It is almost the anniversary of the terrible Tsunami in Japan which destroyed so much of the country and caused the loss of so many lives. Now, a year later, there seem to be some signs of hope. That’s certainly the way I see the news I got yesterday, International Women’s Day of the WIN conference in Japan.

My dear friend Kristin Engvig started this global conference series 15 years ago when we were living in Milan. I think it’s incredible that she is holding a conference in Tokyo and find it very supportive and refreshing.

Cherry Blossoms or Sakura are a symbol of Japan, Spring, renewal and rebirth. They are also part of the subject of this amazing short subject documentary that I saw three weeks ago and highly recommend, The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom.

I visited Japan over 20 years ago and have never been back. I think tonight I will make it a point to eat and drink Japanese food and think about that nation. I may go to one of my favorite places and visit the fascinating woman who runs it, Satsko.

After I finished my blog post, I just found this post on Wine Terroirs about Japanese standing bars, tachinomi and had to highlight it. Truly a fascinating read, it made me want to return to visit Japan immediately.