Ochadokoro Sanwa Blog

Hair cut

2011-01-28T00:16:00.000-08:00

I had my hair cut today.
And I got my hair colored.
I wanted to go to the hair salon last week.
But I don't have enough time for the last year.
Because we opened the new store.
I know it is happy for me, but my hair is shaggy-haired...

Chakoro

2011-01-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

This name is Chakoro. Tea incense burner steams tea leaves and lightly scents the room with the scent of tea.
We can get calm and relaxed when we smell the aroma of Japanese tea.

New Year!!

2011-01-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

How are you?
I was not happy last year.
So I have been waiting for new year.
And then, I am busy every day now, but I am happy.
There are a lot of things to do.
For my business, for my family.
Warmest regards,

Ochadokoro Sanwa

Sesame creamy dressing

2010-10-31T03:05:00.000-07:00

Why don't you try our dressing?
This is the rich flavor of sesame creamy type dressing.

It is really good taste to dress a salad.
This is great with any kind of salads!!

Pay pal campaign

2010-10-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

For a limited time(From 20 Oct., 2010 to 10 Jan., 2011), we are offering free shipping for all orders over 10000JPY by Paypal.

Matcha soft cream

2010-09-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Why don't you try to eat our Matcha soft cream?

Awa Odori

2010-08-27T23:23:00.001-07:00

Awa Odori is the largest dance festival in Japan, attracting over 1.3 million tourists every year.
Groups of choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren (連) dance through the streets, typically accompanied by the shamisen lute, taiko drums, shinobue flute and the kane bell. Performers wear traditional obon dance costumes, and chant and sing as they parade through the streets.
Ryuko ren (one of the group)came to the stage in front of our store.
Their dance was really woundful and beautiful.
Awa is the old feudal administration name for Tokushima and odori means dance.

Our P.C. was bloken.

2010-08-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

Our P.C. was bloken last month.
So we bought a new P.C. and we have to put some data from old P.C.
But old one was not work well.
So we were confused.
But but but, it is OK now.
Well we will update soon.

Basketball

2010-07-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

My son is a basketball player in Jr. high school.
There is a retirement match on last Saturday.
Unfortunately, his team lost the game.

Of course, I watched the game.
His uniform number was 8.
His team member was really good boys.

Though his team was not a strong team, I love his team.

Thank you so much.

Please excuse me for not writing so long.

2010-06-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

Why did not I write on this blog??
There are 3 causes.
First of them, my mother passed away on this April.
So I had plumbed the depths of sorrow.
And next reason, we opened a new store this spring.
We are really busy every day.
And then, 3rd. reason is an annoying post.
They sicken me...
They wrote them by Chinese.

But snap out of it!!

Think positively!!

Let's go!!

New store (Part2)

2010-03-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

We will open the new store on 27 Mar., 2010.
Our new store is also in Kansai-supermarket.
This supermarket is near Nishi-suzurandai station.

Japanese green tea set!!

2010-02-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

Our Japanese green tea set included the souvenir contest of VJC, this year also. This set could be in final review, but unfortunarely that could not pass the final stage.
How do you think about this green tea set?
We think this is very cool.
If you are interested in our new products, please let us know.

パリ国際農業見本市SIA2010（Salon International de l'Agriculture）

2010-01-29T18:20:00.000-08:00

We,Ochadokoro Sanwa will exhibite our Matcha cookie and KOBE Matcha green tea at SIA2010（Salon International de l'Agriculture）in Paris, on from 27 Feb. to 7 Mar., 2010.
The consumer public will also be able to buy them at the place.
Parisians, please don't miss it!!

Jiuguang Department Store of Shanghai（久光百貨店）

2010-01-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

There was a business meeting in Kobe at the end of last year.
And we had a meeting with Chinese man and lady about our Matcha cookie and our sweet green tea.
And then, we will put our Matcha cookie and KOBE Matcha Green Tea at the fair of Jiuguang Department Store of Shanghai（久光百貨店）, China on Feb. 5 ～ Feb. 7, 2010.
Please don't miss it on this chance.

Kagami mochi（鏡餅）

2010-01-02T22:22:00.000-08:00

Kagami mochi, Kanji is Mirror rice cake...??
It is a tradidtional Japanese New Year decoration.
Traditionally the kagami mochi was placed in various locations throughout the house.
Nowadays it is usually placed in a household Shinto altar, or Kamidana.
It has also been placed in the Tokonoma, a small decorated alcove in the main room of the home.
In my case, it is decorated on the table in the kitchen.

