flat s visits tokyo

We’ve just heard from Flat S again, and if that kid isn’t really putting in the miles! After visiting Texas in the US, she boarded a plane and flew halfway around the world to spend some time in Tokyo with Emi and her family.

Emi, who blogs at Just Add Fabric, must be good at keeping secrets. She joined us for a My Favorite Oliver + S Pattern post recently and never spilled the beans that Flat S was staying with her.

Here’s an update from Emi about what Flat S did with her girls this summer.

My girls and I were sitting at the table one morning, talking about what we should do that day when we heard a knock on the door. Who could it be? We all looked at each other in surprise because weren’t expecting anyone. It was such a lovely surprise to receive a visit from the famous Flat S! And all the way from America? We could hardly believe it.

Needless the say, the girls immediately started talking about their summer plans with Flat S. Where could we take her first? There are a lot of fun things to do in Tokyo in the summer. First on the list: a visit to the “Miraikan” or The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, as it is properly known, to visit the Robot ASIMO. ASIMO stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, in case you were wondering.

It was pretty exciting watching him talk and walk on his own. The girls were especially surprised that he could speak both Japanese and English. Afterwards, they went to get a closer look.

There were a lot of other fun things to see at the museum, so while we were there, we had a look around with our friends who were also visiting from abroad–from Australia!

The museum has several areas that are child-friendly, so after viewing the exhibits, the girls took Flat S to go play in the “Curiosity Field,” but the girls suspected Flat S was a bit tired out by then, so they asked her to keep Mom company.

Another event that often happens over the summer for children starting elementary school in April of the following year is shopping for a backpack. It’s not just any backpack. It’s a “randoseru” (thought to be from the Dutch word “ransel”) which traditionally made from red or black leather, though these days these backpacks come in all different colors! They are meant to last a child through all six years of elementary school, so they are made to be sturdy.

So Flat S got on the subway with us to head over to a shop that specializes in these backpacks.

All the different types of backpacks were on display, and the children could try them out for size and weight–and of course, color.

Who knew they came in so many different colors??

Another fun event the girls participated in over the summer was at the “Fashion for Children” exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum.

The girls walked through the exhibition area, remarking on how different the clothes were “a long time ago, when Mommy was a child.” (I wanted to clarify that I was not born in the Victorian era, but thought that saying so might confuse the girls, so I bit my tongue. I felt like Flat S gave me an understanding look at that point.) I wish I had pictures to show you, but we were not allowed to take photographs inside the museum.

After we walked through the exhibit, we went outside to listen to a story about a girl who tries on different types of hats. Then the girls drew designs on a piece of plastic, which they could then hold over their heads as “hats” or over their clothes to take pictures, making their clothes appear “different and new.” Hmm, might have worked better if they’d worn white that day.

But, being children, they were more interested in running around on the lawn than posing for pictures.

Luckily Flat S was willing to stop and smile for a final picture. She’s so agreeable!

Thank you so much for visiting us here in Tokyo for the summer, Flat S! We’re looking forward to seeing what fun adventures you have in store at your next destination. Safe travels!

Thank you Emi! Anyone have a guess as to where Flat S is headed next? We have no idea, but it’s always fun to find out.