Chocominto Sando

Many people I know in Japan aren’t fond of the taste of chocolate mint. I’ve heard people say it tastes like mouthwash or cold medicine. I think of York Peppermint Patties or Junior Mints, when I hear of chocolate mint (nostalgic, right?) Maybe, you like it or you don’t.  

7-11 convenience stores recently came out with a new chocolate mint sandwich.  I haven’t tried it, but I think it sounds good. Crushed chocolate chips and mint are mixed with whipped cream and thickly spread on chocolate bread. It sells for 198 yen, plus tax and was released on August 7th all around Japan except Hokkaido and Okinawa.

Verkehr Museum Kokeshi Doll Exhibit

I visited the Verkehr Museum last week for a fabulous Kokeshi doll exhibit. Usually, photographs are not allowed in the second floor exhibit area, but I was happily surprised to find that they were for this exhibit.  At the end of the photos, I’ve used google translate to change the Japanese program into English, so be sure to go through the whole post.

Exhibit program

 My own Kokeshi doll (purchased at the flea market)

The exhibit runs through September 6th, so I might go to see it again.

Friday Finish - Sashiko Cube

I am very happy with my finished sashiko cube bag!  When I first saw these square sashiko panels, I had the idea to make this. I used a square of batting for each panel to give it some body.

Suehiro, Port Sailors’ Lodge Museum

This is a free two story historical museum. I had visited once a long time ago and little had changed. It’s an interesting place.

Jirocho Shimizu (1820-1893) was well known in this area during his lifetime. He is said to have opened Japan's first English school in 1874. This museum is a restored version of the seamen's inn that Jirocho Shimizu opened in 1886.

The eyes never stop looking at you.

The old wood carvings are gorgeous.

On the second floor is the English school.