Wednesday in Japan... everyday things

Everyday Things.
I am thinking of making a list of my most favorite things about Japan.
This list would include everyday things, items that make our live so much better
but we really don't think about them.
 I have so many favorites but this is very close to number one.
Hand towels!

About the size of a wash cloth, everyone carries one in their bag or pocket in Japan.
Useful in many ways but the main one is to dry your hands after washing them.
In an island nation wasteful paper towels is not an option.
What elevates this common everyday useful item to a fun, playful, interesting and exciting
item is color and design.
From plain to any number of  mascots from cities, product and places.
Here is a tenth of the ones I use.


From the little green polka-dot one from the dollar store to the Studio Ghibli characters,
Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Laputa. The red and white cat one is Super Station Master Tama.

The Platypus mascot from  Iccoa train pass.  I love this mascot so much that every time
I am in Osaka I want to I want to rip the posters off of the train stations.
.

The little Tako (octopus) Family is from the  Tako Ferry  that no longer runs
between  Akashi Hyogo Port to Awaji Island.
The little  Takoyaki  with the pink Tako on his head is from the Osaka Tower.
Which has the best Takyoyaki stand underneath it.

Of course Totoro !
I have many many many Totoro  to keep me happy.
One is never enough.
.

Laputa, Castle In The Sky
Drying  your hands has never been so much fun and eco-friendly.
I always carry one in my bag.

......................
Just because I can  here is you mid-week pretty.

More cloud photos from the last few weeks.

.

These clouds are truly Castles In The Sky.

tako. . .  parsnip
music. . . Cloud Age Symphony,  Okino Shuntaro