Review of 'Finding Neverland' in Japan - New National Theatre

Japanese version of 'Finding Neverland'"

Last year, two major musical-related news caught my attention: the revival of the musical "Wicked" by the 劇団四季（The Shiki Theatre Company） and the Japanese version of "Finding Neverland."

As a side note, I had eagerly anticipated the revival of "Wicked" in Japan since I first expressed my desire to watch it when I was in 6th grade of the elementary school, but unfortunately, it coincided with my study abroad program in Malaysia.

"Finding Neverland" became one of my favorite productions when the international touring company of the Broadway musical performed at Shibuya Theatre Orb in September 2017. I fell in love with its imaginative world featuring Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, the reality of Kensington, and the inner world of J.M. Barrie, accompanied by captivating direction, music, and a heartwarming story.

One of the overseas stars whom I wrote a fan letter to and received a reply from was Christine Dwyer, who played the role of Sylvia in this production. Even now, whenever I have an important event or work, I bring the "Finding Neverland" clear file that I bought at Theatre Orb.

However, I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never be able to watch a performance with a Japanese cast. Originally, there were plans to stage a Japanese version featuring 石丸幹二（Kanji Ishimaru） and 笹本玲奈（Rena Sasamoto） in 2019, but due to rights issues, it was canceled. Moreover, there were scandals involving Johnny Depp, who played the lead role in the film version. So, I thought, "I'll have to go abroad someday to see it."

That's why this production of "Finding Neverland" holds special significance. Instead of directly bringing the original overseas musical to Japan, they obtained the license and had 小山ゆうな（Yuna Koyama） direct the Japanese version, making it a reality.

Beloved Songs and a Captivating World Right Before My Eyes

The story of "Finding Neverland" revolves around the J.M. Barrie, who meets a widow named Sylvia and her children while visiting a park. Through their interactions, Barrie finds inspiration for the famous "Peter Pan" story. 

The musical features joyful songs that make you want to clap along, the courage to overcome life's challenges, and tender yet passionate love scenes. The night sky and the cityscape in the background are stunning. Despite sitting towards the back seat, I had a clear view of the entire stage, and the lighting effects added to the experience. It felt like there were elements unique to the Japanese production that I don't recall from the international tour. The audience became one, creating an imaginative world together—a truly remarkable production.

I was initially concerned that the Japanese production would compromise the number of children and the appearance of the dog Porthos. There are scenes in the rehearsal footage of the international version where humans portray these characters. However, my worries were unfounded.

By the way, the cutie dog stars was also featured in the program booklet. So adorable!

After-Talk Show

I attended the performance on May 27th, which was a private show for Horipro Stage members. Following the performance, there was an after-talk show with 濱田めぐみ（Megumi Hamada） and 武田真治（Shinji Takeda）.

I had previously written about Shinji Takeda in another blog post. I vividly remember doing squats together during the after-talk show of "Scrooge," which I watched around Christmas time.

He also played Captain Hook in the musical "Peter Pan."

During their conversation, they shared stories about behind-the-scenes moments and their impressions of co-star 山崎育三郎（Ikusaburo Yamazaki）, who they were collaborating with for the first time. It was remarkable to hear how the cast and staff worked together to create the production, much like a theater company, rather than having a foreign director come in and guide them. Perhaps this innovative approach will be adopted in future productions worldwide.

Nationwide Tour Ahead

The cast members will now bring the world of "Finding Neverland" to various cities across Japan, including Kurume and Toyama.

The performance duration is quite long, nearly three hours, including an intermission. However, I'm confident that the captivating production will keep the audience engaged throughout.

To be honest, this marks the end of my "musical enjoyment" in Japan before studying abroad. Now, I need to start researching upcoming theater productions in Malaysia and Singapore.

A Stunning Transformation in Just 3 Minutes! The "3min Kimono (Japanese clothes)" Making Activity Found in Kiba, Tokyo.

The "3-Minute Kimono" Activity

When planning a sleepover with friends in Tokyo, I was browsing through Airbnb activities.

Usually, I casually search on Google, but I found it interesting to explore activities that are not commonly listed on Japanese websites accessible to international tourists, such as local activities like food tours.

That's when I stumbled upon an experience of making a kimono that can be worn in just 3 minutes.

Let us make a kimono（Kimono is a gift）

The reason being, during my study abroad in Malaysia, I thought there might be opportunities to wear traditional Japanese clothing as part of cultural exchange, and I wanted to choose a kimono instead of a yukata.

While I had managed to put on a yukata with some effort, I believed that kimonos have a more elegant appearance and would be perfect for special occasions.

