The heat wave, then Yen, "dream houses"


According to the National Weather Association last week, the hear wave is going to last another two weeks. That is longer than I expected. I thought that the heat wave would end sometime this weekend. Guess I was wrong...



And, do you remember that cafe, the "Free Cafe," on Midosuji Street in Honmachi which I wrote about a while back? You know, the one that had free rice crackers and free drinks; coffee, tea, orange juice. I wrote about it right after it opened. There was quite a buzz about the place, because it was free. Well, guess what. It is not free anymore!! When I stopped in the shop the other day, there was a big sign: "Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer able to serve the rice crackers and drinks for free." I don't know if that is what the sign said exactly, but it is something like that. As I expected, running a "free cafe" is difficult in Honmachi...

Also, the yen is very strong recently. Last week the exchange rate was around 84 yen to the dollar. In general, a strong yen is not good for the Japanese economy, especially for big export companies. But for companies which import, and some other industries like the travel industry, a strong yen is good.
Read here for some of the other companies/industries which are benefitting from the strong yen.

"Yen's spike a boon for some" (from the Japan Times)
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100822a5.html

Below are some "dream" houses from Ocean city. If the yen gets even more stronger, maybe some of you will be able to afford them!

Hikkikomori and a cute Tiger

News Update!! According to the latest edition of the Oxford Dictionary, there are some new English words. And one of them comes from Japanese. It is "Hikkikomori". Because of the prevalent use of this word in Japan to describe a phenomenon in which people become anti-social and do not leave their houses.

Here is an excerpt from the below article. There are two new words in it.
"Other new entries include "bromance," a close but nonsexual relationship between two or more men, and "staycation," a holiday or holidays spent in one's home country without going abroad. Publisher Oxford University Press also added "frenemy" — a combination of friend and potential enemy."
Look here for the full article:
"How do you say 'hikikomori' in English? Term makes latest Oxford Dictionary" (from the Japan Times)
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100821a8.html

Below is Ms. Y's new cute friend. A Tiger cub (=a baby Tiger). She is a Vet's assistant, so she has many friends in the zoo world. And one of her friends introduced her to this new fella. And, she got to hold him!!

Kume Island and Organ Donors

Good morning.
First, this is the hottest summer that I can remember in Japan. I can not believe that the heat wave has lasted so long. Recently the early morning and late evenings are a little cooler, but the high temperatures in the afternoon are still reaching 35 or 36 degrees celsius. Incredible!! And according to the weather forecast, the heat wave will continue at least to the end of this week...
So, because of all this "Hot Hot Hot" stuff, recently I daydream about going to Okinawa again and scuba diving. Mr. T went to Kume Island in Okinawa over his summer vacation and sent me these photos. Truly spectacular!!
I first went scuba diving when I lived in Australia about 17 years ago. I did 15 dives and got my Advanced Open Water license in the Great Barrier Reef. What a beautiful place to do my first dives! I was spoiled!! And then, after a 15 year blank, I went scuba diving again off of Ishigaki Osland in Okinawa 2 years ago. And while on the topic of Okinawa, did you see that the temperature in Okinawa is cooler than the temp in Osaka now...And it is not humid there, just dry and sunny!! I can't wait to go to Okinawa again.

To change the subject, recently there is a lot of news about organ donors.
Did you hear about this news?

"Family OKs organ donation in third case" (From the Japan Times)
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20100823a5.html

Are you an organ donor? I am an organ donor in America. Thus, on my driver's license, I have a organ donor sticker. I know there are various opinions, both supporting and opposing organ donors. However, I think that if we can we should try to help other people. (For example, the other day I donated some clothes to The Big Issue, a magazine for the homeless, because I hope they will be useful for some of the homeless people who sell that magazine. Have you ever bought that magazine? How about read it? If not, I recommend that you do each, at least once. You might learn something...) So, I decided to also get my organ donor card in Japan too.

Signs-Part 2

Do you understand this one? "Shirts and Shoes required"

I know it sounds silly, but down the shore many restaurants and shops have this kind of poster on the door, or in the entrance. Of course, common sense is that you must wear a shirt and shoes when you enter a shop or restaurant. But down the shore, many guys walk around with their shirts off. The walk around shirtless, without a shirt on. That's right, they reveal the beautiful chest hair and beer bellies for all to see! :)
When I was younger, I sometimes walked around outside with my short off, but as I have gotten older and wiser and more modest, I recently tend to wear a shirt at all times.
Also, down the shore, many people walk around barefoot, without any shoes on. I think Japanese people can not imagine such a thing, walking around outside with nothing on your feet, but actually at beach towns, it is quite common. In fact, I do it too.

