Election, Black Friday, and Hokkaido

Did you vote in the election last Sunday in Osaka?

If yes, which candidate did you vote for?

Who did you vote for for mayor? How about governor?

Since I don't have the right to vote in Japan, I couldn't cast my ballot. It is a shame. But, I heard that about 17% more people turned out to vote for the election this time compared to last time.

FYI, only Japanese citizens, in other words those people with Japanese nationality, have the right to vote. I am a resident of Japan, but my nationality and citizenship in American.

Here is an article about the winners!

"Hashimoto, Matsui win twin Osaka polls"

from The Japan Times online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111128a1.html

To change the subject, I read a positive headline, "Americans set record for shopping on Black Friday weekend," about the economy on Yahoo.com yesterday.

Two main points of the article were:

1. For retailers, it was a robust start to the holiday season

2. It seems that many consumers saved up all year and decided to splurge a little

For the full article, click here:

http://news.yahoo.com/retailers-robust-start-holiday-season-225348430.html

Below are some photos from Mr. S. He went to Hokkaido last week. I am jealous of him because I have never been to Hokkaido, but I really want to go there one day...

He also gave me a hand-made wooden letter opener, which was made by Ainu People, who are "Native Japanese," kinda like "Native Americans."

Ohotsuku Sea

According to Mr. S, "On a clear day you can can see Russia...

maybe the coast is about 100km from Russia, but don't quote me on that."

"I took this photo from the room in the hotel. It is Daisetsu National Park."

"This is Abashiri City. It was the first time I have seen snow this winter.

There is a prison (jail) in this city, but none of my friends are there :)!"

"This is Lake Akan. It is famous for "marimo," which is like a beautiful green ball of moss which rests on the bottom of the lake. You can see marimo because Lake Akan is the clearest lake in the world!!! If you can't understand my explanation of marimo, just google it!"

Raul vs Luis (blog by Luis)

The other day I was on my way home by train and I heard some school kids commenting about me.

Situations such as this happen quite often with foreigners especially when you go to the countryside.

In this case I could understand they were comparing me with a famous spanish soccer player, Raul Gonzales. It wasn't the first time I have been told about my similarities with him. I was just surprised to see small children on the opposite side of the world recognizing slight differences between Westerners.

I wish I was that good at playing football (this is how "soccer" in Europe is called), and could earn so much money, but I would never exchange my wife with his :)

Am I that similar?

Can you distinguish the differences between Europeans and Americans?
How about between Asians?

To change the topic. the below is interesting.

I asked Glenn for his answer and he said:

"The Emperor. I would really like to sit down with him, and talk face to face about many things. I would ask him such questions as:

What do you eat for breakfast every day?

Have you ever gone out by yourself, without any security?

If not, then if you could, where would you go?

Was it love at first sight when you met your wife?

Do you drink alcohol? If yes, what kind do you like?

I could go on and on... "

"If you could meet any living Japanese person, who would it be?"

from The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/fl20111115vf.html

The below photos are courtesy of Ms. e and from her trip to Kumano-Kodo.

Have you ever been there?

kumano-koudo

Beaujolais

Did you uncork a bottle of this year's Beaujolais last Thursday night, which marked the "2011 opening"?

I didn't. But I bought a bottle and I plan to pop it open tonight, while watching Game 6 of the Japan Series. As of now, the Softbank Hawks are leading the series versus the Chunichi Dragons 3-2.

My wife is from Kyushu so she is rooting for the Hawks.

I like the manager of the Dragons, Mr. Ochiai, who is in the last year of his contract and will not return as manager next year. So I am rooting for the Dragons. (But I have Softbank stock, and if the Hawks win, then maybe the stock will go up a little, so I am thinking about changing my team...Sorry, I am not so loyal when it comes to Japanese Baseball.)

As many of you know, I really love baseball. So, because this will be the last weekend of baseball for a long time until next year's spring training, I hope that Chunichi wins Game 6,　and then the Hawks win Game 7. If that happens, then my wife will be happy, and the stock will go up, and I can watch two more game of baseball, so a Triple Winner!!!

Anyway, I will let you know how the Beaujolais is next week!

Hope everyone has a good rainy weekend!

"Beaujolais fans toast new vintage"

from The Japan Times Online

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nb20111118a3.html

Below are photos courtesy of Ms. R. They are from her trip to London.

Cosmos and population

Good morning everyone.

Last Sunday I went to see Cosmos flowers near my house. There is a Cosmos Garden which opens every year along the Mukogawa River in Nishinomiya, I have gone there for the past 5 years in a row. For me too, it is an annual event.

