DS160 form

Since I received instruction from Embassy, I started to fill the online form DS-160.
I did once when I applied F1 visa.
At that time, staff from study abroad agency helped me by phone.

This time, visa type is different, questions are different.
When move pointer on sentence, it shows translation, so mostly I could, no problem.

This morning I reviewed, enter correct answer which I was not sure.
Reached confirmation page, printed out.

With that number, I proceeded next process.
I made my profile on US embassy website, paid application fee by credit card, and made interview appointment!
It's one month ahead.
The earliest available date was Feb 12th. That's too soon.
I should get police certificate and medical exam.

Maybe this month passes quickly.
 

Packet from Embassy

Today I received big envelope.

From US Embassy!

When I checked visa status online, it shows "ready", that means they can accept my interview booking.
But I hadn't received this envelope AKA "instruction".
I guessed it should be on way here, then today!

Now I can fill the form DS160, they say it takes 1.5 to 2.0 hours.
I've done before when applied F1-visa for student.
So I know some but this time should be more info...

I do soon and make appointment for interview!

K-1 visa

Yesterday I went to Osaka Prefectural Police to apply Police certificate which is needed to submit at visa interview.
Whenever I go to police, I get nervous(^_^;)
From other bloggers, I heard it took 30mins but actually less than it.
Waited one staff to pick me up at lobby, she simply confirmed my ID, document from NVC and passport, led to the room.
I filled up one form (they explain what to write) then they scanned my finger print.
That's it.
2 weeks later, I go there again to pick up the envelope. (Do not open!)

Today, I made an appointment of medical exam.
The clinic is located in Kobe. (Not at your nearby hospital!)
On Feb 13th.
Ohhhh, I get nervous again.
But can feel taking each step.
 

Case number

Yesterday I wrote that we haven't received case number since we got NOA2 end of Dec.

Last night, we got it!
I was almost let my fiancé send claim mail(^_^;)
He and also our lawyer received that email which has case number.
Still it takes time to forward petition to embassy in Japan several weeks.

Several??

Again, too long!

Anyway, our visa journey goes on.
   
 

Visa situation

About fiancé visa, we got Notification of Action 2 (NOA2).
That was Dec 25th.
Petitioner received actual mail on that day.
Approval date is Dec 18th.

Our case is sent to National Visa Center (NVC), they issue a case number.
They say it takes around 30 days.
And our lawyer says 45 to 60 days.

What??

That's too long!
I'm really disappointed.
Why that takes so long...
In this letter, we have to allow at least 30days to hear next step.
I feel we can claim.
Wondering the US government shutdown affects or not.

Hope we hear something from them soon.



 

Tradition in Jan

10 days have passed, time flies!
I noticed why I procrastinate writing blog is my phone and pc are not synchronized.
For example, when I went out somewhere, took photo, without cable, my only way to move picture is using g-mail.
Of course there is better way like using some app.
Another problem is my phone is old, no more room for new app.

Anyway, I visited Imamiya-Ebisu shrine on 11th Jan.
In Osaka, 9, 10, 11 Jan are famous for Ebessan, maybe this is Kansai area custom,
which is the event for business person to pray for prosperous year.
There is very popular shrine, that's Imamiya-Ebisu, I visited first time in my life.

 

Very busy!
On the way here, there are many booth of food, game souvenir, like night market.

In night time, here gets even busier,  stuck between too many people!

This character is Ebisu, one of Seven lucky gods.
Each god has reputation for specific category, Ebisu is especially for business.

I prayed for satokomatsu activity for this year☆

 

Happy new year 2019

Happy new year!

I worked until 29th Dec.

Those are bulk order (^_-)-☆
I cut each piece one by one, filed edge, sanding and polished.

On 30th, cleaned my room and bench, cooked family dish for new year and went out for food shopping.

On 31th, prepared for new year, watched annual song program, ate soba noodle.

During new year holiday, our cousin family visiting, visiting shrine, check new year sale...etc.

Started work since 4th Jan.

My new year resolution is...upload blog more often (^^;)
Thank you for visiting this site☆
 

August 15th

Today is the anniversary of end of World War Ⅱ.
From the view of Japanese.
It's the day to pray for victims, pray for peace, swear we never bring a war again.

Just out of curiosity, I asked my fiancé if US has special meaning for today.
He hasn't heard much about that.
Japan takes August 15th as a special day, Emperor comments, so does Prime Minister at ceremony.

I looked up on internet, on Wikipedia,  September 2nd is regarded as the final day of WWⅡ in US．

He says Civil War or Battle with British, last day becomes important.
Japan's attitude is learning from past and American, mostly boast independence.(America first?)

Japan is single race country, monoculture, island and US is completely opposite.
America is shaped by different histories originating from different places, different religions.

When I talked to his dad, he said he enjoyed bowling when he was young.
Sounds like right after War ended.
As you know, Japan surrendered and after war, everybody was poor, worked very hard to survive, no entertainment.
I felt something.
That's the difference between winner and loser.

