Kagehashi Japan (Day 5)

Makuchari Flea Market

As a show of goodwill and student exchange, the Kagehashi group volunteered at KUIS (Kanda University of International Studies)'s international festa and Makuchari event. 

What is Makuchari?

  

The name “Makuchari” comes from Makuhari Charity-Flea market, and is modeled on the charity shop in the UK called Oxfam, which has the largest number of charity shops (recycle shops.) This charitable event started to be held at KUIS (Kanda University of International Studies) in 2005 for the purpose of fundraising through the flea market.

Originally, I was allotted to Kid's items but I quickly switched to my more favorite category, fashion.

Our booth for fashion accessories with prices ranging from $1-$30. The Japanese students at my booth were so kind and spoke a little English. I was able to bond with them through naming Japanese brands that I liked, such as Liz Lisa and Rirandture. They also taught me how to say "irasshaimase" which is a form of respect to customers. I kept pronouncing it wrong though...

Kagehashi Japan (Day 4)

National History Museum | Sawara City

Our first full day in Chiba started at the National History Museum. There were 6 parts that covered Japan's history from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Because we had limited time, as usual, I explored Folk Traditions gallery and Japan in the World War eras.  

 

Kagehashi Japan (Day 3)

Waseda University | Kikkoman Factory | Chiba Downtown

In the morning, we went to a conference at Waseda University that confront the problem of decreased number of Japanese exchange students in the US. Some of the takeaway points were that initiatives need to be made in both countries to promote foreign languages, especially English in Japan. Although Japan is a very advanced country and English is an obligatory language, many of its residents don't know English. I believe if English was more heavily emphasized in Japanese schools, then the interest in western societies will rise as a result. There is also the problem of the two countries having different school schedules. It's summer in America, but Japanese students are still early in their academic year.

After the conference, we rushed to the city of Noda where we toured the Kikkoman soy sauce factory.

When I first found out we would be touring a soy sauce factory, I was a little disappointed because: 1. It's soy sauce, an everyday object for me, 2. I expected the factory to be some rinkydink metal building.

However, I was pleasantly surprised by the accommodations and tour of the Kikkoman factory. It was super modern, clean and they made learning about the soy sauce making process very entertaining.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 2)

Japan Foundation | National Museum | Kappabashi | Asakuza Shrine | Shinjuku Shopping

A healthy breakfast to start the day. I wish we had rice, miso soup and fish available for breakfast in America. I would totally wake up early for that.

I tried naoto (fermented soy beans) for the first time. The taste is neutral but the texture is the interesting part - all plasticy and stringy like cheese. Although I heard it's good for you, I don't think I will be eating it again anytime soon.

Kagehashi Japan (Day 1)

Shinjuku (Hotel, Dining, Arcade)

This summer I am taking part in the JENESYS/ Kakehashi Project - a youth-exchange program between Japan and North America. As part of this trip, a group of 24 students including me will be touring Tokyo and Chiba, and visiting local universities. We were told to keep a blog about our experiences. Because I will be taking pictures of almost every experience, I'll look even more touristy in Japan. (There were times where I had to refrain from taking pics of Japanese vending machines and airline food)

After a grueling 11 hour airplane trip from LAX to Narita International Airport, we were friendly greeted by our host of this trip. It was the first time I had ever had someone holding a sign at the airport - It felt good. Along with Sato-sensei and Mr. Jose Narbona (2 Rice teachers), he will be accompanying us on our entire journey and providing hilarious & honest commentary.

London Purchases

There were so many girls' fashion stores at Westfield and on Oxford Street - Top Shop, H&M, Uniqlo (yay!), Mango, Pull&Bear etc. I had enough to buy a few of my favorite things, but the problem I ran into at a lot of stores is that there wasn't one article that absolutely stood out.

Here are the items I did decide to buy.

+ Cecilia Birtwell Dress
+ Uniqlo Shirt
+ Chuti Cat Sweater
+ Handcut Girl with Balloon Necklace
+ Vintage Levi's High-Rise Shorts
+ Lollipops Keychain
+ Laduree Macarons
+ Lichtenstein Print
+ Hunger Fashion Magazne
+ Mugi Sketchbook & Pens

London (Day 4)

Harrod's (Tea Time, Laduree)

On Monday, we started the day off visiting the National Gallery so we woke up super early to make sure there was enough daylight to do everything. There are no pictures from there because you weren't allowed to take photos. Have I already talked about my excitement for being able to recognize many of the paintings in the Gallery?

Afterwards, we took the bus to Knightsbridge and visited Harrod's, Europe's largest department store, chock full of expensive main brand wear. Needless to say, our visit was mostly for the tourist value. The inside was beautiful each brand got their own decorative space. Even the escalator hallway was bejeweled and Egyptian themed.

London (Day 3) - Part II

Design Museum | Thames River | Globe Theater

Day 3 was so full of pictures that I had to split it between two posts! After the markets, we went to the Design Museum located by the Tower Bridge. We were on a time crunch getting from Brick Lane to the west side of the city.

London (Day 3) - Part I

Old Spitalfields Market | Brick Lane Market

One great thing about staying in Stratford is that we're super close to the East London markets like Brick Lane and Old Spitalfields. The markets were a mixture of antiques, homemade "Etsy" products, clothing and food. It reminded me a lot of the lady streets in China that were booths after booths of fashion.  Except unlike the China, the "bargains" here were still pricy because of the conversion rate. I think everything in England is more expensive than America.

Old Spitalfields Market

London (Day 2)

Borough Market | Tower of London | Tower Bridge | Eye of London

When Box Rabbit first started out, it was meant to be a fashion blog but I've developed it into a blog that collects my experiences through photos and description. Rather than just posts of my outfits, I want it to reflect the multitude of different things that intrigue me whether it be fashion, art, travels, food etc.

So here's Day 2 of my London Trip.

Photos taken from official Borough Market gallery. They don't belong to me.

London (Day 1)

Trafalgar Square | Buckingham Palace | Westminster Abbey | Parliament | Soho

(Caution: Lots of photos ahead...it may take some time to scroll down)

I went to London for a week with Luis and it was so amazing - I've never had an experience quite like it. It was my first time traveling to Europe, let alone England, so everything was very new to me. We stayed at a Premier Inn in Westfield Mall  (yay, shopping) in Stratford City, and Central London was about 4 tube stops away.

So very very convenient

Dished out ~$100 for a week's Oyster Card. It was my first experience navigating the subway in a large city and I think I did quite well!

We started the first day as tourists and went on the Original Bus Tour around London.

Charring Cross Station

My first impression of London - it may be just a bus stop but I was already overwhelmed by the rich and consistently themed architecture.

Blouse - Thrifted | Skirt - XXI | Sunglasses - Marc Jacobs 

 Outfit post. The floral blouse makes me seem even more touristy (maybe if it was Hawaii).