Back in town...

Oh my gosh. So so sooooo humid here in Tokyo! I came back from Hokkaido. Last 4 days were so great, sunny and clear blue sky! I rented a bike, mama-chari. There was great rental bicycle system for tourist. They deliver it to your hotel, and pick it up! I think that is the best way to explore a town as long as you have a sense of direction....

I went to Hokkaido Modern Museum to see an exhibit. It was about a monk who came over from China to spread Buddism. It was nothing about modern but oh well, who cares, it was amazing!! This Ganjin Wajyo was asked to come to Japan when he was 55 years old, he agreed for his belief of Buddism. However it was so difficult to ship over from China to Japan. He tried 5 times and failed, finally he made it for the 6th time. This took 12 years! It has been 12 years since he decided and he was blind when he landed to Japan. Isn't that amazing? Someone's belief, strong will power. It would not be too much if I say the Buddism in Japan would be as it is now without him. There was a famous wood carving of him, life size. He looked like smiling and keep nodding at me saying "everything will be all right...". I could not move for a while. I could keep looking at him. I did not want to leave. Also there are so many items from Heian and Nara period which is around 700-800 A.D.. I really apreciate the fact we still preserve those kind of things. Though it was only short time I am very glad to meet him (?).

Next day morning, I rode my rental bicycle along the river right next to my hotel. The air was so nice, sunny day, sound of the water, smell of the green...everything made me smile. Lots of people there....just walking, going to school on bicycle, and a young kid practicing a trumpet, a middle aged woman vocal training towards the river. Bunch of old people were having fun playing gate ball. I stoped my bike for a few minutes. I put my bare feet into the river.....it was freezing cold but felt so nice to my tired feet. it was a hot day anyway and I needed to cool down. How lucky those people who live here are! They probably don't know it until they leave their beautiful town. Surrounding by great nature is worth more than anything for your mind.

To be honest with you.....I am not in Tokyo anymore. I started to write this but could not finish so I saved as a draft.
I am in another great nature area, I am in Amami island. To be continued....

Chanko

I forgot about to tell you about "chanko nabe". It is great dish and originally a dish for Sumo wrestlers. Nabe means a pot. In Japan, we have so many nabe dishes. When you are talking about a nabe dish, it usually is a big ceramic pot stew kind of. We eat supper family style all the time, and nabe dish is a really family dish. You share the pot, nabe, and you directly serve from it so your family surround a table, picking up the food inside of the pot in the center of the table. We talk, share the tasty food, and hot stew nabe warms us up. It is very popular in winter, that is the season you should have. Cold outside, steaming nabe pot, having good friends or family together....sounds good, isn't it?

Popular ingredients are chinese cabbege (hakusai), shiitake, enoki mushroom, shungiku/mizuna, tofu, chicken, fish (white fish, salmon), scallop, thin sliced pork, chicken ball, fish ball....I can't write them all. It depends on what kind of nabe you want to make. Mizutaki is one of the basic style nabe. The soup does not have any seasoning except the broth from konbu seaweed. You dip those into ponzu, Japanese citrus soy, and eat. Well, by the time you eat all the broth from ingredients coming together and just tasts great. Nothing greasy and with refreshing ponzu, you can eat A LOT. So many differnt nabe dishes, there are basic ingredients but you may creat your own. Putting crushed sesame, use soy milk as broth, miso base broth...so much option to creat. Some people put spicy kimchee, Korean pickled chinese cabbage, to make it spicy and it became so popular, Kimchee nabe. It is fun to find so many unique recipis on a magazine in winter.

Anyway. Chanko. I already mentioned this is a dish for Sumo wrestlers. They need to have good nutricious food and put weight on them. The dish is not fatty or anything, I think you can just eat far more than you are supposed to. Chanko has everything in it. All the above I mentioned probably. Its soup is already seasoned. We went to Chanko restaurant a day before, the famous place here in hokkaido, I have heard a lot from my co-workers. The greatest of all is this soup!! Your serving bowl comes with sesame in it, there is a wood to smash the sesame. A very strong fragrance comes up as soon as you smash the sesame. The combination of this just smashed sesame and deep flavor broth....mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!m!m! After you ate all the ingredients, waitress would add more broth since we already comsumed a lot, then put udon noodle in it. We ordered ramen noodle too. The ramen was so heavenly! Hokkaido is famous for ramen, but this ramen soup was as great as those famous ramen places. Attached is a picture of ingredients they brought to our table. Even though the bottom is a little bit up than it seems since they put some kind of wooden mesh in the middle, this is for 2 person. You can imagine how much we can eat!

