Dear wonderful world

TOKYO MARATHON 2009

2009-03-26T17:59:00.002+09:00

If you read this blog for a long time, you maybe know, two years ago I participated in Tokyo Marathon 2007. Well, it was the first Marathon that Tokyo had for everybody.

Big cities like London, NYC have the big marathon event with long history, but Tokyo didn't have, although have the race for the top athletes.

Then the governor of the Metropolis of Tokyo had proposed having one in Tokyo. It was a good surprising and I was so lucky that I drew a lot.At Tokyo Marathon 2007 only one -third people could run.

And then, last year at Tokyo Marathon 2008 I couldn't get space for me. Nowadays running is just like the fashion in Tokyo. At that time it was more than 5 times people applied.

With regard to this year, can you imagine??? According to the official website, as follows...

State of the number of applicants: Total 261,981 (68% to past race)
State of the number of participants: 35,000 (7.5 times: ratio of applicants to participants)

Well, how much people like marathon?
It seems impossible to run any more, doesn't it???

So, I gave up, and didn't run whole the summer, fall...
One day in November I got a mail that I can participate...

How lucky I am !!

As for my friends, only I could get a lottery.
Last Sunday was the day of the Tokyo Marathon 2009.

おくりびと okuribito (departure)

2009-03-06T11:26:00.003+09:00

As I wrote a few days ago, I watched the movie "おくりびとokuribito(departure)". It was nice movie, I feel the necessity to think about the death. I agree the judgement of the Academy, hahaha . But i wonder non-Japanese people can understand deeply.

The following I will mention about story of the movie , so if you don't want to know it , please don't read any more.

I really don't know about the other culture about the death and the ways of funerals. Besides, I also don't know so much in Japan. I just have a few experience for far. But still I know some stuff. We have a kind of social customs that we detest "death ". For example, we make purify our body with salt (acutually we poring a few pinch of salt to our self ) after we come back from a crematory. It's very common.

Well, I know another example that I haven't seen yet. When we carry out the casket from the house of the deceased, broke his/her rice bowl in front of the house.

That's why the man was trying to hide his new job, and after the wife knew it, she wanted him to quite it. This is the most importante part of the
movie, I think.

Oscars !!!

2009-02-25T12:45:00.015+09:00

Recently, we have had almost only bad news on TV, for example the news about economic and politic so on. Maybe just same as in many countries.

Like that time, having a great news about own culture is marvelous. Well, it might be already well known news with much surprise, which two Japanese works got Oscars at Academy award in Kodak Theater, California U.S.A. At the moment this is the biggest and happiest news in Japan.

One movie is "おくりびとOkuribito (Departure)" that is winner of the Oscar “Best Foreign Language Film"

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Últimamente hemos tenido casi solo malas noticias en la tele, como por ejemplo problemas de economía o política. A lo mejor es igual en otros países.
En este caso creo que sería maravilloso tener una noticia muy buena.

A ver, ya ha de conocer por los Oscars las obras japonesas que se mostraron en el teatro Kodak en California, EEUU. Ahora, esta historia es más grande y más feliz.

Una película que se llama "おくりびとOkuribito (Departure)" ganó como mejor película extranjera.Aunque todavía no la he visto y por eso no puedo decir nada, una amiga mía tiene muchas ganas de verla así que pronto iré al cine.Tal vez pueda escribir algo después de que la vea.

Pienso que hay varios aspectos de la cultura japonesa, pero solamente alguna parte es muy conocida en extranjero.

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Well, I haven't watched yet actually ,so that I can't say it is blah blah. But should be good=) one of my foreign friend wants to see that movie, but she can't understand Japanese, but as I checked one theater is showing it with English subtitles. So I am going to there with her in a few days. Maybe I can write my impression later.

I think Japanese culture has many aspects, but is known only some part in overseas. To be honest, for me , as a Japanese, I don't know some part. Especially about “die ” and “funeral.” Maybe I am little bit young to speak those things; I still haven’t experienced so much those, only a few times. The movie is based the job for sending the dead. I think the way of thinking toward “die” depends on the culture, religion. I am not sure one way of ours are accepted or no, but after they got Oscar , is thought more easy.
Anyway I am looking forward to seeing it soon.

The movie is due to be released in 36 countries, and now they have been gotten many offers from many other countries.

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A ver,aunque todavía no la he visto y por eso no puedo decir nada, una amiga mía tiene muchas ganas de verla así que pronto iré al cine. Tal vez pueda escribir algo después de que la vea.

Pienso que hay varios aspectos de la cultura japonesa, pero solamente alguna parte es muy conocida en extranjero.Honestamente yo tampoco sé sobre varios de estos aspectos aun siendo japonesa. Especialmente acerca de la “muerte” y de ”un funeral”. He tenido pocas experiencias.

La base de la historia es un trabajo que se relaciona con los muertos.Creo que la forma de pensar de cada individuo depende de su cultura o religión. No estoy segura si nuestra manera de pensar es aceptada o no, pero después de conseguir un Oscar, será más fácil. Entonces espero verla muy pronto.

Esta película se estrenará en 36 países y ahora los directores reciben muchos ofrecimientos en otros países.

Another movie is “つみきのいえ　Tsumiki No Ie (LA MAISON EN PETITS CUBES)” of the “Best Short Film (Animated)”. Japanese animation is already popular worldwide because of Osamu Tezuka and Hayao Miyazaki. I know many people are studying Japanese for those works.

The website of the Academy says “In a world gradually flooding with water, an old man adapts to changing circumstances and looks back on his life.” If I have a chance I wanna see it , too.
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Otra película, llamada " つみきのいえTsumiki No Ie(LA MAISON EN PETITS CUBES )", es ganadora del mejor corto de animación. La animación japonesa ya es popular en todo el mundo, gracias a Osamu Tezuka y Hayao Miyazaki. Sé que muchas personas están estudiando japonés para entender los dibujos animados.

En la página web de la Academy dice: "Mientras el mundo va progresivamente inundándose de agua, un viejo hombre se adapta a las circunstancias cambiantes y mira atrás hacia su vida." Si tengo una oportunidad, me gustaría verlo también.
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Apart from these two Japanese movies, as I am studying Spanish, I was very happy the Oscar for Penelope Cruz, too. Although I like her more in Spanish.

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Aparte de estas dos películas japonesas, como estoy estudiando español, también me sentí muy feliz por el Oscar que ganó Penélope Cruz, aunque me gusta más ella en español.

It's already the end of January!!

2009-01-30T16:51:00.008+09:00

Happy new year, hahahha ,although it's already the end January. But on this blog this is the very first post in 2009 !!! You may think I have already left this blog , but I wanna keep bloging in the future actually, just recently a bit busy than before.

Thank you very much for visiting this blog, morever some of you sent me new year's greeting. I am appreciate it. Well, I am so happy to know the people throuth this blog , and contact with them. We woudn't imagine before, would we??

Feliz año nuevo , jajajaja , aunque ya estamos en el fin del Enero. Pero este es primera vez escribir en este blog en 2009. Pensáis que he dejado ya, pero quiero seguir escribirlo.Solamente ahora un poco ocupada que antes.

Muchas gracias por visitarlo. Además unos me han mandado los salidos del año nuevo. Estoy muy contenta de conocer la gente por este blog.

This is the picture that the one of the famous monkeys are called "Snow monkey ". It is taken by my friend. I havn't seen it still, but I feel very happy that just looking at this picture. Well, I hope everyone has happy 2009 year just like this monkey !

Esta foto es del mono muy popular que se llama "Snow Monkey". Me parece el es muy feliz, ¿no? Espero que todos van a tener un año muy feliz como este mono.

Thank you . Muchas gracias.

Kazumi

NO Tourist in Tsukiji Fish Market.

2008-12-17T15:40:00.008+09:00

Accroding to the News, Tsukiji Fish Market is now closed for tourists.

It's so pity news.

Normally they open for everybody, becuase it is one way to show Japanese food culture, but recently the Market is much popular among the tourists from overseas.
Maybe too much.

Because some of them behave very badly there. I just watched one TV program about this issue. Some guys came there after drinking all the night, they touched and kissed Tuna for the picture. Other guys didn't listen any notice, they took the vehicle for the fish. Some peeple tried to enter the restrected area.... Seems terrible, although I guess the most of people has no problem.

Anyway from now on for new years season it gonna be most busy season threre. Nowdays too many tourists is one of the obstacle in the market. So Tokyo Metropolitan Government decided to prohibit tourists from entering to the one part of the Market from 12/15/2008-1/17/2009. After 1/18/2009, they havn't decided yet.

Well, before in this blog I wrote about Tsukiji Market sometimes, and this problem was that I worried. I love Sushi so much, and I just feel sorry for the people who would like to visit it at this period.

The Mainichi News

高尾山　（　Mt.Takao　/　Monte Takao　）

2008-12-05T15:05:00.008+09:00

Last Sunday I climbed up Mt.Takao, Recently it's so popular.From the center of Tokyo, it took just about 60 minutes.
I don't have so much time today, I just show some photos.

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El domingo pasado subí al Monte Takao. Ultimamente está muy poplar. Desde el centro de Tokio se tarda solo más o menos 60 minutos.
No tengo mucho tiempo hoy , por eso solo subo las fotos de allí.

mountain trail

Leaves change the color to red.

Mt.Fuji　from top of Mt. Takao. So beautiful , isn't it?

Soba noodle is very famous there. I ate this on the top.

The 599 meter mark on the top

official web site of Mt.Takao in English

The Myth of Tomorrow

2008-11-26T17:03:00.012+09:00

There was an artist whose name was "Taro Okamoto (岡本太郎・おかもとたろう)". I don't know how much he is well known in other countries. But in Japan he is one of famous artists. Above all “Tower of the sun” that was the symbol of Expo 70 of Osaka is very famous. Not only his works , but also his unique character was loved by Japanese people. He was sayiong so often "Art is Explosion." Although he already died in 1996.

The other day I went to Shibuya that is one big city in Tokyo, I was so surprised, because one of his works was on the wall of Shibuya station. I didn't know about it, but I recognized at once it is his work, because his works are so characteristic.

After I got home, I checked about it. According to the internet, the picture was originally painted for the one Mexican hotel owner, but after that his business went bad, so that it was missing until found in Mexico City in 2003. After then it has been repaired by one project group, after all 18th of November 2008 it is put on view eternally at Shibuya station. Because Shibuya is close to Aoyama area where Taro spent at elementary school time.

This is very big(height: 5meters length: 30meters), so I couldn’t take a nice photo. But it is really powerful with a lot of colors , named “ashita no shinwa（明日の神話）” means “The Myth of Tomorrow”.　It is worth to watch.

Official web page of "Ashita no shinwa " rebirth project in Japanese
http://www.1101.com/asunoshinwa/news.html

金閣寺　（Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto）

2008-11-21T16:10:00.008+09:00

About one month ago I went to Kyoto. so beautiful city , still we can feel very old age of Japan, and there are so many old temples and shrines.I heard from the taxi driver in Kyoto there are more than 300 temples!!!!But as s tourist of course you have to choose ones.

Sometimes I am asked about sightseeing of Japan. From my friends from overseas , or sometimes readers of this blog.

So today I gonna show you one very famous temple that I went one month ago. I think if you go to Kyoto , you shouldn't miss this temple. Its real name is "北山鹿苑寺（Hokuszan Rokuonji）" in Japanese. But is well known as "金閣寺（Kinkaku-ji）" in Japanese. Because as you can see the picture , it is GOLDEN("Kin" in Japanese) . So in English it is called "Golden Pavilion" or "Golden temple".

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Hace más o menos un mes fui a Kioto , una ciudad muy bonita. Todavía nos sentimos una epoca muy antigua, y hay muchos templos y suntoísta . Me ha decho el taxista en Kioto que hay más 300 templos!!!!

A veces me ha preguntado sobre hacer turismo en Japón . Desde mis amigos extranjeros, y también la gente que ha leido este blog.

Hoy voy a presentar una templo super famoso que fui hace un mes. Creo que si vas a ir a Kioto no deberías pasarlo. Su nombre realidad es "北山鹿苑寺（Hokuszan Rokuonji)" en japonés , pero se llama "金閣寺（Kinkaku-ji）" . Porque el color es oro ("kin" en japonés).

Another PEPSI / Otro PEPSI

2008-11-06T16:35:00.008+09:00

I found another PEPSI. Well, this time "PEPSI WHITE".
ha ha ha
It's says "PEPSI& YOGURT FLAVOR" I really can't imagine the taste.
Looking Back I see that previous one was PEPSI BLUE HAWAII on July this year ,and PEPSI ICE CUCUMBER in last year.Always so characteristic....

To be honest, I didn't like the taste, it liked yogurt with soda. Do you wanna try??? I always am not care for those flavore special (I like normal one ),but I can' help trying new taste!!

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Entontré otro PEPSI. Aver, “PEPSI WHITE (PEPSI BLANCO)” ja ja ja
Se escribe “PEPSI & YOGURT FLAVOR (Sabor de Pepsi y Yogurto )” No puedo imaginarlo. Pensando el pasado , antes se venden “PEPSI BLUE HAWAII” y ”PEPSI ICE CUCUMBER.” Siempre muy characticos.

