Japan Life

Saint Valentine's Day in Japan

2012-02-12T22:32:00.001+09:00

14th in February is Saint Valentine's day. We can buy a lot chocolates for Valentine's day in department stores in Japan. Many women select chocolates for their boyfriend, co-workers and themselves. Valentine's day is special event in Japan.

I went to a famous department store in Tokyo this weekend. The store was crawling with so many women. And there are so many counters in the store. Belgian, Italian, Swiss, German, America, Japan, UAE...... I saw delicious chocolates of a lot of countries and could taste them. I was satisfied with some piece of them. All of them were so delicious.

Since Valentine's day in Japan is one of commercialism, I always haven't send chocolates to my friends for a long time. The chocolates are so expensive. I know they are famous maker's ones. When I went to Belgian, I ate delicious chocolates of Neuhaus or Pierre Marcolini. I love them. However, too expensive in Japan. The frenzy is strange for me.

However, I yielded to temptation this year and bought chocolates that made in Japan for my family and off course myself. The box and chocolate's shape is so cute. The price is not expensive. I especially liked the box. Also chocolates are so delicious!

Is Valentine's day special event in your countries ?

Chocolate box is decorated with paper cherry blossom (Sakura)

Scat of the daybreak 夜明けのスキャット

2012-02-05T16:19:00.000+09:00

A Japanese "Kayōkyoku" 歌謡曲 became No.1 on US iTune Jazz chart or other countries chart. It is "Scat of the daybreak" by Saori Yuki 由紀さおり with PINK MARTINI. I was surprised with this news. The lyric is only Japanese. Why?

She is very popular singer and I love her beautiful voice. Her Japanese in her song is excellent. It is clear
and fascinate us. I think other countries people might understand this beautiful sound who she sings.

I haven't heard Kayōkyoku in Japan now. We call recent Japanese songs J-POP. Kayōkyoku becomes old-fashioned. However, when I heard these old songs, melody is so simple and easy to sing. It is rather than fresh and nostalgic.

She sings children's song 童謡 (douyou) with her elder sister. The Japanese lyric that they sing is so beautiful. And we can imagine the situation or scenery on these songs clearly.

I'm happy that a lot of people know Japanese beautiful songs. I attached another Saori's song, Tegami 手紙 (letter).

手紙 by Saori Yuki

女子会 Joshikai and 草食系男子 soushokukei

2012-01-21T16:31:00.000+09:00

We recently say or hear the word, "joshikai" 女子会. This means to gather with only women and have a party, lunch or dinner. "joshi" 女子 means female and "danshi" 男子 means male.

Joshikai is very fun for women. We can talk anything without feeling constraint. We especially say the talk in Joshikai "Girl's talk". (Is there the word in English?) There are a lot of talks that can't talk in front of men, or boyfriend. And women love chat and eating. "Joshikai" is one of relaxing.

Japanese women become more powerful than men. Nadeshiko Japan, women national football team, representative last year. Homare Sawa, the team captain of Nadeshiko and became popular, was awarded FIFA Women's World Player of the Year.
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/10/sport/football/japan-women-football/index.html?iref=allsearch
We are proud to hear this news.

On the other hand, Japanese men, especially young boys tend to become passive and shy. Soushokukei danshi 草食系男子 is new Japanese word. Some young men don't use a lot of money. They don't want to buy car, go to a trip abroad, have a dinner at exclusive restaurant for a date with girlfriend.... Depression or social background might be one of reasons for these tendency.
It was good thing that in case of a couple, a woman walk behind a man a few decades ago. It was said in Japan that woman must be reserved and obedient. However, the initiative for our relationship between men and women might be changed.

Anyway, Japanese women become cool and attractive now.

Restless

2012-01-14T18:26:00.001+09:00

I watched two films this year. One is "Mission Impossible ghost protocol" and another is "Restless" by Gus Van Sant. Both was so interesting films. I like them.

My first films this year is Mission Impossible. Tom Cruise is very famous and popular in Japan, too and I watched all of Mission Impossible series. He visited in Japan many times for promotion of his films. "Last Samurai" is one of my favorite films. I was excited about watching Mission Impossible.

I saw a trailer, "Restless" in Internet before several weeks and thought it seemed to be interesting. One of reason is that Japanese actor, Ryo Kase appears as important role in this film. He appears American film "Letters from Iwo Jima" and Japanese film "I Just Didn't Do It". それでもボクはやってない I introduced it in my blog and it was directed by Masayuki Suo of "Shall we dance?" Ryo Kase is good actor and I like his performance.
The story was very unique and interesting. Some Japanese history or culture expresses in this film. Some descriptions about Japan or Japanese culture in western films were sometimes strange and funny for Japanese. However, I thought the description in it wasn't exaggerated and true. I could enjoy it as a love story and life. I like some Gus Van Sant's films. I especially love "Good will hunting" and "Finding Forrester "

I want to see a lot of films in this year.

初心忘るべからず (Remember Your Original Intention)

2012-01-08T10:29:00.003+09:00

A Happy New Year !　あけましておめでとうございます

How did you spend at first day of 2012 ?

I am planing what is my aim in this year. It is my health. We can do anything if we are healthy. What should we do to keep my good health

1. Don't eat too much.
2. To have good posture.
3. Get some exercise, walking, running, playing table tennis (this is a recent boom for me)....

As to No.2, I recently read a book that written by Japanese Noh player. I have seen a performance of noh once when I was a student. However, it is traditional performing art and we rarely see it in daily life. The motion and posture of Noh performance is good to health. Some noh players can play until old age. The secret of their health is the motion and posture. This book is useful for me.

A Japanese phrase is written in the book. It is 初心忘るべからず Shosin wasuru bekarazu. It is a phrase of Zeami 世阿弥 who was aesthetician for Noh. This original means "Remember your original intention." However, there are three meanings in it. I knew at first time.

初心忘るべからず　Shoshin wasuru bekarazu

I decided that it is my slogan in 2012. Don't be afraid my first challenge remembering my original intention.

The site of Noh 能

光陰矢のごとし Time flies like an arrow

2011-12-30T23:06:00.000+09:00

This year is terrible and sad for Japanese. As you know a lot of Japanese people died. Big earthquake happen and tsunami hit at this March. And we are worried about serious problem, nuclear power plant problem. In numerable people experienced sudden death of family or friend. I can't imagine their sadness or anxiety for future.

A Japanese proverb 光陰矢のごとし (Kohin yanogotoshi). I really feel this meaning this year. No matter how our life is hard, time goes by. So we have to do the best at this moment and enjoy our precious time.
And relationship with people is very important for us. We thought we have to do and want to support victims. A lot of volunteers, not only Japanese but other countries people, supported in devastated area.

And I received kind message from some followers of my blog. I'm so glad and appreciated these message and compassion for us. Thank you so much!!!
I hope next year is good for everyone and you spend with your family and friends forever.

ありがとう！ (Arigatou!)

Grand Prix Final

2011-12-10T20:28:00.001+09:00

I was looking for seeing Grand Prix final of figure skating in Canada. However, we heard sad news about Mao Asada yesterday. She went back to Japan because her mother was critical condition. And I read her mother was died in newspaper. I felt so sad. Parents death, especially mother's death is the saddest thing in our life. It is inevitable experience for us and depresses us.
I read in today's newspaper. Mao's mother said in life "Mao is like an angel for me" Or After Vancouver Olympic game "I don't need gold medal. I'm happy to see Mao seems to be happy when she is skating. "
Every mother loves own daughter or son and hope their health and happiness.

Three Japanese skaters, Daksuke Takahashi, Yuzuru Hanyu and Akiko Suzuki. enter in this final. I hope they enjoy their skating and performance.

I want to see her skating and smile in near future.

Free Skating in NHK troupy in 2011

The ICE 2011

Closing Gala - 2009 World Figure Skating Championships

GNH (Gross National Happiness)

2011-11-26T16:34:00.001+09:00

King of Bhutan visited Japan with queenas a state guest last week. Some news and episodes for his visit were reported.He respects Japan and Japanese people in his speech at diet and public dinner.The speeches are especially for victims of this earthquake and nuclear powerplants.

He visited the devastated area, Fukushima.He met junior high school students there and cheered them with gentlywords. He was calm and kind person, not haughty at all. And his wife isbeautiful and charming.

I didn’t know much about Kingdom of Bhutan.I had known that It is very small country like Japan. The look of Bhutanese isalike Japanese. So we might be feel kinship with Bhutanese. I checked thiscountry and it is pro-Japanese nation. The climate is like Japanese one, too.Two are Buddhism countries.

And there is one of reasons why Bhutaneselike Japan. A Japanese man taught agriculture to them a few decades ago asinternational development. He contributed to improvement of agriculture in Bhutan.

I knew about GNH by his visit. GNH is “grossnational happiness”. Percentage of GNH in Bhutan is the highest in the world.What is happiness for us? We materially and economically might be happy.However, are we mentally happy?

King’ssmile and sincere attitude gave us good impression for Bhutan.

Ambiguity 曖昧

2011-11-19T11:24:00.001+09:00

Radioactive contamination of rice in Fukushima was announced in recent news. In not only Fukushima and neighboringprefectures but almost other prefecture radioactive materials are measured. Eightmonth has passed since nuclear power plant’s accident happened. We spend ordinarylife. However, we are afraid of invisible fear. We don’t know when radioactivematerials are influenced in our body.

Other countries people might not be able tounderstand some ambiguous expression or attitude of Japanese. It is a one ofJapanese culture and ambiguity is sometimes a good way for our communication. Acandid expression sometimes stirs up discord in our society. Japanesefortunately can suppose the real meaning of ambiguous attitude orexpression. It is difficult to explain why we can, but we imagine real meanings by the tone, thelook, or atmosphere. In case of friend, we often use these ambiguous expressionson purpose to avoid quarrel between us.

However, the ambiguous expression orattitude of government or TEPCO will bring distrust for us and in internationalsociety. We suspect that TEPCO conceals the truth for us to avoid confusion. Everyoneis interested in this problem. This isn’t a problem for Japan. It is serious issuefor everyone who lives on earth. It isn’t too much to say that this fact influencesto our future.

Japan must unveil all of truth and data forradioactive materials.

Anzen　Chitai 安全地帯

2011-11-16T20:41:00.001+09:00

Anzen Chitai is one of my favorite Japanese band. When I was a junior high school student, Anzen Chitai's songs were very popular. Debut single, "Wine red no Kokoro" ワインレッドの心 was No.1 hit song in 1983. I love it now.

Vocal of this band, Koji Tamaki 玉置浩二 is one of very attractive singer for me. I like his voice.
I went to his solo concert several years ago, I was touched so much. I was moved to tears by his performance. The song is Koi no Yokan. 恋の予感. It is second single of Anzen Chitai. He has released a lot of songs as solo singer until now. Denen 田園 is one of songs that I cheer me up.

Anzen Chitai in Japanese means safety island. They recently released some new albums and single. So they appeared in TV show as an exploitation. It is a Japanese dance group, Exile's TV program. Exile is very popular in Japan now. Anzen chitai and exile sung "Ti amo", exile's hit song in the show. It was so excellent performance. I found two videos of this program in you tube. And I attached my favorite song, Koi no Yokan.

Ti amo , Exile and Anzenchitai

Jirettai じれったい　安全地帯

Koi no Yokan 恋の予感

Hama Rikyu 浜離宮

2011-11-12T19:12:00.001+09:00

I found an oasis in Tokyo. There are some landmarks or tourist attractions in Tokyo for persons who live in Tokyo, It is one of them for me. Hama Rikyu is a famous park. It is located at Shiodome 汐留 that is office town. and metropolitan area. However, Slow time passes and atmosphere is so calm in this park.
We can see modern and high office buildings from the park, but it is so quite inside.

There is a Japanese tea house in it .We can drink a cup of powdered green tea and Japanese sweets、wagashi 和菓子 seeing a pond or trees. I got on Tokyo water bus after walking in it and spending peaceful time. We can go to some downtown, shitamachi 下町, Asakusa 浅草or Ryogoku 両国. Asakusa is very famous town in Tokyo. A lot of foreigners visit this town. They enjoy old and traditional places. Water bus was interesting. I can see different scene of Tokyo on the bus. It was very beautiful.
I recommend to get on the water bus in sunny day.

I could feel relaxing time.

Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimasite ツレがうつになりまして

2011-10-22T11:54:00.002+09:00

"Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimasite" ツレがうつになりまして is title of Japanese film. This means “my husband has got a depression” Depression is a sickness that office workers especially tend to get and is increasing now in Japan.

