Emperor's Birthday

This past Saturday (12/23/2006) was Emperor Akihito's birthday. This is a national holiday here in Japan, and they open the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace to the public (they are also open on January 2nd each year). You are able to walk through the grounds, and the Emperor and his family make a few scheduled appearances with a short speech from the Emperor. It was a bit strange, as I am not Japanese and was by far one of the tallest people around me (by a head and a set of shoulders above most). It also fell a little short of expectations, as they ushered us in, kept things brief, and then ushered us out of the grounds (they even had guards constantly asking people to keep walking rather than stopping to take pictures on the way to the palace). All in all, I'm glad I went, but I'm also glad I additional plans in Tokyo for the afternoon.

Here is a picture of the Imperial Palace as you first walk into the concrete plaza. The plaza was pretty large, and it filled with people waving paper Japanese flags for each appearance. It quickly became a sea of people, but I luckily arrived early and got a spot about 10 feet behind the VIP area.

This is a picture of one of the guard towers in the Imperial Gardens. You can actually see this building from the streets and the gardens (which are open to the public), but you can only get a shot like this of the past and present together by walking down from the palace.


Lastly, as it is Christmas Day for most of you, I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to everyone that sent me a Christmas card, e-mail, and/or present. It was nice to hear from people, and it reassured me that at least some people still remember me in the US. :) Also, I want to show you that I do indeed have a Christmas tree over here Mom (which I promptly put back in it's little container... I just don't have room).

(Disclaimer: Okay, so as of 1/2/2007, stupid Blogger still won't let me upload my Christmas gift picture. Sorry.)

Happy Holidays!!

Happy Holidays Everyone!!! I hope you all get to spend lots of time celebrating with your friends and family over the next few weeks! I hope you all have a great 2007!

For all of you wondering what Christmas in Japan is like, here are a few pictures. They don't officially celebrate Christmas over here, but due to globalization, Christmas is alive and well. Many younger couples give each other Christmas gifts, and there are Christmas decorations and music everywhere. They especially like George Michael and Mariah Carey Christmas music (it almost makes me feel like I am at home with you Mom!).

Here is a picture of the Christmas lights on the pedestrian mall my school is on. Their idea of Christmas decorations seem to be festive but leftover from the 1980s. Kurt and I think the hearts are a little cheesy and DIY.

This is a picture of the front of the Tokyu Square mall in Hachioji. Again, very festive but very totally Japanese with the "Graceful X'mas" signage. Translations aren't always eloquent.

Lastly, Aaron and Emily, I think your old neighbors from Northwestern Avenue have moved to Japan. I came across this display yesterday in a Kunitachi (a neighboring city). It made me think of the constantly changing lawn decorations in your old neighborhood.

As for those of you wondering, SuperStreetbike sells for about 1,225 yen an issue here (or a little over $10.50). Guess that's why the magazine is making so much money Aaron!

A Hike Through Mt. Takao

Well, the end of this past week proved to be busy for me. I helped host a Christmas party, finished my own Christmas to-do list, and finally made it out to Mt. Takao (the mountain that lies a few train stations west of the city I teach in).

Here is a picture from the end of our school's Christmas party that pretty much sums things up. After a little coaxing, Shu is finishing his third dish of ice cream (the whole scoop in one bite), as we usher the last of the students out of the restaurant. We had about 17 students and 7 staff members at the party. The party was at a Japanese-style bar/restaurant near our school. We had a gift exchange, with lots of Disney stuff and toys.

On Sunday, I finally found a copy of my big brother's magazine. It took me four months Aaron, but I finally found it in the English magazine section of a large bookstore within spitting distance of the Shinjuku train station. Anyone want to guess how much his fans are paying to read his magazine in Japan? (either post a comment here or e-mail me)

Lastly, I finally made it to Mt. Takao this past Monday. Mt. Takao is a recreational/park area that is just a few train stops past Hachioji. I have wanted to go see the fall colors and hike around for awhile now, but the weather always seems to take a turn for the worse when I have free time. Finally, I just decided to head out on Monday afternoon. I hiked around, looking at the temple, the visitor's center, and the small suspension bridge across a valley. It was fairly warm out, but unfortunately, it was cloudy in the distance, so I couldn't see Mt. Fuji. :( This picture is of a row of Buddha statues that ran along the back of one of the temple buildings.

Yokohama

Well, it is officially turning to winter over here. The majority of the leaves have fallen off the trees, and it is getting pretty cold at night (around 40 degrees or so). I hear parts of Wisconsin got quite a bit of snow last week, and I have to say I don't think I am going to miss the snow much this year. :)

This past Sunday, I went to visit a friend in Yokohama (a port city of about 3 million, just south of Tokyo), and she showed the tourist area, Chinatown, and Minamoto (shopping area). I had a great time and ate some good Chinese food. Here are some pictures:

A picture of me standing in front of a sailing ship (not really sure what they use if for) and the ferris wheel in the tourist part of Yokohama. This area is right on the water, so you can also take boat cruises and watch ships coming into port.


The AlleyKatz were performing in front of Landmark Tower in Yokohama (tallest building in Japan), so we decided to stop and watch them. This guy was pretty impressive riding the tall unicycle while juggling a knife, torch, and apple. He also ate bites of the apple while juggling and ended by spearing the apple on the tip of the knife. (he told the crowd he was American, but the entire show was conducted in Japanese).

Lastly, here is a picture of one of the two temples in Chinatown. Yokohama has the largest Chinatown in Japan, and there are two Chinese temples there. This is a photo of Kantei-byo, which is an enshrinement to the god of business.