Author | Lightnews

Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Mar 29

After a stunning night sakura visit at Yasukuni Shrine, I popped into my favorite spot and grabbed some cherry-blossom infused sake—yes, with edible flowers! Sashimi and spring magic in a glass! 🌸🍶🐟

#YasukuniNight
#SakeMagic
#SashimiTime
#SpringVibes
#CheersToThat

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Mar 29

Just a quick stop at Meguro River after my lesson in Yokohama.
Cherry blossoms, champagne, and 30 minutes of pure joy!
So glad I’m a grown-up! Haha
Cheers to spring! 🌸🥂

#SpringVibes
#MeguroRiver
#CherryBlossoms
#ChampagneTime
#QuickEscape
#GratefulForTheLittleThings
#JapanInBloom

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Feb 15

February? You sure about that?

It felt more like spring today! Took a walk in the park with my husband and our Westie, and the plum blossoms were in full bloom. The air was filled with their sweet scent, making for a peaceful and refreshing stroll.

#SpringCameEarly #PlumBlossoms #TokyoLife

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Feb 9

“Good morning, Mount Fuji! ❄️🏔️”
Woke up, opened the curtains, and boom—Fuji-san in full winter mode! ❄️
It’s like someone sprinkled powdered sugar all over it overnight.
A stunning view right from our apartment, and best of all… no hiking required!

#MorningSurprise #Fuji #MountFuji #WinterWonderland

A breathtaking view of Mount Fuji covered in snow, seen from an apartment balcony. The golden sunlight highlights the mountain’s slopes, while trees and buildings in the foreground contrast with the clear blue sky. A rooftop with a satellite dish and railing is also visible, adding an urban touch to the serene landscape.

Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Feb 2

It’s Setsubun in Japan—time to throw beans and chase away bad luck! But every supermarket was sold out, so my husband improvised with peanuts.

One out the door—to drive out evil. One inside—our Westie ate it. One off the balcony—to bring in good fortune.

Mission accomplished… kinda. #節分 #Setsubun

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Feb 2

Setsubun on Feb 2 again?! 😲⏳ It’s usually Feb 3, but thanks to Earth’s little time warp, here we are—just like in 2021, for the first time in 100+ years! 🌍⌛ Time moves, calendars shift, traditions evolve… but if we’re still connected after another Setsubun, I’d say that’s a pretty solid bond! 😉👹🎭

A traditional Japanese Setsubun festival at a shrine during the early evening. A Shinto priest and participants in kimono stand on a stage, throwing roasted soybeans (mamemaki) to a cheerful crowd. Some people wear traditional oni (demon) masks, while others try to catch the beans for good luck. The shrine is decorated with banners and lanterns, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Jan 25

Snapped this view from my apartment balcony. The sunset was so magical, I felt like I could almost hear Mt. Fuji whisper, ‘Take a picture, it’ll last longer.’ Now I’m just hoping this post lasts longer than the sunset did. 🗻✨
#BalconyView #MtFuji #SunsetMagic #EveningGlow #TokyoMoments #WinterSkies

A view from an apartment balcony at sunset, featuring Mt. Fuji’s silhouette against a glowing orange sky. The foreground includes city buildings and streets, illuminated by early evening lights, creating a serene and picturesque urban scene.

Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Jan 19

My husband cooks all our meals, and this beautiful breakfast was his creation. Since we’re both in our 60s and still working, we only get to have breakfast together once a week.

It’s our little weekly luxury, and honestly, I think his cooking deserves a Michelin star!
#JapaneseBreakfast #LifeIn60s

A traditional Japanese breakfast set arranged neatly on a wooden table, featuring grilled salmon with grated daikon, miso soup, steamed rice, rolled omelet, natto, seaweed, black beans, pickles, and a cup of tea. Fresh fruits like oranges, bananas, and kiwis are displayed in bowls in the background.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Jan 11

After watching The Lion King at Ariake Shiki Theatre, I made a quick subway stop for some sake and simmered beef tendon.

The dish was sizzling and steaming on the hot plate—can you smell it through the screen? Pure foodie bliss!

