From Nakano to Ninongs

Back when Mark was still living in Tokyo, we’d often hang out with Kris.

Our hang outs would vary from the 4th floor common room at IH2 in Nakano, to the cafeteria in GRIPS, to random restaurants around Tokyo. Oftentimes, we’d exchange stories, insights, and plans, especially when they finish their PhD and go back to the Philippines.

When they all came back, we met up with Kris many times. That includes their wedding, friend’s weddings, holidays and a list of other occasions.

And last weekend, another occasion was added to that list.

Mark and I were asked by Kris to be ninongs to their first born - Baby Kai!

We’ve definitely come a long way from Nakano.

SnacKano

Back when Mark was living in IH2, we’d often drop by Nakano Broadway before going home.

Among our 2 constants in that mall are Donki, and a store that sells different kinds of chocolates and snacks.

Whenever we pass by, one of the things we always buy is the traditional Japanese rice and peanut snack - Kameda Kaki No Tane.

It’s the fierce snack that has a light soy sauce flavor, and plain, unsalted peanuts. It’s a very light and flavorful snack that is part of my Japanese experience and memories.

And today, I was able to find it here in Manila!

Hopefully they’ll restock soon so I can send some to Mark as well.

Sentimental Station

Because Mark and I were talking about the Sukiya branch just outside the Higashi-Koenji Eki in Nakao, I suddenly missed this station that's part of our daily routine when Mark was still in IH2.

It was one of the 2 stations we'd go to when we'd walk from his dorm going to GRIPS. I've considered Higashi-Koenji station as the "back entrance." 

Going there, we'd pass through these side streets and we'd pass through a kindergarten, a playground, a fruit store, some vintage stores, the big corner supermarket, Bia Bia, the 2 AEON supas, among others.

Gosh, I remember this as if it were just yesterday!

It's really high time that we go back there.