Also, I watched two DVDs last weekend. "The Fighter," which was produced by and also stars Mark Walhberg and "Here After," which was directed by Clint Eastwood and stars Matt Damon. They were both OK, but I liked "The Fighter" more. I haven't watched a DVD in a while so it was nice.

Have you seen any movies or watched any DVDs recently? If yes, anything good?

To change the subject, the other day I heard on the radio about the population of different countries in the world.

The country with the largest population in the world is China. Number two is India. And I forget what number Japan is, but the population in Japan is 120,000,000 people(=one hundred and twenty million.)

That's a lot of people for such a small Island...I guess that is why real estate prices are so high.

The below photos are courtesy of Ms. e.

She lives in Amagasaki, which is right around the corner from the Cosmos field, and also goes to walk along Mukogawa River and see these amazing Cosmos every year.

Social Networking + Women's expectations of men

The other day I had a conversation with Luis about social networking. He knows quite a bit about this kind of stuff, and much more than I do. So he made up a list of questions for class. Here they are:

What social networking websites do you use?

What are some good and bad points about social networking?

Do you have a Facebook? Do you use Twitter? How about Mixi?

What information do you have on your page/blog?

What type of information are you comfortable releasing and showing online?

Does your family also use social networking sites?

If you don't use, what kind of information would/should you put on social networking sites?

Are you afraid to lose your privacy by using social networking sites?

Then I remembered that I have a Mixi site. Mixi is one of the big social networking systems in Japan. Actually, it is becoming less and less popular recently due to the bigger and badder sites like Facebook and Twitter. I also have a Facebook site, but like my Mixi site, I rarely use it. So I decided to open up my Mixi site for the first time in a while. Then, I found an interesting blog and I did a rough translation of it. The title was, "What do women expect men to be able to do?"

Here are 9 expectations which women have of us guys

Women expect me to be able to:

1. hook up a computer or TV,Cable TV!, blue ray recorder, etc.

2. be able to drive (and be a good river and have a nice car!

No walking or cycling on dates guys! Girls want to be driven around in style!)

3. kill cockroaches (No panicking or screaming or whining or running away!!!)

4. assemble furniture (like the kind you buy at IKEA) patiently and confidently, without getting irritated.

5. open lids on jars easily and on the first try (No wincing or sweating or grunting allowed!!! )

6. be able to read a map and not get lost (both when walking and driving in places we have never been before!)

7. give a girl a piggy back without any problems (even if you have a bad back like I do!!)

8. pull out the cork of a wine bottle with ease and grace

9. light the fire to a barbecue without any trouble (No heavy blowing or dark clouds of smoke!!)

Can you think of any other?

And, can any of you men tell me, what do you expect women to be able to do?

Halloween Facts

I know it is a little late, but I found out some interesting facts about Halloween which I wanted to share with everyone.

1. Halloween began about 2000 years ago. It was created by the Kelts and was originally like "New Year's Eve," as the Kelt Calendar begins on November 1st, and ends on October 31st.

2. In the 19th Century, Halloween was "imported" to America from Europe. At that time, it changed from a religious type event, to a "delicious and interesting" type of event with sweets and costumes getting in the mix.

3. Originally in Europe, a turnip, not a pumpkin was used.

4. The carved out pumpkin, called "Jack-o-lantern," represents the spirit "Jack" carrying a light. Kinda like "Obon" in Japan!!

5. In 1983, in Harajuku, the first Halloween Parade was held in Japan. About 100 people, mostly foreigners, attended.

6. In Kawasaki City this year, 3500 people participated in the Halloween Parade. This was the 15th year in a row the parade has been held in Kawasaki.

7. Recently in Japan, Halloween is becoming more and more popular. One of the reasons is:　There are no other significant events (except for my birthday! ;) in October in Japan.

8. It is said that the economic effect of Halloween will become bigger than that of Christmas, Valentine's Day, and White Day in Japan.

That's about all for now folks. Did you know all of that?

Hope everyone enjoy the National Holiday tomorrow!

Kuroshima, and Imaginary Osaka Marathon Answers by yours truly!

I pretended that I ran the Osaka Marathon this year and answered the questions just like Ms. T and Mr. S did.

Look below for my answers!

What was your time?

My time was 4 hours and 42 minutes.

Did you hit "the wall" at around the 30km point?

Yes, I did. I hit it hard!!

