serving my purpose

I have a new found purpose in life.

3 generations @ aoyagi


3 generations @ aoyanagi
Originally uploaded by renfield.

Went to the Gyokufukai bonenkai in Takadanobaba and then took the JR line back to Harajuku and walked through Aoyama and Nishi Azabu. Down by Nishi Azabu crossing there is a traditional Japanese sweets place called Aoyagi, run by the Aoyagi family.
End of year is a busy time, with everyone ordering mochi so three generations were hard at work: grandpa was pounding rice into mochi with a machine straight out of the 1920's whilst his son and grandsons (the smallest in 3rd grade) formed the mochi into traditional year-end goodies, and grandma and mom minded the shop. I went in and bought some senbei and cookies, taking grandma's suggestion of course.


making mochi sweets
Originally uploaded by renfield.

@ mitsukoshi


@ mitsukoshi
Originally uploaded by renfield.

Did some wandering about Ginza and Shinbashi before we met Tai-kun and his parents for all-you-can-eat Italian at the restaurant in the Mandarin Oriental lobby.

Crowded! Everyone's shopping on Christmas Eve (or maybe celebrating the Emporer's birthday?)

xmas party

Went to the Yoshidas for their annual Christmas Party. Much good food and many fun times. Roy convinced me I need to upgrade my digital camera to a Ricoh, too.