Once Upon a Time, I was a Cosplayer

Hey guys! I wanted to go back in time and talk a little bit about what was once a huge hobby of mine. I used to cosplay. I was actually a pretty dedicated cosplayer at the time. Every week, I was always planning a new cosplay. Plus, I made everything myself!

A lot of people I know know about this fact. It all started in high school. I found a site called "deviantART" and I always loved going on there because there was a lot of fascinating art and even cosplay. I started the site myself but now I no longer use it. One of my favorite cosplayers that I admired when I started, was Alodia Gosiengfiao. Her work is absolutely amazing (and still is). When I saw all the different cosplays she did, and other famous cosplayers, I felt it would be something I'd be interested in starting on my own. I never thought I would have done cosplay, but it was actually quite fun, becoming a different character.

I have to admit that my work could never be as amazing as those cosplayers. I wasn't professional cosplay material. Even so, I tried to be as accurate as I can be to look anything close to the character. Most of the time I would have the characters dressed casually, but you would still recognize who the character is. It's a lot of fun to put together and the makeup was a lot of fun doing as well. I had a lot of fun with color contacts too!

I did a lot of cosplays, but most of them were on my old computer, so I lost a lot of my work, which I'm really sad about. I will only display what I can find for now. If I can get a hold of more, then I'll update this post with them.

Asuka Langley from Evangelion

Amber from Sucker Punch

Kenshin Himura from Rurouni Kenshin

Koan from Sailor Moon

Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII

Maleficent from Maleficent

Usagi Tsukino from Sailor Moon

Along the way, I was slowly starting to give up on cosplay. I don't exactly know what it is. I think in a way it was because money and time. I don't want to say that I grew out of it because it's a hobby that you could do at any age. It was a lot of fun while it latest, but in a way I think it wasn't going to last forever. If there are occasions like cosplay parties, I would still go for it. But it won't be something I can do every week like I used to and have it as that hobby again. My last cosplay was Sailor Moon's Koan which was in 2015. Who knows when there will be another cosplay coming. But that's it for now! I hope this has been an interesting fact lol. Until next time~

15 Random Facts About Me

Hello everybody~! Today will be a short entry. I decided to jump on the bandwagon again as this is going around. Here are 15 random facts about me. And as always, fill free to jump on as well.

1. I love kimchi! And rice. Definitely rice too (I should stop though, but the Asian in me says no).
2. I wanted to be a flight attendant or a lawyer for so many years. I was always told that I look the part, but in the end, I didn't feel like I was meant for the part.
3. I want to go to Korea so bad. Fingers crossed, we might be going this March~
4. I'm a green tea and coffee addict.
5. I'm a nerd.
6. I'm always on time for anything. I know I'm crazy when I say this, but at times I could be 2 hours early lol.
7. I have eaten Indian food before, but I want to try more of it.
8. I love singing! I feel I have to go karaoke at least once a week. Lately it's not been happening because I had lost my voice and it hasn't fully recovered. *sadface*
9. I like editing things, like videos. It takes time, but it's also therapeutic.
10. I love shopping, but I wouldn't go as far as to call myself a shopaholic.
11. I have to go to the gym at least 2~3 times a week or I get stressed (not kidding).
12. I'm a neat freak.
13. I like positive people. It's not that I don't like negative people or anything, but I prefer not to be caught up with negativity. If I do get caught up with it it kind of gives me anxiety. It gets me worried, I can't think straight and it'll only interfere with my work. I think negativity is a big issue with me. For some people it can't be helped, but I can't stand the kind who are looking for a reason to be negative or do it just for the attention.
14. I love fashion and makeup.
15. I'm often told I look like Sawajiri Erika. And I don't know why. I don't see it...but they always say "fuinki niteru." Which basically means there's something about me that looks like her.

USA and Japan

Hey guys. I want to talk a little bit about something that tears me apart at times. So, a lot of people ask me, "Do you like USA or Japan better?" or "Do you ever regret making this decision?" When I was living in the states, I tried so hard to find a way to come back to Japan. At the time, I could honestly say that I didn't want to be in the states. That's something that is true. When we lived in Japan for the first time 15 years ago in Aomori (then later left), I really wanted to come back and live here forever. It honestly changed my life at the time because I got to experience the culture and learned more about where my mom came from.

I lived in the states most of my life, because that's where my dad is from. On the other hand, my mom is Japanese, so Japan is also a big part of me as well. I have a lot of people I care about who are in the states. And a lot of them prefer I live there rather than Japan. I remember when I went back to the U.S. last year for my dad's funeral, someone had pushed me to stay. They gave me so many reasons to not go back to Japan. I know it's because I have family in the states (though I have family here too), better benefits and more freedom. That's something I did think about, but I decided to continue down my own path. I felt I needed to experience my other half. I want to get to know myself better, so I decided to come to Japan.