Hokkaido

So, I am in Hokkaido. It has already been for 3 days. I overslept the day we were leaving since I packed late at night. I set my cell phone alarm but it was somehow "manner mode" which only vibed. When my mom woke me up telling me it was alomost 7:30 which I usually wake up for my work, I freaked out and jumped off my bed. Yes, I should have left a note or something to memtion my mom what time I should get up. I did not have a chace to talk with her since I came home pretty late. I took a quick shower and got ready, did not have a time to eat breakfast which she had made. My mom gave me a ride to a station so I was able to catch the second train I was planning to take. (I had 3 possible train time to make it, but I really wanted to get there early just in case something happened.) On the train, it started raining. I thought "I wish I brought an umbrella....and, OH NO! My Jacket!!" Hokkaido is really cool climate so I definitely needed one. I remembered looking around at the door when I left, asking myself "is there anything missing??" but I gave myself OK. Huh! Another "wasuremono"!!

I emailed my mom just telling the fact I left my jacket. Surprisingly she emailed me back she could see me at the airport. I didn't mean to, really, ask her to bring it (Believe me for a second). I emailed her she did not have to do that. But my train ride was long enough to change my mind. I could buy something there...but what if I don't have time? What if it will be too cold from the moment we arrived? Do I want to spend money when I had a closet full of jacket? Well, I asked her....I know I am spoiled!! I was going to Tokyo first then the airport, so she had time to catch up. I also asked her to bring a folding umbrella which is very useful right now.

Well, it has been raining since we arrived. However, the moist and smell of the rain is very nice and calming. The air is so different compared to Tokyo. Especially surrounded by green trees and mountains, it feels so good. I just want to close my eyes and breathe. I have not had a chance to walk around but I would love to explore the area. As my 2nd morning and 3rd day of Hokkaido, I managed to have a relaxed time to write in my nice hotel room. Yesterday morning, I slept in until 10:00 am. Oh, that was great! The bed is big and comfy.



Japan lost against Brazil early this moring, game started at 4:00am. Last night, I was watching TV from my bed and fell sleep. I wake up several time noticing the TV was still on, and the soccor game was on but could not keep me awake nor move to turn it off. When I finally got up, the TV was telling me Japan scored first but Brazil scored 4. TV was re-broadcasting the whole game again for those who did not wake up at 4 in the morning. I watched a little bit, they played quite good. If they played like today, Japan could have won other games. Oh, by the way, the coach of Japan team is Zico. I heard everybody saying each other "we realized Zico is really great soccor player in the history by hearing those Brazilian players admire him so much". We Japanese people don't know so much about those great guys outside of Japan (Or maybe we don't even inside Japan). We know they are great, but it is hard to understand completely how great they are because we only know by the information provided by the media. Well, unless you are fascinated by those guys and look them up. I thought it was funny that people now realized how super coach Zico is by Brazilian, whom we already know or were informed the greatest players, telling they wish they did not have to fight Zico's team. People just need to come to realization those kind of thing, somehow the way which is more directly related to them, or by someone whom we already count on. I am not talking about only famous great guys. I think I can say the same thing for anything when you understand a different culture. You know what I mean? I hope so! : )

bike ride

Despite the rainy season we supposed having right now, it was such a nice day today. I had to take one of the players to regional immigration bureau today. He likes ride a bike and he used to go to the rehearsal place as long as weather was fine by bike instead of us picking him up by car. The bureau happens to be close to the rehearsal studio just a little bit farther, so he told me he prefered to ride a bike. I like riding a bike too. In this metropolitan area like Tokyo, it is much easier and would not take longer than you think. If you take trans, you have to change trans, walk around between the station, so usually it almost takes same time. When I was working in Japan and had to visit many publishers and radio stations, I often used a bike. Besides, riding a bike is a good excercise. I need excercise since I have not worked out for a loooooooong time even though I knew I should. So I was willing to take my company's bike and go with them.

The bike was so-so. I put some air right before I left but it seemed long only for 10 mins. The bike type is what we call "mama-chari" which has a big basket in front and you don't have to bend forward like most sports bike do. "mama" means "mother", and "chari" stands for "charinko" which is a bicycle. Lots of mom ride those kind of bicycle, going grossary shopping, picking up a kid, going everywhere. Well, it is usually what we think of bicycle here. Not only moms, students, working people use them as a good way of commute, or commute to their station. You will see big parking spaces near a station and it is always more than full. Bicycles are such a popular transportation here in Japan. These bikes are so easy to ride and stable.

