Even after the first snow fell, Pip, Rusty, and Clay found one spot in Enchanted Forest that never turned cold.
Snow covered Mossy Hill in a thick white blanket, and cold wind rattled the bare branches. But down by the Everspring, soft steam still rose gently into the morning air, just as it always did.
Pip the hedgehog found it first. He waddled through the snow with a striped scarf around his neck and stopped at the water's edge in surprise. "It's warm!" he called. Rusty the fox cub ran over, and shy little Clay the mole peeked out from behind a snowy rock.
The three friends sat together on the warm stones, holding out their paws to feel the gentle heat. "How does it stay warm when everything else is frozen?" Clay asked, still new to winter in the forest.
Owl, resting on a snow-dusted branch nearby, answered in his calm voice. "The Everspring never freezes, no matter how cold winter grows," he said. "It is one of the forest's gentlest magics, always here for anyone who needs it."
The friends stayed a while, warming their paws and watching the steam curl upward like soft ribbons. Then, cheeks pink from the cold, they walked home together, already planning to visit again tomorrow.
This story is fiction.
On November 11, 2026, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea began their Christmas events together. The two parks will keep their Christmas look and shows until December 25.
This year is extra special, because Tokyo DisneySea is also celebrating its 25th birthday. The park calls this big anniversary a "Sparkling Jubilee," and uses a bright color named "Jubilee Blue" for its trees and decorations.
Visitors can watch "Disney Christmas Greeting," a short show with Mickey Mouse and Duffy on a Christmas boat, twice every day. On some nights, the parks also light up the sky with a firework show called "Starbright Christmas."
Source: The Japan Times, Tokyo Disney Resort (official site)
Most of Japan will stay mild today, with cloud breaking up into sunshine in many cities.
A light jacket is enough for most cities today. In Osaka, keep a small umbrella nearby, just in case.
Forecast by: Japan Meteorological Agency, forecast issued November 12, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
On this day, the Holland Tunnel opened under the Hudson River, connecting New York City and New Jersey. At the time, it was the longest underwater tunnel for cars in the world. More than 52,000 cars drove through on the very first day.
On this day, Walt Disney's animated film "Fantasia" had its first showing at a theater in New York. The movie mixed colorful animation with classical music, and it is still remembered today as a bold and creative idea for its time.
Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Every November 13 is World Kindness Day. The idea began at a conference held in Tokyo in 1997, and the first World Kindness Day was celebrated the following year, in 1998. The date also marks the anniversary of Japan's own Small Kindness Movement. On this day, people around the world are encouraged to do small, kind things for others.
Source: World Kindness Movement
Horoscopes are just for fun. Signs are listed by today's luck.
Overall Everything seems to go your way today, so enjoy it.
Money A bit of good luck with money may surprise you.
Love Someone will show real appreciation for you today.
Lucky color bright gold
Lucky item a shiny coin
Overall Good energy will carry you through most of the day.
Money A small reward for hard work may come your way.
Love An honest chat will bring you closer to someone.
Lucky color sky blue
Lucky item a pair of gloves
Overall A spark of good luck will follow you today.
Money A small bit of extra money may come your way.
Love An old friend may reach out with warm news.
Lucky color deep crimson
Lucky item a small charm
Overall A busy day will bring one small, pleasant surprise.
Money A small, planned purchase will bring you real joy today.
Love A short message from a friend will brighten your day.
Lucky color cherry red
Lucky item a warm hat
Overall Careful planning today will pay off later this week.
Money A thoughtful choice now will help your budget later.
Love Small, steady kindness will mean a lot today.
Lucky color charcoal gray
Lucky item a tidy bag
Overall Steady effort today will lead to a calm evening.
Money A careful plan will keep your budget on track.
Love A kind gesture means more than big words today.
Lucky color olive green
Lucky item a small plant
Overall A calm, quiet day suits you very well today.
Money Spend only on things that bring you real comfort.
Love Time with someone you trust will feel just right.
Lucky color seafoam green
Lucky item a soft cushion
Overall Try to keep today simple, and avoid rushing choices.
Money Think twice before agreeing to spend on anything new.
Love A little patience will smooth out a small disagreement.
Lucky color lavender
Lucky item a soft scarf
Overall Take things slowly today, and rest when you can.
Money Wait a day before making any big decision about money.
Love Give a close friend some quiet space today.
Lucky color forest green
Lucky item a soft notebook
Overall Take today one task at a time, without rushing ahead.
Money Double-check any plans before spending today.
Love Being open and honest will help, even if it feels hard.
Lucky color ice blue
Lucky item a small flashlight
Overall Today may feel a little slow, so be patient with yourself.
Money Hold off on spending until your plans feel clearer.
Love A small misunderstanding will pass quickly if you stay calm.
Lucky color pale gray
Lucky item a warm mug
Overall Today may feel bumpy, so take it one step at a time.
Money Avoid spending on anything that is not necessary today.
Love Rest quietly before reaching out to anyone new.
Lucky color dusty blue
Lucky item a warm cup of tea
We use could to ask for things politely, and to talk about things we were able to do in the past.
B — "Could you...?" is a polite way to ask someone for help.
Answer: B — "Could you...?" is a polite way to ask someone for help.
Friday morning came at last, cold and clear. Lyn woke up before her alarm, her heart already beating fast. "Today's the day, Star," she whispered to the dog curled at the foot of her bed. Star answered with a happy thump of her tail.
At the hotel, Lyn worked only until noon, just as she had planned for weeks. Her manager wished her a good afternoon with a knowing smile. By the time her shift ended, Lyn hurried home through the cold, bright air, past trees full of red and gold leaves.
At home, the house smelled wonderful. Linda had the chestnut rice ready on the stove, the persimmon cake cooling by the window, and the mushroom soup cooking slowly on low heat. "Perfect timing," Linda said, wiping her hands on her apron. "Now we just wait for the train."
Lyn, Linda, and Star walked to the station together, leaving Pinkysan curled on the warm windowsill, watching the gate as always. The platform was full of people finishing their workday, but Lyn kept checking the clock. At five o'clock, the train from Kyoto rolled in, slow and loud.
John stepped off with a soft smile and a small paper bag in one hand. "Linda. Lyn," he said simply, as if two weeks and two letters had never happened at all. Star barked once and ran a happy circle around his legs. "She remembers me," John said, laughing.
They walked home together under the first evening stars, Star walking proudly at John's side. At the door, Pinkysan peeked out from behind the curtain, her green eyes wide, then slowly came forward to sniff his shoes. "She's curious today," Lyn said. "That's good." Linda opened the door wide, and warm light and the smell of dinner spilled out onto the step. "Welcome to Nara," she said. "We've been waiting for you." (To be continued)