LINK: bungu la vol. 1
Remember when I wrote about having a low-key weekend? I lied. That didn’t happen. I was busier than I anticipated. I never made it to the post office. It’s still on my to-do list. Just another errand waiting patiently for me to get my act together sometime this week.
Even when things get hectic, one thing stays the same. I love writing. Whether it’s putting pen to paper or typing my thoughts online, it never gets old.
When Brenda invited me to Bungu LA, a festival dedicated to all things stationery from Japan, Taiwan, and more, I was instantly in. She warned me that we had to get there early since we missed the presale, so I set my alarm for 0615, got ready, and headed to her place. By the time I got to her crib, she had an Americano waiting for me and Korean rice cake. The doors opened at 0900, but by the time we arrived, the lines as beginning to snake around the corner. By 0830, it wrapped around the block and stretched up the hill—people waited nearly two hours even with pre-purchased tickets.
Thankfully, we made it in early and got to browse before the crowd multiplied. I was able to purchase things with ease. And then I saw WHOSMING’s table, the Grammy-nominated artist (Best Recording Package) who’s worked with luxury brands like CHANEL. He was doing quick sketch portraits, so of course my dumbass waited in line. Ninety minutes later, I walked away with a portrait of my late dog.
I was geeking out over Hobonichi Techo. They brought their latest from Japan and the ones they brought were written in English. I used to write in a Hobonichi Weekly, but over time, I realized I prefer the A6 daily layout instead. They had the ONE PIECE exclusives, which I contemplated on getting but got The Little House cover for 2026 instead.
I have a soft spot for furry animals. Cats, dogs, opossums, LOL. I stocked up on stickers and cards to decorate and give away.
I fell victim yet to another small business shop. I bought this bag because it was covered in everything I love— a cat, fishing, sushi, coffee, and whimsical folky design.
I managed to speed through and check out the 50 vendors. By the time we left, there were lines everywhere and we were packed like sardines. Lines to look at the merch on the tables. Lines to go to the bathroom. Lines to get into the building.
Does anyone else write on paper? There’s just something about writing on paper that is so satisfying… it’s like an artist who paints on canvas versus using Procreate or Adobe photoshop.
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