Francamente hablando , no me gustó la sabor . Como ácido carbónico con yogurto. ¿Quieres probarlo? Siemple no me gustó, pero siempre compré!!!!

Korean taste /El sabor de Corea

2008-10-24T16:33:00.016+09:00

The other day I went to the Korean town in Shinokubo. In Tokyo many Korean people is living , I think. Shinokubo is a city that have very different atomosphere. There are a lot of the signs which are written in Korean letters. I can hear the people are spoken in Korean. Besides I feel smell of the city is not same as other city in Japan.

I went to one Korean restaurant where all waiter and waitress are Korean , although they speak Japanese very well.　Normally I can't eat spicy food , so I don't eat so much Korean food, but Korean BBQ is another story , I love so much. Well, I have been to there several times , but they are always with my Japanese friends. But this time I went one Korean friend. It's much better, she know the food, how to cook ,and she could order that is not in the menu.
They were so delicious. I was really satisfied. =)
At the end , we got the discount of our check. ha ha he

I have been to Korea three times , it's so close from here. I feel like going there again!!!

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El otro día fui al barrio coreano en Shinokubo. Creo que la gente coreano viven mucho en Tokio. Shinokubo tiene ambiente muy special. Hay muchas señales se escribe en Hangul . Puedo eschar la gente hablan en coreano. Además huelen diferente.

Fui al restaurante coreano donde todo los comareros son coreanos, aunque ellos pueden hablar japones muy bien. Normalmente no puedo comer la comida picante, por eso no como la comida coreano, pero me encanta carne asada coreana. A ver, he ido allí varias veces, pero siempre con mis amigos japoneses. Pero esta vez fui con una amiga coreana. Más mejor, ella sabe la comida, por eso la pidió especial . Muy delicioso. Estaba muy contenta. Finalmente el camarero hacía algún descuentos. ja ja ja
He estaco en Corea tres veces . muy cerca de aquí . Me gustaría ir ya!!!!

Samgyupsal BBQ
They cut pork with scissors!!

sea food Jijimi
I love it . We have similer food called Okonomiyaki in Japan , but taste is differ.

Tteokbokki
We ate this in the street!! taste at first sweer and then spicy!!!

Yojiya

2008-10-10T14:58:00.009+09:00

The other day I had a cup of "Macha Moca　（Mocha green tea ,抹茶モカ)" at Yojiya in Tokyo Haneda Airport. Yojiya is well known as a cosmetic shop in Kyoto, especially one of their products "Abratorigami (Oil- Blotting Facial Paper)" is very popular among women. I guess all young women know about it!!

Although I didn't know that they have some coffee shops in Kyoto and Tokyo. But when I saw their symbol at airport, I recognized at once, because it is also well known.

As you can see in these photos, the face of the top of the drink is the symbol of the Yojiya.
Anyway, the face is pretty , isn't it??? If you have a chance to visit Kyoto or Tokyo(only Haneda airport), I think it's nice to visit, especially for women!

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Otro día tomé una taza de "Macha Moca (té verde Moca 抹茶モカ)" en Yojiya en aeropuerto de Tokio Haneda , Yojiya es muy conocido por una tienda de cosmética en Kioto, especialmente el producto "Abratorigami (no sé como se dice en eapañol , pero en ingles se llama Oil- Blotting Facial Paper)" es muy popular entre las chicas.
Creo que toda chicas lo conocen.

Entonces la cara de bebida es muy bonita. Si tenéis una oportunidad de visitar Kioto o Tokio (solo en el aeropuerto de Haneda ) , creo que es bueno visitar.

Festivals in Tokyo/ unas fiestas en Tokio

2008-09-24T15:20:00.030+09:00

As I wrote many times in this blog, we can taste many kinds of food in Tokyo. Yes, we are luckey! Not only in restaurantes, but also in festivals!
Last weekend two festivals were hold.
One in Vietnam festival in Yoyogi park , Tokyo, and the other one is Mexican festivai in Odaiba , Tokyo.

I went Vietnam festival on Saturday , and Mexican festival on Sunday. Both were interesting , they sold thier typical foods, and showed some cultural aspect like dancing , singing and so on.

I just show you some photos.

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Como escribí unas veces en esta página, podemos encontlar diferentes sabores en Tokio. Sí, ¡tenemos suerte! Hay muchas fiestas aquí.
El fin de semana pasado hubo dos fiestas en Tokio. Una fue la fiesta vietnamita en el parque Yoyogi , y la otra fue la fiesta mexicana en Odaiba.

Fui a la fiesta vietnamita el sábado, y a la fiesta mexicana el domingo. Me interesaron ambas. Se vende la comida tipica, y puede divertirme el baile o la musica. Aquí unas fotos!!

【Vietnam Festival/La fiesta vietnamita】
Only I had a few time, quickely I bought some food and ate. But it was so nice. Recently I am a bit crazy of eating vietnamies food!!! I really like it! There many women put on their nacional costume called "ao dai (áo dài)". They were so beautiful. One of my friends is going to Vietnam for her vacation. Lucky her!!

Sólo tuve un poco de tiempo , compré y comí la comida de prisa , pero estaba muy delicioso . Últimamente estoy loca por la comida vietnamita. Me encanta.
Vi unas mujeres vestidas con la ropa nacional que se llama "ao dai (áo dài)". Ellas son muy bonitas. Una amiga mía va a viajar a Vietnam de vacaciónes. ¡Qué envidia!

Spring Roll!/Rollito de primavera!

So many people!/Mucha gente!

【Mexican Festival/La fiesta mexicana】

I can't eat spicy food, so it made me a bit difficult when I went to Mexico, but the Mexican people were always nice to me. That's one of the fascinating point of them. Listing music like Mariachi reminds me of my mexican friends!
Well, unfortunately the day I went , it was heavy raining, but still I could enjoyed a lot!

No puedo comer algo picante. Cuando estaba en México de vacaciones, fue un poco duro para mi.
Pero los mexicanos eran muy amarbles, creo que esto es una fascinante de esta páis. Escuchando la musica en la fiesta ,recordé a mis amigos mexicanos. Lo pasé muy bien , aunque llovía mucho.

Tacos, please , but without spicy sause!!! PLEASE!
Un tacos , por favor ,pero sin salsa, POR favor.

I can't wait!!!/No puedo esperarlo.

Mariach!!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government / Gobierno Metropolitano de Tokio

2008-08-08T11:51:00.007+09:00

The other days some friends of my mexican friends came to Japan.It was first time to see them , but I showed some torist place in Tokyo.I live in Tokyo, but in normal life I don't go so often torist place.Well, some of place was the very first for me, too. It has been so hot, it was har to walk around during day, but it was so fan anyway!!!!

I took this picture from the building of Tokyo Metropolitan Government in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It's open for everybody, We can go inside the builging as a visitor, and also to the observation deck which is the forty fifth froor (hight 202 meters ). As you can see this picuture(although it's not so good),greart view from there. Besides it7s free , open until 23:00pm(Door open until 30 minutes before.) I think good place to view Tokyo.

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Hace unos días los amigos de mi amiga mexicana vinieron a Japón. Primera vez verse para mí , pero yo fui a alugun lugares para turismo. Vivo en Tokio , pero normalmente no los fuia menudo. A ver , alugun lugares son primera vez para mi , tambíen. Hace mucho calor, y es duro caminando durante los días , pero lo pasé muy bien.

Saqué esta foto desde el edificio de Gobierno Metropolitano de Tokio en Shinuku, Tokio. Está abiertto al público y se puede subir al 45 piso(202 de alto) donde es el mirador. Puedes ver la foto (aunque no es buena ), la vista desde alli es magnífico. Además, es gratis. Abierto hasta 2300 Te ricomiendo ir. Es buen lugar.

tanabata----

2008-07-07T18:23:00.004+09:00

The papers are hangged by people with written thier wish.
Los paperes colgado con escrito sus deseo.

Today is Tanabata festival, although it is raining and cloudy! Two years ago I posted about Tanabata as follows. (Just copy and paste!!!) Well, today I should write in Spanish, too.

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Once upon a time a beautiful woman lived in the bank of the Milky Way which shined in a night sky, her name was Orihime , and a daughter of an Lord of the Heaven. She followed orders of her father ,and worked very hard as a weaver every day.

As for the cloth which Orihime weaved, it was wonderful, and the Lord of Heaven admired her working.But to his pity, the daughter worked too hard to spend time for herself- like putting on her make up, and dating with a boy friend.

So he decided to let her marry Hikoboshi who was also hard worker ,lived in the west of the Milky Way ,and a cattleman . Then Orihime and Hikoboshi began new life in this way.

However, after their marriage , they were enjoying everyday, actually it was too much, they didn't work any more. At first the Lord of Heaven let them do, but finally he got angry, and said to them to live separately - made Orihime live in the one side of Milkyway ,and Hikoboshi live in another side. And the lord of Heaven said to them "If you work very hard, I will let you meet at the night of 7th July "

Orihime was so sad, but decided to work very hard, Hikoboshi as well.

However, when it rains on July 7 when two people longed for it, the volume of water of the Milky Way increases, and Orihime cannot go to the opposite bank.

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Quiero escribir sobre Tanabata en español, tambien, pero demasiado difícil para mí. He usado pagina de free traducción en mayor parte.

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Érase una vez una hermosa mujer vivió en el banco de la Vía Láctea que brilló en un cielo de la noche, su nombre fue Orihime, y una hija de un Señor del Cielo. Ella siguió las órdenes de su padre, y trabajó muy con ahínco como un tejedor cada día.

La tela que Orihime tejió fue maravilloso, y el Señor del Cielo admiró su trabajar.pero la hija trabajada demasiado dura y pasó tiempo bastante- como no tuve un novio.

Así que él decidió permitir que ella casarse Hikoboshi que fue trabajador también duro, vivido en el oeste de la Vía Láctea, y de un ganadero. Entonces Orihime y Hikoboshi empezaron nueva vida de esta manera.

Sin embargo, después de su casamiento, ellos disfrutaban en todo los diás, realmente fue demasiado, ellos no trabajaron más. Al principio el Señor del Cielo permitió que ellos hacer, pero por último él se enojó, y les dijó a ellos vivir separadamente - Orihime hecho vive en el un lado de Milkyway, y Hikoboshi vive en otro lado. Y el señor del Cielo dijo a ellos "Si usted trabajan muy duro, permitiré que usted encontrarán en la noche de séptimo de Julio"

Orihime estuvo tan triste, pero decidió trabajar muy duro, Hikoboshi también.

Sin embargo, cuando llueve el 7 de julio cuando dos personas lo desearon, el volumen de agua de los aumentos de Vía Láctea, y de Orihime no puede ir al banco del contrario.

Screamers

2008-06-27T18:19:00.004+09:00

Yesterday I watched the movie"Screamers" at the Refugee Film Festival.I won't write political stuff on this blog, bacause I think I can't exprees my real feeling and detailed thought by my English. Just two things I want write are ...that I felt I need to know about the words more, and that I liked the music of "System of a Down " -that I listened for first time.

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Ayer vi una película "Screamers" en la fiesta de peliculas de refugiado.No voy a escribir impresión mía, porque no quiero escribir unas cosas politicas y mi español es suficiente. Pero quiero escribir dos cosas. Yo creo que necesito más sobre mundo, y me gustó la musica de "System of a down"

JERO

2008-06-26T17:31:00.011+09:00

Recently one american guy is rather popular in Japan. I watched him on many TV shows. His name is JERO, born and grow up in Pittsburgh, USA. As his late grandma was Japanese, he started listening "Enka" when he was little. (*Enka is one type of Japanese Music, which is popular among old people. )

After his graduation of the University. He decided to come to Japan to be Enka singer. Wow I know some Enka songs, but never had interest on it . Actually many yong people prefer Pops , Hip Hop , Rock and so on. This year his dream came true, he has become "the first black enka singer"! His first single "Umiyuki" was accepted by not only old people but also young people. He sings with hip hop street fasion.

I lisetned his song, seemed by Japanese. His Japnese is so good , too. I could see he respects the songs and culture of Enka so much. Yesterday his first mini album was launched out. I bet he' s gonna remarkabe more and more.

The JAPEN TIMES

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Últimamente un estadounidense es bastante conocido en Japón. Se llama JERO. Él es primer Enka cantante negro. Como su abuela fue japonesa, de niño, comenzó escuchar Enka(una tipo de musica japonesa). Después sus graduación de universidad, él vino a Japón para ser un cantante de Enka . En febrero de este año hizo debut con la canción "Umiyuki." se vende mucho. Como canta y habla como japonés, creo que el estará más popular que ahora.
ipcdigital.com

PEPSI Blue Hawaii

2008-06-24T09:36:00.030+09:00

Yesterday I found "Pepsi Blue Hawaii" in convenience store.(Last year they made Pepsi cucumber taste!!!! )Can you imagine the tasete??? Of course I bought one at once.The color is pure blue , as you see. Looks chemical!!!! It is said that the taste is pineapple and lemon.I tried, mmmmmmm,yes , it taste pinepple and lemon. But I didn't like very much, sorry. I think it is no more PEPSI already...I have read many people's blog writing about it. To my surprise, many people wrote that taste is OK. Do you wanna try? I don't know it is sold only in Japan or not, but anyway here sold during limited period. Hurry up!

