I'm back!

Typical Tourist photo of Hawaii (^^)

      I returned today from Japan. From cold to hot. First things first! Laundry and house cleaning. The life of a house husband starts he takes a step into the house! Gaaaaaaaa! (**;)

     I hope to get some vids onto the blog sooner or later. Need to figure out why the uploaded vids won't show!!!! It looked alright in the camera but once I saved it onto the hard drive........Maybe I'll just to a PC store and have them retrieve the vids.

     All was well with Michele and her mom when I left. As matter of fact Michele had emailed that she had passed her written tests and gotten her temporary driver's license. One more week of driving at the school and then she qualifies to take the national exam.

     The radioactivity issues are still very convoluted with government explanations still obfuscated. The last I heard was that the President of France was coming to Japan to formally offer French assistance in the issue.

As things "settle down" the Japanese media seems to changing their focus on national leadership problems.

I think every one's efforts should be focused on recovery for the devastated areas. It is sad to hear on the news that there are cases of fraud going on with the monetary donations and that houses that remained intact in some form was being burglarized. Not on a massive scale but never the less, sad that there are people that take advantage of the situation.

    Oops time to do the third load of laundry! More to follow.

A night with the ladies (^^)

      On Friday night I was able to visit Hayashi Shihan's Dojo in Shinjuku prior to another "session" with former counterparts. I was asked to give a brief SDF class to her ladies. I kept it short and simple using basic techniques and reaction drills.

Hayashi Shihan (front row left) and her ladies.

Explaining an application of the inside block against a wrist grab.

     Hayashi Shihan is expected to join us at the last session in Yokohama. I am hoping that she will be able to show us Taekwondo kicking techniques that the kids can apply to full contact tournament fighting.

      By the way the several of the Yokohama Dojo kids participated in a tournament of Saturday. They all learned the importance of keeping their guard up ! Y (^^)Y



Wristbands for Japan Fundraiser Begins

We received our first order of 1000 wristbands today. We have the wristbands in my school, and in our dojo. We will also have them in the local Public Library, and two other school systems by the weekend. Mono, Sensei has enlisted the help of several teachers and art students to make posters and organize sales by the children.

We have received a great deal of support from the community, and we are hoping to make a difference for few of our friends in Japan. I am reminded of the young man who comes to the beach and finds millions of starfish, washed on the beach. He looks down and picks one up, and returns it to the ocean. A passing ADULT watching the child looks down at him and asks, “What is it you’re doing?” The child said, helping the starfish. The ADULT looks and says, “But there are so many you can possibly make a difference”. The child looks up and replied, “to that one I did”. I am sure I messed up the story, yet we all here hope, and “will stand by you”.

Graduation Photo

GRADUATION PHOTO!

Michele in formal graduation wear. I haven't put on a suit in years!

      In midst of all the gloom today was a happy moment of taking my daughter's formal graduation photo. The photo studio was gracious enough to allow me to take a picture with my own camera (^^).  It was the first time to see my daughter with make-up on. The results It made me not to worry about her looking like me! After the photo taking we had a "graduation lunch" at First Kitchen. Gahahahaha. Not to worry we will have a "real graduation dinner" come Wednesday.

Left to right; Burnt Shoyu, Butter, Consomme flavored fries

Spaghetti Meat Sauce, Hamburger Stewed in gravy.

Sauces for French Fries; Counter clockwise from bottom; BBQ (better than Arby's), Garlic Mayonnaise, Cheese. Guaranteed to fill your sodium requirements for the day! (^^)

The Human Spirit

     Everday, here in Japan we are exposed to the strength of the human spirit displayed by the survivors of the earthquake and tsunami. I often find myself shedding tears as I watch a report on TV and at the same time feel the strength of the human spirit.
     Just as the temperature is dropping here in Yokohama,the temperature is dropping mid-winter levels in the disaster areas where fuel and other essentials are severely lacking. Supplies are not reaching some areas.
Earlier in the day there were reports of trcuk drivers making U-turns on supply runs because they refused to go near areas with alledged radioactivity. The towns requiring the supplies are no where near the restricted zones. They are currently surviving on one riceball and one banana a day. Fuel is lacking to keep warm.
      One reporter followed a grandfather and his grandson (perhaps lower elementary) searching for his daughter, the mother of his grandson. They were looking for the car she had been driving when the tsunami had it the town. The found the battered car in a parking lot and rescue was called. You have to remember 7 days had already passed. When the rescue folks put up a blue sheet to block footage of a body being recovered it was clear the mother had not made it. The mother's sister was also at the scene and you could hear her calling out to the deceased. At the end of the report, the sister kept on repeating "I have to be strong". The look on the son's face was heart breaking.
     I was shocked when I read on  Face Book that my High School had sent a band to Japan on Monday!
I cannot understand why they would even think of coming much less coming at a time like this.  I feel it is very disrespectful to the dead and the survivors struggling to get back their lives. Not only that they put themsleves at risk. Just a while ago we had a RS 4 qauke which lasted long. Now it seems our government is cautioning US citizens to leave Japan.

