Japanese Home Supplies

Venturing a bit deeper into the pool today... Moving my clothes in the apartment's main closet consumed the remaining empty hangers yesterday, so a shopping trip was in order to expand the supply. The store we traveled to was essentially a Japanese version of Bed, Bath & Beyond, complemented with a second story furniture annex. There were also a lot of similarities with Ikea, being high in style and low in cost. The store was impressive in its scale and selection; If there's one area where the Japanese have the US beat hands down, it's cool, affordable interior decorating.

In the afternoon, A and I took a walk to a nearby shrine where we were treated to the resident monk ringing the massive bell while we were browsing around the grounds. I've never heard one of those bells in-person, and the resonant effect of being so close was unexpectedly moving.