Depression うつ病 (Utsubyo) is one of social problems. There are some reasons why office workers get sick. Off course, the personality is a reason of this sickness. Perfectionist or methodical person tends to be sick. However, I think Japanese people always work too much every day.
Also human relations in a company, crammed train (満員電車) in the morning and overtime work is stressful in Japan.

Being hardworking, accuracy for work or earnest originally regards as good thing in Japanese society. It is usual to be serious. However, the social environment is sometimes very uneasy for us. Responsibility and obligation for their work give pressure to us.
And crammed train every morning is also so stressful. It is not easy to have holiday and long vacation in Japan.
What do we do if a member of family gets a depression? This film expresses the bond of a couple, daily life and society in Japan. Japanese often say "Ganbatte！ " (keep up) がんばって！to cheer up someone. However, this is taboo word for a patient. The catchphrase of this film, "Ganbaranaizo" がんばらないぞ "I don't have to do my best. " is a phrase that the patient advises himself.

Masato Sakai and Aoi Miyazaki play a Japanese couple in the film. I like one of my favorite actors, Masato Sakai 堺　雅人 and his performance is excellent. His film "Golden Slumber " is very interesting film.

Tsure ga utsu ni narimasite wiki

ツレがうつになりまして official site

Itadakimasu and Gochisousama いただきます、ごちそうさま

2011-10-05T23:23:00.001+09:00

Before and after we eat each meal, almost Japanese say a word. We learn these words at first as compliment or discipline when we are childhood. We say “Itadakimasu” before meal and “Gochisousama” after meal.

Both words express appreciation for being able to eat foods and a person who cooks meals. A verb, "Itadaku" いただく in Japanese means polite way of saying for eat or get something. So Itadakimasu expresses thanks for bless of nature and foods. Gochisosama express thanks for all people who are concerned with foods, especially a person who cooks meal, bot include of producers or farmers.

They are simple words, however, very important to think about appreciation of foods. I think they are good words. When I was a small child, I didn’t know much the meaning of words and why we should say before and after meal. I just said as a custom. However, I really know about the importance of using this word. We can’t live without all of nature. And eating is fundamental to our life. These words remind us of blessing of foods and my present happy situation.

Eating delicious food is my pressure of my life. I always want to say Itadakimasu and Gochisousama appreciating all of nature.

Green and Deep Breath

2011-09-24T20:41:00.003+09:00

I will write my trip for Takamatsu City.

After breakfast I went to Ritsurin Garden. This place was Japanese style garden and very beautiful. I have been to some Japanese gardens in Japan. It is one of my favorite garden. Pine tree (Matsu) 松 is typical Japanese tree. A lot of pine trees planted and there are some ponds and bridges. I walked around in the garden watching green and felt relaxed.

I could drink green tea and Japanese cakes (Wagashi) 和菓子 at tea house, Kikugetsutei.

View from tatami room.

The view from tatami room was aesthetic. It was very calm and quite. I forgot time passing. I ate green tea and cake.

green tea and wagashi

Wagashi's shape expresses nature, especially flowers for each seasons. This expresses Kikyo 桔梗. Kikyo is one of typical Japanese flowers. I love wagashi and it was very delicious.
Sitting without nothing, only deep breath... I could relaxed.

I ate Sanuki Udon for lunch after visiting this garden. It was so delicious, too.
Delicious foods and feeling nature is my pleasure of trip ! There are a lot of places in Japan that I never been to. However, I could know again Japanese beautiful culture and scenery at this trip.
I want to visit many places in Japan.

Trip for Takamatsu 高松 and Nao shima 直島

2011-09-19T16:39:00.000+09:00

I went for a trip in Takamatsu and Naoshima (island) in Kagawa prefecture. Kagawa prefecture is one on Shikoku island 四国. There are four prefectures, Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima and Kochi in Shikoku.

Kagawa 香川 is famous for Sanuki Udon (noodle). I love Udon and eating Sanuki Udon is on of my aim for this trip. It takes one and a half hour by airplane or four hours and a half by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Takamatsu.

I went to Naoshima to see modern art museums. Art Setouchi is an art project. I heard from my co-worker that it was interesting. And I've never seen to Setouchi (Seto island sea). So I decided this trip.
I went to Naoshima by ferry. There are some art works at the island. I could see an red and dot big pumpkin at the port. Artist of this work is Yayoi Kusama. Her dot painting is famous.

Big Red dot Pumpkin

And another art work of pumpkin is exhibited in the island. It is yellow dot pumpkin.

Yellow Dot Pumpkin

Benesse House is some museums and Hotel. This establishments are designed by famous Japanese architect, Tadao Ando. He designed a lot of buildings or establishments. Omotesando Hills in Tokyo is one of his works. I especially like Chichu Art Museum. I could feel harmony of space, light, and quiet for art works and musiam.
Ie project (Art House Project) is interesting. One art work is exhibited in old Japanese style houses.
Naoshima is very small island, however I could relax and feel fusion of nature and art.

Benesse Art Site Naoshima

I will introduce my trip in Takamatsu City next time. 　

Lupin III (Lupan Sansei) ルパン三世

2011-09-03T17:18:00.000+09:00

I saw a movie of Lupin III ルパン三世 on TV yesterday. Lupin III is my favorite Japanese animation series. The movie was so interesting and I thought Lupin III was excellent animation. The story is interesting for even adults.

When I was a child, I saw first TV series again and again on TV. Interesting animations were rebroad casted in my childhood in Japan. Lupin III is one of them. All of contents, the plot, character or story are perfect. And soundtrack was so stylish at that time. Main characters,Lupin III, Jigen Daisuke, Ishikawa Goemon, Mine Fujiko, Zenigata Keibu (detective) are unique and comical. Lupin III is cool and so gentle for women. Jigen and Goemon are good friends for Lupin. Fujiko is very cute, sexy and cunning. It is interesting that Lupin is always at her mercy. And Zenigata and Lupin's relationship is funny. The model of their relationship is Tom and Jerry, American animated cartoon. (I love Tom and Jerry.)

This year is 40th anniversary. Lupin III will be interesting even present time. If you have a chance to see it, you can enjoy this animation.

Owaraigeinin お笑い芸人 (Japanese Comedian)

2011-08-20T15:51:00.000+09:00

Laughing is essential in our life. When I am depressed or can't keep energy, I can relax after laughing.

Rakugo is traditional comedy. It is performance of story telling by one person (rakugoka) who is sitting on the cushion (Zabuton). Manzai (Stand up comedy) or comic skit is popular. A lot of comedians who called "Owarai geinin" appear every day in TV show now. "Owarai" means generic name of performance for comedy like Rakugo or Manzai and "geinin" means comedian in Japanese. A unit of a trio has a name. Geinin originally plays comic skit or manzai, however, appear in various situations. For example, Downtown is well-known unit. Hitoshi Matsumoto and Masatoshi Hamada is duo. They have a lot of own TV programs as hosts and these programs are very popular. Off coarse one comedian exists and they who are called "pin geinin" have a special own gag. These gags or phrases in there performance get vogue-word "ryukougo" 流行語 every year.

Japanese comedians belong to agencies. There are a lot of agencies. The biggest agency "Yoshimoto Kougyo" employs a lot of popular comedians. Popular geinin are genius for the art of storytelling. They are used in all of genres, TV, TV commercial, drama, quiz show, radio personality, movies or theater. Yoshimoto is an agency in Osaka, west area in Japan . So these comedians are almost from Osaka and they speak a special dialect "Osaka ben". Yoshimoto has some schools for people want to "owaraigeinin" in each area in Japan. Geinin of Yoshimoto play in theater in Osaka and Shinjuku (in Tokyo).

I like to see "Owarai" in TV. When I want to forget sad or bad news and feel negative, I can relax after having a lot of laugh. Laughing is an important prescription in my life.

Kokurikozaka kara コクリコ坂から From Up On Poppy Hill

2011-08-06T17:16:00.005+09:00

I saw new Studio Ghibli film "Kokurikozaka kara" It is beautiful and I felt nostalgic. The period in this film is early '60 . I wasn't born, however, the background and people's life style remind me of nostalgia.
I have seem Ghibli film on big screen first time. Also pictures and color is so exquisite on the screen. The details of person, light and shadow, nature... all of them are fantastic. The story has no adventure or spectacle. The film describes normal life in early '60, calm and peaceful. Life is not convenient and there is no exciting materials. However, everyone is peaceful. I was touched. I love ending theme, "Sayonara no natsu" さよならの夏.

Today is memorial day of Hiroshima. We live in invisible fear, it is radioactivity. We can't feel and see radioactivity. Materials are abundant in our life, however, are we happy ? We have to change our future.

コクリコ坂から

Hiyashi Chuka 冷やし中華

2011-07-31T22:26:00.000+09:00

What do you want to eat in summer ? There is a dish that I want to eat in summer. It is Hiyashi Chuka. It is cold noodle and so popular dish in summer for Japanese. I ate first Hiyashi Chuka this summer. It was so delicious!

Normal toppings are ham or boiled chicken, cucumber, kinshitamago (sliced tamagoyaki) and tomato and so on. I think Hiyashi Chuka is probably original Japanese dish. Sauce is especially tasty. There are two types of sauce, one is sesame taste and another is soy sauce and vinegar taste. I like both taste.

I like other Japanese cold noodle, Somen or soba, however, Hiyashi Chuka is my favorite menu in summer.

Good News - Nadeshiko Japan

2011-07-12T21:51:00.000+09:00

Rainy season was over earlier than usual year in Tokyo. Hot summer begun. Since Tohoku big earthquake occurred, we have to save electricity. There is difference this summer. We can know forecast for electric consumption in town or on TV news. And we can predict everyday when a lot of electricity is used and we have to save. But it is too hot to use air conditioner. It must be so hard to spend summer for us. I realize again that electricity is necessary for us to live.
Although we have had a lot of problems since big earthquake on 3.11, we can hear good sports news.
Now women’s soccer world cup is held in Germany. Contract with men’s national team, Japanese women national team is not well-known among ordinary people. The games weren’t on air by public broadcasts. However, according to FIFA world ranking, Japanese national team is fourth. It is so strong. We call it “Nadeshiko Japan”. “Samurai Blue” is the nickname of men’s national team. Nadeshiko なでしこ means a name of flower, Dianthus.

"Nadeshiko Japan" defeated German team at quarterfinal last week. We were so grad to hear about news. Next game is semifinal and opponent is Sweden team. If Nadeshiko Japan becomes No1, we will be happy and encouraged.

Onomatopoeia

2011-06-26T14:36:00.000+09:00

How do we explain slight difference or situation to other people in our conversation ? I think Japanese often use onomatopoeia and it is easy for us to explain things, feeling, atmosphere or situation concretely. Especially there are a lot of onomatopoeias of repeating one word twice. We can understand several shades of meaning more clearly.

We can express actual sound by onomatopoeia.
Pan Pan , Pata Pata : a pat or hitting something
Don Don : beat a drum
Bun Bun : the sound that bees are humming
Gishi Gishi, Mishi Mishi : the sound that something ginds

For example, When we want to say softness of feather or cushions, we say "it is so Fuwa Fuwa. ふわふわ. Or when we have dizziness, we say " my head gets Kura Kura くらくら, Gura Gura ぐらぐら, Fura Fura ふらふら." Impression of the situation changes by differences of initial letter. We imagine "Kura Kura" and "Fura Fura" is slight dizziness but Gura Gura is heavy dizziness. We can express slight differences of dizziness

These words are a few of abundant onomatopoeia. Expression is different by each people, however, it is convenient to give many information and express various situations.

Makoto 誠 - Sincerity

2011-06-11T22:16:00.000+09:00

There is a or some meaning for Chinese Character. 誠 (Makoto) means sincerity, honesty or seriousness. I like this character. I think shape is good.

Now a book is sold well and reputable in Japan. Author is a football player, Makoto Hasebe 長谷部　誠 and he is a captain of national football team. Now he plays in VfL Wolfsburg of Germany. Football is more popular in Japan after 2010 FIFA World Cup and most of Japanese know about him. his sincere comment after national team was beaten by PK was impressive for me.

I bought and read his book. He wrote about his philosophy, habit or private life. His personality is sincere and earnest like his name. "Seijitu" 誠実 means sincerity and I like this word. There is a Japanese proverb "Na wa Tai wo Arawasu" 名は体をあらわす. The name expresses the character or substance. He is just like this proverb.

