マッサン 朝ドラ

NHK's new morning drama is about the founder of Nikka Whisky, Masataka Taketsuru, and his international marriage to a Scottish lady, Jessie Roberta "Rita" Cowan. It's the first time a non-Japanese actor has starred in the leading role of an NHK drama.

You can read about the new NHK morning drama here in Japan Times:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/11/19/national/for-first-time-nhk-seeks-caucasian-actress-to-star-in-morning-drama/

You can read about it in English here on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massan

日本語で：http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%9E%E3%83%83%E3%82%B5%E3%83%B3

相模湖

The other day, I went to Lake Sagami. I had lunch in a lakeside restaurant. The weather was great and the view was fantastic. I had a three-course lunch for ¥1100. Nice.

山形県のお土産

Thank you to Ikuko who gave me this present from Yamagata.

アナと雪の女王

Do you know the film Frozen? The Japanese title is「アナと雪の女王」。It is such a popular film worldwide. I haven't seen it because the film doesn't interest me. I think Frozen is more popular with women and children than men.

There is a lot of Frozen merchandise and many everyday goods are adorned with imagery from the film, such as this tissue box. Funny.