#TheLionKing #JapaneseFood #SakeTime #FoodieLife #SteamyGoodness

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Jan 11

🦁 The Lion King—26 years later!
I first saw this musical in 1998, the year of its debut. Today, I’m back, this time on my own. The show now has its own dedicated theater, and the experience feels even more special.

Here’s a photo of the stunning venue—perfect for this timeless masterpiece!

Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Jan 7

Lunch with 20 people today—menu wasn’t my choice! I don’t usually eat fried food or rice-and-miso combos. But the pork cutlet? Surprisingly delicious.

Couldn’t finish it, though. Shared half with my neighbor. Food is great, but good conversations? That’s the real feast.

#lunchstory #tonkatsu

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Jan 5

Thought I found a dollar on the train seat—just a penny. 🙃 Still, no one sat there.

Funny how even a tiny coin makes you wonder: ‘Take it? Leave it?’

I left it. Maybe it’s still waiting for the next overthinker. 💭🪙

#TrainThoughts #LifeOnTheRails #LostAndFound #MorningMusings #CityLife

Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Jan 4

Ever had that déjà vu feeling? I thought I found a new restaurant while walking, but it turned out to be the same one I visited with my daughter 15 years ago. It was like stepping into a time machine… except this time, I paid the bill myself! #DéjàVu #TimeMachine #Nostalgia #Throwback #LifeSurprises

A cozy restaurant table with a beautifully plated lunch set, featuring roast pork with demi-glace sauce, colorful vegetables including broccoli and cauliflower, a light consommé soup, and two slices of baguette.

Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Jan 1

New Year’s Day in Japan: Shrine visit ✅, sake (otoso) ✅, tasty snacks ✅. Simple, fun, and full of laughs—our family tradition!

Wishing you a joyful start to the year!

#JapaneseNewYear #FamilyTradition #SimpleJoys

Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 31

New Year’s Eve, and I’m still waiting for my paw-fect moment… Just saying.

Wishing everyone a pawsome new year!

#WestieLife #NewYearsEveMood #WaitingForTreats #DogsofInstagram #WestieLove #CouchVibes #LifeWithDogs #YearEndThoughts #PawfectMoment

A white West Highland White Terrier (Westie) lying on a green corduroy sofa, resting its head against a colorful decorative pillow with a slightly wistful expression.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 29

Look who showed up late this year! 🎅

A friend sent me these photos this morning. The first is from Vancouver in 1958—a little boy meeting Santa. The second? That same boy all grown up, now playing Santa for his grandchild.

Even on December 29th, the Christmas spirit is alive and well!

#LateSanta

A black-and-white photo from 1958 showing a young boy sitting on Santa Claus’s lap in Vancouver. The boy is wearing a dark coat and hat, and Santa is dressed in a traditional suit with a long white beard.

A modern color photo of a man dressed as Santa Claus sitting with a young child. Santa is wearing a red suit with white trim and a fluffy beard, holding the child close in a warm and festive setting decorated with Christmas ornaments and a snowman in the background.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 28

My daughter came back from Nagano, and we had a lovely lunch in Jiyugaoka. We enjoyed sashimi, oysters, sake, and wine. The staff said soft drinks were free, so my daughter got two! With a coupon, the total was just 2,000 yen. Great food, cozy vibes, and wonderful memories!

#MotherDaughterTime

Two women enjoying a meal at a Japanese izakaya. The woman on the left, with long hair, is holding a cup of sake, while the woman on the right, with short bob hair and glasses, is holding a glass of wine. On the table are plates of sashimi, oysters, and other dishes, set in a warm and cozy atmosphere with traditional wooden interiors and soft lighting.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 27

Had lunch with a friend I thought was ‘unlucky,’ working full-time to support her husband. Proudly shared I’m finally out of debt and ready to start investing.

Her: ‘Oh, I’ve been investing for 10 years. The profits are insane.’

Me: Wait… what? Life lesson: never assume, and maybe start earlier!

