#Oishii Sweets too good to go

[stenoodie]

Too Good to Go Surprise Bags in May 2025. #caribbeanfood #porkhock #flowerbouquet #smallcarrotcake #camodiantofu #pate #hotdatehummus #turmericelixir

[kevin-the-bruyne]

Hi! I wanted to ask you what do you think about people saying that ZeeNuNew is just fan service? I mean for me it’s fact that they do kind of fanservice but they confirmed their relationship themselves Donau trust them, also things they did for each other.. I just believe in them and so hope they’ll be together for very long time

thank you for asking me this because i get to talk about my RPF shipping philosophies and ZNN are the perfect case study for it though how helpful you will find my answer is TBD Your questions relate to my two main RPF shipping philosophies: 1) The relationship status of the idols/actors is what they say it is (and I really don't care if they're lying about it).

So yes, I believe that Zee and Nunew are in a romantic relationship with each other in their personal lives because they have in fact confirmed it on their Woody interview. The people who say Zee is 'too straight' to be in a relationship with a man are especially soft in the head. I know a gay patent lawyer and he behaves identically to every patent lawyer I've met - stiff and boring...like for real go outside touch grass meet a few gay people in real life lol

2) Everything is fanservice.

Therefore, ZNN are also entirely fanservice because they have a transactional relationship with their fans where despite their personal connection are presenting a fantasy/fictional version of it for our consumption.

Do we know them? Contrary to BL norms, height and age do not actually determine who tops and bottoms in gay sex lol. It is strange to believe that ZNN in their personal life will ascribe to the soft dom top and bratty bottom dynamic that their CP pigeonholes them into. They very well might be exactly like that but... If they weren't just fanservice you'd see them fight, you'd see their doubts, you'd see who they hate in each others families and friends. It's a good thing that they are just fanservice. There are probably days that they go on stage and act sweet and cute to each other without feeling that way about each other at all.

This is NORMAL in a relationship.

Do you think the Taokenoi or Oishii C or whatever skincare event they have booked months in advance can be postponed just because Nunew and Zee fought that morning? I believe in them too anon (despite my better judgement about public figures in general) and I think that they are very serious about their professional careers. If Nunew and Zee ditched each other, they'd probably be able to grow more towards their personal strengths (Nunew in singing and Zee in acting) but regardless they're doing VERY well together, both in terms of financial success and artistic growth, and staying professionally hitched makes the grind more sustainable for them I think.

I try not to bother with actual celebrity personal lives but on that front I only wish them well and for them to be happy whether that's together or apart (because real couples just like fictional ones can break up too and that's okay).

[frierenscript]

Episode 3 : Killing Magic / 第3話『人を殺す魔法（Hito o Korosu Maho）』

＊Green colored words are only in anime, not in original manga, and we usually call them "ani-ori(anime-original)".

〈勇者ヒンメルの死から27年後。交易都市・ヴァルム。〉

〈Yusha Hinmeruno shikara niju-nana-nengo. Koeki-toshi Varumu〉

〈27 years after the death of Himmel the Hero, in the trade city of Warm, located in the central lands〉

フリーレン「じゃあ、手分けして旅の物資を補給しようか。」

Furīren “Jaa, tewake-shite tabino busshi o hokyu-shiyoka.”

Frieren “Let’s split up and replenish our travelling supplies.”

フェルン「手分けって、必需品ほぼ私ですよね。食料、水、日用品…他にフリーレン様は、何を買うんですか？」

Ferun “Tewakette… Hitsujuhin hobo watashi desuyone. Shokuryo, mizu, nichiyohin… Hokani Furīren-samawa nanio kaun-desuka?”

Fern “Split up? You’ve assigned me most of the necessities. Food, water, daily essentials. What are you going to buy?”

フリーレン「…薬草とかだよ。」

Furīren “Yakuso-toka dayo.”

Frieren “Herbs and stuff.”

フェルン（これ、私に何か隠している時の顔だ。フリーレン様との付き合いは長い。こういうときは碌なことがない。

決まって余計な物を買ってくるんだ。）

Ferun (Kore, watashini nanika kakushite-irutokino kaoda. Furīren-sama-tono tsukiaiwa nagai. Kou-iu tokiwa rokuna kotoga nai. Kimatte yokeina mono o katte-kurunda.)

Fern (That’s the face she makes when she’s hiding something from me. I’ve known Ms.Frieren for a long time. Nothing good ever happens when she makes that face. She’s definitely going to buy something we don’t need.)

ーーーーー

フリーレン「買っちゃった」

Furīren “Kacchatta.”

Frieren “I bought this.”

フェルン「何に使うの、これ…」

Ferun “Nan-ni tsukauno, kore…”

Fern “What are you going to use that for?”

フリーレン「この薬は服だけ溶かすんだよ」

Furīren “Kono kusuriwa fukudake tokasun-dayo.”

Frieren “This potion only dissolves clothing.”

フェルン「返品してきなさい」

Ferun “Henpin-shite-kinasai.”

Fern “Go return it.”

フリーレン「魔法史の本。座学も大事だからね」

Furīren “Mahoshino hon. Zagakumo daiji-dakarane.”

Frieren “It’s a book on magical history. Classroom study is important, too.”

ーーーーー

フェルン（まあ、あれは余計なものというわけではないけど）

Ferun (Maa, arewa yokeina monoto iu-wakedewa naikedo.)

Fern (Well, I wouldn’t call that one unnecessary.)

フリーレン「それじゃ、あとで宿でね」

Furīren “Soreja, atode yadodene.”

Frieren “I’ll meet you at the inn later.”

フェルン（路銀だって、無駄遣いできないのに…しっかり見張っておかないと…）

Ferun （Rogin datte, muda-zukai dekinai-noni… shikkari mihatte-okanaito…）

Fern (We can’t afford to waste our travelling funds… I’d better keep a close eye on her.)

フェルン（アクセサリーショップ？）

Ferun (Akusesarī shoppu?)

Fern (An accessory shop?)

ーーーーー

フェルン「また髪乾かさずに寝ましたね？もー」

Ferun “Mata kami kawakasazuni nemashitane? Mō”

Fern “You went to sleep without drying your hair again.”

ーーーーー

フェルン（あの人おしゃれとかに興味あったんだ…　すごい悩んでる…　え？何その顔？私、フリーレン様のあんな悩んでる顔見たことないんだけど…）

Ferun (Ano hito oshare-tokani kyomi-attanda… Sugoi nayanderu… E? nani sono kao? Watashi, Furīren-samano anna nayanderu kao mitakotonain-dakedo…)

Fern (So she’s interested in fashion after all. She seems really conflicted. What’s with that face? I’ve never seen Ms.Frieren look so troubled before.)

フェルン（随分、時間かかったな…。アクセサリーなら、別にいいか…　変な骨や薬よりはマシだ…）

Ferun (Zuibun jikan kakattana… Akusesarī nara, betsuni iika… Henna honeya kusuri-yoriwa mashida…)

Fern (She spent a lot of time on that. I suppose an accessory wouldn’t hurt. It’s better than weird bones or medicines.)

フェルン（そろそろ私も買い出しに戻ろうかな…）

Ferun (Sorosoro, watashimo kaidashini modorou-kana…)

Fern (Maybe I’ll resume my shopping soon.)

フリーレン「ここら辺に、美味しいスイーツの店ってある？」

Furīren “Kokora-henni, oishii suītsuno misette aru?”

Frieren “Is there a shop around here that sells good desserts?”

フェルン（さすがにそれは、ずるすぎるでしょ。）

Ferun (Sasugani sorewa, zurusugiru-desho.)

Fern (Now that’s not fair.)

男性「それなら、そこの地下に酒場があるから、そこで聞くといいよ。」

Dansei “Sore-nara, sokono chikani sakabaga arukara, sokode kikuto iiyo.”

Man “There’s a tavern in the basement of that building. Try asking there.”

フリーレン「ありがとう」

Furīren “Arigato.”

Frieren “Thank you.”

フェルン（私だって何か月も甘いもの食べてないのに。）

Ferun (Watashi-datte, nan-kagetsumo amai-mono tabete-nainoni.)

Fern (I haven’t eaten anything sweet in months!)

フリーレン「ここか。ここら辺においしいスイーツの店ってある？」

Furīren “Kokoka. Kokora-henni oishii suītsuno misette aru?”

Frieren “This must be it. Is there a shop around here that sells good desserts?”

フェルン（いやいや。明らかにスイーツについて聞ける場所じゃないでしょ。）

Ferun (Iyaiya. akirakani suītsuni-tsuite kikeru basho-ja naidesho.)

Fern (This clearly isn’t the right place to ask about desserts.)

荒くれ者「スイーツの店だあ？ナメてんのか？」

Arakure-mono “Suītsuno misedaa? Nameten-noka?”

Roughneck “A dessert joint? Who do you think you’re talking to?”

フェルン（ゴクリ）

Ferun (Gokuri.)

Fern （Gulp.）

荒くれ者「この町には、うまいスイーツが山のようにあるぜぇ。どんな店でも教えてやるよ。」

Arakure-mono “Kono machiniwa, umai suītsuga yamano yoni aruzee. Donna misedemo oshiete yaruyo.”

Roughneck “You better believe this city’s got mountains of delicious desserts. We can recommend you places all over.”

フェルン（聞ける場所なんだ。）

Ferun (Kikeru basho-nanda.)

Fern (So they do know about desserts here.)

フリーレン「荒くれのくせに、詳しいんだ。」

Furīren “Arakureno kuseni, kuwashiinda?”

Frieren “For such rough-looking guys, you know a lot about desserts.”

荒くれ者「スイーツは俺たち、冒険者の活力だからなぁ。1日頑張った自分への、ご褒美として食うスイーツのうまさたるや、最高だぜ」

Arakure-mono “Suītsuwa oretachi, bokenshano katsuryoku-dakarana. Ichi-nichi ganbatta jibuneno, gohoubito- shite kuu suītsuno umasa-taruya, saiko-daze.”

Roughneck “A bit of sugar gives us the energy we need to adventure. Nothing beats rewarding yourself with something sweet after a hard day’s work.”

フェルン（冒険者だったんだ。荒くれってレベルの見た目じゃないでしょ。怖すぎだよ）

Ferun (Bokensha-dattanda. Arakurette reberuno mitameja naidesho. Kowasugi dayo.)

Fern (So they’re adventurers. Though I’d say even ‘rough’ is an understatement. They’re terrifying.)

荒くれ者「あばよ！」

Arakure-mono “Abayo!”

Roughneck “See ya.”

フェルン（スイーツの店に行くのかな…あれ？これって宿の方向だ…戻るつもりかな？あっ…買い出し全然終わってない。）

Ferun (Suītsuno miseni ikuno-kana… Are? Korette yadono hokoda. Modoru-tsumori-kana? A…kaidashi zen-zen owatte-nai.)

Fern (Is she going to a dessert shop? Huh? She’s heading in the direction of our inn. Is she going back? I’m not even close to finishing my shopping.)

ーーーーー

フリーレン「遅い。」

Furīren “Osoi.”

Frieren “You’re late.”

フェルン「すみませんでした。」

Ferun “Sumimasen-deshita.”

Fern “I’m sorry.”

フリーレン「まあ、いいや。荷物置いて。」

Furīren “Maa, iiya. Nimotsu oite.”

Frieren ”Well, no matter. Put your things down.”

フリーレン「たまには甘い物でも食べに行こうか。」

Furīren “Tamaniwa amai-mono-demo tabeni-ikouka.”

Frieren “Shall we go get something sweet to eat?”

ーーーーー

フリーレン「いい眺めだね。お勧めなだけはある。」

Furīren “Ii nagame-dane. Osusume-na dakewa aru.”

Frieren “What a nice view. No wonder they recommended this place.”

フェルン「フリーレン様。疑ってすみませんでした。」

Ferun “Furīren-sama. Utagatte sumimasen-deshita.”

Fern “Ms.Frieren, I’m sorry for doubting you.”

フリーレン「なんの話？」

Furīren “Nanno hanashi?”

Frieren “What are you talking about?”

フェルン「…いえ。」

Ferun “Ie…”

Fern “Nothing.”

フリーレン「好きなの選んでいいよ。」

Furīren “Sukinano erande iiyo.”

Frieren “Choose whatever you’d like.”

フェルン「お金は大丈夫なのですか？」

Ferun “Okanewa daijobu nano-desuka?”

Fern “Can we afford it?”

フリーレン「ヘソクリがあるからね。」

Furīren “Hesokuriga arukarane.”

Frieren “I’ve been saving up secretly.”

フェルン（…ヘソクリなんてあったんだ。）

Ferun (…Hesokuri nante attanda.)

Fern (She’s been keeping secret savings?)

フェルン「フリーレン様は、どれにしますか？」

Fern “Furīren-samawa, doreni shimasuka?”

Fern “Ms.Frieren, what will you have?”

フリーレン「そうだね、今日の気分は…」

Furīren “Sodane, kyono kibunwa…”

Frieren “Well, today I feel like…”

フェルン「メルクーアプリンですよね。」

Ferun “Merukūa-purin desuyone.”

Fern “Merkur pudding, right?”

ーーーーー

ヒンメル「今日の気分はメルクーアプリンだろう。」

Hinmeru “Kyono kibunwa Merukūa-purin daro.”

Himmel “You feel like eating Merkur pudding today, don’t you?”

フリーレン「なんで分かるの？」

Furīren “Nande wakaruno?”

Frieren “How did you know?”

ヒンメル「何年一緒に旅をしていると思っているんだ。なんとなくわかるさ。」

Hinmeru “Nan-nen isshoni tabiwo shiteiruto omotte-irunda. Nantonaku wakarusa.”

Himmel “How many years do you think we’ve traveled together? I can just tell.”

フリーレン「私は皆のこと何も分からない。」

Furīren “Watashiwa, minnano-koto nanimo wakaranai.”

Frieren “I don’t know anything about the rest of you.”

ヒンメル「なら、知ってもらえるように頑張るとするかな。」

Hinmeru “Nara, shitte moraeru-yoni ganbaruto surukana.”

Himmel “Then maybe I’ll try harder to teach you about myself.”

ヒンメル「ちなみに僕の好物はルフオムレツ。」

Hinmeru “Chinamini bokuno kobutsuwa rufu-omuretsu.”

Himmel “Incedentally, my favorite food is Ruf-omelette.

アイゼン「俺は葡萄だ。酸っぱいほどいい」

Aizen “Orewa budoda. Suppai hodo ii.”

Eisen “Mine’s grapes. The sourer, the better.”

ハイター「私はー」

Haitā “Watashi wa―”

Heiter “Mine is…”

フリーレン「酒だろ。知ってるぞ、生臭坊主」

Furīren “Sake daro. Shitteruzo, Namagusa bozu.”

Frieren “Alcohol, right? I knew that already, you corrupt priest.”

アイゼン「照れるところじゃないだろう。」

Aizen “Tereru tokoroja naidaro.”

Eisen “That’s nothing to blush about.”

ヒンメル「僧侶が、覚えられるほど酒飲んでるって、ヤバすぎるでしょ。」

Hinmeru “Soryoga, oboerareru-hodo sake nonderutte, yabasugiru desho.”

Himmel “It’s not a good sign that the one thing she remembers is your drinking.”

ーーーーー

フリーレン「フェルン、ごめん。」

Furīren “Ferun, gomen.”

Frieren “Fern, I’m sorry.”

フェルン「何故謝るのですか？」

Ferun “Naze ayamaruno-desuka?”

Fern “Why are you apologizing?”

フリーレン「私は、フェルンのこと何も分からない。だから、どんな物が好きなのかわからなくて…」

Furīren “Watashiwa, Ferunno koto nanimo wakaranai. Dakara, donna monoga suki-nanoka, wakaranakute…”

Frieren “I don’t know anything about you, so I don’t know what you like.”

フェルン「そういえば今日は私の誕生日でしたね。」

Ferun “Soieba, kyowa watashino tanjobi deshitane.”

Fern “Come to think of it, it’s my birthday today.”

フェルン「きれいな髪飾り…　ありがとうございます。とても嬉しいです。」

Ferun “Kireina kami-kazari… Arigato gozaimasu. Totemo ureshii-desu.”

Fern “What a beautiful hair ornament. Thank you. I’m delighted.”

フリーレン「本当に？」

Furīren “Hontoni?”

Frieren “Really?”

フェルン「フリーレン様は、どうしようもないほどに鈍い方のようなので、はっきり伝えます。あなたが私を知ろうとしてくれたことが、堪らなく嬉しいのです。」

Ferun “Furīren-samawa, doshiyomo naihodoni nibuikatano yonanode, hakkiri tsutaemasu. Anataga watashio shiroto shite-kureta-kotoga, tamaranaku ureshiino-desu.”