At the same point in the world, our countries had totally different life style.
And still same situation now in the world.

We study history always from OUR perspective.
We believe "We Are Right".
That's the beginning of conflict.

Fact is only one.
How to see it shapes you.





 

Yoshida brothers

I went to Yoshida brothers' concert on Aug 1st.

 

Last time at Osaka was including other instruments like drums.
This time "only shamisen", no other sounds.

Shamisen has 3 strings, that means 2 shamisens have 6 strings equal one guitar.
It was very rich sound. (I don't know how to describe)

 

Stage set is like this.
Moon and clouds are made of Sekishu-Washi, which is Japanese traditional paper.
This concert is one of Japan Value Project, Sekishu-Washi is very durable paper, they promote this.
Cloud part, paper includes shamisen strings that brothers consumed for 35 years.

Needless to say their playing, light effect, screen were also awesome.

Honestly, I'm not big fun of Japanese traditional music at all.
What fascinates me is Tsugaru-shamisen powerful sound, and Yoshida Brothers attitude or action.
They are still young (around 40) as a shamisen player, but keep trying to explore.
Collaboration with current rock band, Spanish sound, animation music etc.
(Younger brother often goes to Spain, teaches shamisen at collage)
Their appearances are also not like orthodox style.  

I guess, in classic field, starting new thing is difficult to be accepted.
Sometimes people who stick to authentic way refuse and criticize.

They keep challenging.
That motivates and encourages me a lot.





 

How are you?

I really left this page for long time...

Last post was 'questionnaire' , now current situation is...
we submitted our petition to USCIS last month! Finally!

We prepared lots of documents, filed them to the mutual folder of both of our lawyer and us, we waited, waited, waited for the farm prepare to send to USCIS for a month.
We guessed they are busy, maybe taking care of us too...
but almost 4 weeks, it was enough time to reach the last straw to me.
I sent message not to assistant but lawyer herself directly.

Probably it worked.
Suddenly they moved on our case.
From my previous work, I'm used to send claim mail...

Anyway we got case number, what we can do now is just waiting for NOA2.

In meantime, I had a pop-up store at Hanshin Department store in Osaka for a week in early July.
For me, it was a great experience and compared to daily sales, it ended up great.
I could meet some old friends, coworkers, and new customers.
Attending exhibition is not the first time but selling MY products by myself is very excited thing.

I try to upload this blog more often!
Have a nice weekend!
 

Yayoi Kusama Exhibition

The other day, my friend posted Yayoi Kusama Exhibition in Kyoto on instagram.
I remembered it ends in 2 weeks!(Actually it's started in June, I kept forgetting(^^;)

This exhibition is hold at Forever Museum of Contemporary Art in Gion, Kyoto.

Speaking of Yayoi Kusama, most famous art is Pumpkin.
This welcomes you in front of gallery.
Like other museums, basically taking photo is prohibited, but some area, we can.

"Yellow Trees"

This is big painting, combined 3 panels.
One of most unique things here is these arts are displayed in tatami rooms, we take off shoes at entrance.

There is really nice garden, we can look around.

As you see, this building is very traditional property.
This is founded in 1913! Now this is registered as a tangible cultural property.

On second floor, this is displayed.

"A Boat Carrying My Soul"

 



Before seeing this, you'll see her 2D art named sprouting or something.(sorry, I don't remember(T_T))
After seeing that etching, you may have something different feeling.

There are other pumpkins, high-heels, butterflies etc.
I saw her exhibition in NY gallery, those are more abstract, I feel.
And years ago, another hers, that was even more abstract. (personal perspective)
These have obvious motif, maybe good for first visitors or people who is unfamiliar with her (like my dad).
Still, I enjoyed pretty much and got some inspiration.

Someday, I'd like to make her pumpkin design pendant!
 
 

Handmade event

Wow, time flies!



Last post is about Creema Craft Festival.
Now already 3 weeks have passed.

It was the first time to participate event.
My booth is like this.

From my experience, making height is necessary, I remember.
And visitors sights move left up to right down.
I chose smallest booth, it was actually very small(^_^;)
My friend from former company helped me whole 2 days.
Both of us have jewelry event experience, we know how to display effectively and security.

Let's stop beating around bush, sales result was very poor.
Okay, I could guess, it's first time, world is NOT so sweet for me.
Even though, I could enjoy conversation with people. meeting new creators and atmosphere.
This is not really sour grape expression.

Actually many people visit here feeling like flea market so price average is cheap.
Compare to others, like me, jewelry designers with silver didn't sell well because price is much higher.
One example, the booth next to me, they were selling handmade earring with only $5.
I don't blame them, just they know Osakan customer and this event better than me.
Generally for handmade event, sales in Tokyo is the best, next in Nagoya, worst is Osaka.
Customer in Osaka is more severe about price.
I understand.

But I could grab a seriously big chance.
I got event offer from department store in Osaka!
It'll be hold in July, for 1 week.
I'm sure customers' expectation is different than people coming here.
That's much higher expectation.
I'm nervous in meantime very exciting.
I've never worked for department store even when I was working for company.

