“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different?” This quote by C.S. Lewis is one that I am sure most people can relate to. At this time of year, it’s common to reflect on the past, as well as looking forward to the future. I know in my own life, day by day – and sometimes year by year – it seems like nothing changes, but when I look back in decade intervals: 1994, 2004, 2014, and now 2024, each is indeed is so different, its own distinct chapter. Sitting here at my dining room table, on the first Sunday of January 2024, feels no different to any other day, but I’m grateful for the upcoming year that stretches out before me, waiting to be written.
Autumn comes late in Tokyo, with the leaves changing and falling around the middle of December. I often say how much I wish it could just be summer all the time, but deep down I know I would miss the beauty of spring and fall in Japan. Surrounded by scenes such as this, it‘s hard not to be in awe. 
A symphony of red, orange, yellow and green, all dancing in harmony. 
An avenue of huge ginkgo trees, leading the way up to Keio University. 
Out and about in Nakameguro, we stopped for a selfie… 
And a burger! 
Chaotic but cute colours, shapes and lines 
Ahhh, one of the loves of my life: hire-katsu/ヒレカツ, breaded pork tenderloin. We found a good new place to go to, and looking at this picture is making me want to eat it again tomorrow. 
A quiet night in the neighbourhood, stars dreaming overhead ✨ 
Whether it‘s a busy road… 
Or a quiet street. It‘s always nice to walk about and explore. 
I had an official work event in November and Mrs IKIMASHO wore a kimono 💚 
Still the most stylish girl I know 🍃 
From Japan to Northern Ireland: we spent Christmas visiting my parents. This is the coastal path leading round to my small hometown of Bangor, the sea shimmering in the moonlight. 
Glowing skies at dawn 
I must have walked up and down this street hundreds if not thousands of times 
The quaint lighthouse at Donaghadee… 
And our first sunrise of 2024, captured en-route back to Tokyo. 
Back in Japan, and we met up with Mrs IKIMASHO’s family for a nice New Year’s meal 
I set myself the target of reading more in 2023, including many books I hadn’t read but felt I should have. I read 22 books in total and really enjoyed getting back into reading again. 
I wish all of you a wonderful 2024, and thanks for following this little slice of daily life in Tokyo 💙
IKIMASHO! 