Today the postcard of my favourite Rikishi, Takanosho arrived!! I have been looking forward to this! I think he has a cute smile! What do you think? Look forward to the next Basho!

Aonishiki, the Ukranian sumo wrestler (rikishi) has won another tournament! It is his 2nd tournament victory and his first as Ozeki (the second highest rank in sumo). In the video I read the article in Japanese and translate it. Please watch and let me know what you think!

Huge congratulations to Ev san（エヴァルゼグ） — who has officially reached Daimyō level! 👏✨ Reaching Daimyō reflects steady effort, curiosity, and a genuine love of Japanese language and culture. It also marks someone as a leader within our community, helping make this space welcoming, fun, and motivating for others. 🗾❄️ Province Claimed: 蝦夷（えぞ）— Yezo Ev san has claimed Yezo, the historical name for modern-day Hokkaidō. Yezo is famous for: breathtaking natural beauty wide open landscapes and seasons and some of Japan’s most delicious food From fresh seafood to rich regional dishes, it’s a province that celebrates both nature and nourishment — a perfect reflection of Ev’s appreciation for what Japan has to offer beyond the big cities. A thoughtful and fitting choice. 🈶 Mini Japanese 大名（だいみょう） – Daimyō 蝦夷（えぞ） – Yezo 北海道（ほっかいどう） – Hokkaidō おめでとうございます！ – Congratulations! 👉 エヴァルゼグさん、大名レベル到達おめでとうございます！ 🌱 What This Represents Claiming Yezo symbolises strength, independence, and respect for nature. Ev’s journey shows how consistent effort and genuine interest lead to meaningful progress. Please join me in congratulating エヴァルゼグさん 🎉 Who will be the next Daimyō to rise? @Ev Ginguene おめでとうございます！

We’re here - the Grand Final! After weeks of voting, debating, and some very hard choices, only two remain. The Grand Final: 🐉 Dragon Ball vs ⚙️ Fullmetal Alchemist Legacy versus mastery. Roots versus refinement. Only one will be crowned our community’s favourite anime. 🐉 Dragon Ball (ドラゴンボール) This is where it all began for countless fans. Dragon Ball didn’t just succeed—it defined what shōnen anime could be. Why it reached the Grand Final: Created the blueprint for training arcs, power growth, and rivalries A sense of adventure, humour, and joy that spans generations Characters that became global cultural icons An influence so deep that modern anime still echoes it This is anime history. Without Dragon Ball, the landscape looks completely different. ⚙️ Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師) A series often spoken about in terms of perfection. Fullmetal Alchemist balances action, philosophy, emotion and politics with rare precision. Why it reached the Grand Final: Exceptionally tight storytelling from start to finish Deep themes of sacrifice, morality, and responsibility A richly realised world and unforgettable cast A story that resonates just as strongly on rewatch This is anime at its most complete—crafted with care and purpose. 🗳️ THE FINAL VOTE This is it. Do you choose the foundational legend that shaped the genre? Or the storytelling masterpiece that refined it? 💬 Cast your final vote and share why—this is the one worth defending. 勝つのはどっちだ！？ (Which one will be crowned!?) 🏆🔥

Yesterday, we made with my wife some Takoyaki (たこ焼き or 蛸焼) . For those who don't know they are ball-shaped snack originally from Osaka made of a wheat flour–based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus (tako). We prefer diced. The balls are brushed with takoyaki sauce and mayonnaise, and then sprinkled with shavings of dried bonito (katsuobushi). Oishii desu (美味しい です) 😋