Sincerity is virtue for human being. "Seijitsu" is important for especially our society and sincere person is confided in our life. Sometimes it is unfavorable to be too earnest, however, I want to be sincere.

The royalty on this book is used as donation for victims of this earthquake.

The Danger Past, and The Japanese Nation Forgotten ?

2011-06-05T22:52:00.002+09:00

I don't like to criticize someone or something. Because I feel negative mind. However, I was disappointed about Japanese politicians.

Japanese PM survives a no-confidence vote in parliament

They think about only protecting their party or own interests. Perhaps most of Japanese were disappointed and disgusted their attitude. Why are they committed to victims of this earthquake?

Opponents don't have effective solutions for correspondence of nuclear power plant problems or recovery of disaster area. They waste our money and precious time.

There is a phrase, Nodomoto sugireba atsusa wasureru 喉元過ぎれば熱さ忘れる. When hot foods or water pass through our gullet, we feel hot. However, we forget the feeling after the foods have passed. This means 'The danger past, and God forgotten". All of politicians might do their best for victims' life. However, as if the danger past, and the Japanese nation forgotten ? Politicians don't understand how victims are sufferring and the danger don't past now. Don't they think present situation in Japan is crisis?

It is so shameful things.

JIN

2011-05-29T11:06:00.004+09:00

I think everyone have wanted to go back to the past once. It might be regret for our choice or attitude at that time. And we sometimes imagine that the fact might change if the accident or event didn't happen.

I watch a TV drama every Sunday now. The title is "JIN". The story is originally manga. I didn't know it before I watch the drama. But the drama was so popular two years ago in Japan. The series this year is second. A brain surgery goes back to the last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate (Bakumatsu 幕末). JIN is his name. The story is fiction, however, some historical persons appear in the drama. Ryoma Sakamoto, who is popular among us, is one of them.

It is interesting and the scenes of operation in this drama seems to be real. The actor of protagonist, Takao Osawa is popular among Japanese women and the actress of heroine, Haruka Ayase is cute and remarkable.

I read news that this drama will be on air in 80 other countries. You might be able to enjoy it in your country. Also I think that it is better to watch after knowing the history of Bakumatsu.

JIN official site and gloval index

Soyokaze 微風

2011-05-21T12:34:00.000+09:00

Today is sunny day. May in Japan is so calm and fresh. We cam feel lively breeze. So I love this period. However, this fresh season is very short every year. June in Japan is so humid and uncomfortable. Rainy season will come soon.

Soyokaze 微風 in Japanese means breeze. I like this sound. And I like to watch flowers or green leaves are trembling by soyokaze. Also it is so nice that clothes after washing are shaking under the sun. I feel happy.

I remembered about wind. I watched a documentary in TV about Hayao Miyazaki's work. He said wind or breeze was so effective item and a key of story in his film. For example, when a character makes a serious decision, it winds definitely. Certainly when something happens or change in our daily life, we might feel wind or breeze.

I wish soyokaze brings to happier things and hope in our future.

Healing Voice

2011-05-18T22:09:00.000+09:00

Beautiful voice and sound often can heal and encourage us. The feeling depends on each person. I think everyone have some favorite voices.

In my case I love voice of a vocalist of Spitz, is very famous rock band. There are my favorite songs of them, however, I especially love their song "Kaede" 楓. It is sad love song. Kaede means maple tree in Japanese. I think his voice is soft and has special wavelength. I am always fasinated by it and feel confortable. His voice is just my healing voice.

Kaede by Spitz

手をつなごう　Hand in Hand

2011-05-16T23:53:00.001+09:00

I often hear some songs to encourage people or for hope after March 11th. We might want to feel Kizuna (bond) of people and hope brighter future.

I heard a song in radio yesterday. "手をつなごう" te o tsunagou (hand in hand) is a song for bond.of people.

I recognize that everyone can't live and do nothing without other people. Compassion and imagination is necessary for us.

I especially realize that our history is changing this year. We need to join hands and help each other.

手をつなごう by Ayaka

What is Convenience ?

2011-05-07T12:13:00.000+09:00

I read a topic in today's newspaper. Prime minister, Naoto Kan requested Chubu power company to stop all power plants in Hamaoka, Shizuoka prefecture.

Our life have changed after this earthquake. I can say that our consciousness for our convenient life has changed. Actually when we knew that electricity might stop, we were confused and in a kind of panic. We bought up a lot of things in supermarket. The atmosphere was so strange. We recognized a fear of radioactivity. However, everyone got calm, stopped a corner and try to save electricity. It is same thing that our life gets inconvenient. Convenient was normal for us.

Illumination in Town, all of public space or buildings get darker. Some escalators and elevators in stations, office or supermarket stop. We put out a useless light at home or in office. I have to go up and down the steps to seventh floor in my office. At first, I was tired and got out of breath especially in the morning. However I think it is good for my body. We might forget a simple thing under the convenience. It is a walk, run, exercise and use our body.

Inconvenience was negative word until now. However, I think it will get positive word and usual for us in future. It might be time that we have to change our sense of value for our life style.

Royal Wedding

2011-05-01T14:16:00.000+09:00

We, live in Tokyo spend calm day. Supply of foods, mineral water or other things reverts to normal. Small earthquakes sometimes happen. I felt small shake at home just now. However a lot of victims who lost their home or can't live at their home stay in places of refuge now.

There was one joyful topic for us. Royal wedding in England was on air and we blessed young prince and princess in flont of TV. New princess, Princess Catherine is so beautiful and I'm glad to see Prince William's smile in wedding ceremony. His smile reminds me very much of his mother, Princess Diana.
Japanese people loved her. She has visited two times in Japan and we welcomed her very much. Her bashful smile was so cute.

I hope Princess Williams and Princess Catherine are happy forever. They come to Japan after recovery of this earthquake and we want them to see our beautiful country and feel our culture. We will heartily welcome them.

Full Moon - Oborozukiyo

2011-04-19T22:43:00.000+09:00

I looked up sky at night yesterday. Full moon was shining beautifully. There are my favorite songs for moon. Oborozukiyois an old Japanese song and my favorite one. Sky in spring in Japan is hazy. So moon seems to be hazy. Oborozukiyo means night like this. This song is so beautiful. I found a music video. Japanese female singer, Mika Nakashima sing the song.

Oborozukiyo by Mika Nakashima

Another song is 今夜月の見える丘に. This song was theme song of TV drama, "Beautiful Life". that was on air about ten years ago.

I'm happy to see beautiful moon now.

今夜月の見える丘に by B'z

Sakura 桜

2011-04-09T13:21:00.001+09:00

It is sakura season now. Spring is a season of encounter and saying good-by in Japan. Japanese feel happy to see sakura every year. And we go to see sakura and have a party or festival under the trees. However, this year is different a little. Because we have a lot of problems and know various tragedy of this big earthquake.

We can't imagine our future and feel depressing. However, Sakura brooms every year and the beauty let us calm.

I memorized some sentences in lesson of Japanese literature at junior high school. They are written in the begining of the Tale of Heike. (See "Classic military tale" in Wikipedia. )

祇園精舎の鐘の声、諸行無常の響きあり。娑羅双樹の花の色、盛者必衰の理をあらわす。

おごれる人も久しからず、唯春の夜の夢のごとし。たけき者も遂にはほろびぬ、偏に風の前の塵に同じ。

諸行無常 (Shogyomujo) in it is very famous phrase. It means impermanence. All of things and every moment is impermanent. I didn't know why we memorized at that time and I might not have understood the real meaning. I especially realize it now.

I like this phrase.

There is a song of sakura that I love. The title is Sakura and this song is very beautiful. We especially hear it in graduation season. It was big hit song in Japan.

Sakura by Naotaro Moriyama

After Two Weeks

2011-03-26T14:39:00.000+09:00

My life is almost normal now. Since we save electricity in Tokyo, time schedule for train is limited. Trains are always crammed in the morning. Since some elevator in my office stops, I go up the steps every day. It is inconvenient a little, however, no problem.

Nuclear power plant's problem is very serious now. It is said that it is safe for people who live in Tokyo, however, we don't know when and what is happened. We are worried about radioactive material. A particle of radioactive materials in vegetable and city water is actually detected. Government said it is not influential for human body, however, we are worried after all. Water of plastic bottle is sold out in supermarket or yesterday.

Many people work hard for this problem at nuclear power plant in Fukushima. I want to appreciate the brave people, TEPCO, firemen or SDF, And alll Japanese want to help a lot of victims and evacuee. Some campaigns to raise funds expand. All Japanese think to want to do something and support for all victims.

Kizuna 絆 (Our bond) - Ame nimo Makezu

2011-03-21T11:46:00.000+09:00

We suffer a lot of damage, however, we can hear some good news day by day. I'm happy to hear.

A lot of Japanese artists act to support and help victims. Kizuna311 is a project to encourage them by Ken Watanabe who is famous Japanese actor and appear in Hollywood movies.
He recites a famous Japanese poet "Ame nimo makezu" for victims. It is a poet by Kenji Miyazawa who is well known for us. He was born in Iwate prefecture of Tohoke area. It is just devastated area now. I heard his recitation and read it again. I was so touched. I found why Tohoku people are so patient, strong and positive after reading it. The toughness is formed by severe climate in Tohoku area. I want to be strong like them. I want to introduce Ken's recitation.

Ame nimo Makezu

not losing to the rain

not losing to the wind

not losing to the snow nor to summer's heat

with a strong body

unfettered by desire

never losing temper

cultivating a quiet joy

every day four bowls of brown rice

miso and some vegetables to eat

in everything

count yourself last and put others before you

watching and listening, and understanding

and never forgetting

in the shade of the woods of the pines of the fields

being in a little thatched hut

if there is a sick child to the east

going and nursing over them

if there is a tired mother to the west

going and shouldering her sheaf of rice

if there is someone near death to the south

going and saying there's no need to be afraid

if there is a quarrel or a suit to the north

telling them to leave off with such waste

when there's drought, shedding tears of sympathy

when the summer's cold, wandering upset

called a blockhead by everyone

without being praised

without being blamed

such a person

I want to become

Things that I think

2011-03-19T12:32:00.001+09:00

My daily life is changing now. Many Japanese people felt how our daily life is precious. We had thought it was usual. Now supply of electricity is limited in Kanto (east) area. Government says we have to save electricity. I am surprised how we depend on electrical appliances. It is as if we addict electricity. We can't do nothing without electricity in our life. It is very inconvenience, however, we must endure this difficulties.

Many people can't eat enough without heating in devastated area. All of supplies is insufficient. I think that people in the Tohoku (northeasten) area are very admirable. Everyone are very patient in spite of such discomfort. They are so calm and waiting for our support and supply. There are a lot of elder people in Tohoku. I'm sorry that many people died and their families are victims.

This difficulties are our trial. Also it might be a chance that we reconsider our life style. I want to say.

I appreciate all of things in my life and I live now.

(わたしは全てのことに感謝します。そして今、生きていることに感謝します。)

Thank you for your message and support !

2011-03-13T15:24:00.001+09:00

We appreciate your kind message and support. We are receiving offers and support of many country or organizations for Japan now. These kindness will help us and our life.

Thank you so much !!

Our Destiny

2011-03-12T15:36:00.002+09:00

Yesterday massive earthquake happened in Japan. The hypocenter is north area and far from Tokyo. Victims by tsunami are increasing now. However I and people in Tokyo felt big shake and impact. I was so scary and I have never experiented such a big earthquake. It was unbelievable shake even in Tokyo. We use subway or train to commute to work in Tokyo. However, they stopped at the time to go home. Trafic was blocked. Defects for Tokyo are earthquake and sudden a lot of snow.

Earthquake is our destiny. There are a lot of active faults under our island. We can't avoid this fact. And there are a lot of other nature disaster in Japan. We have to receive and conquer these natural disasters.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-12720489

Musicman

2011-03-06T14:54:00.003+09:00

"Musicman" is a title of new album of Keisuke Kuwata 桑田佳祐 who is so famous singer in Japan. I love his songs. He is leader and lead vocal of a rock band, Southern All Stars. He success for a musician and artist. Almost Japanese will know him or we have heard his songs.
He got cancer when he produced this new album last year. However, he was operated and came back to us. I haven't bought the album yet, I want it now. I liked new single in this album , ginga no hosikuzu 銀河の星屑.
His voice is husky. And his lyrics are so special and unique. I can't explain the uniqueness well in English. Japanese taste and western taste are mixed and assimilate in his lyrics. It is very natural and produce his special world. I think he is genius of word. There are many favorite his songs for me.

