Daily Life, Travels and Events in Reiwa

December 13, 2025: On a sunny Saturday afternoon, I had pizza and a non-alcoholic beer for lunch in Amerikamura, Shinsaibashi, Osaka. Amerikamura is a lively area known for its street fashion, independent shops, and creative energy, often described as the cultural playground of the city’s youth. Back in the 1970s, old warehouses in Amerikamura were transformed into shops selling imported goods from the U.S. West Coast, including vintage clothing, jeans, second-hand records, and more. The bustling and vibrant year-end scenery of Namba, Osaka. There’s a reasonably priced and tasty pizza place near my home (see the attached photo), and I sometimes go there for a Margherita. The local pizza is nice and stylish, but when it comes to pizza, Gino’s East in Chicago still stands out as a bold and unforgettable memory for me.

November 15, 2025: Had the chance to see the illuminated autumn leaves at Katsuoji Temple (勝尾寺) in Minoh, Osaka, on Saturday night. It was incredibly magical and beautiful! https://tedsogo2021.blogspot.com/2025/11/november-15-2025-illuminated-autumn.html?m=1 The illuminated autumn leaves at night create a “fantastical” and “mystical” atmosphere, allowing you to experience a beauty and sense of wonder that are completely different from what you see during the day. This temple is famous for its daruma dolls that are believed to bring good luck in achieving victories, and there are an extraordinary number of them.