Blood types

In Japan, many people are crazy about blood types. When I first came to Japan everyone always asks me "What is your blood type?" But, to be honest, I had no idea. Maybe I heard what blood type I was once or twice in my life before coming to Japan, but I didn't remember. So one day I wrote home and asked my parents what my blood type was. And they told me.
If you don't know what blood type I am, and are interested to know, feel free to ask me anytime.
Below is an interesting article abotu blood types in Japan:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/ek20090311a1.html

And below are some pics from a few months ago from the "Doll Festival "which I forgot to put up on the blog.

"Imperial Couple Happy on 50th Wedding Anniversary!"

This is a nice article with some nice quotes from the Imperial Couple themsleves! 50 years is a long time. Great job!!
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20090410f5.html

Last week the weather was really unbelievable, out of this world. The last few days actually felt like summer!!
And, just in case you didn't have time to check them out live, some more cherry blossoms photos.

New Balance, running, and robot teachers

This week I went out to dinner more than I usually do. A few times by myself, and a few times with some friends. Sushi, yakitori, a regular izakaya, a bar...In general it was a good change of pace for me. Going out by myself is good for thinking, and going out with others is just good old fun!
Also, to change the subject, recently I began to do some minor weight lifting. Don't worry, I am not going to turn into Hulk Hogan any time soon!! And I am not training for the Olympics in Vancouver either! :) I just want to get in a little better shape. In order to do that, I have also been walking a lot. But unfortunately, because I injured my back over the New Year vacation, I can't run quite yet. Maybe this June or July I might try a little jogging, but if not, hopefully next fall.
So, I am really jealous of Mr. M because he is in great shape and presently training for a marathon! I really want to get back into running...Below are Mr. M's shoes. New Balance. I also wear only new balance. It is a wide sneaker and fits my big feet very well. Also, I like the New Balance colors and designs.

And, I saw some article about robot teachers in Japan.
Check it out and have a good weekend!
http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/human-looking-robot-smiles-in-japan-classroom

Stickers

The above little girl loves stickers. Look at that big smile!! But I heard that sometimes she is a bad girl, and puts the stickers on her little brother's face and forehead when her parents aren't looking...Her parents better watch out, because this type of behavior is indicative of her futre behavior...=there is a high probability that she could become a menace to society, a reall trouble maker...BUT, I think she will be alright!!

On to another topic, ...Farming.
Recently, on many tv shows and in the news, I see that farming is popular among younger people recently. Not farming as a hobby, but farming as a profession.
Check it out: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20090403f1.html

Night Cherry Blossoms

This is how Japanese people do night cherry blossoms. Truly jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring, beautiful!! There are no words to describe the beauty...

When I went to America last month, one thing I noticed was that many people are very plugged-in. What I mean is that they are attached to their I-phones, always connected to the net, email, who knows what else. I found it amusing and also interesting. Personnally, when I am "doing email" or "surfing the net," I like to to just that, 100% focused and concetrating. But when I am not do such activities, I like to be "unattached" from it all.

Here is an article about Japanese people and gadgets
http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/japan-warming-to-cheap-foreign-gadgets-amid-slump

Ichiro

is Out! He was placed on the 15 day disabled list. Reportedly, he is suffering from a bleeding ulcer. In my opinion, Ichiro is one of the best 5 baseball players in the game now, maybe ever. (His personality is another topic though...)
Read more here for the story and also many reader's comments about the star:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9413176/Suzuki-has-bleeding-ulcer,-goes-on-15-day-DL

The Cherry Blossoms in Utsubo Park...

are in bloom!! I went there for lunch and a break yesterday. I had a delicious hand-made lunch box with fried chicken, some fried egg things, some hot birdock root, a few small baked potatos, and maybe some sesame spinach stuff, but I can't remember. Also, some nice hot green tea which was essential because it was a little chilly outside. I spent about an hour in the park and ate and talked slowly. It was a really relaxing time for me. THANK YOU!!!

There were many people in the park. From the looks of everyone's clothes, most people were business men or women, a a few groups of "new young green" workers who just began working at their respective companies on Wednesday April first. There were some groups of local people who live in the area, and also a few groups of housewives and their children. All in all, it was a really nice atmosphere and everyone looked happy.

After lunch I went to the bank and was surprised because I ran into Mr. F. at the ATM machine. He didn't notice me standing next to him because he was very focused on his money I think. And, he also looked very happy, but I don't think it was for the same reason as me. He was holding about 6 bank books, can you believe it, SIX!!! That's a lot of bank books!! So I think he was very happy because he was bust counting ALL of his money, which must be A LOT if he has 6 bank books!!!:)

Hope everyone has a good weekend, and if ya have the chance, check out the pink beautiful cherry blossoms at Utsubo park if ya can. They are really something!

I won a million yen!!!!!!!!!

