Wander and Weave

Navigating Friendships in Japan: A Journey of Growth and Connection Making friendships in Japan has been an interesting, and at times, challenging experience. Between the language barrier, cultural differences, and people’s generally busy schedules, it hasn’t been the easiest road. But truth be told, forming friendships has never been the simplest thing for me, even back in Zimbabwe. I’ve always preferred to keep my circle small. Letting people in has been a journey of its own—let’s just say trust issues are something I’ve been actively working on. I thrive best when surrounded by people whose energies align with mine, people who genuinely have my best interests at heart. When I arrived in Japan, I thought maybe I’d naturally connect with fellow Black women, but I quickly realized that I had my own hurdles to navigate first. Whether it was adjusting to life here, budgeting for social outings (because, let’s be honest, Japan can be pricey), or simply figuring out my own space, I found m...

Que: The Artist Who Refuses to Fit In It was a warm afternoon in Harare when I finally caught up with Que, the artist whose name has been making waves in Zimbabwe and beyond. He walked in with effortless confidence—his signature bold fashion, striking hair, and a presence that demanded attention. But what stood out most wasn’t just the way he dressed or carried himself—it was the energy he exuded, the kind that only comes from someone who truly knows who they are. As I got to know him, I couldn’t help but ask about two of my favorite songs of his: Mambure and Son of a King. He was lit up at the mention of them. "Son of a King? Now, that one is personal," he admitted . "I don’t think I made it for the people. I made it for me. It’s me speaking things into existence—blessings from the Lord, catching flights to Europe because of music, and, yeah, even throwing a little shade at fake homies. It’s a flex, but it’s also a declaration." Then there was Mambure, a song that ...

The Herbal Elements That Shaped My Everyday Life Growing up in Zimbabwe, the rhythms of my childhood were infused with the rich scents and flavors of nature’s own medicine cabinet. My grandmother, a woman of deep wisdom, always believed in the power of herbs. She never let a day go by without infusing our teas, porridge, or even our simple everyday meals with plants that carried generations of healing knowledge. These weren’t just ingredients to her; they were remedies, little miracles passed down from ancestors who understood the quiet power of nature. And so, to this day, I find myself drawn to these herbs—some out of habit, some out of nostalgia, and some because, quite simply, they work. One of the first herbal elements that became a staple in our home was ndorani. My grandmother swore by it, adding it to our porridge or tea, not just for its earthy, grounding taste but for its ability to soothe and heal the stomach. Whether it was a simple stomachache, an infection, or just genera...

Slender & Stylish: Dressing to Flatter Your Frame Hey, fashion lovers! It’s been a while since I dropped some fashion gems, and today, I want to talk to my slender girlies. If you’re anything like me—slim with thin legs, a bit of booty but not much in the hips department—finding clothes that truly flatter your body can be a little tricky. But over time, I’ve discovered what works and what doesn’t, and I’m here to share those gems with you. Let’s start with jeans because, let’s be honest, the wrong pair can make or break an outfit. One thing I completely avoid is skinny jeans. They do absolutely nothing for me. Instead, I always reach for mom jeans, wide-leg jeans, or slightly baggy jeans. These styles balance out my proportions, giving me a more effortless, flattering look. Baggy jeans, in particular, create a chic, relaxed vibe without drawing too much attention to how slim I am. If you’re looking to add jeans to your wardrobe, trust me, the looser fits will be your best friend. N...

The Art of Gifting in Japan: A Beautiful Culture of Thoughtfulness When I moved to Japan, one of the first things that truly surprised me was how deeply embedded the culture of gifting is in everyday life. Back in my home country and previous workplaces, gifting was usually reserved for special occasions—birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or significant milestones. But here in Japan, gifting is a language of appreciation, care, and connection that happens all the time, regardless of occasion. For example, if someone goes on a trip, they always bring back souvenirs (お土産, omiyage) for their colleagues. When someone joins a new workplace, it is common for them to bring a small gift as a token of introduction. And on an almost daily basis, I find chocolates, sweets, and little surprises left on my desk by kind-hearted colleagues. Now that the school year is coming to an end, my students—those moving on to high school or junior high—have gifted me heartfelt letters and small treats. It’s a simple ...

Tariro: A Multifaceted Creative Carving Her Own Path In Zimbabwe’s ever-evolving creative scene, one name continues to rise and shine—Tariro, also known as musethemua. She is a videographer, photographer, and makeup artist whose artistic vision is redefining storytelling through different mediums. From capturing raw emotions behind the lens to enhancing beauty with a brushstroke, Tariro’s journey is a testament to curiosity, self-belief, and relentless creativity. For Tariro, creativity wasn’t something she stumbled upon—it was woven into her upbringing. Her father was a photographer, and through his work, she found a connection that sparked her own artistic journey. But she didn't stop at just photography. Driven by curiosity and experimentation, she explored videography and makeup artistry, recognizing how these crafts intertwine to create compelling narratives. "I like to create for myself and think of everyone else as a bonus," she says, emphasizing the importance of ...

One Year in Japan: A Leap of Faith, Tears, and Triumphs Exactly one year ago today, I packed my bags, said my tearful goodbyes, and left Zimbabwe for Japan. When I tell you I cried that morning—oh, I cried. Not the cute, single-tear-down-the-cheek kind of cry. No. I’m talking full-on, “am I making a mistake?” ugly crying. You see, I had never traveled alone before. Heck, I had never even stepped out of my comfort zone to this degree. And here I was, about to move to a country where I didn’t speak the language, where the culture was completely different, and where, let’s be honest, I was not mentally prepared for the cold. When I landed, Japan welcomed me with snowflakes and temperatures that felt like they were personally offended by my existence. I should’ve known things would be tough. And they were. For the first two months, I struggled. I would go to work, put on a brave face, and then go home and cry myself to sleep. The culture shock was overwhelming. The language barrier made th...

The Beauty of Stories: My Love for Literature and A Dive into The Alchemist If you truly know me, then you know how much I love reading. Literature has always been my escape, my teacher, and my source of inspiration. I’ve explored different worlds through the words of European, American, and African writers—each offering a unique perspective on life, love, ambition, and self-discovery. Recently, I found myself revisiting The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a book that has resonated with many readers across the globe. If you haven’t read it yet, here’s a little insight into this timeless classic. The Alchemist follows Santiago, a young shepherd from Spain who dreams of finding a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. As he embarks on this journey, he meets various people—a king, a crystal merchant, an Englishman, and an alchemist—who shape his understanding of the world and himself. But more than a literal quest for gold, The Alchemist is a spiritual and philosophical journey about list...