Here I am...

Here I am, sitting in a studio in Japan. I came back again.
We are on the road since last month, it has been great. Time flies like more than words can explain, feels like it is getting harder to catch up. Now I come to think how I was blogging back in those years. I was, and I am still, so grateful to travel around Japan....on business! How lucky I am to see my own country with my own eyes. Japan is such a small country but it varies so much! I love everything about different culture and food. OK, I'm just mumbling random stuff...don't know where to start. I think I just want to mention I am so grateful with my life. Life is beautiful whatever & however it turns out.
This year, the first half was like....kaboooom.....it's gone! We had a few recording periods, 2 music video shoots, Grammy Awards, then Tsunami. 9/11 had a huge impact in my life as I watched TV after 3 months living in the US but watching Tsunami footage was something totally different. It was my country, just couldn't believe it was real. All I can do was staring at TV and I never felt that much powerless. I wish I could do something then yet I don't know if I could have done anything. It was quick and massive and outrageous, maybe I would have been less than a tiny little leaf washed away.... I keep saying same thing "I want to do something" and I don't know what I can do. People still needs help, it would take long long time to recover, rebuild, start up a new life. At least I can do all the time is not forgetting about them and do whatever I can find.
Well, my story got out of the pass I was going for but I am glad I had this time to write how I felt. I am also grateful I'm alive and having a great life. I don't have to worry about not having a house, job, money, and a life partner. I have everything!!! Yes, just think about it....I have a great job, great house, my family is good, I can buy if I want to, and I have someone I would like to share lots of fun. I have everything and according to the powerful guidance more and more happiness and joy are coming into my life!! I still feel down once in a while so I try to keep it up. I've been reading a lot of books, listening to calm my soul down. Just let it go and free myself. It seems difficult but it's not something impossible. I believe so and I will do that. Is it ZEN sprit?? I'm not sure. I still have my desire and dreams, I need keep those picturing in my heart but not expect the specific outcome. I should let it flow and things will turn out well, things will happen at the perfect timing and perfect condition.
All I need to do is......wait.
To be honest, maybe I was too narrow minded expecting too much how my personal life should turns out. I was sending out negative vibe maybe, looking at what I didn't have. Now I feel I have a power and control how I feel. I won't feel powerless again. I will attract my happy life!!

Kyoto -Day 3-

Third day in Kyoto. I had to leave my hotel by 11:00 going to Gifu. There are so many things to see, places to visit in Kyoto....could not done enough at all! Last night, some body told me there was a castle called "Nijyo-castle" in town, and recommended to go since it was pretty close where I stayed. My buddy and I took a cab (well, grabbed a coffee first) and headed to Nijyo-castle. It was like 5 min ride. I was thinking "I did not see any castle while we were driving last couple of days. Maybe it is just park the castle used to be...." especially after looking at massive Kumamoto and Matsue castle. We are not allowed to bring any drink inside so we stay outside of the gate and finished our coffee.

Okay, here we go.....Well, I was totally wrong!! The place was a huge park and it includes a palace preserving original wood floors, paper sliding doors with gorgeous paintings, decorative carving on the wood wall.....I could not believe what they have there.
As we walk, there are so many sliding doors with gold painting. My buddy noticed all the gold part is consisted by small squares. I told him I don't know about it, it might be their time's technique or something....then an idea crossed my mind....It is very very thin real gold leaves put together!! If you have seen gold leaf on top of high-end restaurant dishes or in sake as decoration, that is what I am talking about. Each gold leaf is about 2 or 3 inches squares, filling the big campus of sliding doors. Unfortunately, we can't take a picture inside of the main palace, oh I wish I can show you how great they are! Very interesting and beautiful. Also, they kept old room style, of course with Tatami mats. They are really specific about where Shogun show himself (a little higher leveled) , and body guard room right next to Shogun floor, where and how other people sit down etc. Very gorgeous and nicely done, we can see how powerful Shoguns were. I feel bad I did not expect much for this place....sorry Palace!
Kyoto...whole city is full of history! I must come back to check more interesting and amazing places!

Kyoto -Day 2-

I saw a lot yesterday but missed Chion-in which we just looked at a huge gate from outside. The place closed just a minute before we got there. It made me want to see it more, psychologically, Japanese saying "The one that got away is always the biggest"..... I only had 2 hours before leaving for work but I went for it! long staircase to the gate, then another stairs surrounded by woods. It opens up to big flat field. The main temple is big and old, very solemn. Taking off shoes and walked on wood paneled corridor all around the temple. Dark rich wood color shows its history, and detailed craftsmanship on doors shows their reverence. The corridor is famous for what is called as "nightingale corridor" since it makes a creaking sound when people walk on it. Back then, it was built like that on purpose to use as alert for intruders.

After enjoying the nightingale corridor, I entered inside which is 1 vast tatami room with its principal image. Surrounded by all the decoration, ritual drums and bells etc....it was quiet and very serene. A big room with no heater, but I felt like its coldness bracing ourselves for who we are. There was a monk chanting. There was a incense burning, filling the air with nice woody calming smell. I noticed a woman chanting as well in front of the incense burner. Some religious people learn chanting scroll and pray but I don't see them so often. I walked to see their big bell on the hill. I would love to hear the bell make its low deep sound throughout the city of Kyoto.