A Happy New Year!!

2009-12-31T21:53:00.000-08:00

This year is year of the Tiger in Japan.
I would like to walk the world with dignity like the tiger on business, this year.
We wish everyone good luck for the coming year!!

Happy Holidays!!

2009-12-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

It's a very merry Christmas.

My children's friends, words may not be enough for comforting you in your great sorrow.
But, still we must overcome the sadness and carry on.
Merry Christmas...

The sad news

2009-12-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

A beautiful and intelligent lady died suddenly on December 20, 2009.
She was a mother of my children's friends.
She has 3 children. And her eldest son is a friend of my eldest son.
And then, her second son is a friend of my second daughter.
Of course, she is also a familiar parson for me.
The news of her loss comes as a shock to all of us.
Please allow me to extend my deepest condolences on...

KOBE TETSUJIN Sablé

2009-12-14T20:49:00.000-08:00

Tetsujin 28 (Ironman 28) was the first manga to feature a giant robot in Japan.
As Author Mitsuteru Yokoyama was born in Kobe, Japan, the coffee company and the confectionary company in Kobe made this Sablé.
But unfortunately, the confectionary company closed a business this time.
So these are limited to stock on hand...
If you are interested in this Sablé, please hurry!!

Organic tea

2009-12-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

Recently, many people are interested in organic farm products.
Japanese organic green tea is good for health and tasty.
So actually, many people buy this as the winter gifts in our store now.

Congratulations!!

2009-12-02T15:11:00.000-08:00

My cousin got the top of sake tasting in Japan!!
It is a tasting event to determine the best person of KIKIZAKESHI(Sake tasting).

I know there are several different types of sake, and the following special denominations are specified by the Japanese government. Ginjoshu, Junmaishu, Honjozoshu.
SAKE is very in-depth like WINE.
So I think he have to reach a profound knowledge of SAKE.

Well-done!!

VISIT JAPAN Year

2009-11-30T17:19:00.000-08:00

Next year, it is VISIT JAPAN Year 2010 in Japan.
And Japan National Tourist Organization embark on a campaign.
Of course, we would like to participate this VISIT JAPAN CAMPAIGN.
Now, our store is participating in the WINTER CAMPAIGN.
When you visit to KINKI (Hyogo) in Japan, please come to our Japanese green tea store.
And before you visit to Japan, please download the coupon.
We are very much looking forward to seeing you!!

SHIN KONG MITSUKOSHI in Taiwan

2009-11-20T18:56:00.000-08:00

Now, our matcha cookies are sold at B1 floor of SHIN KONG MITSUKOSHI ( 12 Nov. - 29 Nov., 2009).
Taiwanese, please don't miss it on this chance!!
Matcha cookie is really tasty and the package is really good!!

The first day of winter

2009-11-07T17:36:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2009 is the first day of winter(Ritto) in Japan.
The traditional East Asian calendars divide a year into 24 solar terms.
Ritto is the 19th solar term.
It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 225° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 240°.
It more often refers in particular to the day when the Sun is exactly at the celestial longitude of 225°. In the Gregorian calendar, it usually begins around November 7 and ends around November 22.
(excerpt from WIKIPEDIA)
But, today is really warm in Kobe, Japan.
If I have free time, I would like to go hiking.
But unfortunately, I have to work.
Let's go our store!!

SHIN KONG MITSUKOSHI

2009-10-20T04:21:00.000-07:00

Our matcha cookie will be sold at SHIN KONG MITSUKOSHI ( 12 Nov. - 29 Nov., 2009).
Taiwanese, please don't miss it on this chance!!

Class closure

2009-10-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Now, my son's class in his junior high school is class closure.
Many students was absent yesterday. So they will not go to school this week.
Most of them, they cought a flu.
Of course, my son is in good physical condition.
He drinks green tea every day, and he gargles by green tea.
It is really important that we will prevent the disease.
Please try to gargle by green tea.

SIA2010

2009-10-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan has chosen our products (Matcha cookie& Matcha green tea) as article at an exhibition for SIA2010 in Paris.
The consumer public will also be able to buy them at the place.
Parisians, please don't miss it!!

