Sushi and Ikebukuro Station

If you wander around Ikebukuro Station long enough, you will find tiny restaurants and food take out places in some of the smallest areas. Sometimes it pays to walk to the end of a corridor past your usual exit. One day I discovered this little Krispy Kreme booth with it's Sesame Street colorful donuts. I will confess to eating both of the matcha donuts. Because it's something that won't ever be at the local Krispy Kremes here. 

But my favorite "hole in the wall" place that I found is Tachigui Midori Sushi, also known as Midori Sushi Echika Ikebukuro. There is a little standing sushi bar there, but what caught my attention was the long case full of take-out sushi. So I grabbed this pack with various types of nigiri. 

I also picked up this cucumber with ume rolls, as something to eat for breakfast the next day. Both were really good and fresh. The ease of getting these right by the exit I used at Ikebukuro Station was very nice after a long day of walking around places in Tokyo. 

I will say that once a person has good ikura, (seasoned salmon roe), it ups your standard for something equal if not better. This salmon sushi bowl was tasty and fresh. Because there is a little kitchen behind the wall where the refrigerated case is. It is where they prepare all of their take-out food. And since they do a brisk business, most of the items do not stay long in the case.

I did eat more than sushi. Believe it or not, this salad was from a 7-Eleven konbini. And it was good. Along with the maguro nigiri from Tachigui Midori Sushi.

I read they have a little stand-up sushi bar, but since I was finding enough variety in their case, I didn't stop in. Usually there was a short line for purchasing, but even that wait was not long. And with a decent selection, to go was easier. One day I wanted to try one of their larger rolls. I think this is their version of a California roll and it was good. 

My last day in Tokyo so I splurged. And it wasn't much money either. Their prices are decent for what you get. 

I just had to throw in these jumbo sushi rolls. Breakfast before my flight back to Oregon. So big I couldn't eat all of it. But it was fun to try it.

So if you are ever in Ikebukuro Station and wanting decent take out sushi, head for exit C-6. Tachigui Midori Sushi is on your left as you walk to the escalator. 

~Mana 様 Birthday~ 2019 Day Two

(photo from Moi dix Mois Mana twitter) 

Day Two of the "Liturgy Festival, Mana-sama Birthday" found me back at Mt. Rainier HALL Shibuya, this time up in the balcony. As "Sacred Lake" began to play, each member walked onto the stage. This time they were wearing their white outfits with black pieces underneath. Mana wore white with off-white lace and his photos show how beautiful this looks. They started with "Ange - D side holy Wings" followed by "Gloria dans silence", "Witchcraft", "Solitude", "Invite to Immorality" and "Nocturnal Romance". Moi dix Mois may only recently play together a few times each year, but each time they sound like they have been playing every day. It really is impressive how polished every song is. 

(photo from Ryux twitter, with his new ESP EII Stream guitar)

"Ghost Whispers" was the last song before the break, and again it gave me chills. I found myself listening closely to the samples used, trying to pick out which ones made me think of MALICE MIZER. Was there a bit of Kami's music in there? Or just the overall feeling? Seth's vocals again ripped into the song. There is definitely a spooky vibe that happens. I don't know if this is the new song representing the autumn season, but with the Japanese holiday of Oban, when ancestor spirits return to their homes to visit, and with the western holiday of Halloween with our spooks and ghosts, "Ghost Whispers" definitely fits the season. This was followed by "Beast Side", the tribute to guitarist K, and it still feels reverent even now.

 (photo from Moi dix Mois Mana twitter) 

Once again Mana disappeared and Seth had everyone call out for him. Mana appeared in the balcony throwing candy. This year he seemed to be a little faster at it. Downstairs again and candy all given out, Mana put his panda bear backpack on front instead of on his back. Seth started laughing at this. A few days later I was on a train and there was a manners video that told people to wear their backpacks on their front so they would not hit people behind them. I couldn't help but laugh out loud remembering Mana that night.

Sugiya then pushed out a cart with the chocolate cake with the Moi dix Mois emblem in white chocolate on it. Lots of berries this year. Of course we all sang "Happy Birthday" again and Mana made Sugiya taste the frosting on his finger. The photo below says it all.

