[( oo )]

The Battle Of Kawanakajima 2008

2008-04-13T22:48:00.004+09:00

As I stated last year around this same time, my determination carried me to this past weekend's spectacular reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima. However, this time around, the big difference was the ground on which I was standing. I decided to trade in my civilian clothes for Japanese Samurai battle armor and gather 9 more people to join me in doing the same.

Our day started early at 630am in order to make a 1.5 hour train ride down to Yamanashi. Once we arrived, we wasted little time in getting oriented with our costumes and schedule throughout the day. This is an annual event that a lot of people came out for, so it was pretty exciting to be at the center of attention for the day.

One great surprise came when a couple of people saw our flag and came over to introduce themselves, they were actual descendants of the people we were representing in the reenactment. Not to mention, I noticed some people after the show who were extremely appreciative/grateful for the efforts exerted by all of the participants that day. I felt like I had taken part in something very important to at least a few people, so that was a rewarding feeling.

Last year, there were around 800 people who took part in this event, and it seemed as if that number was about the same this year. The best part of the show came when everyone got to charge at each other and fight amid a large mass of people. I "killed" a good number of the "enemy", but I think I met my demise on the second charge, haha.

Emergency Operation!

2008-04-07T20:21:00.005+09:00

So, I realized that my watch had stopped working a few days ago, and I got concerned. I mean, usually he's full of energy and he doesn't miss a beat, but trouble inexplicably arose! Knowing that I didn't have the time(pun intended), I rushed him to the nearest watch store I could find. As I ran into the room, I told the first watch doctor behind the counter that I needed "HELP!". In no time at all, I had a team of experts on the job, ready to perform an emergency operation! I knew this was going to be a test of my nerves, and it showed, as I incessantly paced back and forth in the waiting room. All I could do is think of the times we had been together; the good, the bad, and the crazy. He was my best bud, my compatriot in battle. I could always count on him to let me know when it was time to make a mad dash for that train or any other urgent matter. "How could I ever replace such a valuable friend?", I frighteningly wondered. Finally, the watch doctor shouted my number, "JuuIchi Ban...blah blah blah!". It was time for the moment of truth. Would I be reminded of this horrible day each time I looked down at the farmer's tan left by my deceased friend, or would this watch clinic perform the miracle I was so direly hoping for? Well my friends, Christmas came early for yours truly and the operation was a complete success! My little buddy was given a new ticker, and he was up and running like the cool springtime San Diego wind. I gleefully laughed with joy and gave the staff a hardy thumbs up of approval. God bless the watch doctors!

*OK people, on a serious note* This watch store gave me the most bizarre feeling of being at a medical clinic, I mean, they were even named the "Watch Clinic"! haha. I thought this place was truly hilarious, and the staff totally looked like doctors. I guess Japanese people really love cosplay! haha, funny stuff ^_^.

Narcolepsy In Japan Vol. 2

2008-03-16T19:13:00.007+09:00

As sure as the sun rises in the East, people in Japan will continue to fall asleep or pass out in the most amazing places! Too much alcohol and too much overtime, the devil be thy name!!! haha. Here are some new and funny pics that were either taken from other sites or personally snapped for the ongoing collection.

Snow Monkeys/Matsumoto Castle

2008-03-02T22:35:00.011+09:00

On my last attempt at an excursion from the city, I met an untimely snowstorm that closed down all the roads and forced our tour bus back to the depths of Tokyo. Fortunately, we had just the opposite this time.

A warm and sunny day welcomed our group to the first part of the trip, which involved hotspring-bathing monkeys in the snow. They were really tame and fun to watch, you just have to make sure that youre not carrying any food, and you dont have anything that the monkeys could reach out and steal from you. Theyre not shy at all around people and will walk right next to you with no hesitation. I always made sure not to look them in their eyes or smile at them, since they could get easily agitated by a stare or show of teeth. There were a lot of those little furballs playing around, so the last thing I needed was to get attacked by a gang of them, and no doubt have it recorded by some other nearby tourist, who later puts it up on youtube. Yeah, no gracias!

After I had my fun with my outgoing little photo subjects, I headed over to Matsumoto Castle with the rest of the group.

I actually didnt go inside because there wasnt really much to be seen, or so I was told by the people coming out. For me, the real sights were around the perimeter of the castle, where the beauty and simplicity of the foreground combined with a bright elliptical display of the sun through the clouds was irresistible! I spent all my time shooting around the castle at different locations and I think I walked away with some pretty magnificent shots.

An Intriguing Day With Strangers Part 1

2008-02-10T21:07:00.000+09:00

Every week, Im always trying to stay on top of the event scene here, and resources like foreigner mags and newspapers in English are indispensable resources. This week, I was lucky enough to take notice of 2 really thought-provoking exhibitions that peered into the lives of complete strangers. Both dealt with the darker reality of life that most people probably dont see, and most people dont likely want to think about. However, since both involved art media to convey this information, I thought it might give me some ideas to pursue in the future with photograpy, video and so on.

My first visit took me to the SYD(Support Your Dreams) Hall in the city of Sendagaya. This organization travels to the Philippines in August annually to reach out to communities of locals that reside in garbage dump slums. Families, which span many generations, have been living in conditions such as these for many decades, as I was lead to understand. The photographs at this exhibition were taken over several years of work with this community, while building an international relationship between both groups involved. Today's event was an example of those years of labor and accomplishment. I was able to sit and talk with 2 members of the SYD foundation, Chieko and Haruka, who were involved with this specific project and graciously gave me more insight. The following is a summary of what was discussed.

The most shocking bit of information came when Chieko told me that these people were there by choice and not through any involuntary causes. As a financially struggling community, this garbage dump provided a means of income which these locals utilized daily by collecting clothes, plastic bottles, or whatever they could to sell for money. On average, they could bring home roughly $2 a day for their efforts, and this is how they basically survived from day to day. The government in the Philippines has stated they would close down these facilities in order to remove this situation, but the community has decided that it would just relocate to another dump, even if it meant routinely walking for 2 hours each day to the next site. After speaking with Chieko, I had a chance to meet with Haruka, a volunteer with SYD, who has traveled there multiple times and also spent one night with a family inside this garbage dump.

I was especially interested in hearing from someone who had gone a step further and experienced what it was like to live this life. So, I politely introduced myself and proceeded to ask her about the experience. Haruka mentioned that the family she stayed with was composed of 9 people: a mother and child, her six sisters, and one brother. They all lived in a space that was approximately 7'x12'. Unbelievable. A touching part of her experience came when the family offered Haruka the 1 mattress they had. As she explained this to me, she recalled feeling extremely guilty about taking the bed, but eventually accepted so as to not offend anyone. Even though these people had so little, they still remained kind to complete strangers. That is a very admirable quality, and in my opinion, is unfortunately decreasing with each successive generation in first world nations. Though Haruka may have felt guilty by the special treatment she received that night, the cheerful energy that radiated from the children in the slum gave her a reason to smile. Although this positivity was comforting, it also delivered a sense of confusion to her and many other volunteers.

The Japanese that traveled to this specific area of the Philippines didnt expect to see smiling people, so they were dumbfounded when the children of these garbage slums told them that they were actually happy. For the children, they had everything that was important to them in their lives: family, friends, and a passion for life. The volunteers reside in a country that is economically sound and can provide for its people, yet they themselves didnt feel so cheerful about their own lives. So, this became a very important underlying part of the exhibition for the SYD organization: the children's smiles. They hoped that everyone who visited the gallery this day would be able to see that through this hardship and rough exterior, there was a zest for life, a feeling of warmth, and it was expressed in the simplest of ways. Through a basic, but powerful gesture. A smile.