Tetsujin 28-go (Ironman 28)

2009-10-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Tetsujin 28-go is a cartoon(manga) written and illustrated by Mitsuteru Yokoyama, who also created Giant Robo.
The manga was later adapted into several anime TV series, the first in 1963.
It was the first manga to feature a giant robot.
Mitsuteru Yokoyama was born in Kobe, Japan.
So this time, the monument of Tetsujin was completed in Kobe!!
Please drop in and see him when you happen to come to Kobe.
And of course please drop in and see us...

late-summer vacation

2009-09-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

I have a late-summer vacation with my family.
We enjoyed the hotel life, swimming pool and having a good dinner.
I love to spend a time with my family.
But recently, I think my first daughter and my son would like to spend a fun time with their friends.
It can't be helped...

Gargle

2009-09-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, New influenza is prevalent in Japan again.
Even if they are the patient without disease, they may catch an illness.
So everybody need the prevention of influenza.
What is the No.1 prevention?
That is the Hand washing and the Gargle!!
It is really easy and childish.
But it is important.
The government is also calling for people to wear masks and gargle as well as to wash their hands.
And we recommend our powdered tea.
Of course, you can drink it. That is tasty. But it is also good to gargle.
You know, Green tea have many Tannins(Catechins).
It is good for the prevention of cold.

Please try it!!

Respect-for the-Aged Day（敬老の日）

2009-09-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

Respect-for-the-Aged Day (敬老の日, Keiro no hi) is a Japanese holiday celebrated annually to honor elderly citizens. A national holiday since 1966, this used to be held on September 15. Beginning in 2003, Respect for the Aged Day is held on the third Monday of September. "According to Wikipedia"

So it is 21 Sep., 2009 on this year.

This national holiday traces its origins to 1947, when Nomatanimura (now Yachiyocho), Hyogo Prefecture(Our store is in Hyogo.) proclaimed September 15 Old Folks' Day (Toshiyori no Hi).

Actually, it is nothing special to respect for the elderly person.
But we need the day to re-realize.
So many people give some present for their grandparent.
Green tea gift is really popular for the elderly person.

Information

2009-08-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

We are offering for a limited time only at the following shop.
Please visit to their shop.
地域力宣言2009 in ranKing ranQueen
Sep.3,～16,2009(KOBE Matcha Green Tea)
地域力宣言2009 in RELUCK
Sep.3,～30,2009(Matcha cookie in the drawstring bag・KOBE Matcha Green Tea)

Hometown

2009-08-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

We went to Shimane pref., Japan last week.
That is our hometown.
Our father and mother live in the island of Shimane.
So we have to drive our car and board a ship when we go to there from Kobe.
It is very far away. We were really tired to move.
But thanks to this, we could see two actresses.
Their name are Mana and Kana.
Some time ago, I wrote about the TV serials "DAN DAN" on Jan. 31, 2009.
They are the main actresses.
They are really cute and pretty!!

Obon

2009-08-16T19:23:00.000-07:00

Obon or just Bon, also referred to as "Day of the Dead", is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the departed spirits of one's ancestors.
This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestor's graves, and when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars.
We visited to my grand mother's grave to clean and place a flower last week.

Shake Shake Matcha!!

2009-08-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

We had an event for Shake Shake Matcha.
How to make it:
1. Please put in the matcha green tea powder(3g) in the stainless bottle.
And pour in water or hot water at body temperature(180ml).
2. Please fasten the cap on the bottle tightly.
3. Please shake and shake!!
4. Please put some ice in the bottle until full(220ml).

Sashimi

2009-08-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

Sashimi is a Japanese delicacy primarily consisting of very fresh raw seafood, sliced into thin pieces about 2.5cm wide by 4cm long by 0.5cm thick, but dimensions vary depending on the type of chef. My favorite sushi restaurant's chef always slice thick. Sashimi served with only a dipping soy sauce. This is really delicious!!

Antenna shop in Sapporo

2009-07-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

Our Matcha cookie will be available at Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan - from Aug. 2009 to Oct. 2009.
The building is Toshin-building next MaruiImai department store.
That is an antenna shop.
We hope our products get more recognition.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2009-07-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

I went to the movie "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" with our family.
Every time we went to the movie theater together.
We love that story and we love Ronald Bilius Weasley.
Do you know him?
Of course, he is a very close friend of Harry.
He is really cute, and he has a sweet nature.
Because he and my son have similar characteristics.
We are really looking forward to going to movie next time.