Fern “You seem to be hopelessly dense, so let me be clear. I’m overjoyed that you tried to get to know me.”

フリーレン「知ろうとしただけなのに？」

Furīren “Shiroto-shitadake-nanoni?”

Frieren “Only because I tried?”

フェルン「フリーレン様は本当に、人の感情が分かっていませんね」

Ferun “Furīren-samawa, hontoni hitono kanjoga wakatte-imasenne.”

Fern “You really don’t understand people’s feelings, do you?”

ーーーーー

フリーレン「そろそろ出ようか。」

Furīren “Sorosoro deyoka.”

Frieren “Shall we get going?”

フェルン「はい。」

Ferun “Hai.”

Fern “Sure.”

フェルン「ところでフリーレン様。この旅って、何か目的はあるんですか？」

Ferun “Tokorode, Furīren-sama. Kono tabitte, nanika mokutekiwa arundesuka?”

Fern “By the way, Ms.Frieren, does this journey have a purpose?”

フリーレン「特にないよ。魔法収集の趣味の旅だからね。でも、できる限りは、ヒンメルたちとの冒険の痕跡をたどっていきたいかな。風化する前にね。」

Furīren “Tokuni naiyo. Maho shushu no shumino tabi-dakarane. Demo, dekiru-kagiriwa, Hinmeru-tachitono boken -no konsekio tadotte-ikitai-kana. Fukasuru maenine.”

Frieren “Not particularly. I’m satisfying my desire to collect spells. But whenever possible, I’d like to retrace the adventures I had with Himmel and the others before all sign of them fades away.”

フェルン「それはフリーレン様にとって、大切なことなのでございますね。」

Ferun “Sorewa, Furīren-samani-totte taisetsuna koto-nanode gozaimasune.”

Fern “That’s something important to you, right?”

フリーレン「分からない。だから、知ろうと思っている」

Furīren “Wakaranai. Dakara, shiroto omotteiru.”

Frieren “I don’t know, so I’m trying to figure that out.”

フリーレン「しかしついに、背も抜かされちゃったか」

Furīren “Shikashi tsuini, semo nukasare-chattaka.”

Frieren “You’ve finally grown taller than me.”

フェルン「もう１６ですからね、お姉さんです」

Ferun “Mo ju-roku desukarane. Onēsan-desu.”

Fern “I’m sixteen now. I could be your older sister.”

フリーレン「お姉さん…」

Furīren “Onēsan…”

Frieren “My older sister?”

フリーレン（食べている物は、ほとんど同じはずなんだけどな…不思議だ…）

Furīren (Tabeteiru monowa, hotondo onajihazu nandakedona… Fushigida.)

Frieren (Our diets are mostly the same, so it can’t be that. How strange.)

ーーーーー

〈勇者ヒンメルの死から27年後。中央諸国グレーセ森林。〉

〈Yusha Hinmeruno shikara niju-nana-nengo. Chuo-shokoku, Gureese shinrin〉

〈27 years after the death of Himmel the Hero, in Größe Forest, located in the central lands〉

フリーレン「防御魔法も、だいぶ慣れてきたね。じゃあ、応用といこうか。」

Furīren “Bogyo-mahomo, daibu narete-kitane. Jaa, oyoto ikoka.”

Frieren “You’ve grown quite accustomed to casting defensive spells. Let’s put that into practice.”

フリーレン「防御の隙を狙った。模擬戦じゃなかったら死んでたよ」

Furīren “Bogyono sukio neratta. Mogisenja nakattara, shindetayo.“

Frieren “I aimed for the gaps in your defenses. If this had been a real battle, you’d be dead.”

フリーレン「さて、どう対処する？」

Furīren “Sate, do taisho-suru?”

Frieren “Now, then… How will you handle this?”

フェルン「こうします。」

Ferun “Ko shimasu.”

Fern “Like this.”

フリーレン「そう…。耐えられる？」

Furīren “Sou… Taerareru?”

Frieren “I see. Can you withstand this?”

フリーレン「今日はここまでだね。」

Furīren “Kyowa kokomade-dane.”

Frieren “That’s enough for today.”

ーーーーー

フリーレン「防御魔法は強力だけど、魔力の消費がとても大きい。広範囲の展開を続けたら、数十秒で魔力切れになるよ。」

Furīren “Bogyo-mahowa kyoryoku-dakedo, maryokuno syohiga totemo ookii. Kohan’i no tenkaio tsuzuketara, suju-byode maryoku-gireni naruyo.”

Frieren “Defensive magic is powerful, but it rapidly depletes your mana. You’ll exhaust your mana supply in seconds if you try to maintain it over a large area.”

フェルン「着弾の瞬間に部分的に展開させるのが正解というわけですね。」

Ferun “Chakudanno shunkanni, bubuntekini tenkai saseru-noga seikaito iuwake-desune.”

Fern “So the best option is to cast it in select locations at the moment of impact.”

フリーレン「そうだね。」

Furīren “Sodane.”

Frieren “Exactly.”

フェルン「防御魔法の練習ばかりですね。」

Ferun “Bogyo-mahono renshu-bakari-desune.”

Fern “We’ve been practicing nothing but defensive magic.”

フリーレン「生存率に直結するからね。」

Furīren “Seizon-ritsuni chokketsu surukarane.”

Frieren “It directly improves your chances of survival.”

フェルン「確かに。防御魔法一つで、ほとんどの攻撃魔法が防げますからね。強力すぎて不思議です。」

Ferun “Tashikani. Bogyo-maho hitotsude, hotondono kogeki-mahoga fusege-masu-karane. Kyoryoku-sugite fushigi-desu.”

Fern “You’re right. A single defensive spell can defend against most offensive spells. It’s strange how powerful they are.”

フリーレン「フェルン、渡した魔法史の本、読んでないでしょ。魔法は実戦だけが大事なわけじゃないんだよ。

やっぱり寝る前に読み聞かせてあげないとダメか…」

Furīren “Ferun, watashita mahoshino-hon, yondenai-desho. Mahowa jissen-dakega daijina-wakeja nain-dayo. Yappari neru-maeni yomi-kikasete-agenaito dameka…”

Frieren “Fern, you haven’t read the book on magical history I gave you, have you? Magic is about theory as much as practice. I suppose I’ll have to read it to you at bedtime.”

フェルン「自分で読みます。子供じゃないんだから…」

Ferun “Jibunde yomimasu. Kodomoja nain-dakara…”

Fern “I’ll read it myself. I’m not a child, after all.”

ーーーーー

フェルン「ここが目的の村ですね。また変な魔法の収集ですか？」

Ferun “Kokoga mokutekino mura-desune. Mata henna mahono shushu desuka?”

Fern “This village is where you wanted to go, right? Are you here to collect odd spells again?”

フリーレン「いや、今回は違う」

Furīren “Iya, konkaiwa chigau.”

Frieren “No, not this time.”

村人「あとは天候次第ですかね」

Murabito “Atowa tenko-shidai desukane.”

Villager “Now it’s up to the weather.”

村人「そうだなあ」

Murabito “Sodanaa.”

Villager “Yeah.”

フリーレン「ちょっと聞きたいことがあるんだけど。」

Furīren “Chotto kikitai-kotoga arun-dakedo.”

Frieren “I have a question.”

村人「…エルフだ。」

Murabito “Erufuda.”

Villager “It’s an elf.”

村人「白髪…」

Murabito “Haku-hatsu…”

Villager “White hair…”

老人「…もしや、フリーレン様ですかな？」

Rojin “Moshiya, Furīren-sama desukana?”

Old man “Are you Ms.Frieren?”

フリーレン「なんで知ってるの？」

Furīren “Nande shitteruno?”

Frieren “How did you know?”

老人「クヴァールの封印場所ですよね。ご案内します。」

Rojin “Kuvāruno fuin-basho desuyone. Goannai shimasu.”

Old man “You’re here to see the place where Qual was sealed, aren’t you? I’ll show you the way.”

フェルン「クヴァール？」

Ferun “Kuvāru?”

Fern “Qual?”

老人「腐敗の賢老クヴァール。80年前にこの地で、悪逆の限りを尽くした魔族です。それを勇者ヒンメル様御一行が封印してくださったのです。」

Rojin “Fuhaino Kenro Kuvāru. Hachiju-nen-maeni kono chide, akugyakuno kagirio tsukushita mazoku-desu. Soreo yusha Hinmeru-sama goikkouga fuin-shite-kudasattano-desu.”

Old man “The Elder Sage of Corruption, Qual. He’s demon who committed terrible atrocities in this region eighty years ago, before being sealed away by Himmel the Hero and his party.”

フリーレン「その封印が近いうちに解けるから、討伐しに来たんだけど…本当に、なんで知っているの？このことは誰にも知らせていないよ。」

Furīren “Sono fuinga chikai-uchini tokeru-kara, tobatsu-shinikitan-dakedo… Hontoni, nande shitte-iruno? Kono kotowa, darenimo shirasete-inaiyo.”

Frieren “That seal will break soon, so I’m here to defeat him, but how did you know? I haven’t told anyone about this.”

老人「30年ほど前までヒンメル様が毎年のように村に訪れておりました。封印の様子を確認するためだそうです。」

Rojin “Sanju-nenhodo-maemade, Hinmeru-samaga maitoshino-yoni murani otozurete orimashita. Fuinno yosu o kakunin-surutame-dasodesu.”

Old man “Mr.Himmel visited this town every year until about thirty years ago.　He was apparently checking on the condition of the seal.”

フリーレン「相変わらずのお人好しだ。」

Furīren “Aikawarazuno ohitoyoshida.”

Frieren “He always was a softie.”

老人「フリーレン様のことも、お話ししておりました。様子も見に来ない薄情者だと。」

Rojin “Furīren-samano kotomo, ohanashi-shite-orimashita. Yosumo mini-konai hakujomono-dato.”

Old man “He used to talk about you. He called you heartless for now checking on him.”

ーーーーー

ヒンメル「冷たいよね」

Hinmeru “Tsumetai-yone.”

Himmel “She is cold, isn’t she?”

老人「冷たいねえ」

Rojin “Tsumetainee.”

Old man “Quite cold.”

ーーーーー

フリーレン「悪かったね。」

Furīren “Warukattane.”

Frieren “Sorry about that.”

ーーーーー

ヒンメル「でも、村を見捨てるほど薄情ではない。封印が解けるころには、やってくる」

Hinmeru “Demo, murao misuteru-hodo hakujo-dewa nai. Fuinga tokeru-koroniwa, yatte-kuru.”

Himmel “But she’s not so heartless that she’d leave the village to its fate. She’ll come when the seal is about to break.”

ーーーーー

老人「そう仰っておりました」

Rojin “So osshatte orimashita.”

Old man “That’s what he said.”

フリーレン「そう。」

Furīren “So.”

Frieren “I see.”

フェルン「これが…」

Ferun “Korega…”

Fern “This is it?”

フリーレン「だいぶ不安定になっているね。明日にでも封印を解いて、クヴァールを片付けよう。」

Furīren “Daibu fuanteini natte-irune. Ashitani-demo fuin o toite, Kuvāru o katazukeyou.”

Frieren “It’s become rather unstable I’ll dispel the seal tomorrow and take care of Qual.”

ーーーーー

フェルン「フリーレン様は、クヴァールを封印したのですよね。そうしたのには、何か理由があるのですか？」

Ferun “Furīren-samawa, Kuvāruo fuin-shitano-desuyone. So-shitano-niwa, nanika riyuga aruno-desuka?”

Fern “You’re the one who sealed Qual, aren’t you? Is there a reason you did that?”

フリーレン「単純にクヴァールが強かったからだよ。勝てなかった。クヴァールは魔王軍の中でも屈指の魔法使いだ。」

Furīren “Tanjunni, Kuvāruga tsuyokatta-karadayo. Katenakatta. Kuvāruwa Mao-gunno nakademo kusshino mahotsukaida.”

Frieren “It was simply too strong. I couldn’t beat him. Even among the Demon King’s forces, Qual was an exceptional mage.”

フリーレン「人を殺す魔法（ゾルトラーク）。奴の開発した史上初の貫通魔法。人類の防御魔法はもちろん、装備の魔法耐性さえも貫通し、人体を直接破壊する魔法だ。この地方では、冒険者の4割、魔法使いに至っては7割が、ゾルトラークによって殺されたと言われている。」

Furīren “Zorutorāku. Yatsuno Kaihatsu-shita shijo-hatsuno kantsu-maho. Jinruino maho bogyowa mochiron, sobino maho-taisei-saemo kantsu-shi, jintaio chokusetsu hakai-suru mahoda. Kono chiho-dewa, bokenshano yon-wari, mahotsukaini itattewa nana-wariga, Zorutorākuni yotte korosaretato iwarete-iru.”

Frieren “He developed the first piercing spell in history, which he called Zoltraak. It pierced not only defensive spells but the magic resistance of armor as well. It directly targeted and destroyed the body. It’s said that in this region, 40% of adventurers and 70% of mages were killed by Zortraak.”

フェルン「そんなの強すぎるじゃないですか。」

Ferun “Sonnano tsuyo-sugiruja naidesuka.”

Fern “That’s too powerful.”

フリーレン「そう、強すぎた。強すぎたんだよ。だからこそ、その強さが仇になった。」

Furīren “So, tsuyo-sugitan-dayo. Dakara-koso, sono tsuyosaga adani natta.”

Frieren “Yes, it was. Much too powerful. And that’s why it backfired on him.”

フェルン「どういうことですか？」

Ferun “Do-iu-koto-desuka?”

Fern “What do you mean?”

フリーレン「本当に魔法史読んでいないんだね。やっぱり読み聞かせようか？」

Furīren “Hontoni mahou-shi yonde-inaindane. Yappari yomi-kikaseyouka?”

Frieren “You really haven’t read that history tome, have you? Are you sure I shouldn’t read it to you?”

フェルン「今から読みます。」

Ferun “Imakara yomimasu.”

Fern “I’ll start reading it right now.”

フリーレン「いや、いいよ。しっかり睡眠を取るほうが大事だ。どうせ明日には分かる。」

Furīren “Iya, iiyo. Shikkari suimin o toru-hoga daijida. Dose, ashita-niwa wakaru.”

Frieren “No, it’s fine. It’s more important that you get a good night’s sleep. You’ll see tomorrow, anyway."

ーーーーーー

フリーレン「封印を解くよ。油断しないようにね」

Frīren “Fuin o tokuyo. Yudan shinai-yonine.”

Frieren “I’m dispelling the seal. Don’t let your guard down.”

クヴァール「久しいのう、フリーレン。何年経った？」

Kuvāru “Hisashiino, Furīren. Nan-nen tatta?”

Qual “It’s been a while, Frieren. How many years has it been?”

フリーレン「80年。」

Frīren “Hachiju-nen.”

Frieren “Eighty.”

クヴァール「たった80年か。」

Kuvāru “Tatta hachiju-nenka.”

Qual “A mere eighty years, huh?”

フリーレン「私たちにとってはね。」

Furīren “Watashi-tachini tottewane.”

Frieren “For us, anyway.”

クヴァール「魔王様は？」

Kuvāru “Mao-samawa?”

Qual “And the Demon King?”

フリーレン「殺した。」

Furīren “Koroshita.”

Frieren “We killed him.”

クヴァール「そうか。では仇討ちといこうかのう。」

Kuvāru “Soka. Dewa ｋataki-uchito ikokano.”

Qual “I see. Then I shall avenge him.”

フリーレン「フェルン、前方に防御魔法。」

Furīren “Ferun, zenponi bogyo-maho.”

Frieren “Fern, cast a defensive spell in front of us.”

クヴァール「ゾルトラーク！」

Kuvāru “Zorutorāku!”

Qual “Zoltraak!”

クヴァール「ほう、驚いた。ゾルトラークを防ぐとは。随分、高度な防御術式じゃのう」

Kuvāru “Ho, odoroita. Zorutorāku o fusegu-towa. Zuibun, kodona bogyo-jutsu-shiki jano.”

Qual “I’m surprised. You blocked Zoｌtraak. That defensive spell of yours must be powerful indeed.”

フェルン「…フリーレン様、これはどういうことですか…？…今のは一般攻撃魔法です。」

Ferun “…Furīren-sama, korewa do-iu koto-desuka…? …Imanowa ippan kougeki-maho desu.”

Fern “Ms.Frieren, what’s going on? That was ordinary offensive magic.”

フリーレン「あれがゾルトラーク。奴が開発した、いわゆる…“人を殺す魔法”だよ。」

Furīren “Arega Zorutorāku. Yatsuga kaihatsu-shita, iwayuru… ‘hito o korosu maho’ dayo.”

Frieren “That’s Zoｌtraak. The killing magic he developed.”