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Ayer encontré "Pepsi Blue Hawaii" en tienda. El color es azul. ¿Puedes imaginar el sabor? Quiero probarlo. Por supuesto, compré enseguida. Se escribe "sabor de piña más límon". Probaré y no estuvo buena para mì. Pero según los diario, a la gente le gustó. Entonces se venden durante periodo límitad en Japón. 　

GOYA

2008-06-23T17:07:00.012+09:00

Do you know "Goya"?It's a kind of the vegitable, and is eaten very much in Okinawa where is an island in the south of Japan. When I was a child, I had never eaten. But this 5-6years, the dishes of Okinawa became very popular in Honshu(the main island on Japan. ) There are so many Okinawa dish restaurant in Tokyo now.
Recently I got some seeds of Goya , and now I grow them in the balcony.One of them has just sprouted out. I hope it will grow well.

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¿Conoces "Goya"? No es sobre un pintor. Es una tipo de verdura se comen mucho en Okinawa donde es isla de Japón.Otro día me dio unas semillas de "Goya". Ahora estoy criandolas en balcon de mi casa. Ha echadad un brote. Me alregre verlo. Espero que crezcan buen.

Greeting from Japan/ Saludo desde Japón

2008-06-23T16:27:00.007+09:00

Wow!It has past a quite long time since I posted last time.
Well, I am fine. Nothing has changed , I mean , I "STILL" live in Tokyo.

Thank you very much people who sent me messeages and left comments. Sorry if I made you worry about me. I am fine. Just fine. Just these few months I have made my time for struggling spanish. So I might have give up to think in English.(Studying two languzges made me confused a lot! ) As for my spanish level, it's like a baby, just started. But since now I wanna write some note in spnish too. I don't think I can post so often as before, but I will try!

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¡HOLA! Soy Kazumi.
Gracias por vistar mi diario. Hasta ahora yo voy a escribir en español también. Aunque mi español es no suficiente, pero tengo ganas!

English,,,,and

2007-10-29T17:39:00.000+09:00

I wonder how much have I spent on time and money to have a good command of English. I don't know the exactly answer and to tell the truth, I may be afraid to know that , but anyway a lot. It's hard to imagine how difference I am now if I had'nt studied it.
Thank you for English! Now I don't "study " English especialy -as taking English classes, but I am trying to put myself in "English circumstance" -for example, watchind dvd in only english, reading English novels and I am using English at my work.

Just like I was, there are so many people who want to be able to speak English in Japan. To our pity, it is difficult for us to speak it fluently only by school education. We may have " admiratuin" for English and native English speaker. There are ao many English school here, I can't miss the advertisement of the English educational materials in the magazine or internet.

On october 26 2007 "NOVA" filed for court protection ,which is the biggest english school with more than 300000. students and 5000 teachers at about 800 branches. The school is closed until another sponcer will appear.

Most of students has paid their school fees in advance (some of them paied more than 600000 yen ) , without new sponser they can't expect their money back , on the other hand many teachers and staffs hav'nt get their wages more than 2months. According to TV news some of them don't have money only to go back their countries. Some of them are trying to get another job,(actually they need another job to stay in Japan for visa or work permit) but it is not so easy. I don't mean there are no jobs. The creterion for being a techer at NOVA was actually low, even you don't have a licence to teach, if you are native English speaker, they accepted. But at some English school , the licence is required.

I am really sorry the teaches ,students and staffs.
Because of NOVA, some of the students may feel no more English.
Because of NOVA, some of the teachers may think no more Japan.

If so , that's pity.

The annoucement from NOVA

British embassy

Austrarian embassy

Dojo ....

2007-09-07T17:35:00.000+09:00

Sometimes many people in Europe or America doesn't care for eating what Japanese (or Asians prpbably) like to eat.
For example, Sushi. Yes I know . Sushi became already a kind of famous international food, although still many people might refuse to try that.
Maybe Unagi(eel) less popular than Sushinbut still known to many people. I know eel souceis popular/

Well, how about Loaches (Oriental weatherfish)? We call them "Dojou(or Dozeu)" in Japanese.
There is one long river (acctually second longest) called "Tonegawa" Kanto region where is the easy place to catch Loaches So that's why since long time ago many people prefer to eat Dojou( Loaches) near Tokyo.

Yesterday I went to one famous Dojou( Loaches) dining place which has more than 200years history in Asakusa- downtown area in Tokyo. The building is old enough to imagine an old period ,and atomosphere is nice. It was first time to have Dojou(Loaches) for me.I was satisfied the taste more than I imagined ,because I was afraid of the appearance. So soft that I could eat up bone, too. If you don't mind fish, I think it's worth trying. Well, Dojou has aboundant of collagen ,calcium and vitamin.

Dojou pot tasted soysause

Fried Dojou

Besides Dojou, they serve whales dish, too. I know many countries are against whaling . But the people roughly over 25years old had been provided whales dishes as a school lunch in Japan. So we know taste. Really delicious.

If you have a concern, try Dojou and whales wih Japanese Sake!!

Czech experience.

2007-09-04T17:03:00.000+09:00

Probabley you know , I like to travel , but unfortunately at present I am not able to take long vacation to go many contries. The easiest way to soak up the atmosphere to be in another country is to go to the restaurants. Tokyo is a very convenient city, really!, I mean , there are so many things to do, places to enjoy,and restaurants to eat..

The other day I went the Czech cuisine restaurant with my co-workers. Because we had a Czech trainee for last 2months. So it was very good time for me to try Czech cuisine for the first time. (Actually that country is one of the place which I wanted to go!)To my surprise, there is only one Czech cuisine restaurant in Tokyo, and only three in Japan.

Do you know "Budwiser" is not originally from U.S? It was from Czech!! Taste was more heavier than one I knew. In the ranking of per-capita beer consumption, the Czech Republic won first place for the 12th straight year. Wow, they drink beer a lot, aren't they?? I thought it is England ot Ireland.

Brambarak is like a pancake made of potates. I thought like Japanes Okonomiyaki or Korean pancake. It is a kind of home cooking the mom make.

This is a kind of Czech style stew called "Gulasch" in German and "goulash" in English. I ate with beef style of that with dumplimgs called "Knedlíky" 　The stew was so tasty. I guess almost all Japanese people like this tasta, it is not too strong but have thick taste.

It is fun to try to eat different food. I really wanna have a oppotunity to go and eat real Czech food!

GOCHISOUSAMA (Thank you for the meal!)

Atsuiiiii

2007-08-16T18:09:00.000+09:00

Atsui ...atsui
Hot, hot everyday.......

Accroding to the annoucement of the Meteorological Agency, it was 40.9 degrees centigrade of today's highest tempreture in Japan (in Tajimi city Gifu pref. and Kumagaya city in Sitama pref. ) This is actually highest in Japan so far.

No wonder that it is too hot here in Tokyo!!!!
Need beer!!!!

Curry in Japan

2007-07-27T17:36:00.000+09:00

If somebody ask you, "Do you know what is the most popular dishes in
Japan???" If you are not living in Japan, you may answer " SUSHI and TEMPURA"
Of course , we love Sushi and Tempura.In foreign countries they are known as typical Japanese food.

But I can say CURRY RICE and RAMEN are the most popular dishes for Japanese.
They are usually more casual , cheeper.

In paticular we are fond of CURRY RICE in the summer season, and Ramen in winter.So now a kind of the Curry season! To be honest , I don't care for spicy food so much, but I love Curry so much.

Curry- the cooking that stewed vegitables and meats with curry powder consisting of plural spices. Originally from India , but it is seen in all over the world now.

Speaking of Curry in Japan, it comes Curry stew and white boided rice with some pickles.

Just like this! ummmmm yummy

Can't wait tomorrow night !!!

2007-06-22T16:31:00.001+09:00

Maroon5 is in Japan now ! They are my favorite, Actually I like them the best of the non-japanese singers. Tomorrow , I am going to their Live!!!Wow! Compare with their popularity , the capacity of the live place was so small that amde me difficult to get the ticket.　But I am very luckey to be one of the audience. I like Adam's voice, feel very coolthie songs...etc.

About 3years ago I went to their live once in the U.S. So great. I can't find the exact words to express my feeling by my English vocaburary. It was so happy night!

I wish the member of maroon5 would read this blog, so they can know how much Japanese people are exciting. hehehe Anyway can't wait!

more lines

2007-06-22T14:03:00.000+09:00

As I wrote the other day, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is very popular here. Still need to wait to get ones. Since one of my friend never tried yet, she really want some, I went there again. Sunday morning 9:30. I thought that I had to wait still now, but as it past already 6month since the shop opened, hopefully maybe 20-30minutes?

I was so surprised the situation, I could see much longer line than before.

Two hours for Doughnuts !!! For me inpossible. Gaveup at onece.
Maybe because they had special limited star-shaped ones!

Kanmi-ya～Japanese sweet paｒlor

2007-06-20T12:33:00.000+09:00

I love to going to a Kanmi-ya which is difined "Japanese sweet parlor."

The other day I went to one with cozy atomosphere. The name of the parlor is "Irori" which means fire place in old Japanese houses. Recently there are only houses having Irori. Let me show you some photos.

Wow , there were many samples of the sweets, which made me difficult to decide.

This is the Irori, but normally it would be on the ground.

I had "Mitsumame" which is similar to Anmitsu , but without red bean paste called Annko.
Some fruits , some agars, cream some beans with syrup... Ummmm yummy. Decent time , isn't it????

Register just started.-Tokyo marathon 2008

2007-06-18T14:07:00.000+09:00

I wrote quite a lot about Tokyo marathon 2007 in this blog. You can find how much I was moved and excitment.

Yesterday the register for 2008 has just started. Of course I already did.
I am sure it is going to be over capacity like 2007. On that day many TV program about the marathon was broadcasted. Since then I heard many people stareted running. Even magaxined for young women have featured severak times. At the Tokyo marathon 2007 only one -third people could run. I really hope I can join this event as well as last time.

"Turbaned Noguchi"

2007-06-12T15:39:00.000+09:00

The Japanese 1000-yen bill has a depiction of Hideyo Noguchi on it.
Here it is.

He was a doctor and bacteriologist who discovered the agent of syphilis disease.When I was a kid, I would read his biography.

Recently folding bills is popular among some young people.
This is one kind.
"Turbaned Noguchi"

It is said , if you keep it in your wallet, you can save up your money. I don't know truth.... It may be a of urban legend...

Tabi making

2007-06-11T12:37:00.000+09:00

I wrote about my kimono life on the previous post. Many items are nesessary to put on Kimono, for example Tabi.

You can consider Tabi is socks for Kimono. Usually the color of Tabi is white,the casual Kimono fans wear Tabi with paterns. The day before yesterday I joined the class of Tabi making. I show you some photos about it.

Compleated!!!!( Although they are irregular shapes , but should be O.K.)
It took about 8-9hours....

Kimono life beginner

2007-06-11T12:16:00.000+09:00

As you know, Kimono is Japanese traditional cloth.About 150 years ago, everybody in Japan was waring this kind. To our pity, nowdays many people can't weatr Kimono by theirselves. People take it for ganted that wearing western style cloths is normal, and Kimono is just for special occasion.

Before I posted about my friend's wedding, which I put on kimono, at that time I had to ask to wear kimono by professonal Kimono dresser. When I was working at Japanese restaurant, I had to put on Kimono costume-but it was by summary method. Thus I couldn't able to wear kimono by myself.

I wanted to learn how to wear Kimono, because I like the Japanese design fablic, I have some kimono from my mom and granma. So I have taken Kimono wearing lessons from last February. It was a bit hard to memorize all orders, but I have done almost the basic lessons . Yes now I can wear it by myself. Not to forget how to do, now I want to put it on at least once a month.

My Kimono life has just started... I will write some post about it since now on...

Have you taste????

2007-05-28T16:49:00.001+09:00

Unbelievable.
It is cucumber pepsi.
It is scheduled to go on sale on 12th of June in Japan.
Only limited period!!
I don't like cucumbers very much, but I want to try this!!
Has anybody tried it already?
I am not sure it is only in Japan or not....

At Tsukiji Market

2007-05-25T12:45:00.000+09:00

As I wrote before, the Tsukiji fish market is nice place to to, we can eat fresh sish, can see gigante tunas at the auction. In some turistic guidebook published in foreign countries, it is introduced as a great tourist point. You will be surprised the characteristic atomosphere there. Now everyday on average more than 500 foreigners visit this place. Before writing this post, I read some blogs written by torists from overseas. They seemed satisfied so much about thier trip ti Tsukiji. It is about there past four or five years the number of the foreigners increased drastically.　It is considered that there is a kind of "Sushi Boom"in many countries.

However, in proportion to tourists increasing , the badness of a manner came to be outstanding.. For example, touching tuna to take photos by hands, and too many toursts for tracter to enter auction place.

