『国境線の恋』 ・ Cross-border Love

禅之助 is a very skillful illustrator who tells stories using still frames. With exceptional accuracy in portraying backlights, the artist excels in capturing emotions under the sun. Looking at the paintings you'll find yourself wanting to learn more about the lives of the characters.

Website: https://note.mu/zennosuke

東京茶寮 ・ Tokyo Saryo

The "World's first Hand-drip Green Tea Shop"near the Sangenjaya Station (三軒茶屋) in Tokyo is a demonstration of ultimate business minimalism. A square counter centered in four white walls, the shop displays a short menu offering only a few kinds of green teas. Watch the short video to find out what the experience may feel like.

Website: https://www.tokyosaryo.jp/

Where: https://goo.gl/maps/PHxkQeG73ux9KbRE8

十月桜 ・ October Sakura

Some Sakura trees bloom in October. There were a few in Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) just beginning their show a few days ago. Although nowhere near the March peak season, it's still a most welcomed scene when many greens are just starting to fade.

Video: https://youtu.be/raCwsF3leJM?t=472

Where: https://goo.gl/maps/t4riQyuLtSaNeP9G8

野反湖 ・ Lake Nozoriko

Roughly 3 hours ride from JR Ueno station (train + taxi or car) and you can be strolling around a lake born of the Nozori Dam in the Gunma Prefecture (群馬県). The view on a clear day is magnificent and just ideal for hiking. For the few lucky ones decided to go at night, a million stars will be welcoming you from the sky and the reflective water. Transportation is a bit tricky but anyone looking for an adventure and cover shots will not be deterred.

Website: https://gunma-yamatabi.com/nozoriko

Where: https://goo.gl/maps/5uLcNCrnHwcs1qxQ7

ゾンビスナック ・ Zombie Snacks

Revenge time! As suggested on the package: Let's eat "ZOMBIE" and then you are gonna be excited!

Not your favorite flavor? It's also available in chicken soup taste. I guess that's more realistic than seaweed.

Webshop: https://loft.omni7.jp

花粉症 ・ Pollen Allergies

October is still a high season in Japan for pollen allergy sufferings. Major sources are:

• Rice plant (イネ科花粉)
• Ragweed (ブタクサ属花粉)
• Artemisia (ヨモギ属花粉)

It's important to get prepared by wearing a mask and drink more citric juices.

髙澤ろうそく ・ Takazawa Candles

An endangered industry, handmade traditional Japanese candles are now produced solely by this company in Ishikawa Prefecture. The candles are diligently made using natural ingredients and the special wick enables a very calm, bright and long-lasting flame. The new designs also merge harmoniously with any modern interior. Spending an evening in candle light is perhaps the best remedy to a stressful day.

Website: https://takazawacandle.com/scene/#dining

Webshop: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/select-penguin/c/0000002420/

東京琴 ・ Tokyo Harp

Traditional Japanese Harp is all wood and hand-crafted to perfection. Watch how it's born in one of the workshops in Tokyo. By the way, it's mind-boggling how they could keep the work area so clean.

手動鉛筆削り ・ Manual Pencil Sharpener

Of all shapes and sizes of pencil sharpeners, here comes the champion! Retro camera-looking, it almost captures the gist of photo-taking in the 60's, were it not for a wrong side where the rotating handle is attached. In any case, a good-looking little gem on the desk.

Webshop: https://item.rakuten.co.jp/firstmarket/10001238/

マクセル全固体電池 ・ Maxell All Solid Battery

Announced in September was a Japanese innovation that may change the world -- a completely solid coin battery. Why, you said? Please consider: these batteries can supply high current in environments as hot as 100ºC and keep functioning over 10 years. Do you know how easy lithium batteries can flame up? That's why airplanes are still not electric and carry dangerous fuels. And if a battery can last over 10 years, how many non-decomposing toxic garbage landfills can be avoided? Trust me, all electric cars and airplanes will use similar technologies in the future.

Website: https://tech.nikkeibp.co.jp/atcl/nxt/column/18/00001/02914/

東京大学 数学入試問題過去問 ・ Tokyo University Math Exam Past Questions

Looking to join the famous academics? Going back as far as 1961, these historical exam samples are indispensable! Register now if you find them too easy to solve.

Website: http://server-test.net/math/tokyo/

東京カラス ・ Tokyo Crows

These birds sharing the landscape with us Tokyo dwellers are pretty smart if you ask me. Watch how they use a public drinking fountain in the park. Judging from the popularity of the NHK "Chiko-chan Will Scold You! Don't sleep through life!" mascot Kyo-chan (キョエちゃん), they seem to be well accepted as our friendly neighbors now.

千代治のくつ下 ・ Chiyoji Socks

People often ask why Japan-made socks are so expensive. I have no answer to that but as with anything crafted in Japan, I think the selling point is trustable quality. A sock producer who managed to knit socks for 68 years and still going strong simply cannot disappoint. Chiyoji is a perfect example why a few bucks extra can buy you a lot of satisfactions, day after day.

Website: https://www.chiyoji.com/

コクヨ グルーテープカッター ・ Kokuyo Glue Tape Cutter

It solves the problem of retrieving cellulose tape when you have only one hand free. This tape cutter from the long-established stationery maker Kokuyo attaches itself with suction cups. What a nice idea!

Webshop: https://www.kaunet.com/kaunet/goods/43277421/