Aloha from Japan

[Brian]

Quote: Originally Posted by Akai-San My first orientation field-trip to Odawara Castle. In the feudal age, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, one of the most prominent samuri generals in the history of the country. Toyotomi rose from obscurity and unified the whole nation, conquering all the feudal lords of Japan at the time. With the collapse of the feudal system, Emporer Meiji, overthrew the Shogunate and restored imperial power to the throne in 1868. Upon the order of the Emporer, the great feudal castles had been destroyed one after another to strip the warrior class of power and most of their lands. This castle complex has been put back together, piece by piece. Impressive task to undertake. I also included a few pics of some of the tenants of the complex that you may find amusing. Looks like true Magoi and a few mutants.....hahaha Aloha, Carl

Carl,

You should visit Osaka-jo someday to get the full story. Wanna do a KB field trip someday to the Kansai region?

[Akai-San]

Brian,

If you remember a while back when I was still contemplating coming to Japan, I offered to help you with KB. Although I don't know how I would help? (Maybe equipment assistant or something) Hahaha. Once I settle into our new home, would love to join you on some of your visits to the regions that you go to. I would relish any opportunity to roaming Japan to meet some of the great people in Japan.

I'm working on my Japanese now, but far from being conversational . So I wouldn't be much help with your interviews unless you need a camera man. But, if you need free labor and or a good graphic eye, I'm your man . I'm pretty handy when it comes to building things or with a computer. Just food for thought. Hope to meet you soon.

[Akai-San]

OK gang,

I have made great strides here this week, I got assigned my housing for the next three years, and also got my car delivered today. I should have the registration work completed tomorrow and will be fully licensed as a professional driver. Trying to protect myself from get into an accident with some unsuspecting pedestrian or bicyclist. I’m not joking. Still, I will start venturing out into Kanagawa and then beyond. Slowly building up my confidence for THE REAL road trip scheduled for sometime in October. I just found out that if I rent a gov’t vehicle for my road trips, all tolls are waived. Guess what this guys doing?


Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on places to stay in Niigata. Nothing fancy, just a small place to crash that is conveniently located to hot springs, koi farm areas and some really good Izakaya’s for night time festivities….yota, yota…hahaha.



I hear the August is Obon season and even though we are on base, they participate all the same. This coming weekend is Obon Dori on base. The place is getting decked out in preparation for some good food, good fun, and great entertainment and tradition. I’ve never been to a real Obon festival, but before the season is over, I will have participated in a few…I’ll be sure to document with some pics to share the spirit of the season.



Hey MikeT,

Tonight I’m going to a sashimi tabe hodai - nomi hodai (All you can eat sashimi and all you can drink beeru, sake, and shochu). I’ll give you a report on how good it was…HooooBoy, I’ll have to prep for this one…

[Brian]

Quote: Originally Posted by Akai-San Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on places to stay in Niigata. Nothing fancy, just a small place to crash that is conveniently located to hot springs, koi farm areas and some really good Izakaya’s for night time festivities….yota, yota…hahaha.

Plenty of places to stay, my very favorite was completely destroyed by the quake, which was a beautiful Ryokan/Hot Springs located smack-dab in Yomogihira. So you had drinking/hot springs/koi all in the same place. I could even watch koi while drinking!

Anyway, if you're really into the hot spring thing, Echigo Yuuzawa is about 2-30 minutes by expressway. You can even stay there and travel up to Ojiya the "back way" along a path that is dotted by more than a few breeders of varying fame.

[dick benbow]

In the green river valley where I live, many japanese settled before world way 2 and built sucessful farms. We have a large temple that sponsors a bon festival and invites the public to dance and enjoy the food. i know you'll enjoy yourself!

I have truely been enjoying this thread. keep up the journal and good luck getting your tongue into new positions to learn the language!

[Akai-San]

Quote: Originally Posted by Brian Plenty of places to stay, my very favorite was completely destroyed by the quake, which was a beautiful Ryokan/Hot Springs located smack-dab in Yomogihira. So you had drinking/hot springs/koi all in the same place. I could even watch koi while drinking! Anyway, if you're really into the hot spring thing, Echigo Yuuzawa is about 2-30 minutes by expressway. You can even stay there and travel up to Ojiya the "back way" along a path that is dotted by more than a few breeders of varying fame.

Thanks Brian,

I just threw in the hot springs thing, just because it seems to be popular with the people around here. Just a good quaint place to stay near food, drink & koi.

Watching koi while drinking? Sounds like heaven to me ...hahaha.

[aquitori]

Quote: Originally Posted by Akai-San Thanks Brian, I just threw in the hot springs thing, just because it seems to be popular with the people around here. Just a good quaint place to stay near food, drink & koi. Watching koi while drinking? Sounds like heaven to me ...hahaha.

I think you need to add smoking with the drinking and watching koi thing ...I know there are alot of non-smokers out there on this board, but if you saw how the breeders smoke you'll be like damn! I smoke and I was like damn I cant keep up with these guys smoking...

[kgt1223]

I noticed that as well. Cannot remeber watching a vid were the breeders or buyers were not tugging on a smoke.

[Akai-San]

In most regions during August, there is an obon dori (obon dance), Japanese families visit ancestors to pay their respects with food and gift offerings. I heard that the many colorful lantern decorations are used because it is believed to guide the spirits back to their world.

Unlike the traditional Japanese Obon dori, I just experienced our own base transformed into acres and acres of festival grounds. It was a really neat event. There was something for everybody, kids games & activities, rides, food, arts & crafts, food, drinks, vendors, food, and fireworks gallore. Thousands of Japanese people (esti. 30,000+) flocked onto the base to take part in the event every year. It was really nice to see so many local people taking advantage of the event.

Just snapped a couple photos. Fun for all.

[Mike T]

Carl:

Thanks for sharing, good stuff... however, could you please check your pics...1st one was only about twice the size of your thumbnail pic while the 3 was about 4-6 times as large... If all the pics were a little bigger than No. 3 then they would be clearer...

Again, Mahalo, Mike T