Anyway, it was so much fan to ride a bike and I felt so good because I was "excercising"!! Soon enough I start sweating, trying to catch up with his sports bike. It was nice to have a company. I turned right since I tried to avoid a steep uphill bridge. However, we had to across the huge train passes where run under the bridge we avoid. I thought there would be many street going over or under the trains but it seems I missed some of those crossing street. I could not find any more so we had to ride farther down, too far. We took a long way around, had to pass a big uphill bridge across the river later anyway, and finally got the immigration bureau. We immediatly stopped by a con-bini (convinience store). I bought 1 litre bottle of sports drink and finished in a few minutes.

After we were done there, we rode back. It was obviously harder. Especially after I said good-bye to him, I felt so worn out just riding it by myself. I chose a short very steep hill way than a long slope road. The hill was right before my office. I was so tired and could not feel much of my feet pedaling. I seriously thought about leaving a bike under the hill and ask somebody, a youger co-worker, to pick it up. But I thought it will be so pathetic so I did not call. I got off the bike and step forward towards the hill because there was no way I will ride it. Then.....I SAW the YOUNG co-worker!!! Thank you Budda!!? I asked him to take over the bike, I was saved! By the way...today is "taian" day in Chinese calendar (we use as Japanese but introduced from China I believe) which supposed to be a lucky day, good day to start something or having a wedding. I totally believe this lucky day calendar system!!

World cup

Japan could not win last night against Chroatia!! I had a funeral ceremony yesterday though it was the first day off since I cam back to Japan. It was raining but we finally put the ashes into the grave yard, which was put off since the 49th day funeral ceremony since it rained so hard with thunder. I had a long long day and so tired. I was ready to bed by 10:00 and going to, but I turned on a TV just to check the score of the world soccer game. Of course the game got me, I told myself I would go to bed after the first half. The game was so excting and there were so many chance for Japan to score but none was successfull. I could not help watching rest of the game. I kept shouting and making noises in front of TV until the game ended. Well, it seemed the team was so worn out in the second half even though they tried their best to keep it up. It is easy to say but difficult to do. I have not worked out or excercised, I will be out of breath in one minute.....or less.....

A new week started. Today is such a nice day, actually sunny and hot! The weather forecast said it will be rain and thunder later on. Rainy season. I am leaving for Hokkaido for a week. It is said there is no rainy season in Hokkaido, very cool mild temprature, and not humid. Also, Hokkaido is known for its good food. All kind of sea food including crabs and salmons, veggies like potatos and corns, dairy products such as cheese and ice cream...etc....YUMMY!! Of course there have popular Japanese beef, too. And then.....lamb. I am sorry if you guys don't eat lamb. I don't mind eating them since I am not veggitarian. It tastes good too. I appreciate, eat and enjoy them, I will do my best not to waste any food.

Today, I went to Shibuya where is very busy with young people. So many shops, so many people. I felt like being in Japan.
My best friend told me a story. She was at a station on the way to back home last night. She bought a bottle of water from a vending machine which is everywhere in Japan. After the terro attack of Aum cult group in 1995, chemical poison spread in the air on underground trains in rush hour, train stations got rid of all the trash bins so nobody leaves anything unidentified. She looked for a trush bin but there is none with that reason. However she found empty bottles lining up right on where the trush bin used to be seems like, right near the vending machine. That made her think it was totally Japanese behavior. If you are not going to through a trush anyway, you will not mind anything....but those people were leaving those empty bottles in line next to next, nice and neat. I guess that makes people feel "I am leaving a trush but I am not making mess!!....right?" I can't imagine American people do the same thing unless a person being goofy. I thought that was funny. What do you think? : )

Wasuremono...

I should be more carefull. I should probably make a list of my belongings.

Today, rehearsal was finished earlier than usual. After the rehearsal, there are so many things needed to be checked and be approved from the artist. Their manager told me to take the bag, full of all the approved samples and items, to the office since he has to go out for dinner. I keep my attention to the big paper bag so I would not forget. I run the errands, cleaned up the lounge, washing the cups, and finally ready to leave. I did not forget the important paper bag which is now including the manager's laptop. I grabbed my computer bag and lunch bag, and the heavy paper bag. One of my co-worker from other department was giving me a ride. We got on a car and he started engine......then I realized I did not bring my own purse!!!! I was so silly!! I fetched it immediately from the 5th floor. The car pulled over in front of our office, I grabbed my purse this time first, the heavy paper bag, and lunch bag. Another co-worker and I thanked him and said good-bye. We turned around to the gate, and my co-worker said...."?? What about your pc bag??" OHHHHHH my GGooosh. I called him immediately and started running. He was still under the hill, I cought up with him and got my computer. I was so embarassed... : (

Wasuremono is a thing somebody left / forgotten.