Cold matcha! ! Shake and Shake!

2009-07-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

How to make:
1. Please put in the matcha green tea powder(3g) in the stainless bottle.
And pour in water or hot water at body temperature(200ml).
2. Please fasten the cap on the bottle tightly.
3. Please shake and shake!!
4. Please put some ice in the bottle until full.

「40 Export Promising Processed Foods Recognized by the World」

2009-06-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

Our Matcha cookie elected as「40 Export Promising Processed Foods Recognized by the World」.
It is one of the project of Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. "WASHOKU-Try Japan's Good Food"
We are really happy, and please try to eat our Matcha cookie.

Michael Jackson

2009-06-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer and businessman.
He was the King of Pop.
He was a hero.
He was my favorite singer.
He was a grand person.
For me, as a child.

I was really sad about his death.
Innumerable fan grieved about the death of the great singer.
May his soul rest in peace...

Welcome Young Japanese People

2009-06-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

Recently, young people don't drink a Japanese green tea in Japan.
I can not believe it. You, too?
Of course, they drink some tea or water.
But they are the bottled drink.
Many Japanese people do not want to use a tea pot.
So most of people use some packed of green tea or powdered green tea, or buy the bottled tea.
Why?
I know.
They think that it's too much of a bother.
Yes, I know.
But you can drink the most delicious green tea when you use a tea pot.
How about a nice cup of tea?

Firefly

2009-06-13T19:16:00.000-07:00

I went to Arima in Kobe-city with my family to see some fireflys.
Every year we've gone to somewhere to see them.
Our store is not so far from Arima.
So we went to there on this Tue.
Of course we could see them, but I was dissatisfied with them.
Because we had to see beyond a wire fence.
Arima is the famous hot-spring area in West Japan.
So the area is set out neatly.

Last year we went to Himeji.
That was really countryside.
So we were able to see a lot of fireflys right in front of us.
Next year we will go to there again though there is a little far from our home.

Susan Boyle

2009-06-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

Susan Margaret Boyle is Scottish singer who came to international public attention in 2009 after she appeared as a contestant on "Britain's Got Talent". Boyle became known when she sang "I dreamed a dream" from Les Miserables in the competition's first round, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on 11 Apr., 2009. In final of the third series of the show, she finished in second place, behind dance group "Diversity".
I really love her voice. But after she got the second place, she looks be overcome with loss. And then she went to hospital.
She are frequently reported by the media. So I can imagine about her mind.
But I want to hear her voice again.
I hope she get well soon.

Massage

2009-05-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

I was massaged by the massage practitioner on this Tue.
It was first experience for me.
I always do computer work, so I am very tense around the shoulders and neck.
My daughter was worried about it. And she presented me the tickets of a massage shop.
I felt good, but it hurt a little...

Good bye swine flu

2009-05-26T04:29:00.000-07:00

It was back-to-school day Monday for the majority of students at 4,400 schools in Hyogo and Osaka prefectures after being kept home for a week by the outbreak of swine flu.
My daughters and son also went to school today.
They feel really happy, especially my little daughter.
Because my first daughter have to take a exam. from tomorrow.
So she does not feel happy so much.

On Monday, the ministry said newly confirmed cases of the virus peaked May 20 and have been decreasing since.

It is also good news for our store.

Father's Day

2009-05-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is a day honoring fathers, celebrated on various days in many places around the world.
In Japan, it is on June 21 in this year.
Some children give a present for thier father.
I used to give something.
Especially my brother and I gave him the business bag.

But I think unfortunately it will weigh heavily Mother's Day than Father's Day.
How do you think about?

H1N1 flu

2009-05-17T18:41:00.000-07:00

Finally, the number of domestic swine flu cases hit 42 on Sunday after 34 high school and college students and teachers in Hyogo and Osaka prefectures were confirmed to have been infected.
I live in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture.
Of course, my family is OK now.
But we have to avoid the flu.
And so, we will tell you the means of prevention.
That is the green tea gargle.

Green tea has an antiseptic effect.

Exhibition

2009-05-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

We participated in exhibitions in Osaka.
Of course we displayed our matcha cookie at the ezhibition.
Many people are interested in our matcha cookie, and we could swap business cards with them.
But we are ill-prepared for the exhibition. Our business card and some brochure are not substantial.
We are really sorry for some customers...

