Romantic Cherries
Ahhh almost spring again. What is it about this time of year that brings the romanticism out of everyone? The cherry blossoms, of course. Even back in the olden days Japanese aristocrats used to write poems while studying the magnificent cherry tree. Have you ever seen the cherry blossoms?
In Japan, the viewing of sakura (cherry blossoms) is called hanami, meaning flower viewing. It's a celebration where groups of people, families or romantic couples will have a gathering under the pink cherry blossoms. Unfortuntely, they only are in bloom for about 2-3 weeks. But as they bloom at different times all across Japan, it is possible to travel to see them. And I must say, the country blossoms are defintely more beautiful. Click the play button above to see what I'm talking about! The video was made featuring sakura from Northern Japan. The song with the video is a traditional song also called 'Sakura'.
As cherry blossoms have spread to other parts of the world, so has the incredible romanticism of the season. I'd like to share a poem or two that I've found just for the occasion. Prepare your tissues and enjoy!
Cherry Blossom Dreams
(writerscafe.org)
Beneath these trees
Of cherries so sweet
Fragrant
Petals
Gently
Falling
Tickling my skin
Dancing
All around
A silent dance just for me
I feel nothing but peace
Pure Joy overtakes me
Your face the only one I see
In my mind, smiling back at me
You must be in your own dream, I think
The rest of the world fades away
Beneath these trees
In my cherry blossom dreams
Where love and joy are what is real
The woes of life the fading dream
You are my dream, my darling
My darling dream that never fades
© 2006 Brenda Barnhart
A compilation of sakura haiku's (Japanese poems)
(nbc4.com)
Gifts from the far east
Each spring pink buds do renew
Faith, hope, friendship, truth
Kim Hashim, Falls Church, Va.
The water glistens,
Beauty mirrors new promise,
Hope blossoms within.
Jill Romney, Germantown, Md.
Softly petals fall
A pale pink rain on lovers
And the waking earth
Carol Cavanaugh, Glen Burnie, Md.
Soft pink silhouettes;
Gently blushing pools of blue;
Spring's first kiss revealed.
Susan Dudek
Need to get away?
Hello!!
Another weekend upon us. Wouldn't it be nice to get away? Well, may I present our guest blogger Stephen once again with a list of his top 5 one-day getaways from the bustling Tokyo life.
1: YokohamaIf Tokyo ever feels a little claustrophobic then I recommend taking the short train ride down to Yokohama. The open harbor definitely has a more airy feel. Perhaps take a cruise, or simply stroll along the waterside. Another wonderful reason to visit Yokohama is Chinatown - the largest in Japan. Dozens of restaurants to choose from.
2: HakoneFascinating. In 1 day you can see and do a whole cocktail of different things - with very little walking. Highlights include the daunting Cable Car ride, sailing across the lake on a fake pirate ship (admittedly a bit tacky...), Also, the hot sulfur springs and pools are unforgettable. You could even follow the tradition of eating an egg cooked in the sulfur steam. Allegedly it is good for you.........
3: Mount FujiClimbing it is quite daunting, but bear in mind how often you're asked "Have you climbed Mount Fuji yet?" Wouldn't it be nice to say proudly something like "actually yes, last summer?"To be honest, you don't have to climb it to appreciate the surrounding area - the area known as Fuji five Lakes is a wonderful place to relax, maybe try an onsen (hot spring).
4: NikkoA couple of hours away on the train, but worth the trip. The complex of shrines is majestic, and worth many a snapshot. For the more active visitor, there are plenty of chances to hike over the mountains to various remote onsen towns, if you wish to make a weekend of it.
5: IzuSouthwest of Tokyo is the Izu Honto region. A great romantic get-away in the spring/summer. Some nice beaches and fantastic scenery make the trip worthwhile. There is a choice of fantastic 4 or 5 star hotels, or traditional ryokan (Japanese style inn) to suit all budgets and wants. However, some places are remote, so I would recommend a car to give you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want without depending on the public transport.Thank you Stephen!!! If you have some great ideas for a blog subject, you are always welcome to comment or contact us.