City of World Heritage -Kyoto Day 1-

To be honest....I had not done sightseeing of Kyoto. As I was born in Kanto area, which is central mainland Japan, Kyoto is the most popular destination for school trip...almost that was the only place you would think of for Junior high school trip! However, somehow my school did not pick up some other local area which was fun but I was bummed not traveling Kyoto at that time.


Now, so many years later, here I am! After traveled from Kurashiki, we were off. A guy who knows Kyoto very well mentioned us good places to visit as the first time tourist. Some of my work friends and I took a cab to famous "Kiyomizu-dera" to start our short sight seeing trip. Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous spot for Kyoto. The temple origins way back....778 A.D.!!! This place consists of many temples and it almost like a huge park, on top of the mountain with a killer view of Kyoto. Hondou (main) was build in 1633 including a "butai" (stage). There is a saying "Kiyomizu no Butai kara Tobioriru" = jumping off from the stage of Kiyomizu, meaning something like "go all out" or "doing something with full courage". This stage is 12m high, standing on top of amazing wood structure that any nails are used to build. (please look at the picture!) Actually, in Edo period many people jumped off from the stage according to the belief you can make a wish come true. Jumping off from the stage is banned in 1872(!!). Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan, and religion has such a great impact to govern people so naturally Kyoto became center of all the temples and shrines. There are still so many temples and shrines. We walked around seeing more temples at Kiyomizu, then walked to Yasaka-shrine. Maruyama Park is a peaceful place with ponds with koi-fish. Visiting those places and praying, amazed by the detail and craftsmanship...By walking those peaceful area, good old time kind of atmosphere makes you think how hectic our life now is.

On the way, we saw Maiko-san!! We asked them to take pictures with us. Later I found they were not real Maiko-san, just dressed like them either for fun, or for tourist promotion. To see real Maiko-san, you have to be very very lucky since there are not so many Maiko-san. Well, we kind of experienced a feeling of it at least so I think it was good.
We went on to Chion-in. I was amazed by looking at a map, realizing the huge temple look like building on top of the stairs is just a gate for this Chion-in area. However, they were already closed...at 16:00. We wanted to go to Heian-Jingu so we took a cab from there. Heian-jingu is a beauiful shrine, just like an under water world palace I saw in a story book at my childhood. Bright orangy-red against blue-green roof. Very feminine and calm looking.

Later on, I went to Kyoto station. I remember my mom told me Kyoto station is very unique modern building as a train station. It is a big station holding shopping arcade on its underground floor. I heard there is a path seeing through or something like that supposed to be spectacular. There is an information center so I asked the detail. Looked up inside of huge open air feeling constructure.....and I saw the path running across one to another side. It is called Sky Walk, high up on the building. Looking towards the inside, you can see all the people downstairs busy walking by as tiny dolls. Looking towards outside of building, you can see the Kyoto tower right in front. Not so many tall building (maybe city regulations) so you can see the shining night view. I had 2 more morning to go sight seeing, I decided to go back to the hotel early. Too many things to see here in Kyoto!

Kurashiki (Kura=old term for storage)

I heard Kurashiki, Okayama has a nice old town area but did not know where. We are traveling every day and I kind of lost doing some research. You see white wall old style houses here and there. So I thought about wandering around and got out of the hotel. I saw stone paved road with souvenir stores right across the street. I went on around the corner, then suddenly.....voila! There is a river with old stone bridges and well preserved old houses on both sides!! It was a total trip, feels like just did a time travel back in Edo period. I walked both sides of the river since that area was not so big, I know the street is a mix of old and new construction but still it looks great. And I went one street behind, more like resident area. I still see old style wood doors and poles which you don't see so often nowadays. This place keeps a good old vibe there. Not the tourist area, those traditional style is so deep in there life. I was amazed.

I saw a sign for a shrine. Achi shrine stands on top of the hill, looking over the old town Kurashiki. I climbed up the stairs, which I later learned each step is one big granite stone! The shrine is old, it is the main shrine of Kurashiki city. Many Japanese bush warbler were flying one to another trees around this old shrine, they were so cute.


There is a temple on the mountain. That looked pretty old too. The temple area was very neat garden. As souvenir, I bought some dried fish and locally brewed chocolate beer. The fish is called "Mamakari" and one of the delicacies of Kurashiki. "Mamma" means "rice" in old term, "kariru" means "to borrow"....the fish is so good you goes to neighbor to borrow some rice (to go with)....that's how they named the fish it is said.


When it comes to writing this blog, I look for more information like history and fact. Kurashiki was became under the direct rule of the Edo Shogunate, almost 400 years ago. The river was used to transport rice, cotton, etc.. The whole town is like a storehouse for the Shogunate. There is a stone-paved path for the carts loaded with heavy rice, a night light made of stone in 1791. I can imagine the town used to be so active. I love Japan is so rich in its history, historic constructions and ruins, and so diverse depending on the area. There are always a lot to learn.