Though I was somewhat familiar with Japan before, I made a huge decision to come to Japan and leave everything behind in the states to pursue what I always wanted to do. I want people to know that I'm doing this mainly for me. Yes, there's a part of me now that I'm also doing it for my mom, but I feel I didn't make a mistake. My first experience back in Japan was a mess, but I learned to survive through it and now I'm in a better place. Because of my skills (yes, apparently I have skills lol), I have received so many offers since the day I came. I also have benefits here in Japan, and the rules here may be strict, but you learn to go with it.

You would think me being a half, I'm expected to learn both languages. Well, growing up, my mom would speak to my brother and I in Japanese, but we only spoke back to her in English. So, our ability to speak Japanese was never in our system. Nor to write or read it. We didn't think it was necessary. We regretted that though. It was always easy for me to understand it, but never to speak it. Since the day I came back, I speak it everyday (obviously) and I feel like I've became so much better. Everyday my vocabulary broadens and I speak faster as each day passes. I study literally everyday. It took this long to communicate with my family in Okinawa. I honestly don't remember how I communicated with them this whole time, but I know I didn't speak Japanese to them so I think my brother and I were using hand gestures to get by. Now that I can speak it, they were so happy and surprised that even my obaa was in tears. I felt bad for so many years because I know how much a grandma would want to communicate with their own grandchild, but couldn't. Sadly, my mom hasn't heard me speak Japanese and I know how much she wants to hear that too. It's weird because as much as I want to speak to her in Japanese, I can only speak to her in English because it's always been like that since I was little. But that will change eventually. To be honest, my Japanese is way better than my brother is at it. I swear that's the only thing I'm better at than my brother (I feel older siblings can do just about anything). And recently, my brother even called to say that he was so proud of me and how our dad would have been so proud. Who knows, there may be a chance my brother will be living in Japan again too!

I can't say that I belong in the USA or in Japan. I don't want to have to choose, when I know at times I have to. I just want everyone to know (mostly pointing out to my friends and family), that I don't regret this and though things are going smoothly now, I know that could change. I can't say that I'm going to be living in Japan for the rest of my life. Maybe, but I honestly don't know. Who knows, maybe many years from now I could be going back to the states or even a different country. But that's not going to stop me from doing my best with how things are going now. I'm learning everyday and meeting many wonderful people along the way. It's been a good and bad experience, but that's anywhere in the world. I also don't want everyone to worry and feel that the people here are forcing me to stay here when I'm here on my own free will. I know it's hard for some to understand, but just because I'm living in Japan, it doesn't mean I betrayed or forgotten my other home. It's a huge part of me I could never erase, and because of it, it has given me opportunities. Though things may change drastically over there, I still love America no matter what. I love them both equally. No matter what.

Questionnaire #2

Hello! I'm back with another questionnaire. Again, my friend was passing this around. I don't know what's so fun about filling these out. It's weird, but I feel in a way I start to remember myself better. I think it's a good test for yourself. This time it's not 100 questions! It's shorter compared to that last one. So here we go~


1. Are you an emotional person? 
I can be.

2. Do you like your name?
In the beginning I hated it, because while living in America I was always made fun of for it. It was the kids, during elementary to junior high. But when I entered high school, I was never made fun of for it. I think because we had many different kinds of ethnic groups at our school and they all had a unique name. Everyone liked my name and they said it was different compared to the others so I should be proud of it. Though in Japan there are hundreds of people named Hitomi lol.

3. What was the last thing you did?
Took a nap and now I'm doing this.

4. Who is right next to you?
Sunny!

5. Who was the last person you ate with?
Friends.

6. What song are you listening to right now?
BLACKPINK - PLAYING WITH FIRE

7. How’s the weather right now?
It's really windy. And people have been saying it's gonna get colder.

8. Lost a friendship over something stupid?
Yes. Very stupid.

9. Faked being sick to miss school?
Many times. Sorry mom hehe~

10. What time did you wake up today?
8AM.

11. Have your friends ever seen you cry?
Yes, but it's rare.

12. Do you watch what you eat or eat whatever you want?
Recently I've been watching what I eat. I've been trying to eat healthier. Like when I go out to eat I always order something that involves veggies. I could never eat stuff like that in America, but something about the veggies in Japan are just so delicious and more healthier. When I'm at home I always have a side of some veggies too. Kimchi has been my main appetizer. I LOVE kimchi, and though a lot of people think it stinks or just too spicy, it's really good for your body. Love, love, love it.