I am moved by the effort this organization makes in order to reach out to people who are seemingly forgotten about in society, and I think they are doing something that holds a lot of positive substance that will hopefully carry over to others. Unfortunately, it seems like a never-ending cycle for this poor community which lacks economic support, opportunity, and education; however, the kids seem to really look forward to each August when the volunteers make their way back to the community. Best wishes to all of you.

An Intriguing Day With Strangers Part 2

2008-02-10T13:08:00.000+09:00

Later that day, I hopped on a train and made my way over to the city of Shiodome. Another exhibition that caught my attention was being held in the Shiodome Italia area, a really great place that is surrounded by beautiful European architecture. Multiple exhibits that dealt with digital art were taking place, but my main focus was very low-tech, yet profound. This project used something as simple as a notebook, but touched individuals worldwide and was given the name "Colors".

The main purpose of "Colors" was to empower people from all walks of life by giving them a chance to speak, a chance to be heard, and let people from around the world share in their thoughts, stories, and facets of life through the use of a basic notebook. These notebooks were mailed to countries all over the world and ultimately made their way into the hands of the intended. Prisoners, teenagers, homeless people, students, AIDS victims, artists, cross dressers, the list goes on. Literally, thousands of notebooks were sent out as a clean slate, and each week the organizers continually receive the fruits of each individual's labor in amazing creativity and expression. Pages upon pages are decorated with daily materials, writings, sketches and so on that summarize that particular person's character or what they feel important to share at that moment. It was a very captivating presentation where about 100 of the notebooks they had received were hung from the ceiling and gave readers an environment to walk through and learn about strangers who were half way around the globe, in a different time, in a different culture. Hours could easily be spent sifting through the pages, without a doubt.

I really liked this idea; I just wish they would develop it further and present it in a way where more people could experience it and still feel the same authenticity. Although it's common sense to realize that people are people no matter where you go, people still like to make divisions among themselves with all the labels they involuntarily carry around. I have experienced that several times while in my own country and while abroad. However, through this project, a concrete realization of similarity through tangible representations of emotion and thinking can be felt, due partly to the fact that the exterior self is transformed into the uniformity of a rectangular piece of stationery. There is no reason to discriminate, we're just offered a chance to explore and learn. This gives me some ideas...

Super Tuesday! Get Out and Vote!

2008-02-05T02:45:00.001+09:00

Obama is the man with our masterplan!

For all the non whites who have ever felt like they were alienated from their own country, now is the time to show your support for change. Even if he doesnt live up to his hype, at least he will provide a glowing symbol of accomplishment, intellect, high moral values, and leadership to all the groups who have struggled for their independence and equality in America.

Furthermore, when the face of America becomes a few shades darker with its leadership, then it has to change the way people of color are seen through domestic and international mass media. Generally speaking, white America has enjoyed a lot of admiration through their charismatic and ideal imagery through movies, tv, magazines etc. So, it's appropriate for the other side of the coin to get flipped and the stigma of having dark skin fades with more positive and ubiquitous examples.

I think that kind of motivation and inspiration will go a long ways with future generations as they read about it in history books. America is the melting pot after all, right? Time to show it in our leadership and make the playing field more even.

The Great Robot Exhibition 2008

2008-01-14T23:30:00.000+09:00

Japan's got an aging population, and its been reported that by the year 2025, one out of every three people will be elderly. The solution? Robot love baby...Companies are hard at work developing robots that will be able to alleviate the burden of a geriatric society. From robots that can remotely activate home appliances to robots that will be able to carry the old folks from their beds to their 2 wheeled cruisers. Seems like an expensive answer with many limitations compared to just having a more lax immigration policy that could help offset the imbalance of old to young. Its all fun and robots until they eventually develop into Terminators and exterminate us!!

Tokyo Auto Salon 2008

2008-01-13T23:03:00.000+09:00

Inevitably, I found my way back at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba last weekend. If youre looking for a good exhibition sometime during the year, eventually, theyll be showcasing something that is bound to spark your interest. So, I thought Id hit up a custom car show, its been awhile since Id been to one of these... There were a lot of sweet rides to be seen at this show, and some of the owners mustve taken a page out of the custom car scene in Cali, because there were some serious audio/video installations going on. Seeing beautifully designed cars with stunning rims and mind-blowing interiors made me miss having a car to soup up, but when I think of the cost and constant fear of getting my equipment jacked, Im still glad that I dont have to worry about that now. Too many nice rides to simply choose a favorite...

Winter Break in Shanghai/Hong Kong

2007-12-31T21:33:00.000+09:00

Another Christmas overseas, and another chance to go some place new. The first stop on my list was the rapidly growing city of Shanghai. I was interested in going here because I imagined it would be something similar to that of Hong Kong, boy was I wrong, haha. It was pretty dirty and there were far too many thieves, scam artists, and beggars wanting to rid you of the nicer things in life. There were a few sights to see but in general the city had meager portions of eye candy to offer. Even the nightlife was pretty dead. I guess a lot of the party people were out of town during Christmas there, and it didnt seem like the locals cared too much about the regular New Years. Im sure things must be different for the Chinese New Years, guess Ill never know...on a positive note, I did get to ride the Maglev train! Fastest commercial train in the world that could reach a speed of 300km/h, thats the way to cover distance folks!

Ok, next stop after that was Hong Kong! I had been there before and was looking to go back for some more excitement. Last time, I had met quite a few people so I made sure to revisit them again and celebrate the New Years on a battlefield! We had a nice little scrimmage of paintball wars on New Years Day. The sun was shining, the weather was cool, ahhh, the only thing we were missing were guns!! haha. In addition, I also caught a wonderful Cantonese Opera...some of you may yawn at the idea of traditional performance art, but I find it to be fascinating. You gotta try new things out every now and then, and I surely enjoyed the unique experience.

Autumn

2007-11-28T21:16:00.000+09:00

As the temperarture begins to drop, the leaves change color and we start our way into another season of new surroundings. I had visited a couple of new parks this year, one was mainly for sightseeing while the second offered a huge variety of activities. I got to ride on a double seated bicycle for the first time and burned some calories while touring around the magnificent park area of Showakinenkoen.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2007-10-31T12:56:00.000+09:00

Happy Halloween!! I hope everyone has a lot of fun and stays out of trouble! Keeping in the spirit of Halloween, here is a funny horror movie that you can make on the jibjab.com website, have fun!

Kawasaki Halloween Parade

2007-10-31T11:32:00.000+09:00

There were a lot of very kewl costumes this year, check em out!

3 Days In Kyoto

2007-10-12T20:04:00.000+09:00

This was my second trip to the Kyoto area, but it was far more rewarding than my first experience. In the short amount of time that I had, I accomplished a lot and had a great time! The weather was perfect and I felt like a kid in a candy store with my camera and so much beautiful scenery. 3 Days wasnt much, but I made good use of it! I even decided to get some professional shots taken in a traditional kimono with a pretty Maiko and historic-looking backdrop ^_^.

Narcolepsy In Japan

2007-09-15T15:40:00.000+09:00

Im taking a break from any serious photography this month, but I thought Id post something about all the people in Japan who fall asleep everywhere. Too much work means not enough time to rest!! Most of these pics were taken from another site that had a collection of funny pics. Some of the people are passed out from too much alcohol and some are just too damn tired. Can you tell which ones are which? haha.