Haha...what a dream. April Fools!!!!

I don't have time to write tonight so please just look at my folk's pictures from their trip to Barcelona. It looks like a cool place. Thanks for the pics folks!

"The Game of the Century"

That's how Mr. Hara, Manager of the "Samurai Japan" WBC Baseball team, decsribed the final game the day before during a press conference.
And boy was he right on the ball!! What a game!!! It was tight, close, with many lead changes...and talk about drama...what a dramatic game!

The news last night was practically ALL about this, with Ichiro and the boys spraying champagne all over each other and acting like kids. For the first time in a while, Ichiro was happy yesterday and spoke a lot...one of his comments which I liked the best was...
"God came down from the sky..."

Read the below for comments about this big moment in Japanese (baseball) history! Great Job Samurai Japan! Even I didn't believe you could win it all again! Congrats!!
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/team-japan

"Eigode Shaberanaito" and Culture exchange

Hey everyone, how was your 3-day weekend? Ya have a good time?

Did you ever watch "Eigode Shaberanaito"? I watched it sometimes. I thought it was basically OK, and actually quite interesting. And many famous actors and actresses also appeared on the show from time to time. The reason that I am writing about this show, is because a few days ago was the last episode. NHK axed the show citing "it doesn't fit the studying style(=a style with a strong focus on "Business English" which tests like TOEIC stress) of Japanese people today."
It was a shame I thought...

Below is an article about Moe Ishikiri, the main female actress of the show. If you like her, or if you are interested in someone who really tries hard studying English, you should read it:http://www.japantoday.com/category/entertainment-arts/view/a-little-english-and-big-heart-go-a-long-way-for-moe-oshikiri

Below, is one of my friend's international foreign exchange student group.
They all look like they are having a lot of fun.
and...can you see the doll decorations in the background?

Sydney Botanical Garden


It's spring and that means laying out in the sun. When I lived in Sydney many many years ago, I did it at the Botanical Garden. Now, my favorite lay-out is Utsubo park! The park is also good for "people watching" and "dog watching." There are many many types of people and dogs...some good-looking, some not so good-looking.

Hey, do you remember that "Dream Job" in Australia which I blogged about a few months ago...Well, three people in Japan were selected as semi-finalists...Check this out:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/travel/view/three-in-japan-chosen-as-semifinalists-for-hamilton-island-caretaker-job

Fanta and Sumo

Do you like Fanta? I have drunk Fanta (I forget which flavor a few times in my life...it is alright.) Recently there was a little gossip story about the Sumo Champ Asashoryu and the Sumo Association and Fanta. Did you hear about it?
It is easier if you just read the article and comments below than for me to explain it all, so if you are interested please check it out and let me know what you think!
http://www.japantoday.com/category/shukan-post/view/asashoryus-tv-ads-and-fashion-show-appearance-show-jsas-double-standards

Today is St. Patty's Day

I go out to my favorite Irish Bar to celebrate every year. And this year is no different.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tokyo.
http://www.japantoday.com/category/picture-of-the-day/view/st-patricks-day-parade#comments

Below is a picture of my favorite British beer, Bass Ale. The timing is a little bad, I probably should've put a pic of Guiness or Kilkenny's on the blog today, but whatever...

Faces of Barcelona

These are some great shots from my parent's trip last year to Barcelona. My mother told me that "Cafe Zurich" was their favorite spot. Like my mother, I also enjoy just taking it easy and sipping on a cappucino and "people watching." Do you have a favorite hang out place in your town, or near your work-place? I do!

While on the topic of "hanging out," March is the last month of work for many people in Japan who will retire. (The new working, as well as school, year usually begins in April in Japan. In America, the school year begins in September.) I know a few people who are retiring soon, and I wonder what they will do next...
This is an article about where some people want to live when they retire:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090203vf.html

Osaka skyline and the Colonel

Isn't this a great shot of the Osaka skyline at sunset? My friend took it from her apartment in the city. It is pretty cool.

Now it is already the middle of March, and the WBC(World Baseball Classic) and spring training in the MLB(Major League Baseball) NBL(Nippon Baseball League) are all underway. It's a great time for baseball fans. While on the topic of baseball, I saw some news which is a little related to baseball the other day on the newspaper. So here it is:
http://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/colonel-sanders-statue-and-his-curse-lifted-from-dotonbori-river-in-osaka

(I especially recommend to read the "blog comments" under the article)

Did you know about this story? They found "The Colonel" statue which was thrown into Dotombori river by some crazy fans over 20 years ago when the Tigers won the pennant. It was found buried in the mud of the river and 200 meters from the Dotombori bridge. A city diver found it while doing some clean-up work on the river. And, "the colonel"...that reminds me...I love Kentuck Fried Chicken! It's is Goo---Goo---Gooddd!!!!!! But I haven't eaten it for a long time...so maybe this weekend...maybe. But, I just remembered, I am on a diet and watching my weight, so on second thought, maybe not...