The market is actually bussiness place, not to be set as a tourisut point. So if the bad manner wil keep outstanding, now they have started thinking to limit foreigners by making closed area.

It is so pity, I am not agree with this idea. But for some people who work there it must be very big problem. it won't be helped. So please please be good at the market. It it really nice place to see Japanese culture.

Tsukiji market official page in English

At the zoo

2007-05-02T16:19:00.000+09:00

The other day I went to the Ueno Zoo (Onshi Ueno Doubutuen) which is most famous and old zoo in Japan. It opened on March 20 1882. Wow very old. It is located near Ueno station in Tokyo and convinient to go. There are many kinds of animals -more than 400kinds , one of the place that we can see a Giant panda in Japan.

Watching the animals, I could find the kind of sociality from their movement. For example, a monkey was teaseing others, a gorilla was acting like a middle age woman. (Look the photo!)It is healing power for my mental stress. So nice.

As for the Ueno zoo, I would like write one story.To be honest I was thinking for a while to do, because you may think it political topic, I am afraid that how non-Japanese people think about it. But anyway I determind to tell it finally.

In Japan at summer time the students take the class about war and peace. Because the world war Ⅱfinished on August 15 1945　after twice of the atomic bombing .Then one story was used for the classes often. When I was a child, I listened the story, the book was still published, so far more than 2million copies have sold. This is nonfiction story.

"the poor elephants"
The aerial attacks to Tokyo was getting worse, the goverment decided to kill fierce animals to avoid them runnning from the zoo, and acting violently in the city. Lions and bears were killed. The three elephants nemed "John" ,"Tonky"and" Wanly" had left.
The people who worked at the zoo gave them feed with poison to kill then, they threw up soon. Then they used injections to kill them, their skin was too thick. Finally they decided not to give them feed to make them strving. The three elephants were trying to perform in a desperate attempt to get their feed. At last they died one after another.

Just writing this story makes me cry, this story is true, and many kinds of animals except lions bears and elephants were died mostly for the luck of the feed when the war had ended. There is the memorila place in Ueno zoo, and still now they take place memorial service for the animals.

Sometimes I take it for granted that I can live a life peacefully. But I have to remember just 60years ago the people's living was completly different, I am lucky to be born such a peace situation. I felt like this at the zoo.

Do we love the lines ?

2007-04-16T15:10:00.000+09:00

you may think Japanese people love to que the lines.
Is it true? , Or not?
I can say we are veru used to wait for a long time.
At Disneyland we have to wait at least one hour for riding just one attraction usually.
As you know , the popularion is quite big, although we have small lands.

On Dec 15th 2006 one shop opened in Shinjuku, center of Tokyo. Over there we have to wait more than one hour still now.
Do they selling such a nice things?
That shop is the very fast Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Japan.
Yes, if you are in the United States, you can find them in the supermarkets without any difficulty.
Here many people is waiting everyday everyday. The other day my friend wanted to buy the doughtnuts, we went and waited about 40 minutes at 10o'clock at night. You can see by one of my photos.

The doughnuts are tasty, but I won't wait such a long line anymore. But I am sure many people is waiting at this moment.

TOKYO MARATHON 2007⑤～ memories

2007-04-12T17:40:00.000+09:00

Needless to say, I ran with my camera:)

■Many people heading the start area■

■Before start -freezing and raining■

■START-Tokyo governer Shintaro Ishihara waving his hands■

■Many audience in front of Asakusa Kaminarimon-very famous sight seeing spot■

■on the road for vehicles usually■

■GOAL■

TOKYO MARATHON 2007④～　finish

2007-04-12T17:01:00.000+09:00

Yes, I became the one of the finisher at the end.
Really, it was tough.

At goal point, I could find one friend, she told that she was cheerig my and other frinds at other points , too. When I saw her, I really thank her and relieved.
At that time "I was very hungry, starving---". as many runnner who couln't get food.

The record is not good, and was so close to limited time.
It's no problem. I am satisfied.

It has passed almost 2months.
Since then I am jogging 2-3 times a week. Better than before , you can guess:)
Well, it is so surprising to me that I really enjoying jogging now. I am sure I will apply the 2008 Tokyo marathon again , although I need luck to win the lottery. When I was child , I HATED RUNNING. Don't laugh, I am changing...much to my surprise.

Next time , I want to goal by ruuning insted of walking!

There are many marathon in the world, I like traveling so , when I go abroad if I would join , would be nice.....

If you are interested....
http://www.tokyo42195.org/

TOKYO MARATHON 2007③～　in the rain

2007-02-27T15:30:00.000+09:00

Harder than I imagined- this was my frank feeling.

My plastic raincoat made me harder to run. Still so cold ,although I started to run. Through the Shinjuku- the biggest down town Tokyo, there were so many people cheering us. Waving their hands, having the sign board with a messege, yelling "Ganbare!!(Cheer up.)" My tears leaked from the corner of my eyes naturally.

Raining getting harder and harder.

The marathon course was selected to the runners can enjoy with many sight seeing points and flatted.I have lived in Tokyo quite long -maybe 8-9years. I knew the all places on race course. But the scenery was totally different. Newness and rediscovery. I felt happy and lucky to run on the roads which are usually for cars , and not permitted to walk .

When I passed Hibiya park where was the goal of 10km race, it rained so hard. I saw many runner head for 10 km. "Wow, should I have choosen 10km?? Still I had more than 30km....." I knew at that park they prepared for foot bath, I really wanted to go. At that time , extremely cold . I had some candy and snack in my belt bag , but too cold to open them. I was cring for cold.

Around the 20km, I felt pain on left knee. "I didn't have enough time for training." I had to walk as fast as possible insted of runnning. Already I was in late group .I felt a kind of jealousy a little bit to the runners they already pass the returning point. But some runner, when they run pass , spork words of cheer like "Let's goal by everybody". I was really happy.

During race I saw many volunteers who smiling me with freezing in the cold. They were so great, they did perfect job. They looked so cold, needless to say, they were colder than us. I heard the many people applied for volunteers since they couldn't run because of lottery. Oh, yes more than 60000people couldn't run. I said to myslf I was lucky , I had to do my best, I had to enjoy insted of them.....

And I was so encouraged by many people along the course. They don't know me, and I don't know them, but they cheered and supported with full of their passion. In fact this was the very first city Marathon in Tokyo, many amount of foods and water were prepared, water was fine, but the food were not enough- it might be much colder than they expected. Anyway, we were severe lack of foods. Only the fast runners could get foods from the official aid. Some runners who had some money with them would go to the convenience store to buy something to eat. After Asakusa area- about 30km from the start point- the people noticed the runners were so hungry, many people offer us candy, sweet, soup, hot tea that gave us the energy for another step.

My legs were so heavy, but I want to say thank you to those who imvolved this marathon.

The goal was coming soon.

【to be continued】

TOKYO MARATHON 2007②～　START

2007-02-27T12:19:00.000+09:00

On that day I woke up 4 o'clock in the moning, actually I didn' mean it, I was going to get up around 5:30, yes, I was nervous . It was raining hard, as suspected. But I didn't think of call off this event , I don' t know why. After breakfast , I head for Shinjuku where was the very "START" of this marathon.

In Shinjuku station I saw many people prepareing for the race, with the numbers on their T-shirts. Many ,so many people. Still raining and cold. Before I deposit my belongings, I made a phone call to one of my friends who also was going to run this race. "How are you????"etc.... I was tring to find where are they.... but I gave up at once because of the big crowd.

The runner must be at start position that they designed as a block decided depends on the declaration of the time to goal.As I submitted it by 6:40, I was the last block "K" . There we couldn't hear any sounds or voice from the ceremony , it was too far..... We had to wait for a quite long time before and after starting to race. I was freezing, and shaked with cold .Everubody was same. But we had fun, too. The people from the behind started the wave with yelling "Yeah-- ". The one woman on the balcony of the buiding-maybe 8th or 10th flour - was cring "Cheer up !!! " Everybody in K block was waving their hands, it was just like a greeting from the Royal Family on the new year day in imperial palace.

After 16minite passed already from the starting time , finally I was able to pass the startline with waving my hand to Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara.

The race was started.

【to be continued...】

TOKYO MARATHON 2007①

2007-02-23T17:43:00.000+09:00

The day have came.
February 18th -Tokyo marathon 2007.
I am nervous,,,and excited. What's going on ?????

As you know , Tokyo is a capital city in Japan, is such a big city, has a big population -more than 12million and the central of political and economical of Japan , but never had a city marathon like New York, Boston , Berlin, London and Chicago. Since several years before they are planning to take place City Marathon in central Tokyo. The Governor of Tokyo had decided to hold on February 18th 2007 for the very first time . Actually there were not a few pople who express objection against it, the function of city would go down because of the traffic regulations of main roads for seven hours.

From last June to August the registration began. The applicants was three times than capacity (Entrants Marathon : 25,000 athletes , 10km Race : 5,000 athletes, but more than 95000pople entried.!!!). Only luckey 30000 people who were selected by lottary got their rights to be a runner.

Frankly saying, I was the one. When I got a email about to be ruuner on October, I was happy, but at the same time I was annoyed. How I can run 42.195km again??? It was so tough・・・・etc. (In fact I joined Walt Disney marathon 2005, so I know how difficult was it.....) But reading many poeple's blog , many people wrote about their shock from losing their lack of luck. So I decided to try the Marathon.

Although I strongly felt necessity of training , but I have been busy from last Autumn, went Mexico two weeks, had to find new apartment, and moving, in my job I had a lot to do. I couldn't have spare time for training. At last I could find my free time on January, became a member of sports gym. But obviously I needed training more and more....

【to be continued ...】

Memories in Mexico ～ the problem is......

2006-11-22T16:31:00.000+09:00

As you can see, I went to many places and ate many kinds of Mexican food. The people are so nice and very kind to me. I had a great time there. Let me say this trip is perfect! But I can't say that , although it is so pity. After thinking for a while, I decided to write one thing which made me so disappointed, because you may be ready when you go to Mexico as a tourist.

When my mexican friend and her parents took me to the mexico city by car. As my friends father asked a policeman to show the right way to the mall, it happend. When he spoke to us, eeryone looked upset. (of course I couldn't understand at all)
They are trying to say something to the policeman, and my friend made phone calls to relatives.. It was so nervous moment. Guess what was mattered with us??

I don't know exactly. In Mexico city, the authority limited driving car by the last number of their car number plate for the air pollution. For example, if you have a car with a number plate xxxx1, so you can't drive on Monday until 10pm. To our unluckey , the day we enter Mexico city was the very day we were not allowed to drive inside Mexico city. Actually we didn't know that, I mean my friends knows the rule, but didn't know details. Before and after we entered to the city, we never saw
any sign about this rule.

Well, the policeman found my friends car number, he asked us the money in bribes. Of course we broke the rule,but.... In whole my life, it was the first time such a thing happen to me. I have read the books and articles about mexico. So I knew about this. My friends were so angry and upset. Me, too. I felt so sorry to them , because I went to Mexico, they took me to the travel. I asked them they can call the authority about this. But they said it would be a waste of time. It happen everywhere. It was so pity. The problem is ... how will they improve?? How do you think?

Memories in Mexico ～Food photos

2006-11-22T13:10:00.000+09:00

Green Chorizo

Pine with chile

Nopal(Cactus) candy

Tacos

Icecream shop on the street

Blue tortilla!

Don't remember name...let me know if you know!

Chilaquiles? maybe...

Don't remember name...let me know if you know!

Memories in Mexico ～Boda! Boda! Boda!

2006-11-22T11:49:00.000+09:00

The word "Boda" means wedding party in Mexico. Actually I went to Mexico for my friend'S BODA. "Wow, It is very first time for me to attend non-Japanese wedding"

MUY INTERESANTE!!!!(very interesting!)

It started from chatedral. So serious.Even I couldn't understand spanish the prist and couple saying. It was touching. The weather was perfect.

At night , the boda started. It continued until 2 am. Wow it won't happen in Japan.　I could find many difference between Japanese style and Mexican. Great experience.

Dance! Dance! Dance! Music Music Music.
This is the Mexican wedding.(Actually we usually don't dance in Japanese wedding. When I told mexican people about it, everyone asked me "why not???" I don't know why.....)

These are dishes at Boda. MUY RICO(very delicious).....It was so luckey they were not so spicy Because I don't care for spicy food.

*Chile Hojaldrado(A chile inside the pie.)
*Medallones de pollo rellenos de camaron en salsa de salmon (Chiken with salmon sause)
*Delicia de fresa(strawberry desert)
*Pay de Guayaba(guava desert)

Memories in Mexico ～Day of the dead in Michoacan

2006-11-21T19:29:00.000+09:00

These are the photos of graves at night in Island of Janitzio.

Day of the Dead in Janitzio

These are the photos in Morelia. The color they use for the decoration is so great. There are big difference of the concept for dead people between Mexican and Japanese.We have similar event called "obon" The Mexican way to welcome the dead people is to have more fun. Yes , if the dead people saw those decopration, they must be enjoyble. I can see.

Memories in Mexico ～Day of the dead

2006-11-21T17:46:00.000+09:00

I am home!
As you know ,I went to Orlando and Mexico. YES I had really good time there.I want to show you some photos of my journey.