フリーレン「クヴァール、お前の魔法は強すぎたんだ。お前が封印されてから、大陸中の魔法使いがゾルトラークを挙(こぞ)って研究、解析した。僅か数年でゾルトラークは人類の魔法体系に組み込まれ、新しい防御術式による強力な防御魔法が開発された。装備による魔法耐性も格段に向上し、ゾルトラークは人を殺す魔法ではなくなった。今では一般攻撃魔法と呼ばれているよ。」

Furīren “Kuvāru, omaeno mahowa tsuyo-sugitanda. Omaega fuin-saretekara, tairiku-juno mahotsukaiga Zorutorākuo kozotte kenkyu, kaiseki-shita. Wazuka su-nende, Zorutorākuwa jinruino maho-taikeini kumikomare, atarashii bogyo jutsu-shikini-yoru, kyoryokuna bogyo-mahoga kaihatsu-sareta. Sobini yoru maho-taiseimo kakudanni kojoshi, Zorutorākuwa hito o korosu mahodewa nakunatta. Imadewa ippan kogeki-maho to yobarete iruyo.”

Frieren “Qual, your magic was simply too powerful. After you were sealed away, mages across the land studied and analyzed Zoltraak. In just a few years, Zoltraak was incorporated into humankind’s magic system, and powerful new defensive spells were developed. The magic resistance offered by equipment has improved significantly as well, making Zoltraak no longer killing magic. Now it’s just “ordinary offensive magic.”

フリーレン「80年は人間にとって相当長い時間らしい。クヴァール、大人しくしていれば、楽に殺してやる。」

Furīren “Hachiju-nenwa, ningenni totte soto nagai jikan-rashii. Kuvāru, otonashiku shiteireba, rakuni koroshite-yaru.”

Frieren “Eighty years is quite a long time for humans. Qual, if you don’t resist, I’ll make your death painless.”

クヴァール「なるほど。なるほどのう。攻撃魔法に同調し、威力を分散させる仕組みか…　複雑な術式じゃのう。魔力の消費も、さぞつらかろう。」

Kuvāru “Naruhodo. Naruhodono. Kogeki-mahoni dochoshi, iryokuo bunsan-saseru shikumika… Fukuzatsuna jutsu-shiki jano. Maryokuno shohimo sazo tsurakaro.”

Qual “I see. I see, I see. It attunes itself to the offensive magic and disperses its power. A complex spell indeed. It must consume a great deal of mana.”

フリーレン「防御魔法の弱点に気づかれた。フェルン、対処できるよね。」

Furīren “Bogyo-mahono jakutenni kizukareta. Ferun, taisho dekiruyone.”

Frieren “He figured out the weakness of defensive magic. Fern, you know what to do, right?”

フェルン「はい。練習でもう見ましたから。」

Ferun “Hai. Renshude mo mimashita-kara.”

Fern “Yes. I saw it in our practices.”

フリーレン「じゃあ私の分も防御おねがい。」

Furīren “Jaa watashino bunmo bogyo onegai.”

Frieren “Then protect me as well.”

クヴァール「ほう、飛べるのか。面白い」

Kuvāru “Ho, toberunoka. Omoshiroi.”

Qual “So you can fly? Interesting.”

フリーレン「ゾルトラーク。」

Furīren “Zorutorāku.”

Frieren ”Zoltraak.”

クヴァール「フリーレン…儂の…魔法を…」

Kuvāru “Furīren… Washino… maho o…”

Qual “Frieren… My spell…”

ーーーーー

老人「これで私達も平穏に暮らせます。」

Rojin “Korede watashi-tachimo heionni kurasemasu.”

Old man “Now we can live in peace.”

フリーレン「ねえ、その帽子…」

Furīren “Nee, sono boshi…”

Frieren “That hat…”

老人「これですか？この地方は、この季節でも日差しが強いので、農業のお供ですよ。」

Rojin “Kore-desuka? Kono chihouwa, kono kisetsu-demo hizashiga tsuyoi-node, nogyono otomo-desuyo.”

Old man “This thing? Around here, the sun’s rays are strong even at this time of year, so all farmers wear them.”

フリーレン「どっかで見覚えあるんだよね…」

Furīren “Dokkade mioboe arundayone…”

Frieren “I’ve seen this hat before.”

フリーレン「お前、私のスカートめくったクソガキだな。」

Furīren “Omae… Watashino-sukāto mekutta kusogaki-dana.”

Frieren “You’re the brat who flipped my skirt up.”

ーーーーー

クソガキ「えい！！」

Kusogaki “Ei!!”

Brat “Take that!”

ヒンメル「何やっとんじゃクソガキィィッ！！ぶっ殺してやるッ！！僕だって見たかったのに！」

Hinmeru “Nani Yattonja kusogakiii! Bukkoroshite-yaru!! Boku-datte mitakatta-noni!”

Himmel “What do you think you’re doing, brat?! I’ll kill you! You saw what I’ve been wanting to see all the time!”

アイゼン「殺しはまずいぞ」

Aizen “Koroshi wa mazui zo.”

Eisen “You’d better not kill him.”

ハイター「私の見せてあげますから」

Haitā “Watashino misete-agemasu-kara.”

Heiter “I’ll show you mine.”

ーーーーー

フリーレン「まだ生きてたんだ。」

Furīren “Mada ikitetanda.”

Frieren “You’re still alive.”

老人「おかげでもっと長生きできそうです。ヒンメル様の言葉を信じて、待ったかいがありました。」

Rojin “Okagede motto nagaiki dekisou-desu. Hinmeru-samano kotobao shinjite matta kai-ga arimashita.”

Old man “Thanks to you, I’ll be able to live even longer. I’m glad I trusted Himmel’s words and waited.”

ーーーーー

フェルン「フリーレン様、感謝されていましたね」

Ferun “Furīren-sama, kansha sarete-imashitane.”

Fern “Ms.Frieren, they thanked you.”

フリーレン「直接の感謝じゃないよ。この村の人たちは、ヒンメルを信じていたんだ。」

Furīren “Chokusetsuno kanshaja naiyo. Kono murano hito-tachiwa, Hinmeru o shinjite-itanda.”

Frieren “They didn’t thank me. The people of this village believed in Himmel.”

フェルン「よくわかりませんが…　ヒンメル様は、フリーレン様を信じていたのだと思いますよ。」

Ferun “Yoku wakarimasenga… Hinmeru-samawa, Furīren-samao shinjite-itanodato omoimasuyo.”

Fern “I don’t understand, exactly, but I think Mr.Himmel believed in you.”

フェルン「どうしたのですか？」

Ferun “Doshitano-desuka?”

Fern “What is it?”

フリーレン「別に」

Furīren “Betsuni.”

Frieren “Nothing.”

(Continue to Episode 4)

[omoi-no-hoka]

Moderately Interesting Japanese Ep. 8 Hokkaido Dialect

The typical winter scenery of Hokkaido.

One of my favorite aspects of language learning is studying dialects. I am fascinated by how language branches and adapts to new environments like some form of linguistic natural selection. Japanese is rife with interesting dialects, some of which are so different from the standard that they can sound like a totally different language to the untrained ear. I thought I’d make a series of posts highlighting different dialects in Japanese. Since this sort of post will take a bit more research on my end and I plan to find native speakers of the dialect to confirm with, they won’t be very regular, but I hope that you enjoy them!

What are some of the main Japanese dialects?

Firstly, let me tell you how to say “dialect” in Japanese, because I know I’m gonna use it and I don’t want to cause any confusion. 

方言 (hougen) Dialect

___弁 (__-ben) __ Dialect, so “Osaka Dialect” is “Osaka-ben.” 

I daresay that just about 100% of all Japanese learners are familiar with Tokyo-ben, because it is Standard Japanese. The next most popular dialect is Kansai-ben, which is spoken in the Kansai region (Osaka, Hiroshima, etc.). The Kansai Dialect can be broken down into several smaller, regional dialects. Next would probably be Okinawa-ben. 

(Caution! Some people, particularly Okinawans, consider Okinawan Japanese to be a language independent from Japanese, and they can be offended if you refer to it as a dialect. Japan’s official stance is that Okinawan is a dialect, though, so I am calling it a dialect in my posts.) 

Now without further ado, let’s actually start learning about one of these dialects!

Hokkaido-ben, namara ii!

Hokkaido is the island in green. It’s the biggest prefecture in Japan by far.

I am a foreigner and Japanese is not my native language, but I have been living on the island of Hokkaido for 5 years now and am very comfortable with the Hokkaido dialect, so I chose to introduce it to you first. Also, it’s not one that gets talked about a lot, so I figured maybe there weren’t many posts about it. 

Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan, and it wasn’t settled and officially incorporated as part of Japan until the late 1800′s. There is a group of indigenous people here called the Ainu who speak a language completely different from Japanese, but their language has not bled into Hokkaido-ben. (Many place names in Hokkaido are from Ainu, though).

Because Hokkaido was settled so late in history compared to the other islands of Japan, their dialect doesn’t differ drastically from Tokyo-ben. There are some minor intonation differences that, frankly, I don’t feel confident explaining. I have internalized the intonations through exposure, but I’ve never been taught it and don’t really know what is correct. So I’m not going to talk about tonal differences, and instead focus on the different words and a wee bit of grammar.

投げる　Nageru

Standard Japanese: 捨てる suteru

English: to dispose of (lit. “to throw/toss”)

To an English speaker, “throw away” feels just as natural as “dispose of.” But to people outside of Hokkaido, it sounds very unusual and the image it conjures is comedic, like someone is hurling trash into the garbage can like it’s the opening pitch at the World Series. 

Example: そこの古い新聞を投げていいよ。 Romaji: Soko no furui shinbun wo nagete ii yo.

Standard: そこの古い新聞を捨てていいよ。 Romaji: Soko no furui shinbun wo sutete ii yo.

English: You can throw away those old newspapers there. 

おっかない　Okkanai

Standard: 危ない abunai

English: dangerous, scary, a “close call”

My hostmom uses this with me, like, all the time. According to her, I’m always doing okkanai things, like walking alone at night or *gasp* going outside with wet hair. I love her so much haha. 

Example: うちの子が熊のぬいぐるみだと思って遊んでいたのは本当の子グマだった。おっかなかったわ！ Romaji: Uchi no ko ga kuma no nuigurumi da to omotte asonde ita noha hontou no koguma datta. Okkanakatta wa!

Standard: うちの子が熊のぬいぐるみだと思って遊んでいたのは本当の子グマだった。危なかったわ！ Romaji: Uchi no ko ga kuma no nuigurumi da to omotte asonde ita noha hontou no koguma datta. Abunakatta wa!

English: Our kid thought he was playing with a teddy bear, but it was actually a live bear cub. What a close call!

（手袋を）履く　(Tebukuro wo) haku

Standard:（手袋を）はめる (tebukuro wo) hameru

English: to put on (gloves)

Winter in Hokkaido is long and cold. Gloves are one of the most essential articles of clothing here, and I have heard/used “haku” so much that “hameru” sounds incorrect to me. The “haku” sounds funny to other Japanese people because it is used for putting on socks, underwear, and pants, and they will imagine you putting socks or panties on your hands instead of gloves. 

Example: 外は寒いから、手袋を履きなさい。 Romaji: Soto ha samui kara, tebukuro wo hakinasai.

Standard: 外は寒いから、手袋をはめなさい。 Romaji: Soto ha samui kara, tebukuro wo hamenasai. 

English: It’s cold out, so put on your gloves. 

めんこい　Menkoi

Standard Japanese: 可愛い kawaii

English: cute

I included this because it’s one of the famous aspects of Hokkaido-ben, but I actually don’t hear it used that much. I tend to see it on souvenir shirts for tourists more than in actual conversations.

Example: この子猫はめっちゃめんこい！ Romaji: Kono koneko ha meccha menkoi!

Standard: この子猫はめっちゃかわいい！ Romaji: Kono koneko ha meccha kawaii!

English: This kitten is super cute!

Note: Even though it is functioning as an adjective and ends with an “i,” it is not an “i” adjective. It is a “na” adjective. 

あずましくない　Azumashikunai

Standard: 居心地が悪い、嫌 igokochi ga warui, iya

English: uncomfortable (surroundings), unpleasant

This is a word that many Hokkaido people use but struggle to explain. Azumashikunai describes any place that you find unpleasant or uncomfortable, maybe due to it being too crowded, or too empty, or because it’s very cramped, for example. 

Example: 日曜日の札幌駅が人混みであずましくない。 Romaji. Nichiyoubi no Sapporo-eki ga hitogomi de azumashikunai.

Standard: 日曜日の札幌駅が人混みで嫌だ。 Romaji: Nichiyoubi no Sapporo-eki ga hitogomi de iya da.

English: Sapporo Station is always crowded on Sundays and I don’t like it.

いずい　Izui

Standard: none

English: different (in a bad way), off-kilter, something is “off”

Hokkaido people really struggle to explain izui because Standard Japanese doesn’t have an equivalent for it, but I think it can be likened to “off” in English. You got something in your eye but can’t find it and your eye feels funny? Your eye is izui. You have a hair in your shirt and can’t find it? That feels izui. Sometimes it can be a mysterious ache not painful enough to warrant a visit to the doctor, or sometimes it can just be a sense that something is “off.” 

Example: 目にゴミが入って、いずい。 Romaji: Me ni gomi ga haitte, izui. 

Standard:目にゴミが入って、痛い。 Romaji: Me ni gomi ga haitte, itai.

English: Something got in my eye and now it feels off. 

汽車　Kisha

Standard: 電車 densha 

English: (train, lit. “steam engine”)

The first time I came to Japan, I could just barely hold down an everyday conversation in Japanese. My hostparents (hostdad especially) both spoke very strong Hokkaido-ben, and during my first meal with them my hostdad asked if I had traveled from the airport to their city by “steam engine,” and I was just baffled. Wait, did he just say locomotive? What year is it? Are steam engines still a thing in Japan?! Then my kind hostmother explained that he meant regular, modern trains. 

Example: すみません、函館ゆきの汽車はいつ出発しますか？ Romaji: Sumimasen, Hakodate-yuki no kisha ha itsu shuppatsu shimasu ka?

Standard: すみません、函館ゆきの電車はいつ出発しますか？ Romaji: Sumimsaen, Hakodate-yuki no densha ha itsu shuppatsu shimasuka?

English: Excuse me, when does the train bound for Hakodate leave the station?

しゃっこい　Shakkoi

Standard: 冷たい Tsumetai

English: Cold

Being the northernmost prefecture and next door to Russia, it’s only natural that Hokkaido-ben have its own word for “cold.” 

Example: このかき氷ってめっちゃしゃっこい！ Romaji; Kono kakigoori tte meccha shakkoi!

Standard: このかき氷ってめっちゃ冷たい！ Romaji: Kono kakigoori tte meccha tsumetai!

English: This shaved ice is super cold!

とうきび　Toukibi

Standard: とうもろこし Toumorokoshi

English: corn

Hokkaido is famous for their sweet corn, and “toukibi” is a word you will hear a lot here as a result. A popular summer snack is corn on the cob with soy sauce and butter, and it’s made just like in the gif above! Japanese people tend to eat it using a toothpick, picking off kernel by kernel. So when I just rocked up, grabbed an ear and started going to town on it, they thought I was a barbarian hahaha.

Example: やっぱり、とうきびに醤油だね！ Romaji: Yappari, toukibi ni shouyu da ne!

Standard: やっぱり、とうもろこしに醤油だね！ Romaji: Yappri, toumorokoshi ni shouyu da ne!

English: Soy sauce really does go good with corn!

なまら　Namara

Standard: とても totemo、結構 kekkou

English: very, super, rather

This word is like “menkoi,” in that it is famous throughout Japan for being Hokkaido-ben, but I rarely hear it in actual conversations. I hear people use it when they are surprised by something. “Namara oishii” has a nuance of “It’s (actually) very tasty.”

Example: 曇ってるけど、今日の天気はなまらいい。 Romaji: Kumotteru kedo, kyou no tenki ha namara ii.

Standard: 曇ってるけど、今日の天気はけっこういい。 Romaji: Kumotteru kedo, kyou no tenki ha kekkou ii.

English: It’s cloudy today, but it’s still pretty good weather.

なんぼ？　Nanbo?

Standard: いくら？ Ikura?

English: How much?

My friend asked me to go get a couple drinks from the convenience store. I came back with a bottle for her and for me and she asked, “Nanbo datta?” I thought that bo was maybe a counter for things, and desperately tried to figure out what we were supposed to be counting. Then she explained that, for whatever reason, “nanbo�� means “how much (does something cost)?”

Example: そのお弁当はめっちゃ美味しそう！なんぼだった？ Romaji: Sono obentou ha meccha oishisou! Nanbo datta?

Standard: そのお弁当はめっちゃ美味しそう！いくらだった？ Romaji: Sono obentou ha meccha oishisou! Ikura datta?