 (photo from Moi dix Mois Mana twitter) 

Following this, Hayato brought out a crock pot from behind his drums. Holding it with two towels like it was hot, he spoke about Mana's curry. This went on for a couple of minutes until Mana finally took the top off the pot. Inside was a new gaming system, a birthday present from the band.

 (photo from Moi dix Mois Mana twitter, photo taken by Ryux) 

Ryux was taking video and photos on stage. It was fun to see the band enjoying themselves. There was even a bit of Ryux playing and singing a more blues rock song "Romatique Stop" or something like that. At some point Seth made the Mana announcements about the Kitchen Aristocrat shows, Moi-même-Moité events and the release of the MALICE MIZER dvd and signing mid-summer.

The second set started with "Du Blanche" and it was even better than the first night. I felt like I was drifting away on the music notes. The band did really well for this only being the second time it was played live. It's a really beautiful song, definitely has a sad feeling of winter. Following this was "Perish" which always feels very dramatic. 

The band moved into the song "Immortal Madness", and there was a bit of "Sexy Pretty Angel Mana-sama" happening during it. Seth had the audience doing specific hand motions to each word at specific moments in the song. In the past Mana was really into doing them, but this time he seemed to want to play his guitar more. Can't blame him, he was on fire with his playing. Overall the band and music felt really tight. I was impressed and it made me think of how bands put together set lists, sometimes as a way to figure out how songs fit together as a whole.

 "Dead Scape" was next and then the pairing of the unrecorded "Twilight Flower" and "In That Hill". Yes, they sounded really good like this. Only one more song was played after this, "Material Death" and then the band left the stage.

More chants of "Moi dix Mois" by the audience and finally everyone returned, this time wearing the new white Moi dix Mois hoodies. I did end up getting both the black and the white one, which I wore during my recent trip to Hawaii. Both are really nice, being lighter weight than fleece. But back to the live.

We were all instructed to snap our glow sticks and then wave them for the song "Pageant". At the time "Pageant" was released, Mana said he thought it was a little "pop" for Moi dix Mois, but it's grown into one of their most loved songs. The other song that is very loved is "J l'aime", and each time it is played live, the fans sing loudly in appreciation. This finished up the live music and each performer left the stage individually. The last was Mana, who took his bows and expressed his thanks silently to all the fans.

Once again, it was a wonderful two days of music and it left me wanting more. I am looking forward to what the future will bring, because hearing the new songs makes me hopeful for what is to come.

~Mana 様 Birthday~ 2019 Day One

Yes, it was another year of me going to Japan to enjoy that two day celebration of the "Liturgy Festival, Mana-sama Birthday". Since Moi dix Mois does not perform live often right now, it is a great chance to enjoy two days of their music.

This year it was at Mt. Rainier HALL SHIBUYA again. It is a good venue, except for the standing on the stairs and waiting before they open the doors. But it isn't that bad. This year I made sure to get a photo of the flower arrangements by the merchandise table. Left was a colorful bouquet from singer Kaya, the black and blue center arrangement I believe was from fans, and right was a red rose bouquet from guitar manufacturer ESP.

Since my seat for the first show was on the floor, I was able to get a decent photo of the stage. It may not be easy to see, but just to the left of the Moi dix Mois decagon is an upright bass that later was played by Sugiya. This was something new.

A couple photos from drummer Hayato's Twitter. A piece of his drum kit actually broke this night. He wrote that he has had this kit for years.

And Hayato's view out into the audience before we all arrived.

Just a photo from guitarist Ryux's Twitter showing how it looks when the audience is there and the show is going on. So what happened this night?

As the opening notes of En Lumiére played, each member walked out on stage, wearing their black with red trim outfits. Ryux, Sugiya and Hayato moved into position and then Mana walked out wearing the Moi-même-Moitié navy and white Frill Tie Marble Blouse along with what looked like a gilet and an overskirt. This was paired with platform boots and most likely shorts under the overskirt.

The final member of Moi dix Mois, lead singer Seth, was the last to appear on stage. The band began with "Dialogue Symphonie" to which the audience showed their appreciation. Following this was "In That Hill". I remember when this song was first played and how quiet the audience was that night. Not this time. It was clear there were a good number of repeat live goers who are now more familiar with the song and were participating in hand movements and more.