Wedding

2009-05-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today, my brother celebrated a marriage in Kobe!
It was a family wedding with only relative and close.
But my brother and his wife hope the ceremony will allow the couple to share their happiness with everyone.
My brother was grinning from ear to ear at his wedding.
Long life and happiness to you both!!

An event of Tokyo

2009-05-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

I went to Tokyo from the day before yesterday to yesterday.
Because there were an event of "Nippon TV Golden Week" in Tokyo.
We attended the campaign for our matcha cookie.
We offered our matcha cookie for 200 people.
And we could introduce our store and our matcha cookie.
Thank you so much for the event staff and many customers!!

Sushi

2009-04-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

I went to go to the Sushi restaurant with my family and my friends.
I have never been to there.
The restaurant is near my store.
They are also the fish dealer.
So their fish is really fresh.
And the restaurant is the fancy-looking room.
We had some good tasty sushi, Tempura(Japanese deep-fried food), and Sashimi(Sliced raw fish)...
We really enjoyed the delicious food!!

Event of NIPPON TELEVISION NETWORK CORPORATION

2009-04-26T20:03:00.000-07:00

There is an event "Nippon TV Golden Week" in Tokyo from 29 Apr. to 6 May. 2009.
Our matcha cookie will be put on display from 5 May to 6 May 2009!!
We hope to see many of you.

The first tea of the season

2009-04-17T20:21:00.000-07:00

The first tea of the season is now hitting the market in Japan.
They are picked from April to the end of May.
In Kagoshima Prefecture, tea picking started at the biginning of April.
The taste is really good and they have mellow flavor.
Would you be interested in tasting our tea?

Testimonial

2009-04-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

We got a testimonial of the Great Britain Prize in the Visit Japan Campaign 2009 souvenir contest!!
It is a just paper, yet it's of value to me.

Good bye my precious car!!

2009-04-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

I boutht a car.
So I relinquished my precious car.
The car's name is Odyssey.
We called him "Mr. Odyssey".
He is wine red, and he came to my home 13 year's ago.
He knew everything of our family.
When we went to my store, when my first daughter went to the cram school, when my son sent to the soccer school, when I picked up my little daughter from the hospital of birth...and when we went to a whole lot of different places, He always took us.
Thank you very much and good bye.
Yours affectionately.

About half of the cherry blossoms

2009-04-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

We went out to see the cherry blossoms at the park the day before yesterday.
And I enjoyed a barbecue party with our family.
My mother has a disease. So she can't go out so long time.
But at that time, she wanted to go with us.
We were happy, and really enjoyed a barbecue.
But, unfortunately, about half of the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
I will put a picture of full bloom next time.

Japanese legend

2009-04-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

Actually, I stowed away my daughter's Hina dolls today.
It is too late in Japan.
Because, It is ancient tradition that daughters will be past marriageable age if their parents stowed away their dolls late past 4 Mar.
It needs to clear as soon as possible after 3 Mar.
We have 2 daughters!!
Today is already 6 Apr.!!
Dear me!!
But I would like to spend with them long time.
So It is good for me that they will be past marriageable.
Well, I don't know what is the marriageable age...

Fair ride

2009-03-31T05:57:00.000-07:00

Today, our store was OFF.
So I went to go to the amusement park with my family.
The name is Tojyokoland.
That is not a big park, and there are not so many fair ride.
But my daughter likes there.
But she didn't like a white-knuckle ride last year. It is great height and speed.
When whe rode it with me, she lamented aloud.
So I think she will not also ride it today.
But first of all, she rode it with her sister.
I was really surprised.
I don't relish doing...

Running school

2009-03-27T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today, my daughter took a running lesson.
The teacher was Mr. Asahara.
As you know, Mr. Asahara is a Olympic athlete.
He is a famous sprinter in Japan.
The lesson time was a just short time. So I'm not sure whether she can understand a good form. But it's sure she enjoyed a tag with the great athlete.
I also want to play a tag with them.

Engagement

2009-03-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

My brother met his fiancee's parents yesterday.
Until recently, I have thought he's a quirkyalone.
Because he looks like to enjoy his bachelor life.
He lives alone in a skyscraper condo in Tokyo, Japan.
He enjoys an elegant lifestyle.
But finally, he met loved one.
I also met her, and I am favorably impressed.
Congratulations on deciding to tie the knot!