English: That bento looks super good! How much was it?

ボケる　Bokeru (for produce)

Standard: 腐る kusaru

English: go bad (produce)

In standard Japanese, “bokeru” means “to go senile” or “to develop dementia/Alzheimer's.” While I wouldn’t say it’s a slur bad enough that it would be bleeped out, it certainly isn’t a kind way to refer to aging. 

So when my host mom told me, “I would give you some apples, but they’re all senile” I had no clue what she was going on about. But then she showed them to me, and they were all wrinkled like this:

Not exactly the most appetizing, but also not entirely rotten. I’m really not sure why Hokkaido-ben likens produce to senility, but if I had to guess, I’d say it’s because pretty much every single person with Alzheimer’s/dementia is wrinkled.

Example: このリンゴはボケてるから、パイでも作ろうか… Romaji: Kono ringo ha boketeru kara, pai demo tsukurou ka...

Standard: このリンゴは腐りかけてるから、パイでも作ろうか… Romaji: Kono ringo ha kusarikaketeru kara, pai demo tsukurou ka...

English: These apples are about to go bad, so I guess I’ll make a pie...

～べ　~be

Standard ～だろう、～でしょう darou, deshou

English: ..., right?

This is probably the most famous aspect of Hokkaido-ben. Japanese people get a real kick out of it when this white girl uses it haha. “~be” is a sentence-ending particle that functions about the same as “darou” or “deshou” in that it:

asserts the speaker’s confidence in the likelihood of something

asks for the listener’s confirmation

This sentence-final particle has its roots in the particle ～べし (~beshi) found in Classical Japanese, which had a similar purpose. Other forms of ~beshi survive in Modern Standard Japanese with the words べき (beki) and すべく (subeku). 

Here are two examples, one for each function ~be fulfills. 

Example 1: 君の飛行機はあと5分に出発するって？間に合わないべ！ Romaji: Kimi no hikouki ha ato 5 fun ni shuppatsu suru tte? Maniawanai be!

Standard: 君の飛行機はあと5分に出発するって？間に合わないでしょう！  Romaji: Kimi no hikouki ha ato 5 fun ni shuppatsu suru tte? Maniawanai deshou!

English: You said your plane takes off in 5 minutes? There’s no way you’ll make it! 

Example 2: このサラダに白菜も入ってたべ？ Romaji: Kono sarada ni hakusai mo haitteta be?

Standard: このサラダに白菜も入ってたでしょう？ Romaji: Kono sarada ni hakusai mo haitteta deshou?

Standard: There was napa cabbage in this salad too, wasn’t there?

～れ　~re

Standard: ～なさい ~nasai

English: imperative command

I really don’t like giving grammar explanations because it’s been a long time since I’ve formally studied Japanese grammar and I’m scared of explaining something poorly or incorrectly. But an upper-elementary level Japanese learner should know that there are many different levels of imperatives in Japanese that vary in politeness. In order of rude to polite, we have:

Imperatives that end in an “e” sound or ろ, as in:

死ね！Shine! Die!

待て！Mate! Wait!

食べろ！Tabero! Eat!

Imperatives that end in tte, te, or de and are not followed by kudasai

死んで Shinde. Die.

待って Matte. Wait.

食べて Tabete. Tabete.

Imperatives that end in nasai. (These are most often used by parents/teachers to their children.)

死になさい Shininasai. Die.

待ちなさい Machinasai. Wait.

食べなさい Tabenasai. Eat.

Imperatives that end in tte, te, or de and have kudasai after them. 

And then there’s super formal Japanese, but that’s a whole other kettle of fish.

Anyways. Back to the Hokkaido-ben. I went to a picnic here with a Japanese friend’s family, and her aunt gave me a plate of food and said, “Tabere!” I knew that this had to be an imperative, but I had never studied it before. It felt like it was the same as the rudest imperative, and I spent the whole rest of the picnic wondering what on earth I had done to have her family speak to me like that. Conventionally, they should have been using the -tte form or -nasai form with me.

After the party, I asked her, “Dude, what’s the ~re stuff for? Do they not like me?” I was close to tears I was so hurt and confused.

And that when she laughed and explained that the ~re is a facet of Hokkaido-ben, and it is the same in politeness and nuance as the ~nasai imperative used by parents and teachers to their children.

So I had spent several hours thinking that her family hated me, when really they were treating me like I was their own child! 

Example: ちゃんと野菜を食べれ！ Romaji: Chanto yasai wo tabere!

Standard: ちゃんと野菜を食べなさい！ Romaji: Chanto yasai wo tabenasai! 

English: Eat all of your vegetables properly.

The End!

This was a monster of a post. There are actually a few more words I wanted to introduce, but I had to cut it off at some point haha. I hope that you enjoyed this segment of Moderately Interesting Japanese. I plan to make more on the other dialects within Japanese, but they will take a considerable amount of time so they won’t be very often. 

Thanks for reading!

[shiyoneko]

GYARI - Aoi-chan Totally Loves Chocomint (Shiyoneko English Translation)

【 JP and Romaji  】

絶対にチョコミントを食べるアオイチャン 【歌詞】 Zettai ni Chokominto wo Taberu Aoi-chan (Kashi)

あお＝　 琴葉　葵 Ao  =  Aoi

あか＝ 　琴葉　茜 Aka  =  Akane

あお：お姉ちゃん、お菓子買ってきたよ~ Ao: Oneechan, okashi katte kita yo~

あか： や↑ ったぜ Aka: Ya ↑ ttaze

あお：一緒に食べよ~ Ao: Issho ni tabeyo~ あか：なに買ってきたん？ Aka: Nani katte kitan?

チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu!

あか：他には？ Aka: Hokani wa?

チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu!

あか：他には？ Aka: Hokani wa? チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu!

あか：他には？ Aka: Hokani wa?

チョコミント　アイス　あと　チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu ato Chokominto Aisu!

あか：あおいー？ Aka: Aoi-? チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu!

朝ごはんチョコミント　 Asa gohan chokominto

昼ごはんのデザートも　 Hiru gohan no dezaato mo

晩ごはんにも加えて　 Ban gohan no mo kuwaete

毎日食べて幸せ Mainichi tabete shiawase

美味しいのに不思議だねえ Oishii no ni fushigi da nee どうして食べないのかな？ Doushite tabenai no ka na?

溢れるこの可愛さを Afureru kono kawaisa wo

私が教えてあげる Watashi ga oshiete ageru

蒼く爽やかな香りで Aoku sawayakana kaori de

幸せに導く　神のお菓子　故に Shiawase ni michibiku  Kami no okashii

故に Yue ni

最 of the 高 Sai of the kai

私だけが理解る幸福な世界 Watashi dake ga wakaru koufuku na sekai あ　そうだ A   sou da チョコミント布教するため Chokominto fukyou suru tame 政党結成しよっかな～ seitou kessei shiyokka na~

あか：あ、あおいー？ Aka: A, Aoi-?

チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto aisu aisu aisu yes つめたくて yes tsumetakute チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto aisu aisu aisu yes おいしいよ yes oishii yo チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto aisu aisu aisu yes 愛と夢を詰めて yes ai to yume wo tsumete 振る舞ってあげる furumatte ageru

チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto aisu aisu aisu yes もうひとつ yes mou hitotsu チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto aisu aisu aisu いかがです？ ikaga desu? チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto aisu aisu aisu yes みんなで食べたなら yes minna de tabeta nara 嬉しいねえ！ Ureshii ne!

あか：あ、あおいー Aka: A, Aoi- あか：お姉ちゃｎ Aka: Oneecha n,

チョコミント　ケーキ　ケーキ　ケーキ Chokominto keeki keeki keeki yes かわいくて yes kawaikute チョコミント　ケーキ　ケーキ　ケーキ Chokominto keeki keeki keeki yes おいしいよ yes oishii yo チョコミント　ケーキ　ケーキ　ケーキ Chokominto keeki keeki keeki yes 君を理想郷へ yes kimi wo risoukyou he 連れてってあげる Tsuretette ageru

チョコミント　ケーキ　ケーキ　ケーキ Chokominto keeki keeki keeki yes もうひとつ yes mou hitotsu チョコミント　ケーキ　ケーキ　ケーキ Chokominto keeki keeki keeki yes いかがです？ yes ikaga desu? チョコミント　ケーキ　ケーキ　ケーキ Chokominto keeki keeki keeki yes たくさん食べたから yes takusan tabeta kara 幸せでしょう？ Shiawase deshou?

せやな Seyana

蒼く　美しいフォルムに Aoku utsukushii forumu ni 騙されないで　これは Damasarenaide   kore wa 巧みに作られた Takumi ni tsukurareta 敵の罠 Teki no wana

あなた。。。 Anata... 始末される覚悟はありますか Shimatsusareru kakugou wa arimasuka

戦争だ Sensou da

信じる者には慈悲を Shinjiru mono ni wa jihi wo 裏切り者には罰を Uragiri mono ni wa batsu wo

チョコミン党以外絶対許されない！ Chokomindou igai yurusarenai! チョコミントによる正義の鉄槌を！ Chokominto ni yoru seigi no tettsui wo!

チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu! あか：あおい～ Aka: Aoi~ チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu! あか：なんか話題のレシピがあって Aka: Nanka wadai no reshipi ga atte チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu! あか：あおい喜ぶ思って作ったんや Aka: Aoi yorokobu omotte tsukuttan ya チョコミント　アイス！ Chokominto Aisu! あか：食べるやろ？ Aka: Taberu ya ro? あお：いただきます Ao: Itadakimasu

チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto Aisu Aisu Aisu ! そぉい！ Sooi! あか：ウマイやろ？ Aka: Umai ya ro? チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto Aisu Aisu Aisu ! そぉい！ Sooi! あか：オイシイやろ？ Aka: Oishii ya ro? チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto Aisu Aisu Aisu ! そぉい！ Sooi! あか：溢れる感動で言葉も出んか Aka: Afureru kanjou de kotoba mo den ka

あか：まだあるで Aka: Mada aru de AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! あか：嬉しいね Aka: Ureshii ne あか：おかわりや Aka: Okawari ya AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! あお：もう許して Ao: Mou yurushite

チョコミント　アイス　アイス　アイス Chokominto Aisu Aisu Aisu ! 今更気づいたの Ima sara kizuita no 人は自由で選ぶ権味があるの Hito wa jiyuu de erabu kenri ga aru no 連合解体します Rengou kaitaishimasu

あお：お姉ちゃん　お菓子買ってきたよ～ Ao: Oneechan, okashi katte kita yo~ あか：せやな Aka: Seyana あお：一緒に食べよ～ Ao: Issho ni tabe yo~ あか：どんなチョコミントかな？ Aka: Donna chokominto ka na? チョコレートアイス... Chokoreeto aisu... あか：や↑ ったぜ！ Aka: Ya ↑ttaze!

おまけ Omake

あお：いや～ チョコミント以外のお菓子食べるのいつぶりやろ Aka: Iya~ Chokominto igai no okashi taberu no itsu buri ya ro あお：ごめんねお姉ちゃん Ao: Gomenne oneechan あか：ん？ なんかコレ開けづらいな あ、 Aka: n? Nanka kore akezurai na A-

<- To be continued

【 English Translation 】

Aoi-chan Totally Loves Chocomint (Lyrics)

Ao: Big sis, I bought some sweets~ Aka: Nice. Ao: Let’s eat it together~ Aka: What sweets did you bought? Chocomint Ice! Aka: What else? Chocomint Ice! Aka: What else? Chocomint Ice! Aka: What else? Chocomint Ice, and Chocomint Ice! Aka: Aoi-? Chocomint Ice!

Chocomint for breakfast Chocomint for dessert after lunch Chocomint for dinner too Eating it everyday makes me happy It’s delicious but how weird Why is she not eating it? This overflowing cuteness I will have to teach it to you

This blue cream with refreshing fragrance It is the sweets of God - It’ll guide you to ultimate happiness Therefore It’s the B・E・S・T

A blessed world only I can understand Oh that’s right To spread the awesomeness of chocomint I’ll go make a political party for it~

Aka: A,Aoi-? Chocomint Ice Ice Ice! yes It’ll cool you off Chocomint Ice Ice Ice! yes It’s delicious Chocomint Ice Ice Ice! yes It is packed with love and dreams I will lead you to it

Chocomint Ice Ice Ice! yes How about Chocomint Ice Ice Ice! Some more? Chocomint Ice Ice Ice! yes If everyone eats it It will be a happy thing!

Aka: A, Aoi- Aka: Big sis is-

Chocomint Cake Cake Cake! yes It’s so cute Chocomint Cake Cake Cake! yes It’s delicious Chocomint Cake Cake Cake! yes It will take you To the utopia

Chocomint Cake Cake Cake! yes How about Chocomint Cake Cake Cake! yes Some more? Chocomint Cake Cake Cake! yes After you eat lots of it You feel happy, right?

Aka: Definitely

This blue cream with delicate form Don’t be fooled - This is An elaborately crafted Enemy’s trap

You... Are you ready to be annihilated?

This calls for war Mercy for those who believe Punishment for those who betray

Nothing else is allowed other than the chocomint party! (Candy)Spear of justice for chocomint!

Chocomint Ice! Aka: Aoi~ Chocomint Ice! Aka: I found a popular recipe on the net Chocomint Ice! Aka: I thought Aoi will surely be delighted if I made one for her Chocomint Ice! Aka: You’ll eat it, right? Ao: I will Chocomint Ice Ice Ice!   Here! Aka: It’s good, right? Chocomint Ice Ice Ice!   Here! Aka: It’s delicious, right? Chocomint Ice Ice Ice!   Here! Aka: You’re brimming with overflowing emotion that you can no longer speak, huh Aka: There’s more AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Aka: You must be happy Aka: There’s seconds AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Aoi: Please forgive me!

Chocomint Ice Ice Ice!   I just realized it now People have rights to choose their own favorites freely Chocomint party, dissolve Ao: Big sis, I bought some sweets~ Aka: Oh. Ao: Let’s eat it together~ Aka: What other kind of chocomint she bought? Chocolate Ice... Aka: Nice!

Bonus

Aka: Man~ How long was it since we last ate sweets other than Chocomint. Ao: I’m sorry, big sis

Aka: Hm? This lid is kinda hard to open A- <- To be continued

[shooter-nobunagun]

Tea for Two (R-18)

//Random summer one-shot inspired by my trip to London. Takes place shortly after the manga ends.

R-18 because...I just do that.

---

“Ugh, it’s muggy here as well...maybe I shouldn’t have worn long socks,” Sio fanned herself as they de-planed, getting hit in the face with a gust of moist, not-hot but not-cool air. “Adam, I thought you said London was cooler than Tokyo during the summer...”

“Uh, this...is?” The British man raised a white eyebrow as he hauled their bags over his shoulder. “I mean, Great Britain is an island love, I can’t do much about the humidity...but 23 degrees celsius is cooler than 29, no?”

“Yeah, I suppose...I guess I got spoiled spending all that time in San Francisco...ahh, the ocean breeze was soo nice! Geronimo and Babe Ruth said it’s because California has a dry heat, which is why it feels nice even when the temperature’s higher.” Stretching her arms out, Sio seemed to be hugging the breeze as it blew again, despite the dampness in the air. “Well, better than melting in the sun during Comiket. Is London always this, uh...grey?”

“More or less. You’re lucky there’s no rain today,” Adam shrugged, running a finger through white locks that were starting to stick to his face. “But yeh, wouldn’t expect too many sunny days if I were you; I wasn’t joking when I said London’s pretty overcast year-round. There’s a reason weather is the de-facto conversation starter.”

Sio giggled as they exited the terminal, Adam expertly navigating them straight to the rail station. “Iya, I really do think it’s nice. I mean, it’s not all clouds—I can see some sun.”

“Like I said squirt, yeh got lucky today. Now come on, let’s catch the express before it leaves—I’m not waiting around for the next one.”  ------- The rail system—or ‘The Tube’ as Adam called it—was quite similar to what she was used to in Japan, yet Sio couldn’t help but gawk at each station they passed through, wishing she had more than one pair of eyes because there was just too much to look at. Gothic architecture with modern skyscrapers, the iconic white, blue and red signs as the train screeched into each station...it wasn’t quite as clean or orderly as Japan, but there was something about the messy, almost frenetic atmosphere that made her feel more alive than back in Tokyo. 

“Ah, Adam wait—” Sio fumbled with her newfound Oyster card, while Adam simply tapped his phone. “Wha—did you just pay with your...phone?”

“Yeh, everyone’s movin’ t’ contactless methods these days; the Oyster’s not bad if you’re visiting, but honestly it’s way easier to just use one thing instead of grabbing out a card over and over again.” Sio struggled to keep up through the crowd on her shorter legs as Adam plowed resolutely ahead. “Surprised Japan doesn’t, considering you can do just about everything else with your phone over there.”