Black Plover -Matsue Castle-

We went to Matsue city, Shimane prefecture. Matsue is famous for a beautiful castle, Matsue-jyo(castle) which is not replica! There are only 12 original (there are levels of how much is original though) castle constructions in Japan. Matsue castle has a nick name as Plover Castle because of its beautiful triangular roof. The Plover Gable looks like the shape of a plover's outspread wings. Also, black wooden paneling makes this castle stunning. Most of the walls of the castle are painted black as it was popular style of Momoyama era.

Unfortunately, I did not have time to explore inside. On the way back I picked up some brochure about Matsue-city and Matsue Castle. There are lots of stuff I missed to see! A water well in the basement, where was used as storage as well, when they locked themselves during a siege....Large holes to drop stones for enermy....even though they must have some repairs and mends, this castle was built in 1611. I hope I can go back some day and take a good look and nice long walk to enjoy the area.

Kagoshima Onsen & Sakurajima

After stopping by Kumamoto, we went further South in Kyushu to Kagoshima. Our hotel was on top of the mountain, looking over the Kagoshima city.....and Sakura-jima! Sakura-jima is a former island, now connected to the main Kyushu land, and one of the most active volcano in Japan. The view was already pleasant. Then I found out the hotel has an onsen, natural hot spring! I LOVE onsen because I used to go every summer with all my family whenever I visited my grandparent's home. I kind of had a skin allergy problem but it went away because of that. So I know onsen has natural power of healing, not only for skin but also for muscle pain, nerve problems depending on the minerals it contains. Moreover...it just feel so so sooooo good and very relaxing!


There is a trail going down to town and back up to the hotel. My friend and I hiked there, stopping by a big old shrine. It was a nice walk back to the hotel in the woods, I felt very relaxed. Actually it is said minus ion makes people relax, de-stress. And minus ion exists a lot anywhere nearby water, and forest. That is why we feel relaxed when we take shower and walking in the woods. Anyway, after the hike I immediately went to onsen. It is a public bath and you don't wear bathing suits so it might be a little odd for American people but you have to try this. Especially when they have an open air tub, called roten-buro, like this hotel does! Their inside tub was big as well, nice and clean, and they have mist sauna using the hot spring water. You have to rinse yourself before you go into the tub as manner. I rinsed myself and took a inside tub first to see how the water was....hhhhhmmmm...feels so good!! I was already happy. Then, I opened the door to the out side tub which I was so looking forward to....I could not help saying "oh, my, gosh!". Sakura-jima is right there. (The picture is actually taken from the tub. I sneaked bringing my camera phone when nobody around!) The hotel is standing on the hill, there is nothing to prevent the great view. Looking at the sky and great view of Sakura-jima....in a hot mineral spring....feel like in heaven. There is a saying "Ahhhh...Gokuraku, gokuraku" to show how great the feeling is (might be a little old saying), it literary means "Uhmmm...Heaven, Heaven." It totally describe how I felt, it is common to say when you are so relaxed in a nice hot tub like this. : )
I love onsen so much, I tried to go as many times as possible.....like 3 times a day. I am so lucky to be able to do that on my business trip!!!

Kumamoto castle!

We took a bus from Nagasaki to Kumamoto at night. Next morning, I opened a curtain, and open my mouth as well....Kumamoto castle right there!!! I kind of slept in so I did not have much time but I could not miss going there! It's literary 5 min walk from the hotel. I run to the gate to have more time inside. Then I saw a big shrine, I stopped by before entering the castle. The shrine consists of many small shrines, each god in a small house look like shrine. I felt a little attached that place since the shrine was for fox god, a white fox serving gods. So I visited each one praying for peace.


OK, back to Kumamoto Castle....I paid 300 yen, about 2 and half dollars, then went in. I run again to the main castle part called "Tenshukaku" but it was a long winding way with big stone steps to get there. Since Tenshukaku is the main part of the castle, usually on the top of the castle area looking over its town. I was out of the breath....The Tenshukaku is having repair work on the roof so it lacks their true beauty a little but very dignified and massive architecture stands out. Kumamoto castle was famous for strongly built structure. The actual Tenshukaku was re-build since the original got burned and lost in a war. The inside is more like a museum displaying things from 16th-17th century. There are armors, all the little knick-knacks, and "Kago (see the pic!)" which is kind of a personal taxi for higher rank people, carried by two men. It has such a tiny room even though people at that time might be smaller. I was surprised its size as well as all the details of inside, it was beautifully painted.

Even though most of the castle building is reconstruction, there is one building called Uto-Yagura(turnet) which survived those fires. It has 5 stories. It says it is comparable in size and scale to main towers at many of the other castles, that is how powerful and successful Kumamoto castle was. I went in, wooden floors and poles are rich dark brown after long lived life here in Kumamoto. Each room is kind of small but well build. There was a room of famous Lord Kato Kiyamasa. It is amazing we can just go in the same room who spent time there 420 years ago! Stairs are narrow and steep, made me think of those samurais running in case of emergency.
I run again, I wanted to visit a shrine which is dedicated to the Lord Kato Kiyamasa. He was the one who had made very successful. When Lord Hosokawa took over the castle afterwards, he showed his respect to Lord Kato Kiyomasa in public so he could govern Kumamoto with peace. People in Kumamoto have believed the Lord Kiyamasa watches over their country. It was beautiful shrine, I think he does still.