I watched some of the marathon on TV, and it looked very tough to run smoothly cause=because there were so many people...around 30,000 people I think. How was it?

It was alright. In the beginning, because there were so many people, it was difficult to run smoothly.But, in the second half, it was easier to run.

What did you think about all of the supporters?

They were wonderful!! Without their support, I couldn’t have done it!!

Did you drink and eat a lot of the stuff which the volunteers at the "rest stations" offer?

Yes, of course. I drank a lot of water and sports drinks, and I ate some bananas, calorie mate bars, Japanese rice cakes, and chocolate and candy.

How was the weather?

It was cloudy, with off and on showers.

Did any friends or family come out to cheer you on from the sidelines?

Yes, they did. I was very fortunate.

How do you feel today? Are your muscles; knees, achilles tendons, groin, joints...sore?

My whole body hurts, and especially my groin is sore. I can’t even walk up the stairs normally! I need an elevator!

Do you want to run another marathon? :)

Pass! Instead, I want to go to my favorite Island in the world!!! Kuroshima!! (See the below shots!!)

Osaka Marathon (email)

I just received the below email from Mr. S. I was relieved to hear that he finished the race.

I give both Ms. T and Mr. S a lot of credit. I am very impressed!!

Subject: Thank you for your support.

"Hi glenn.

I finished/ran to run THE Osaka Marathon yesterday.It took 4.5 hours
I am sorry,I could not clear my target time(under 4hours)yet.
But I satisfied it,becase I could keep to run 42km with a smile .
I wii never foget it,too.

Best regards.

Mr. S"

Complete!!!

I got the below email from Ms. T last night:

!hi!
i finished!
it was very tough!
i will tell you about it.
thank you! "

I am very happy for her and can't wait to hear all about her experience. 

In the meantime, here are some of my questions:

What was your time?

Did you hit "the wall" at around the 30km point?

I watched some of the marathon on TV, and it looked very tough to run smoothly cause there were so many people...around 30,000 people I think.  How was it?

What did you think about all of the supporters? 

Did you drink and eat a lot of the stuff which the volunteers at the "rest stations" offer?

How was the weather?

Did any friends or family come out to cheer you on from the sidelines?

How do you feel today?  Are your muscles; knees, achilles tendons, groin, joints...sore?

Do you want to run another marathon? :)

Anyway, great job Ms. T!! I am impressed!

Good Luck...

...to all of the participants, especially Ms. T and Mr. S, in the Osaka Marathon tomorrow!!! I will never forget the first marathon which I ran, the Fukuchiyama Marathon...

I hope Ms. T and Mr. S can do their best and be safe and healthy, and if they finish, then great! And if they don't finish, then great too!

Hiking Mt Rokko (Blog by Luis)

Last week I went up Mt Rokko with a friend. It was a sunny clear sky day and 25 degrees, it felt like Summer but without the disadvantage of humidity.

My friend has been hiking frequently so he was in good shape. In my case, I practice some sports but not as enduring as hiking 700m in a few hours (we took about 2h30 to get to the top). Did I mention my friend was in good shape? ;) -That is really fast!! - In the most steep parts of the trail I confess I struggled but it felt really good when we reached the summit, enjoying our sandwiches lunch while enjoying a stunning clear view over Kobe and Osaka bay.

Now, I'm already planning to go again soon while the weather still allows.

Do you know any good hiking trails?

And, to change the subject, recently there is a lot of news about bikes on TV and in the papers. I know a thing or two about bicycles, so I wanted to introduce the below article which I found online. Here is an excerpt:

"Bicyclists are on the increase, but so are accidents involving them as well as reckless, illegal riding, prompting Tokyo police to launch a crackdown.

The Metropolitan Police Department campaign, which includes designating more marked bikeways, comes amid an increase in accidents and violations that will now face stiffer penalties.

People who ride bicycles without proper brakes or run red lights may face a fine of up to ¥50,000. Failing to ride slowly and carefully on sidewalks can result in a fine of up to ¥20,000. Police plan to strictly enforce the new measures while at the same time enhancing safety."

For more, click on the below link.

Reckless cyclists face crackdown

(from The Japan TImes Online)

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20111026f1.html

What do you think about this crackdown?

Do you ride a bicycle?

If yes, do you follow the "rules of the road"?

What do you think about the congestion on the sidewalks, and streets, because of the bicycles?

