Wound Up, Curve Ahead, Okinawan Music

1. My brother proudly demonstrating a fascinating discovery; food isn’t necessary to attract the attention of koi. All one needs to do is stretch a hand over the water, provoking a kind of frenzy that culminates in one daring carp “body surfing” over the exposed backs of its rivals.

2. The wonders of a navigation system, which helps us traverse the confusing jumble that makes up city roads despite chirping a little too cheerfully in 100% Japanese.

3. Listening to Okinawan music during dinner. The upbeat, playful feel somehow transforms the high-pitched singing (which usually makes me cringe a little) normally found in traditional Japanese songs into something quaint and whimsical.