Signs Of The Times: Volume 8

2007-08-25T00:52:00.000+09:00

I never get tired of these.^_^

Climbing Mt. Fuji

2007-08-13T20:05:00.000+09:00

As a temporary resident in Japan, I felt more than compelled to make the hike up to the top of Mt. Fuji. I think anyone with the opportunity has to do it because the reward is well worth the effort. So, my trek began at 740pm in the evening, and lasted for about 7 hours throughout the night, until my arrival at the summit at 230am. A pack full of warm clothing, rain gear, cameras, water, food, oxygen, and a head lamp gave me all the essentials I needed for my long journey. I was definitely winded for much of the climb as I scaled the steep terrain with a group of friendly Aussies that I met along the way. There are 10 stations along the Mt. Fuji trail and most people start at one of the several 5th stations. We made really good time as we reached the 8th station in about 1.5 hours, however, we decided to walk with a tour group after that to kill some time. The summit has temperatures below zero, and the last thing you want to do is stand still in weather like that. So, we decided to take a few long breaks at rest stations and keep a slow and steady pace the rest of the way. Id have to say that the last 2 hours of the hike uphill were the worst due to the extreme cold, strong winds, and wetness in the air. At times I wondered if the trail would ever end since all I could see were ongoing winding paths with no seeming end. However, the finish finally came into view and our reward came about 2 hours later. The sunrise was truly amazing and captivated the attention of hundreds of hikers at the top. You are standing above the clouds and all of a sudden you see the colors of the sun shine through as it rises above the clouds, beautiful! After a couple of hours of picture taking and amazement, I decided to head down for my final descent. Four more hours of hiking and I was back on a bus to Tokyo. Dirty, exhausted, hungry, and thirsty. Nevertheless, satisfied that I had finally experienced what only 3 or 4% of the native population here ever experience, a truly memorable event. Climbing Mt. Fuji really was a rewarding experience and my pictures will only describe part of the fulfillment. However, there is a saying in Japan regarding the climb, "A wise man climbs Mt. Fuji once, and a fool climbs Mt. Fuji twice". That my friends, could not be more true...it was a very taxing adventure composed of 11 hours of total hiking on no sleep. So in final, my pictures will help remind me of the wonder, and my legs will help remind me of the torture! haha, enjoy!

Tanabata Festival 2007: Kanto Region

2007-07-08T20:17:00.000+09:00

In the Kanto region of Japan, the biggest Tanabata Festival occurs in the city of Hiratsuka. I really wanted to check this festival out due to the huge colorful decorations that cover the streets, they were amazing! During these 3 days, many families and couples come to the festival to enjoy the enormous streamers, food, and festive atmosphere. It was another great opportunity to experience the summertime in Japan. Moreover, each of the seasons here have distinct activities/features that really embody the spirit for that period during the year. Festivals are a big part of the summertime tradition here, so this weekend was a good way to celebrate. Aside from the decorations, I noticed some people writing wishes on pieces of paper and tying them onto strings. I understand that making wishes is a popular custom during this festival, and after the festival has finished, the writings are set afloat on a river or burned.

Tokyo Toy Show 2007

2007-07-01T20:00:00.000+09:00

Kids nowadays have some amazing toys to play with, theyre so kewl that even adults wont be able to resist their appeal! So, there were no doubt a lot of creative and fun ideas for toys floating around this year. Some of my favorites are as follows,

Numero Uno!! An air guitar toy that lets you make electric guitar sounds while playing along with the internal music within the toy. (Im gonna get the version that has Green Day's "American Idiot" so I can rock out on the trains/subways, and see the reactions that I get from the surrounding Japanese people! I can hear the "nani yatten no!?(what the hell are you doing!?)" or "eehhhhh, nani kore!?(what the hell is this!?)" now, haha)

Next, Id have to say that this traditional RPG card game mixed with interactive CG would be a close second. Not only does the system read your hand gestures for commands, but you can also pickup your onscreen characters with your own hand (using a game card as the platform for the CG character to stand on).

Third, they had some pretty unique remote controlled toys on exhibition. One company had an array of different RC vehicles (a fire truck, a construction vehicle, a tank etc.) which did a lot more than just drive around! For example, each RC vehicle had multiple moving parts or sound effects to simulate a pretty realistic functioning toy. I think the fire truck was the most appealing since it could rotate its ladder, extend it, and even spray a stream of water from the hose at the top. Kewl stuff! The most unique RC toy would have to be a version of a huge dragon fly that was definitely captivating to watch. I bet you could wreak havoc with this baby on some domestic animals, haha. I know Id have a good time scaring away the annoying and HUGE crows in my neighborhood!

Other notable things entailed automatic pellet guns, motorized contraptions for kids to ride around on, transformer themed Ipod accessories (Optimus Prime trailer speakers and a Sound Wave audio player), and some Star Wars concept design figurines (Chewbacca was extra fugly!)

Sydney Down Under

2007-06-25T01:27:00.000+09:00

I recently spent 2 weeks in Sydney and had a pretty sweet time. To be honest, it reminded me a lot of California, like a cross between San Diego and San Francisco. Aussies were generally very friendly and helpful people, so it wasnt very hard to relax and enjoy my time. Unfortunately, the weather was pretty bad for about half of my trip as it constantly rained from one day to the next. That definitely put a damper on my photo-taking opportunities...depressing isnt it :(. A couple of things I found astonishing about Sydney was that it seemed even more expensive than Tokyo! Im talking about $2 snack bars at convenience stores and $45 t-shirts with simple graphics by no name clothing companies...what a rip off!! Id also like to mention that Aussies are pretty damn laid back as a labor force, everything except bars, restaurants, and clubs close at around 5 or 6! haha. Get your butt back to work Australia! lol. However, thanks to their chill personas and their unique country I can still say that its a place worth living in for quite sometime :). You just gotta make some serious chedda baby! I hope to go back during their summertime one day and experience a different side of the land down under. But, until that day comes to fruition, Ill just have my photos, video, and memories of the good times...

One Week In Hong Kong

2007-05-02T22:55:00.000+09:00

This year during Golden Week, my adventurous spirit found its way on a quick 3-4 hour flight from Tokyo to Hong Kong. My short stay turned out to be a fantastic trip due to the fact I met so many friendly and outgoing people while I was walking around. That really is one of the great things about traveling, you meet people from everywhere and make friends/acquaintances from all over the world. During the day, I mostly went sightseeing around various places that stretched from inner city bustle to scenic country hiking. During the night, I had a great time in the Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong nightlife districts drinking and partying. I think I averaged about 3-4 hours of sleep every night, which I could start to feel half ways through my trip, Im no spring chicken anymore! Also, it was just good to get out of a xenophobic atmosphere for a bit, and be able to walk amongst emotionally expressive people that didnt look at you like you were an alien from another planet^_^(I come in peace). The social vibe in HK was much more open as locals were friendly/helpful/communicative, and it was easy to just relax and have fun with whatever came my way. Id like to say thanks to Susan, Tina, Pong, Zette, Gabriel, Tim, Jerry, Andrea, Keen, Aiden, and Grace for making my trip 10 times better with your presence and useful tips, very kewl people. Hong Kong is a place I wouldnt mind being in for a few years of my life in the future. I enjoy living in Asia and experiencing its rich culture, but I miss the western social vibe as well, and HK offers a good blend of both. Ill keep Hong Kong in mind for the future.

The Battle Of Kawanakajima

2007-04-15T23:33:00.000+09:00

On Sunday, a battle reenactment for the very famous and historical Battle of Kawanakajima took place out in the town of Isawa, Yamanashi. Over 800 people participated in the reenactment, which was openly available to anyone who signed up, and there were a lot of great costumes to be seen. The actual fighting was pretty comical as many people just ran around swinging their fake swords. However, a few choreographed fights were performed by people with a little training, and that made the event more credible. Some of the more notable parts of the event were the soldiers on galloping horses, the guns with very loud firework bangs, and of course the main fight scene where both sides clashed into each other at full force. It was reminiscent of something from the movie "Braveheart", and I wished I could have been in the mix! Next year, Ill definitely take part, but one of the stipulations requires a group of 10 people to sign up at a time. So, who's with me dammit!!??