Nagasaki -strong belief-

I had about 2.5 h before I left our hotel in Nagasaki. It was not much time but I decided to visit Oura church and jumped on a street car. It was drizzling and I had hard time finding the place after getting off the street car. By the way, fare for the street car in Nagasaki is only 100yen which is about 80 cents for any destination. It comes quite often like every 5-7 minutes, very useful for wandering around.
The Oura church was up on the hill. Stone paved slope gave me an impression of foreign country as Nagasaki had lots of influence from Dutch and other Western culture. On both sides, there are souvenir shops selling famouse Nagasaki "Castella" (not sure about spelling, but it is a sweet sponge cake. Very eggy and honey....yummy!), glass wares, etc.. Then I looked up towards top of the hill, there it was solemnly on top of the steps, a white beautiful church even in the misty weather. This is the oldest wooden Catholic Church. I just learned it is the only Western building designated Japan's national treasure. It was build in 1864 by French, for foreign people who lives in Nagasaki. Japan ended its national isolation but Christianity was still banned in Japan.
What amazed me is the fact there were Japanese who had been Christian for prohibited 250 years without any priests nor churches nor any statues to pray to! In 1865 still under Christianity was prohibited, a group of peasants came to a priest of this church and whispered they were Christian! Way back the time in 1596 under Shogun Hideyoshi, 26 Christians had executed as a warning to others. This Gothic style church is dedicated to those people facing towards the place in Nagasaki where they were executed. and its official name is "The Church of the 26 Martyrs", People call "Oura Tenshudo" in Japanese.
Finding the hidden Christian was not the end of the story. Those hidden Christians had struggled for a long time until Japanese government finally allowed in 1873. Even after Edo period, under the new government, Christians were tortured and forced to convert to Buddhism. Many died but most of them did not convert. I am not a Christian, but I am moved for those people who have such a strong faith on what they believe. After all, I think what makes people live is a hope for what they believe.

Nagasaki -Peace-

I had a day off in Nagasaki. I actually have been here before on school trip of my high school. My vague memory was some dutch influenced buildings, and 10 of girls walked around looking for a good Nagasaki noodle "chanpon" place & took a goofy picture pausing as same as the statue at the peace park. Well, I did not remember so much about Nagasaki to be honest. Today, I took a street train and walked around the town again after almost 20 years. (!!)


First, my friend and I went to Atomic Bomb Museum. Many people know Japan is the only country had actually atomic bomb used, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. There is a museum in Hiroshima too. Both of museums are filled with the hard-to-see pictures and remains to show the fact how cruel the aftermath. You just have to see them in person, even it is only exhibition, even though you won't find any glimpse of the terrible incident in the cheerful street of Nagasaki, you just have to go there and imagine. Those exhibit at the museum are not happening now, but still give you goose bumps and voiceless scream of fear. There is a huge iron construction twisted like a candy, by the blast. The wind 200m/sec bent it. Can you imagine such a force, a wind can do something like that? The museum was well displayed and explained, I could not take my eyes off of them. Even I knew the atomic bomb was terrible, how little I know about it. I believe all the people whose work is related to an atomic bomb now should go both Hiroshima & Nagasaki. Of course they know all about how dangerous it is, but there is something more they should feel. 

We walked to the Peace Park.  It was such a beautiful day. Still, I could not help being depressed how little I can do to make a better world. I want to do something but what can I do really?? This might be many people's question. There were lots of people visiting the museum and Peace Park, this is a good thing I think. I hope more people become aware of the importance of peace....Well, I should quit talking about all my thoughts. There is a big statue, pointing one hand above reminding the atomic bomb and the other hand to the side symbolizing peace. I took a picture in front of this Peace Statue. This time, it was not just a fun picture with all my girlfriends like we took 20 years ago but a picture reminds me of being here in Nagasaki. I bought a T-shirts at the museum. It says "May the circle of peace grow!", I really hope so. 

Then we took a train again, went to Dejima. Japan had closed to other countries for a long time, but Netherland stayed in touch for the purpose of importing goods and knowledge. So government filled the ocean and made a closed land of Dejima as Dutch residence. Recently this Dejima was reconstructed and became more like a life size museum. It was very interesting to see another country's culture being adopted within Japanese. They had chandeliers and a big dining table set and western furniture on Japanese Tatami floor. Cabbages, tomatoes, potatoes are a few of the many things Dutch introduced to Japan. The episode they had to have a "winter party" instead of Christmas was funny, they could not openly cerebrate Christmas since Christianity was banned that time. 


