summer reading, Japan version

First of all,
this book by Andy Raskin!

The Ramen King and I: 

How the Inventor of Instant Noodles Fixed My Love Life

Honestly, I attempt to read books slowly 

(especially books I'm enjoying)

but this read was insane. 
I read it in 2 days, and that was trying to space it out.
I also had one of those moments where I looked like a crazy person on the bus laughing out loud. 

Careful!

Also, this is the other read I've been looking forward to 
for a long time, the newest Haruki Murakami book.
I haven't watched this preview, because I'm wary of knowing too much going into something, but you can watch it if you want.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPQnYYvnBZA&feature=youtu.be&Ref=Email_KDD_2014-8-12

I was thinking recently how I miss summertime in Japan: 
the traditional festivals where everyone dances the bon odori

(I actually went to a bon odori festival in Portland recently)

I also miss
the get-togethers outdoors, playing music, drinking sake and barbecuing with friends nearly every night, 
and the lazy summer days, whiling away time in airy cafes.

If you've never heard of Kinfolk (Portland-based magazine), 

this article is a good introduction to Japanese cafe culture.
Scroll through some of the photos at the top!
Osaka: Bird

On a different note, I haven't felt like a celebrity's death would ever affect me the way Robin Williams' did. As an actor, I've always respected him in so many ways, but something about the man's spirit touched people I think in an indefinable way.

Here are two pieces which I feel are worth a read/listen 
in memory of this wonderful soul:

http://www.wkamaubell.com/2014/08/robin-williams-1951-2014/

http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/remembering_robin_williams

Happy summer days to you. 
Peace!