Cherry Blossoms At Chidorigafuchi

2007-04-01T22:11:00.000+09:00

I was here last year for a Hanami (Japanese for "Cherry Blossom Viewing") because it is hands down the best place in Tokyo to be for it. I guess word has really spread around to more people because there was a much bigger crowd than last spring. Nonetheless, me and my girlfriend had a great time cruising around the water and admiring the beautiful scenery around us. Speaking of scenery, we decided to eat some of our festival candy from the Kanamara Matsuri since we had just been there earlier, and I think we became part of the spectacle as well, haha. We got a lot of stares from Japanese people for our vagina and penis lollipops ^_^.

The Kanamara Matsuri/Kawasaki Daishi 2007

2007-04-01T18:55:00.000+09:00

I had heard about this crazy festival last year, and missed my opportunity to go, but lightning wouldnt strike twice for me this time! The Kanamara Matsuri has to be one of the funniest/most bizarre festivals in all of Japan. A lot of foreigners in Japan come out for this festival, I wonder why, haha. They love to be crazy here, and this festival seems like a place where inhibitions are definitely left at home. Among the crowd were a lot of transvestites and people walking around with penis candy, lol. The only thing that I thought was going too far, was the presence of kids, this festival should be just for adults! I actually saw a little girl sucking on a penis lollipop while her Dad was walking with her, Im assuming he bought it for her, way to go Dad (aka pedophile), sheesh. This festival takes place in Kawasaki around a very famous shrine called Kawasaki Daishi, so we relaxed and did some extra sightseeing before the most perverted parade in Japan started. Also, it would be nice to see a parade featuring women's genitalia in the future ^_^, let's be equal opportunity Japan!

Japan In HDR

2007-03-27T00:31:00.000+09:00

So, I finally stumbled upon the current photography phenomenon which is HDR. It's a quite fascinating idea that really allows for more dramatic pictures supported by wide tonal ranges. I figured I'd make another gallery that will be solely dedicated to images in HDR and will also be updated on a periodic basis. I really like the surreal/gothic/dream-like characteristics you get out of this technique, it's going to provide a whole new way of looking at the surrounding city. If you're an avid photographer, then I highly recommend trying HDR photography out. As there are some key points regarding HDR, be sure to do your research on it before you begin.

Snowboarding In Nagano

2007-03-12T14:07:00.000+09:00

This winter has been very warm and has put a damper on good snow conditions this year. This was extremely apparent on my first day in Nagano as there were dirt patches galore. Luckily, we got a good layer of snow overnight that made up for it on the following day. Sadly, this was my last snowboarding trip of the year, but it turned out to be a good weekend.

Signs Of The Times: Volume 7

2007-02-26T13:56:00.000+09:00

I hope everyone out there hasn't forgotten about how much fun a few mislabeled signs can provide a person while walking around the city. However, in case you did forget, here are some new examples for your exclusive entertainment!

Metropolis: Photo Of The Week

2007-01-26T12:44:00.000+09:00

In addition to the "Japanzine", there is another very popular magazine for foreigners in Japan called the "Metropolis". Every week, the Metropolis chooses a striking image to grace their magazine and online website. This week, I was fortunate enough to get one of my pics published online and in the hard copy of the magazine ^_^. Both magazines have a lot of great information that concentrate on the major cities in the Kanto and Kansai regions. If you're ever in one of those places, I recommend picking up a free copy at Tower Records or HMV and gettin' the low down on your area.

Snowboarding Niigata Style

2007-01-08T23:15:00.000+09:00

Over the weekend, I headed over to Niigata for a long awaited snowboarding trip in Japan. The weather on the first couple days cut our group's riding time down a bit, but the last day was full of powder and heavy snow. It was great to get out of the city and see another side of Japan that I hadnt been exposed to yet. Moreover, its a great relief to be surrounded by such beautiful nature and simple fun. On the drive up the mountain, I spotted a big family of monkeys sittin' in the trees too! They must've been cold because it snowed quite heavily during most of the trip. I'm looking forward to getting over to Nagano as well before the year ends.

Starting 2007 With A Smile

2007-01-01T21:39:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope through all the ups and downs of 2006, we are all much wiser and better prepared for 2007. I'm starting the New Year with a smile since 2 of my photos were published in a big foreigner magazine here called the "Japanzine". I read there were over 800 submissions for their Year-End Photography contest, so I was thrilled to see 2 of my pics in this year's January edition! Overall, there were 52 total photos published from various photographers around Japan. I included the winning photos in the photo gallery, check em out! Also, a few days ago, I was walking around the Harajuku area with a friend. While we were walking, I spotted Kid Yamamoto, a bigtime K1 and MMA fighter here in Japan. Hes a small man, but a very explosive fighter, thanx for the pic Kid!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T13:32:00.000+09:00

This year I'm spending the Christmas holiday season in Japan. I'll miss seeing family and friends for this important time, but at least I get to experience a new way of celebrating. Speaking of which, Christmas in Japan is primarily for couples and not for family, as it is in the states. Love birds usually go out to witness the beautiful light displays around the city and dine at nice restaurants. However, there are plenty of people here that go to KFC for Christmas! That's right, I said Kentucky Fried Chicken, haha. They don't sell turkeys here, so a big bucket of KFC chicken is the closest thing they got to it ^_^. I saw a mob of people lining up in the cold for their KFC chicken on Christmas Eve. Colonel Sanders does good business here for sure! On a side note, Ive been continuously hittin' the gym and getting back to my old form. So, I decided to test out my 1 rep maxes at the end of the year. I was satisfied with my lifts, but I'm not stopping there baby! Check out my results in the video! ^_^

A Japanese Wedding

2006-11-12T17:47:00.000+09:00

Meiji Jingu is a shrine in Tokyo that can be found near Harajuku and Yoyogi park. Its an extremely popular place for wedding processions, and anyone who wants to witness one can do so every Sunday. To my understanding, its common for Japanese couples to celebrate their special day in the traditional Japanese style and the American western style together. This was a great spectacle to see, but with so many tourists walking around the shrine as sightseers, the intimate privacy with family and friends seems disturbed a bit. Of course, people are respectful as observers, but its like having paparazzi covering your wedding event since everyone has a camera and they will all want to take a picture. However, the people getting married must obviously realize this factor and must not be too bothered by it.

Happy Halloween!!

2006-10-31T22:56:00.000+09:00

Happy Halloween everyone!! I hope you made the most of it and had plenty of laughs with good friends! Over Halloween weekend, me and my girlfriend enjoyed a jumpin Halloween party at Club Yellow and a crazy Halloween parade in Kawasaki. This was my second time going to the very popular parade in Kawasaki, and it was great to see so many people gettin' in the Halloween spirit. Once again, there were some amazing costumes, and we had a great time taking pics with everyone! Im gonna have to sit down and plan out a unique costume for next year, something that calls for some macguyver ingenuity.

Aoyama Cemetery

2006-10-15T01:10:00.000+09:00

October, the month of Halloween, is my favorite time of year. From exploring cemeteries to celebrating birthdays to a huge Halloween parade for the finale, there's going to be alot to keep up with this month. As part of the Halloween spirit, I'll only be watching good ol' horror movies this month, monster marathon baby!! For starters, I found a couple of kewl cemeteries in my area, Aoyama and Roppongi. The Aoyama cemetery is so big that its a virtual park of death, me likes ^_^. Everyone in Japan gets creamated due to the lack of land, but that doesnt mean the graves are simplified. Ironically, there were many graves that were very elaborate and space consuming.

Tokyo Game Show 2006

2006-09-23T23:57:00.000+09:00

Needless to say, all the nerds and dorks were comin' out of the woodworks for Japan's biggest video game convention. However, there was also a barrage of cute models and amusing cosplayers to counterbalance the repulsiveness of all the geeks, hah. While I was there, I got a chance to play the new K-1 fighting game and see demos of the Nintendo Wii and the PS3. The event was very entertaining, but I'm extremely tired of the anal strictness in terms of taking pictures or video in places here. Japan has a huge tourist market and this is one event that attracts many tourists who are also supporters of the gaming industry. Are taking a few pics or shooting some video of new software really a big deal? It's free advertising dammit! The Japanese are like this everywhere in Japan and it's very lame, relax people!!. Are they worried that foreigners are going to use their ideas like they did to American companies in the past? ;). Give and take, it's not selfish.