A friend I met through an international exchange program had mentioned attending a kimono class before boarding the Ship for World Youth, which further piqued my interest in giving it a try.

However, I was well aware of my clumsiness and knew that wearing a kimono would be challenging. Besides, as a working adult, I didn't have much free time.

Therefore, I made a reservation for this "3-Minute Kimono" activity late one night.

After making the reservation, I received a delightful message the next morning.

Surprisingly, due to the studio's availability, I could experience it on the same day. The location was near Kiba Station on the Tozai Line.

The Thrill of Kimono Remaking

Welcomed by the owner, Mio-san, the experience began.

The first step of the experience was selecting the kimono to remake. Choosing from a wide variety of patterns and colors was enjoyable, and I found a kimono that suited my taste. Trying it on, I couldn't contain my excitement as I chose a satisfying one.

Once the kimono was selected, we immediately started the process. However, the tasks were surprisingly not as difficult as I had imagined.

It started with cutting the kimono using scissors. The cut parts were then secured with hemming tape and sewn to create the section where the belt would pass through.

I have memories of spending a lot of time on French embroidery in my middle and high school days, whether it was the teacher's hobby or part of the home economics class. Since I could only make practical items like a bottle holder, I didn't have much confidence in my sewing skills.

However, this experience is designed in a way that anyone, even those who don't sew at all in their daily lives, can complete it without any issues. It seems that some people, especially foreigners, say they can sew but only with a machine. (Most of the sewing in this activity is done by hand.)

My Own Kimono!

And here is the completed my own kimono!!

Actually, there are people in the world who have strict opinions about how to wear a kimono, especially elderly ladies in Japan.

My main desire was to try wearing and showcasing a kimono abroad, and I didn't pay much attention to others' opinions. I don't care, and it's not worth worrying about.

According to the owner, "Even someone unskilled in tying an obi(belt) can appear more skillful."

While becoming adept at wearing a kimono would be great, it's also fine to find a way to casually enjoy wearing a kimono. It's exciting.

Now, let's talk about the cost of this experience. The basic fee is around 6,000 yen (depending on the booking site), with slight variations based on the grade of the chosen kimono.

I selected a kimono that cost an additional 2,000 yen. Considering the valuable experience, the opportunity to take the kimono home, and all at such a reasonable price... I feel a bit guilty about this affordable price.

By the way, to wear it in Malaysia, I will need to purchase additional accessories like a collar and obi. Actually, I can obtain the necessary items here as well.

For now, I'm thinking of checking out other shops and coordinating with easy-to-wear pre-tied obi. I'm planning to broaden my horizons.

Since I have grasped the basic process through this experience, next, I'm considering visiting second-hand kimono stores in Harajuku and other places to find kimonos. The excitement is growing.

Experiencing the charm of traditional Japanese clothing made me realize that even kimono beginners can enjoy wearing one in a short amount of time.

Kimono represents Japan's traditional culture, and its beauty and sense of uniqueness cannot be fully expressed in words.

I strongly encourage you to experience the allure of the "3-Minute Kimono" yourself.

There Are Jellyfish in the River!

Now, onto a side note.

Maybe it's because Kiba is close to the sea. There were jellyfish in the river on the way to the studio.

It's interesting how different places can be found even within Tokyo!

A Special Photo Wedding Experience at Tokyo National Museum

Introduction

As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, instead of having a traditional wedding ceremony, we decided to have a "photo-only wedding" at the Tokyo National Museum. We entrusted the services of ecoo, the shop we have been working with for consultations and dress selection. After eagerly awaiting, we finally received the completed photographs through digital delivery.

Our Special Wedding Venue

We chose the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno as our wedding venue. 

This decision was influenced by our mutual love for art and cultural spaces. Even before we consciously realized our feelings for each other, we had often visited this place together, both as a group of friends and as individuals. The museum exudes art and culture and has gained popularity as a filming location, including being featured in the drama series "Hanzawa Naoki."

Reliable Support from Ecoo

The realization of our photo wedding would not have been possible without the support of Ecoo. The staff at Ecoo took the time to listen to our ideas and worked with us to capture the images we envisioned. Despite our spontaneous decision-making style throughout our journey to marriage, the Ecoo team offered various suggestions and support, going above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction. Their willingness to communicate via email, even during late hours due to our work schedules, made the process extremely convenient for us.

Stunning Photos with Beautiful Lighting

Finally, the day arrived when we received the long-awaited photographs. 

To honor my husband's request, I patiently waited until he returned home before opening the email containing the download link. The next day, despite having work commitments, we prioritized viewing the photos together. As we viewed the pictures, we were amazed by how the lighting created a distinct ambiance, completely transforming the indoor setting. The Ecoo team's technical expertise and effective use of lighting truly brought out the best in us. We realized that capturing such remarkable moments would have been impossible with just our smartphones.

