comma

I think the word for "lost and found" in Japanese is the most boring thing possible: 　おわすれものとりあつかいじょ、,  which basically means "the place for handling lost things." 

Please note that I used two commas above, to demonstrate that I learned how to write a comma in Japanese this week.

Perhaps future posts will be more interesting than this one, because I started taking an Intercultural Communications class which, if I am correct, has some serious potential for blog material.

cherry blossoms

さくら(sakura) are truly a source of national pride and joy in Japan. However, I find it ironic how many people complain during this season. If you want to know the whole truth behind the cherry blossom in Japan, here it is. The vast majority of my Japanese friends are experiencing severe hay fever. Also, the train stations and streets near large parks are ridiculously crowded (no fair or anything I've experienced in America compares.)

However, I went outside of Tokyo to visit a friend on Saturday and peacefully enjoyed the sights. Early mornings and the area where I usually go running are also perfect for お花み (ohanami, or cherry blossom viewing.)

Although there are some frequent complaints lately, I can see why the Japanese love this flower. When you're below the tree with the blue sky as a background or beside some low branches, the sakura are breathtaking.