Big in Japan!

When I was a kid growing up in the Philippines, while America was swept by the Rubik's cube, the Cabbage Patch Kids, Pacman & Ms Pacman, MTV and Knight Rider craze, I was obsessing over all things Japanese-- Hello Kitty, Little Twin Star, Bunbougus (stationery) - candy scented paper and envelope sets, stickers, iwaku scented erasers (shaped like fruits slices, hearts or minicas), scented felt pens in pastel colors, wallets, watches, key chains, rings, hair ties, bags, pencil cases, lunch boxes, drinking straws, plush toys, mirror & comb sets and even cologne. I remember when Kerokerokeroppi was introduced, it was love at first sight for me! Even then, green was the new black!

Then there's Manga and Anime -- Marionette Generation, Voltez V, Mazinger Z, Shaider, Bioman, Daimos, Macross, Voltron, Starblazer, Robotech, The Flying House and my favorite - Astroboy.

Now that I'm a big kid, I prefer Japanese films over anime. Sanrio is replaced with Japanese pottery, ink painting in silk, origami and haiku. And then there's the food -- my favorite, to name a few are yakisoba, tonkatsu, gyudon, tekka maki, tekka nori maki, takoyaki, teppanyaki and the ultimate favorite - sashimi.

One thing that will never change is my love for Japanese chocolates and sweets. Can you say, Meiji?? Not only are they yumyum, but also so darn cute!

This October, Astroboy flies off the screen. I can't wait to see it and be reminiscent of the good ole' days! Until then, I'll content myself with some sushi.

I leave you with a little lesson in Nipongo --

"Moshi moshi" means "Hello"

"Arigato Gozaimasu" means "Thank you very much"

"Doozo" means "Please"

"Hai" means "Ok"

"Itadakimasu" means "Let's eat!"

"Gochisoosama" means "That was delicious!"

"Sayoonara" means "Goodbye"