Day 881: March 31, 2024
Sunday – Spring Break Day 2 x My Birthday
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| It's a cloudy day here in Kumatori |
Today, the clouds hung low over the town of Kumatori (熊取町) in Osaka Prefecture as I marked another year of life. The day did not unfold the way I initially imagined it would. Birthday plans to go out had to be set aside because of unexpected car trouble, keeping us at home. In the end, it felt like a quiet blessing. A yellow haze of sand drifting in from afar covered the sky, and with my dust allergy, staying indoors turned out to be the wiser choice.
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| Off to Kin no Buta in Izumi City |
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| I'm happy I was able to celebrate my birthday with friends and family |
Here's the highlight of today's dishes
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| Shabu-shabu |
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| Matcha-themed dessert |
Even so, the day found its own way of becoming special. Andy and Akiko’s husband came over to celebrate with us, turning what could have been a quiet day into something warm and meaningful. We headed to Kin no Buta in Izumi City (和泉市) for dinner, an eat-all-you-can shabu-shabu place my wife had recommended, one she remembered fondly from before Kai was born. The food exceeded expectations, and sitting there together, sharing a meal, made the celebration feel complete.
We returned home around 9 PM, but the night did not end there. Andy stayed over, while Akiko’s husband headed back to Suita City. Back at the house, Mr. Toshi, Andy, and I spent the rest of the night talking over drinks, laughing, and sharing stories until around 2 AM. Time seemed to slow down in those moments.
In the end, it was not the birthday I originally planned, but it was one filled with warmth, friendship, and quiet gratitude. Sometimes, the most memorable celebrations are the ones that unfold naturally, right where you are.
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 126
Japan Diaries 4: Day 880
10 Things to Do in Kumatori
Hokkaido 179
Japan Diaries 4: Summary
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