Luckey me! I was in Mexico on DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (Day of the dead). Everywhere in Mexico , I could see many calavera(skulls) and Catrina.

I could manage to go Janitzio aisland ,(Isla de Janitzio) midnight. It is one of the very famous place of Day of the dead in Mexico. It was so great experience to see many decolation for the graves. Only one pity thing is that we saw many many drunken people there. I saw one guy was almost falling down from steps since he wasn't able to walk by himself. Many of them must have came for the beer....

This is a short notice!!

2006-10-18T17:03:00.000+09:00

Recently I have been busy and havn't written this blog so often! Furthermore　I won't be able to post at least about this coming three weeks.

Because I am going to Orlando and Mexico about two weeks. So exciting;)
I have to prepare !!! I am sure I wil take a bunch of photos, actually I purchased additional SD card. I will post some of photos on this blog!!!

Adios!!!!

KidZania

2006-10-11T12:33:00.000+09:00

Have you ever heard the word "KidZania"? It is a themepark which is originally from Mexico and has just started in Tokyo. According to the media, it looks so fun, I want to go there, but to my pity, I can't go there. Could be in the future. Why???

That's because KidZania is just for kids under 12. There kids can have many kinds of Job experience. For example, fire fighters, flight attendants, doctors, bankers, pizza shop clarks, and so on ... more than 70kinds.

KidZania is a very town for kids , whose size is 2/3, and there are a hospital, a TV station ,a hair salon ,a bank ,a theater, a airport and much more. It is a just miniture of the real, because many company have invested a lot as a sponsor.

Kids can get instrucutions and put on the uniforms before they work, and have a part of job, after they finishes their job, they can get salary by their current money called "Kizos" that they can used only inside KidZania! And then they can use their money to get food, and shopping ...

Sounds fun , isn't it??? Not only fun, kids can understand economy.
Nowdays birthrate is very low, a number of kids is much less than before, but instead of that many family spend much money per a kid. Yes , I think it will be successful here in Japan. I read some blogs that wrriten by mothers about their kids' Kidzania experience, most of them seemed satisfied.
Oh, I want to go. It is not allow to enter only adults there, and even inside park adults can jutt watch kids.

Should I borrow my nephew to go???

related news
KidZania Japan official web site only in Japanese
KidZania Mexico

SWEET!!!!!!!

2006-10-03T17:20:00.000+09:00

Sometimes　I get email from the readers of this blog. Many of them are
interested in Japan or Japanese culture, I am happy if writing this blog is
helpful for someone.

The other day I got an email which is written a question about good sweets
stores in Japan. So I decided to write about sweets store.

My reccomendation for sweets stores :
All of them are NOT Japanese sweets shop. Maybe I can say some of they are French style, although I think you can find they have Japanese taste, I mean, for example they use Macya(Green tea) for the cake.

Note; some of them are difficult to bring your home country as a souvenior!!!!!

【自由が丘ロール屋/Jiyugaoka　Rollya】
http://www.jiyugaoka-rollya.jp/
As for Rolled cake, this shop is best! Just always so crowded
ADD:1-23-2 Jiyugaoka Meguro Tokyo
TEL:03-3725-3055

【SATSUKI】
http://www.newotani.co.jp/tokyo/restaurant/satsuki/
Expensive, but worth it. When I ate one piece of cake costs 1575yen! , it made me so smile.
Add Hotel New Otani 4-1 Kioicho Chiyoda kuTokyo
Tel03-5275-3177

【モンサンクレール/Mont St.Clair】
http://www.ms-clair.co.jp/item/index.html
Patissier Mr Tsujiguchi is very popular!
Add 2-22-4Jiyugaoka Meguro Tokyo
Tel 03-3718-5200

【しろたえ/shirotae】
http://gourmet.yahoo.co.jp/0000643347/M0013000521/
cheese cake shop, especailly rare cheese cake is so popular, and just 210
yen, reasonable price. They say 500 cheese cakes are sold everyday!
Add: 4-1-4 Akasaka Minatoku Tokyo
Tel: 03（3586）9039

【パティスリーサダハルアオキ/PATISSERIE SADAHARU AOKI PARIS】
http://www.sadaharuaoki.com/
Wow, they have a shop in Paris,too!
They are now preparing online shop to all over the world!
Add　3-4-1Marunouchi Chiyodaku Tokyo

【テオブロマ/Theobroma】
http://www.theobroma.co.jp/top.html
Baked cake is so tasty! It has many branch shop in department store!
Add 1-14-9 Tomigaya Shibuyaku Tokyo
Tel 03-5790-2181

【イデミ・スギノ/Idemi Sadao】
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/cake/net/tokyo/idemi/idemi.htm
Patissier Hidemi Sugino is very famous, who has broadcasted on popular TV program. You have to line for a long time.
Add 3-6-17 Kyobashi Chuouku Tokyo
Tel 03-3538-6780

I just listed a few stores I know.
Sometimes you feel hard to find the shops like above if you don't live in Japan.
Then I reccomend to go to department store as Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi, Isetan and Odakyu, and you will find many sweet sores in basement floor usually!

ASIMO

2006-09-28T12:37:00.000+09:00

Do you know ASIMO?
My co-worker has brought to some cookies of ASIMO. He is a humanoid robot which is able to go upstairs. As for myself, I had seen his walking once before in some kind of show. Do you know he is Japanese ???? He is produced by Japanese automobile manufacture HONDA, and still been getting improvement.

He is named ASIMO with meaning of "Advanced Step in Innovative MObility". We have another meaning in Japanese.
in Japanese
Asi means "legs"
mo means "too,also"

According to the official web site, he is tuning &years old on this coming Oct31. In Suzuka he gonna have a birthday Party!! When I was a kid, on 21th century I would imagine Robots could do anything as human, for example doing homework insted of me, hehehe. Now still we have many things which only human can do.

ASIMO official web site in English
ASIMO official web site in Japanese

WATER

2006-09-15T18:03:00.000+09:00

When I was a kid, I used to drink tap water without any care. Nowdays I rarely drink tap water, if possibele it is because I grow up in a countryside, and now living in Tokyo. I don't remember since when I started to buy bottle water insted of drinking tap water. The other day on TV I got information of the one bottle water which is the very tap water of Tokyo. It sounds fanny???

Accoding to that program 20-30years ago in Tokyo, the tap water is said "Not tasty!!", although it is clean enough. So the authority have been stressed on the taste as well as quality. The bottle water which I mentiond above are sold well as a souvenior. I have never tried that, since they are sold in limit places. If I found it , I want try it. Yes but it must be the same taste with tap water......

The other day I found "FUJI Mineral water" in a starbucks. It says they are sold since 1929, contains a lot of minerals. The package is so cute!!!

Just water, but water......

Americanized "Japanese food" by Japanese

2006-08-25T13:18:00.000+09:00

Like a riddle ?????

The other day I hanged out with my friend, we found the beautiful rolls at the department store. We decided to buy them so quickly , it was so delicious.

Sushi is originally Japanese food. I think many people know about it.

But those colorfull rolls like califolnia rolls are made by people　in U.S.A. When I went to a Japanese restaurant in other country , to my surprise they have many kind of these roll. Some is beyond the Japanese sense, for example fish with seafood.

Recently some place in Japan they serve these kind of sushi roll as well as original sushi rolls. But the shop I found in the department store sell only those colorful rolls. It is interesting American people made new taste of Japanese sushi , which reimport to Japan. Sushi is already global food, isn't it???

Natsubate but time to be healed

2006-08-25T11:31:00.000+09:00

It's been a long time since my previous post, how are you all doing? Some of you might be worry about me during my long absense from this blog, at first I couldn't post because of ill. But after getting over, I didn't feel like to do anything. Why??
I am sure it's because of "Natsubate".

Natsu means summer in Japanese.
Bateru is a kind of slung word means "got exausted"

Every year the weather of Japanese summer is making me feel very tired. Especially the difference of tempreture of inside or outside building. It is more than 30c degrees outside , Inside like my working place it is so cold by air conditioning system.

This year rainy season called "tsuyu" is longer than usual, so it suppporsed to be shorter summer , I think, but still we have hot and humid summer.

Although I have been suffering from "Natsubate" during summer, the other day I got time to be healed. Thank you for my friends Aime san, Rey san, Ami san and Megan san, I could joinen the healing party. I had great healthy meal - I loved the cheezecake, got massage -feel relaxes so much, facial treatment - such a luxuary time, and finally I did Yoga outside. I am sure my body is very delighted.

Sometimes I feel less enjoyable this humid summer , but I really want to enjoy the rest of this summer;)

tanabata

2006-07-06T17:07:00.000+09:00

Tommorrow is 7th of July, many Japanese wish it will be a beautiful wether , especially at night , because we have a fairly tale as follows.

******
Once upon a time a beautiful woman lived in the bank of the Milky Way which shined in a night sky, her name was Orihime , and a daughter of an Lord of the Heaven. She followed orders of her father ,and worked very hard as a weaver every day.

As for the cloth which Orihime weaved, it was wonderful, and the Lord of Heaven admired her working.But to his pity, the daughter worked too hard to spend time for herself- like putting on her make up, and dating with a boy friend.

So he decided to let her marry Hikoboshi who was also hard worker ,lived in the west of the Milky Way ,and a cattleman . Then Orihime and Hikoboshi began new life in this way.

However, after their marriage , they were enjoying everyday, actually it was too much, they didn't work any more. At first the Lord of Heaven let them do, but finally he got angry, and said to them to live separately - made Orihime live in the one side of Milkyway ,and Hikoboshi live in another side. And the lord of Heaven said to them "If you work very hard, I will let you meet at the night of 7th July "

Orihime was so sad, but decided to work very hard, Hikoboshi as well.

However, when it rains on July 7 when two people longed for it, the volume of water of the Milky Way increases, and Orihime cannot go to the opposite bank.
*****

The father was so strict , wasn't he??? Once a year???

Now in Japan, we wish the good weather, and same time we make a wish ,writing it on small piece of paper, and hung the bamboo tree on 7th July.

So we can see the bamboo with papers in many place in Japan, there are tanabata festival in some place.

minus ion and Kamikochi

2006-07-06T10:44:00.000+09:00

Three or four years ago, the word "minus ion (actually it is japanese English, in real English it means negative ion)"　was akind of a boom If you go near waterfall, you can refresh and relax, we say it because munus ions happen naturally. It may reduce your stress. Then many products was on sale, for example bottle of water, air conditioner and so on. Actually "minus ion" is not nomenclature, is not chemically demonstrated. But now many Japanese people know this word, and recognize its function.

Last Sunday I went to the highland basin in Nagano prefecture called "Kamikochi" where is the gate of Japan Alps, sorrounded many mountains, and known as a beautiful scenery. There are some walking area ,some of them are by the river, during summer season many people go to the summer resort escaping the big city.

I am not sure about minus ion ,but surrounded the nature made me feel relax and better, although we got soaked because still it is Tsuyu(rainy season.)

Live camera in Kamikochi

Hidetoshi Nakata

2006-07-03T23:09:00.000+09:00

Hidetoshi Nakata.... He is a very famous football player, actually my favoriteI mentinoned about him sometimes on this blog. Today,, just 2hours ago we got a news which made me so shocked and sad. On his official website, he anounced his retirement as a player. Many people thought he might retire Japanese national team, but never expected he decided to retire. On TV news program the news has been treated as a breaking news.

He is the very first football player who play in Europe for the first time. Since he was a junior high school student, he has been always a member of national team of his generation. He is so stoic and so severe to himself, sometimes to the other players, that's why he sometimes seemed to be isolated. But most of his fan -including me have been support him, and on his side. After the match vs Brasil on FIFA world cup more than 50000 emails were sent to his website.
He is so smart as well as he is a great player, the way of his doing something is always cool. He can speak many languages so fluently, he is engaged in management of one Japanese sweets manufacture.

I am really sad, and to my pity, I never seen his play at the studium. Many people think it too early to retire. But I am happy that I could have been watching his play. I want to say Thank you and Good luck to him.

http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060703p2a00m0sp025000c.html

It was the first time ....and Okonomiyaki!

2006-06-29T11:25:00.000+09:00

Hi, thank you for reading this blog from all over the world!
The other day I had great time. Guess what??? I saw some people who read this blog. It was the first time to see somebody whom I know by the internet. Even Japanese people, I have never saw anyone. She sometimes left her comments on this blog from Cambodia . She came to Japan as a business trip. I saw her and her co-worker in Tokyo, and we had dinner together. I felt little nervous at first, but it was so fun. Just two hours meeting, but we talked a lot,as if we knew each other before. Hope they spent a good time in Japan, and they like here. I feel like I wanna to go Cambodia to see them and Angkor Wat. Anyway I have a long list where I want to go. hehehe!!!

Well at that time we ate Okonomiyaki in popular restaurant"Sometarou" Asakusa. So I will write about this food today!!!
Okonomiyaki is a kind of Japanese style pancake which is basically made of flour and cabbage. The word "okonomi" means as you like, and "yaki " means cook. , literally you just cook what you like. You can add whatever you like, for me I like to add cheeze, seafood, mochi (rice cake) etc .

