Matsuri Time

Hai Pineapple desu!
So, while roaming around Yamaguchi-ken awhile back I had bumped into two friendly Japanese girls at the train station. I was a little bewildered because they were wearing these really pretty, traditional looking, Japanese outfits. After chatting with them for awhile it turned out that they were on their way to a matsuri (festival) in Hofu, a city kind of near Oshima (where I am living). They told me that it is very common for Japanese girls to wear these pretty Yukata's during a festival or when there is a bon odori or bon dance, which often takes place during the summer season. They explained that Yukata's are a more casual style kimono worn during summer. Unlike the more formal kimono which is made of silk, yukatas tend to be made of cotton which is perfect for wearing to the summer festivals since they are a less heavy and more...breathable(?) material.
I'm hoping that I can find a pineapple sized Yukata, so that when I go to a matsuri or bon odori I will be dressed in the proper attire!

One lucky puppy

Hai, Pineapple desu!
Hello readers. I still cannot believe what a lucky puppy I am. Somehow I have been so blessed as to have gone from one beautiful island paradise (hawaii) to another beautiful island paradise (Oshima). Although Oshima is lacking in the fast pace life style of Honolulu, in many ways this is also Oshima's strength. Unlike Oahu, Oshima still holds that isolated natural charm that can only come from lack of overdevelopment and mass tourism. Trees, flowers, and all other forms of nature take precedence here with small towns and communities peppered in between. This is probably my favorite part about the drives Keri makes around the island; I love sticking my little nose out the passenger window and enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty that surrounds me, it is still hard to believe that this is my home for at least another year, if not two!

Plush Puppies Can Travel Too

Hai Pinapple desu! As some of you may know I am Keri`s plush puppy friend.
Anyway, I have decided to start my own travel blog because, well you know, plush puppies can travel too. I have accompanied Keri on many of her adventures across the U.S. and across the globe, and do I get mentioned in her blogs, nope. So here we go, a place for me to post about my adventures and the places and people I meet.

For the next year I will be living and exploring and meeting the different areas and people of Japan. My new home is on Oshima island in Yamaguchi prefecture. I haven't seen any other plush puppies roaming the streets yet, but I have seen many neko-chans (woof woof desu). Hopefully I will make some new friends while here in Japan.



Speaking of new friends, here is a picture of me with one I have recently met. His name is Choruru and he is Yamaguchi's prefectural mascot. Choruru is an embodiment of the Yamaguchi kanji, 山口 (yamaguchi)。Can you see it? His green hair makes up the symbol 山 (mountain) and his white face is the symbol for 口. Cute, right? I think we will be very close friends!

I'm off to go and explore some more, so until next time!

Pineapple