The Travels of Ahiru!

2006-09-14T11:24:00.000+09:00

I started this idea for me and my students awhile ago. Basically, I thought it would be funny if anyone who went on vacation took Ahiru (Ahiru means "Duck" in Japanese) along. Ahiru belongs to one of my students and he's been doing some more traveling since his first introduction ^_^.

So. Cal. Flavor

2006-09-04T22:21:00.000+09:00

We're back in Tokyo after a great week in San Diego. I'd like to thank everyone who made time to hang out with us during their busy schedules ^_^. I took my girlfriend all over SD and she got to meet alot of new people along the way. She had a great time and I really appreciate everyone who helped her feel welcome. We'll be back one day, but in the mean time, we'll keep these pics as a reminder of the friendly faces and fond memories.

Summer Vacation

2006-08-25T23:15:00.000+09:00

I've decided to make a special trip back to San Diego this summer with my girlfriend. She'll finally get to meet my family members and friends in California, and take a guided tour of SD by yours truly! We're looking forward to seeing friendly faces and having a great time with loved ones. Recently, I met up with some of Tomoe's friends from Kyoto and had a good time with them. I've also been hitting various places in Tokyo by way of my new bike. I thought I might as well take some pics of interesting architecture and fun entertainment around the area. I'll be heading out tomorrow morning for SD, peaaace!

Fashions That Suck Vol.4/Signs Of The Times Vol.6: Combined Edition!

2006-08-22T23:09:00.000+09:00

There never seems to be any deficiencies of either of these examples in Japan. What will I find next?

Yasukuni Shrine: The 61st Anniversary of WW2

2006-08-15T23:37:00.000+09:00

August 15, 1945 was the day that Emperor Hirohito's Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War was broadcasted to the people of Japan. This decision was made official on September 2, 1945 when the Japanese government signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, bringing WW2 to an end. Fast forwarding to 2006, Yasukuni Shrine is a place for the people of Japan to pay homage to their fallen soldiers of war, and has also been a heated International topic for decades. The entire controversy surrounds the enshrinement of Japanese WW2 war criminals into this Shinto shrine and has brought relations between Japan, China, and Korea to an all-time present low. The current Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, who is nearing the end of his candidacy, has been criticized by his neighboring government leaders for honoring his pledge to visit Yasukuni Shrine once per year. He decided to make his final visit to this shrine on the day of the WW2 anniversary, which he had previously avoided. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see Koizumi at the shrine as he attended very early and I arrived in the afternoon. However, there was still plenty of activity throughout the day to witness and share with everyone who visits this page. Most people came to pay their respects, but this day is also a special day for the Uyoku (Japanese extreme nationalists) to come out and make their presence felt. I was able to catch a bit of an Uyoku demonstration, however it's all in Japanese, so only fluent Japanese speakers will be able to understand. From what I've heard, the content is full of one-sided propaganda nonsense that most Japanese ignore, so it seems we're not missing anything anyways.

Sagamihara Hanabi Taikai 2006

2006-07-30T23:41:00.000+09:00

The bad news, it's hot and really humid in Japan right now. So, that could only mean one thing, it's summertime! The good news, this is the most popular season for festivals and there are plenty to see all over the country. One of the most popular types of festivals during this time are the hanabi matsuri(fireworks festivals in Japanese). I missed them last summer because the humidity was killin' me! But, since I've shaved some American flab off, it's not as bad, but it still ain't good! This festival was held in a more rural area of Japan, which meant the roads where only 2 lanes. This also meant that the 30 min. bus ride from the station was going to take forever because of the ridiculous traffic. I ended up walking about 6 miles total, to and from the station for this event! That might not really seem like alot, but when you're carrying alot of camera equipment and a tripod on your back it makes those 6 miles a tad bit longer ^_^. Anyways, I got to see some kewl lights in the sky and the exercise was good. I think its great that the Japanese walk and ride bicycles around so much for travel, there are so many benefits to that lifestyle. Also, I was a little bummed since I didn't get to see any of the infamous "Hello Kitty" or "Doraemon" fireworks that make these grand images of these famous characters in the sky. Oh well, maybe some other time...check out all the starmine pics and video now!

p.s. I didn't capture the video, but I noticed some video up on youtube, so thanks to whoever shot the footage and uploaded it!

click here for video1!
click here for video2!
click here for video3!

Peace Out Eugene!

2006-07-26T00:41:00.000+09:00

So, another person I've met along my travels is leaving Japan and going to pursue another chapter in their life. It's a bummer to have one less person to kick it with, but it's good to know that I have friends in many places too! Good luck in Hawaii Eugene (a.k.a Kinniku Man), I'm sure there is plenty to see and do there ^_^! I'll hold it down in the gym, and school any punks who don't know how to lift weights. Maybe I'll also make a blog for all the strange characters that come in to that place, haha.

Akihabara: The Geek Capital Of Japan

2006-07-03T23:58:00.000+09:00

Quite frankly, Akihabara could be the nerdiest place on Earth. It is filled with "Otakus","Akibas", or "A-Boys" (they all mean geek in Japanese). Whatever you want to call them, they all congregate in Akihabara to play video games, go to maid cafes (cafes where girls dress like maids and act subservient), buy porn, and shop for electronics/anime. Otakus have a passionate fetish for costumes, so it's likely that youll see many girls dressed up while handing out flyers for their company. Akibas are suckers for that bait and I laugh whenever I see one of them get really happy that a cute girl is talking to them, haha. It's a must see for any tourist because it's so bizarre, but if you live here, it's social suicide to be a regular attendee of this place.

NOAH: The Best Pet Shop in Japan

2006-06-26T23:24:00.000+09:00

Last week, me and my girlfriend were watching some TV, and we saw a program that showed off this really exotic pet shop in Yokohama. We decided to take a trip down to this pet shop called "NOAH" on Monday. It was definitely the kewlest pet shop I have ever seen! They had everything from Alligators, Sloths, Monkeys, Wallabees, Giant Turtles, and even Penguins! They had some common place pets as well, but needless to say, the exotic pets were unbelievably expensive. For example, one Penguin would run you about 20 grand and a Sloth will run you about 9 grand! I wasnt able to use the flash on my little pocket camera for all the shots, so excuse the bluriness of some of the shots. However, we are planning to go back to that area for some shopping, there are some nice outlet shops and a Costco down there, wooHOO! haha. Next time, Im gonna bring out my big guns and Im gonna get National Geographic on that mutha!! But for now, enjoy these basic shots I took. By the way, I'd also like to mention that those little monkeys are tricky, one of them (petshop.monkey1) grabbed my umbrella with her tail; she just coiled her tail around it and pulled with a strong grip that would surprise you, haha! That little bastard also threw food at me when she couldnt get my camera, HAHA! If you're interested in looking, here's the NOAH website.

Takin' It Easy

2006-06-20T06:35:00.000+09:00

So, for the past couple of weeks I've been chillin'. Ive been enjoying the sun and some frisbee at parks with my girlfriend or walking around my neighborhood trying to discover anything interesting. There is so much activity condensed into Tokyo that even though Ive lived in my area for over a year now, there is still a ton of places that I havent even realized are around me. A couple of weeks ago at Yoyogi Park, me and my girlfriend met an interesting duo named Mark and Magic, they demonstrated some of their fun talent for us and others!

