Shouchan went back home to Taiwan recently. We had a nice send-off for her though, with a big group dinner at a local restaurant and a little karaoke afterwards. Thanks for being my intern buddy Shouchan, it will be pretty lonely without you here.

But there is definitely plenty to keep me occupied. Things are getting busy at Kannonyama now that we’re in December. Apparently, there’s a custom called ‘oseibo’ in Japan where in December you give gifts to those people that have done something for you throughout the year as a sign of thanks for their efforts. Luckily for Kannonyama, fruit is a common gift of choice and orders have certainly increased in the last few weeks. I’ve been helping out a fair bit with the packing team as best I can preparing the orders, etc. Occasionally I’ve also been doing some field work and in the office making the English website. Not long now and it’ll be done I think!