An older song "forbidden" was next and then we were given a real treat. Because it was the first time ever for Mana's new song about winter snow in a city. It was a little difficult to catch what the name was. Even Japanese speakers had trouble. At first I thought it was "New Branch" but then the second night it sounded more like "Du Blanche" when Seth announced the song. This translates from French into "of white" which would fit with the snow theme of the song. The lighting changed to white iridescent dots that moved in a circular patter and gave a feeling of snow swirling. Sugiya played his upright bass and Seth's vocals fit perfectly with the piano score. It was a gorgeous moment to experience.

The next three songs were "Xanadu", "Sanctum Regnum", and "front et baiser". I can say that the live mix that night was really great and the sound was a little louder than what I remember in the past. The audience was really enjoying it. I also remember that Ryux was getting a couple noises from his guitar, again, and at one point looked up and then later put his finger to his lips after looking at his guitar, as if he was saying "ssshhh". Perhaps K was being a trickster again?

It was then time for the MC. Seth told the audience "Happy New Year" even though it was March. He said it was because this was the first Moi dix Mois show of the year. After having the audience call out "Je t' aime Mana-sama" a few times, Mana appeared in the balcony throwing candy to the audience. He then came down to the first floor and threw more till he ran out. Seth had everyone sing "Happy Birthday" to Mana followed by Ryux presenting a bouquet of red roses to Mana. And we know what happened last year.

(photo from Moi dix Mois Mana Twitter)

Once again Mana tore the paper and plastic off of the roses and tossed them into the audience. This time he seemed to handle it better so maybe he practiced getting them apart?

(photo from Moi dix Mois Mana Twitter)

If I remember correctly, Mana walked up the center aisle throwing the roses. Since he didn't reappear right away, Seth and Ryux discussed Ryux's new ESP guitar. He got it because it's been five years since he joined the band and both Mana and Sugiya play ESP instruments. He also talked about how Mana's cousin "Katsuo" gave him an ESP guitar this year and he thanked both ESP and Katsuo.

Mana returned to the stage and Seth proceeded to make Mana's announcements for him. There will be a Moi-méme-Moitié event in July, the Kitchen Aristocrat shows will be on June 8th, and the release of the MALICE MIZER 25th Anniversary Show DSVI will be on June 21st. What really excited the audience was the announcement that there will be a signing for the DVD.

Then to the second part of the show. This started with "Night Breed" followed by "Solitude", "Immortal Madness" and "Dead Scape". Next was "Twilight Flower", with Seth's vocals and his movements on the stage, it has turned into a very moving and expressive song. "Beast Side" was next and I can't wait till there is a good recording of it, because what is out there does not do justice to the grinding guitars that drive this song. "Vizard" was next, followed by the other new song "Ghost Whispers". It is an unusual song which reminded me of MALICE MIZER at times but also is very Moi dix Mois. I think it was in part because of the samples used. I did get the feeling that there was some influence by Kami with it. I felt chills while listening. The song was unlike anything Mana has created before and is forward feeling and very good. With this and the song about snow, I felt like Mana has moved beyond what he's done previously and allowing himself to be open to trying something new.

After each person left the stage, and the chants of "Moi dix Mois" by the audience, they all returned wearing the new hoodies in black with blue print. I noticed each one was wearing it a little differently. Only one song, "Pageant" was played for the encore, with the audience waving their blue glow stick in unison.

The show ended with each member leaving the stage and walking up the center aisle. The show was over but people were still buying the new hoodies, back packs and the blue key holder. Of course I got a key holder and paired it with the blue MALICE MIZER Mana pick I bought when I attended the Deep Sanctuary concert last September. Since this was the first of two nights, the feeling of anticipation was still with everyone. And my next post will be about the second night.

Ikebukuro Glasses and More

I can function okay without glasses. But sometimes the print on things can be pretty small, like on customs forms. So I do have a pair of inexpensive glasses for that, and for doing needlework. Except on this last trip to Japan, they broke. So I wondered where the heck would I find inexpensive reading glasses in Japan? Lucky for me, one of the best places was right there in Ikebukuro.