We also hit "Spectacles Bridge" where the oldest stone bridge, build in 1634, looks like eyeglasses because of its reflection on the river. It is quite cute. Nagasaki has a China Town as well. There are temples Chinese people built to prove they were not Christian. Being a christian in Japan at that time of ban was totally different story, and bears tragic history. After Christianity was finally allowed, a church was build in 1864 by French missionaries. This Oura Catholic Church in Nagasaki is the oldest church in Japan. I am usually more interested temples and shrines, but I would like to see the Church if I have time. Nagasaki harbor had been the only opening to the outside world. You can see many different culture influence, Nagasaki is very unique city. And it offers a beautiful night view!  :)

Back on the road!

I'm back on the road in Japan, yeah! I'm in Miyazaki, Kyushyu, Southern part of Japan. I'm going to travel all over Japan for my work, for next 8 months....lucky me! I feel so fortunate to have such a great opportunity. Well, I started being very sick because of all the travel from LA, Tokyo to Miyazaki, plus jet lag. I was so beat and sweated all night I had to switch my beds back and forth (I had 2 beds in my room). After the first night's sweat & fever, I felt much better even though I had upset stomach and could not eat anything. Now I feel totally fine, I am so glad I did not catch a cold. I am relieved.

Yesterday morning, I went to Aoshima Shrine. This shrine is on a tiny island called Aoshima (ao=blue, shima=island) where you can walk over the bridge. This island is sacred, the island where gods used to, and maybe still today, live. I might have to explain some basics of very long story of Japanese myth....uhhh, tough though... as the very original, a male god & a female god existed and they could give a birth to anything, ANYTHING! All the islands of Japan are their babies, ocean, fire, trees, etc....everything to form the world of Japan was borne by them. When they decided to have someone live in this country of Japan and govern, they gave a birth to a god named Ninigi-no-Mikoto and sent him down. There are so many interesting stories on each god, unfortunately I can't write everything here! But I want to tell you one of them. Ninigi-no-Mikoto is from "above", there are god's babies on the island of Japan already but those are more considered as from "land". Ninigi-no-Mikoto got married with Konohanasakuyo-Hime (represents flowers), very beautiful princess. Actually, the father of this princess also sent another princess Iwanaga-Hime (represents rocks) as well for him. However Ninigi-no-Mikoto kept only the beautiful princess and sent back Iwanaga-Hime since she was not pretty. Konohanasakuyo-Hime represents prosperity like flowers, but flowers have short life. It is said if he kept the other one as well we would have a longer life as rock represents solid longevity.....

Anyway, back to the Aoshima story. This marriage meant a lot in the myth of Japan, it was an amalgamation of the world above and below. They have 3 god-sons. Nick named Umi-sachi-Hiko and Yama-sachi-Hiko (They have long god name but I will skip it) are brothers. Umi means ocean, Yama means mountain. Umi-Sachi-Hiko fishes, Yama-Sachi-Hiko hunts, that's how they live. Little brother Yama-Sachi-Hiko wanted to try fishing, and he asked his big brother to exchange for a day. Yama-Sachi-Hiko grudgingly agreed. But Yama-Sachi lost his brother's precious fish hook. Umi-Sachi was so mad at him and did not forgive Yama-Sachi. He went to the beach looking for the fish hook, crying. A god called Shio-Tsuchi-no-Kami advised him to go visit a palace under ocean where the Ocean God lives. There he met the Ocean God's daughter, Toyo-Tama-Hime, and lived for 3 years happily. Then he remembered about returning the fish hook to his brother. He went back to Aoshima. It was a sudden news, people on Aoshima did not have time to clean themselves and change to welcome Yama-Sachi's return, so they welcomed him naked. Aoshima still has a festival to commemorate this event going into ocean naked (OK ladies, don't be so excited, not completely naked...with a Japanese traditional underwear) in the middle of cold winter January!


The island is surrounded by weird formation of rocks. People called "Devil's washing board", I can't describe in words they are lines of stones formed naturally along the beach. There are different sand types around the island, light sand washed away and more thick clay type of structure stayed and formed natural line of walls. I thought they re-construct or something, it looked like cement filled between rocks but it is totally Natural!!! I could not believe it. You have to see with your own eyes! After amazed by natural construction of god's hand, I proceed to Torii gate. Trii a red pole construction, representing a gate to enter sacred area of god, each shrine has one or more. It is a manner to cleanse yourself by rinsing your hands and mouth. There is a small water place with dippers. Proper way of doing this is; pick up a dipper with right hand and put water over your left hand first, then switch holding dipper with your left hand and pour water over your right hand, switch over to right hand again and take water onto your left hand's palm and cleanse your mouth with the water. You shouldn't put your mouth to a dipper which sometimes I see even Japanese people doing. Now you are ready to meet and greet!

The shrine was colored beautiful red with detailed design, surrounded by the green woods it stands out oracularly. Main shrine hold 3 gods, Yama-Sachi and his wife Toyo-Tama-Hime, and Shio-Tsuchi-no-Kami. Small shines for both Umi-Sachi and Yama-Sachi, and an annex shrine where they welcomed Yama-Sachi. The path to the annex shrine looks more like tropical and very quiet....feels like you are somewhere else rather than Japan. Those trees consists of pulp, not like other trees with tree rings, so it is very flexible. Miyazaki is Southern part and many typhoon hit this area in summer but those can stand against any big typhoon. The Devil's washing board also break the wave during the typhoon. It is no wonder people believe Aoshima is protected by gods.