Graduation!!

2009-03-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

When I drive to go to my store this morning, I saw some people wear the ceremonial garment. They look like to go to a graduation.
There are some kindergartens, elementary schools, and a junior high school near my home.
I bring back memories when my daughter and son graduated from their school.
Especially, when my son graduated from his elementary school...
He has a girl friend. She has a serious disease. So when she was 4th grade, she almost could not come to school. 5th grade, also...
But she has been battled illness. And finally she can come to school many days when she was 6th grade.
And when it was graduation, her mother made a speech. She said "I am profoundly grateful that she is living now!"
All of mothers were very moved by her speech.
I also want to say "Thank you for my children."

Kendo

2009-03-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

My nephew passed the college entrance exam.
He has been practicing his swordsmanship from a young age.
He is Japanese art of fencing (Kendo) player.
I heard that his practice was too hard in his high school.
So he said he want to drop out Kendo when he will be college student.
But actually, he choose the college that is well-known about Kendo.
I think he will also play Kendo in his college.

Bad breath

2009-03-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

I went to the dentist, because my small silver tooth came off.
I had terrible childfood dental experiences, so I don't like the dentist.
But now, Dentists have changed.
They don't drill unless they really have to and they play nice music in the background.

By the way, sometimes do you feel your bad breath?
Of course when you don't know the cause, you have to go to the hospital.
But if it is the bad breath caused by bacteria in the mouth, I recommend you to drink tea.
Especially, when you feel too bad in your mouth, please try to eat green tea leaves.
It is immediately potent. I recommend you Fukamushi-cha.
Please try it...

Jeans

2009-03-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

I went to the shopping mall with my family yesterday.
The mall is the biggest shopping mall in western Japan.
We can enjoy shopping, but we could not quickly find our favorite store, because there are many stores in the mall.
Finally, my son wanted to buy his pants. He has not liked the jeans until yesterday, because he hates tight-fitting. But yesterday he looks like opening his eye about jeans. He bought it and he will put on the jeans every day...every day??

Awarding Ceremony

2009-03-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

There is an awarding ceremony of VJC Attractive Souvenirs of Japan Contest 2009 on 24 Mar., 2009.
I want to go there, but I will not be able to go. Because it is in Tokyo. I live in Kobe. Tokyo is not so far from Kobe, but it's not so near...

Girls' Day (03 Mar.)

2009-03-02T17:24:00.000-08:00

The Japanese Doll Festival or Girls' Day(Hina-Matsuri), is held on 3 March. Platforms with a red Mosen are used to display a set of ornamental dolls(Hina Ningyo) representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress of the Heian period.

New Year's card with lottery numbers

2009-03-01T20:44:00.000-08:00

Yes! I got the third prize of New Year's card with lottery numbers in Japan Post.
I will get the present "Confectionery set".
The third prize is not so good, but I always have gotten just the fourth prize until now. So I'm happy, and I have any luck on this year!!

Community Association

2009-02-25T20:39:00.000-08:00

I will be a member of the neighborhood community association from this spring.
In Japan, there are some community association at most of area.
Where we live is the depopulated area in Kobe.
There are many elderly people in our area.
As I'm not old, I have to work very hard.
I think it is good for our area, but I will be busy more than now.
Gary Player said "The harder you work, the luckier you get."
I know, I know...

We did it!

2009-02-20T05:06:00.000-08:00

We did it!!
Our matcha cookie pass the contest "VISIT JAPAN CAMPAIGN".
The prize is Great Britain prize.
So we will sell our matcha cookie at 4 major airport in Japan from May 2009.
Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai International Airport, and Chubu International Airport.

Please wait till...

VJC contest 2009

2009-02-16T17:46:00.000-08:00

Now we entry a contest of Japanese souvenir.
The name is "VISIT JAPAN CAMPAIGN".
We make a presentation for our matcha cookie.
We know that the package is important in this contest.
So we chenged our cookie's package.
We really hope our cookie will pass this contest.
Now it is final stage.
After pass this contest, we will sell in some major airport.
All our best!