Without company name value.
I take responsibility for MY jewelry.
I have my own pop up store.
Whoa!

I can't tell you the detail yet.
It's coming!
Keep in touch!


 

Creema Craft Party 2018

In these days I've been very busy because I join handmade creators' event Creema Craft Party 2018!

This is the first time to participate handmade event, I don't know what I need and how much I should prepare for this show.
Earlier I was feeling there is not much merit for having booth as we also have to think about display and stock.
The merit of selling on internet is that we don't have to have many stocks and display, other materials, don't have to think of "in case".
So I didn't have much goods after making one sample.
When I sold sample, just use photo for order later.

I changed mind "not participate real fair" gradually.
First, this event booth fee is reasonable. (other big event is more expensive)
Second, hold in Osaka. (I live in Osaka)
Third, definitely meet more people at the fair.
Last, good practice for having booth in NY in future.

Luckily I have some experiences of fine jewelry fair like international jewellery fair in Hong Kong, Vicenza, Basel, Las Vegas and Tokyo.
Handmade event is much smaller and not fine jewelry (and not only jewelry), it's different type but I thought my experience could be useful at some points.

For this show, I worked a lot.

I'll bring about double of these items.
I've never seen almost all items gathered!

All items are available on my etsy store.
However, just in case, if you are in Osaka or visit Osaka in this weekend,
I think it's fun to come and see this event.
There are about 3000 creators' booths.
Very unique, handmade stuff, you can dig out.
And my booth is A-234, waiting for somebody comes!
  


 

Puffer fish

Yesterday I ate puffer fish dinner with my friend and our moms.

In Japan, this fish is very popular food especially around this time.

In token of that, it was difficult to reserve seats, our dinner time started 5(^_^;)

Already restaurant was very busy.

 

We ordered basic course.

This is appetizer.
Parboiled puffer fish skin dressed with ponzu (citrus flavor soy sauce)
Feel lots of collagen!

 

Next, Tessa (sashimi, sliced very thin)

 

Puffer fish doesn't have any strong taste but Umami.

And I love this texture.

We upgraded 2 of 4, Butsusashi (chunky sashimi)

Under scallion, there is white chunk. Umm, yummy!

What we're craving is sake!

We ordered Hire-zake (sake with toasted fin)

 

They toast in front of us, it's show time!

Roasting flavor, not fishy, adding umami, sake gets milder.

Generously they put big 3 fins.

 

Next is Tecchiri (hot pot)

First of all, we put fish bony parts into soup, it makes good flavor.

Great for cold season.

After eating ingredients, we added rice, made Zousui, like risotto.

 

Last was small scoop of ice cream.

 

We all are happy to eat, had great time.

In which country, people eat this fish??

 

 

 

 



Japanese traditional music concert

Yesterday I went to Yoshida Brothers concert!

They are famous Tsugaru Shamisen players.
Shamisen is like Japanese Banjo, it has 3 strings.
Tsugaru Shamisen has very strong attack sound when they play.
Whey they play, for me, almost rock music (and I love rock music)

A few years ago, I saw their older brother's another group named "wasabi", that was the first time to see them and listen to real Shamisen sound.
At the time, they'd been already famous.
After seeing them, I visited music school for Tsugaru Shamisen trial lesson.
(At that point, I already decided to study in NY soon, so it was really trial)

I like this instrument's sound, besides, they are young unlike other Japanese traditional musicians.
They wear casual clothes sometimes.
We don't have to dress up.
(And in my opinion, drummer is very stylish and cool guy, I'm fun of him)

In these years they play abroad like in US, Brazil, Spain, Taiwan etc.
This video, they collaborated with rock band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc4AkEC_UWU

Seeing them, I think what being Japanese means.
I'll start to live in different country from next year.
I'm Asian, Japanese.
Not Christian, not Jewish, not Muslim.
What do those mean for living in US?
As a Japanese?

I'm proud that we have such cool music.
If you have a chance, please visit and listen to their music!

 

Swallow necklace in Hiragana

Yesterday I released swallow necklace designed with Hiragana, Japanese letter on etsy.

 

This is designed with Japanese word  つばめ which means swallow.

They say this bird brings happiness since male and female are always together, this suggests loyalty and hope.
In Japan, when they nest at the edge of eaves of our home, that means lucky for us because they know the safest house.

First, I thought of つ designing wing shape.
Simple curve is good to describe elegance wing.
Then problem was ば and め.
What a complicated shape!
Especially ば's dots!
I was almost about to omit those two dots.
And め is one of difficult letter as similar with ぬ. (Can you recognize?)
How to keep those letter shapes and in meantime, designing bird outline was the most difficult part of design.
Also most interesting part.

Now you can see the letter つばめ?

Somebody says it's like word seek puzzle.
Yes, you can enjoy seeking word!

When you are wearing this necklace, you can explain or third person may notice. "what's that?"
Let's start conversation.
In a sense, I call my jewelry conversation starter.

Wish this necklace brings you happiness!