Crabs and movies

I love crab, and lobster, and all types of seafood. But I have a rule. I never eat crab or lobster or scallops or seafood in a restaurant unless I am near the sea. So that means, if I am in the middle of the desert in Arizona, I do not oder seafood even if it is the special of the day!! Below are some photos of delicious crab from near The Japan Sea, in my opinion one of the most beautiful places in Japan.

And, I have a question for you: What is the greatest Japanese movie of all time? Look here for to read some of the opinions of some foreigners living in Japan:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/fl20090303vf.html

Hokkaido and Hot Springs

First, Hokkaido is on my list of "must go" places. I have never been there and recently I really have an urge to go because I have heard so many good things about it from so many different people. And I heard the the food is fresh and fabulous!

Next, these hot spring pics are some of the best I have ever seen. Ms. H said that the scenery at this hot springs was absolutely exquisite! She said "you have to go!!"

From today I kinda feel that spring is here. It is a good feeling and I am looking forward to all of the changes and sights of spring... (but I am lucky because I do not have hay fever. For people who have hay fever, with itchy eyes and noses and puffy-sollen faces, spring might not be such a great time...)

Nature-philly style and cash hand outs

Did you read the story about Prime Minister Aso changing his mind again? He is a funny guy. Before he absolutely refused to accept the 12,000~18,000yen cash out payment to all citizens from the government, saying "People like me(=rich old men) shouldn't accept that money." But the other day, he conveniently changed his mind and said "I will accept the cash handout. And I will use it immediately to stimulate consumption."

Will you accept the cash handout? If yes, what do you want to use it for? What do you want to spend it on?

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20090303a1.html

Anyway, thats me (below) just chilling in one of my favorite places, Nature. I was walking by asmall creek in the place which I wrote about a few days ago, Valley Green. I sat down by the river for about 10 or 15 minutes are just cleared out my head. Sometimes the sound of the river enables me to do that.

Whiskers!!!

I would like to introduce you to Whiskers!! He, maybe "he"?, is a catfish. He is the pet of the proud parents, Mr. and Mrs. Koba. When Mr. Koba first laid eyes on Whiskers, it was love at first sight...destiny... Mr. Koba said "I have to and him!" And Mrs. Koba, being the good wife that she is, said "Okay." Actually, originally, they named him "Hige" which is Japanese for "beard." But when Mrs. Koba told me about her new adorable pet, I said "You should name him Whiskers..." And she listened to my advice (which is rare because most people don't...) and changed the name. I was happy! :) Now, Whiskers is a part of the Koba family. He might grow to be one meter or maybe even more, so Mr. and Mrs. Koba might have to buy a new house to hold the big tank they will need to take care of Whiskers. But they are lucky, because now it is a "buyer's market" if you are looking for a house...

Bento Box

What do you eat for lunch every day? Do you eat a bento box? If yes, is it hand-made? Do you make it or does someone make it for you? Or do you buy one at a convenience store, or some outside food stall or something?

Me, I really like bento boxes, but for lunch every day I usually have a home-made, delicious, sandwich. Tuna fish and hard-boiled egg and vegetable...It is part of my daily routine. I think it is healthy and good for me too, but maybe I use too much salt and pepper some times...

A few times a year, as a special treat, I think it is nice to eat a bento box though. Or, I I go on a trip and use the bullet train or some express train, I like to get a bento box then too.

Below is an interesting article about children in schools and bento boxes:
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200902270070.html

"Imperial Couple to visit Pearl Harbor"

I was surprised when I saw this headline. This is the title of this article: http://search.japantimes.co.jp/mail/nn20090302a1.html

Many people often ask me what Americans think about Pearl Harbor, what happened at Pearly Harbor. It is a difficult topic to blog about, but one thing is for sure. Peace, NO War is ideal.

The above and below are beautiful uplifting photos from Ms. A in Australia.

Philly continued...

Today is March 2nd...First, I can't believe spring is almost officially here. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy about it because I love the warm weather, and spring means the beginning of the BBQ season, which is a treasure for me...but ALREADY spring...time goes by really quickly...

When I went to Philly two weeks ago, I did two of the things which I enjoy the most. Relax inside, and relax in nature. Except for speding time in nature (hiking, going for long walks, soaking in the warm sun, listening to the sounds of a river/waterfall), I am basically a "home-body." As you can see in the photos below, I did both in Philly. There is a nice path about 20 minutes by car from my folk's house. It is called "Valley Green." Many people go walking, cycling, jogging, and eevn horse back riding there. It is a great "Nature spot" not so far from the city. And, the the seat next to the fireplace is my favorite seat in the house in the winter. If I have the remote control, and a beer, then it is as close to paradise as I am going to get in Philadelphia...Good memories and good times with the family in that room...