When I was little, I used to read Japanese myth books and I loved them. But I did not know there are actual places we can visit! It is a myth of course, but I can't say it did not exsist...who can? Just think about those things makes me wonder how amazing this world is, and how small and short live our life is. Moreover, I am embarrassed how little knowledge I have about my own country and culture! On this opportunity, I would love to explore Japan as much as possible and find myself.

I got days off. My friends and my mom and myself, we went to Gunma prefecture. The place called Minakami where is about 3 hours drive from Tokyo. All the dark fresh greens in the mountains and the view of clean river and breeze.....uhhhhh.....feels so goood!!! This is the air we should breath everyday, not smoggy stuffy air in town. I heard70% of the land is mountain and uninhabitable. Japan is such a tiny country, no wonder it is so crowded and we have to live in a small cell like apartment. But the greatness of it is you can enjoy so much of greens and great nature. Especially in deep mountains, the air is so nice and cool. No humidity! That's always people talk about summer in Japan. So hot and humid. Well, not in here. :)
We did white water rafting. I have never done it before, but it was so much fun! I was worried about my mom even though she said she will try because she can't swim. However, the life jacket is so well made. It floats very well and the guide said it is constructed not to put your face in the water so you will not die. We floated in the water before we got on the boat and made sure it works well. My mom seemed nervous first but she was getting more comfortable about it. The ride was GREAT!! The river was clear and clean, so close, splashing over us, cooling down the worn out mind and body in the city. The view is only for those who goes down the river. It is definitely different than watching from riverside even it is very nice feeling too. You are in the middle of it! Our guide was a Brazilian, he spoke Japanese and English. On the half way......he found there was a wild monkey on a small bridge!!!!!!!! I was amazed he found that because the color was not standing out so much. I waved the monkey but he was just staring at us down the river. Maybe he thought "Here goes again.....silly Japanese on a boat...."!?
Next day, I went to Tanigawa mountain with my mom since the onsen (hot spring) place we were planning to go was not open yet. So we drove 10 more minutes to take a ropeway ride. The sky was so clear, we were told there are only a few days of a year that you can really have a 360 degree view of mountains. Well, that was the day! We were so lucky, the day before of rafting as well. It was the first clear blue sky almost in 30days. Tanigawa mountain is also know as a great hike course. There are so many groups of people visiting with backpacks and canes. My mom and I just realized we are the only ones wearing flip-flops. Well, we were not there for hiking.

Also, there are so many dragonflies all over. Both of us are really good at catching them, but......the dragonflies there were so quick! I used to catch a lot when I was a kid at my grandma place so I know how to catch them. My mom using another grabbing technique that my grandma told her. I only tried to grab their wings from the side when they are really resting. You can see their wings go down a little by little, once the wings are so low down they can't fly up so easily.....supposed to! I don't know why but they are so sensitive for their surroundings. They notice immediately and fly away. Both of us are so excited to win this battle with dragonfly. My mom started catching them with her quick grabbing palm. I tried but I knew I hesitate for a mili second being afraid I might crush them, so it did not work for a long time. Then we found all the ones we got are quite young ones. It is smaller and my mom mentioned the wings are softer. They have not learned how to run away I guess. Of course we don't kill them, let them free. Everybody was trying to catching them since there are so many but we saw none succeeded. My mom gave a dragonfly to a small boy and a girl let the family take a picture. His parents were so happy since they couldn't catch any. Kids were so excited to hold them in their own hands. Maybe nowadays Japanese children don't have much chance to chase and handle those live bugs in summer like we used to....

The whole trip was great. I had so much fun being in the nature. I am happy to be able to spend time with my mom, too. I would love to come back here again.

Hanabi Taikai

It's been a while since I went to a fire work festival in Japan. Hanabi = fire works. Hanabe Taikai is a fire works festival. This is a big thing in Japan. Hanabi Taikai makes our feeling somehow excited. Everybody talks about it and gets excited as the date is closer.....well, unless you have to work until late night and there is no chance to go one. With work reason, and also I was not in Japan, I have been missing those fire works festivals. I know there is a lot of fire works on July 4th in USA but those in Japan is you will see it so close. Even though it would be crazy crowded, we like to get close and watch the whole show. Girls like to wear yukata, Japanese cotton kimono, for a special date. Isn't it so fun to dress up and go out? : )

The travel date to Sapporo, Hokkaido. I was informed they have a fire festival over Toyohira river where runs right next to the hotel we stay. We were excited and hoping to have a glance of the fire works. As closer we get, we start hear a sound of fireworks from far. I cried out " I heard the sound!" and everyone quickly shut their mouth and tried to hear it. "Oh! Heard it! Cool" we start having fun just to hear the sounds. But still, we were driving in a town surrounding tall buildings. Then another girl said "Ah!! I saw it between the building!!". We started seeing them, just part of it, here and there.

