Japan | Heartfish Blog

Off to Japan…

Posted on May 18, 2008September 28, 2021 by Hijiri

I am off to my annual Japan trip. Last year when we were there on February, we did a traditional wedding ceremony and that was such an experience. Randy couldn’t come this time — I am so bumped and I will miss him so badly. I will miss Maia, too… and Mallow and Milo the chinchillas… but my mom is turning 60, my friend is getting married and we have a big girls trip to Okinawa for 2 of my engaged best friends so I have to go home. I will be taking lots of pictures and I will try to post my inspirations, Japanese things, places I visit etc. whenever I can!

Soba-ya

Posted on March 27, 2008 by Hijiri

There is no Japan town in NYC, but there is a Little Tokyo (it’s not called Little Tokyo, but I think it is!) here around St. Mark’s Place / East Village area. NYC often times reminds me of Tokyo (big city has somewhat similar vibe, I guess), but when I’m around Little Tokyo, I feel like I am actually in Japan.

On Tuesday night, Randy and I met up in East Village after work and went to one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in NY – authentic Japanese soba-noodle place, Soba-ya. Everything is done in proper way and it is so good! It’s like eating it in Japan. After we ate, we stopped by Randy’s friend’s bar for a little bit. As we are getting used to the new big city, we are loving it, too!

Soba-ya
229 E 9th St Ste 3
New York, NY 10003-7536

Unique Japan

Posted on March 7, 2008March 7, 2008 by Hijiri

My mother-in-law gave us this pretty sumi-e tapestry (it says “happiness”) for our 1 year paper anniversary. (Thank you so much, Janis!)

It was very thoughtful of her and we wondered where it was from and she told us that it was from Unique Japan – I never heard of it before, but they have some beautiful stuff!

Igamono Charcoal Beer Mug (sumiyaki)