Actually there are some way to make okonomiyaki , but the majorities are two ways from Osaka prefecture and Hiroshima.

My mother was grew up in Kobe which is next to Osaka, she would cook very often when I was a kid, so I love it , too. At home I cook by a frying pan or hotplate. When you go to the Okonomiyaki restaurant , you would be seated aroud the table with a teppan. I could find some recipe by internet. If you wanna eat, you can!!! it is very easy.

okonomiyaki recipe
about Osaka-style
tokyo foodpage
japan guide com

Sayonara samurai

2006-06-23T14:06:00.000+09:00

For us, FIFA world cup was done early this morning. Many of Japanese were wishing "Miracle in Dortmund, Germany",it just finished. Even though Japanese football level is getting up, but still far away from world level.

I just wanted to write Thank you to Zico Japan, am looking forward to 2010 in South Africa.

Japan national football team

New taste

2006-06-23T11:29:00.000+09:00

By the other post I introduced kit kat ujikintoki flavor. I found kit kat new taste in stores. It is suprising Nesle Japan's creative power. They are making new taste one in a few mouth- even though they are seasonal.　I wonder they are thinking about new ided always. Here we are.....

This is Azuki taste. Azuki is the name of one kind of beans, in Japan usually we use them for japanese sweets for example as Anko(sweet beans paste)Japanese people love these stuff. To be honest, I don't care for Anko so much. Anyway it is sounds interesting.

Wow, this is brandnew taste. Universal Studio Japan 5th anniversary version "Wishing upon a star" Sounds Romantic. I haven't tasted it either. It is designed like the Milky Way which is known as a Amanogawa in Japan. We have a traditional story of Amanogawa , I will post about it on someday soon.

Do you wanna try them???

ap bank

2006-06-23T10:50:00.000+09:00

It is natural for me to be here, at times I have to think I am lucky to be born in this country, and on this time, although usually it is not so easy to think about these things. So many people who have power -like movie star, artist often start movement for something.

For example, Audrey Hepburn worked for UNICEF for Child Protection. The song "We Are The World " is famous for the charity.

Now there is a nonprofit financial iorganization named "ap bank" (it is not a bank formally, is a kind of loan supplier) which furnishes projects for various environmental safeguard such as a natural energy, energy saving in low interest, because it not only one time charity, make the activities keep to the future.

It was founded by Japanese very famous artists, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Takeshi Kobayashi , and Kazutoshi Sakurai.

Why am I writing about ap bank today? I mentioned before sometimes I am a BIG fan of Japanese pop group Mr.Children , Kazutoshi Sakurai is the vocalist of it.

"ap bank" has anounced they will have a live events "ap bank fes'06" this coming summer, which is held to let people know their activities through their music , and to make people have a prompt, trigger. Not only themself , but also many artists who are sympathized the idea will join the live festa. Needles to say, all profit will be used for the ap bank.Last year they did the same event " ap bank fes'05" which was so successful.

The other day I watched Mr.Sakurai's interview. He said he started thinking after he got a baby. For his kids and all kids he thought he had to do something which he can do.

Fortunately a few days ago I got a ticket of 60000 of that event. All artists are very famous here, it was so hard to get it. Of course I am so happy I will be able to listen their songs there.(Actually I was jumped with joy when I got a ticket.)But not only that I want to get something by going that event. I will write after the event.

National Diet

2006-06-22T14:39:00.000+09:00

The other day I had a chance to go to the National Diet Building. Wow. Sounds interesting ? Or boring???? ;) I had to go nearby on my job, and I had a plenty of free time, actually I had to kill my time, Suddenely I hit on my short field trip to the National Diet Building.

In Japanese we call it "Kokkai gijido". I watched many times on TV , and saw from car window, but never been. There are HOUSE of Councillors and HOUSE of Representatives of the Diet Japan.

Basically it is said to open to everybody, so on weekdays everybody can join the on e hour visitor tour, A tour guide took the public gallery , the Emperor's room, the imperial family's room , Central hall, the front courtyard , and so on. In most of place they are not allow to take pictures. It was a not fun , but interesting.
To my surprise, there is a room which is locked , and never used before. Guess what for the room???? It is a bathroom for Emperor. He ocassionally comes to the National Diet Building , but he always stays there only 20-30minutes.So it has never been used.

theme restaurants

2006-06-14T17:50:00.002+09:00

The post about "MOE" and "maid cafe" I wrote the other day was attentioned by more people than I thousht, I decided to introduce some more funny or interesting place to eat. They are actually theme restaurants like "Planet Halliwood", "Reinforest Cafe", and so on.

*NINJA restaurant Maybe as you know Ninja is a kind of spy long time ago. There is a restaurant which has a theme of "Ninja" in Tokyo. In fact, I never been there, but one of my friend used to work as a part time job. She said it is quite expensive, but so enjoyable.

*VAMPAIRE CAFE This cafe is thought as a Doracula castle. The seats' name is a little bit scarely like "VICTIM","CROSS","COFFIN" etc.

*ALCATRAZ E.R+According to the web, it is a colaboration of the famous prison Alcatraz and hospital. The name of menu are also creative, for example, "Nurse call course", "Emergency opelation."

*The Lockup I have been there. It is like a prison, when I went to there, policeman came to arrest me with cuffs, and it was fun to see the show.

Do you have somthing funny place to eat in your country as above?

SAMURAI BLUE 2006

2006-06-12T14:39:00.000+09:00

Wow, I am so excited. I can't wait, too. Because of the FIFA world cup Germany. Tonight we will have hottest night to enjoy the our very first match versus Australia. As people in many countries, here in Japan many people have been looking forward the game.(To my pity, it is impossible for me although.) Many Japanese have been or will go to Germany, I read one article of some people who quit their job to go there. Wow.

As I wrote several times before, I like to watch sports. Tonight I won't be able to leave from TV absolutely. To be honest I am planning to watch the game by Huge screen in Saitama stadium. But after the game we will miss the final train to my room. we decided to give up. It is a pity.

This year they use the slogan "SAMURAI BLUE 2006". The other day I went to the park for supporters which called "Samurai blue park" . Like these photos. there are so many stuff which is concerned Japan team.

Less than 7 hours to kick off at Kaiserslautern's Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Germany. My heart is beating :)

Tsuyu started 3 days ago.

2006-06-12T13:27:00.000+09:00

Tsuyu started 3 days ago. We have rainy season calld "Tsuyu(or sometimes Baiu)" in June in Japan. According to the wether forecast. it has started 3days ago. Gloomy day ... I never heard somebody who likes Tsuyu. Very humid and umconfortable. On avarage it will continue for 3weeks - 1month.
Only one good thing is to be able to enjoy many colored hydrangea.
In Hokkaido- nothern island in Japan - no rainy season. I wanna escape to Hokkaido.

I heard before hydrangea is mostly in Japan. Am I right????

the culture of MOE~~~~~~~~~

2006-06-06T17:40:00.000+09:00

Have you ever heard the word "MOE"? It is a Japanese slung which shows affection to someting or someone cute. Now it is the popular word to many people especially young people, but at first the people who are called "Otaku" who are so addicted to the cartoon, game has start using the word "MOE".

Akihabada have been famous as a electrical town where you can find many PC shops, electrical shops. Now Akiba -sometimes to be shorten-is the center of Otaku and MOE culture.

There are some place called "Maid kissa" in Akihabara,which is the coffee shop and the waitresses disguise as a maid . As you get in those shops ,they would say "Welcome home, Master" with their sweet voice. In fact it is a big boom in Akihabara.
[maid]

Now the many kinds of shop clarks disguse as a maid besides coffee shop.
It was the first time to see those culture there, even though I knew by TV Show. It is chaos, I could find it I feel I am in another country. I know this place is known as a electrical town to foreigners, but there is another culture here, although for me it was weired!
[maid T-shirt]

[this sign said "maid is on duty today"]

Addition on 06/30/06
I just found the website of Butler cafe in shibuya , where all butler are foreiner we can talk and get service in English. Should I try???

Photos of wedding

2006-06-06T16:13:00.001+09:00

As I mentioned before, I went to the my friend's wedding party. I was thinking for a while what I would dress on the day. At last I decide to put my kimono on. Recently not so many people wear kimono, many couple prefer the wedding at charch with wedding dress. But this time my friend had a very Japanese style wedding , I decided.

[backshit of bride]
It was Japanese style, she put on old hair style wig with wearing special kimono called Uchikake.

[Decent dishes in the wedding party]
Japanese cuisine. They uses special food have a feeling that something good is going to happen. The color of dish is so nice, isn't it?

[me in kimono]
This kimono is called Frisode which has long sleeves for unmarried woman.

Tsukiji fish market

2006-06-06T15:47:00.000+09:00

Saturday morning very early,most poeple is sleeping. But here in Tsukij is busy and lively with smell of fish. Thanks for the instruction of junior of the popular sushi restaurant, I could know the finest shop in the market, some history and some tips.

After 2hours study tour of Tsukiji, we arrived the popular sushi restaurant called "Daiwazushi" which is one of my friend's reccomendation, there at least you have to wait 30minute to get your seats. Look at these pictures of Sushi.

ummm Yummy. I am happy and I think lucky , born in a country that has Sushi culture.

Yokohama baseball night

2006-06-06T13:59:00.000+09:00

Last weekend, for me it was full of joy and excitement. although I have been too tired to write this blog....When I am exausted, to do something in English is quite tough.....

Anyway
I went to watching baseball game in Yokohama studium, where the base of Yokohama Baystars of Central League . We have two leasues here , each has six teams. Usually they only have games with the team from same league, but it has started inter-league game. So I could have a chance to see my favourite Hawks' game in Yokohama.Yeah ! I have been to the Yokohama studium. but it was not for baseball, for live concert of my favourite Japanese pop group Mr.children.

The day I went there is just anniversary of Yokohama port, I could see many small stand shops much more than usual. At 6 o'clock young actress Maki Horikita threw put the first pitch at that game. WOW, it was the first time!

During game as we had seaats in Baystars side, I was cheering Hawks in my haert. I have been to the baseball games twice in Tampa , FL. I thought the way of cheering is quite different. Especially in outfield bleachers. Many fan was singing thier cheering songs with their gestures. Sometimes using with Japanese drums. It was fun to see them, but what's more-, my american friends who were dancing , yelling , high fiving with everyone stood out so much among the crowd!!!!!!!!!!

The game was exciting to see it by the end, but at the end two umpires made different judges. A couple of fans came down to the ground with anger, because they couldn't satisfy a final judge which made baystars lost absolutely.

It is true , at last I feel weird , even I am fan of hawks. but including this I could enjoy with my friends:)

For summer

2006-05-25T22:14:00.000+09:00

Recently I feel summer is coming soon. I can see many magazines which features on summer events like fireworks festivals.(They are so many, really great.) I found many ad of Yukata(informal kimono.) I have my own , but I found very cheep one , I always want new color. With wering yukata , to go to fireworks festivals is very typical Japanese summer.

I saw many new designed swimsuits in the departments store.

And I found many snack tasted ice shavings like this kitkat!

I didn't try them yet, because it is brandnew taste which is named "Ujikintoki milk flovour". Uji is a kind of Macha, and kintoki is sweet beans paste. It is Japanese taste , I want to know how my American kitkat freak friend think it.

In fact I don't like hot hot hot, but in summer we have many chance to enjoy that.
(although I hate mosquitos!!!)

rain and rice

2006-05-25T21:30:00.000+09:00

It was so lovely day today! Something weird this year. Because usually May is good weather. But after Golden week, it has been bad wether, I mean , rainy and cloudy , excpet a few days like today.We have a rainy season from middle of June to July normally. But I feel it has already "Tsuyu(rainy season)" came. Sometimes so humid!!

According the TV news, the hours of daylight is much less than usual, so it may cause failure in the crop like rice.Actually the price if vegitable is getting high, and We have to worry about rice. When I was a high school student, Rice was scanty harvest one year. The price of rice was getting higher, in many place like school they use rice from Thailand. It didn't last long. But rice is the most important food for us, and only food we can do self-supporting. I hope this weird weather stop soooon!

wedding +kimono

2006-05-23T15:18:00.000+09:00

I am invited my friend's wedding party next week. I am so happy, but I have to prepare many things, I am a bit busy right now. On Jamuary I attended another friensd's wedding, so I already wrote something about Japanese wedding.

As follows,

oshugi
wedding+Furoshiki
more about wedding

Well, I am thinking to dress Japanese kimono this time, I didn't decided yet , but maybe maybe.... So I will write some about kimono and japanese wedding from now on.

Fitst of all, putting on kimono is not easy, actually it is difficult. To my pity,I can't do by myslf- although I can wear yukata which is informal one by my self. I think not many people can wear kimono by theirselves. There are some classs and schools which show us how to wear it, I want to learn some day. So if I decide to wear kimono on my friend's wedding party, I have to ask somebody to make it... and it is quite expensive depends on the place. I have just checked the price, in ceremony hall it costs 12600yen, and in hair salon it costs 8400-9500yen. Expensive,isn't it??? And If I put on kimono, it is better to put my hair up. If I ask it also , it would cost more. Anyway to attend wedding digs into my purse.

