about me
miho yanagida armacost
Pickled Plum is My Candy is a community, really. A place to come together and learn together through the power of personal story-telling. Whether you grew up in or outside of Japan, with or without Japanese parent(s), or just interested in both the beauty and the quirkiness of its culture, we can share stories, tap into the ancient wisdom, and help preserve what makes Japan so special in our hearts.
Yes, I’m kicking it off with my stories, but I want to invite you to share yours. I’ll be interviewing people and looking for contributors (yes, YOU!). My hope is that this will become a place to get your fix of inspiration (or nostalgia for some of us) about things you thought you knew - or want to know - about Japan.
A little bit about me…
When I was little, I saw a full page advertisement in a Japanese newspaper – it was a dramatic photo of a long straight road that disappeared into the horizon. I wanted to drive on that road and feel the wind in my hair…
Over the years, I kept on day-dreaming about driving on that road. Little did I know that I would end up in the U.S. full of country roads like that – and now, every time we go on a road trip, I am reminded of my childish dream that actually came true.
In 1977, my family moved to Hong Kong, a wild, wild west of Asia - during the time of real-life Crazy Rich Asians. When we landed in the old Kai Tak Airport, the whole air assaulted my senses – the smell, the humidity, the noise, the people… it was just too much. I cried for three nights, missing the ordinariness of a peaceful life we left behind in Japan (a violin, please).
I attended a large Japanese school in Hong Kong with students from kindergarten to middle school. Surrounded by Japanese classmates, I should have been happy, right? Noooo. I whined and longed for my familiar life back in Japan. Until one day.
As usual, I was going on and on about “back in Japan…”, until a classmate snapped around - fed up - and yelled at me, “We are all Japanese here and miss Japan too! (So shut up about it, was the message)”.
The proverbial scales fell off my eyes in that very instant. And Hong Kong became my second home. That moment defined who I am to become. Embrace all changes and adventures.
Eventually, I learned English. Also a little Cantonese - enough to haggle in the markets (Never pay retail!), and order at dim sum.
For university, my father “sent me back” to Japan. But after I graduated, I went to study in New Zealand (in defiance of my father), got engaged with a boy who followed me there (with a ring), and then moved to California. Together, we raised two fiercely independent, brave and creative daughters, and now as empty nesters, are about to move to a new state, a new home in the spring of 2024…
So what will you find in Pickled Plum is My Candy?? You’ll learn about Japan through stories – about natto, furoshiki and omotenashi. And more. Hear about the plight of artisans and craftsmen who need successors. Find inspiration for places to see and things to do when you get to visit Japan next time. I invite you to explore Japan with me!
As a self-appointed “Cultural Ambassador”, let me be your guide. I will be your “bridge” to Japan. That would be my dream come true.
CoNNECT with ME.
I’d love to hear from you! Please share your stories, questions or any requests you may have.
I will endeavor to be that “bridge” for you!
flymiho@gmail.com