Signs Of The Times: Volume 5

2006-05-28T00:20:00.000+09:00

Hello out there!! Here's a nice spring edition of new and funny signs to pass the time, and bring everyone a little closer to each other in this strange world!! Sadly, some people still don't understand the cryptic beauty of discreetness. DISCLAIMER: BEWARE OF UNDERLYING SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES! ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Design Festa Vol.23

2006-05-22T16:05:00.001+09:00

Over this weekend the first Design Festa of the year took place, so I was there to check out the action and shoot some great photos and video. This event was smaller than last year's event in November, but there were still alot of great exhibitors. Of course, the digital art area is always my favorite, however, I decided to check out more traditional art disciplines this year. As something new for this year and perhaps for the future, a skateboard park was integrated into the event next to the outdoor live concert stage. I like anything that makes the atmosphere more festive and gives me more material to shoot, so big props to the DF for that! For anyone who is interested in a video tour guide through the bizarre and always entertaining parts of Tokyo, I met a group known as the Tokyo Krawlers who go around videotaping their crazy adventures and showing them on the Internet for free, check em out!

One-Year Anniversary in Japan: Reflecting Back

2006-05-07T23:29:00.000+09:00

I DID IT!! I survived in a polar opposite culture from my own for one year and I have had so many growing experiences during that time. Needless to say, there are many challenges to face when you live in a land that is very different than your own. So, I feel it is appropriate to reflect back on my journey up to this point with everyone who has stayed in touch and actively followed my posts.
Obviously, one of the most challenging obstacles is the language barrier because it hinders communication and creates environments for negative misunderstandings at times. But, I would say that the cultural difference between Japan and America is the hardest element to endure. The change from one culture to another is very dramatic and it happens in the flick of a switch, however, people do not change their thinking or behavior in such distinct states. Adjusting takes time and I have heard about and seen the stress it places on foreigners here. Some people pack it up after only a few months. I believe the perception of Japan from the outside looking in is not an accurate representation of this country. While I have been living here, I have experienced and witnessed many cases of ignorance and bias towards non-Japanese residents, and I believe this train of thought is very prevalent here. An over paranoia of foreigners is definitely present and it acts as a thick wall of ice blocking people from interacting on a daily basis. It is more than a language barrier. Contrary to what you see from Harajuku or on a Japanese game show, the people of Japan are very reserved and do not show many sincere emotions, this is part of the system in keeping social harmony, many reactions are forced. However, as people learn and understand more about each other, we compromise and find a comfortable way to interact and enjoy each other’s company.
The Japanese love to congregate at Izakaya’s(Japanese style bars) and let loose! In my opinion, this is a very comfortable setting for foreigners in Japan as everyone is willing to interact and make an effort to have fun. BBQs aren’t hugely popular here, but I intend to regularly hold them this spring and summer in order to get people together for a good time. I have enjoyed all of the entertainment Tokyo has to offer and will continue to do so, there is always something new to see or do. Above all my adventures, is the fact that I have also found a very special person with whom to share my experiences. I am truly looking forward to what lies in the future for us. I believe the positive side of my journey thus far can be seen through my blogs. I have posted a lot of articles over the course of my one-year period, so I am not going to ramble on about what you should see. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and I have been very active here. So, go back, review, and enjoy the adventure if you forgot what has transpired around me for the past year. In final, I am renewing my work contract to stay for another year. I will have to decide what my next step will be when this time comes around next year. But for now, you can count on more pictures and short summaries of my miscellaneous travels! Thank you for staying up to date with me this far everyone!! I hope your valued input continues with me along the way!!

Golden Week in Osaka

2006-05-06T10:11:00.000+09:00

The first week in May in Japan is called "Golden Week", and it is basically a string of national holidays where most Japanese people have some time off and choose to do some traveling. During my Golden Week I decided to head down to Osaka to visit an old friend and to check out a new city that I hadn't been to before. I decided to stay in a capsule hotel, which is like a big coffin, but it was so cheap and the facilities at the hotel were awesome. If you like to shop, eat, and play games, there are a ton of shops, restaurants, and pachinko parlors in Osaka. Also, I've been told that people in Osaka are more friendly than people in Tokyo and that is true. Its not as fast paced as Tokyo, so you dont get alot of people slamming into you or cutting in front of you when you're walking. I think the most interesting part for me was Osaka Castle and the nightlife. Although Tokyo has alot more overall entertainment to offer, Osaka is a more easygoing atmosphere in a big city environment. On a side note, I happened to run into Gilbert Yvel, who is a fighter from PRIDE, which is similiar to the UFC in America but in a boxing ring. Im a huge fan of MMA(Mixed Martial Arts), so I recognized him right away and got a pic as a nice souvenir. Thanks for the pic Gilbert!

Back In Action!!

2006-04-09T20:07:00.000+09:00

Well, Ive finally gotten back online. Excuse the brief hiatus that kept me from updating my site with fabulous photos, but I had some customer service issues with YahooBB over here. Frankly, their customer service sucks ass! So Ive got a new provider and that switch took time, thus keeping me from creating great blogs! Well, alot has happened in the past month, so please scroll down and have a look at all the new entries and great shots that I was able to get. Also, my good friend Michelle has gone back to Australia for 6 weeks, so this blog is dedicated to her and the fun time we had in Yokohama! Go crazy in Aussieland Michelle!! Drink Fosters, put a shrimp on da barbie, and say "Hi" to Steve Irwin for me!!

Spring Time Cherry Blossoms

2006-03-27T22:37:00.000+09:00

The Cherry Blossoms are out in Japan right now, which officialy marks the beginning of Spring! During the short blooming period of the Cherry Blossoms, it only lasts for a few weeks, many people will gather to stroll through the parks to admire the beauty of their surroundings. On top of that, many people will also gather for the traditional "Hanami"(picnics with food and sake) party underneath the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees and have a fun and drunken time with their friends and colleagues. I was truly blown away by the beauty of the Cherry Blossom trees and the cheerful vibes it induces in people; the atmosphere was surreal and I captured some really great moments to keep as a memento. Enjoy these tasty pieces of sweet photographic eye candy!

Weekend Fun In The Sun

2006-03-21T20:07:00.000+09:00

Over the weekend, me and my girlfriend decided to check out a marine life park called "Sea Paradise". The day was nice and sunny which was a great relief for me since the fall and winter in Japan are so gloomy. I miss the San Diego sun but the weather on this day gave me that feeling of being back in my hometown. On our way to the park, we stumbled upon a bunch of beach goers who were enjoying a fun time collecting sea shells with the family. My girlfriend told me that they actually take the shells home and use them in different soups for flavor, sounds interesting... Ill have to try it sometime! This park had some kewl marine life and it was a good time, but Id give the Sea World in San Diego a favorable edge in show quality and marine life exhibitions.

Introducing...The Travels Of Ahiru Chan!

2006-03-11T14:52:00.000+09:00

One of my students owns Ahiru Chan,(Ahiru means "Duck" in Japanese) who is a cute little guy that she loves to take with her on vacations. I thought it would be funny to give Ahiru Chan to any of my students who go abroad, and see how many places he can visit. So far, hes been to quite a few places. I took him to Korea in February and he just got back from a journey through Europe(Spain, Germany, Switzerland). Ill keep everyone posted on his travels with updates whenever he comes back from a foreign country, this should turn out to be interesting... ^_^

Party Announcement!

2006-02-22T23:36:00.000+09:00

Hey, this post is for Joe, Eric, Sergio, Sean, and Aaron. I hope you guys had a good time in Hakone and at Mt. Fuji. If you guys are looking to finish the trip off with some parties then Ive got some info for you.

Event: Summer Theme Party

Place: Living Bar Guden in Shibuya

Time: 7:00pm~??

