend Bliss: Club Harie Baumkuchen

On my day off, we had a relaxing time at home with a special treat. We enjoyed Baumkuchen from Club Harie, which is one of the most famous confectionery shops in Shiga.

The package says "Since 1951," so it has a long and respected history here.

Their Baumkuchen is incredibly soft and fluffy. It is famous for its delicate texture and light sweetness.

Sharing this delicious cake with my family made our holiday very peaceful and happy. In Shiga, a weekend with Club Harie is always a good idea!

Do you have a favorite local sweet that you eat on your days off?

[biwadays]

Growth in Action and Art: Learning Observation Day

Today, I visited my child’s school for "Learning Observation Day." 🏫

My second-grade child performed on a unicycle with friends. They moved so well together! It was amazing to see how much they have practiced.

Inside the classroom, I found some artwork, too.

There was a woodblock print (called "Hanga" in Japanese) made by my child.

The title was "Relaxed Penguin" (Nonbiri Penguin). 🐧

The penguin looked very peaceful and happy. It reminded me of our "Ordinary Days" here in Shiga.

From athletic skills to artistic expression, I was so impressed by my child's growth this year.

What kind of artwork did you make when you were a child?

[biwadays]

A Big Milestone: 100,000 km Together!

Today was a special day for my car. 🚗

The odometer reached exactly 100,000 kilometers!

I bought this car almost 10 years ago.

Since then, it has been a great partner for my family. We have driven around Lake Biwa many times and visited many places together.

100,000 km is a long distance, but the car is still running very well.

I am so grateful for all the memories we made in this car.

I want to take good care of it and drive a little longer.

How many kilometers (or miles) do you have on your car?

[biwadays]

A Guidepost from the Samurai Era

I found this stone monument at Kusatsu Station.

It is a replica of a guidepost from the Edo period (about 200 years ago).

The large letters say "Kusatsu-juku."

This town was very important because two major roads, the Tokaido and the Nakasendo, met here.

The smaller letters say "Left: Nakasendo" and "Ise, Mino-ji."

In the past, travelers looked at this stone to find their way to famous places like the Ise Grand Shrine.

Imagine people from 200 years ago standing exactly where I am now!

It's amazing that this history is still part of our modern life in Shiga.

To YouTube

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Valentine’s Day in Japan and Our Sweet Family Time

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Did you know that Valentine’s Day in Japan is a bit unique?

Usually, girls give chocolates to boys to express their feelings. But I heard that in other countries, men often give gifts like flowers or cards to women. It's interesting how cultures are different!

In our house, we enjoyed some special chocolates together.

We had chocolate sandwiches called "Choco Sand" from a famous shop. One was Bitter Chocolate with Coffee, and the other was Rich Milk.

They were so thick and delicious!

It’s not about confession for us, but just a happy time with family and good food.

How do you spend Valentine's Day in your country?

To YouTube

[biwadays]

Influenza Outbreak and Japanese Habits

It seems the flu is spreading all over Japan right now. In my area, it is a big problem.

My child’s class at elementary school was closed because of the flu. Also, many people are absent from my office. It's a very tough situation!

In Japan, we usually do three things to stay healthy:

Wear a mask 😷

Wash our hands 🧼

Gargle (we call it "Ugai") 🥤

I heard that gargling is not very common in other countries. What do you do to prevent the flu in your country? Please let me know!

Stay healthy, everyone!

To YouTube