The newest in virtual pets
Hello! As Rei promised, here is the second of three posts for this week!Today I'd like to introduce the newest in the virtual pet Tamagotchi line, called Tamagotchu! The "chu" on the end is the Japanese word for "kiss". This virtual pet comes in a pair and celebrates that little thing called love. Debuting this Valentine's Day in Japan (Happy Belated Valentine's Day, by the way!), Tamagotchu invaded the stores and hands of eager teenagers to adults.Now, I was never a good parent to the original pets (I had a monkey...) but this, you'll be pleased to hear, is quite low maintenance. The object is to grow their love. They start out as children and grow up to be grandparents with children of their own. They even die... They go on dates, they kiss, fight, get married and have kids like a normal couple.
On their own, they go about their normal day. The device iteself has a sensor and a button on the inner side (right side for the boy, left side for the girl. See the above picture). By pressing them together it initiates the interaction function. This is when they kiss, date, etc. To make it interesting, you are able to choose different characters and names for your little love pet project.
So, what you waiting for? At about 3000 yen they're cheaper than a real date.
Golden Week Flight Deals
Hi guys!!!
Sorry for posting so late. Had a little bit of the writer's block I guess you could say. Last week we only posted once, so this week there'll be three posts. Please watch for them!
So Golden Week is actually quite a bit away in late April/early March. But if you plan to go anywhere this holiday, better book those tickets soon! T'is the season when every Japanese person runs to their local travel agent to book a getaway. I happened to have a look on Yahoo! Travel and found a few good deals! Check out the info by area below. Often these places may have an English speaker. Or you can ask a Japanese-capable person to help out. This information is flight only. You'll have to ask the agent for hotel information.
Asia
1. Seoul, Korea
2-8 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Price: 34,000 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: H.I.S (Shinjuku-ku)
Phone Number: 03-5326-5234
WebsiteYahoo Discount Code: HIS-SELD01
Hawaii
1. Honolulu, Hawaii
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Airline: United
Price: 111,000 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: E-Net Travel (Chiyoda-ku)
Phone Number: 03-5297-4884WebsiteYahoo Discount Code: UAW-HNLOW
America/Canada
1. Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Montreal (Canada)
5-12 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Airline: Air Canada
Price: 81,000 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: Value World (Shinagawa-ku)
Phone Number: 03-5791-1200WebsiteYahoo Discount Code: AO-AREA1-ACL
2. Los Angeles (USA)
5-30 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Airline: Korean Air
Price: 95,000 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: H.I.S (Shinjuku-ku)
Phone Number: 03-5326-5234
WebsiteYahoo Discount Code: HIS-LAXDKEAP
China/Islands
1. Kunming, Sanya, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Guangzhou. Coronel Suarez (China)
3-21 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Price: 86,000 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: Take in Japan (Osaka)
Phone Number: 06-6536-1634
Yahoo Discount Code: kmgcan21-1
2. Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Mexico City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa (USA)
5-12 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Airline: Air Canada
Price: 93,000 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: I-Ace Travel (Chiyoda-ku)
Phone Number: 03-5282-1511
Website
Yahoo Discount Code: TYACZO4F12AP28-Y021
Europe
1. Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Bali, Rome
6 day-1 month ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Price: 110,000 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: Arukikata T&E (Shinjuku-ku)
Phone Number: 03-3341-2054
Website Yahoo Discount Code: T0052083
Guam/Saipan
1. Saipan
3-9 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Price: 79,800 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: Terumi Club (Shibuya-ku)
Phone Number: 03-3499-2911
Yahoo Discount Code: HIF162
2. Guam
3-9 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Price: 79,800 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: Terumi Club (Shibuya-ku)
Phone Number: 03-3499-2911
Yahoo Discount Code: HIF154
Oceania
1. Sydney (Australia)
8-29 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Airline: Air Niugini
Price: 55,800 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: Celeb Tour Alfa (Osaka)
Phone Number: 06-6213-7510
Website
Yahoo Discount Code: AA70205-306-1K-1
Dubai and areas
1. Dubai, Bangkok, Mumbai
4-30 day ticket
Departure Date: Apr 28/06
Departure Airport: Narita
Airline: Cathay Pacific
Price: 133,000 yen (additional charges may be applicable)
Agent: Donguri Tours (Chuo-ku)
Phone Number: 03-3552-1374
Website Yahoo Discount Code: CXDXB
And that's it! Best of luck everyone!
Who 'dat?