We arrived the hotel, we wanted to go see it but we have to leave in 5 mins. On the floor we stayed, there was a all window end of the hallway and we could see the fire works. "Great! We can see them!!" As soon as I left my suitcase in my room, I went to the window. Other girls were thinking the same thing. We were excited. The fireworks are a little bit far but still gave us the nice summer feeling. I guess that was hotel's kind consideration, there were chairs in front of the window. Still we all stood there and watched them without a word for a few minutes.
The fact we saw just a few minutes of Hanabi Taikai made me so happy. Hanabi is something special and indispensable to Japanese culture in summer.

The sacred sprit

I was in Nagano for 2days. I had 2 hours off in the afternoon. There is a very famous temple called Zenkouji. I heard it is only about 1 mile away so I jumped on a cab and went there. I did not know anything about Zenkoji but I have heard its name. Now I know why it is so famous. Zenkoji obtains the Japan's oldest buddha statue which came from China. The major religion in Japan is Buddhism and they have so many different denominations. However, since this temple obtains the statue from very beginning of Buddhism history in Japan Zenkoji accept all Buddhism sect and many people visit to this place.

Even though, the statue is hidden and only you can see is the big hanging screen from ceiling in front of the place where the statue is stored. Still, this statue is very sacred and spiritual so people want to visit Zenkoji. The temple itself is really gorgeous and historical, there are other Buddhism statues worth to see once. As my cab driver recommended me I bought a ticket for going under the temple in pitch dark....to touch a sacred key. I had to take off my shoes and walked towards huge open tatami room, and waited for a while in line but it allowed me to see all beautiful architect feature and calming statues. There are so many people there waiting for it. I passed the hanging screen of sacred sprit. I put some incense and prayed.

The sacred key is leading to the sprit, so people who goes in the dark and find the sacred key will get great fortune. And it was....totally dark!!! Even it says "pitch dark" I thought there might be a dim light or something. But once I went down the stairs I did not see anything except a few people in front of me. It IS really a pitch dark. There is a sign saying "touch the right wall at the hip hight and walk forward". Several steps later the passage curved to right and then just black all over. I was gliding my feet, touching the wall, went too far and had to say "excuse me" several time to the person in front. It was really interesting. It does not matter if you open or close your eyes, complete dark. I tried to concentrate and feel the sprit but there was a loud family with kids scared. I was kind of annoyed but tried not to be since I should get the peaceful mind from the sacred spirit. It was slow walking with winding passage. Then I started hearing clinging sound. The key was close. A few seconds later I saw a light figure in my dark sight, on my left hand back side. It was the light like you have a vision for a while after a camera flash blinds you. It appeared all the sudden. There was nothing to blind me, just darkness. Maybe it is only in my head but I felt like something was there. Then it disappeared. I walked forward and touched the key wondering what it was, and praying peace for the world.

After that, I walked around the area. There was a merry-go-around kind of thing which was filled with thousands of holy chanting scrolls. Chinese invented this. It is believed if you rotate this thing once, it is worth to read whole chanting scrolls. The ticket I bought was good for this house too. I pushed one of the bars which is sticking out from the center and walked around. Then at the shop I bought lots of lucky charms from the temple as a gift for my family. I hope it will bring them good luck and health.


I had a little spare time so I walked back to the hotel. It took half an hour. It was interesting to see a different town. I felt blessed after visiting the holy temple. Work is hard, but I still think I am really lucky to have a chance to visit different places.

On the road again

Hello. I am in Sendai now. After the last trip, I had an one-day trip going to Niigata, having a show and came back with the last train. The bullet train arrived at Tokyo station at 23:40, there was no way for me to go home. Besides, I had to drop other people off. So I already decided not to go home. Then I felt I had so much time since I don't have to worry about the 3 hours train both ways between Tokyo and my home town. Actually one of band member and I went out for ZAAA (is that how it spelled?? I had never heard it before for last 5 years of living in LA!?) It was late late night snack, and not so good pizzas but I had so much fun talking. Then I crashed at my best friend from high school who lives in Tokyo. It has been about 8 months since the last time I saw him but I almost always see him whenever I come back to Japan....well, to be precisely, I crash at his place since my home town is toooooo far!!

Anyway, so I did not see anything about Niigata. I got some nice bottles of sake. Niigata is famouse for good rice, of course they produce good sake. I worked at my office for 3 days and now I am on the road again. This time towards Northan part of Japan. I don't have much chance to see or know the city if we just move from a hotel to a venue. I went to Morioka, where is Iwate prefecture and it was first time to visit...I saw nothing. I need to find some other time to visit. Since I stay at a hotel tonight, I have a little bit time tomorrow morning before we leave. I hope I will not be too tired and get up so I can walk around the area. I better go to bed then. Oyasumi nasai (good night)!

Back in Tokyo...

I visited Fukuoka, and Yamaguchi. The hotel in Fukuoka was really good hotel. I was on the executive floor so gym and internet was free! I paid almost $30 for 2days of internet usage in Miyazaki. It is way too expensive! Once they got the line connected, they don't have to pay any extra do they!?!? Anyway, I enjoyed swimming in the pool, and spa with nice big bath tub. I only stayed one night but I had good relaxed night. I had sore mascle all over my body from surfing, so I called the massage service. The nice hotels have a good massuse, very reliable. I fell asleep while the session because it was so good and I was so tired too. I woke up as he told me 60 mins was already over. I brushed my teeth and just passed out onto the comfy bed. Well....I think he tried too hard to loose my mascle. My shoulder hurts because of the over massage. That is what we call "momi kaeshi".

