Lately in Tokyo (January and February 2015)

Hello Sandwiches!

Have you had a nice start to the year? I love January and February in Tokyo. Nice and cold. Spots of snow. Hot wine. Heated train seats. Spiced apple cider. Brushing my teeth with water from the hot water tap. Wearing hokkairo. Pompom gloves. I don't want this weather to end.

Here are a few pics from the last little while.

Hanging out at Matt's fancy apartment playing records, plane spotting and making ham and cheese toasted rye sandwiches (with the fancy depachika stuff).

Walks to Tomigaya with this guy and our cheeky chu-hi roadies.

Some research for my new Tokyo Guide.

So many of the props from my new book came from this little Shimokita treasure trove.

Winter light, you're the prettiest.

A good day for it.

Lunch break in Gakugeidaigaku with Duncan.

Detour on my morning nature walk with Gracie.

And we got some beautiful snow again this February.

One of the many reasons why I can not possibly ever leave this country. Love heart postage stamps? Stop it!

Mornings spent letter writing. This patchwork card perforates into puzzle-like pieces.

An adorable reply letter from Yuzuko-chan.

Moto-chan's kanpai birthday drinks in her shop after closing hours. Takuya-san! You've outdone yourself with the amazing sangri, yet again. Akadama 4LYF!

A hungover winter picnic with Luke. And nikuman to aid in hangover recovery.

Walks in Shinjuku gyoen with Luke.

L: "That's the scene from my business card"

E: "How were you sitting when you painted that?"

L: "Let me demonstrate"

L: "I should host tours here"

Oh, Japan!

THIS is mushroom packaging in Japan. I mean, c'mon!

Hello Sandwich + Tiny Sandwich. 'It's Sandwich Magic'.

Grace took me to this fantastic new place for lunch. All good research for the new Tokyo Guide.

Another cafe Grace showed me many, many moons ago. This is always my go-to comfort food place.

My cousin was in town recently. Took him to lunch in Shibuya. This was the view.

Bisaiji-san. Love this girl. She wears handmade mushroom earring.

I bought one of the said handmade mushroom earrings.

Mami-chan and I participated in Bisaiji-san's 'Eclair decoration' workshop. Such happy colours.

Bisaiji-san found this edible black hair like Chinese ingredient that she suggested would look 'grotesque' when applied. Ha ha.

Mami-chan and I also popped into Yumi Kitagishi-san's beautiful exhibition at galerie doux dimanche. When I win the lottery, or get a TV deal, the first thing I'm buying is one of her works.

Her latest work features mini original stamps.

Luke and I headed to Commune gallery to see Tetsuya Yamakawa-san's ridiculously beautiful photography exhibition.

And although it only lasted a couple of days this time, Luke and I re-started a drawing-a-day based on a random kanji. Above: onion and below: Accumulate / pile up (books).

I am, and forever will be a 'tsundoku' hito.

Cherry blossom season is around the corner, Sandwiches.

Hope you're staying warm until then.

Love Love
Hello Sandwich
xoxo