Probably one of the most, if not most popular foreigner face in Japan, this is sumo yokozuna (top sumo guy) Akinori Asashoryu. Originally born as the Mongolian Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, he debuted in sumo in 1999. He's only 26!!!!For those who don't know much about sumo, it's a cultural Japanese sport where the two opponents use their body weight, speed, muscle and technique to push, pull, drag or throw their opponent out of the circular ring. Though it is Japanese the last few yokozuna's have been of foreign background.While it's a common notion that sumo wrestlers are fat fat men, it isn't always entirely true. Under that cuddly fat is a muscled warrior. Asashoryu is actually considered quite light-weight at about 330 pounds compared to his opponents. Currently he is the only wrestler with the title of yokozuna. Unfortunately, success didn't come easy. It seldom does, does it? With constant accusations of bribing his opponents to lose and the Japanese folk shunning him for not properly following the "Japanese Way" Asashoryu's had to defend himself on many an occasion. As yokozuna, one of the things he was expected to do was to adopt Japanese citizenship (this is way his name has changed). However, at the time, he hesitated. I mean, who wouldn't when asked to give up their country and name? In recent months, he's been rebuked for such things as taking a photo in a suit instead of traditional Japenese attire, complaining to judges about bad calls and accepting his tournament prizes with the left hand instead of the traditional right hand. Geez...........Click here to see a video.By the way, sorry for the long long delay in posting! The internet connection has been going wonky, most likely due to the hurricane weather we've had this past couple of days!
Too much pet care?
From massages to acupuncture and fitness training to speciality pet/owner cafes, this is a country where dogs and cats get the best pet care money can buy. But when is it too much? Aren't fashionable pet clothes and jewelry already enough? What about the bow-lingual/meow-lingual devices to translate your pets insane jarbling into human-speak?
The amount of cats and dogs in the household has dramatically increased over recent years in Japan. Being easier than children and fashionable accessories have made them in popular demand. With the increase, the amount of care options available have also gone up. Promoting longer, happier lives for pets, owners happily fork over the yen. And should he or she get sick you just take him to the local animal clinic. Sometimes these clinics are more readily available than people clinics.
Cats and dogs certainly aren't the only pets the Japanese have. In fact, the choice is quite interesting. Exotic crabs and mini turtles are the new goldfish, and ducks (yes, I said ducks) are the new guinea pig. But these creatures certainly do not get the same pampering as our furry feline and canine friends.
What makes them so appealing? Possibly the companionship. But some cats want nothing to do with their owners 75% of the time. So perhaps we could chalk it up to popular public commodity, like hot pants and large cheesy sunglasses.
Even in aging comes increased pet care services. Private nursing by a nursing care specialist, special walkers and training programs, special pet funeral homes with pet loss counseling and the ultimate: the shared grave for you and your pet. Wow.
So should I choose to join the pet wave of the future, adopt my very own doggycat and treat him the traditional loving pet-like way (you know with pet food and regular exercise), am I bad mother? Well it was bound to happen...children are definitely my weak point.
Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!
Ahh, nothing more enjoyable than the descent into springtime. The beautiful flowers (I like daisies), the smell in the air (or the stink, if you have allergies) and the festival of throwing beans at your neighbors. Yes, it's time for yet another strange Japanese holiday.
Setsubun actually means the changing of seasons, but is generally in reference to the Spring setsubun celebrated on February 3rd. It can actually be thought of as like a New Year's eve as it is the day when the Japanese-folk perform a special ritual to cleanse away the evil of the previous year and ward away any possible evils to come for the new year. They do this by the wearing of masks and the throwing of beans (usually soybeans) while chanting “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (Demons/evil out! Luck in!).
You can find a universal little setsubun set at your local supermarket or convenience store. Inside you will find two masks (one that's white with a smiley face to represent luck and another that's red with an evil monster face to represent evil). The set also contains a box or a bag of your very own pelting beans. The two masks are to be worn by two separate people. Sometimes in a neighborhood or festival one person will be designated the evil monster and people will chase him and throw beans at him. Now I know I said pelt, but it's actually more of a gentle throw. You are also supposed to spread the beans around your home to ward off evil. But it's an awful nasty mess to clean up later. Definitely fun though. If you don't like soybeans you can substitute regular peeled peanuts instead.
If trashing your home is not your thing, temples and shrines all over Japan will have celebrations mess free. At popular places, sumo wrestlers and celebrities will also join in the fun. They'll thrown roasted beans and packages of money and prizes and everyone will scramble like squirrels trying to get themselves a prize. If you're pushy and tall you may have a distinct advantage.
Why not give it a try this year?