“Huh...maybe it will.” After transferring to another line (with Adam grumbling all the way about how the DLR was still crap and why couldn’t they upgrade the line), they finally exited at Greenwich, where his mother lived.

“Right-o, here we are...” Turning the key, the wooden gate slowly creaked open, Adam going through the entrance while Sio was still entranced by her surroundings. Outside of London was much quieter, with more trees and greenery, but she could still see the metropolitan areas across the river. 

“Oy Sio, you comin’ love?”

“Ah! H-Hai!” The brunette dashed through the gate, only to nearly run into an older woman with greying hair, and before she even said anything Sio knew this must be Adam’s mother. “O-Oh! I’m sorry, I didn’t...I, uh...it’s...n-nice to meet you, Mrs. Muirhead.” She bowed low, face burning with embarrassment.

“That’s quite all right, dear. It is very nice to meet you at last, Miss Sio Ogura. Adam has told me much about you; quite fondly, I might add,” the woman gave a small smile as Adam broke into a faint blush. “Please, do come in and make yourself at home—and I do mean that quite literally; you’re going to be my daughter-in-law, after all.”

Sio squeaked incoherently as she and Adam both turned bright red, even though it was pretty much public news at this point. Adam hadn’t been keen on turning their engagement into a public spectacle, but he relented after Sio agreed with DOGOO’s committee that the world could use some good news after officially ending the war upon her return. Though, if she’d known what a frenzy the media would make out of this piece of news...headlines such as ‘ENGLAND’S DARK ANGEL PROPOSES TO JAPAN’S SECOND RISING SUN’ and ‘TWO TWISTED FATES: DEMONIC WARLORD ENGAGED TO BLOODY KILLER’ flashed in her memory, each headline getting more and more outrageous until she decided to never read another piece on their upcoming marriage again. 

Luckily, this visit to his hometown was low-key and under wraps; a couple of folks here and there gave them sideways glances when they thought they weren’t looking, but for the most part the couple was mercifully left alone. Which was a relief, considering Sio wasn’t sure how much more ‘celebrity fame’ she could handle, even if they were international heroes. Some holders such as Gandhi and Babe Ruth took it all in good stride, but Sio just wanted to go back to being her introverted, otaku self. 

Just, with a fiancé now.

“Wow...this is, your room? It’s so...neat.” Sio took a glance around, standing by the door as if waiting for permission to cross into such a personal space. A single bed covered in dark sheets sat in the corner, with a computer opposite to it. A couple of faded gaming posters tacked on the wall (she smiled inwardly as she saw an ad for Metal Gear Rising) and his guitar, which had been shipped back with his personal belongings weeks earlier, sat neatly propped against the corner. “You got a nice view of the river.”

“Eh, it’s alright; mum kept it tidy when I was away.” Adam sighed and flopped onto the bed. “Uh, you can come in, you know...”

“Ah! Sorry, I was just...nevermind,” she shuffled over to the bed, hesitating for all of two seconds before flopping down next to him, Adam’s arm automatically coming across to scoop her close to him. “It’s just...I realized, I’ve never known what your life before DOGOO was really like...until now.”

“Hn; ‘s not that interesting, trust me. Growin’ up in a small place, single-parent home, gettin’ into rows with wankers who didn’t know how to keep their mouths shut...” He turned and sighed into hair, Sio flushing with coziness as he spooned her. “An’ then hearin’ voices in your head that you can’t make heads or tails of, until one day I finally realised, who I really was...what I was.”

“Adam...” Sio wanted to say something, but judging from his wistful tone and the way he was holding her, she sensed he wasn’t in the mood. ‘Maybe later on, when we’re less tired from the trip.’

She was just about to drift off into a nap when there was a light knock, followed by a “Adam? Sio?” and she shot up like a rocket, even though they hadn’t been doing anything.

“Hai—I-I mean, yes?”

“Did either of you want some nosh? I have tea ready if you’d like.”

Nosh? Sio was sure it meant something nicer than what it sounded like, but she couldn’t make heads or tails of it. Her English was much better after joining a supranational organization, but it wasn’t perfect.

Next to her, Adam stirred and stretched, blinking those sleepy emeralds as he pulled his shirt down. “Sounds good, we’ll be right down mum.”

“Adam...what’s ‘nosh’? Is it something for tea?” Sio whispered as the two descended the narrow steps. “I’ve never heard of it...”

Adam could’t help but snort in response at the sniper’s confusion. “Hah, you could say that—it just means food, is all. Ah, I forgot; you’re probably not familiar with British slang...”

“Well, I mean I know some...like ‘bloody hell’, ‘bollocks’, ‘wanker’...”

“Er, Sio, those are swear words...best not to be repeatin’ them ‘round my mum, yeh?” 

“Oh yeah? Well considering who I picked it up from...it’s your fault for swearing so much around me,” she stuck her tongue out playfully, only for it to turn into a squeal as Adam tickled her around the ribs. “A-Adam...! S-Stop it...you jerk!”

“Adam Muirhead, I thought I raised you better than to manhandle a lady like that. Especially your fiancée,” his mother appeared at the bottom, arms crossed and eyebrow raised in a manner that made her strongly resemble her son (or was it the other way around). “Tea is ready and waiting, you two. And please, don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s something else you’d like.”

“Oh, wow! It’s so cute!” Even though they often had teatimes aboard the A. Logan, Adam’s mother had clearly gone out of her way to make it special for her visit: a three-tiered dessert rack filled to the brim with tiny sandwiches, scones, and even some items she didn’t recognize—some type of pancake with holes?—both savory and sweet, and a large pot of aromatic black tea awaiting to accompany them. Small pots of clotted cream, jam and lemon curd surrounded her plate, and Sio had to stop herself from just shoveling every single item into her mouth at once.

“Do help yourself dear, and don’t be shy. There’s plenty more where that came from.” Her eyes twinkled in that way just like Adam’s whenever he was pleased about something, as Sio first took pictures of every single pastry with her phone, before popping them in her mouth.

“Uwaa! Oishii!! This is so delicious! Thank you so much, Mrs. Muirhead...these are really good! I’ve never seen them on the A. Logan, or even in Japan...” She especially like those pancakes—crumpets, they were called—slathered with a good deal of cream, whereas Adam preferred his with jam. “Wow Adam, you must’ve been so lucky growing up, getting to eat this all the time...”

“Hah, don’t get too excited, squirt. This spread is usually for special occasions; regular tea is closer to what we had on the A. Logan—but yeh, if you’re really looking for authentic, British comfort food, can’t beat mum’s cooking.”

Afterwards, Sio was so full she felt like dinner couldn’t possibly be an option, but as soon as she caught a whiff of savory meat and potatoes wafting into Adam’s room as they were playing video games...

“Whoa! Is this a...pie? I thought they were usually for desserts...”

Adam’s mother smiled as she put a whole pasty into the girl’s plate, with plenty of thick gravy and a spoonful of spring peas. “Yes, but here in England, they can be savory too. This was Adam’s favorite dish growing up. Beef and stout pie, with a side of peas and carrots. Actually, I daresay his favorite part isn’t so much the meat pasty as the glazed carrots.”

Sio’s eyes widened in their sockets. “Wait, Adam...your favorite food is...carrots?!” Even now there were still new things to learn about him, it seemed. Of course she knew favorite foods were highly subjective and could range from anything, but carrots? A vegetable? ‘That’s the last thing I’d associate with a serial killer...but then again, I, Oda Nobunaga’s reincarnation, like chicken, so look who’s talking...’

“Um, yes Sio...what, don’t tell me you find that hard to believe?” Adam pouted in mock disbelief. “I feel like you have this mental image of me being this, this...complex, secretive badass when I’m probably one of the most laid-back guys among all the holders...”

“A-Ah...I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that...” Sio shrank back in embarrassment, but Adam and his mother only laughed in good humour.

“Ah, so I see my son wasn’t exactly open with you in the beginning, was he? Adam, you should know better than to toy with a lady’s feelings like that...”

“Mum! I did no such thing of the sort...I just wanted to make sure she was serious about it, first,” Adam complained, though his ears were turning red and he spent the rest of the meal in a hushed mood, though Sio noticed he ate all the carrots and even took the ones she couldn’t finish.

As she finally felt her eyelids droop during their tenth round of after-dinner Tekken, the sniper suddenly realized she didn’t know what their sleeping arrangements would be. ‘Uh oh! I-I mean, I don’t know how much Adam has told his mom, but...she isn’t expecting us to, to...share a bed, is she?’ Even though engagement was pretty much a silent indicator of ‘yeah we’re sleeping together’, there was no way Sio ever wanted to broach that subject.

“Um, Adam...?” The silver-haired man tilted his head in her direction as he shut off the console. “D-Does...does your mom...er, did you...have you, told her about...us? L-Like, y-you know...um, that...” She coughed awkwardly and a few seconds later his face started glowing as well.

“...Oh. Uh. Um. No, I...haven’t. I-I mean, what, did you expect me to tell everyone we’re shaggin’...? ‘Cause I don’t know about you, but uh, my...love life...is pretty private, even if it is my mum.”

Sio shook her head frantically. “N-No! I-I mean, I don’t want you to—no no, I don’t mean it like that, I mean you should feel free to tell your mom whatever you want it’s just—I mean, uh, how are we...sleeping tonight?”

As if on cue, there was a light knock again, this time his mom entering with an armful of blankets and a sleeping bag. “I suspect you two are probably all knackered out by now, what with the time difference and all. Adam, I’ve pulled out your sleeping bag from the closet, that and the quilt should be quite comfortable for you on the rug. And Sio, here’s an extra blanket in case you feel a chill at night—I’m afraid summers here aren’t as warm as Tokyo, it can get surprisingly cold.”

“Oh, th-thank you, Mrs, Muirhead...I really appreciate it,” Sio suddenly felt shy; it was strange to be taken care of like a child again, when she’d spent the last few years learning to be independent while strategizing and fighting in a war and even managing a relationship. It was like being young and home again, with her parents to dote on her and not having a care in the world.

“Not at all, dear,” said Mrs. Muirhead as she laid out the bedding for Adam on the floor. “You’re our guest, and family, now. I want you to feel as such.”

The sniper only mumbled a ‘thank you’ while looking at the floor, too self-conscious about her soon-to-be new role. ‘That’s right...and Mrs. Muirhead will be my mother-in-law, after we’re married...and my parents will be Adam’s in-laws...’ Strange how thinking on it so intently could make her feel so detached, all of a sudden. Shuddering, she hugged herself tightly trying to get rid of this odd feeling, before burrowing herself in Adam’s arms as she always did when she felt unsettled.

“Oy, somethin’ wrong, love?” Adam gazed at her with concern as he patted her head. “Don’t want my mum to catch on? I can move downstairs if you’d like.”

“No! No, don’t go...that’s the last thing I want,” her voice was muffled against his chest. “It’s just...sometimes I get this, weird feeling, I can’t explain it. It’s like all of a sudden I can’t feel anything...I don’t know why it happens, but it’s...weird. And I don’t like it.”

“...I see.” Adam didn’t say anything more, instead holding her tighter and rocking her slightly, patting her on the back until the girl’s grip eased up. “Better now?”

Sio nodded. “Yeah...thanks, Adam. I...I always feel safe when you hold me...”

A rush of warm affection filled his chest, not the first time but Adam was a bit surprised at the intensity of it. You’d think after being together all this time and hearing Sio comment so often on how much she loved being held the effect would diminish, but it seemed this was not the case. “...Of course. Sio, I...I love you.” He gave her a small kiss on the cheek, before pulling her into an embrace. “You know, it makes me happy to hold you, too.”

“Unn...” Sighing, Sio nuzzled his chest slightly, before finally settling underneath the covers on Adam’s bed. Well, at least his mother made it clear without words that she was all right with them sleeping in the same room, if not the same bed.

“I’m going to get some water, but you should sleep first if you’re tired squirt.”

“Hnn...oyasumi...”

Smiling to himself, Adam quietly went downstairs. There were times where he felt he had to do more for her, and still it frustrated him that he couldn’t protect her from these spontaneous bouts of melancholy—but then again, he still struggled against fits of depression himself, so perhaps he wasn’t one to judge. 

“Adam? Still up?” His mother stared over the top of her spectacles as she finished the evening paper. “Is Sio settling in all right?”

“Yeh, don’t worry she’s pretty much out; poor thing must be right knackered after traveling so far.” He filled a glass from the kitchen and was just about to go back upstairs...

“...By the way, it should go without saying, but I am placing my trust in you, Adam Muirhead, as a grown man with the same level of responsibility.” Adam froze on the steps, not sure if he should turn around or even say anything, or if what he was thinking was what his mother was referring to at all—

“—No funny business. Is that clear?”

Adam swallowed nervously.

“...Yes mum.” ------- “Ah...I guess it did rain after all.”

Sio stared out the window next morning with bleary eyes, taking in a grey landscape as raindrops pattered against the glass. “Man, it’s really coming down too...”

“Well, better get used to it, squirt; welcome to summer in London.” Adam yawned and stretched lazily, still lying on the floor. “Though, it’s pretty unusual for it to come down this hard...normally there’s just enough rain t’ be a bother but not enough for an umbrella. Everyone just deals with it, honestly.”

Sio took a deep breath in, enjoying the fresh scent of rain. “Still, it’s kinda neat, I guess...also makes it a lot cooler.” 

After washing up the duo trekked down the steps, only to find a neat platter of eggs, bacon, sausage and more, along with a handwritten note. As Sio marveled at the full English ‘fry-up’ additions of tomatoes and baked beans, Adam scanned through the note while shoveling a piece of blood pudding into his mouth.

“Huhn, mum’s out shopping. Says she wanted t’ get somethin’ special for dinner,” he commented while lazily spooning the beans onto his toast, before topping that with another rasher of bacon. “Seriously mum, there’s no need t’ go all out...”

“Oh man, I’m so full,” a sigh from the sniper as she sipped her cup of strong, hot, milky tea. “I can’t believe you guys eat this everyday...” She’d done a decent amount of damage, but trying to finish the tomatoes and mushrooms and beans was a bit much, and that wasn’t even counting this ‘blood pudding’—or as she later learned from Adam, sausage made with pork blood.

“Heh, not everyday, squirt. A full fry-up’s pretty time consuming to make. But yeh, it’s nice t’ indulge once in a while.” 

They stared at the rain in a content silence, both sipping their black tea softened with plenty of milk and sugar. Although the rain certainly dampened their plans to explore the Royal Observatory and see the meridian line, Sio didn’t mind just staying indoors, cozied up with a warm cup of tea and her fiancé. There was something quaint about simply watching the rain in a quiet, English cottage.

Soon enough though, the two found themselves sitting in Adam’s bedroom again, this time with Sio perched on his chair in eager attention as Adam played a few pieces on his guitar. Even though it wasn’t anything beyond some acoustic parts, Sio still enjoyed hearing his smooth voice and the warm melodies from the guitar.

“You know, you really are a good singer, Adam,” Sio smiled as he put the guitar away. “I know you said you’re not interested in doing it professionally, so I’m glad I can hear it whenever I want.”

Adam couldn’t help but blush from her praise. “Anytime, love. It is a good hobby to have, even after all this time.”

Sio was now casually flipping through old picture albums and yearbooks, Adam finally having relented after she wheedled and begged him to show her what he looked like as a teenager. “Aww, you were shooo cute,” she gushed as the page fell upon his class photo during primary school graduation, “I just wanna pinch those widdle cheeks...” Still, she could tell from the photos that Adam had been quiet and rather serious, even as a child. While not outright scowling (as he so often did when they first met), it was rare to see him genuinely smile, although a later photo did show a boy with shaggy white hair sporting a small grin, though the occasion, Sio couldn’t tell.

Somehow though, as they were going through dusty picture albums with light banter about his old school life (’I can’t believe you didn’t have a girlfriend’), Sio found herself snuggling closer to Adam, enjoying his warmth and the feel of his well-muscled arm against her. And then somehow the photos were forgotten as she leaned against his neck, strands of his hair tickling her cheek and as she giggled he turned and breathed against her hair.

“...Can I kiss you?”

Sio felt a rush of warmth flood her cheeks; Adam wasn’t the most romantic or best with sweet-talking, but when he turned up the charm it always made her flush from head-to-toe in the most vibrant of ways.

“...Yes.”

The photos were soon tossed to the side as the two rolled around on his bed, making out with the sort of fever passion that teenagers had when they were engaging in illicit behaviors while the parents were away. Sio wanted to take off her clothes, but it was hard to think about doing anything else while Adam’s lips were hungrily consuming hers, and especially when a hard lump pressed against her groin, making her insides throb with anticipation.