愛の言霊(ai no kotodama) -spiritual message

希望の轍 (kibou no wadachi)

白い恋人達(shiroi koibitotachi)

Two Japanese musician, Takahiro Matsumoto and Hirom Uehara got grammy award this year.

Tokyo night Larry Carlton + Tak Matsumoto

Stanley Clarke Band Featuring Hiromi

Takahiro Matsumoto is a guitarist of very famous rock unit "B'z". Hiromi Uehara is famous jazz female pianist. I love her performance.

There are many talented musician in Japan. I'm glad other countries' people know them and hear their songs or music.

Panda Came To Tokyo

2011-02-26T17:29:00.000+09:00

Two of giant panda came to Ueno zoo at Tokyo last week. We can't see them now. However, especially people who live in Tokyo are waiting for coming to Japan. Some giant panda had been kept in Ueno zoo, however, people couldn't have seen cute panda in Tokyo.

Giant panda was one of popular animals in Zoo. The motion of panda is very cute. It's like stuffed doll. I haven't gone to zoo for a long time. I want to see this panda at Ueno zoo.
But I was surprised at high lease cost. It's just Panda diplomacy. Also panda eat a lot of

There is a Japanese word about panda. It is kyakuyose panda. 客寄せパンダ This means person who is very popular and can get audience on show or performance.
And cute character, tarepanda たれぱんだ is famous and It became very popular about a decade ago.

The name isn't announced now. But we can see cute panda in near future. I'm looking forward to seeing them.

Senbei せんべい

2011-02-06T11:30:00.001+09:00

When I go to a trip abroad, there are some Japanese foods that I want to. Miso soup, natto (Fermented beans) Udon or Ramen, etc. These are difficult to bring in foreign countries. (However, we might eat Japanese foods in some countries now...) But I definitely bring a Japanese snack for trip.

It is senbei. Senbei is most useful food to bring because they are so light. Basic senbei's taste is soy sauce and the shape is circle. It is so simple taste. There are a lot of kinds of senbei. Soy sauce taste wrapped with sea weed (Nori), salt, cheese, sugar... I love all kinds of senbei.

I always enjoyed cuisine of each countries in my trip. I like to try to eat local foods. However, when I eat local cuisine every day, I sometimes get tired of them because they are oily or heavy for our stomach. Especially sweets, chocolate, cakes too sweet for Japanese. Sometimes I want to eat Japanese foods, not oily and simple foods. A piece of Senbei and a cup of green tea makes me happy in a whole trip. It is portable and it can be packed in suitcase. It is difficult what we bring our favorite other Japanese foods. Some pieces of senbei and teabag of green tea are essential items for my trip. ( A cup of green tea is necessary to eat senbei, I think...)

Senbei is one of popular souvenirs for tourists who come to Japan. When you visit Japan, please try eating it.

Unexpected Satisfaction - Unit Asia

2011-01-29T23:01:00.000+09:00

I went to a concert this week. My friend gave a ticket of a fusion band that is composed by Asian musicians.
The name of the band is Unit Asia. I didn't know it.

I didn't especially expect, however, the performance was so excellent and I was touched. The member is three Japanese, guitarist, bassist, drummer and Thai saxophonist and Malaysian pianist. Three Egyptian musicians played some musics as special guests in the concert. Especially I loved piano performance. I haven't seen live performance about for several years. I was satisfied with big surprise. I was happy to hear good music.

Unit Asia toured in Asian and Middle East last year. I found the performances in YouTube. I especially like music in No.2.

"unit asia" Concert 2010 at Cairo Vol.1

"unit asia" Concert 2010 in Cairo #2

"unit asia" Concert 2010 in Cairo #3

Onigiri おにぎり is Japanese soul food

2011-01-23T16:08:00.000+09:00

The national football team battle in Asian Cup in middle east area now. I read a topic in newspaper about national team. First game was barely draw game. It is weakness for Japanese team not to able to shoot one goal. Italian, Zacceloni is new director and he instructed the players to eat Onigiri after the first game. I thought his instruction was right. I think onigiri is one of our soul foods. When we ear it, we can get energy.
Onigiri is just a rice ball. It is very simple, however it is so delicious for us.

Probably first onigiri in our life is each mother's handmade onigiri. Japanese mother make putting it in her love for their children. The shape is ball or triangle. I love onigiri and sometimes eat one or two as lunch. A lot of onigiri, various types are sold in convenience store.
I brought my mother's onigiri for lunch box when I was a child. My mother's onigiri is triangle. I loved my mother's onigiri. I remember I was happy to eat it.

National football team won last game and they play against Korean national team next week. I hope they win by onigiri power.

Nisoku no Waraji 二足の草鞋

2011-01-16T15:51:00.001+09:00

I chatted with my friends at lunch recently. Our topic was about recent job. Economy deteriorates and finding a job is difficult for even students who will graduate this year. Paｙ of Japanese workers diminishes and people are fearful of sudden dismissal.
Japanese have worked at one company for our life. It is said permanent employment. However, this system becomes unstable. We don't know when we lose our job.

We talk about business card, too at lunch. One of my friends said it was good idea that office workers have two kinds of business card.
Japanese office worker has a custom to exchange their business card for introducing their name and company when we see first time at business. They have generally one kind of card. However, if they would have another type of original business card, it might be useful to negotiate with their client. For example, their interests, hobby or things that they learn and study is described on another card. If they exchange two different cards, we will have a lively conversation. They might be able to negotiate with client smoothly. As another merit, we can have various world except their job.
Especially Japanese office workers have worked hard from Monday to Friday for one company. It is normal to work overtime every day. They haven't had any time to spend for their hobby or interests and improve something. However, because it is no guarantee for permanent employment now, work style should be changed now. We might be able to find other ability and way or life if we can spend time for our interests.

There is a Japanese phrase. "Nisoku no waraji wo haku". ”二足の草鞋をはく” This direct meaning is that we wear two pair of Japanese traditional footwear "Waraji". The real meaning is having two works. We need "Nisoku no waraji" to survive adversity in present days. It is difficult to live with only one job.

20 Years Old

2011-01-11T23:02:00.000+09:00

Yesterday was a national holiday, coming of age day (seijin no hi) in Japan. When we become 20 years old, everyone is regarded as adult.

There are very famous two athletes who are 20 years old. They are well-known in Japan.
One is Mao Asada and another is Ryo Ishikawa. You will know Mao Asada. She is great female figure skater and got shilver medal in Vancouver Olimpic. Her skating is always beautiful and marvelous.
Ryo Ishikawa is pro golfer and so populer. He is as like Tiger Woods in Japan. Though he is young, he is always modest and sincere. He became No.1 player in Japan last year. He was invited at Masters tournament this year. I like them and they will show good performance to us this year. I want to cheer them.

I found Mao's perfect skating last year in YouTube. So beautiful !!

Mao Asada 浅田真央 DOI 2010 Chopin Ballade #1

Fukubukuro 福袋 (Lucky Bag)

2011-01-02T22:54:00.001+09:00

A Happy New Year! How do you spend in this new year ?

Almost worker doesn't work from January 1st to 3rd in Japan. We call this three days "Sanganichi".
However some stores are open at January 2nd and new year sale begins. Special goods for new year, Fukubukuro. 福袋 is very popular in Japan and women especially like to buy it. We can't know what items are put in this bag. It is excited about opening it at home for customers.

"Fuku" 福 means luck or happiness and is auspicious character in Japan. There are 7 gods who bring happiness for us. It is Shitifukujin (Seven lucky gods) 七福神. Ebisu 恵比寿 is one of them. Ebisu, a place in Tokyo is same name of this god.

I hope you have a lot of Fuku 福 this year and enjoy my blog !

Chūshingura 忠臣蔵

2010-12-30T14:09:00.000+09:00

There is a historical story that is produced as TV special drama in almost every December. The story is Chushingura 忠臣蔵 . Chusingura or Akō rōshi 赤穂浪士 is well-known and almost Japanese know this event. It is one of stories of Kabuki Though I have seen these dramas several times, I didn't know personally why people like this story and they think of moving story. Because it is just vengeance and sad story.

A historical event that is based on happened in Edo period 江戸時代. Edo period is so peaceful after the Warring State Period. So this event might be sensational for people in these days. And loyalty to master was regarded as virtue for samurais. They could die for their master no matter what happened.

New Japanese film, "Saigo no chusingura" released 最後の忠臣蔵 this month in Japan. This is a story after the event. It will release in US next year. And I heard a news that this story is going to be filmed in Hollywood, starring Keanu Reeves.
It might be interesting when you see it after knowing about Chushingura story and it is so famous in Japan.

Heattech and Haramaki

2010-12-23T21:09:00.001+09:00

I can endure the coldness by grace of two underwear this year. One is new material, heattech. Heattech is developed by UNIQLO, one of clothing makers. Clothing of heattech is very warm. It was sold few years ago and underwear or clothing of heattech became a big seller in Japan. I bought some heattech items this year.
In case of my room, it is very cold in winter. Especially the room isn't heated at night when I sleep. So the coldness is out of ordinary. However, when I wear heattech underwear, I can sleep well.

Another useful item is Haramaki 腹巻き. It is traditional thermal underwear and it has been used for men, especially for middle age or old men. It has not been cool for a long time. However, young women use now as one of thermal underwear. It is colorful and fashionable. Normal haramaki is made of wool. However, since close of haramaki is innovated, we can wear it under clothing. When I go out wearing it in cold day, it is very warm. Of course, there is heattech haramaki and it is so useful.

New technology and traditional underwear is essential for me in this winter.

Nenmatsu Jambo Takarakuji 年末ジャンボ宝くじ- Lottery

2010-12-19T21:11:00.000+09:00

I went shopping for buying Christmas present at Ginza. A lot of people were walking on streets and enjoyed shopping. And I found some long lines of people. I knew why such many people were waiting for. Because they buy Nenmatsu Jambo Takarakuji.

Nenmatu Jambo Takarakuji 年末ジャンボ宝くじ is the name of Japanese lottery in the end of year. First prize money is two hundred billions yen. There are some lottery stands in Tokyo that sold winning tickets of first prize. A Stand in front of Nishi Ginza department store is very famous for selling winning tickets. The long line at Ginza always becomes topics in end of the year.

Everyone wish to win a lottery someday and get a lot of money. Buying lottery tickets is same as buying a dream. It is exciting for people who buy lottery to imagine what do we do if we would win lottery. We can know the number of winning tickets at the beginning of next year. Their dreams continue until the announcement day comes.

What do you do if you win lottery?

Nobel Prize Ceremony "I Have No Enemies"

2010-12-12T09:52:00.000+09:00

Two Japanese won Nobel prize in chemistry this year. We are proud of this event. Yesterday Nobel prize ceremony was held and top news was about the ceremony in TV.

Another topics was about the ceremony of Nobel peace prize. A Chinese, Liu Xiaobo won the Nobel peace prize, however, he couldn't attend it. I didn't know about him until he won the prize. When I saw this news, I was touched his word, "I have no enemies".

A Japanese TV drama series, "Ryomaden" finished this month. And Ryoma Sakamoto who said "Nothing generate from hatred " in the drama.

To be happy and spend peacefully, these words are very important in our life. I think nothing change from fighting or hatred

I have no enemies : Final statement

Gibs

2010-12-09T00:05:00.002+09:00

I have forgotten my faborite songs for a long time. However, when I listen to it by chance somewhere, I suddenly remember them that are my favorite songs.

"Gibs" by Shena Ringo is just one of these songs. I have forgotten it about for ten years. However, I listened it that was sung by diffrent singer recently. Time passed and my situation changed. Time passed and my situation changed. However, I felt again it was wonderful song.
I think you have these songs...

Gibs by Shena Ringo 椎名林檎

Don't wanna cry by Namie Amuro

雪の華 (yuki no hana) by Mika Nakashima　

Bookstore and Japanese History

2010-12-04T23:04:00.001+09:00

I like to go to bookstore. My favorite bookstores are Maruzen 丸善 in Marunouchi, Kinokuniya shoten (bookstore) 紀伊国屋書店 in Shinjuku or Junkudo ジュンク堂 in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. They are very big chain bookstore in Japan. We can find all genre of books including foreign books.

I recently found a book at Maruzen. The title is "Nihon ryoku" 日本力. It was a book that was edited a talk for Japan by Seigou Matsuoka 松岡正剛 who is researcher of Japan or Japanese culture and Everett Kennedy Brown who is a photographer. I knew them after reading it. It was very interesting.

