About Me and This Blog

Hello, and welcome to my blog! My name is Umineko, and I’m a Japanese woman living in rural Japan.

After spending time abroad, I came to truly appreciate the quiet charm, deep-rooted traditions, and everyday comforts of life in Japan. There’s something incredibly soothing about the rhythm of daily life here—quiet countryside moments, stories and customs woven into my hometown, little discoveries about what things really cost, and the timeless appeal of folklore and beauty rituals.

On this blog, I invite you into that world. You’ll find honest reviews of Japanese skincare, reflections on rural living, glimpses into local history, and the occasional tale from classic folklore—all written from the perspective of someone who cherishes Japan not as a destination, but as home.

The list of categories for this blog is as follows

• All About the Author
  (Introducing myself and the inspiration for this blog)

• Life & Little Discoveries in Japan
  (Everyday moments, costs, and cultural surprises from rural Japan) 

• Personal Reflections
  (Life between the lines, finding peace in daily life)

• Skincare Diary: Honest Reviews
  (A journey through mainly Japanese beauty products, ingredients, and real-life results)

• Tales from Old Japan
  (Stories, translations, and insights into classic Japanese folklore) 

I’m married to a wonderful American husband. We often find ourselves talking about the little differences between life in Japan and the United States—especially San Francisco. Those everyday contrasts, from cultural habits to how we take out the trash on garbage day, never stop fascinating us.

↑ Me, near the Ferry Building in San Francisco—one of my favorite places when visiting my husband’s hometown.

I have sensitive, dry skin, so I’m always searching for skincare products that are gentle yet effective. Many of my posts focus on my favorite Japanese cosmetics and skincare items—especially ones that work well for people like me. Everything I share is something I’ve personally bought, tried, and genuinely liked—no sponsored content or ads. If you’ve ever struggled with dryness or irritation, you may find my reviews and routines especially helpful.

↑ I have severely dry skin and this is what happens when I don't apply lip balm for a few days.

I go by the name Umineko ("Black-tailed gull"), reflecting my love for the calm, free-spirited feeling of coastal life. I’m an introvert at heart, and I feel most at ease when I’m enjoying beautiful scenery, a warm cup of coffee, and quiet moments with my husband.

Thank you for stopping by—I hope my blog feels like a calm little corner of the internet where you can slow down and enjoy Japan with me.