“M-Mm....A-Adam, w-wait,” Sio panted breathlessly as he lifted up her shirt, planting kisses all between the valley of her pert breasts now. “I-I thought, y-you said your, mom...d-didn’t, want us...ah!” She arched her back as he pinched her stiff nipple.

“Yeh, but only if she finds out,” a husky whisper as he slipped a hand underneath her shorts, only to find her knickers soaking wet as he began teasing her nub through the cloth, Sio whining from the stimulation. “C’mon, she won’t be back for another few hours, I guarantee it—when she goes marketing like this, she goes all out.”

“A-Ah, b-but...I, your...sheets,” the sniper moaned helplessly as Adam started to finger her just the way she liked—rubbing her clit with short, hard strokes while one finger dipped through the side of her panties into her hot slit, stirring her juices up until Sio felt like she was going to go crazy. “I-I...y, you know I tend to...make a mess...”

“Eh, who cares. ‘Sides, I’ll just toss ‘em in the wash after. Relax love, it’ll be fine,” he murmured, fingers now pumping in and out of her soaked pussy at a steady pace while Sio moaned and writhed. “Gods, you’re so hot...I want you so bad, Sio, right now...” He rubbed himself against her thigh and she gasped. “I want to just...shove myself into your tight, wet, hole...and never stop moving...”

“Nng...th-then, do it, already...what are you waiting for...if you’re so, desperate...” They hadn’t even removed all their clothes but Sio didn’t care anymore; she wanted him inside her right now, and especially with the time limit the sooner the better. “Please...put in inside me Adam, right now...I want, to feel you...inside.”

Growling, Adam hastily undid his trousers with some difficulty, before shucking off just enough to thrust in with a satisfying moan. “Oh! Fuck, you feel amazing, love...” Gasping, he immediately set a strong pace, Sio squeaking with each thrust as she held onto his shoulders.

“Oh! Oh! Ah...Adam...!” Breathing hard, she tried to thrust her hips to meet his, but it was difficult to match his pace when he was also desperately kissing her all over. “Nngg...it’s so hot, my body feels...so hot!” That boiling heat, building up deep in her belly and between her legs...arching her back, Sio could feel that tell-tale tension as her orgasm started building to the peak. 

“A-Adam! I-I’m...I...!”

“Shh, hang on love, just...hang on for a minute, yeh?” Grunting, Adam forced himself to slow it down a little, even though he wanted nothing more than to thrust with reckless abandon and gorge himself on pleasure, until both of them were completely spent. The hot, slick tightness of her inner walls as they pulled and squeezed with each thrust...truly there was nothing better than making love like this, spontaneous and desperate without a care in the word. Sweat clung to his forehead as he breathed harshly, determined to come at the same time as her. She was going to come soon though, he could tell—and he was getting there too, sooner or later...

“Hnn...nnngg! A-Adam, I, c-can’t...hold back much longer...” Another tremor laced her body but Sio managed herself to hold back, letting out a sigh as the tension lessened—but just barely. That teetering, sparking pinpoint of pleasure that would tip at any moment...there was simply nothing else quite like it. It made her quiver and writhe, hold her breath and pant, clinging to that desperate edge...she squealed when Adam nipped her delicate pink breasts while running a thumb over her slick little pearl, her most sensitive spot. “Aaahh! A-Adam...it feels, s-so good...when you, finger my clit like that...! I-If you, keep doing that...I-I’m gonna, c, cum...!”

“Just do it; ‘m gonna come soon, myself...” he grunted, as Sio cried and fisted the sheets. Seeing his beloved sniper caged beneath his arms, both of them staining the bed where he spent his childhood...the juxtaposition of childish innocence and adult passion made for a strange atmosphere, but Adam didn’t have time to dwell on it as his orgasm hit, a strong wave of pleasure arching up through his belly and then up his spine; his release flooding deeply inside Sio as she gasped for breath, back perfectly arched. Heaving for air, he made sure to at least move off to the side so he wouldn’t crush her as he collapsed into the pillows.

“Hah, hah...I came too soon...” Sio mumbled in exhaustion, wishing to have at least held out for a little longer. “I always wish it would last longer...” Though she knew it was nearly impossible, still she would like to try holding onto that blinding pleasure, when she tipped just over the edge for as long as she could.

“Heh, I think we’d be in trouble if that was the case,” Adam responded drily, propping himself up on one elbow as he stroked her face. “But hey, that means there’s always round two...or three or...however many you want...”

“Adam! You perv,” she smacked his arm playfully as he returned it in kind. “Hmm, I want to, but your mom’s bound to be back pretty soon, right? And also, you need time to wash the sheets...”

“...I hate it when you’re right.” With a sigh, Adam heaved himself up and began to strip the sheets, now damp with sweat, saliva and...other fluids. As Sio put on fresh linens, Adam dumped the soiled sheets into the washer and set it for the fastest cycle.  

Coming back, he expected Sio to be fully dressed, but instead the girl only had on one of his old t-shirts, not even knickers as she appeared to have fallen asleep, curled on his bed. For some reason, Adam found himself smiling, shaking his head very slightly as he too, decided that a kip wasn’t a bad idea to while away the time. ------ Something was clattering in the kitchen as he woke with a start, for a moment confused by how dark everything was until he noticed the time—

Shit.

They’d definitely overslept by a long-shot, the short nap somehow lasting all the way until his mum came home and, from the sounds of it, was already prepping dinner. 

Well, whatever, he could just say they were tired from jet lag and not because of any little misbehavior—

—the sheets.

“Fuck!” Adam swore under his breath as he hurriedly tried to make himself look somewhat presentable, as the sniper next to him finally stirred from all the commotion.

“Mmmnn...Adam...? What time is it...”

“Oh shit, I totally forgot about the sheets in the washer—bloody hell—!”

“—Huh?”

And amongst the sniper’s confusion he darted down the steps, only slowing down at the very last second to make it at least appear like he’d just woken up, all the while praying his mother didn’t check the laundry when she returned.

“Ah, Adam. You’re awake, I see. Still getting over your jet lag?” His mother called out in a cheerful voice from the kitchen.

“Ah, yeh...sorry ‘bout that, we...didn’t see much of you today.” Making like he was getting some water, he casually circumvented the fridge as he surreptitiously tried to peek inside the washer—

“—I already hung out your sheets for you. Next time, don’t just leave them in there, otherwise they’ll get musty and wrinkled.”

Adam’s heart caught in his throat and for once, he genuinely didn’t know how to respond or what to even make of his mum’s answer.

“Is Sio awake? When I came back I saw the two of you were still asleep, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”

Shit, shitshitshit this was bad. There was no way his mother could mistake their relations now, not when she’d already subtly hinted at them last night. In a panic he tried to remember if he’d covered up Sio’s bare bottom or not, but at this point did it even matter? She’d come home, found both of them asleep, together, on his bed, with his sheets in the washer. Even if they were both semi-clothed, if that wasn’t a blatant ‘we shagged while you were gone’ Adam didn’t know what was.

“Ah, she, uh, she...just woke up I think.” His throat was dry and his heart was pounding, but there was nothing more he could do except pretend everything was normal. Well, as normal as it could get...

“Oh good, do you mind letting her know dinner’s about to be ready in a bit? That way if she wants to freshen up she has some time.”

Now was his chance! Mumbling a ‘yeh’, Adam beat a hasty retreat back up—

“—Oh and Adam? After dinner, let’s have a chat, just you and I.” His mother was smiling merrily at him, which was never a good sign. 

Fuck, fuuck, fuuuuuuuuuck—

Mustering every bit of training and wit as Jack the Ripper, Adam swallowed nervously, nodded a ‘sure’, and resigned himself to the inevitable ‘sex talk’ that would no doubt follow dinner. ‘Fuck me...’ 

“Eh? What’s wrong, Adam?” Sio blinked those sleepy maroons at him, already changing into her usual outfit.

Letting out a defeated sigh, Adam sank into his chair. “Haaaah...I fucked up; the cat’s pretty much out of the bag, now...” The sniper blinked in confusion as Adam buried his head in his hands. “I fucking forgot to take the sheets out, so of course my mum noticed them when she came back and she saw us asleep, together—”

As Adam groaned about what a pain the arse this would make things, Sio could only muttered a very small ‘oh’, while turning a faint red. ‘Whoops...I guess I should’ve been more careful as well...’

“W-Well, I-I mean, I guess it’s probably...obvious at this point, right? I-I mean, you weren’t expecting her to think we were, virgins until our wedding night or something...” Sio blushed nervously, the thought of actually getting married and their wedding night making her more self-conscious than admitting to her mother-in-law that yes, they were sexually active. “Sorry...if you want, I can go with you...”

“Nah, it’s all right, squirt. It’ll just make things more awkward. ‘S fine, I kinda anticipated this sooner or later anyway so...might as well get it over with.” Sighing, he got up from the chair as Sio finished making herself decent. “Anyway, we can worry about that after dinner. Speaking of which, I hope you’re hungry, because I’m fairly certain I saw mum taking out beef Wellington from the oven...”

That certainly got the sniper’s attention. “Beef Wellington? I’m there!”

And despite the awkwardness the two went down the steps hand-in-hand, together.

Always.

[thathusenfulhu]

can oishii disappoint?

the new oishii near the port in male is one of extremes. tonight, it is extremely crowded - the servers are on the verge of a major panic attack, but they somehow find us a table amid this mayhem. and when we order, we are told that the kitchen is going to be extremely slow - expect an hour for our sushi. to even ask a server for a can of coke here seems an act of torture. 'do you think it's because the queen died?' i ask aiminadhi [whom we last met in my piece about vacationing in dharavandhoo]. 'i think it's because it's a saturday,' responds aiminadhi. 'why can't they have extra help on a busy day like this? it's common sense.' 'hmm.' the decor deserves a comment. i think it achieves a kind of maximalist charm whereas aiminadhi thinks it's just overwhelming. 'they went overboard, perhaps because there was no one to say 'when,' she said earlier. anyhow, we had ordered a couple of maki - salmon and prawn tempura -, unagi nigiri, and ramen with beef in kimchi broth. our server said it wouldn't take too long to bring us the latter. so aiminadhi and i eavesdrop and make comments on the conversation at the next table, the make-up of which is like a multicultural benetton ad from the 90s - there's a reference for you 30-somethings. they seem to have just discovered sarcasm, like chandler (another reference) from friends, and it is painful. 'i found it funny that people on twitter were sad that the queen had died,' says aiminadhi, pushing a can of coke towards me. 'why?' i open it for her and she pours herself some. 'because we're brown, she's not our queen. she even stole our diamond.' it's our diamond now, as south asians, but then you gotta remember it belonged to a mughal emperor and we don't quite know how the kohi noor fell into THOSE hands. i find myself singing 'shine bright like a diamond' when the server puts our ramen in front of us. and my god! 'it's the first time i'm eating ramen, you know?' i confess to aiminadhi who is astonished.

'you gotta be kidding me. really?' 'i've had udon, but never ramen.' 'there's a first time for everything, and of all the places you could've had it, it just had to be here,' she says and we dig in with our soup spoons. 'god,' i say. it's so good, the kimchi broth is stunning - by this i mean it tastes like kimchi, and great kimchi at that. 'i love the beef, so tender,' says aiminadhi. 'you know, i like my patty medium when i have a burger cos i don't want the burger to get too soggy. and when i eat steak, i like my meat medium rare. not rare. medium rare.' she enjoys going off on meaty tangents. meanwhile, the cosmopolitan table next to us is in uproar! 'did they put something in the coke?' i ask. 'maybe.' and just as i suck on some cola and burp, drawing a look of horror from aiminadhi, our sushi comes. 'wow, how long have we been at this ramen?' i say. 'long enough.' the salmon maki, though pretty, is utterly tasteless. it's like eating plain rice. without salt. time and again, the issue plagues this self-proclaimed house of sushi. the unagi nigiri is last to arrive and by far the best of the lot with the sweet, buttery eel more than making up for deficiencies in the grain. our meal has concluded. 'time to get the bill,' i tell my friend. and dear lord. we've eaten 1021 MVR worth of japaneses. how is that even possible? aiminadhi looks terrified. is this real? yes. yes it is. 'er...let's go halves,' i say. 'next time, review big places when you've got the clout to make dinner complimentary OK?' she tells me as we exit the restaurant. 'and next time maybe YOU should eat like a woma -' i find myself thinking in response. 'you looked like you were about to say something.' says aiminadhi. 'oh. nothing. nothing at all.'

[kimonobeat]

NicoRinPana Lyrics: after school NAVIGATORS

English translation and romanization (with parts labeled) below.

ENGLISH

Let’s get cheeseburgers on our way home, mm-mm! I’d rather have ramen! Slurp slurp! We’re girls, so let’s have some fluffy waffles! What do we do, what do we do? Can’t choose, can you? Yeah!

Should we just go ahead and go? I want to If you’re not sure, then let’s just go Can’t even make up our minds with a majority vote after school, after school

We shouldn’t be too greedy But we got our expectations up so high That it made our hearts pound and pound after school, after school

Hoping it turns out nice and sweet? Then caramelize it Gonna pass on the spicy stuff? But it’s so exhilarating when it’s just a lil’ bit spicy!

No if’s, and’s or but’s If you like something, then love it! Regret’s not a good look on you

I wanna say I’m having fun every single day This moment’s a happy one in its own small way I wanna say I’m having fun every single day We get along, so I’m sure you understand. “This is really yummy!” Me stop chowing down? NEVER! Munch munch, I’m gonna have seconds Gulp gulp, me too, at the same exact time after school, We are NAVIGATORS!

Yeah! Eat, drink and laugh!

I’m so thirsty after chowing down My forehead’s glistening after slurping away~ So fluffy... If I keep this up I’m gonna be fluffy forever too What do we do? What do we do? Satisfied? Yeah!

I gotta try buying that, I want to Give it a tryーLet’s buy it Maybe it’s an acquired taste now tea break, now tea break

We shouldn’t stuff our faces But before we caught ourselves doing it We got our tongues so excited, excited now tea break, now tea break

You grilled it nice and hot? Mmmm, takoyaki! Chill, polar bear? Gimme a lot, not just a little bit please!

“See... more...” I say I like it, there’s nothing bad about loving it I’m not doing any self-reflecting over this

I wanna say that I’m happy, all the time There are blue skies inside my heart! This is the best thing ever I wanna say that I’m happy, all the time We get along, right? You nod yes. “I bet it’s delicious!” It is! I wanna say I’m having fun every single day This moment’s a happy one in its own small way I wanna say I’m having fun every single day We get along, so I’m sure you understand. “This is really yummy!”

Me stop chowing down? NEVER! Munch munch, I’m gonna have seconds Gulp gulp, me too, at the same exact time after school, We are NAVIGATORS!

ROMAJI

Nico: kaeri ni chi-zuba-ga- mogumogu Rin: sore yori ra-men! tsurutsuru Hanayo: joshi nara waffuru mofumofu All: do- shiyou do- shiyou? mayou yo ne? hai!

Nico: itte miru kana ikitai na mayotte’ru nara ikou yo tasuuketsu demo kimaranai after school, after school

Rin: yokubari-sugicha ikenai no dakedo hirogaru kitai de mune ga dokidoki dokicchatta after school, after school

Hanayo: amai amaku naare?   Rin: kyarameri-ze sarete Nico: tsurai no wa yametoku?   All: chotto dake ga shigekiteki

Hanayo: “demo... datte...” janaku suki nara daisuki datte ii janai koukai wa niaimasen

All: tanoshii ne tte mainichi iitai na sasayaka dakedo shiawase da yo kono shunkan ga nakayoshi dakara wakachi-aeru “tottemo oishii!” Nico: mogumogu tomaranai ‘n da mon Rin: pakupaku okawari desho Hanayo: gokugoku onaji taimingu All: after school, We are NAVIGATORS!

hai! Hanayo: tabete-   Rin: nonde-   Nico: waratte-!

Nico: mogumogu no ato nodo ga kawaichau Rin: tsurutsuru shitara odeko tekateka da yo~ Hanayo: mofumofu kono foeba- mofumofu All: do- shiyou do- shiyou? manzoku ne? hai!

Hanayo: katte miru beshi kaitai na otameshinasai kaou yo mania konomi no aji kamo now tea break, now tea break

Nico: hoobari-sugicha ikenai no datte omowazu shirazu ni shita ga wakuwaku wakucchatta now tea break, now tea break

Rin: atsui atsuku yaketa?   Nico: takoyaki wa fuhhoho Hanayo: hiyashite shirokuma?   All: chotto ja yada takusan puri-zu!