"Breakfast Specials, Monday thru Friday except Holidays Free Coffee till 9:00AM
A) 2 eggs, Corned Beef Hash, Homefries, Toast or Bagel, w/Cream Cheese- $6.70
B) Lox, eggs and onions, homefries, Toast or Bagel, w/ Cream Cheese-$9.70"

Do you know what homefries are? How about Lox?
Which breakfast special would you choose, A or B?
When I went to the restaurant that day, I ordered B. But today I am in the mood for A.





The below is a photo of deli meat and cheese. I love deli meat-turkey breast, roast beef, corned beef, ham, salami---all Yummy:)
And I prefer my deli meat on rye bread, or wheat bread. Extra mustard, and hold the Mayo please!

Compared to Japan, the price of coffee is much cheaper in this shop. And, what do you think about the price of bagels in this shop, compared to the price of bagels in Japan?

INFO

And, before I forget. Here are the dates for the Obon-Odori Festivals.

Kitamido's Obon Odori will be held on August 19th(Fri.) and 20th(Sat.) from around 6ish to 9ish

Minamimido's Obon Odori will be held on August 27th(Fri.) and 28th(Sat.) from 6pm to 9:30pm.

If it drizzles (rains a little) the festivals will stil be held.

But if it pours(rains hard) the festivals will be cancelled.

Signs

When I went to Ocean City last month, my family and I had breakfast at a nice place. (I forget the name of the restaurant.) And, all over the restaurant, there were various signs hanging from the ceiling. Do you understand the meaning of all of the below signs?
The above photo "Bagels- $5.99, Dozens Only. While supplies last"
This means that a dozen(which means 12) bagels cost five dollars and ninety-nine cents.
"While suppiles last" means that "as long as there are bagels left/remaining, then you can buy them. But if all of the bagels sell out(=there aren't any bagels left), you are out of luck."


Do you understand what "Party Trays and Gift Certificates Available" means?

How about "Kosher meat"? Have you ever heard of this word, "Kosher," before? If you haven't, then look it up in the dictionary! Or ask me, and I will be happy to explain.

How about this one: "Breakfast Special, Monday Thru Friday 8:00AM-11:ooAM, Grilled Sticky Bun and Coffee- $3.95"

Have you ever heard of a sticky bun before?

Top 10 things I like about Summer

What's the best thing about summer in Kansai?
Read here for some comments:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20100810vf.html

My answer: I love summer. It is my favorite season. Here are the Top 10 things I like about summer in Japan.

1. The sound of the cicadas
2. Doing BBQ's by Mukogawa River near my house
3. Going to a waterfall in Nigawa and swimming in the pool under it
4. Cold noodles, for example Soumen, Soba, and "Rei-men," which is cold Chinese noodles
5. Summer festivals at Shrines, and also Obon-Odori(Dancing)
*Speaking of Obon Dancing, maybe some of you already know, but my favorite festival in Japan is Minami-Mido Kaikan's Obon Dancing festival. It is in two weeks, but I am not sure of the exact date yet. Maybe it will be held between the 23rd and the 30th of August. Before that the Kita-Mido's Obon festival will be held. That will be held on the 18th and 19th. Basically these two festivals are similar, but Kita's is a little smaller. If you can go to both, it is best. But if you can't, then I recommend you just try to go to one of them.
6. Doing small fireworks in the park as well as watching big Fireworks, for example "PL
Fireworks" or the fireworks at "Tenjin-Matsuri"
7. Watermelon
8. Sweat
9. Wearing shorts, tee-shirts, and sandals every day.
10. Cold beer at a Beer Garden. My favorite beer is Kirin Lager, but recently I have branched out, and and drinking a variety of beers.

Now, here are my Top 10 things I like about summer in America
1. Going down the shore to Ocean City and relaxing on the beach
2. Walking, cycling, jogging on the boardwalk(see below photos)
3. Summer Camp
4. Doing American style BBQ's, with cheese burgers and hot dogs in the back yard
5. Summer Phillies Baseball
6. Eating water ice
7. Corn. American Corn on the Cob is the best!!
8. July 4th, Independence Day, Fireworks and Parades
9. Taking a nap in the shade
10. Going to the outside pool

How about you? What are your top 10 things you like about summer?