Two women enjoying lunch at a burger shop. On the right, a middle-aged woman with a bronze bob hairstyle and glasses is focused on her meal—a burger and fries. On the left, a senior woman with long, wavy gray hair smiles warmly in her direction. The setting is a modern burger shop with cozy lighting and a relaxed atmosphere.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 24

Just another day heading to my English lesson—except it’s Christmas Eve! 🎄✨ The streets are filled with happy faces, all busy preparing for tonight. On my way, I overheard some little kids talking about Santa, and it made me wonder… Did I ever believe in Santa? Hmm, no memory of it!
#ChristmasVibes

A middle-aged woman with long hair sits at an outdoor cafe on Christmas Eve. She is sipping sparkling wine, dressed warmly in a stylish winter coat and scarf. Beside her, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree glows with lights and ornaments, adding to the festive atmosphere. Gentle snowfall enhances the cozy and peaceful ambiance of the scene.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 18

My husband texted me to set the rice cooker at 7 PM, but I forgot and went to walk the dog. Halfway through, I remembered and sprinted home! Just in time to toss in the rice before he walked in. I smiled and said, ‘Welcome home!’ like nothing happened. Mission accomplished!

A middle-aged woman with long hair inside a cozy apartment, turning around toward the entrance door with a slightly panicked but warm smile on her face. She is saying something to her husband, a middle-aged man, who is entering through the door. The apartment features modest decor, warm lighting, and a small rice cooker visible in the background.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 17

After 18 years of running my one-person company, I finally paid that corporate tax on time – the one that’s small but feels huge when you’re in the red. With loans cleared and expenses low, this tiny milestone feels like a giant leap. Cheers to small victories!
#EntrepreneurLife #OneStepAtATime

A middle-aged woman with long hair is smiling warmly as she pays taxes at a tax office. She stands at a counter handing over paperwork to a friendly clerk. The setting is a clean and organized office with a calm atmosphere, reflecting a positive and lighthearted moment.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 17

First time for everything.
Apple Watch: Your heart rate is over 120 BPM.
Me: Just watching my students’ English practice videos.
Apple Watch: Calm down.
Me: I’m trying!”

#EnglishTeaching #HeartRateAlert #AppleWatchFirstTime #TeacherLife #EnglishPractice #TooExcited #CalmDownPlease #FunnyMoments

A screenshot of an Apple Watch notification showing a high heart rate alert. The text states that the heart rate exceeded 120 BPM for 10 minutes starting at 12:05, with a graph displaying heart rate values (122, 124, 125 BPM) over time.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 15

A Weekend Surprise 🌱🍜

After enjoying soba at a cozy spot in Ibaraki, the kind owner handed me fresh satoimo saying,
“Take some Ibaraki veggies home to Tokyo!” 🥔✨

Simple kindness, simple joy.

#WeekendEscape
#SobaStop
#IbarakiFresh
#SimpleKindness
#LocalVegetables
#HeartwarmingMoment
#TaroLove

A basket of fresh taro (satoimo) sits on a wooden table next to a potted plant with large green leaves, set against a softly lit curtain backdrop.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 14

✨ Dinner is served! ✨
Tonight’s menu is a hearty hot pot 🥘 featuring fresh crab 🦀, tofu, and plenty of vegetables 🥬. My husband, who’s an amazing cook, put this together with so much care ❤️ Perfect for a cozy winter evening at home! 🏠❄️
#HotPotSeason #CrabHotPot #Homemade #DeliciousDinners #CozyVibes

A cozy dining table set for a homemade hot pot meal. At the center, a steaming clay pot on a portable stove is filled with ingredients like cabbage, tofu, and crab legs. Surrounding the pot are various small plates and bowls, including dipping sauces, condiments, and additional ingredients. A traditional ceramic sake bottle and other tableware add a warm, Japanese touch to the setting. The background features a wooden cabinet and a bookshelf, creating a relaxed and homey atmosphere.

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Tokyo Co-Life @tokyoco.bsky.social · Dec 14

Heading to our seaside home for the first time in a year! 🌊🐾 My husband, a surfing enthusiast, usually spends time there twice a month with our dog, but I’m mostly tied up in Tokyo. 🏙️ Today, I’m finally hopping on a limited express train from Ueno to join them for the weekend. 🚆 Feeling so excited!

A smiling woman "It's me."sitting on a train, wearing a purple top, with sunlight and buildings visible through the window in the background.

A train seat tray with a coffee cup, a packaged pastry, a creamer, a stir stick, and a train ticket, with a window view of train tracks and buildings in the background.

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