I read some Seigou Matsuoka's books and I feel that we need to know and learn about especially Japanese history again. I learned about Japanese history when I was high school students. However, I might not understand importance of it. After graduating school I experience many things in our society. By leaning Japanese history again, I can understand some present events and problems in our life or I realize the reasons or real meanings for them.

There are a lot of his books in Japanese, however, I'm sorry that I can't introduce his translated books, English or other languages. His opinions for Japan are interesting for me. He read a lot of books and it is certainly he is an intellect.

We have a lot of social problems now. Japanese economy is unstable. Learning and knowing our history or ancestral wisdom again might be a key to solving them.

Koharu Biyori 小春日和 and Shita tsuzumi wo utsu　舌鼓をうつ

2010-11-21T11:51:00.003+09:00

It gets colder and winter comes soon. However, today is Koharu biyori. 小春日和 There are some words for weather or seasons. I like these Japanese words. Koharu biyori means indian summer. Koharu hiyori is one of my favorite words for weather. I like the rhythm of Koharu biyori.
After cold weather continues, it sometimes gets warmer. When it is warm like today, koharu biyori, I feel happy. Sunshine is soft and calm. And no wind...

I heard another good Japanese word that I like, "Shita tsuzumi wo utsu", last week on TV news.
U.S.President Obama came to Japan for APEC. He visited Kamakura. 鎌倉. Kamakura is one of very old cities in East area and many temples and shrines exist in. I like this place. Autumn in Kamakura is best season. President has visited there when he was a child with his mother. He has seen a big Daibutsu大仏 (a huge statue of Buddha) and eaten Maccha (powdered green tea) ice cream. The trip is good memory for him.
So he revisited the temple and licked his lips over maccha ice cream. Shita tsuzumi wo utsu 舌鼓をうつ means lick one's lip. Shita 舌 means tongue and Tsuzumi 鼓 means Japanese traditional instrument. When we feel tasty, we lick our lips and feel happy. I was surprised that English and Japanese is similar expression.

Obama revisits Kamakura's great Buddha.

Type of two words is different, however, I feel happy when I hear both words.

Visit Japan Year 2010

2010-11-20T21:14:00.000+09:00

Falling leaves are very beautiful in Japan now. Autumn is my favorite season.

I found a web site for tourists who want to visit Japan. If you have a plan to visit, it must be useful.

Visit Japan Year 2010

ラーメンたべたい！ (Ramen tabetai)

2010-10-31T14:01:00.003+09:00

There is a food that almost Japanese like. Sometimes I have an urge to eat it. It is Ramen. Ramen らーめん is very popular Japanese food. It is originally Chinese food, however, I think Ramen becomes a typical Japanese food.

There are some taste, soy sauce, miso, salt. tonkotsu, . A lot of ramen shops ラーメン屋 exist in Japan. They have own original ramen. A lot of people wait to eat delicious and special ramen in front of popular ramen shops. People can wait for a long time to eat it. Almost ramen shops are small and hold less than 20 people. There is a counter that have about ten seats and some tables.
Ramen is of course delicious, however, I think there is another reason that ramen is popular. It takes about 30 or 40 minutes to order and eat it. It is very easy to fill and satisfy our stomach quickly. I think it is modern soul food for Japanese.

"I want to eat Ramen !" ラーメンたべたい！ I say one in a week. I love it. After you eat it in Japan, you must eat it again and say "Ramen Tabetai!".

A song "ラーメンたべたい" is one of my favorite songs. The song was composed by Akiko Yano who I love. Her piano performance is always amazing and fantastic.

ラーメンたべたい　Akiko yano

Hard to say I'm sorry

2010-10-20T21:47:00.003+09:00

Today is not a topic about Japan. It's just my thing.

One of my favorite musicians, David Foster comes to Japan now for two concerts in Tokyo. I'm not going to his concert this time. The guest singer is Peter Cetera, Natalie Cole, Charice, and so on. (I have seen to his concert in Japan before.) However, I have a memory of his songs that he produced.

When I was a junior high school students, I found his album by chance at rental record shop. I didn't know about him or his songs. But I thought to want to rent his record. (The title is "The best of me". ) It was gut feeling that this was good. This experience was shocking for me. After that I knew that he was so famous producer in Canada and US. I heard his produced albums or a lot of songs. "Hard to say I'm sorry " , "After the love has gone" , "Morning" , "Through the fire".... (We call these songs (old popular songs) natumero 懐メロ in Japanese.)
I was lucky to be able to see hes live performance at TV this week. Charice and Peter Cetera appeared and sang. When I heard "Hard to say I'm sorry", I was crying.

I think everyone has a shocking experiences for music like encounter for people or books. I remembered my experience or a lot of things in youth.

I linked a song who produced for JAL (Japan Air Line) , one of Japanese airlines.

I will be there with you

Wataru Seken wa Oni Bakari

2010-10-17T14:30:00.004+09:00

There is a very famous and popular long-run TV series in Japan. Title is "Wataru seken wa oni bakari 渡る世間は鬼ばかり" The last series 10 begun last week. The first series begun about for 20 years ago. And period of dram for 1 series is three month, however it is one year. Probably almost Japanese know the title. The playwright of it is Sugako Hashida. She is so famous and wrote "Oshin" that was high audience ratings. Audience ratings of her dramas are always very high.

The main story is a family "Okakura-ke" 岡倉家. The members are a father and five daughters. Five daughters were married. And each daughters has each life and problems about the family and relationship of mother-in-law or children.

Japanese married women has some problems of relationship with mother-in-law in Japan. Japanese couple often lives with husband's family or in duplex house. Wife and mother-in-law is sometimes rival. They have quarrels for different opinions. Very serious theme for married women might be how wife and mother-in-law live together in friendship.

I think audiences has similar experiences like the story. Okakura-ke and daughter's families might be example of typical and common Japanese family. "Wataru Seken" is certainly interesting and saw until 4 series. It is good to know Japanese normal life and human relations.

Wataru Seken wa Oni bakari

LOFT and Tokyu Hands

2010-10-11T21:21:00.004+09:00

LOFT and Tokyu Hands are two big shops in Tokyo and they are my favorite places. They have a lot of items that are necessary for my life. Furniture, items for interior, stationery, accessories and so on. I can stay in the shop for one hour.

I especially like stationery and sometimes go to see stationery there. Japanese stationery are always innovated, useful and unique. Also design is not only compact but stylish. I like to find new stationery that have been innovated.
Many types are made as one item. For example, when I want a black ball point pen. I can choose my favorite one in four or five types. Each function, design, or selling point is slightly different from other products. The types of each stationery are diverse.

Today I found a new type of stapler , "Harinacks" and ball point pen in LOFT. The stapler can be stapled without staple. And we can erase letters that are written by the ball point pen.

When you visit Tokyo, I recommend you go to LOFT or Tokyu Hands. You can find your favorite items.

Loft ロフト and Tokyu Hands 東急ハンズ

Kokuyo コクヨ is one of my favorite Japanese company.

Sanma (さんま・秋刀魚)

2010-09-20T10:14:00.003+09:00

It becomes recently cooler in morning and night. Wind is different from summer one. I can feel the beginning of autumn.

We feel change of season for food. Sanma is pacific saury (mackerel pike) and typical fish in autumn for Japanese. The shape of sanma is thin and like a sword. In Japanese character "Kanji" 漢字 , we write as 秋刀魚. 　 *秋 (autumn) 刀 (sword) 魚 (fish)

We like salted and grilled sanma. We will eat definitely grilled sanma once in autumn. When we grill it, smoke and smell are appetizing. The gut of sanma is very bitter, however, the bitterness is tasty for people who love grilled sanma. I can eat it, but I don't like so much. Since price of sanma is reasonable and cook easily, everyone can enjoy eating many times. The catch of sanma decreases this year as a recent news report. The price will be expensive.

Food is very necessary to find new season for us. There are a lot of delicious autumn foods in Japan.

"Toilet" & "Colorful"

2010-09-11T21:20:00.003+09:00

I want to introduce two Japanese films. One is "Toilet" and another is "Colorful". Both of them is a story about family and family ties.

I saw a Japanese film "Toilet" today. This is a film that a director "Naoko Ogigame" made recently. I like her movies. "Toilet" is a story of a three siblings and Japanese grandmother, "Baachan". Baachan ばあちゃん means grandmother in Japanese. Three siblings are Americans whose mother is Japanese woman. Baachan can't speak English, however, they live with her after their mother was dead. Older brother is Hikikomori. Hikikomori means person who lives at home whole a day, he can't establish relations with other people and can't go out. Younger brother is Otaku. Otaku means person who loves animation, comic books "Manga" or figures of animation's character. Situation of this film is very interesting and Toilet is a key of this film.
It is heart-warming story. Some classical musics in the film is so nice. If you are interested with Naoko Ogigami, I recommend to see "Kamome Shokudo."かもめ食堂” It is one of my favorite Japanese films.

I don't have a interest of animation film. However, "Colorful" is a animation film that I thought to want to see at theater. I have read the original novel of this film. I like it. It is not fantasy animation for kids. However, I think it is good for young people or adults who have some troubles with family to see. I like the image of this film. It is so exquisite.

Imabari Towel - Japan Brand

2010-09-04T22:15:00.003+09:00

I love towel. I have a lot of my favorite towels. It has been hot in this summer. A small towel is essential for me in these day. I always bring small one when I go out to wipe my swear off.
There are towels that I love or not. Texture of towel is very important. I always use towel of my favorite texture.

I recently bought Imabari Towel. I have heard it is very soft and high quality towel. Imabari is one of city at Ehime prefecture in Shikoku and famous for place that manufacture towels. Imabari towels is that made in Imabari and a towel brand. I have wanted it. The texture is excellent!

I think that Japanese products or tools are so excellent and functional. We can be proud of craftsmanship.
I knew "Japan brand" project. Imabari towel is one of this project. There are many regional special products in Japan. The concept of this project is so nice that people who are interested in Japan or Japanese culture. This site is very interesting.

Love & Peace Inside?

2010-08-12T22:43:00.003+09:00

This is a title of my favorite song. A SMAP's song in new album. So beautiful song!!!
It is composed by my favorite Japanese singer, Noriyuki Makihara.
Lyric is good...

Love & Peace Inside?

Love & Peace Inside? full version with English lyric

Casutella カステラ　of Nagasaki

2010-08-08T21:30:00.007+09:00

I love a Japanese cake, Castella カステラ. It is simple taste, however, soft and so delicious. I ate a piece of castella recently. I felt happy.

This cake was introduce to Nagasaki from Portugal in 16 century. It is classic sponge cake and very popular in Japan.

Nagasaki is historical and important place for Japanese. It is the oldest trade port. Japan dealt with Portugal, Holland or China. A lot of other countries products, language or culture were introduced into Nagasaki and Japan. There are some Japanese words that are derived from Portugal or Holland. And many Christians live in Nagasaki because of historical background.

Tomorrow is a memorial day of atomic bomb in Nagasaki. We must not forget tragedy for World War Ⅱ. I will pray for world peace tomorrow.

Nagasaki City / Peace & Atomic Bomb

No More Atomic Bombs

2010-08-06T21:34:00.006+09:00

Today is atomic bomb 65th aniversary of Hiroshima.
I want you to know a lot of innocent civilians were killed sixty-five years ago.

I hope all atomic bombs and weapons are abolished someday.

Hiroshima Peace Site

Mugicha (Roasted barley tea)

2010-07-31T11:47:00.002+09:00

This summer is very sweltering hot. We want to drink a lot of cold beverages in such hot summer.

I think Japanese like tea. There are some kinds of Japanese tea in Japan. You might think we drink cold green tea 緑茶 in summer. Certainly a lot of bottle of cold green tea are sold at supermarket. I buy it and drink at office to cool down. However, we usually drink another special tea in summer, mugicha 麦茶 at home. I keep mugicha in refrigerator and can drink anytime. A cup of mugicha is so nice to drink after taking a bath or at the time to come home.

Mugicha is aromatic and tasty. Also it is so healthy. Mugicha is suitable for Japanese sweet cakes. When I drink cold mugicha, I feel Japanese summer.

Takoyaki たこ焼き

2010-07-18T12:23:00.007+09:00

Paul of octopus is a topic during world cup 2010 in Japan. It is surprising talent (Is it a coincidence?)

Octopus 蛸 is one of well-known ingredients in Japan. We eat some mollusks, octopus or squid for traditional Japanese food.

