When I became a parent, I thought about money differently.

I don’t just look at the price tag. Take Tokyo Banana for example. It’s arguably Japan’s most well-known sponge cake. So, ¥1350 for eight pieces can be considered a steal.

But actually, I don’t typically purchase it as a souvenir. Today, however, I saw endless possibilities for how my money would yield dividends:

1. my daughter got to practise saying the word bear over and over again.
2. I got my son to spell b-e-a-r even if he purposely messed up and kept mentioning the letter e. Oh well, some exposure is better than nothing.

3. I got a kick out of seeing my daughter carry the plastic bag with the box of Tokyo Banana.

4. I took photos of my children
   tucking into it. My wife went one up and took a video of my daughter eating it.

I think I spent ¥1350 quite meaningfully. Some experiences must be bought with money!

Have you tried this sponge cake before?