13. Do you laugh loudly?
Sometimes.

14. Are you a vegetarian, if so why?
Nope. I don't think I can be, but I seriously wanna try lol.

15. Do you like wearing socks?
I do, but lately I've been wearing stockings.

16. Have you celebrated any birthdays this month?
Yes! January is a month full of birthdays.

17. Which Spice Girl was your favorite when you were a kid?
Ginger and Posh.

18. Do you straighten your hair everyday?
Almost everyday.

19. Do you dress up just for the fun of it?
Sometimes.

20. What’s your favorite kind of ice cream?
Vanilla and matcha.

21. Are you named after someone?
Yes. My dad named me after one of his favorite characters from an old Japanese drama.

22. If you were another person, would you be friends with you?
Yeah! I would. I know that's weird but I would...because I'm pretty cool once you get to know me. Don't mean to brag, but y'know~ XD

23. What is your favorite kind of cereal?
I've been really loving the Kellogg's Fruit Granola cereal. I don't know if this is only being sold in Japan, but it's so delicious. As you can see, I'm so in love with it. I remember advertising this a few weeks ago lol.


24. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?
Relatives in Okinawa.

25. Favorite sport to watch?
Baseball and football. But they're fun to watch with people, not by myself.

26. Hair color?
Light brown, mixed a little bit with red.

27. Eye color?
Dark brown (I like to call it 'tootsie roll' brown).

28. Do you wear contacts?
Yup.

29. Scary movies or comedy?
Scary movies.

30. Summer or winter?
That's always a hard question~ because it's winter now, I prefer summer...but when it's summer, I prefer winter. I don't really like either of them. I'm a fall girl, so I'm in between.


And that wraps up this questionnaire! I'm not good at tagging people, only because I feel bad for pressuring them. So, fill free to try this one out to those who want to fill it out~ enjoy!

Best Makeup Favorites of 2016 + Announcement

Happy New Year everyone!
あけましておめでとうございます✩
We can now say bye to 2016, and hello 2017. I'm so relieved to be in the new year. It's a whole new start, a new slate with new list of resolutions. I wish you all nothing but the best of 2017.

To start off 2017, I wanted to do a post called, Best Makeup Favorites of 2016. This was going around, so I thought I'd hop on too. I want to share with makeup lovers out there what makeup I found were my favorites of 2016. I also have an announcement that will come later.

Starting off with eyeliner. My favorite eyeliners of 2016 are from KATE and Visee (both in BK001). In my opinion they both are very similar so I would get either one. I only use liquid eyeliners. I don't know what it is about pencil, powders or gel liners that just never seem to work out for me. Liquid eyeliners last for a long time and they have a perfectly sharp shape and helps me control the strokes better. Others may say differently, but in my opinion, liquid eyeliners are very easy to use.

Also from Visee, I absolutely love their eyebrow pencil (in BR305). As you can see, I already used most of it and in need for a new one hehe. The tip of the pencil is shaped slanted for easy application and to give a more natural brow with each stroke that's being made. After applying, there is a bristle brush on the other end to brush out the brow to mix everything evenly. It's so much easier compared to what I did in the past; I always drew shape, solid lines that made my brows look so unnatural.

KATE Mineral Mask BB Cream (in OC-C). I personally like cushions, but they don't really have a big variety here in Japan. So, I stick to BB creams. CC creams are way too creamy and they tend to make my skin dry up. BB creams I would say is just right for me; they're soft and has better moisture. What I really like about this BB cream is that it runs on smoothly and the color is perfect. It's not too beige and not too light; the color is in between but it also doesn't make my skin look like a different color from my body. It blends fairly well and isn't heavy at all.

I always need just a little something on my cheeks to bring life to my face. Here I have Integrate Melty Mode Cheek (in RD382). This blush is separated into two colors. I already mixed both so you can't really see where the separation line is in the middle where one side is red and the other side is a very light pink with a little touch of glitter. When you mix them together, it becomes a pinkish red color -- it makes the red color subtle from what it started out with. When you apply it on the cheeks, the red shows (not a harsh red) with the glitter that somewhat gives it a pixie glow.

For more volume for my eyes, I like to use a white pencil liner along my waterline. This is the Majolica Majorca Jeweling Liner (in WT909). I don't use this product all the time, but on days where I look exhausted, I always like to apply it on the waterline area to make it look like it distinguishes the bags under my eyes. The glitter mixed with the white also gives it that extra pop.