Rin: “hora... motto...” desu yo suki dashi daisuki nante aku janai hansei wa shimasen yo

All: ureshii ne tte itsudemo iitai na kokoro no naka wa aozora da ne kouiu no saikou Nico: ureshii na tte itsudemo Rin: iitai ne nakayoshi da yo ne Hanayo: unazuite’ru “yappari oishii!” All: oishii! tanoshii ne tte mainichi iitai na sasayaka dakedo shiawase da yo kono shunkan ga nakayoshi dakara wakachi-aeru “tottemo oishii!”

Nico: mogumogu tomaranai ‘n da mon Rin: pakupaku okawari desho Hanayo: gokugoku onaji taimingu All: after school, We are NAVIGATORS!

[iketeruki]

I am sorry if this question is kinda out-of-the-blue-ish but how was it to meet An Cafe? I love to hear other people their experiences!! And I love your blog!!

No need to apologize, i love sharing my experiences and memories! and thank you so much, this warms my heart a lot. ♡ im sorry it took AGES to answer. ^^;So i’ve seen An Cafe twice but the first time i had “only” the regular ticket cause i wasn’t fast enough to get the vip upgrade…. i was so sad back then but the whole concert was amazing experience already!But since we’re talking about actually meeting the band, i’m only going to talk about the 2014 concert’s meet&greet. if you want to hear about the concert as well, pls tell me and i’ll gladly tell about it too. Okay so throwback to march, 2014. I came to hang out in front of the concert place a lil too late to see An Cafe going inside so i didn’t see them then but i heard that they had happily waved to the fans waiting outside and everyone had been so shook that they hardly could wave back and say hello, hehe. but i was early enough to meet Junior. He took pictures of the fans outside and when he saw my fan , he chatted with me a moment about it. (it was one of those you see on gokutama rock cafe album’s dvd) After going inside the venue, i was quick enough to buy my concert merch. (i bought the bag and t-shirt) and then we went to the concert hall that was still empty. We stood in a half circle, everyone had gotten their VIP stuff and we were waiting for An Cafe. We were told to cheer loud so they’d come from the backstage and we did. An Cafe walked to the room and first they looked at us , a little smile on their face. I honestly couldn’t believe my eyes at first, it felt so unreal. and i became SO SHY. At first were told to ask them questions. There were some questions like “what is the first thing you think when you hear Finland” etc. I was so shocked i couldn’t really say anything and i kept on staring each member like “are you really there omg?” Miku noticed my fan at one point and just kept on staring at it for a moment .At one point we didn’t know what to ask anymore so teruki had a questions for us. “Who, from the an cafe, is the most moomin?” We had to choose one and when they said the name of the member we had chose , we had to cheep/clap. I think i chose takuya but miku won. if i remember correctly.after that we went to line and it was time for the photo. At that moment we could give presents to the members if we had any and we could have a small chat. As i said, i was feeling really shy. My two friends and I had had a little fanproject where we did shirts for each member. I did one to teruki , my one friend (who couldn’t come to the concert) did one for kanon and my other friend did the ones for miku, yuuki and takuya. Tho i helped with figuring out what photos we put there on yuuki’s and takuya’s. (so it was a plain white t-shirt and we painted)Since my friend who did one to kanon wasn’t there, my other friend (who did yuuki’s, takuya’s and miku’s shirts) gave the shirt to kanon and i could give mine to teruki.. so teruki was so confused when he was only one who didn’t get the shirt. then my friend pointed out at me, saying i would give him the shirt. 

When it was my turn, Teruki turned his attention on me and was walking towards me. at the same time i was asked who my favorite member was and even though i very well heard it, i answered “what?” and i was asked again and then i could answer teruki. I walked towards the members and teruki was like “WHOOOAA AWESOME” when he saw the fan i was holding and i was a lil awkward like “whoa why are you like this help is this really happening?!?!” and then teruki noticed the t-shirt and he was singing “t-shit, t-shirt, t-shirtt” and i was just laughing a lil and gave it to him with nodding and saying “yess, it’s for you.” i had painted a cat , similar to the one he had posted photos on fb. and i wrote nyan nyan. (it came from that one interview during my heart leaps for “c” era)he praised it and looked at it and all of the members were watching it as well. Even though i was super shy, i was brave enough to ask for a hug and he was like “yeah of course.” then i thanked him for everything. Then it was turn for miku and i hugged and thanked him as well. Then when it was time for Kanon, i remembered that i had a bracelet and card my friend gave me. She adores kanon a lot and i promised to give those to him. Miku looked at the card as well and was like “ohh that’s so well drawn”. Then I hugged and thank Takuya as well. Yuuki was leaning of the fence behind, he thought i wouldn’t want to hug him ??? so when i came in front of him and asked for a hug , he was like “yeah sure” HIS HUGS ARE THE BEST I FELT SO WARM HONESTLY. he was so sweet and he thanked me that i wanted to hug him ? and i thanked him for coming to finland and being a sweetheart. Then we took the picture, i was next to teruki and danggg i was nervous. before taking the picture i noticed i still had my stuff and i was trying to search my friend and i was like “omghe jw jonna where are you?” but in english in stead of finnish. well jonna heard it, but so did miku and he repeated what i said but in that high pitched voice. you know that what he used during ryuusei rocket/cherry saku yuuki era on that one comment where he first says normally “nyappy” and then high pitched “nyappyyy” :DD i was like “did u just”anyway, after the photo teruki gave me the signed cd. he usually says thank you. but he somehow got what i was thinking when i wrote the nyan nyan on the shirt. so he said nyan nyan. in the same way they did in the interview. (idk if they said nyan nyan in the interview but in sounds similar). i was so happy and shocked and rgoh . iT WAS AWESOME.anyway, i got in the first row on the left side. i was right in front of kanon and i saw teruki perfectly as well. and it was one of the best concerts in my life.after the concert we stayed outside the concert venue and saw An Cafe. Their car was parked right in front of the front door so we stayed and said goodbyes and good nights. Kanon was super tired so he didn’t say much nor did Takuya. But Miku chose his seat so he had a perfect view on us and he looked like he wanted to get out of the car and come to talk with us etc. i told him im going to miss him and an cafe and he was looking at us a bit sad and said he is going to miss us too and he promised to come back as soon as possible. and he thanked us and i said “no thank YOU for coming”. Yuuki was super sweet he came a bit later and told us good night. Teruki was the last one to go, it took him a while tbh. and when he came out he was eating pizza and when he noticed us he started to laugh a lil and raised the pizza piece and said “oishii desu” and then he thanked us for the concert. sorry this came out longer than i was expecting. but that’s my experience.Oh and i wanna add something, a lil random but what warms my heart still.A little before 2012 tour started, i tweeted miku that i was so happy to see an cafe and i couldn’t wait the concert. and i told him also that i was sure that the setlist would be awesome anyways, but it would personally mean so much to me if ryuusei rocket was on the setlist. It wasn’t at that year (obviously they’re not changing the setlist 2 days before the concert starts) but he started to follow me a little after i tweeted that. And on 2014 tour’s setlist, RYUUSEI ROCKET WAS THERE. i’m not saying it was right after that and it might have been a coincident but i like to believe that it might have had something to do with the tweet. Anyways, i was so happy after that happened. 

[redfreesias03]

Watashi wa Blueberry Pie (“I’m Blueberry Pie”)

“I’m blueberry pie: the outer appearance still has a little more to go, but look, inside, there’s an adult flavor. It’s really good! Plea-plea-plea-please try some!”

OR: A girl bakes her feelings into a pie.

HAATO no dokoka ga (HAATO no dokoka ga) nanka kongari yakete kita yo chotto amakutte (amakutte) ii nioi ga hana wo kusuguru

Somewhere in my heart (somewhere in my heart) It feels it’s been baked a well-toasted brown A nice, slightly sweet smell (slightly sweet smell) Tickles my nose

MAMA ni osowatta no yo kore ga koi no RESHIPI tte sukisugiru setsunasa wo meshiagare!

My mom taught me how to make this It’s a love recipe: Heartache from loving you too much– Enjoy the meal!

watashi wa BURUUBERII PAI mikake wa madamada demo hora    naka wa otona no aji HONTO oishii yo (chochocho chotto tabete yo) OSUSUME BURUUBERII PAI FURESSHU na FURUUTSU mitai hajimete no ai wo ajiwainagara suki ni natte ne

I’m blueberry pie The outer appearance still has a little more to go, but Look, inside, there’s an adult flavor It’s really good (Plea-plea-plea-please try some!) The chef’s recommended blueberry pie Just like fresh fruits As you savor the taste of first love, Please fall in love with me

tsuba ga deru kurai (tsuba ga deru kurai) wari to jouzu ni dekichatta hoka no dareka yori (dareka yori) yakitate dakara kashou suru yo

It’s baked pretty well So delicious it’s mouthwatering (mouthwatering) I’m more freshly-baked than other girls (other girls) So I’ll burn your tongue

marude KISU demo suru you ni sotto FUUFUU tte shite saikou no okurimono tabegoro yo

So blow a little to cool it down, Just as if you were kissing me It’s the ultimate present Just right for eating

watashi wa BURUUBERII PAI mitame mo kawaii desho? te wo kakete tsukuttanda kara aji wa hoshou suru (mommommommotto homete yo) dekitate BURUUBERII PAI seishun wa suppai mono ne setsunasa ga chanto tsutawaru kana hatsukoi SUIITSU

I’m blueberry pie It even looks just as cute, right? I made it with my own two hands, so I guarantee its good flavor (Plea-plea-plea-please praise me more!) Blueberry pie, fresh from the oven Youth has a sour flavor, right? I wonder if it’ll properly convey my heartache? This first-love sweet

CHOKO to ka PURIN to ka AISUKURIIMU meutsuri nante shinaide ne

Don’t get caught up by Chocolate, pudding, or ice cream

watashi wa BURUUBERII PAI mikake wa madamada demo hora    naka wa otona no aji HONTO oishii yo (chochocho chotto tabete yo) OSUSUME BURUUBERII PAI FURESSHU na FURUUTSU mitai hajimete no ai wo ajiwainagara suki ni natte ne

I’m blueberry pie The outer appearance still has a little more to go, but Look, inside, there’s an adult flavor It’s really good (Plea-plea-plea-please try some!) The chef’s recommended blueberry pie Just like fresh fruits As you savor the taste of first love, Please fall in love with me

watashi wa BURUUBERII PAI mitame mo kawaii desho? te wo kakete tsukuttanda kara aji wa hoshou suru (mommommommotto homete yo) deki date BURUUBERII PAI seishun wa suppai mono ne setsuna sa ga chanto tsutawaru ka na hatsukoi SUIITSU watashi wa zutto BURUUBERII PAI

I’m blueberry pie It even looks just as cute, right? I made it with my own two hands, so I guarantee its good flavor (Plea-plea-plea-please praise me more!) Blueberry pie, fresh from the oven Youth has a sour flavor, right? I wonder if it’ll properly convey my heartache? This first-love sweets I’m always Blueberry pie

[foodgemsg]

http://bit.ly/2sqhhqO Read on our visit to Hiryu Japanese Restaurant | Japanese Food That Makes You Go Oishii! by FoodGem

Media Tasting at Hiryu

Hiryu, which opened about 2 months ago along Tras Street. Chef Raymond Tan, known for his exquisite and contemporary culinary techniques while keeping true to the season’s fine ingredients imported from Japan. He is also from Sushi Jin (by award-winning Les Amis Group), Sushi Murasaki and Kurama Robatayaki. Hiryu serves up Eastern tradition with a Western influence. Both Omakase and specially curated chef’s recommendation menus are specially designed by Chef Raymond.

Thinly sliced snapper sashimi slices arranged flat on a plate flavoured with Shio Konbu, chives, shaved truffles, topped with savoury housemade truffle soy sauce and ends with a maple leaf that makes you feel like you’re in autumn.

Tai Carpaccio at S$42.

One of my favourite items from curated chef’s recommendation menu goes to Uni & Toro Truffle Bruschetta. Premium ingredients including sea urchin, caviar with truffle, seasoned Japanese chopped tuna are piled atop the nicely toasted butter bruschetta. This is one indulgence that I want to eat over and over again!

Uni & Toro Truffle Bruschetta (2 pcs) at S$64

Stuff your mouth with Sando char-grilled Miyazaki A5 Wagyu smeared with sea urchin sandwiched between two toasted crisp white bread is pure indulgence. The fats are rendered nicely while wagyu remained juicy and tender. However, the seasoning of the wagyu was a little too salty for me.

Hiryu Wagyu (2 pcs) at S$58.

Honestly, that was my very first time of having uni tempura. The first thing that comes to my mind is the quality of the uni fillings. Will it remain fresh and sweet after cooking? Pleasantly to announce that it was smooth, still sweet and less briny taste. This deep-fried uni is wrapped in seaweed and served with a house-made Anago sauce. It is an item that requires complete knowledge over sea urchin and tempura-frying temperature to master this dish well.

Uni Tempura at S$42.

Tuna lovers will be delighted with ‘ToroToro Caviar’. The toro sashimi is nicely pressed atop a bed of warm sushi rice. Additional hand-minced toro is mixed with green onion, black and white sesame and segmented into smaller portions before adding black caviar and gold leaf. Nice mix of flavours with fragrance of black and white sesame.

This is part of the omakase course.

The crowd-favourite Botan Ebi with foie gras simply blossomed into an ethereal breath of spring in the mouth. The foie gras was perfectly seared, where nothing took away from that buttery sweet goodness. There are also two secret ingredients hidden – prawn head paste and anago sauce. You must have this dish in one mouthful – the crunch from the botan ebi, sweetness from prawn head paste and buttery foie gras.

This is part of the omakase course.

Before our mouths have tasted a thing, our eyes have already judged it. The chilled truffle angel hair is served in a wooden box with a mystery for you to resolve. Opening the box, your senses are turned on to the strong sakura ebi and black truffle scent. You can also expect scallop, sea urchin, caviar and nicely oiled cold angel hair pasta.

Chilled Truffle Angel Hair at S$75.

Available on the Omakase options as well as the ala-carte menu.

Something interesting at Hiryu is that there is a “Choose Your Style” menu where the diners can enjoy meat in their desire style from steak, claypot rice or Hokkaido uni or Oscietra caviar. Cooked Miyazaki A5 Wagyu gave a very good firmness while tender. Every grain of Japanese rice is soaked in a sukiyaki base giving that soft and smoky taste from the claypot. However it doesn’t come with a burnt rice crust like the traditional claypot rice.

Miyazaki A5 Wagyu (150g) at S$108.

Claypot rice comes with sauce and shaved truffle at S$18.

Total price for Miyazaki A5 Wagyu Claypot Rice at S$126/150g.

Tried a couple of desserts and I prefer in-house truffle ice cream that is made in batches. The meal ended with a savoury edge and nice Japanese popped rice.

*Service charge(10%) and GST(7%) applicable.

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Budget Per Pax

S$80-S$188

How to go Hiryu Japanese Restaurant

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Operating Hours

Daily 12–2:30pm, 6–11pm (except Sunday) Sunday CLOSED

Address and Contact

39 Tras St, Singapore 078978

Contact: +65 6788 9188

Email: hiryusg@gmail.com

Reservation allowed.

Travel and Parking

Parallel Parking available.

Travel via public transport.

From Tanjong Pagar Mrt Station (East-West Line)

Exit A; Walk 231 m (about 7 minutes) to Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area.

The post Hiryu Japanese Restaurant | Japanese Food That Makes You Go Oishii! appeared first on foodgem: Food & Travel.

[evelynsmusings]

KFC Umadare & Yang Yeum Writeup Competition

BATTLE OF THE KFC WINGS!

HEY THERE MY FOREST BUNS!Here's a rousing debate: Korea or Japan? Honestly, even though I want to travel to Korea (i've been rambling about this for months), I'm going to have to pick the country that has the best tech and best freakin' food. No doubt I'm a sucker for any kind of Japanese food, but why Japan?

From the eccentric Tokyo to the cultural rich Hokkaido; there's always something pretty interesting about Japan. 

Not to mention the amazing technology that is Japan; bullet trains to robots? Sign me up to head down to Japan lol. Hey but don't worry, Korea's pretty rad too, no doubt about that, you have no idea how I'm just DYING to head to MyeongDong for some shopping cries.

2015, KFC’s Umadare & Yang Yeum wings blog competition, 2nd place

The origin place of Neoprints (Purikura), Combini's with everything, hot springs, birth place of anime, amazing weird kinds of foods that range from 15 different crazy flavours of kitkat (and more probably) and customizable cup noodles URGH JAPAN WHY ARE YOU SO QUIRKY IN SUCH A GOOD WAY?!

