Ah! Look at all the food!
I glance at the small corner packed with curry, ramen, bread, and snacks.
Bowls, novelties, fresh produce, and pounds of rice.
Everything looks amazing!
Enticing and exciting.
I am greeted by the owner, “Good Morning”
Yes! An opportunity to practice speaking Japanese,
“Ohayo Gozaimasu!”
I am speechless, this small hole in the wall,
Packed with stuff I can’t find anywhere else.
I can’t stop reaching for more.
Filling my basket to the brim,
Later realizing
I didn’t bring enough money.
I buy what I can and promise to return for more,
Often it is a treat to visit.
          By Asa Marshall

Hana Market was such a nice place to be in. Although it was small, the market had many Japanese goodies that were hard to find in other stores, let alone DC. My first time there I was like a child in a candy store. I was really excited to be there, there were lots of snacks, sweets, and many more. I wanted to buy almost everything in that market but I didn’t really have much on me, so I bought whatever I could with what I had and even got some of my siblings some snacks. I loved how they don’t charge you for tax, so I didn’t have to worry about extra money to give or to give back. I also liked how their shop was really small and cute, so that I wouldn’t have to get lost or be too absorbed into everything. I wish I can come back to the market and try all the other food that was there and so that I can bring back some food for my family as well.
          By Katie Nguyen

You can experience Hana Market for yourself through our video here: https://youtu.be/dh7ZtpTG5yE

If you would also like to go to the Hana Market, then their address is 2000 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, and they are open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.