THE DA VINCI CODE

2006-05-22T17:57:00.000+09:00

Needles to say , it is a famous novel.
I don't have to write the story on this blog, because everyone knows at least plot.

I have just finish reading the novel. At first I was trying to read in English, but the story is too complicated, and sometimes French words made me confuse, so I gave up English one , and change to Japanese one:).

I enjoyed reading, but somehow I couldn't understand... I think it is because of the value of religion. Many people have some problem like me in Japan, I guess. In foreign country when I am asked what is my religion, it is hard to answer always.

On new year's day I go to syrines, on chiristmas day I go to chapel, but we have one event which is called "hichi go san" in temple, many people have a wedding party in charch. I went to the Catholic kindergarten and Protestant university. But I am Not a christian. When I die someday, my family would have a Buddist style ceremony.

When I talk about religion with foreiner, I care always. Because I know for many people the religion is most part of their life. THE DA VINCI CODE is very interesting to me as a novel, but found difficult attitude of religion.

Tamago kake Gohan

2006-05-22T16:10:00.000+09:00

I like to eat "Tamago kake gohan" as a breakfast. I was looking for the English word of "Tamago kake gohan". But it might be waste of time. Because many people won't accept it.

Tamago means egg in English.
Gohan means rice in English.
Kake is the short word of Kakeru which means baste in English.

Can you guess what is Tamago kake Gohan like?

I can say it is rice mixed with raw egg and soy sauce.
Like these pictures.

I know in many countries they don't have any custom to eat raw eggs. Actually when I was in another country, I never ever eat raw eggs.

But in Japan "Tamago kake gohan" has a long history , many fans and great power. According to the wikipedia, Mr. Kishida (1833-1905)who was a writerof army was the very first man ate it. There is a kind of soy sause only for it. Last yeat the symposium of it was held in Shimane prefecture. In Ryokan(Japanese style inn) it is often prepared for a part of breakfast.

Needless to say, salmonella are sometimes found in eggs, I can't recommend this way of eating on this blog, But just don't surprise if you see some Japanese eat "tamago kake gohan" in front of you in Japan!

about smoking

2006-05-12T16:46:00.000+09:00

I don't smoke, I don't like the smell of the cigarette. So it is nothing with me, but I read an article of raising price of cigarettes on July. I think still much cheeper than in Europe, JT (Japan Tobacco) which have a monopoly to sell cigarettes have decided to reise the price all kinds about 10yen -30yen per box. It will be harder time for who love or are addicted to smorking.

When I was a kid, my father used to smoke a lot, and it is allowed to smoke anywhere. But since about 10years before, the place have been limited, some place have been prohibited smorking. For example, some place in Tokyo, walking with smorking ins prohibiting. Now my father had stopped smorking already for his health.

As I mentioned, even I don't like smell, especially in restaurants. Sometimes smell mekes taste bad. I know in Florida, Smorking in restaurants is prohibited. I wish we have same rule here.

one month to be excited

2006-05-12T16:15:00.000+09:00

Just one months after, I mean , 12th of June, I am sure we will be so excited here in Japan because of FIFA world cup in germany. On that day we will have a match vs Austraria as s Japanese first match.

Recently I saw many place decorated by the national team uniforms , otherwise blue the color of the our uniform. I am not a BIG fan of football, but I like to watch the national team playing. These couple years, some Japanese player play in Europe, thanks to them, the level of Japan team is raising. In few days, the player who can go to Germany will be announced. Day by day we can have more and more information in the team. It must be a fun, on the other hand I feel always nerbous;)

Four years ago, as the time of World cup in korea, Japan was holding, much to my disapointed , I wasn't in Japan. So I couldn't watch enough on TV. That's why this time I want to enjoy cheering them.

Nakata -he is a very famous foot ball player who have been playing in europe for many years. I like him playing. but not only his play, but also his way of thinking is so cool. He have his web page which is translated in English, Chinise, and Korean.
To read his mail is fun, too.

Coming up world cup, I hope Japanese team will do their best. I can't wait!!!

Nakata.net

Good idea.

2006-05-10T23:13:00.000+09:00

In Japan there are soooo many automatic vending machine, actually everywhere. They are so useful. When I go to other country, I always feel we have so many, because it is not so easy to find one in overseas.

In Tohoku area, at one university, one unique vending machine was set. Usually in Japan the price of 350mm can juice is 110yen. When you buy the drink, the change can be collection for a charity by just only pushing one botton. you can select 10yen or 100yen to contribute. It is so good idea, isn't it???

tickets price in TDR

2006-05-10T12:39:00.000+09:00

My short golden week have gone already,no more vacation.... no time to go somewhere. So I will show some recent news in Japan.

Yesterday I read about article of Tokyo Disney Resort(Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea). They are going to raise of price of entrance tickets in Autumn. I feel still a bit expensive present price.

1-Day Passport in TDR
Adult(ages 18 &over) ¥5,500 →¥5,800
Junior(ages 12-17) ¥4,800 →¥5,000
Child (ages 4-11) ¥3,700 →¥4,000

Compared with other park, it is a bit expensive. I like Disney land so much , but can't go so often, as I don't remember when I went to there last time. Not only tickets problem, but also the big crowd in TDR make me hesitate to go there. To take one attraction , waiting more than 1 hour is usual!!! But still I wanna go there , it is so contradicting honestly.

Tokyo Disney Resort

Ramen

2006-05-08T02:15:00.000+09:00

"Ramen" is noodle soup originally from China, but after coming to Japan. The taste of Ramen noodle has got changed. Now there are some kinds of Ramen in Japan. Those are classified by the bloth which is very diffferent depend on regions. Typical tastes are Miso(soy bean paste) ,Shio(Salt), Tonkotsu(Porkbone), and Syoyu(soy sauce).

Speaking of Japan Best3 Ramen, Sapporo ramen(in Hokkaido),Kitakata ramen(in Kitakata)and Hakata Ramen(in Fukuoka). I like Hakara ramen which is used Tonkotsu bloth. Because Fukuoka is my hometown, I grew up ,eating Tonkotsu ramen.
In Hakata Fukuoka , you can see many food stalls at night. They are called "Yatai " in Japanese. Fukuoka is well known to Yatai.They are small, maybe about 10people is maximam.But atomosphere is so good, you can feel at home .Yatai in fukuoka serve Ramen usually,and maybe Gyoza(chinise dumpling), Odenand this like.

The other day I went to Yatai, and ate Ramen and Gyoza. I show you some photos.

Japanese love Ramen so much, I think. Because there is a Ramen museum in Yokohama where I never been to. There are many books on Ramen shop which are described detail of Ramen. I know there are some men who are writing only Ramen-actually they are called ramen writer-,eating Ramen every day. Instant cup noodle was created by Japanese about 40years ago.

Full of Flowers

2006-05-07T19:33:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I went to Kuju Flower Park in Oita prefecture. As you can see, I saw many many flowers. The pink ones are called "Shibazakura" in Japanese. I have just checked my dictionary, I guess "ground pinks" is the flower name in English. These are the very flowers I wanted to see so much. There is a park named Yozan park in Saitama prefecture next to Tokyo. Since I watched Shibazakura in Yozan park on TV , I really wantetd. The color of that pink made me attaracted!! I think Kuju Flower Park is smaller than Yozan Park. But still I was so satisfied:)Besides Shibazakura I saw many flowers like Tulips and snapdragons.

Kuju flowers park open spring to autumn in the high plains, Aso kuju national park which is surrounded full of nature, you can see many mountains, there are some cattle run farm, so you can taste fresh milk and icecream. I really enjoyed the time in that park, just to my pity, I didn't taste icecream.

Downroad the pamphlet of Kuju flower park

Sushi in the fish market

2006-05-05T20:23:00.000+09:00

Today I woke up very early. For what? The answer is to eat sushi. I went to Karato fish market near Shimonoseki Station in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Look ,the picture of Sushi. "Neta(the slice of fish)" are so big, so beautiful because they are so fresh!

Early morning they are having fish auction sale, after a while they start to sell Sushi ,Sashimi, fried fish and this like. They pass the plastic plate, and you just pick what you want to eat.

Today is a national holiday (holiday for children), there were so many people. Many people include us sat in waterfront. Smelling the salt of ocean ,and eating so fresh sushi was so extaraordinary. Actually Shimonoseki is very famous for Fugu(Pufferfish)which is very expensive kind of fish in Japan. So I had Fugujiru(Pufferfish miso soup),too. The bloth of Fugu is so delicious.

Next month I am going to Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo. It must be so pleasure,too.

Shimonoseki Karato Fish Market (japanese only)

Hakata Dontaku

2006-05-04T23:12:00.000+09:00

These photos show "Hakata Dontaku Port Festival" which I went to see today. "Hakata" is the place name where in central Fukuoka, Northern Japan. The word "Dontaku" is original came from the word "zondag" that meand holiday in Dutch. This festival is taken place on May 3rd and 4th every year, it is one of the most biggest event during Goldenweek. Actually according TV news, it was said that more than 2 million people would be there.

There were so many people by the street to see the parade which about 400 groups(16000people)joined.

Hakata Dontaku

"Omiyage" in Tokyo -Haneda-Airport

2006-05-04T21:49:00.000+09:00

Very big "Dorayaki(bean-jam pancake )"

Japanese pickeles.

Syumai (Chinese Dumpling) is very famous in Yokohama next to Tokyo
marron glace...like this sweets, there are so many kinds of sweets!

Kit Kat Tokyo Exotic Version

Omiyage

2006-05-02T16:44:00.000+09:00

"Omiyage" is one of the Japanese culture. It is difficult to translate that word exactly , but we can use the word souvenir ,or present in English.

For example, when I go traveling somewhere , I will buy something-maybe some swees like cookies -for my co-workers, especially if I had a day off for the traveling, I will DEFINITLY buy something. Or if it was a bussness trip, I will. Needless to say, not only for co-workers, but also for family members and friends.
This is one of the using way of the word "Omiyage".

And when I am invited to somebody's house , especially when it is for dinner, I will bring something. with thanking for the invitation. This is also "Omiyage".

I don't know exactly when , but it has been for long ages , that's why "Omiyage" is culture, like a custom, could be a tradition.

This is one reason Tokyo Disney Resort have been successfull in Japan. There are so many kinds of souvenirs which let us want buy, and I can see many people have very big bags on the way to their home. I heard before the sales of merchandising in Tokyo Disney Resort is so good, compare with Disneyland Paris.

Now as I mentioned before, it is Golden week. Many people buy for "Omiyage" everywhere. Actually here the variety of Omiyage are sold. Yes many kinds! As for me , I like choosing some "Omiyage" with thinking of somebody whom I will give it. Tonight I am going to the airport, if I have a time I will take photos of souvenier shops.

Baumkuchen

2006-05-02T12:52:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I ate very delicious Baumkuchen!!! You know, it is well known in Europe, a kind of layered cake. Here in Japan it is quite popular I think.

You may think I am always eating something sweet or delicious!! hehehe. That's right .I am a food fun! And in the office where I work, many guest come often. In Japan, we have a kind of custom that we tend to bring some souvenior or present as a Omiyage. That's why I have many chance to eat many sweets!!

The Baumkuchen I ate yesterday was moistured, had beauteiful layers, and very soft.
It is sold in Club Harie. To tell the truth, I didn't know thw name of that store, but it seems so popular in Kansai religion , because I could find many web page people who ate that Baumkuchen wrote full of praise.

feeling Japanese

2006-04-30T19:00:00.000+09:00

The second day of Golden week!! I watched many people were in airport to fly overseas on TV news. I have to work tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I went to one temple which my friend recommended before.

The name of temple I went to is "Rakanji" . It was originally founded more than 300 years ago, had more than 500 arhat statuesm although now they have about 300 statues. The expression of each statue differs one by one. Looking their various face, it was interesting.

When I was a child , I didn't care for temples, syrines and so on very much. I prefer something european. But now when I feel very calm in those place.

Next to Ralanji , there is a Japanese style tea house, I ate Japanese sweets called "Cream Anmitsu", whichi is made with sweet bean paste, jelly by seaweed,and so on.

I felt very very Japanese today!

Roll cake

2006-04-28T18:53:00.000+09:00

Among young women the cake called "Roll cake" ihave been popular since a few years before. As you can see it is rolled by sponge cake with cream. This photo of the cake I ate today was put fruits inside with pretty much cream. I ate it in "Satsuki " ,famous cake shop in Tokyo. It looks delicious , isn't it? Yes it is so delicious!!! The moment I feel happy :)

++Golden week++

2006-04-28T18:00:00.000+09:00

In Japan Golden week is starting from tomorrow. Hav you ever heard that word? It means consecutive holidays from the end of April to the first week of May. Aactually it depends on the calender of the year and companies that how many days we can get holodays.

