Dear Janet Thank you so much for sending me not just one, but two five-star reviews! I’m especially happy because they help raise my average score (haha). Since you complimented on the illustrations I drew for my tours, I actually started attending a manga art class in Osaka to improve my skills—and I even started working on some new pieces. As for storytelling, I practice ” Rakugo,” because I truly love the saying “Laughter brings good fortune.” I hope that next year will be filled with smiles and happiness all around you! Mana

Dear Catherine, My day with you in my hometown felt just as magical for me as it was for you, as you stated in your review. Thanks to that magic, we were able to meet again in Arashiyama three days later, and I was so happy that you remembered my name. The couple I was guiding at that moment were also lovely guests from Boston—perhaps that was another piece of magic as well? I can easily picture the two of you happily enjoying sake together. In Japan, we say “Sake is the best of all medicines.” May you always stay healthy and continue to enjoy good sake! Thank you very much Mana

Dear Janet, Thank you so much for sending me such a wonderful review right after the tour. Because of your message, all my fatigue disappeared while I was on the bus ride home. I’m sure you must be tired after walking so much at a fast pace over the two days, including the long trip to Nara. Please come back to Kyoto again and again, and take your time to enjoy it fully. I’ll be waiting for you here in Kyoto, the city of a thousand years of history. Mana