This is what Glenn said to me the other day;

"I never realized how dangerous bicycles are until I got my driver's license. When I am driving, I am always surprised that many bikes drive in the middle of the road, or suddenly swerve into the road. And, sometimes I say to myself 'What are you doing?! Are you crazy?' But after this experience, I reflected on my bicycle riding style and now ride my bicycle very slowly and carefully when other cars are around me."

Have you ever been hit, or almost hit, by a bicycle?

Have you ever hit someone, or almost hit someone, using your bicycle?

If yes to either or both of the above questions, what happened? What did you do after the incident?

If no, what would you do in either of the above two situations?

Anyway, let's cycle safely!!

Halloween Party

My friend Mike is holding a Halloween Party this Saturday. If you are interested, please contact him directly at mujinkun@softbank.ne.jp

Unfortunately, I already have plans on Saturday so I will not be in attendance. It is a shame, but I am sure it will be a blast even without me!

From Mike:

"The fall has come and with it the cool blustery wind which can mean only one thing...Halloween is near! Once again we are having a huge International Halloween Party this year! We are expecting 70-80 ghosts and ghouls from around the globe to help us celebrate the spooky event! Don't be afraid! Join us!

Place: White Bear in Kitashinchi
Date: Saturday 10/29 7:00-9:30
Menu: Free food and drink for 3000 yen
Dress: Wear a costume if possible, anything is OK, a funny hat, a silly shirt, etc. 

Best costume wins a prize!

Bring as many friends as you want.

See you there!"

37

Officially, I just became 37 years old. Why "officially"?! Well, let me explain.

I was born on October 23rd at 11:20pm at Albert Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia.

Now, there is a 13 hour time difference between Philadelphia and Osaka. (Note: Depending on Daylight Savings Time in America, sometimes the time difference changes to 14 hours.) So, Osaka is 13 hours ahead of Philadelphia. (Philly is 13 hours behind Osaka.) That means, that right now, at 12:20pm in Osaka on October 24th, it is 11:20pm in Philly on October 23rd.

When is your birthday?

What time were you born?

Where were you born?

Do you know the name of the hospital you were born in?

Ishigaki Questions

Yesterday in class, Ms. Y asked me a bunch of good questions about the trip so I thought I would put them on the blog. I recommend reading the Q and A's for your study.

1. Why did you choose to go to Ishigaki Island?

It was my 4^th time to Okinawa. I went to Ishigaki for the first time on my honeymoon. But, we didn’t have a car at that time because I didn’t have a Japanese driver’s license. So, every day we took a day trip, using the ferry, to a small island like Taketomi Island, Kuroshima Island, and Iriomote. Then, the next year we went to Iriomote, and the 3^rd year we went to Miyakoshima, which are also both beautiful, but both times a typhoon hit us! So we decided to go back to Ishigaki and this time rent a car (because I got a driver’s license earlier this year), and drive around.

2. How did you make your trip’s plans?

I didn’t make any of the plans. That is my wife’s job, and to be honest, she does a great job. Of course, she asks me for my opinion a little, for example “What do you think about doing a all-day snorkeling tour on the first day?” or something like that, but basically she decides the itinerary; the hotel, airlines, sightseeing spots, etc. But, I usually choose the restaurants because I am good at that. So, she is in charge of the planning, and I am responsible for paying.

3. Did you have to pay any extra-baggage fees or penalty fees for bags over the weight limit?

Fortunately, no we didn’t. Because, the weight limit of bags on a domestic flight is 20kg. We checked in two bags. One bag was 12kg, that was my bag. I pack light! The other bag was barely under the limit, at 19.5kg. That was my wife’s bag! She packs heavy!

4. Was the flight crowded?

Yes, it was. It was a full flight.

5. Please tell me the name of your favorite beach.

That’s’ easy! It’s Yonehara beach. The beach, and the ocean, and the view from the beach are all breathtaking!! If you want to know more about it, just google “Yonehara Beach”!

6. Were there a lot of people on the beach?

No, there weren’t. The beaches were practically empty. We were lucky! I think there are two reasons for this. One reason is it was cloudy or rainy every day. The second reason is October is not peak season in Okinawa.

7. What did you eat and drink at dinner?

We ate out three nights, at two different restaurants. We went to one of those restaurants twice. We ate a lot of traditional Okinawan food, for example “Goya-Champuru,” “Umi-budo” which are called “Sea Grapes“ in English but they are not sweet. Also, we ate a lot of tropical fish which Okinawa is known for. The other night we ate steak at the hotel’s restaurant. Except that night at the hotel, I was the designated driver so I didn’t drink alcohol. My wife drank Orion beer, Awamori, and Mango juice when we ate out.