"Little Brother"

Yesterday, I watched a DVD, "Otouto," which is translated to "Younger/Little Brother" in English. Tsurube, a Japanese comedian and actor, is in the movie, and he plays the "younger brother"(his role is the younger brother.) There are also some other famous actors and actresses in tha cast, but I do not remember their names. I liked the movie a lot, and it is the best Japanese movie that I have seen since I saw "The Departures (Okuribito)." Anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, I recommend it.

From today, many people begin Obon Vacation, which is basically like a summer vacation. Traditionally, it is believed that ancestors return to their family's homes during this time. During this week many people decorate their homes to greet their ancestors, or visit their ancestor's graves. What are your plans over the vacation? Are you going to do anything special?

For me, it is the same as usual. As many of you know, I took a vacation last month, so this month I am not going to go anywhere.

Below is the beach in Ocean City. Great Memories, and a great place!

Sushi-"What a treat!"

Mr. K took me out for sushi the other day. He treated me. We went to my favorite sushi restaurant, Ichiba-sushi, in Umeda. I haven't eaten sushi in a while, so I was looking forward to it. We ate a lot of delicious sushi, drank quite a few beers, and we talked seriously about Mr. K's work, his summer vacation plans, his hopes for the future, and of course we also joked around.. It was interesting and fun. And, I think it was quite expensive...so truly thanks Mr. K!! and don't worry, Next time it is my treat!!

From next Monday, for a week or two, I am going to put up many photos from my trip to Ocean City. Don't forget to check them out!!

cicadas

Every day they are screaming? singing? crying? loudly. When you hear the cicadas, what do you think they are doing?
A)Singing
B)Screaming
C)Crying
D) Other

And speaking of the cicadas, if they are out and making noise every day, then that means it is HOT!!
So, how do you beat the heat?

My Answer: I drink a lot of fluids. My drinks of choice are: mineral water, sparkling water, beer, and shochu. Also, from time to time, I have a sports drink like Pocari or Aquarius, to quench my thirst. Btw, which do you prefer Pocari sweat or Aquarius? Me, well, there is no comparison. Pocari for sure.

In addition, I take many cold showers and cold baths. I also wear shorts and short-sleeve shirts as much as possible.

Here are some other ideas:
Blast the air con.
Use a hand fan.
Use an electric fan.
Use a parasol, or wear a big hat.
Stay in the shade as much as possible.
Eat ice cream.

Read here for more ideas:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20100727vf.html



Below are more Photos from Mr. M. (refer to "Photo captions" from yesterday's blog.)

Algeria and Mr. M

Two Saturdays ago, just after I got back from America, I received an email from an old friend, Mr. M. I hadn't heard from him in over a year. I knew that he was overseas, and basically what he was up to, but it was nice to hear from him and get his latest news and see his smiling face. He looks good.
Please read his email below and look at his photos.

Dear g !
Excuse me ! long time no see.
next Nov, It will be two years from leaving .
I sometimes remember about you.
Now I am boss and have 180 worker , 10 engineer.
So you were good teacher that I can control by phone in English .
in Osaka you were very kind to us and used to go drink together.
It is good memory.
from 2010 JAN I did below
(Please note: The below photo captions are not in the same order as the photos I downloaded. Can you figure out which caption goes with which photo?)
Photo Captions:
Went to Tunisia
Went to Annaba in Algeria and bought KATSUO fish
Went to Old Roma country in Algeria
I found small lake near my house
I attended marriage party
bought fruit in Algeria
I got a small insect "FUNKOROGASHI"
I went to Roma in Italy on the way to Japan

Next month I will go back to Japan.
If I have a chance I will go Osaka

Welcome to August

It's August 2nd today. The beginning of a new month. In August, many people have a summer vacation, or Obon Holiday, in Japan. Are you planning to go anywhere or do anything?

And speaking of the summer, I am sure that August is going to continue to be hot. And when it is hot, it is important to drink a lot of fluids. How many liters of fluids (water, tea, juice, beer, whiskey, etc.) do you drink on average in a day? In the summer I drink at least 2 liters of fluids, mostly water, every day. According to Mr. M's blog which I read the other day, one of the below foods/drinks is not good fluid for you in the summer. Do you know which one it is? Beer or watermelon?

Hope everyone has a good day, and month. And take care in this heat!