There introduces Antoine Galland who translated the book of One Thousand and One NIghts first, lots of valuable source books, the present Arabian world through scenery pictures, colorful clothes, belly dance, musical instruments, and Arabian world through media; movie posters, picture books etc.

What impressed me most was the exhibition of Arabian caligraphy. It’s an art itself as Japanese calligraphy. It seems to give the importance on composition. If there’s only this kind of calligraphy exhibit, I think it’s worthwhile to see it.

It opens at 12:00 and closes at 20:00. Actually today (Jan, 3rd) is the last day! 500 yen (for adults) is very cheap to see such a wonderful display, I think.

When you try to find a book, what would you do? Drop by the nearest bookshop? Go to a library? Search at Amazon? I have another choice. Go to BOOK OFF!

BOOK OFF is the most popular secondhand bookstore in Japan. It has increased its franchise stores significantly from ’90s, and now there are 845 stores, including 8 stores overseas, Hawaii Ala Moana, New York, Los Angeles, Costa Mesa, Hartsdale New York, Paris, Vancouver, and Rolling Hills Plaza LA.

There are lots of poketbooks and mangas selling at 100 yen! You can get not only books but also CD, DVD and video game softwares at the cheapest price. Sometimes their greetings “Irasshaimaseeee!!!” “Arigatou gozaimasitaaa!!!” are so noisy, but you can’t help buying something there.

This photo isn’t so nice. I suppose it’s because I was drunk :-P

Last Sunday, I stayed at Tokyo Business Hotel in Shinjuku. I had a party with my friends at the English Pub, HUB from 9 p.m., and my last train to get back home is 9:31. I didn’t want to get out the party in the middle, so I searched Yahoo! travel and found the cheapest hotel beforehand.

It took more time than I expected to get there on foot from Shinjuku station, about 20 minutes. I guess I was so tired that I felt it took so long. I arrived there around 11:30, and took a bath. There’s a fairly big public bath in the basement. On that day In the night hour, no one except me took a bath, so I really felt relaxed.

In the next morning, I had to get up before 5 a.m. to get on the first train. Of course I had a job on Monday! A front desk cleak was so nice in such an early morning. Perhaps I’ll use there again.