I may have said this before...many times, somewhere, but my eyebrows and hair color do not match. That's kind of a downfall to being a half. I get my hair color from my dad and my eyebrow color from my mom. My hair is a very light brown but my eyebrows are black. Over the years I've been trying to make my eyebrows look less heavy, so I trim them which made a difference but I'm still not satisfied. That's where the eyebrow mascara comes in. Here's the Visee Coloring Eyebrow Mascara (in BR-1). After filling my brows in with the Visee eyebrow pencil, I apply this eyebrow mascara. This mascara isn't chunky as most eyebrow mascaras I've tried in 2016. Most mascaras would come out chunky or when you apply it to your brows, the texture doesn't look natural, and sometimes the tips look weirdly frosted. The brush brushes out the brow evenly and doesn't come off so stale, and that's what I really like about this product.

Lip balm is an important product in my life! It's a must need in case of emergencies. Here I have a L'occitane Lip Balm. I got a little set of these from one of my students and I love it! It's a very small packaging, but it's compact and doesn't take up space in my bag. I use any lip balm that contains shea butter or beeswax.

This next item I've loved since the first day I got it. Memebox "I'm" Collection, I'm Lip Crayon (in #06 Bella). A makeup product from Korea and Nana from After School collaborated with it as well. This lip crayon is long-lasting. It doesn't come off as easily and it's a lovely color. When I first got it, I thought it would have been matte but instead it was dewy. Nonetheless, I'm very happy with this one! I wear it often but sometimes I don't want it to go to waste since it's not exactly easy for me to get. This color always makes me think 'vampire'. It's quite dark and has that mixture of dark red and a bit of dark purple.

Another "I'm" product, Memebox I'm Eye Shadow (in #02 Wonderland). This eye shadow may seem like it's plain, but it really isn't. Just like the blush, this eye shadow is separated into two colors that combine into one. One side is kind of a bronze, where as the other side is a nude color. When you combine them, it turns into a lighter bronze and it even has glitter! I personally don't wear eye shadows -- heavy eye shadows that is. Most of the time I don't wear eye shadow at all. Darker shades tend to make my eyes look heavier, and it's not a look that I'm too fond of. Lighter colors like these give my eyes a softer look which I find more natural. Also, last year I realized that I may have an allergic reaction to certain eye shadows. I do own a few and aside from this one, the others make my eyes rather itchy and irritated.

This is the Jill Stuart Lip Blossom (in #06). I'm always wearing a red kind of lip color, but here is something that is complete opposite to what I usually would wear. This was the very first lipstick I was given when I first came to Kobe. The color is a very light pink (in my opinion a mix between pink and orange) and it also provides...you guessed it -- glitter! Though it's a lipstick, it's very glossy so it glides on very easily. It's great for dry lips and it even has a little mirror on the lid, which I thought was super convenient. Jill Stuart is pretty popular with their princess packaging, which I found absolutely adorable.

Last product is the Econeco x Doronjo High Cover Powder (in light clear biege). Econeco is having a collaboration with a character named Doronjo, who is a villainess in the Yatterman series. I have to admit that the packaging is what drew me into getting the product. However; when I used this product I just fell in love with the consistency. I always apply a tiny bit of the powder after applying concealer and a little more after I'm finished putting my entire makeup on. The reason for that is because it helps conceal any oily parts of my face and keeps the makeup intact. The powder is soft, gentle, and the aroma is amazing. I don't usually get face products that provide a floral aroma, since I heard it isn't good for the face, but so far I haven't had any problems with this one.

These are the products I use quite often or products that I'm satisfied using last year and possibly continue using this year as well. Aside from the Memebox I'm Collection, all the other makeup products are from Japan. If you want to check them out yourselves, fill free to do so! I wouldn't mind hearing of other people's opinions.

Announcement Time!
Since it's the new year, and I honestly was still really debating whether or not to go back to vlogging...I asked many people for their opinions and I decided...*drum roll please*
...to do it! I'm really going to kill myself for this. But! I've given myself strict rules. I will not do daily vlogs (that's impossible) and there may be times where I won't put a new vlog up until months later. I'm very busy, yet I keep making myself get busier. I may have time to take footage, but like I said, editing videos is very time consuming. Blogging is also time consuming, but it's easier than editing. I may actually be blogging more than vlogging. There will be people who also may not want to be filmed or want to keep some things personal and I will respect that 100%. Though I already share some personal stuff about my life, I don't share everything. There may not even be anything interesting to film lol. I don't know what it is that's so fun about vlogging...I just can't seem to give it up. As you can tell I'm always running back to it. Thanks for reading! And we will see when the first video goes up. That's all for now. Bye bye~