The pitfalls of information or the lack of (**#)

 5 Days After

       I guess the biggest concern for many here in Japan are the nuclear plants in Fukushima which have been severely damaged and the potential of radiation leaks. The population surrounding the plants have been already evacuated outside a 30 kilometer radius. All day and night updates are being broadcasted on the current situation. HOWEVER, much of the information may be understood by academics and nuclear professionals, but to me ?????.  Last time I took a CBR class was many many moons ago. Even expert commentators that theTV stations find do not make it any easier. Well, I guess everyone concerned realized this and now they are making comments that a layman could relate to. Still it is very wearisome.

The usual spokesmen for the Nuclear Plant, I would not want to be in their shoes as the information is very obfuscated.

I hope this does not become a regular scene in Yokohama.

I guess the winds will make a big difference in the case there is a major radiation leak. As of now there is a no height limit to air traffic in the vicinity.

      Earlier this afternoon Michel mailed me to "Stay indoors" as the sky looks really strange. With the nuclear plant in mind, I decided to take her advice and took refuge in an Internet/Comic cafe, Three hours later she mailed me an "All Clear". I got to catch up on all the comics I hadn't read in years! (^^)

Amazing how many businessmen were "taking a break" from work!!! (^^)



Mind Boggoling

  

I am sure that all of you have already seen news footage of the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami. I am very lucky to have gotten by with just the quakes. Here in Yokohama tremors continue and just a minute ago a RS 3 quake was registered in Nagano Prefecture. Hopefully they will get the damaged nuclear plants under control.
     For those of us here in Tokyo and Yokohama, the biggest effect has been the blackouts. I am pretty sure everyone was surprised with the rippling effect it had on their daily lives.
1. Trains stopped running or on drastically reduced operations which resulted in people not getting to work.
2. Offices and stores reduced operations due to lack of employees.
3.  Resupply of stores continue to be hampered and essential goods are basically gone from the shelves.
4. Patients requiring hemo dialysis and or rely on life lines that depend on electricity. Fortunately blackouts are for a three hour duration.
     Another problem arising is the overload of cell phone traffic. Docomo and Soft Bank just announced some measures that need to be taken.
      Emergency supplies are not reaching the devastated areas as hoped for with many of the roads blocked with debris.
      It is kind of unreal as life goes on here in Yokohama while people are fighting for survival up north with not even having the bare essentials.
      I wonder how Hawaii will survive a real tsunami. I could not help but feel anger when I read a thread calling on having a "We survived the tsunami" party when it never materialized. I recall seeing folks gather up on the mountain side to "watch" a tsunami come on only a year or two back. They need to fully understand that it is no laughing matter.
     Oh well, see what today brings. Not much I can do for now. I'll be checking on relief volunteer activity and see if there is something I can do.

on to more pleasant things (^^)

It's 2050 hours and another tremor here in Yokohama. Hmmmm. Have my backpack all ready to go!
Posting some more pics from my galavanting in Japan.

     Of course cannot travel on an empty stomach! Vege Curry with Brown Rice and pickled carrotts.

Every Friday, a group of mommies set up a lunch cafe in the hostel front office.Pretty good cooking I might add!

One of the mommies hard at work!

First stop Kanda in Tokyo. An old district with many small and mid size companies.

In midst of an alley full of stores, a temple for good business.

Outskirts of Jinbocho, a book store district. Also amny sporting goods stores.

Some of the stores offer very old books and prints. Of course way out of my budget.(^^)

What good is a bookstore district withou one specializing in comics!

A map of the subway system in Tokyo

Then the earthquake hit!!!!!!!

I am Safe and Sound! (^^)

     First of all I would like you to join me in a moment of prayer for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami here in Japan. Once again Nature has shown its power and the helplessness of we humans.

I was on my way to Kodokan, the mecca of Judo when the earthquake first hit. It was pretty scary feeling not being able to stand aned to see the buildings around you swaying. I could hear screams from the subway entrance nearby.  After the initial tremors subsided, I continued on to my destination. Unfortunately everything was shut down and everyone out on the streets.

Statue of Kano Jigoro Sensei, founder of Kodokan Judo

       Naturally all public transportation had stopped and I walked back towards Shinbashi, a major train station with hopes that the trains would be up and running. It was about a 2 hours walk. By the time I reached the vicinity, I joined a mass of people also trying to get back home. Imagine if you will a sea of lemmings! In this case people! Incredible lines of people trying to catch taxis to get home!

     Once at Shinbashi, there were crowds watching the large screen showing real time footage of the tsunamis! There were also long lines at public pay phones as the cellphone networks were all overloaded and no connection could be made. So much for modern technology! (^^)   Once we were told there was no end in sight for resumption of train operations, I set out to get a place to stay. I must have spent two hours to  no avail! All hotels, Internet cafes were booked up! By early evening all the convenience stores were out of food as well as fast food joints.