It's the Reading Glasses Museum in Higashi Ikebukuro. And as you can see, the building is covered with glasses. Inside is the same thing. It is a very unique place.

And for under 1000 yen I ended up with this pair of reading glasses along with a hard plastic case and cleaning cloth. Not bad. 

While I was there, I walked a bit. I found a number of shrines and temples. And this place, Racines Bistro.

A lower level space with a bakery and restaurant that serves a variety of food at lunch.

And later in the day they serve something else. I was placed at a long table that faced their open kitchen, enjoying a bit of tea while I waited.

For this. Japanese soufflé pancakes.

I wasn't looking for this place, but getting the chance to see what all the talk was about, I couldn't pass it up. These were nice and warm, served with whipped cream, butter and maple syrup, topped with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Yes they did taste of eggs and had that fluffy soufflé texture. It was fun to get a chance to eat these pancakes.

Outside the weather was balmy and beautiful. Another March day in Tokyo that looked like this.

Remembering the Past in Aoyama

After wandering around Shibuya I headed to Aoyama. It wasn't the first time I had been there. In fact I spotted the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant I ate at back in March, 2011. I didn't stop there this time.

Because I wanted to see this. Which once was the Moi-même-Moitié store.

Even though the store is gone, there are still some mystical creatures around.

I wonder what it was like to visit the store. I wish I had gone back when it was here.

I have been to the Vivienne Westwood store. Back in March 2011 I bought a ring there. I still wear it, it's a favorite of mine.

I also stopped at Sabon that day. I did stop again this trip. Nice little shop that smells good.

Since it was getting late in the day, I figured dinner would be good. Can I help it that I wanted berries? So if they were surrounding a couple pancakes, is it that bad? Along with a pot of Earl Grey tea?

And not just any old pancakes but a riff on crème brûlée with caramelized sugar on top.

And a lovely custard cream in between. These nicely done but not too sweet pancakes and berries were found at Toraya Café.

Did I mention the weather was absolutely beautiful this day? Perfect for viewing Aoyama's distinctive architecture like the Ao Building. It really is angular like this.

And I found fruit. Organic also.

Even with all the modern architecture in the area, there are still hints of the past.

Including this really large tōrō, Japanese lantern, at Omote-Sando Station.

Like back in March, 2011, I bought a few things from Sabon.

A couple of their lovely bath bombs.

And a jar of their Rose Bath Salt. This made it home with me.

Zenkōji Temple in Kita-Aoyama

When I am out walking in Japan, when I see a temple or shrine, I like to stop and look around. Which is what I did that day I was wandering around Aoyama. This is not the temple I was going to. It's St. Grace Cathedral and is now on my list of places to see when I visit Japan again. Gothic architecture is not common in Japan, but it can be found.

This is where I was headed. Zenkōji Temple in Kita-Aoyama.

Which has an impressive mon or gate. What is unique here is that there are four Nio, or guardians. Two face outwards, two face inwards.

Being protected by screens made it difficult to get a decent photo of the Nio. 

The Nio were originally in Hakone.

The mon has a lovely floral decoration along with what may be symbolic clouds. The flowers may be sakura but with the green and red colors, I wonder if they are actually plum or umi blossoms.

The view of the mon from the temple grounds, along with a little bit of the roofing tiles.

Inside was a decent sized bell tower or shōrō.

I missed taking a photo of the figureheads on the corners. I think they were komainu.

The temizuya looked like it was newer. This temple was moved from Yanaka to Kita-Aoyama in 1703. There was a fire here in 1862 but the completed restoration of the temple finally happened in 1921. This font looks more recent.

Although it does have a great dragon water spout.

There is a rather full gallery of various gods and stones on the ground.

Some are rather worn and may be older than this temple, which was originally establish in 1601.

This statue of Kannon in white stands out among the stone Jizo and other markers.

This may be Mārīcī, which I wrote about in a post about Gotoku-ji. Instead of three boars below her, it looks like there are three monkeys. Specifically the "speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil" monkeys.

While the sakura were not blooming yet, there were still ume, plum, trees putting on a flowery show.

This temple is affiliated with the more famous temple of the same name in Nagano. The sect of Buddhism here is Jodo-Shu.

One last look of the grounds on a vivid blue sky day in March.