Ume Plum Blossom Viewing & Picnic @ Osaka Castle Park

Yesterday I was lucky enough to get a chance to see the Ume Blossoms outside Osaka Castle.
I went to an International Picnic in the park around the castle.

(here is a very bad photo of Osaka Castle)

Ume is the Japanese word for Plum.

Ume Plum Blossoms were actually once more preferred than the Sakura Blossoms in the Nara Period (8th century), while Sakura only gained popularity from the Heian Period (794-1185)
Ume Plum Blossom bloom through out Japan from february to March.

Spring is not too far away.



The Picnic was organised by an international group "We are One" , they organise parties in Kyoto and Osaka for the Japanese and international community.

Here are a few photos from the Party.







More Ume Blossoms.

The Party people :D

There were people of many nationalities at this event. I met people from Japan ,Spain , Switzerland , China , Indonesia , Germany and many more.
There were such nice people at the event.I only wish the world could get a long as well as these people.

Our Uniqueness is what make us the same :D


Thanks to everybody who asked me about the Christchurch Earthquake. My family live in Auckland which is at the other end of the country.

"Engrish" Japanese English.

I have found a few examples of strange English while shopping in Japan.


"Is your tooth clean?" This toothbrush set must be for people with only 1 tooth?

I think they mean "Are your teeth clean?"

This second photo I took at a clothes store.

What is wrong with this photo? I will give you a hint.

"leather Jacket , chicken wings , wooden table...."



This should say "Woman's leggings" as they are for women..not made from women :D

I will post a few more photos soon. I always find new examples of strange Japanese English.

It is cold in Japan

This winter seems colder than last winter.


It snowed yesterday in Osaka yesterday.I have never
seen snow sitting on the ground during the day until this winter.
I took these photos around 1pm.
.
These are views from my apartment building.

I enjoy the snow as it does not snow in the city where I am from.

This is a photo of my poor car.(Poor meaning かわいそ/可哀想）It looks so sad and cold.

I am from Auckland New Zealand.It does snow there but
not in Auckland.
The seasons are the opposite of Japan so Christmas is in Summer.
We usually have barbecues or go to the beach for Christmas.

Stay warm everybody.

Last years Christmas Party.This years Valentines party

Here is a photo from the Christmas party we held on the 25th of December 2010.

It was a great party.About 20 people came to the party but some were camera shy.
They did not want to appear in the photo.

We ate , spoke English , played bingo and had a great time.

This February 19th we will do a late Valentines party.
It will be a Dessert buffet.If you like chocolate ,sweets and want to make new friends you should come along .

The price is ￥1500 including a light dinner , non alcoholic drinks and dessert.
The theme is Saints and Sinners if you want to dress up.(You might win something)



I hope to see you there.

For more details contact me via my homepage.

〒566-0043

大阪府摂津市一津屋1-19-5

ロイヤルコート1Ｆ

TEL：090-2706-3446

Email:admin@step-learning.jp

http://www.step-learning.jp