I flew back from Yamaguchi today. As soon as I stepped out of the plane, what I saw was gray thick smog. I could not see any view, every building and scene was smoggy. Oh no...I can't believe people has to live in this city. I can't wait to leave for country side again. :(

First time SURFING!

I am in Miyazaki where is in Kyushu area, still Southern Japan. I went to surfing for the first time yesterday after arrival. A good friend of mine was a great teacher. I learned the basic movement to dodge waves, puddle, and balance. The water felt really cold when it touched my feet....and my stomach! PHeEEEWWWUuuu!! I cried out but was having fun at the same time. I can't remember the last time I went to the beach feeling ocean with my whole body. Once you got in completely it was not cold anymore. I just enjoy being in the ocean and feeling the energy making waves from far far away. I enjoyed diving into the water to dodge the waves. Believe me, I am not a super swimmer. I am more like "Well, I can swim but I don't like swimming in the ocean." Usually as soon as I can't feel the bottom I start feeling anxious. But the surfboard is floating, holding my whole body, swinging between the waves. What a nice feeling. I was not scared at all. Yesterday I spent all two hours to get used to the waves and the board. After having an advise from my teacher picking up a good wave to ride, its timing, and paddling like a crazy woman I caught A wave!!!!! I can't discribe it. It just took off, carried me all the way like flying! I already enjoyed riding a few seconds everytime wave hit me, but it was totally different. I knew I could not ride like a sufer on the TV or on the picture on a magazine so I did not expect anything or did not understand what really "ride a wave" means. Of couse I was not be able to stand up, I was just holding onto my long board shouting "Yeeeeeeeeepeeeeeeeeee!!!"

Today was off. So I went again with more people.There were three more people today who had not done surfing. They tried and loved it! Thanks to the teacher, everyone got a few rides and felt the great flying sensetion! I was so happy to share the feeling that I felt yesterday with everybody. We did not have enough boards for everybody but we took turns and had so much fun. I got swirled and the wave took me several time to under the water world. Surprisingly, I am still not scared of ocean. The surfboard is so reliable somehow. I have a leash on my right ankle. I dive to dodge if it is too late to get ready for a ride and the board will be taken a little so my ankle being pulled. I got out from the water as soon as I hear the sound of wave is gone and pull the leash. Today, there was a time I had to repeat this so many times because a set of waves kept coming and I did not have any time to turn around, get on the board, paddle! It made me really tired. But still, I wanted to catch a wave. I got a long nice ride since another wave catching up carring me further, well I felt that way. It was GREAT! With more explaination from my friend and more carefull observation of the ocean, it started to make more sense for each movement. I start feeling comfortable on the board when I am riding. So I started tring to stand up. I kind of kneeled on the board for a few moments which felt fine (and exciting!) before I made up my mind to actually stand up......I stood up and immediately lost balance and fell into the ocean. My body was not with the board, the board was going forward so quick but my body was not. So it makes sense why I fell. My back hurts because of that, but I learned I guess. I tried a little bit later, same thing happen. I need more practice to actually stand up and surf. This is really hard excercise so it is good for me. I needed to build more muscle on my upper back, according to my chiropractor. Paddling is great excercise. I am sure I will have sore muscle tomorrow though. Anyway, I had so much fun playing with ocean, laughing, shouting "Yeeeeeeeeepeeeeeeeeee!!!" all the time. I think I was the loudest and the most enjoyed person on the beach.

Last resort!?

Hokkaido is a Northern island of Japan, and now I am in a Southern island of Japan, Amami Oshima. People might think of Okinawa island for a Sounthern island but this Amami island is bigger than Okinawa as its size. It is just less crowded and developed. We arrived yesterday. As soon as I stepped out from the airplain, I felt its tropical climet. Humidity, shinning sun light burning your skin...everything seems so vivid. We went to directly to a restaurant where we can eat great "chicken rice". We were imaginning some kind of chicken dish over the rice but it was rice and chicken soup. You put several toppings on your served rice and pour the great golden clear chicken soup. It had really deep flavor but not thick or heavy at all. The chicken there was so fresh. We had chicken sashimi (well, I know some of you would not believe eating it raw but we do. It gotta be really fresh and done by skilled chef). We even had sashimi of a liver, heart, and.....CoCksCoMB!!!!! It was tiny and did not taste much, I think it is just for the texture. The chicken there was so fresh, so it was good dinner.



This morning, I went to a beach. The water was so nice and clean. The color of the ocean was beautiful. Okinawa is beautiful but it is getting more for tourism and everything is expensive. This place still keep lots of real nature. You can enjoy fruits picked up locally, Shochu (especially famous for shochu from sugar cane), and people's kindness, I wish I could stay here for vacation!


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!