DIARY | last weekend of September

Again, the weekend just sped on by before I could say (insert cool word here). I spent Friday morning and afternoon running around Tokyo to my various jobs, an audition and a party where I met someone that I thought I'd never meet in this lifetime. That's all I'm going to say now. Saturday, I had my first photo shoot since joining my new agency. I hadn't done a studio shoot in so long, I felt so out of practice... it's a different kind of modeling than what I do for my the outfit posts on this blog. I was very lucky the photographer knew exactly what he wanted out of every model (there were 3 other girls modeling that day), which is always a relief. And I loved my outfits - the stylist was the sweetest lady, and so talented. I can't wait to see the finished product, and also to work with these same artists again (I did post a few sneak peeks on my Instagram, @samanthamariko). Anyhow, after 5 hours of shooting, I rushed to a friend's friend's wedding party reception, and enjoyed myself amidst good food, good music, and good company. 

Sunday was one of the most relaxing days I've spent in a long time it seems - while everyone else was at Ultra Japan, a 2-day music festival in Tokyo, I was the being the grandma that I am and had a light brunch at a cafe with my man, finished some work (yes, I still work on weekends...), and discovered a shopping mall that is only 10 minutes away by car or bus. The reason why I'm sort of discovering these things now after 2 years is because I live right outside of Tokyo, and I'm in the city at least 6 days a week for work and such. Which is why I don't get to explore my own city. It's so nice to know that there are cute malls and eateries in my area as well. I found spending time outside of Tokyo, even for one day, to be relaxing and a good way to recharge my mind and body for the upcoming week.

How do you all spend your days off? Have a great week ahead!

Love,

Samantha Mariko

DIARY | In between

I'm always amazed at how other bloggers can maintain their blogs beautifully, keeping readers updated and posting new content consistently. Even after 4 years of blogging, I still find it hard to maintain a consistent flow on my blog - sometimes I'll have enough material, sometimes I won't. Or other times I have to prioritize other work, which means I have to put the blog on hold temporarily. So, I'm sorry in advance when that happens, but it doesn't mean I don't look and comment at other blogs during my commutes on the train or when I have a few minutes to spare. I always look forward to reading your comments and maintaining friendships in the blogosphere :)

With that said, I do have an outfit post coming soon, and also... a haircut. It will be drastically different and I was close to being overwhelmed when the suggestion was first made (I'm doing this for work-related reasons), but now I only feel excitement for this new change. I've told several of my family members and close friends about it and I get the same response - "What????" But they understand it is for work and it'll (hopefully) suit me. We shall see!

I remember now that almost a year ago, I did change my look with a new haircut and color - I went from brown hair to black, and made a blunt bang. I also changed my wardrobe and style somewhat to suit my new look, and I am still so happy that I did. I hope getting this new haircut will add more edge to my look, and hopefully influence me to spice up my style and add more creative and quality content to Letters Impromptu. :)




Love,

Samantha Mariko

DIARY | moving forward to year 3 in Japan

The beginning of September marks the beginning of my 3rd year in Japan. Some of you may know that I moved to Japan from Southern California exactly 2 years ago to start a professional modeling career in Tokyo. And wow, has time flown by! 

There has, and will be many changes from here on forward. I don't think I've felt so many emotions at one given moment in a while - feelings of excitement, fear, anxiety... the list goes on. Excitement because, of course, things should start picking up for me in my career; fear because of the unknown; anxiety because I want to accomplish so much and there never seems to be enough time. As I am writing this, I don't want to sound like I am ranting and focusing on any negative feelings. But in all honestly, there were so many instances in the last two years where I doubted my decision of coming to Japan because things weren't going the way I was hoping or imagining. I felt like giving up countless times.

But somehow, each time I found myself sticking to my original decision of making it through until I accomplish something that I am truly proud of. My friends and family have told me that I've accomplished a lot until now, but the (sort-of) overachiever that I am is not quite satisfied. Whether it's my modeling, music, my blog, teaching, translating, in all fields I want to achieve so much more and I know that this city of opportunity will help me get there. It is overwhelming sometimes, especially now that I am trying to cram all sorts of things, and put other things on the wayside until I have the time and energy for them again.

I think the main reason why I can't leave is because of the people here. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities I've had thus far. I never thought I would meet so many amazing, important people here, and I cannot even put into words how much encouragement I've received these last two years. I couldn't have come this far without these people. It's easy to be upset over the things you don't have, or the things that go wrong in life, but I'm starting to realize, wow, I am a pretty lucky girl. I'm young and I have the opportunity to chase my dreams in a place I've always wanted to live and work in. I can't take this life, this time for granted.

Oh, and I'm not only talking about the people I've met in real life - you, my readers are all such a huge inspiration and encouragement to me. Reading your comments, following each other on Instagram/Twitter - small things like that make my day and motivate me to publish more (quality) content on my little blog here. So thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.


I usually don't write much in my posts, but I might start doing this once in a while as a sort of diary on my blog.



Many thanks and much love x


Love,

Samantha Mariko