Entrance Fee: Free

Info on the Lounge Party and a map

Also, the dresscode is not an issue so dont even worry. Shibuya is close to Roppongi, so I suggest chillin' at this lounge party while drinking and meeting new people until about 1130pm. After that, you guys should grab a taxi and go to Roppongi. Just tell the taxi driver, "Roppongi koossaten e itte kudasai", if he still doesnt get it, then tell him "Roppongi no Amondo e itte kudasai". The Lexington Queen would be a good club for everyone, and the cost will be either 3000 or 4000 yen, depending on whether or not there is a special event that night. It's all you can drink and the club will be open until 5am. All of the excitement in Roppongi is on a strip next to a bakery called "Almond", and that is where you guys should start in order to find the club.

Info on the Lexington Queen and a map

Signs Of The Times: Volume 4

2006-02-20T13:45:00.000+09:00

When I was in Korea I was blown away at all the messed up signs they had there! These pics are a mix of places or labels that I saw in Japan and Korea, but the best ones are from Korea! My favorite is the Ho Bar!!! HAHAHA, classic and so true!

The Seoul Of Korea

2006-02-17T22:58:00.001+09:00

I recently spent 5 days in Seoul,Korea and I came back with a little more knowledge of the world and its different people and cultures. First, I'd like to say that these opinions are based on my experiences during that 5 day venture, so its totally subjective to my point of view.

The Good:

I really enjoyed the tour of the DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) which is a 4km span that seperates North and South Korea. The atmosphere at the DMZ is very tense as there are many rules to follow, they even make you sign a waiver of death during the tour! But it provides a good look at how some cultures can be very closed to the idea of change and integration. There happens to be a movie in Japan called the JSA(Joint Security Area/the meeting area located within the DMZ) which creates a fictional story between these 2 countries and their people, Ive got to see it now! In addition, I was able to see some great temples which were occupied by guards in traditional clothing. That was an amazing opportunity to really capture some great photos of South Korean history. Also, I caught a great musical called "Tokebi Storm" which centers around performances of music with everday objects and visual performances of light. It was really entertaining and I hope the cast makes it to the Broadway stage.

The Bad:

South Korea is pretty dirty and stinky, but what can you really expect from a big city right? Also, I was a little disappointed that the cost of everything wasn't as cheap as everyone was leading me to believe, and the electronics that I was so eager to look at were ancient and screamed aftermarket brand names. I felt like I was walking around a bunch of Radio Shacks every time I looked for something interesting in one of those electronics shops.

The Ugly:

Truly, the most terrible thing about South Korea is the mannerism of the people. They were extremely rude and cold in several situations and I felt like kicking their asses on more than one occasion! ^_^ On top of that, the people came off as a bunch of nickel and dime hustlers that try to take advantage of every tourist that comes their way, I mean they're relentless with their wheeling and dealing! I realize that people have to make money and that is why they're out there selling things, but raising prices simply because they think you have more money or telling you a price is different because they made a "mistake" is pretty shitty! Also, there were several occasions of shop workers eating and hanging out with friends, chatting on the phone, and even sleeping during work! haha, they're pretty ghetto man. This was my feeling during the trip, I simply felt that I was trying to get hustled everywhere I went. I guess you could say Seoul is like one big Tijuana! haha.

Anyways, I got some great pics of Korea and I think they should be kissing my ass for making their country look better than it really is, haha! Enjoy the photos!!

The Island Of Odaiba

2006-02-06T22:48:00.000+09:00

Odaiba is a man made island in Japan that has become a huge dating spot for couples. There are all sorts of restaurants, shops, sweets, amusement games/rides, romantic lighting, and a beach to enjoy with that special someone! There are a couple of interesting places integrated into this mix, which are a little Hong Kong recreation and a Japanese market that only sells vintage toys, objects, and even has video classics like pacman to play on the original style arcades. I had a great time hanging out with my girlfriend here, but there is SO MUCH to see, we HAVE to go back and look around some more. In addition to taking a train to this island, you can also take some ferries, the coolest of the group is the new Himiko which has a very kewl and futuristic look to it. Next time we go, we're ridin in style on the Himiko!

Shinjuku

2006-02-02T23:08:00.000+09:00

Shinjuku is a major place in Tokyo for business, dining, and Yakuza! (Japanese Mafia) haha. There are alot of things to see in this city, and back in the day it was the prime location for young people to hang out with their friends (that place has now become Shibuya). But, there are theme restaurants, skyscrapers, beautiful nighttime lights, and an assortment of people activity always going on here. Its definitely worth a look as a tourist or resident of Tokyo.

Fashions That Suck!!!: Volume 3

2006-01-26T09:57:00.000+09:00

Well, one thing I can count on for plenty of photo opportunities here in Japan is the abundance of craptacular fashion I can find. Whether I'm sitting in a subway station, walking on the street, or I'm just on the train; I always see some type of bad fashion that makes me laugh! I'm just glad that I live in a day and age that I can share it with everyone else around the world, HAHA, enjoy!!

Hakone and Its Hot Springs

2006-01-22T22:32:00.000+09:00

One of the most popular things for Japanese people to enjoy during the winter time in Japan are its hot springs. Hakone is one of the most well known places to visit for this relaxing experience, so me and my girlfriend spent the day in the beautiful snow covered mountains of Hakone. We went to an amusement park called "Yunnesun", which offers an assortment of indoor/outdoor hot springs as well as some really fun hot springs filled with red wine, green tea, coffee, and sake! Anyone who visits Japan during the wintertime should definitely go to Hakone for the day, you won't be disappointed!

It's a Snow Day!

2006-01-21T23:50:00.000+09:00

It's amazing how fast the weather changes here! Last night I went to bed on another cold, but dry night. But this morning, I woke up to find a white blanket of snow over everything in my town! Some people told me that it would snow, but I didn't expect this much over night! Needless to say, it was a very nice surprise to find in the morning. Im used to seeing snow in the mountains, but not where I live and work, so me and some of my students decided to have some fun and make some snowmen! Check out the Super Mario snowman, haha. I had to give him a cigarette to give him that Japanese feel.

A Night At The Vampire Cafe

2006-01-16T23:46:00.000+09:00

Here in Tokyo, you can go to a variety of unusual places for a meal, and theme cafes and restaurants are a great way to experience that! I love going to these places, so tonight my girlfriend and I had to check out the Vampire Cafe, which is located in Ginza. The food is gourmet style(pretty but small), so if youre coming in with an appetite, youre coming to the wrong place! haha. But at least the place looks kewl, and its something new to experience. We even ran into some people who dressed up for the occasion! There are still a crap load of more theme places for us to check out, heres a small list of what you can find in Tokyo. A list of theme cafes and restaurants!

Car Rentals Are Great! ^_^

2006-01-04T07:51:00.000+09:00

Well, I had a great time back home with everyone. A BIG shout out goes to my homies Leo, Maryanne, Danny, Catherine, and Jeff for hooking me up with a place to stay! On a side note, car ports can jump out in front of your car when you back out of them, so watch out!! This strange phenomenon happened to me while I was in Cali, but thanks to full coverage rental insurance, I didnt have to pay a thing!! On my way to the airport I dropped off my rental car, which I helped make a little more aerodynamic. The people at the rental company were great, they werent even angry! WOOOW, car rentals are great!! Check out the return!.

Happy New Year!!!

2006-01-01T19:29:00.000+09:00

Happy New Year to everyone out there!! I celebrated the New Year in Vegas along with about half a million other people. I think Vegas and New York City for New Year's Eve sum up to the same feel, its one of those things that you should do one time in your life. However, there are waaay too many people to deal with and you probably wont want to do it again in your life, haha. In order to celebrate the New Year, my friends and I walked around the strip, watched the Bellagio's water show, which happens to be my favorite casino attraction, and shot some FULLY AUTOMATIC WEAPONS BBIIIOOOOOTTTCCCHHH!!! HAHA. Just follow those links to check out the action. Also, heres the New Year's countdown, Vegas style baby!