Takoyaki たこやき is very popular food for us. Originally it is a food of Osaka, west area (Kansai area) in Japan. It is eaten in Tokyo now. (I think culture of west and east, Osaka and Tokyo, is very different.)

Takoyaki is a grilled dumpling and small piece of boiled octopus (tako). It is very Japanese worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, a piece of dried bonito (Katsuobishi), and dried green laver (aonori) are put on takoyaki. Combination of these flavoring is excellent. *Aonori あおのり is one of seaweed.

When I was a child, takoyaki didn't prevailed in Tokyo. I had never eaten it. However we can eat anywhere in Japan now.

If you visit Osaka, you must try to eat Takoyaki and Oconomiyaki. They become typical Japanese cuisine.

World Cup in South Africa

2010-06-26T22:10:00.004+09:00

Present No.1 topic is FIFA world cup in South Africa in Japan. We haven't expected Japanese football national team wins the games for first stage. Japanese team defeated Denmark team yesterday early morning in Japanese time. Japanese players can play for next stage. I watched the game at 3 A.M on TV. It was no waste of time to get up early and cheer them.

Recently Japanese league, J-league, is not popular. It is one of a reason that star players are out of Japan. Also our national team lost recent matches before world cup.
However, Almost Japanese people cheer our team in front of TV now. Although South Africa is far from Japan, many Japanese supporters go to South Africa in order to cheer. It almost takes 24 hours to go by airplane.

Keisuke Honda, became new hero. He scored 2 goals in World Cup. Yesterdays free kick was marvelous. Kick off of next game is 11 P.M on Tuesday next week. A lot of people will cheer and get excited. I hope Japanese team win.

Q,P Mayonnaise マヨネーズ

2010-04-25T16:00:00.003+09:00

There are a lot of delicious seasonings in Japan. Soy sauce or Miso is typical Japanese taste.

I think mayonnaise made in Japan is so delicious. I saw a topic that Japanese mayonnaise, Q.P mayonnaise is sold well at Amazon in US.

In Japan two mayonnaise mainly are sold, one is Q.P Mayonnaise and Ajinomoto's mayonnaise.
Mayonnaise is sold in plastic squeeze bottle. Kewpie doll is a mascot of Q.P and it is so cute.

Japanese love mayonnaise. it is used in Japanese food well. We call people who especially are addicted to it and eat it well, Mayolar マヨラー. It is new Japanese word and recently is used in daily life. However, mayonnaise is high calorie. Too much eating is not healthy. I like it and sometimes use for sauce of salad. It is very delicious and convenience seasoning.

White Kazoku (Family)

2010-04-18T14:36:00.002+09:00

Today's topic is dog. Hachi in Shibuya is very famous, However, the most well-known dog now is a white dog of "White Kazoku (family)".

White Kazoku is a campaign charactor of Soft Bank that is one of mobile phone in Japan.
(There are three mobile phone campanies in Japan. The others are NTT (Docomo) and KDDI(AU.))

Family members are father, mother, daughter and son. This family appears in daily TV comercial. This white dog is the father (お父さん) of the family. You might be think a dog is father of human beings. He can speak Japanese. Father's voise is dubbed by a famous actor.

When I saw these TV commercials at first, I thought it was strange. However, the situation is very funny. There are a lot of version of commercials. I attached the site of TV commercial series. When you see them, you will like him.

White Kazoku's commercial series

Father, Otou-san, お父さん (white dog) is very cute...

招き猫 (Maneki Neko)

2010-04-11T16:19:00.004+09:00

Which do you like, dogs or cats ? We often ask someone a question about pets. I like dog better than cats. There are a lot of people that have pets and dogs and cats is so common for pets.

(I have no pets.)

Now cats (Neko 猫) is very popular. I heard a news in TV that some photo books about cats are sold well. I like kitten, however, I am a little bit scary about big cats.

Maneki neko　招き猫 is very cute and I like it. It is a traditional ornament for bringing customers in business or 商売繁盛 Shoubai Hanjou (this is a slogan that we use when we hope that business prospers)

We sometimes see it in shops or restaurants in Japan. Maneki (verb, Maneku 招く) means beckon. This is a cat for bring good luck.

Animals or pet sometimes heal in our life. Maneki neko isn't real animal. However, the look is so cute, it might bring fortune to us.

Haruichiban 春一番

2010-04-03T22:16:00.007+09:00

Spring comes. Beautiful cherry blossoms (Sakura) bloom now. Everything begins in April. New term begins at school. Recruits who graduate from university or high school join a company.

There are some words that express each season. Haruichiban 春一番 is a very symbolic word for Japanese spring. Haruichiban 春一番 means the first gale of spring in the end of February or March. We can hear this word in weather report. "Haru" 春 means spring and "ichiban" 一番 means first or No.1.

When haruichiban blow, it is a sign that long winter in Japan ends at last and we feel spring. Everyone wait for spring. March in this year was very cold after haruichiban blew. We couldn't take off winter coat for a long time. Now it becomes warmer in April.

I hate the gale, however, I like the sound of Haruichiban, I don't know why.

I want to add new part "My favorite phrase " in my blog. I will update when I'm touched or find good phrases. Please sometimes check it.

Strawberry Shortcake

2010-03-20T10:15:00.003+09:00

I think that most well-known cake for Japanese is Strawberry shortcake. The shape is different from other countries one. I love it and sometimes I want to eat. I have eaten it when I was a child. Strawberry shortcake was one of favorite cakes for especially children at this time.

Strawberry (Ichigo 苺) is very popular fruits. It is sweet and has acidity. Ichigo gari いちご狩り is a event in spring. Ichigo gari means picking fresh strawberries. We normally can eat them that we want to eat per one time ichigo gari within limited time, for example, 30 minutes. I have gone to Ichigo gari several times. Picking and eating fresh strawberry in the air is so nice.

Strawberry shortcake is made of sponge cake, whip cream and strawberry. All ingredients are tempting. Japanese shortcake is delicious. If you visit Japan, please try to eat.

Japan Academy Prize

2010-03-06T10:30:00.006+09:00

33rd Japan Academy Prize is announced yesterday. It is the award for Japanese films. I saw two films that were nominated best punctures. I introduced them, "Dear Doctor" and "Villon's Wife" in my blog.

The Picture of the year is "Shizumanu Taiyou" 沈まぬ太陽. It was made that based on same title's novel by Toyoko Yamasaki 山崎豊子. Toyoko Yamasaki is well- known novelist in Japan.

I want to introduce Japanese actors were awarded this time.

The best male actor is Ken Watanabe in "Shizumanu Taiyou". If you saw Hollywood movie, "Last Samurai" , you will remember him. He is very talented actor. The best female actor is Takako Matsu 松　たか子 in Villon's Wife" I like her performance and she is very popular and one of beautiful Japanese female actor.

The best male and female actor in supporting role is Teruyuki Kagawa 香川照之 in "Tsurugidake" 剣岳 and Kimiko Yo 余　貴美子 in "Dear Doctor". She appears in "Departure" おくりびと that were awarded best foreigh film in Academy award last year. I think they are essential actors in Japanese films. They can play any roles.

When you want to see Japanese film and if they appear in the films that you pick up, they must be good Japanese films.

Her Challenge

2010-02-25T21:25:00.003+09:00

Figure Skating for women in Vancouver Olympic game is No.1 topic now. The most popular skater in Japan, Mao Asada is an idol for us and almost Japanese people cheer her. Her performance was excellent yesterday. She jumped triple axel and it is first time at olympic. We could see her performance many times at news or TV program.

I saw her especial TV program last week. I was touched her interview. The music of free skating this year is "The Bell" by Rachmaninof and the tune is very heavy and solemn. Her performance or music has been always lovely and cute. Her character and impression are pure and cute, too.

Two musics were selected this time, "The Bell " and another classic. Another music matched her character. However, she decided "The Bell", heavy one. She said in her interview. If she would skate with another classic, her performance wouldn't change. It is useless for her to skate with similar tune. "The Bell" is her challenge.

Certainly I thought the music was mismatched when I heard first time. However, I admired her decision. I thought she was just an athlete. I hope she gets gold medal. But I'd like to see her challenge and best performance.

Almost Japanese people will cheer her tomorrow. "Mao chan Ganbare!!"

Taiyaki たいやき

2010-02-20T23:17:00.017+09:00

There are a lot of Japanese cakes (wagashi 和菓子). Taiyaki たいやき is one of hot cakes and shape is a fish that is called Tai 鯛 (bream). The mold is made in the shape of fish. Taiyaki is sold at the special stand,"taiyaki-ya" 鯛焼き屋. It is one of food of cold season, however, we can eat all the year around. Bean paste is put in the body of taiyaki. Taste is simple but it is so delicious. Tai, bream is thought as a lucky fish in Japan. It is eaten as congratulatory food. Japanese "Medetai" めでたい means happy or auspicious. "Tai" of Medetai rhymes with "Tai" as fish.

There is a song of Taiyaki. The song is "Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun" . It was a song in TV program for children in 1975. And it became big hit in the year.

I ate Taiyaki today. Taiyaki is well-known cake in Japan. I recommend you to eat it when you visit Japan.

Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun

Winter Olympic in Vancouver

2010-02-14T10:53:00.009+09:00

I saw opening ceremony of Winter Olympic in Vancouver at TV yesterday. I have been to Vancouver twice. It has beautiful nature and is lovely city. Vancouver is one of my favorite city. I was looking forward to this Olympic. There is time lag between Japan and Canada. If we want to see at live at morning, we can see at midnight in Japan. We can't sleep well...

Every people cheer the athletes of own countries. We always hope Japanese athletes get medals. There is a idea of getting medal is important for almost Japanese people. On the other hand, there is another idea that it is enough to see good games as if they couldn't get medals. I think getting medals is better for the athletes. I want to see good performance for all of athletes.

Our hope, Aiko Uemura of mogul skier might get medal today. She is very popular in Japan.

I especially like figure skate. Nobunari Oda ,Daisuke Takahashi, Miki Ando and Mao Asada are expected to get medal in Japan.

We like a Japanese word of encouragement or cheering, "Ganbare !" がんばれ or "Ganbatte !" がんばって.This means "Cheer up" or "Good luck". We usually say it in daily life. And we sometimes use "Ganbare Nippon (Japan)" at Olympic games.

So I want to say, "がんばれ　日本"

ランドセル　"Randoseru"

2010-01-31T13:20:00.004+09:00

Almost elementary school students walk to school and carry on their Japanese special school bag, Randoseru ランドセル. It's like backpack. Randoseru for boys is black and it for girls is red. Randoseru is sturdy and used for six years.

I used it for six years when I was elementary school students. I was six years old when I carry on first time. Since it is made of leather or artificial leather, it was very heavy and big for a little girl. However, I was glad to have randoseru. And it is so useful and economical. We don't need to change new randoseru for six years.

I like to see children who walk to school and shoulder their randoseru in the morning. I remember my childhood when I see randoseru. Randoseru is a symbol for elementary school students for our happy school days for Japanese.

Natsukashii Love Song

2010-01-19T22:33:00.002+09:00

I heard my favorite love song on the radio today. It is a famous love song "Missing". It was a song about twenty years ago. However, it is a beautiful ballad. Toshinobu Kubota is a J-POP singer and I like his songs. I had forgotten the song "Missing" until I heard it today. I thought "Natsukashii" 懐かしい in Japanese. It is very difficult to explain my feeling. This song carries me back to my good memories twenty years ago. Also I felt again this was beautiful song.

When you hear some old songs, you will feel sentimental or "Natsukashii". I introduce my Natsukashii love songs.

"Missing" and "La la la love song" by Toshinobu Kubota

* "La la la love song" is his super hit song in 1996.

"Love Love Love" by Dreams Come True

"Love Love Love" English version

* "Dreams Come True" ドリームズ　カム　トゥルー is famous J-Pop group and "Love Love Love" is a super hit song in 1995. We usually call this group "Dorikamu" ドリカム as an abbreviation.

Goma 護摩 (Homa) in Fukagawa Fudouson 深川不動尊

2010-01-11T21:53:00.007+09:00

Narita 成田 is place in Chiba prefecture next to Tokyo and there is a international airport, Narita airport. This airport is very far from downtown in Tokyo. It takes about half an hour by train.

Narita is famous for location of a big temple, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple　成田山新勝寺. A lot of people visit this temple at new year.
I visited Fukagawa fudouson 深川不動尊, a branch temple of Naritasan shinshoji temple, this year. Fukagawa fudouson located at Monzen-nakacho 門前仲町 in east Tokyo.
I like to see a ritual, Goma 護摩. Some Buddhist monks who wear clear colorful robe, Kesa 袈裟 pray for peace in front of fire. And sound and rhythm of Japanese drum 和太鼓 is so powerful.
I felt as if I can get rid of my bad feeling.

