Pop culture includes a wide variety of characters. One great example is Chiikawa, the incredibly popular characters inspired by small animals. Just looking at them feels so heartwarming. (^^)
Last year, I spotted some giant Chiikawa figures at the Aeon Mall near Kyoto Station. Many people passing by were busy taking photos with their smartphones—and I must admit, I was one of them! (lol)
Chiikawa is not only a hit in Japan but is also gaining massive popularity across East Asia, especially in Taiwan, as it expands its presence overseas. I’ve heard that foreign tourists are a common sight at Chiikawa shops here in Japan.
As we move through 2026 (Reiwa 8), I hope these Japanese characters continue to spread their wings and bring smiles to even more people around the world.
In Japan, our love for cherry blossoms doesn't fade when the sun goes down.
We have a special tradition called "Yozakura," or night cherry blossom viewing. Many parks hold stunning illumination events, where the glowing petals create a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere against the dark sky. It is a magical experience that transforms the landscape into something truly breathtaking.
This mystical night scenery perfectly matches the vibe of my Sakura Miku song, "Miku Miku bloom" (Miku Miku Sakura), which I shared in my last post. If you haven’t heard it yet, please give it a listen while imagining a moonlit stroll under the illuminated trees.
The cherry blossom front, which began its journey across Japan in late March, is currently making its way through the northern regions.
Speaking of cherry blossoms, did you catch my previous post? I shared a song featuring Sakura Miku titled "Miku Miku bloom" (Miku Miku Sakura). It captures the same fleeting beauty of the season, so please give it a listen!
I am so excited to announce that my latest Vocaloid original song, "Mikumiku Sakura Bloom" (みくみく咲くら), is now officially live on YouTube!
This song features the beautiful Sakura Miku and is a celebration of the Japanese spring. Experience the "Miku-Miku" magic as cherry blossoms bloom and the pink diva brings warmth to the world.
▼ Watch it here / Please support the video!
If you enjoy the music, please leave a Like and Comment on YouTube! I would love to hear from fans all around the world. Don't forget to Subscribe to my channel for more Vocaloid music!
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[ Lyrics ]
Mikumiku Sakura Bloom (みくみく咲くら)
Sakura, Mikumiku blooming Sakura
(Sakura, Mikumiku saku sakura)
Softly and fluffy blooming Sakura
(Fuwa-fuwa saku sakura)
Heart-throbbing and blooming Sakura
(Kyun-kyun saku sakura)
I’ll make your favorite cherry blossoms bloom all over this town.
(Kono machi ni kimi ga daisuki na sakura no hana wo sakaseru no)
Sakura, the buds are swelling big
(Sakura, tsubomi ga fukurande)
Opening the doors of Spring
(Haru no tobira wo hiraku)
Waking up again this year
(Kotoshi mo mezameru)
I am the spirit of the cherry blossoms.
(Watashi wa hana no sei, Sakura no)
Freezing in the cold, chilly wind
(Tsumetai kaze ni kogoeteta)
I’ll melt your frozen heart
(Kimi no kokoro wo hogusu yo)
Setting off on a journey to deliver these petals to you.
(Sakura no hanabira todoke ni tabidatsu no)
Bad things, sad things, let’s forget them for a while
(Iya na koto, kanashii koto mo, shibaraku wasurete hana wo tanoshinde)
Come and see them with your own eyes
(Jissai ni sono me de tashikamete)
Please come to see me, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
(Ai ni kite ne, sakura no hana ippai saku koro ni)
Sakura, Mikumiku blooming Sakura
(Sakura, Mikumiku saku sakura)
Softly and fluffy blooming Sakura
(Fuwa-fuwa saku sakura)
Heart-throbbing and blooming Sakura
(Kyun-kyun saku sakura)
Sakura, Papi-papi blooming Sakura
(Sakura, Pani-pani saku sakura)
Piko-piko blooming Sakura
(Piko-piko saku sakura)
Puru-puru blooming Sakura
(Puru-puru saku sakura)
I’ll make your favorite cherry blossoms bloom all over this town.
(Kono machi ni kimi ga daisuki na sakura no hana wo sakaseru no)
(Chorus Repeat)
I’ll color this whole country with the cherry blossoms you love so much.
(Kono kuni wo kimi ga daisuki na sakura no hana de irodoru no)
Cherry blossoms are in full bloom across Japan in early April 2026. I am happy to announce that I’m restarting this blog!
I have updated my VOCALOID songs on YouTube with English descriptions and a fresh perspective. This particular track is a love song set in the Nikko Cedar Avenue, a beautiful World Heritage site. It captures the bittersweet yet warm emotions of pure, teenage love.
On July 30, the former President of Taiwan, Li Teng-hui, passed away. I wish him the best of luck. The former president is called the "father of Taiwan's democratization" because he promoted democratization such as direct presidential elections in Taiwan's politics, where he continued to have power. The former president also helped promote friendly relations between Japan and Taiwan.
I knew that the former president had learned from Kyoto Imperial University, but on the front page of the Kyoto Shimbun, which is the local news paper, on August 1, the former president often took a walk in the "K-ON!" sacred place. I was surprised to learn that
I often walked around famous historic sites such as Ichijoji Sagarimatsu (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City) famous for Miyamoto Musashi-I told the interview of this paper 17 years ago
Kyoto Shimbun Morning Edition August 1, "Bongo"
The image below is the intersection of Ichijoji Sagarimatsu (the point where Shirakawa-dori and Manshuin-do intersect) that appears in the opening of "K-ON!"
(C) Kakifurai/Houbunsha/Sakurataka light music club/Kyoto Animation
In addition, a bus stop modeled after the bus stop "Ichijoji Sagarimatsu" will also appear in the second episode of the first period.
(C) Kakifurai/Houbunsha/Sakurataka light music club/Kyoto Animation
Of course, it was before World War II that the former president visited when he was a student, so I think that the atmosphere around Ichijoji Sagarimatsu Matsu has changed dramatically. However, some things will not change.
Shisendo Temple and Hachidai Shrine, which were built in the Edo period(1903-1867), still convey their appearance to the ground of Ichijoji. And the photo below is a memorial of the duel of Ichijoji Sagarimatsu, Downing Pine. It is a famous duel that Musashi Miyamoto fought against Swordsman Yoshioka group. A monument to commemorate this was erected in the Taisho era(1914-1926）. The former president must have seen at a young age.
I passed by this stone monument today on August 2nd, and I was deeply moved by it.