Creating Wedding Announcement Postcards with the Photos

Now, we plan to select our favorite images and use them to create wedding announcement postcards. These postcards will serve as a means to share our cherished memories with our loved ones. We believe that the beautiful photos will effectively convey our happiness and joy.

In the email notification we received, we learned that Ecoo offers photography services for various milestone events beyond photo weddings. The stunning results and the pleasant experience we had with Ecoo make us eager to continue working with them for future occasions. We are grateful for the incredible photos and the opportunity to meet everyone involved, which made our photo wedding an unforgettable experience.

Our special photo wedding experience at Tokyo National Museum exceeded our expectations. With the reliable support of Ecoo, we were able to capture our dream-like moments in the most perfect way. 

Now, we are excited to create wedding announcement postcards using these remarkable photos. The postcards will allow us to share our precious memories with our dear ones, and we are confident that the happiness emanating from the photos will touch their hearts. Lastly, we can't help but feel a sense of pride in saying, "We had the whole museum to ourselves!"

Dinner with a Junior Aspiring for Graduate School! Aroma of Curry and Career Talks

First Meeting Face-to-Face!

Despite primarily interacting online due to the impact of COVID-19, I had the opportunity to meet a junior colleague aspiring for graduate school in person and have dinner together.

Strictly speaking, she was one of the high school students I met during my teaching practicum, and we had discussed career paths. However, this was the first time we had an in-depth conversation since she entered university.

Overcoming the difficult period of being unable to meet face-to-face, this occasion allowed us to discuss our shared experiences in high school and university. It became a starting point for contemplating our dreams and career paths.

Aroma of Curry

The place we chose to meet was a curry restaurant.

We discovered a common interest in spicy curry, which naturally sparked our conversation. I secretly felt relieved that it wasn't a bar since I don't consume much alcohol.

Meeting in person enabled us to convey emotions and expressions that are difficult to convey online, and despite being strangers, we quickly became friendly and couldn't stop talking.

As for myself, as mentioned in my self-introduction, I have experience attending graduate school. Although I specialized in Japanese literature, I felt that conventional research was challenging amidst the presence of exceptional students around me. Therefore, I conducted research on English translations of classical Japanese literature.

After graduating from graduate school, I did consider pursuing a doctoral program. However, due to the challenges of a career path as a humanities researcher and the ongoing existence of sexual harassment remarks towards female researchers in the university environment, I chose to pursue a job that would provide a stable income, which brings me to where I am now.

However, I have a passion for supporting young researchers. My husband is also a researcher, and by supporting his research activities, I believe I understand the difficulties young researchers face.

Because I couldn't become one myself, it is my goal to utilize my experience and knowledge to support future female researchers so they can thrive in a better environment.

What I Heard from her

From our conversation, I could sense her dedication and efforts in studying for graduate school entrance exams. I shared my past experiences and tried to provide her with advice and hints as much as possible.

Furthermore, discussing the current state of universities was a valuable experience. It turns out that a curry restaurant near where I used to go frequently has closed down.

Surprisingly, when I talked about the professor who made sexual harassment remarks or said that "women are not suitable for researchers," she mentioned that he has become considerably quieter, possibly due to health issues or recent news about sexual harassment problems. This is good news.

We enjoyed the conversation while reflecting on our past experiences. I felt that I could understand the feelings of elderly people who tend to go on long monologues since she, as my junior, listened to my stories.

However, individuals who have both a background in humanities graduate school and work experience are few, and I personally believe that being able to offer perspectives from both sides makes me a valuable presence for my juniors.

I want to avoid becoming a troublesome adult.

Aroma of Curry and Career Talks

The first face-to-face dinner with a junior aspiring for graduate school was a precious opportunity to share emotions and experiences that are difficult to convey online.

Through conversations at the curry restaurant, we were able to engage in interesting discussions about our shared hobbies and career paths.

I would like to believe that by sharing my past experiences and choices in career paths, I was able to provide my junior with some hints or advice.

In the future, I hope to broaden my perspective by listening to discussions about different career paths and experiences through interactions with diverse individuals.

I also want to consider how I can support these young researchers, especially female researchers, who continue to pursue their dreams. I'm ready to start taking action.

Blissful Tea Time♪ Exclusive Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo Experience

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo

I received a gift voucher from a wedding celebration, and wanting to make the most of it by enjoying something together, we made a dinner reservation at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo.