8. How was the hotel? What kind of facilities does the hotel have?

First of all, the hotel was great. We stayed at Karuizawa Club Hotel Ishigaki Jima. It had a public bath and a sauna, a nail salon and massage shop, a souvenir shop at which you could get private weaving and sanshin lessons, and a pool.

9. Were the restaurants near your hotel?

They weren’t so far, but you have to drive or take a taxi there. They were too far to walk. That was the only disadvantage of staying at that hotel. The town, where most of the restaurants are, is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

10. How was driving in Ishigaki?

Driving was very pleasant and easy. There are only a few major roads which are all one lane. And, everyone drives the speed limit, which on most roads is 40kph(kilometers per hour). However, in town, some of the side-roads are very narrow, and the parking spaces are very small. I DO NOT LIKE THAT!! And my wife has to get out of the car and assist me every time we park the car. She waves her hands and says in Japanese style “Alrigh, alrigh, alrigh----sutop!!”

Ishigaki - Day Two

We went on an all-day snorkeling tour. It was great!

Then, we went to Hitoshi-the best restaurant in Ishigaki!

First, about the snorkeling tour company.

I really recommend the "Snorkeling Expert" Marine Service 'YA-RU YA.' The owner and Captain is a guy named Aoi Hideki. He started this business about 6 years ago. At that time he looked a little younger and fit. He said that his body fat percentage was about 3% at that time. Now, I don't know for sure, so I am guessing, but I think it is about 18%. Still not bad for a guy in his early forties I think. His wife, who is a very sweet lady, helps him out with all aspects of the business. The boat's name is Miss Isana, and is about 35-feet long and a real beauty!!! One staff member, a lady, was also very helpful and friendly.

Now on to the snorkeling. We did to two dives, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. Both were excellent, but personally, I prefer the spot in the morning because the coral reef was really beautiful. My wife agreed with me.) In between the two dives we went back to the port for lunch. I know, you are thinking "Soki Soba AGAIN?!" YES!! I can't get enough of Soki Soba when I am in Okinawa. I could eat it every day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Well, actually, that is a bit of an exaggeration. :)

About the other tour members.

It was funny. There were nine participants on the tour in the morning, and nine in the afternoon. In the morning, 7 of the eight members were from the Kansai area. Two were from Osaka, two from Shiga, and two from Nishinomiya(=me and the Mrs.). One guy was from Tokyo and one couple was from somewhere else. I forget where. In the afternoon, the couple not from Kansai left, and a new couple, also from Osaka, joined. So, in the afternoon, 8 of the 9 participants on the tour were from Kansai. It is strange and a big coincidence I think.

If you click below, you can see the Captain's blog and a photo of use after the morning snorkel, plus his story about the "Birthday Surprise!"

http://www.x-py.com/archives/2011/10/post-458.html

Hitoshi- What a great restaurant and what a surprise! After the snorkeling tour, I asked the Captain's wife and two of the "veteran" participants "Do you recommend any good place for dinner?" Almost simultaneously, the three of them said at the same time "Hotoshi!" Then the wife added, "Hitoshi is a must go if you are in Ishigaki. But you need a reservation!" So we looked up the number, and called immediately and made a reservation for 7:30. (But we were 45 minutes late cause I got lost on the way there, and I parked VERY far away from the restaurant...about a 20 minute walk. I am not good at parking the car in tight places, and this spot was very wide, so I took it. But it was far...FYI, from one end of the main eating district of Ishigaki to the other, it is only about 20 minutes...This means that I parked in the farthest possible spot from the restaurant.) Anyway, back to the restaurant. In a nut shell, it was FANTASTIC!! I really can't say enough about it. The food, service, atmosphere...EVERYTHING was the best!! If I have to choose three of the best dishes...it is very difficult to choose, because there are sooooooooo mannnnnnnnny good ones, but here I go: The raw seared bonito with the "special sauce," Goya-Chanpuru (which is eggs and Okinawan tofu and some vegetables are sauteed together), and the "Maguro sushi Set!" And, I almost forgot about the price...very reasonable!! As the Captain's wife said, "IT IS A MUST!" But if you go, don't forget to make a reservation or you will regret it! Cause it is always crowded! (I know cause we went there again on our last night in Ishigaki, and it was packed again.)

There are some photos of some of the dishes at Hitoshi below, but to be honest, I don' think the photos do justice to the place!

http://r.tabelog.com/okinawa/A4705/A470501/47001373/