Finally

I had chance to talk with my mom. She came back from her trip. She has been visiting many castles and temples throughout Japan. I have never seen anyone who truely enjoy their retirment life by themselves, not depending cherish grand kids or anything, as much as my mom. I hope I will be alive and kicking when I am retired like her!

Last night, Japan had the first game in the world cup soccuer. I left Tokyo around 10:00, just about the game started. Roppongi was crowded with lots of supporters and foreigners. When I arrived at home, game was 2nd half and Japan was leading 1-0......5 min later, Australia caught up with Japan. Then another goal, and one more!!! Japan was lost. That was the thing all of my co-workers were talking about it first thing in the morning. ZANNEN!!

Let me tell you something....

Yesterday, I gathered all my motivation to write what happened again. I wrote loooooong story about it and uploaded. I hit "View Blog" button after it was successfully published. What I saw was the blog day before which I believed lost forever!! I can't leave the new one since it was telling the same story. I felt very stupid. I thought I got over jet lag since I stayed my friend's house and slept long enough. However I can't deny I am still not properly functioning....

Last night the guitarlist took the band members and me to great Yakitori, skewer chicken grill, restaurant after the rehearsal. I have not had Yakitori so long and I was very happy to be there. They have so many tasty appetizers. I had 1 beer and "GS", fresh grapefruit juice and Sochu on the rocks, which is very tasty and refreshing. This was the first time I had alchol since I came back to Japan. The yakitori was just fabulous! Also the ramen with chicken soup....unbelievably tastyyyyy!! I had fun and enjoyed the food very much. We left around 9:30. As soon as I went down to the subway station, I start feel dizzy....I was totally buzzed! I managed myself to go home. My mom came back from her trip and I finally saw her. BUT I was so drunk and fell down in the living room. She gave me 3 table spoons of honey which help not to have hangover. That was all I could do then.

OK. Let's talk about today. I had to wire some money to a travel agency. I took a bus to the station since there was no bank aound the rehearsal place. The cut off time for wire transfer is 3:00pm, I arrived 3 mins before 3:00. The bank was on the other side of the station so I run, run, run.....At ATM machine, I was out of breath but put all the information. Unfortunately, the clock already hit 3:00 in the last seconds. The transfer will be done tomorrow. I called the travel agency, they understood the situation so it was OK. I walked back to the bus stop at the other side of the station, to catch a bus going back. It was 15min to the next bus. I sat down a bench and had a big sigh......HEEEEEEAAAA! I inhale all the oxgen around me! There WAS a small ATM machine on the other side of the street......I guess I still having a jet lag.

Here I am again!

Phweeeeeeee. I came back to Japan 3 days ago. I start working 2 days ago. I had a work at TV station 1 day ago. I wrote this blog today about how I am already worn out and made mistakes......I uploaded and somehow I hit "sign out" while it was still uploaded.....yes, it's gone.....I don't have energy to write it again. I will try to put it together tomorrow!

Here I am again!

Pheewwww. I came back to Japan. This time for 3 months. I arrived 3 days ago, start going to the office 2 days ago, working at TV station 1 day ago. Today, we start rehearsal for a tour. Yes, I am going to the tour with a Japanese rock band. The band, and people who work for the band are sooooooo hard working people. I have to catch up with them. Well, I think I kind of have a switch to turn me on to Japanese working mode....but on the third day, I almost feel I am going to be sick if I do 3 hours commute everyday without any days off (which seems like another week for sure).
Last night I fell sleep on a train and missed my stop. In fact, I woke up at one station before and thought "oh good! I should not fall sleep so I would not miss the next stop", the stop I should change trains. However the fact I did not realize was that train was super express and skip so many station. It did not stop the station I should get off! As soon as the announce said "Next is Yokosuka..." my eye balls were almost dropped.....It took almost 2 hours to go home. I stayed at my second family's home and had late late dinner.
This morning,...I was still worn out by the work and late night train. I stopped by my mom's place. My mom lives on the 4th floor in a group of apartment buildings. I drag myself to the 4th floor and I realized that building was wrong one!! I could not believe myself......I am crashing at my best friend's house tonight so I can save my time for sleep.

Despite those hard working days, I am very looking forward to going on the tour. I am proud being a part of it. Also there are so many place I have never been. The first show will be in Amami Island where is close to Okinawa, southern islands of Japan.
I wonder what weather it will be, the culture, and how is the people there. Japan is such a small country but the culture is varied depends on the area. I would love to know more about my country!