Dining at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is known for its refined cuisine and high-quality service. Interestingly, perhaps due to the economic downturn or the increasing number of inbound tourists, the restaurant was filled with mostly foreign visitors (at least those not conversing in Japanese), creating an atmosphere that made us feel like we were in another country.

Now, did you know there's a secret element that makes dining here even more special?

That secret is the Mandarin Oriental Tea, an original blend called Mandarin Oriental Tea. In this blog, I would like to write about the Mandarin Oriental Tea that I encountered during my dinner at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo - "Keshiki"

Keshiki is a restaurant located on the top floor of the hotel, offering breathtaking views (keshiki) to enjoy.

When we arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for dinner, we were immediately captivated by the sophisticated interior and pleasant atmosphere. The restaurant staff welcomed us with smiles and escorted us to our window-side table, as we had requested during the reservation made over the phone. The course was already pre-booked as well.

The dishes looked something like this.

I rarely have the opportunity to enjoy such a high-end hotel course, except for when attending someone's wedding. The courses consisted of a variety of dishes, perfectly portioned and exuding a luxurious blend of Japanese and Western flavors.

Dessert time arrived, and the waiter came to take our drink order.

Among the options, what caught my attention was the Mandarin Oriental Tea, part of the special services offered by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

This tea is an exclusive blend made by LUPICIA, combining Chinese Fujian province's oolong tea with the citrusy aroma of bergamot. It is known for its deep flavor and delightful fragrance, spreading a pleasant sensation from the moment it touches your lips.

According to the waiter, the Mandarin Oriental Tea is not served in any other hotels or restaurants, not even at other Mandarin Oriental hotels around the world, including those in Malaysia.

In other words, this unique experience can only be enjoyed at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Tokyo.

I felt an even greater sense of luxury and indulgence.

As the tea was served, I took a sip and was mesmerized by the deliciousness of Mandarin Oriental Tea. The rich flavor of oolong tea filled my mouth, accompanied by the gentle citrusy scent of bergamot. The aftertaste was smooth and enticing, making me crave for more cups of this enchanting tea.

The tea paired perfectly with the dessert, allowing us to savor the exquisite balance.

Sipping on Mandarin Oriental Tea while enjoying the surrounding ambiance and views was truly a blissful moment.

Even the conversations with my husband, whom I usually spend time with more as friends than in a romantic setting, became even more enjoyable.

Filled with gratitude for the hospitality of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, we experienced a truly blissful time.

A Luxurious Moment

The dinner experience at Mandarin Oriental Hotel has become a wonderful memory of our wedding celebration.

Among all, the highlight was being able to enjoy the special tea, Mandarin Oriental Tea, which is exclusively available at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. It made our time even more joyous and fulfilling.

I highly recommend this unique tea experience, which can also be enjoyed during afternoon tea or other occasions at the restaurant.

Into a New World of Sleep!? Embracing Bed Life for the First Time as a Study Abroad 'Futon Girl'

I am a Futon Girl

From as far back as I can remember, my sleeping arrangement has always been a "futon."

Although, I do have some photos from when I was a baby where I was sleeping in a crib, so it seems that I must have transitioned to a bed during my time in the United States. However, I hardly have any recollection of those days.

Living overseas at the age of zero only brought me improved listening skills and the joke of being a "returnee."

However, living with a bed has always been a little dream of mine.

In fact, when I was around elementary school age, I once asked my mother to buy me a bed. However, we ended up ordering a fancy bed imported from overseas, and due to some damage to the wood, it never arrived, leading to a refund.

As I write this now, I realize that back then, there were few furniture stores like IKEA or Nitori, where you could easily assemble furniture, and our apartment living situation made it difficult to bring in a bed. So, I wonder if the excuse of "it didn't arrive from overseas" was just a lie. The truth remains unknown.

In any case, for spiritual reasons like "it's a sign not to have a bed" (a sign of what?), the topic of beds disappeared, and I have continued my life of sleeping on a futon for 27 years.

The "Bed Life" Brought by Studying Abroad

For me, beds have always been something I sleep on when staying in hotels, and I still enjoy the springy feeling of twin beds, moving from one side to the other (while not inconveniencing the hotel too much).

The longest I've ever slept on the same bed was probably during a 14-day homestay in New Zealand for a language program in high school.

However, considering my upcoming study abroad in Malaysia starting in September, it will almost certainly be my first-ever year-long bed life. Although I used to worry about falling off hotel beds due to my restless sleep, I don't think it will be that extreme.

Daily Bed Maintenance?

By the way, something I'm currently curious about is how beds are taken care of compared to futons, which are typically lifted up every day. When I search on the internet, I find myself bombarded with advertisements for fabric fresheners.