If you have a chance to visit Narita or monzen-nakacho, seeing Goma ritual will good experience for you to feel Buddhism.

Ryomaden -大河ドラマ-

2010-01-03T12:40:00.004+09:00

A lot of TV drama are made in a year. Taiga Drama 大河ドラマ is one of popular programs in Japan. It is broadcasted by NHK, national public broadcasting organization. This series has been on air for one year. One story is 45 minutes in every Sunday night at 8:00 PM. Almost Japanese stay home and can watch it. A historical hero or heroine in the drama becomes popular. Also an actor or actress who plays hero or heroine becomes remarkable person in the year.
I enjoy it every year.

The title of taiga drama in this year is "Ryomaden" 龍馬伝” A historical hero is Ryoma Sakamoto 坂本龍馬 and he is one of favorite historical persons for Japanese people. He was a samurai of the Tosa clan (土佐藩) in the last days of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Bakumatsu (幕末） period, and assassinated when he was 33 years old. He wanted to change Japan and made every effort to change Japan all his life.
The actor who plays Ryoma is Masaharu Fukuyama　福山雅治. He is a singer and very popular among Japanese women.
Sakamoto Ryoma and Masaharu Fukuyama will be hero this year in Japan.

His new song Hatukoi (First Love) はつ恋 is good song.

はつ恋 by Masaharu Fukuyama

A Happy New year in 2010

2010-01-01T17:55:00.005+09:00

A Happy New Year !

Today is so beautiful sky in Tokyo.

This is the Year of Tiger (寅 or 虎) in Chinese astrology (干支　Eto). We call it "Tradoshi" 寅年.

We eat special and traditional food, Osechi, in New year and go to shrine or temple. Going shrine or temple is Hatsumoude (初詣). We receive and read some New years card, Nengajo (年賀状) from our friends.

2010 is the year of Winter Olimpic game and Soccer World Cup in South Africa. I'm looking forward to see these big sports events.

I'm so happy that I can spend relaxing time in this new year.

I wish you have a great time this year 2010.

Bounenkai (忘年会) and Izakaya (居酒屋)

2009-12-05T10:16:00.003+09:00

December is season of bounenkai in Japan. Bounenkai (忘年会) is year-end party. It is very big event in the end of the year for adults, especially businessmen. There are some purposes of bounenkai. Communication for co-workers or friends, eating delicious foods, and drinking...

It is very important to reserve restaurants for bounenkai. Reasonable restaurants is better for everyone because we eat and drink a lot after work. Izakaya (居酒屋) might be good choice.
Izakaya is essential place for our society. We can eat different type of foods and drink alcohol with reasonable price. Japanese homely foods, small hous d'oeuver of Japanese foods, pizza, sashimi (raw fish), nabemono, and so on. There are a lot of types of alcohol, too. Beer, cocktail, whiskey, Japanese sake, wine....

Menu of a izakaya, "Watami" 和民, one of chain izakaya shops

(You can see next page clicking the right side above of menu.)

We can see some drunken person at cold night in December. They enjoy bounenkai after chatting about their work or their life. Depression has continued for this year. Everyone are worried about our future of next year. However, we will forget all anxious things and refresh at bounenkai.

Carpet of falling leaves

2009-11-29T16:12:00.002+09:00

I drove today. Trees are so nice.

I like this season because leaves in trees turns red or yellow. And falling leaves (落葉) are like carpet on the roads.

Maple (Momiji もみじ or かえで) in Japan is very beautiful and one of symbolic trees in autumn.

There are a lot of deciduous trees in Japan. Japanese people enjoy seeing beautiful scenery of Momiji. It calls it "Momiji Gari" もみじ狩り”.

I went to Kyoto about few years ago in Autumn. I enjoyed seeing Momiji or colorful leaves there. Especially falling leaves of Momiji in Toufukuji (東福寺), one of famous temples for beautiful scenery, was amazing ! Momiji was just like picturesque red carpet.

We can see cherry blossomes in spring and Momiji or other colorful leaves in autumn. 　　

Udon うどん - Japanese Noodle

2009-11-21T09:59:00.005+09:00

Autumn season comes. It gets colder. What do you eat when you catch a cold in your country?

I catch a cold now. What do I want to eat? I want to simple Udon, based on dashi(stock) and soy sauce soup. Udon is a one of Japanese hot noodle. There are a lot of kinds and regional varieties. When I don't want to eat much because of illness, Udon is the best food for me. Because it is not oily and easy to eat.

I think Japanese people like noodles. Other noodle, Soba is very special Japanese noodle. We can eat it like hot Udon. However, it is cold noodle (Zaru soba) and we eat putting the noodle in special dashi soup. Zaru is a Japanese bamboo basket and Zaru soba is put on soba noodle on the basket.

When you eat noodles in Japan, it is OK to suck and make a noise. It is not bad manner. The noise sounds delicious for Japanese people. If you visit Japan, I recommend to eat some Japanese noodles. They are so delicious and Japanese particular food culture.

Brown Rice 玄米 (Genmai) - Macrobiotique Diet

2009-10-25T08:57:00.005+09:00

We eat every day and food that we eat is very important for our body. I read about macrobiotic diet and cooking book.

Macrobiotic diet is recently known in Japan. A Japanese philosopher recommended macrobiotic diet and it become well-known around the world now. Brown rice （玄米）or millet (雑穀) become recently popular among especially Japanese women. One of reason is loosing weight, however, another reason is health.

Traditional Japanese food is originally very healthy. Brown rice is one of these foods. When we eat brown rice, it is organic and chewing well is very important for assimilation.
Brown rice tea 玄米茶 (Genmai cha) is good for health. It is aromatic and one of my favorite tea.

I cooked genmai dumpling reading macrobiotic cooking book yesterday. It substitutes ground brown rice and tofu for meat. Genmai risotto with porcini that I cooked few weeks ago was so delicious !

One of triggers that I am interested in healthy foods is my disease and of my parents. I feel daily food that I eat form my body afresh. I will cook delicious and healthy food.

Villon's Wife　ヴィヨンの妻

2009-10-18T10:05:00.005+09:00

Dazai Osamu is very famous and popular novelist. He or his works is often picked up this year because 2009 is 100th anniversary year. "Run, Melos" (走れメロス) or "No longer human" (人間失格) is his masterpiece.

I saw a Japanese film, "Villon's Wife", yesterday. The background is postwar Japan. The story of this film is based on his work of same title. It is a love story of one couple. Leading male character is a talented author, has a girlfriend. He always thinks to want to die. He is the worst husband, however his wife loves him. Also his wife is a woman who he really loves.
His wife is old styled and typical Japanese woman, obedient, however very strong. Just like Japanese adjective, Shinayaka しなやか or Taoyaka たおやか.
Her line in last scene is unforgettable.

Takako Matsu, plays his wife, is a beautiful actress and her performance in this film is excellent. She is so talented and I like her.
I could know Tokyo after World War Ⅱin this film. People was very poor, however, lively. Also you can enjoy a world of Osamu Dazai and old life in Tokyo.

Villon's Wife website

運動会　(School sports)

2009-10-11T15:14:00.003+09:00

Sunny day in Autumn is very easy to spend and sky is so blue. Holiday in October is Taiku no hi. 体育の日　(Physical Education Day).

We can see school sports at weekend in Autumn season. School sports (運動会Undoukai) is special event at elementary school and junior high school in Japan. It is held once in a year. Students play a lot of games or sports. It is very enjoyable event for students.
Some games at elementary school are special. Tamaire 玉入れ, it is a game to put balls in a basket, Tug- of-war 綱引き and so on. There are some games that parents can participate.
Relay race for each class is final sports. Relay is very exciting for everyone. I like it. Undoukai is special event for parents. They take the seats that they can see this big event on playground. Fathers bring handy camera and shoot their children who play games. Mother make lunch box (Bento bento) and each family eat it on the seat.

We have a lot good or bad memories for Undoukai. I like hearing children's voice or cheer in front of school. I remember my memories at school days.

Mos Burger

2009-10-07T22:34:00.004+09:00

There are a lot of fast-food restaurants in Japan. Especially young people like and eat these foods. Low price is one of reason that they like. I hardly eat fast food in daily life. I don't like hamburger or these junk foods. However, I sometimes want to eat hamburger or fried potato. When I think so, there is my favorite fast-food restaurant to go to eat. It is Mos Burger.

Mos Burger is Japanese fast-food restaurant. Teriyaki burger is my favorite menu. Mos rice burger is special menu of it. Its bun is rice.
And the place of origin is mentioned in the restaurant. It is good point for me.

There are a lot of normal menu as fast-food restaurant. When you visit Japan and you want to eat hamburger, I recommend you try it.

Mos Burger Japanese site

Respect-for-the-Aged Day

2009-09-22T14:37:00.005+09:00

I took a bus yesterday. More than half of passengers are old people. I was surprised.
We have national holidays in this week. Yesterday is Respect-for-the-Aged Day. (敬老の日) We recognized yesterday there are a lot of old people in Japan.

There are some reasons that prolong our life. However I think that the biggest reason is medical treatment progress and we can live longer. In Japan 60 years old is very important age. When people get 60 years old, we celebrate the longevity as Kanreki. (還暦). But now 60 year old in Japan is very young and seventy or eighty years old is not unusual. These people are very powerful and have a lot of energy.

We need respect old people who work hard after the war and contribute to our modern society.

There is some cerebration year for longevity in Japan.

60 year old for Kanreki (還暦)

70 years old for Koki (古希)

77 years old for Kiju (喜寿)　

88 years old for Beiju (米寿)

90 years old for Sotsuju (卒寿)

New Prime Minister

2009-09-16T23:05:00.003+09:00

New prime minister, Yukio Hatoyama 鳩山由紀夫　, will be most famous person in Japan now. His slogan for the installation is 友愛 (Yuuai). 友愛 means affection for friends.

I wonder he can change our society that has a lot of problems with 友愛. We hope our life become happier.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/09/16/japan.new.pm/index.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8258024.stm

*Trivia for his name*

Hato 鳩 in his name means dove. Is he real dove ? I hope... 　

Election

2009-08-29T14:24:00.003+09:00

Tomorrow is the polling day of the House of Representatives. We have some political parties, however, one party, LDP (the Liberal Democratic Party) have almost held for a long time after World War 2. A poll has been always light and especially young people haven't been interested in politics.

We have a lot of social problems in Japan. Pension, employment, education, health insurance system, nursing care for old people, defence or diplomacy, etc. I think almost people want to change bad situation. So there is a forecast that another big party DPJ (the Democratic Party of Japan) won this election. It will probably won as my opinion. Because every people is disgusted and unsatisfied with present politics.

We are worry about our future. The provision for depression is big interest for us. I hope this election become one chance for our happier life.

Goldfish Scooping　金魚すくい

2009-08-16T15:13:00.005+09:00

残暑お見舞い申し上げます

It has been so hot in recent days in Japan. A lot of people who live in Tokyo have their hometown. Last week is the period (Obon in August) for going back to their hometown to go to grave of their ancestor. (Yesterday, August 15 in Japan, is the memorial day of the end of World War 2.)

A lot of dance festivals (盆踊り) are held at night in Bon week. We enjoy some attractions in these festivals. Goldfish scooping is one of very interesting for us. Goldfish (金魚) is typical animal for summer and it makes us cool down our body a little bit. It is sometimes drawn as traditional design.

When I was a child, goldfish scooping was my favorite attraction in summer festival. Goldfishes that we catch swim in bag with water were so cute. This is my good memory for summer.

Summer Breeze - Bossa Nova

2009-08-08T14:23:00.003+09:00

I like Brazilian music. Antonio Calros Jovim, Ivan Lins, Caetano Veloso, Sergio Mendes, Calrinhos Brawn, Milton Nasciment etc.. They are my favorite artists. Bossa Nova is especially my favorite genre of music.

We can often hear Bossa Nova or other Brazilian music as background music at the restaurants or shops in hot summer season in Japan.

Risa Ono is Japanese female Bossa Nova singer and very popular in Japan. She is one of my favorite singers. Her voice is very soft. So Bossa Nova that she sings makes us comfortable like summer breeze She recently sings other type of songs that are arranged like Bossa Nova. These songs are very good, too.

Bossa nova is special remedy that let my body cool down.