For example , about this year
4/29...saturday, but it is also national holiday which called "Midori no hi (green day)"
4/30...sunday
5/1...May day, many companies decide the day off , even though it is not national holoday
5/2
5/3...national holiday (Constitution Day)
5/4...national holiday (holiday for the nation)
5/5...national holiday (Children's Day)
5/6...saturday
5/7...sunday

As it is difficult to take long holidays, many people go overseas.In Amusement park like Tokyo Disney resort ,Events and Festivals, it is gonnna be one of the clouded time!!!

As for me, I am flying to my hometown Fukuoka, Kyushu. I will definitly eat Ramen tonkotsu style(Japanese noodle pork bones bloth style.) Actually my hometown is famous for it! I will post it !

won-ton noodle soup

2006-04-26T17:50:00.000+09:00

Yesterday I ate won-ton noodle soup . It is originally from China, but as you may know , we can eat anything in Tokyo!!!
Won-ton is a kind of Chinise dumpling, which minched meat by wrapped a lye-water pastry, tasted with soup. I orderd with noodle, it was going to be a big portion. It was a good plain taste, but have substantial broth. Anyway I enjoyed it!!

Street performance

2006-04-26T14:20:00.000+09:00

I went to see the street performance event a few days ago. I watch a commedy, and juggling, and chinise acrobatics. It was an event which they started about
20 years ago for one of the projects to economically develop the area called "Noge" near Yokohama central. It was bigger than I thought, being closed to cars. They had to performance in the gentle sloped street, said more difficult than usual. We had to sit on the asphaltic street, my feet went to sleep. I saw some people who brought their own chair!!! Oh it is good idea.

commedy
He acted commedy by hisself, his gesture made people laugh.

Juggling
Juggler was an American man who can speak Japanese so well that people was so attracted.He juggled taking a big unicycle, and using with chain saw and fire.

Chinise acrobatics
Their body is amazing. So flexible. The girl is just 13 years old. Unbelivable.

the traveling dinner

2006-04-26T13:27:00.000+09:00

I was invited "the traveling dinner." When I heard the word for the first time. I didn't have no idea. It is a kind of fun game, eating different stuff(appeteizer,salad, smain, desert )at a different home. Have you ever heard that???

Thank you for great organising of my friend Aime, everything was perfect!! Everytthing I ate was so tasty. oishi-:) I guess she had prepared it for a long time.

appetizer at Rey's house
chicken and pistachio roll slice
Smorked salmon Mousse
Cheese and Crackers
Appetizer looked so gorgeous, and beautiful. Needless to say, they were so delisious. I also liked the drink which mixed with absolute vodka ,chanpagne ,and peach juice. For me , salmon mousse was best.

salad at Katrina's house
Waldorf Sald with Lentils and pine Nuts
Mediterranean Salad with Albacore Tuna
Those tho kinds of salad are good ,too. The flovour of green apple matched dressing well. I usually don't eat salad so much, but at that time I ate a lot. The one of the dressing was so creamy and rich that I could'nt stop eating.

main at Aime's house
American BBQ hot dogs and hamburgers
Just like I was in the food court in WDW. We made own original burgurs and hotdogs. Me? I put plenty of the sliced avocado and very big humburger. It was too big to bite it actually, ummm yummy.

desert at Inge's house
Keylime cheeze cake
pinaple upside down cake
Apple nuts cake (To my pity, I don't remember exact name.)
biscotti
tea and coffee
After you feel full stomach, still if you can eat sweet deseet. In Japan we use the expression we have another stomach for something sweet. It was very such a time at Inge's house. I had had enough before desert, but I enjoy the Shelly's desert so much that I requested the her desert recipe. I wanna make it!!

Look at those wonderful pictures of food!!! It was great. They treated us generously. And it was soooo good experience to see many houses. Each home has good atomsphere, decolated so well. I want to imitate their good sense.
I really want to thank those who gave me such a wonderful time.
Arigato---- On the way to home, everybody looked soooooooo happy;)

p.s.
When I am writing in English, I always feel the short of my vocabraries. I want to express more detail, more complicated feeing, and so on. On this post, it is difficult to show how much I enjoyed, thank them, how tasty the food was .It is pity, isn't it?

the power of SNS

2006-04-21T17:24:00.000+09:00

The other day I felt the power of SNS(Social Networking Site).

The biggest SNS in Japan is called "mixi", and the number of member is more than 3000000 , and still getting bigger. I am one of the member of mixi, joining many community which is the group the people have same hobby, same idea, or same character.

One of the communities I am joining is "the person who often lose something". There are more than 40000 members, and usually many people leave funny messeges or comments. For example, "I left my wallet in frige.", "I am always loosing a ticket in the train", and so on. Actually it is fun to read.

But about one week ago , a woman left serious message.
"I lost my doggie"
She wrote information of her dog, and detail of the situation.

After that many people left their comments to encotage, to help , or to be worrying. After a few days passed , one person point out another person's diary which said " we have a lost dog , we are looking for the owner otherwise....the dog might be taken to the public health center . "

Guess what?? The dog was the one a woman was lookinf for.
Now the owner took her dog to her house. She wrote her dog was fine at last, and thank you so much to everybody.

I was reading this whole story everyday , I was moved to tears.

Matcha

2006-04-21T16:54:00.000+09:00

Matha means green powdered tea in Japanese. I like green tea stuff ,and I have introduced some green tea stuff so far on this blog. Yesterday I found a big ad of Matcha in the Starbucks. It said "REDISCOVER THE WORLD OF MATCHA". Now they are selling matcha tea latte and matcha cream feappuccino. Matcha make us feel spring!

In fact I found Matcha shake in McDonald, too. It is a seasonal!!

Starbucks Coffee Japan

Harumi Kurihara

2006-04-19T15:42:00.000+09:00

Last night as there were avocado and chicken in my fridge, I decide to make Teriyaki Chicken with avocado sause. It was so tasty. I sometimes eat teriyaki chicken, and I like avocado. But I have never tried those two together.

That recipe I cooked was written by Harumi Kurihara. I can say she is one of the very famous and popular housewife in Japan, like Martha Stewart in U.S.A. Her recipe book have been sold a lot. Her dishes are very modan, but simple to cook. Like Teriyaki Chicken with avocado sause which I cooked last night, it is not typical traditional Japanese recipe. But she creates so many stylish Japanese dishes.

In 2004 she won the grand prize of the 2004 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards by her recipe book "Harumi's Japanese cooking" published in U.K. among more than 5000 books.

I sometimes am asked how to cook Japanese dishes. It is one good way to read her book:)

Harumi's Japanese Cooking

Doraemon

2006-04-14T16:27:00.000+09:00

Do you know "Doraemon"? I can say he is one of the japanese national hero. He is a blue cat-typed robbot from the 22nd century. He is a character from the manga and animation by Fujiko Fujio. It has already 25 years passed since his very first movie shown. I think you can't find the people who doesn't know about him in Japan, especially under my generation. I heard the animation has been imported to the all over the world. So some of you know him.

Last spring they changed all main characters's dubbing artists, including Doraemon himself. It was a very big news and so shock for everyone. Since then I haven't watch any animation s of Doraemon. Before he had such a characteristic voice that we could figure out easily since the animation had started on the air.

The other day I went to the cinema to watch Doraemon's brandnew movie. Although I like Doraemon, I hadn't watched the movie for a many years. To be honest , I think those kinds of movies are for kids. The very first movie which is so touching was remade this year, and I really liked the ending song which was singed by Japanese pop duo "sukima switch". That's why I decided to go to the cinema.

In the theater there were so many kids ,because it was on spring vacation season. I was embattassment a little bit , feeling the difference of the voices and description, compared with before. No matter how I feel about those things, the movie was so nice. It might be for kids, but I saw many adult with tear, so was I.
It was a good time to feel like being a kid.

about Doraemon

baby in me

2006-04-14T13:33:00.000+09:00

baby in me... but not myself ;) he he he
My co-worker is pregnant right now. She looks so hard to come to work every day.

The other day I heard from her about the badge which is designed for expectant woman. When you find a woman with the it in the train, it would be nice , if you can make room for her. To be honest , I never saw a woman with the badge. My co-worker said she feel ashemed a little bit to get it on.

It will take more time to be known about it ,even it is a nice idea...

IKEA

2006-04-10T16:06:00.000+09:00

IKEA........they are famous furniture stores , aren't they?
Right now there are no IKEA in Japan, but it is coming soon on 24th of this month . Many people seem to be waiting so eargly . I heard about IKEA from some of my friends who love IKEA. I have been to many countries ,but I didn't know IKEA.

The other day I had a chance to talk with man who came from Denmark, he said to me he was so happy to coming IKEA to Japan ,and IKEA have a great deal with ther employee. It's a very nice comapany.

IKEA -such a nice place? I have just check their Japanese website. Much to my surprise, what a cool stuff they have! They look so simple , but cool , and reasonable price. Especially I am so interested in the food section. They will have a nice swedish restaurant and swedish food market. We can have mearballs, sermon filet, princess tart!

I am sure I am going definitely;)

[IKEA JAPAN Website in ENGLISH]

Tegami (letters)

2006-04-06T18:05:00.000+09:00

Recently I rarely write letters , althouth I used to write letter often.

When I was a junior high school student, I had a penpal in U.K. Since I have just started learing English, it is difficult to write letters in English, so I was just trying to copy the same sentenses of the text. When I got the first letter , I was checking the stamps , envelope as well as letters. It was the first time to feel overseas. I had been to Korea before, but Korea is simlar to Japan. Whenever I found the letter from her in the mail box, -I could find out her letter soon , because she use the airmail envelopes with red and blue border -I was so excited!!!

As I entered the university in Tokyo, I wrote many letters to friends in my homtown. At first living in Tokyo by myself made me feel lonely. I made phone calls sometimes , but it was expensive. After I got used new life, I traveled many countries, I sent many postcards from outside Japan.

But nowdays email is much easier and faster to communicate. Always using computer, sometimes I can't remember the spell of chinise character. I can read it! but sometimes I can't write it .(In Japan we learned more than 2000 chinise characters at least , when we were kids!)

Yesterday I watchd one program about letters onTV. Some people think a great deal of writing letters. They choose very nice own stationeries like fountain pen and letter pad. There is a TEGAMI cafe( letter cafe ) in Kyoto , which you can spend whole day to write letters and get some nice stationeries.

I feel like writing letters to someone!

more sakura photos

2006-04-05T14:46:00.000+09:00

I took many many pictures of Sakura (Cherry blossoms) this year. I just want to show some.

ruokala lokki

2006-04-03T15:21:00.000+09:00

ruokala lokki- they are the words in Suomi which is sporken in Finland.If they are translated in English, they mean "Seagull diner".

Now the movie "Kamome syokudou(Seagull diner in Japanese)" is popular amoung young women. I have just watched it the other day. The story is not excited one, but make you feel better. Very heartwarming story.

One Japanese woman opened Kamome syokudou(Seagull diner)in Helsinki by herself. At first nobody came to her place to eat. But a Finnish young man who love Japanese cartoon came there as a first customer. After that two Japanese women, one came to Finland as a tourist and another had lost her lugguage, started to help Kamome syokudou. Those three women were having many experiences with locals. Those three Japanese actresses play the unique characters. To my happiness, I could see them in the theater, because that was the first day of show.

In the movie, Onigiri which Sachie wants to serve is introduced as Japanese soul food.It is interedting, too. You can see many Japanese food. If you are hungry, it might be heard to watch this movie.

I heard they are going to put the movie on the screen in Finland.

ruokala lokki official site in English

Yokohama fun night!

2006-03-31T16:36:00.000+09:00

Last night I went to Hard Rock Cafe in Yokohana for my friend's Birthday Party, where they offer the same taste as in U.S.A, like potate skin, nacho etc. It was very tasty, although it it impossible to eat them everyday. When I arrived there, they have already decolated the table with ballons. Cute!

I had been Hard Rock Cafe several times in Roppongi(Tokyo) and Orlando(Florida). But if my memories are collect, I never saw somebody's birthday celebrated. So yesterday
was first time. They made announcement of the birthday by monitars! Cool!

We had many, actually I don't remember ,but anyway many alcohol. Jim beam, Sauza shilver, cran-a-kazi, lemondrop....and more. It is Amrican style of celeblating , isn't it????:)

After that we went to the amusement park called Cosmo world. After having many cocktails, it is more exciting and so fun to take a ride with screaming, but It was so so cold, as if the winter came back.

It was such a wonderful night of fun!!! Happy Birthday!!!

Hana yori dango

2006-03-29T11:16:00.000+09:00

Last night I went to see another sakura(cherry blossoms) in special scienic park Rikugien. It is the waka poetry garden created in 1702.Usually they open from 9 to 5. But special season like now they open longer. At the moment a big weeping cherry tree is lighted up. It was so beautiful, and fantastic. I took many pictures as usual.

Then walking around the park, I found Dango shop in the park.. Dango is Japanese sweets which was made by the rice powder, tasted by soy sause, miso, and sweet beans.

We have one saying.
"Hana yori dango."
Hana means "flower"
yori means "than"
dango , you already know.

I have just checked my dictionary.
Similer meaning of
Praises [Fair words] fill not the belly.
Bread is better than the songs of birds.
Better fill a man's belly than his eye

Many people was enjoying their dango.
Me? Of course.