Most importantly, the personal favourite thing about Japan: COSPLAY Yeah, yeah it's one of my bucket list goals to just walk through the streets of Harajuku in my cosplay outfits just because. So when KFC'S Battle of the wings came out, I knew for sure I already had a winner there right in my little dried up heart. BUT WAIT I'm not going to be biased, I'm not going to decide even before I even tried (cough* yeah right cough*): It's time to try the new KFC's Wings, the Umadare flavoured Wings and the Yang Yeum flavoured Wings! Say hello to KFC'S NEW FLAVOURED WINGS! AND Singaporean youths are very much influenced by the trends from Japan and Korea and hence KFC has launched their freshly breaded juicy wings in Umadare and Yang Yeum flavours targeted at the youth clout. Depending on whether you are a supporter of Japanese culture or Korean culture, KFC has all the flavors to satisfy your palate - be it the tangy yet savory Umadare (Jap-inspired) or the sweet and spicy Yang Yeum (Korean-inspired). Headed down to KFC's outlet at Kallang stadium to decide who wins this tight knit battle! We were hungry so we got the bento box set for one! FIRST UP, YANG YEUM Let's be honest here, I'm terrible at taking in spicy stuff so the moment I sniffed up the smell of Ddobokki like sauce, I went "uh oh. This ain't gonna end up too good" the face of horror that it's too spicyHey! But it's still finger lickin' good! Gosh Evelyn, you are a failure at eating spicy food. NEXT UP, UMDARE WINGS! pls dont be spicy toonom nom Oh my gosh, eating it actually makes me feel like I'm in Japan Okay there's literally no suspense here, for those slow ones, the winner for me is:UMADARE! I look like a cat here for some reason, just call me Osaka kitty and maybe I'll think about wearing cat ears next time. Unfortunately, spicy Yang Yeum cannot fit well with my uncultured tastebuds, (IM SORRY LEE JONG SUK I HAVE FAILED YOU) but if you are a spicy food lover, don't hesitate! The Yang Yeum wings taste pretty good if you have the tongue for it. However, the Umadare flavoured wings are not too far off! It's sweetness and sour flavour is a definite wake up call to your tastebuds! The tangy but savoury sauce is a wonderful burst of concoction in your mouth, like a surprise party that you get pleasantly surprised with. YUMYUMYUM! WHAT ARE YOU GUYS WAITING FOR? It is also available for the Wings Rice Bento Set which comes with 4 pcs Wings (choice of 1 flavour), fragrant chicken rice, a side salad and a regular 7Up Lemon Mint at $6.90! **Promotion is not available at KFC Sentosa and Singapore Zoo. Freshly breaded in-store with a special batter, these juicy wings are cooked to crispy perfection and coated in your choice of two bold flavours – choose between the Japanese-inspired tangy yet savoury Umadare and the Korean-inspired sweet and spicy Yang Yeum. Who will be crowned king of the wings? You decide. Pick a side and be part of KFC’s greatest wing-off! After trying the KFC wings, you can either post a picture or video of yourself enjoying the KFC wings on Instagram! If you are doing a video, say “Oishii Umadare Wing!” or “Mashisoyo Yang Yeum Wing!”. Hashtag your winning flavour #kfcoishii or #kfcmashisoyo in your post too! One lucky winner will be chosen from the ‘winning flavour’ to WIN a prize! Hashtag #kfcoishii to support Umadare or #kfcmashisoyo to support Yang Yeum on Instagram! I vote for #kfcoishii! What about you?

[foggyinjapan-blog]

1st Nov. Snoopy

Barely opening my eyes and I notice that my body has slowly started to shut down. Haha nah seriously though, I am so bloody sore!! This is good though, I need these muscles to snowboard. A few stretches and I'm back on. I'll still take it easy today because it's my birthday on Friday and it’s going to be a big day woohoo! I've booked an authentic Samurai experience through trip adviser. They teach us how to use a katana first with wooden swords, then we get to cut shit up with a real one and finish with meditation! I am so excited! A birthday present to myself.

I get ready and seeings though I'm taking it easy, I'm going to wear the only dress I bought with some spider web tights I bought the other day! Kawaii!

I head to a cafe for breakfast called Cafe Frosch. The lady gives me an English menu but I read the Japanese one, just because I can :) a cappuccino and the German inspired sausage with the home made bread please! This lady makes bread everyday for her cafe. So amazing and it tastes delicious, it’s not as sweet as most breads you find in Japan. Winning!

After breakfast I head to one of the 2nd hand stores Miho recommended, this one was called Hand to Hand. Great name! The Japanese always come up with interesting shop names! I might start writing them down. I walk in and the first thing I find are some giraffe slippers. Hahaha brilliant I need some for the season and these are only $5! Last season I was given Hello Kitty slippers for Kris Kringle. Best gift ever but I didn't bring them this time. I wonder through and the store is so cramped. There's shit everywhere and you really have to dig to find some things. Standing in front of me is this old school Coke fridge! So vintage, so expensive. There's a vintage gum ball machine, antique  jewelry boxes, records, books, furniture, artwork, electronics and literally anything. A hoarders dream except there was one-of-a kind things in there too; they were ridiculously overpriced though. If I had enough kgs to come home I would've bought a few house hold things. So different.

Next I head into the main shopping mall of Kyoto. Walking through and I have no idea what I'm going to do next. There's an arcade with photo booths, games and skill testers. Woohoo, let's go be a kid and waste some yen!! I go in the photo booth which was fun, but definitely better with friends. I'm always a sucker for skill testers. I wonder how much money I've lost over the years? Anyway I put in 300 yen in one game ($3.50 aud roughly) and loose. And put 500 yen in this snoopy one which gives me 6 turns! Man I want snoopy to come adventure with me! On the 3rd turn I get it, wooo!!! Winner! I get really excited and turn around to see some people watching me hehe! I use the remainder of the turns to try and get the other one but I fail. One of the guys that was watching tries next but doesn't get it. I go play some other games! About 10 minutes later he comes back with a pink snoopy and says it's a gift for me! Naw bless! Now I have snoopy and his girlfriend haha! We start talking and go and grab a coffee. He's English is ok but there's a lot of silence. His name Yuto and he plays guitar in a band! Sweet. He takes me to Yasaka Shrine and we get some street food. Sugoi!! Then we say good bye and I continue on shopping.

I head home with some fried chicken. Oishii! A bit later I go to the supermarket, I want to make dinner tonight so I think I'll make sushi. This will be my first decent shop in Japan and I remember last year was so stressful because I just had no idea! Wow, this is actually so much easier now I can read some of it! Stoked! I grab some beer, chuhai, cereal, sashimi and the ingredients to make sushi!!

Get home and put the rice on, then shower while its cooking. I prep dinner (which is not much at all) and crack a sweet sweet Sapporo beer, ahh! Dinner was amazing and I can see myself doing this a lot this season. It’s so easy! For some reason I was worried there would be too much fish but I bloody ate it all! Cheering and full! I'm wearing my new slippers which makes me happy!! It's the small things.

Ohhh I forgot to mention I bought some Christmas socks today! Bring it on!! Only 2 months away hehe

[spajonas]

Sunday Update - June 18, 2017

Guys, this was the busiest, most stressful week I’ve had in a long time. It was the last week of school. It was also the last week I had to get CRASH LAND ON KURAI ready before we leave on vacation. Every day was PACKED with stuff to do. By the time Friday rolled around, I was crying at dinner time because I was so stressed out. BUT I feel much better now, so no worries! Obviously I just needed a good cry to get things out.

Monday was one of our last normal days. My oldest kid had a class trip for the whole day and my youngest had a normal school day. It was hot and muggy, and I worked while on the treadmill in the basement.

Tuesday was the last full day of school. The kids had a good day and then we picked up our CSA veggies afterward. Not too bad.

Wednesday, things started to get crazy. I had to go to school for a Flag Day assembly in which my youngest sang songs about the U.S. and was all patriotic and stuff. Lol. It was really cute. Then I ran errands, picked the kids up at 12:30pm, fed them, and took them to tennis in the afternoon for their last lesson until Fall. I worked every spare minute I had.

Thursday, I was at the school pretty much all morning for the Fourth Grade Farewell. My oldest is graduating from her elementary school. It was both sweet and sad, and there were many tears. She was awarded the Aspiring Author Award for wanting to be just like her mom (omg I’m so proud) and always being on Google Docs penning her next best seller. 🙂 After school, we had piano lessons and friends over for a playdate. Again, I worked in every spare minute.

Friday, I was finally done with work! I had proofed the whole book, changed a few names, ironed out my timeline, and fixed all the timeline inconsistencies. I formatted it in Vellum and sent it out to my ARC readers. It was weird to be done with this book but exciting too! I hope my readers love it! It was also the last day of school. My oldest daughter was clapped-out of her school. This means that everyone in the school lined the driveway and all the fourth graders came out to music and everyone clapping for them. Yes, there were more tears from me and from her. We gave her roses for her big day. Then she and her sister were at a birthday party all afternoon until gymnastics time.

Are you exhausted yet? Because I was. I cried through dinner that night because I’ve been working so hard and the end of school and finishing off my book just got to me. Sigh.

Saturday, I was feeling much better after a good night’s sleep. I took it easy, got my hair cut, cleaned up around the house, and read. It was a nice chill day. We went out for lobster buffet dinner in the evening to celebrate upcoming Father’s Day. It’s so nice to do these things with the kids now!

Sunday, today, it’s Father’s Day. My husband took the kids to church, I went for a walk, and then we gave him the afternoon off by going to the pool without him. Now it’s time for dinner and packing for a week away.

What else happened this week?

The week started out nicely with some Japanese for lunch! Oishii!

We flew the flag on Flag Day.

The Fourth Grade Farewell was full of great moments.

My eldest indulged in a blue sparkly bath bomb.

Flowers for the elementary school graduate.

Dinner last night was spectacular! And the place was hosting a wedding while we were there.

I’m halfway to my walking goal for the year!

The pool was hot and sticky today!

And now it’s time for knitting and HOUSE OF CARDS.

Coming up this week on the blog: celebrating my critique partner’s new novel, and that’s it, because I’M GOING ON VACATION. Bye!

Sunday Update – June 18, 2017 was originally published on S. J. Pajonas

[ramentravel]

20170425

cai shichang and more mitsukoshi!!

today we woke up a little late (like 8am) and walked to the cai shichang kind of nearby. and i gotta say the hot weather is coming back and i was slaughtered by it today (and i’m writing this at noon so the worst is yet to come)

but the cai shichang was fun! after i ate and drank some liquids i felt much better.

liangmian saved my life

looking into cai shichang from the entrance. it got a lot more crowded by the time we left

peeking into the covered areas of the shichang; lots of meat, fish, and vegetables being sold

after eating we went shopping and i bought a denim skirt, shorts (YES NOW I HAVE THREE SHORT BOTTOMS ON THIS TRIP!!!), and some long baggy pants. i LOVE that aesthetic boiii

and we just walked around and kept looking around!

buying some sweet potato! it was super good but a lil too soft for my tastes

a whole butt of a pig and pig heads just sitting in a huge basket to the right... it was kind of shocking... everything here is fresh though so there’s absolutely no smell

afterwards we made the walk back and the sun was out in earnest and it was SO hot (actually better than the cloudy morning; maybe i wasn’t feeling too well earlier) but mom and dad knew i was Suffering so we stopped by 7 to get some ice cream!

the assortment. look at the gudetama ice cream! i used to get the pudding in top right and the bottom left caramel waffle thing ALL THE TIME when i was in danshui

ended up getting the caramel!

on the way back... fancy houses along the way

and we stopped by the taiwan tea house right across from my aunt’s house (taiwan tea house) for that amazing grapefruit thing again cause i was in desperate need of liquids lol

and now we are back at her place! it’s 12:10 so we’re going to head out soon to get lunch, pick up stuff from william from costco yesterday, and then go to mitsukoshi for more department store shopping fun!!

will update!

short update: we ate lunch at the paocai place right across the street. it was pretty good! but so hot after we started eating, even though we were sitting outside under the shade (in the restaurant it was SUPER hot; they cook with no vents)

storefront, to the left is taiwan tea house <3

we got 海鮮意麵, 海鮮烏冬麵, 三鮮炒飯 and 泡菜 since it’s this store’s specialty! the paocai was too spicy but the rest was pretty good. apparently the chaofan is yunpei and yuanjun’s fave!!

i spoke too soon... turns out oishii plate is ubiquitous in the experience of mankind

alright will update AGAIN later!!

we went to mitsukoshi! check out these random pics i took

why is haagen dazs so amazing here

this outfit is my life

look at this FANCY workout equipment!!

after shopping and buying a lot of stuff (YAY for new underwear and makeup, i spent an ETERNITY in etude house) we met up with my aunt to eat dinner downstairs!

i took this pic cause it reminded me of u-don at uw but turns out we ended up eating there

tonkotsu udon

niku udon

croquette was so good and stuffed full of potato!

MISTER DONUT

PISKE! also sakura and red bean dango, and strawberry chocolate donut

pi..s..ke...

we stopped by the glasses place really quick to pick up our new glasses! they’re pretty spiffy though i’m not used to wearing glasses with like, it actually being centered on my pupils so it was weird to get used to.

after we were done eating and doing that we were SUPER full but i wanted to go back to dadong yeshi to check on the hat i missed last time lol. so we did!

i feel like the pic i took last time of the wood burning fire wasn’t good so i took another. it’s still not that good, huh...

the most american food i ever did see 

interesting selection of egg tareuteu

look at these modern art socks

at the night market i spent more money orz i got socks for friends and me, and a dress and a shirt. IT’S SO CUTE AND PRETTY REASONABLY PRICED (ESP THE SOCKS). i have way too many socks now and i am looking at the fucking dab socks and wishing i got them, fuck my life so intensely, why do i want the dab socks so bad

anyways after that we came back to aunt’s place and now i’m writing this entry. time to sort through and clean up all of the stuff i bought... lol...

GOOD NIGHT!

[ramentravel]

20170421 tainan

byebye costa cruises!

we ate our last breakfast on the cruise and it was so crowded!

the cruise was fun but since it was their second time trying out the Taiwanese audience, it was chaotic at times. food was kind of meh and they didn't really do the whole five course thing with the waiters changing your cutlery and pushing your chair in, but they also didn't do the Chinese 家常菜 thing either. it was a weird in-between that led to confusion and dissatisfaction for a lot of people I think, myself included. it was also suuuuper creaky and had a lot of rocking (cause it's smaller) I have never gotten seasick on a cruise ship before but I almost did this time. I also got a little landsick (not sick per se but I felt like we were still rocking back and forth)

anyways we are off now and the first thing I noticed when we got back to the Motherland is that it's so hot I am DYING please give me the sweet embrace of death. it's 9am in a port city and I'm sweating so bad. I think I will Perish in Tainan but we'll see how things end up

byebye keelung!

we went to the train station and now are en route to Tainan via a transfer in nangang 南港!

fingers crossed I can get the 台鐵便當 I think my life will be fulfilled if I have that opportunity omg 

update: no biandang and also we got on the wrong train. but it's OK we just got off at zuoying and will take the train one (1) stop over to tainan!

not sure what we'll do when we get there but I think my aunt is coming to pick us up. it's currently around noon so we'll probably go eat somewhere yummy!!

JK Y'ALL WE GOT THE BIANDANG and it was surprisingly good!! and only 100 kuai for a huge portion I couldn't even finish, it was so much rice and food :o WE ALSO we got off the right train stop! now we are bound for my aunt's house (we're meeting her there at her house) and then we're gonna go do my parents’ paperwork stuff (aka the whole reason we're even on this trip)

so we got to my aunt's house and we took a few minutes to cool off cause we were dripping in sweat after carrying around our luggage to her place. even mom was sweating and she never sweats so u know it was Hot!

we just spent a bunch of time doing their immigration stuff for insurance and travel in September

after that we went to take pics and etc etc until we went to eat dinner at a Japanese place by 阿媽s house which I went to as a kid 😭 it was even better than I remembered, everything is so fresh. bamboo shoots were ace and the udon was so good (though after I liked it so much here, mom started to make it at home and she has since surpassed this place)

ichiban plate is to taiwan as oishii plate is to america

after that we went to the night market 大東夜市 nearby and checked out the festivities. there was a bunch of cool food like steak cooked on wood fire… tornado potato… perfectly piped cookies… teppanyaki...etc but we had just ate so we didn't get anything (except 芭樂 cause mom loves it so much)

we got to the shopping part though and I bought a hat that says “how do you think?” and two face masks!!! for so cheap too, the cap was 200 and the facemasks were 30 and 40. that's a few things checked off my list but I also saw a cap that said “BIG BROTHER IS STILL WATCHING" and the back strap said “1894 IS NOW” it was so Edgy and I loved it but I didn't get it cause I've never read that book and the stitching was messed up so I didn't ask the 老闆 if there was a new one he had… I regret it… hopefully we see it again cause I wish I got it fml

we just got some drinks at a store nearby called 樂茶棧 

and then came back and watched tv and showered and slept. yep!!!!

a fun day in Tainan!!