My husband used to sleep on a bed before moving here, and he taught me about airing out the mattress, but I wonder if I'll be able to do the same with my mattress and futon in Malaysia.

I have a friend who has experience in hotel bed making, so I plan to ask them about it soon.

Destined encounter with my favorite character at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Destined Encounter at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

While walking in a shopping mall, I spotted a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

I used to think they were everywhere, but lately I think they are just a little bit more common at the storefronts. I looked in front of one of these stores and...our eyes met.

Sesame Street Collaboration
HAPPY SWEET SESAME STREET

Since the end of April, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has been selling Elmo and Cookie Monster doughnuts in collaboration with Sesame Street!

It seems there was a Sesame Street collaboration box if you bought it in a big box, but I bought it in a set of three. I had them for breakfast.

They look a little out of place because of the holes in the donuts.

It's not simply red or blue coded, but chocolate spray is used to make the difference, and the chocolate chip cookie in Cookie Monster's mouth is quite intricate and cute.

I've been watching Sesame Street since I was little, so I'm excited!

Personally, I'm very happy, but my husband was like, "Oh, I knew Elmo on his own, but does he have other friends?" I wonder if everyone knows who Elmo is. I'm a little worried.

I'm hoping that Krispy Kreme Doughnuts will do another fun collaboration with Elmo, as I sometimes have a craving for their original glazed doughnuts and other flavors.

Levels UP! I became a Google Local Guides!

I became a member of Google Local Guides

When you look at Google Maps, you will see reviews on various restaurants.

These reviews and photos are posted on Google Maps by Google Local Guides.

I thought I had to go through a difficult process or be an influencer to become a local guide. But one time I posted a review of a restaurant for a drink special, and it turns out that actually anyone with a Google account can become one!

Google Local Guide is a level-based system

As a Local Guide, you can accumulate points for each review and photo you post. Once you reach a certain level, a badge will appear next to your profile picture.

I am now level 6 of 10.

I've heard that as I advance in levels in the future, I will be able to receive benefits of increased Google capacity and participate in local guide gatherings, but I haven't reached that stage yet.

I don't get any reward for writing a detailed review, but that's Dr. Google! The number of views of my photos and reviews is unbelievable. A small photo of food can get tens of thousands of views and likes, so it's very rewarding.

I would like to be a guide in Malaysia, where I will study abroad!

Since it is a Google Maps service, the field is worldwide if it is covered by Google Maps! Google Maps was also a great help to me when I was looking for a language school.

After September, when I go to Malaysia, I will continue to work as a local guide.

It can be for my own record or for someone else's, and it will motivate me to visit different places after I get to Malaysia!

By the way, even if I write in a language other than Japanese, it seems to be OK to write in Japanese, as it will be translated into another language with just one click using the Google Translate function.

I can use English or Chinese to study languages during my study abroad, and it seems to be OK to write in Japanese for Japanese tourists.

I'll continue to work hard on it while I'm in Japan.

Bold Treatment Plan Revealed During Pre-Study Abroad Dental Check-up

Regular Dental Examination

I recently went for a long-overdue dental check-up, as I couldn't use my old insurance card after getting married and had been neglecting it for a while.

Although there was an option for using a temporary insurance card called "My Number Card" before receiving the new one, the issuance date coincided with my wedding, so I'm glad I didn't have to rush during the transition period.

Since there were no cavities, I only had a cleaning session and had the dentist examine me. He mentioned, "Your wisdom teeth might need to be extracted in the future because they are causing crowding and increasing the risk of cavities."

It was something I had been told before, so I accepted it.

Sharing the News of Going Abroad

Concerned about the possibility of developing cavities while in Malaysia, I informed the dentist, "I'm going to study in Malaysia starting from September. There are Japanese-speaking dentists there, but the treatment costs...," seeking advice.

He responded, "It's common to complete all the necessary treatments before going abroad for a year."

Perhaps being close to a university in the city made them accustomed to such situations.

They decisively set a bold treatment plan, saying, "Let's remove the problematic wisdom teeth before your study abroad."

A friend had once mentioned going to a different hospital for wisdom tooth extraction and even being admitted. In this case, since the dental clinic also performs oral surgery, I made an appointment, and they would remove it on the same day.

On a previous occasion, during a weekday when there was free time after finishing another treatment and having another cavity-infected wisdom tooth, they casually said, "Shall we remove it too?"  However, they always explain things properly, and they don't extract unless there's a reason.

It will be my second extraction, and I can imagine the procedure this time. However, unlike the previous time when it was an upper tooth, they warned that there might be swelling since this time it's a lower tooth.

I don't want it to swell, but above all, I'm glad it's after the wedding photoshoot.