Corcovado , Insensatez

The Dock Of The Bay

Black Rain

2009-08-06T12:11:00.003+09:00

Today, August 6 is memorial day of atomic bomb. Two Atomic bombs were dropped 64 years ago at Hiroshima and Nagasaki at August 9.

Almost Japanese students have visited Hiroshima in school excursion. I went to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in junior high school. I have heard a story for tragedy of victims (Hibakusha　被爆者) and seen horrible pictures. Everyone will think that all atomic bombs must be abandoned after visiting this museum.

Black rain (黒い雨) fell after dropping atomic bomb. It was rain of death. When I read a Japanese novel "Black Rain" , I knew the fact and it was shocking for me.
We should know that some survivors or descendants are tortured by the hangover even now .

I hope all countries have no atomic bombs.

Three nonnuclear principles of not making, possessing or bringing in nuclear weapons

非核三原則 (Hikaku sangensoku)

Hiroshima Peace Site

New Judicial System (裁判員制度)

2009-08-04T11:51:00.005+09:00

New judicial system begun. The first lay judge trial yesterday was a big news.

This system has been a recent topic in our daily life. How do I feel if I would selected as one of the judge ? Some simulated TV program were produced as drama and I have seen it. A lot of anxiety comes in my mind. I wondered if it is possible for us who don't learn the law specially to decide the defendant's life. Almost my friends said that they were reluctant to become a judge. And they feel anxious about it.
Also there are some daily problems. In case of a normal office worker, is it possible to rest for a few days ?
I haven't heard real trial until now. I have thought it was the world in films or TV. I or other people understand we must participate justice. However, I think that they, including me, just get confused about this new system at this point.

I have ever seen an old American movie, "12 Angry men" and I like it. It is important if we could decide fair judgement as a man in the movie.

Dear Doctor and Amalfi

2009-08-02T11:20:00.004+09:00

I recently saw two Japanese films. They are different types of films. So I'd like to introduce them.

"Dear Doctor" was directed by Miwa Nisikawa. Now depopulation and lack of hospitals or doctors in rural area is social problem in Japan. And there is a great demand for doctors in these areas. This is a story of a middle-aged doctor and a young trainee of doctor comes from town in a small village. After disappearance of middle-aged doctor, some shocking facts come out.
People change their behavior or saying when they know the facts. It is interesting how people change. I can imagine that same situation like this film might happen in our daily life.
The protagonists are a famous comedian and comic storyteller, Tsurube Shoufukutei (middle aged doctor) and Eita, popular among young people now.
The story is very interesting and you can know about medical problems for us.

Dear Doctor Trailer

Italy is a country that is popular for us and many tourists visit every year. I also love Italian foods. There are a lot of Italian restaurants and shops of fashion brands in Tokyo.

The location of this film "Amalfi" is all Italian places in Xmas season. The leading part in it is a Japanese diplomat in Italy and he resolves a kidnap and terrorism in Italy. The protagonist is very popular and famous actor, Yuji Oda. He has been stared in some blockbusters. The story is very interesting as entertainment movie.

We can see some fascinate towns and beautiful piece of scenery in this film. They are one of attractions. I thought Amalfi coast is especially magnificent and beautiful. I have never been to Italy, however, it is a country that I want to visit.

Amalfi Trailer (last one is long version.)

Nigauri (苦瓜)

2009-07-26T14:29:00.004+09:00

This vegetable is Nigauri. (苦瓜) It is so bitter taste. It is one of special products in Okinawa that an island or other islands in south area of Japan. We also call it "Goya" that is a dialect in Okinawa. Goya was not well- known and eaten in mainland a few years before, however, becomes popular now. We can usually buy it at any supermarkets.

Goya chanpuru is Okinawan cuisine and becomes popular among us. I sometimes cook it and so delicious. It is also very healthy food.
I recently heard that planting Nigauri at home is one of natural prevention for global warming. Vine of Nigauri is like a green curtain to prevent sunshine from getting in through window. It is strong plant and not difficult to nourish. We can eat the fruits. It is isseki nicho
(一石二鳥). 一石二鳥 means "kill two birds with one stone".
　
I like the bitterness of Nigauri. Goya champuru is a essential food for me in this season.

Firework 花火(Hanabi)

2009-07-18T14:22:00.005+09:00

Rainy season is over in Tokyo and hot summer began at last.

Firework is one of essential entertainment for us in summer season. A lot of firework festivals are held in July and August around many areas of Japan. These festivals usually take place near the waterside. Most traditional and biggest festival in Tokyo is Sumida River Firework Festival . It is held on July 25th this year.
Sumida river is located on east area in Tokyo. We call this area "Shitamachi" 下町. Shitamachi is historic place in Tokyo and a row of Japanese traditional houses subsist there.

A lot of people go to the big event every year and enjoy dynamic and beautiful fireworks. Hanabi competition of this festival is a feature. 10 Hanabi companies compete this year. Various and original rockets 打ち上げ花火 (Uchiage hanabi ) bloom like flower in the sky.
Wearing yukata 浴衣, kimono for summer, is Japanese style. Yukata is remarkable Japanese item for young people now.

Uchiage hanabi is gorgeous, in contrast, sparkler 線香花火(Senko hanabi) is very tiny and not gorgeous, however, I like the small sparks and sound. (線香 means incense stick. However, this hanabi has no smell.) When I was a child, I used to play Senko hanabi or small hanabi near my house.

Hanabi disappears soon. We can never see same beautiful hanabi in the sky. Hanabi teach us the present and moment is very important.
If you visit Japan in summer, I recommend to see Hanabi festival and try to play small hanabi.

島国 (Shimaguni)　Island country

2009-07-12T10:03:00.007+09:00

There are some battles of various nationalities in the world. I read or see about these world news in recent days. I feel sad when I know these facts.
Japan consists of a lot of small islands as you know and we sometimes say Japan is 島国 (Shimaguni). I think we can live happily without these conflicts.

However,culture or custom is subtly different by two areas, east and west, or 47 prefectures in Japan. Dialect, food culture or various customs as each districts etc.
There is a TV show that introduces differences of each prefectures. I like to see it.

秘密のケンミン show

I can know various difficulties and am surprised at them every time. It is like 47 nationalities live here though Japan is a small country. Especially there are a lot of different food cultures in Japan.

Your impression for Japan might be different by places you visit in Japan. This diversity is our feature.

Off The Wall

2009-06-27T16:34:00.006+09:00

I was surprised at a big news yesterday morning. It is that Michael Jackson died. He was an American pop music icon in Japan. There are a lot of his fans and special report for him was reported in TV news yesterday. Now his albums are sold out after his death.

I wasn't an ardent fun, however I used to listen to his songs when I was a junior high school student. "Thriller" , "Bad" or "Billy Jean" was big hit song in our country. His dance was special and fantastic in his music video. I listen to his album "Off the wall" before he became big star and it was one of my favorite albums.

I listen to his songs now. My favorite songs, "Rock with you" , "She is out of my life", "Human nature" , "Man in the mirror" and so on. I think they are good songs and evoke memories of my school days. Also I feel fresh when I listen now.

I can't believe his death, however his songs go down in my memory.

Teru Teru Bozu and Snail

2009-06-24T09:57:00.007+09:00

It has been humid and muggy in resent days. Rainy season in Japan is very humid.

Teru teru bozu is an essential item for children. It is used as a kind of charm to stop raining. It is a paper doll and easy to make for them. When a child wishes that it becomes sunny next day, he or she makes teru teru bozu and hung it in front of the house. I used to make it before I went to picnic. I believed my wish came to be true.

Snail is symbolic animal of rainy season. It crawls on leaves of Ajisai in raining day. I didn't be scared of snail when I was a child. I could even hold it. However, I dislike it now because it is slimy.

Now I don't like rainy season in Japan. However I didn't feel unpleasant, when I was a child. Teru teru boze or snails is an good memories in my childhood.

Teru teru bozu

和洋折衷(Wayou Setchu) Compromise between Japanese and Western styles

2009-06-21T10:47:00.014+09:00

I think we can eat a lot of foods that have variety. Also we like to research new and original tastes. We are creating many foods that are taken over other countries’ taste. Japanese word, 和洋折衷, means things that compromised between Japanese and Western styles. We have made some foods of 和洋折衷. These foods express our originality.

For example, Anpan あんパン is very standard food for Japanese. It is a bun filled with bean paste and sold in almost bakeries. It is so delicious and one of my favorite foods when I was a child. Anpanman is an anime character that is known well for Japanese children. Bean paste (餡) is Japanese traditional food. However, bun is western food.

There are cakes that is used powdered green tea (Matcha). They are so delicious. Cake is western food, but Matcha is Japanese food. Western and Japan culture grow into one.
Tarako (たらこ) spaghetti is a kind of pasta in Japan. It is mayonnaise and soy sauce based and so delicious. Tarako is ovary of cod and tastes salty. It is Japanese typical ingredient. We normally eat it with hot rice. If Italian eat tarako spaghetti, they might say it is not Italian food. It is certainly not Italian food. It is Wayou Setchu food.

Some Wayou Setshu foods take root in our food culture. They are not traditional, however, another kind of Japanese foods.

Japan Life

Saint Valentine's Day in Japan

Scat of the daybreak 夜明けのスキャット

女子会 Joshikai and 草食系男子 soushokukei

Restless

初心忘るべからず (Remember Your Original Intention)

光陰矢のごとし Time flies like an arrow

Grand Prix Final

GNH (Gross National Happiness)

Ambiguity 曖昧

Anzen Chitai 安全地帯

Hama Rikyu 浜離宮

Tsure ga Utsu ni Narimasite ツレがうつになりまして

Itadakimasu and Gochisousama いただきます、ごちそうさま

Green and Deep Breath

Trip for Takamatsu 高松 and Nao shima 直島

Lupin III (Lupan Sansei) ルパン三世

Owaraigeinin お笑い芸人 (Japanese Comedian)

Kokurikozaka kara コクリコ坂から From Up On Poppy Hill

Hiyashi Chuka 冷やし中華

Good News - Nadeshiko Japan

Onomatopoeia

Makoto 誠 - Sincerity

The Danger Past, and The Japanese Nation Forgotten ?

JIN

Soyokaze 微風

Healing Voice

手をつなごう Hand in Hand

What is Convenience ?

Royal Wedding

Full Moon - Oborozukiyo

Sakura 桜

After Two Weeks

Kizuna 絆 (Our bond) - Ame nimo Makezu

Things that I think

Thank you for your message and support !

Our Destiny

Musicman

Panda Came To Tokyo

Senbei せんべい

Unexpected Satisfaction - Unit Asia

Onigiri おにぎり is Japanese soul food

Nisoku no Waraji 二足の草鞋

20 Years Old

Fukubukuro 福袋 (Lucky Bag)

Chūshingura 忠臣蔵

Heattech and Haramaki

Nenmatsu Jambo Takarakuji 年末ジャンボ宝くじ- Lottery

Nobel Prize Ceremony "I Have No Enemies"

Gibs

Bookstore and Japanese History

Koharu Biyori 小春日和 and Shita tsuzumi wo utsu 舌鼓をうつ

Visit Japan Year 2010

ラーメンたべたい！ (Ramen tabetai)

Hard to say I'm sorry

Wataru Seken wa Oni Bakari

LOFT and Tokyu Hands

Sanma (さんま・秋刀魚)

"Toilet" & "Colorful"

Imabari Towel - Japan Brand

Love & Peace Inside?

Casutella カステラ of Nagasaki

No More Atomic Bombs

Mugicha (Roasted barley tea)

Takoyaki たこ焼き

World Cup in South Africa

Q,P Mayonnaise マヨネーズ

White Kazoku (Family)

招き猫 (Maneki Neko)

Haruichiban 春一番

Strawberry Shortcake

Japan Academy Prize

Her Challenge

Taiyaki たいやき

Winter Olympic in Vancouver

ランドセル "Randoseru"

Natsukashii Love Song

Goma 護摩 (Homa) in Fukagawa Fudouson 深川不動尊

Ryomaden -大河ドラマ-

A Happy New year in 2010

Anzen　Chitai 安全地帯

手をつなごう　Hand in Hand

Koharu Biyori 小春日和 and Shita tsuzumi wo utsu　舌鼓をうつ

Casutella カステラ　of Nagasaki

ランドセル　"Randoseru"

Villon's Wife　ヴィヨンの妻

運動会　(School sports)

Goldfish Scooping　金魚すくい

島国 (Shimaguni)　Island country