Rich Japanese

Rich Japanese men in Japan always entertains with cigars and with an easy  online smoke shop  to order your cigars these days – no wonder they can have a whole collection of different kind of cigars.  I’ve seen a business acquaintance with boxes and boxes of cigars at his home during a BBQ that we were invited to but like he said – it’s not only the rich japanese that smokes cigars these days – anyone can smoke cigar because they are so affordable.

But I think Japanese like people around the world smoke cigars to celebrate an occasion, like the birth of a new born or to celebrate a closing deal or farewell parties.  Of course, there are those that love the smell of cigars and how it makes them feel and look.  Some claimed that cigars are way better than your normal cigarette – in terms of health as well as the smell.  I don’t mind smelling of cigar but cigarettes – a definite no no.

Museum Of Art

If nothing going to the Museum of Art in Atami would give you a great view of Atami see from the highland.  So if you are ever in Atami.  Atami is in the prefecture of Shizuoka – famous for its hot springs – it is very close to Tokyo by bullet train – an hour ride.

For kids who loved the escalators, you will find many hours of fun time for them because they have really long escalators in the Museum of Art. There are lots of modern art at the Atami Museum of Art and lots of English translation for the art pieces.

Lots of chinese art and pottery here too – and of course, there is a bus that ferries the visitors from the train station to the museum that you can reach the museum easily.

Middle Age Rockers In Japan

Many years ago, while in Japan I had watched some middle age rocker band and they were pretty good actually.  Using  Remo Drum Heads  they definitely know how to manipulate their instruments and I really did enjoy drum sets especially.  Recently, in an interview with Asiaone showbiz, these middle age rockers are finally being accepted in Japan and around the world and finding much greater success than they did when they were younger.

“We’re the ‘latest’ rock band to perform at Nippon Budokan,” said Naozumi Masuko, a 46-year-old vocalist for Dohatsuten, a band that formed in 1984.

I think I’m really impressed that these rockers stayed this long in what they are doing and loved doing it – and I’m happy that they are getting a bit of the limelight now – even though they did missed the glory years in the 80s.  I hope to see them soon when I next visit Japan.

Hobby Show In Japan

I never was one for hobby show till I went to the one in Japan from many years ago.  The door gifts and even the entry brochure were so carefully chosen and packed together.  Overnight Prints  does work good for any printing you need for an event or a letterhead in your company.  There were just so many things to see, and i don’t know what to buy because of the crowd but I can see that the PR department for this event must have taken a lot of effort, time and planning.  Lovely and crafty people, it’s way too bad that I have crafty hands.

Atami Ryokan

One of the best Ryokan that I’ve been to in Japan. Very traditional but very expensive too – but it was worth the experience.  I did like it and the food was excellent.

I especially liked the hot spring – indoors and outdoors.  Everyone was dressed in traditional kimonos there.  Very Japanese feel when we were there.

Summer In Japan

Everyone asked me what is it like in Japan when summer comes along because they all know that I’ve lived in Japan for 6 months. Unlike in the West where people starts setting up their above ground pools  the Japanese – or rather the entire country turns this season into a celebration.   The Japanese works very hard but it comes to relaxing, vacation, summer and eating – they are definitely the best at it. There are so much celebration during the summer, the old and new culture are brought up and everyone is in a festive mood.  Right about this time of the year, is where everyone in Japan begins their preparation for summer, the days are getting longer and warmer in Japan and everyone is out doing more outdoor stuff. Children are out playing a lot more, kite flying and BBQ food along the streets, it’s a celebration alright!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Japan has left me with many good memories and the people are mostly sweet and polite and what I loved most about Japan is the little villages outside the big city.  The air is fresher and you find some real jewels when you are here and out of the city I find that the folks are way more relax – simpler.  I’ve always enjoyed spending a day or two out of the city when I used to live in Tokyo.

I’ve always enjoyed the Onsens in Japan as well although I was a little shy at first. Undressing and scrubbing yourself clean in front of woman and girls of all ages and then all jumping into the hot spring.  The chattering of Japanese woman – laughing and giggling as I struggle to get into the hot spring was quite embarrassing at first but slowly I too became an expert in it.

One thing for sure about Japan is when you buy or eat something from Japan, it is of the best quality, even if it was street food, it is prepared well and good in test.  I wished I had more time to explore Japan but I will see her again soon I’m sure.

Spring Concert

Last year during this time,we had gone to see the Japanese all girls group – the Momiro Clover Z concert tour, plus it was also to release their new DVD and blu-ray. The all girls group had used the   best electric piano  during their concert and it is said that it will be an annual event starting this year for 2 days.  I have been looking out for tickets to the concert again – for my friends in Japan – because they loved this girl group so much.  Last year they had the all women concert and another day for the all men – strange as it is – the Japanese loved the arrangement and the concert tour was a great success.  I won’t be there this year but I most certainly hope to get tickets for my girlfriends – as a treat for them.

Strange Vending Machines In Japan

Yes, liked I’ve always said trust the Japanese to come up with the weirdest things and these vending machines are the proof of it all.  From amulet for good luck to love amulet – or if you needed a local snack, they have it all in these vending machines.  You can also find live fish baits to mini pots of flowers, just in case you need to visit someone in the hospital and the florist is closed.  They even have manga in the vending machine in case your friendly neighborhood book store is closed.  The Japanese do think of everything don’t they.

Classic Cars

When you are in Japan, you probably see a lot of the above kinda small van  or I called them the classic cars.  I loved all classic cars and the older they are the better but of course, like one above, you do not need to be a vintage, just classic.  Food vendors in Japan loved to own a van like that, so that they can truck their food around to sell.  I certainly wished that one day I can get my hands on one of these just to keep and bring it to church and park and sell ice cream or snacks to children.  I think I might need some  car lifts  because I already have a truck and a regular car in my garage, but most importantly, I need the car lift because the spouse would most definitely want to work with the classic van/car.