Overall my travels to Japan were pretty easy. I flew from Cincinnati ➡️ Chicago ➡️ Tokyo ➡️ Osaka. The longest flight was 13 hours. We followed the sun west the entire trip. Luckily people had their windows down, so it was dark enough to sleep some.

The meals came accompanied by silverware and chopsticks. I used this opportunity to start practicing my chopstick skills. My favorite part was the pitcher of miso soup that came around with the meal, but it was all very delicious.

The movie selection on the airplane was average, but I did enjoy trying out the in flight exercise routine. It was a bit eye-catching and I tried to not bump into my neighbors while the slept.

I also tried to play a couple of Japanese games on the flight, but didn’t win.

Not pictured, but the airline toilet had bidet settings.

Originally the American Airlines staff told me that my bags would need to be picked up and rechecked in Chicago, but then they said all the way to Osaka. In Tokyo, customs told me my bag would definitely be at the Tokyo baggage claim for me to go through customs. He was right, I had to get my bags in Tokyo and then get them again in Osaka. I was told my connecting flight to Osaka was too soon, but then I was told I would definitely make my connecting flight that was meant to take off in 25 minutes after that conversation. I went through security again and actually made it!

Seika picked me up at the airport. It is so good to be reunited!!! We stopped at a convenience store and picked up some food. I wasn’t too hungry, but got noodles, a burdock salad which is like root vegetable, an egg sandwich, and a tuna onigiri.

Here’s my first huge bite of onigiri. I tried to get all the way to the filling but just missed it. It tasted similar to tuna salad but instead of between two slices of bread, it was wrapped in rice and seaweed. It was yummy.

I am staying with Seika and her family at their house. Upon arrival to the house, I was met by Seika’s mom, sister-in-law, baby nephew, and their dog. Seika’s mom offered me a choice of two new house slippers. I chose these pink ones.

Her family is very excited to host me and I am so honored to meet them! I don’t speak Japanese aside from “Kon’nichiwa” and “Arigatō” and they speak a bit more English than I do Japanese, but we do a lot of gesturing and also speaking through Google Translate! It has a conversation mode which is so helpful.

Seika’s nephew is very young and they want to raise him to know Japanese and English. He has been listening to ABC’s and Twinkle twinkle little star. We all sang it together to him in English. He enjoyed our singing.

Seika house is very typically Japanese with a lot of stairs to get to the different floors. I love it!

Seika offered me her room and even set up treats and towels and labeled the remotes for me. I feel so welcome and happy!

I am very grateful to experience Japan in such a lovely and authentic way. Seika and her family are so hospitable. I am excited to spend more time with them.