High school musical

2009-02-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

My daughter and my son love this story " High school musical "
And now the movie is showing in Kobe Japan.
Yesterday, we watched the movie in a movie theater.
I guess I'm getting too old for this...because that is for teens.
But I enjoyed the movie.
And my son and my daughter and I yearn for outdoor graduation ceremony.
We would like to throw the school cap.
That is not usual in Japan.

Basketball

2009-02-06T20:57:00.000-08:00

My son plays basketball in his school.
When he was elementary school kid, he played football at out of school.
But he wan not good player of football, and his team was not good.
Their teamwork was too bad.
Of course, my son was one of people who do not make any efforts.
There are not a football club in his school. And then, he chose the basketball club.
But now, he enjoy to play basketball in his school.
And he makes an intense effort.
So I would like to support his team!!

My car

2009-02-04T17:20:00.000-08:00

Now I'm confused about my car.
I have 2 cars. one on them is a light automobile. It is not problem.
I can drive this light automobile to deliver our green tea.
And another one is a seven-seater's car.
And this spring, I have to have my car inspected at a garage.
But it is old car, so I want to buy a new car.
I know a new car is too expencive. Inspect or not for my old car...

TV serials

2009-01-31T21:45:00.000-08:00

I am hooked on television serials.
My husband and my daughter are also...
The title is "DAN DAN"

The story is about twin sisters.
One of them was Maiko in Kyoto, Japan.
And another one was a common high school student in Shimane, Japan.

They lived with different position.
And they didn't know one another's existence.
But one day, they met each other.

And then, they became the popular singers.
But...

Every morning, we watched TV.

Rainy day

2009-01-29T22:05:00.000-08:00

It comes the first spots of rain in Kobe, Japan.
People don't like to go shopping on rainy day.
Of course our customer also...

So today, I feel longer periods of time in our store.
When is it going to stop raining?

P.T.A.

2009-01-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

Are there P.T.A.(Parent-Teacher Association) in your school or your children's school?
I think it is necessary for the good school life. But it is difficult to attend a meeting and the work of P.T.A for the working parents.
Last year
I was a member of P.T.A. in my child's school.
But I could not attend the meeting so much, because my job.
Now this is a really serious problem with fewer children continuing to develop in Japan.
Most of parents have works and most of parents don't want to be a member of P.T.A.
The election for a new member will be soon...

Valentine's Day!

2009-01-22T00:35:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day has come soon.
I have children, boy and girls.
Valentaine's day is a special day for my family every year.
My son want to get some chocolates and my daughter want to give a chocolate for her favorite boy.
Especially, it may be serious for my son.
How many chocolate does he have this year?

Matcha

2009-01-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

In my store, many people buy the high-quality matcha in this season.
Because a few days of a new year are the special season for Japanese people.
So people would like to splurge on food or drink.
I'll give some explanation about matcha.
All Matcha may be enjoyed as "thin tea", Usucha. However, only the highest quality teas are suitable for the preparation of "thick tea", Koicha, since these are less astringent than the lower grades.
Koicha is rich, has an intense colour and sweet and aromatic finish.
Please try to drink "Koicha".

Ebessan

2009-01-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ebessan means Mr.Ebisu in Japan.
Ebisu is the Japanese god of fishermen, good luck, and workingmen, as well as guardian of the health of small children. He is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune(Hichifukujin), and the only one of the seven to originate from Japan.
There are some shrines honors Ebisu in Japan.
One of them, there is near my store.
Ebessan is the god of business.
So we go to the shrine to pray for prosperity in our business in this season every year.

Hatsumode

2009-01-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

It is the first shrine or Buddhist temple visit of the New Year in Japan.
Of course my family visit the shrine near our house every year.
Many visit on the first, second, or third day of the year as most are off work on those days.
The purpose is to pray for happiness and good health in the coming year.
And many people also draw sacred lots to learn their fortune for the new year.
Lucky me! The fortune said that I'll have excellent luck! I think a lot of good things are coming this new year!!

A Happy New Year

2008-12-31T07:23:00.000-08:00

The tea for A New Year

2008-12-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

We begin to sale some special tea leaf now.
They are a special tea for a new year.
One of them is called "Oofuku-cha". And another one is called "Onenga-cha".
Oofuku-cha means many happiness. And Onennga-cha means a new year tea.
Both of them mean that we wish you many more years of happiness.