     During my search I learned through one of TVs that the City was offering refuge at nearby ward facilities and schools for those of us stranded in Tokyo. Off I went to the nearest refuge point. I was very grateful to get out of the cold and to the efficient manner in which the City was able to set up the refuge centers.

We were also provided biscuits (hard tacks) and water at the refuge center. (^^)

     This  morning at 0440 went to the station to catch the first train out.  But alas, no luck in resumption of services. I hoofed it to Hibiya where a private rail was operating and managed to get back to Yokohama.

I am very grateful to be in one piece and able to write his blog. By the way, the auditorium that Michele's graduation was scheduled was damaged and the graduation ceremonies cancelled for now. Karate practice for tonight is up in the air as well.



Night out in town (in moderation) Y(^^)Y Part 2

Eriko "Mama" Owner and Proprietor of Mayu

Since I had Chinese the other night I felt like Japanese tonight, so straight to "Mayu" a Japanese Dining Bar.

Another Hangout from my days in Japan.  A great place to chill after a hard day's work. Eriko Mama is also a hula aficionado and dances quite elegantly.

The appetizers made of ingredients in season.

Vegetable tempura, great to eat it straight from the fryer. Eaten with a pinch of salt and pepper with a squeeze of lime.

The chef putting the tempura on the plate.

      Eriko Mama and I reminisced the "old days" and it was nice to hear that the other regulars were still up and running. Many a pleasant and at times "exciting" nights were had at Mayu.

      Now no evening is complete with just one stop. (^^) I always "try" to make it a point  not to get too stuffed at one place as the evening is long.  After about three hours at Mayu, off I went in search of my other haunts. Whats that bright light down the road??

My favorite late night gyoza stand.

A prefect plate of gyoza or pot stickers....Yummy

Of course you have to have their famous deep fried garlic cloves in sweet/sour sauce! Tender and yummy!

     Some of you readers may be thinking that I go to sleep at sunrise and wake up at sunset. Not to worry, I wake up at 0500 to do my morning exercise and spend the day on many other activities. (^^) Yesterday was spent exploring Isezaki Mall. It is mall about one mile long! A blend of new and old. The weather has been cooperative so it was a stroll down memory lane.

The mile long stretch of the old section.

     "Isezaki Blues" a famous song back in 50's or so. Yokohama is considered the birthplace of Jazz in Japan as well.

A snake shop! (**#) it sells potions made from various snakes. It has a long history in Yokohama.

Along the way, came upon this gentlemen checking out the coffee beans. Time for a coffee break!

They roast their own beans and the shop was filled with the aroma of coffee beans roasted. I had a cup of Indian which was very mild but flavorful. (^^)

A typical Police Box in Yokohama.

Oops! Time to head on up to Tokyo! Hope to swing by Hayashi Shihan's Dojo in Shinjuku tonight.

Ganbarimasu!!

Stay tuned!

ネズミランド（＾＾）

TYPICAL LINE AT DISNEYLAND (**#)

     My daughter and her mom strongly wanted to go to Disneyland as part of her graduation celebrations. My 60 years of living has taught me never to argue with two females much less mother and daughter! So off we went. It was only a hour bus ride from Yokohama so getting there was not much of  problem.

Once we got there, my perseverance and patience was greatly tested. (^^) People, people, people, oodles of people. It took 45 minutes just to buy entry tickets. Thank goodness the weather was nice, chilly for a Hawaii boy like myself  but a pleasant day.

      The wait for any of the rides averaged at one to two hours. The popular ones was three. This included the restaurants! So under the expert guidance of my daughter we managed to avoid most of  the wait! Michele would dash ahead and get "Fast tickets" which allowed you to skip the long lines. Her mom commented, "If she was as proactive at home!!" Gahahahaha. We stayed at Disneyland all day. Results were : Two shows, three ride attractions, one restaurant! The rest of the time was.............waiting in line. (^^)

Some pics from our adventure.

The main arcade. You can see the crowd in the back. Mentally preparing myself for what awaits us!

But true to Kimura tradition to 「腹が減っては戦は出来ぬ」Can't do battle on an empty stomach.

Straight to the restaurant to load up on the carbos!

Inside the restaurant. Nice and WARM!!!!!!

Hmmmm. Got enough on the plates??? Japanese, Chinese, Western and Teriyaki Chicken Thigh!

Dessert time! Winnie the Pooh's favorite?

Got my 3D glasses and ready for Cpt Nemo aka Michael Jackson. I think I've gained weight already! (**#)

So colorful and entertaining!

Scene from "One Man's Dream" I enjoyed this show the most!

       So after a very long day and to avoid a humongous crowd to get get home we got on the bus back to Yokohama. As the sun was setting the temperature was dropping quite rapidly as  well. Brrrrrrrrr.

We decided to have dinner at Yokohama Station and it was agreed upon that something warm would  be the best! (^^)

Decisions! Decisions!

Hmmmmm. Robata looks OK too.

But nothing like a hot bowl of Curry Udon with Tonkatsu  and Takikomi Gohan.

Sleep was instantaneous!

More adventures to follow!

OSU!!!!!!