Sushi Party

Last Saturday afternoon, after much planning and one aborted attempt earlier this month, we finally managed to visit our good friends in the Yotsuya neighborhood of downtown Tokyo for a sushi party.

All accounted for we were 8 adults and 4 kids.  It was great to catch up with friends we haven't seen a long time and also meet a couple we've only heard about (thru "friends of a friend" type thing). 

We enjoyed an early afternoon just lounging in their beautiful apartment (minutes away from the Imperial Palace and, so we were told, in a neighborhood that housed the samurai class hundreds of years ago.  Hence the proximity to the royal household, I assume), entertaining the children and playing a few rounds on the Nintendo Wii.  

Miki, having missed her nap hour, was restless and keen to watch a Totoro anime movie a neighbor had lent us so we flopped her out on a futon and she spent the next hour or so glued to the computer monitor.  

3 large, stunning and colorful dishes of fresh assorted sushi arrived around 5pm and the feast began.  A fine, expensive bottle of sake suddenly appeared on the dining table out of nowhere and not wanting to offend anyone, we drank.  

I really enjoyed looking over a few photo albums from a friend and fellow "shutterbug" and talking photography until it was time to take our leave.  Ericka and I collected our children and accoutrements and began the long journey back to the suburbs.  Surprisingly, Miki and Sam both stayed awake for the entire time.  We were back home by 9pm and after a quick ofuro (bath) stretched out on the futons.  

Thanks to our hosts, Nobu, Mihoko and Haruka.  Kumika, following our conversations, I am re-inspired to take film photos again - and I even broke out my 50mm lens!  Kaori, it was so good to see you after so many years.  Very glad to see you are well and happy.  Until we all meet again... hopefully soon, ne.