Kobe Luminarie

2008-12-14T17:23:00.000-08:00

You know, our green tea store is in Kobe, Japan.
And there is a light festival held in Kobe, Japan every December.
It began in 1995 and commemorates the Great Hanshin earthquake of that year. They were donated by the Italian Government. The lights are kept up for about two weeks and only turned on for a few hours each evening. Each light is individually hand-painted. Major streets in the vicinity are closed to auto traffic during these hours to allow pedestrians to fill the streets and enjoy the lights.

Oriental zodiac

2008-12-11T17:06:00.000-08:00

The origin of the 12 signs of the animal zodiac can be traced back some 3,500 years.
The signs are believed to have been introduced to Japan in the 6th century.
Each of the zodiac animals have its own distinct characteristics, which people born in that year are said to share.
This year is the Year of the Mouse.
And 2009 is the Year of the Ox.
"What are the traits of an ox?"
"Stubborn, Hard-working, and I guess persistent."

What's your Oriental zodiac sign?

Year-end cleaning

2008-12-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

In Japan, people have a tradition of doing a general house cleaning at the end of year.
Called susuharai, the tradition originates from a religious custom in which people cleaned their household altar and rooms to welcome the god of the New Year.
They believed they could drive away the ill luck of the year together with the dust in the house.
Although many families do it in late December, we have to do it early December.
Because you know we must open our green tea shop in late December. We are busy in this season.
So today, we did it!
But, not yet...
I finished cleaning half of the house.
Every time I straighten things up, my family make a mess again. It never ends!

Seibo (Winter gift)

2008-11-26T04:40:00.000-08:00

Seibo are presents we gratefully give to people who have helped us.
We send Seibo from the beginning of December until around December 20th.
In the past, we sent things like rice, mochi, and fish.
But, nowadays, generally food, Japanese green tea and daily necessities are given.
This custom began with offerings to the year god from the end of the year until the New Year.

Labor Thanksgiving Day

2008-11-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

Labor Thanksgiving Day(Kinro kansha no hi) is a national holiday in Japan.
It takes place annually on November 23. The law establishing the holiday cites it as an occasion for commemorating labor and production and giving one another thanks.
It is one of holiday for many people in Japan.
But we have to work today. Because we are staffs of green tea store. So our store never close on Sunday or some national holiday.
But it is OK. We look forward to working with customers and hope that we can be of further service.
This is really Labor Thanksgiving Day!!

Scrabble

2008-11-16T20:06:00.000-08:00

I didn't like a board game when I was a child.
But my brother liked it very much.
So I lost a game every time when we played.

Some time ago, I played Scrabble.
It was a first time for me.
It's too difficult!
And of course, I lost a game...

But I think I will enjoy a game over a cup of tea next time...

Autumnal colors of the leaves

2008-11-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

The foliage season has arrived again.
I love this season!
Many Japanese people enjoy the changing colors of autumn leaves.
And also, we would like to drink a hot tea in this season.
I recommend you sencha with some sweets.

History of green tea

2008-11-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

Green tea was brought from China and has been extensively cultivated in Japan. Although it is now one of the most popular beverages in Japan, it was once so precious that only a select few, such as monks and nobility could afford its pleasures.
Thanks to the efforts of Eisai, a twelfth century Zen monk, green tea was introduced to the public, and samurai warriors and common people began to enjoy the new drink. Chinese people have long known of the health benefits of green tea and used it medicinally. When Eisai was introducing the effect of drinking green tea, he professed, “A medicine is for one disease only, but green tea is a kind of panacea that can prevent and treat all sorts of ailments.”
Subsequently, green tea has taken root in Japanese society as a specialty item. Recently, it has once again attracted a lot of attention as a health-promoting beverage, with many benefits. We hope you enjoy drinking green tea to your heart’s content.

Japanese green tea

2008-10-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Green tea has been attracting wolrdwide attention in recent years, as it's
health benefits have become better known.

And of course, we always drink Japanese green tea.

But many people drink the pet bottle of green tea recently in Japan.

I think it is not good for your health and earth's environment.

Japanese Matcha Green Tea Store Ochadokoro Sanwa Blog

2008-10-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

Get a chance!

We will offer a free gift Japanese tea pot to the customer finished to order and pay more than 10,000JPY. (from 1 Nov. 2008 to 30 Nov.2008 ).

Please check our URL : http://www.ochadokoro.com