Traveling In My Hometown Area

2005-12-30T21:48:00.000+09:00

Since Ive been home, Ive been traveling around the San Diego area with friends and having a good time. Not much has changed since I left, and in terms of weather, thats great!! I also had a chance to go down to Tijuana, Mexico and shop a little. You can get some really great deals on souvenirs, but EVERYONE will try to sell you something or rip you off, so dont let yourself get swindled! Anyways, here are some shots to enjoy of San Diego and Mexico, I loved being at the beach again!

Christmas In California

2005-12-25T16:48:00.000+09:00

It's Christmas Day here in California and Im back home with my family for the holidays. It was good to sit down with everyone and catch up, I had alot of stories for my family and friends, but 7 months goes by fast when youre on an adventure. My niece Sydney is really growing up fast too! Shes going to change alot in between my trips back to the states, so Im glad I was able to take so many cute pictures of her!

Going Back To Cali (For Christmas)!

2005-12-23T02:16:00.000+09:00

I cant believe it, its been 7 months already since I got here! Ive had a great time so far, and now its time to visit my hometown of San Diego to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. During this last month of the year, I had the opportunity to enjoy a couple of Christmas parties, some delicious food, and a chance to take more pictures to remind me of the good times. To all my family and friends back in Cali, Ill see you all in a matter of hours, Im looking forward to it!! peaace!

Design Festa Vol. 22

2005-11-27T23:02:00.000+09:00

I finally got a chance to go to the infamous Design Festa in Tokyo over this weekend! This event is a huge art exhibition that concentrates on independent artists from all over the world and showcases every art medium possible. Everything from fashion, graffiti, VJing, performance art, and more can be seen at the Design Festa. It is a must see for anyone interested in art, professional or independent.

Print Club Fun!

2005-11-23T13:28:00.000+09:00

Well, after we hung out at the Tokyo Sea Life Park, me and Michelle decided to take some crazy fun photos at the print club stations! Haha, man I forgot how much fun it can be to take these photos, I think Im gonna give some of the prints to my students, haha.

Tokyo Sea Life Park

2005-11-23T13:16:00.000+09:00

Today was a national holiday in Japan, so me and my friend Michelle decided to check out this aquarium in Tokyo. We got more than we were expecting as we were able to enjoy a beautiful park in front of the aquarium. Alot of people were out and enjoying the day off, as they should, the Japanese people work too much!

Tokyo Disneyland

2005-11-08T15:29:00.000+09:00

It was nice and sunny today, so I thought Id finally get over to Tokyo Disneyland with my friend Michelle. We figured Monday would be perfect since its a weekday, noone will be there, right!? WRONG!!! HAHA. There were alot of people there and I have a feeling that it must be like this ALL THE TIME! Going on any ride takes alot of time here, but it was kewl just to be outside with a friend on a nice day. Japanese people LOVE Disney characters, they even get their autographs! just kiddin', they only do that for their kids, haha.

Tokyo Motor Show 2005

2005-11-07T16:34:00.000+09:00

I visited the infamous Tokyo Motor Show today on the last day of its exhibition. There were quite a few nice models in the show rooms, my favorites were the exotic cars and the futuristic car that resembles something out of the movie "Minority Report". I kind of miss not having a car, but then again trains always get you to your destination on time and you dont have to pay for their repairs, so actually I dont miss it that much, haha.

Shinjuku Gyoen

2005-11-04T14:37:00.000+09:00

Today was a national holiday in Japan known as Bunka no Hi, which means "Culture Day" in English, and "Day Off" in Erin's language, haha. So, as part of my plans for the day I decided to head out to Shinjuku Gyoen, which is a large and famous park in Tokyo. The day started off pretty clear but became overcast with slight rain towards the late afternoon. I cant wait for this overcast weather to pass as the bad lighting really sucks for photo opportunities! Ill have to go back and get more pics later, but for now, here is a little taste of what the park is like.

The Kawasaki Halloween Project!!!

2005-10-31T12:35:00.000+09:00

This October I found out about a big parade that takes place in Kawasaki every year for Halloween and is open to anyone with a costume. Naturally, after reading more about this event I had to take part in it, so I registered myself and took part in the best Halloween Ive ever had! Words cant describe how much fun I was having, but I think all of the pics and video I took will provide a good example. Laugh, smile, and have fun while you enjoy these great shots!!

Signs Of The Times: Volume 3

2005-09-25T00:17:00.000+09:00

Well, I would have waited a little while to post a new volume for funny advertisements in Japan, but these were just too hilarious to hold back on. Props to my friend Peter who sent me these pics that he saw in his area, man, these signs are ridiculously funny!!!

Fashions That Suck!!!: Volume 2

2005-09-22T09:11:00.000+09:00

Its time to add some more pictures of terrible fashion here in Japan. Now don't get me wrong, there are alot of people here who can pull off some stylish looks, but these people just fall a little short(understatement!) haha. Also, I have witnessed a Napoleon Dynamite sighting here!! For anyone who has been keeping track of my blogs from the past, he is a good example of the notorious "Charisma Man" that plagues the people of Japan.

Yokohama Fun

2005-09-20T13:52:00.000+09:00

I was in Yokohama this Monday with my friend Michelle, we decided that we'd check out the Amusement park for the day. Yokohama is a nice place to hang out, definitely kewl for just relaxing with friends and being carefree. The Amusement park they have is impressive, the ferris wheel is one of the biggest in the world as well! But one of my favorite parts of the Amusement park is the panda scooter! Overall, I had a good time and plan to go back to see some more of Yokohama, thanks for showing me around your hood Michelle! What should we check out next time!?

Signs Of The Times: Volume 2

2005-09-19T10:39:00.000+09:00

I love the advertisements I see here in Japan, its always good comedy that makes me laugh! But its hard to take these places seriously when you see ads like these, haha.

My Cali Crew

2005-08-28T12:37:00.000+09:00

Id just like to give a special thanks to Catherine, Shawn, and anyone else who helped to provide these great pics of my going away party for me. Its always a great time when you have alot of friends with you! Im looking forward to doing it again when I come back for vacation, its going to be great to see everyone again during the holidays! New Year's Eve is also gonna be off da hook, as Ill be celebrating the New Year in Las Vegas with my friends Dan and Catherine. I wonder what my other Cali homies are going to be doing for the New Year? Well, you guys should come out to Vegas with me, Roooaaaad Triiiiiiip!!!!! Party at Dan and Cats!!!! HAHAH!!

Farewell Joanne!

2005-08-14T13:11:00.000+09:00

Tonight was another great night at the clubs, but unfortunately our group is going to be one person smaller now. Our friend Joanne has decided that its time for her to return home to Canada. Were all gonna miss you Joanne! Its always a night of laughter and fun when ever youre in the group! I know I had a good time at Club Pure last night, and I met some new people who live in Tokyo. I could definitely tell Joanne was having a good time too, just look at the pics, haha!

Telling It Like It Is!

2005-08-05T11:31:00.000+09:00

One thing that you will notice if you ever come to Japan is the abundance of geeky looking white guys that actually get really attractive Japanese girlfriends. Now Im sure they look more exotic with their blond hair and blue eyes, but I swear these women must be beer goggles blind! Alot of the white guys here look like your stereotypical nerdy white dudes that either come from Canada, USA, Europe, or Australia. Ill have to show everyone some examples with some pics in the future, but for now, here is a hilarious comic that I came across on the Internet. Ladies & Gentlemen, for your reading pleasure, I give you... Charisma Man!!!! So funny and YES, ITS SO TRUE! Props to the creator for this great comic!

click here for sample1!
click here for sample2!
click here for sample3!

Toys & Trinkets

2005-08-02T01:00:00.000+09:00

Well if youre one of those people who love to collect figurines or just kewl decorative items, then Japan should be on your list of places to visit! I feel like Tom Hanks in the movie "Big" when I walk into these shops because they have such kewl toys to look at, play with, and eventually buy if their charm has worked on you.

Fashions That Suck!!!: Volume 1

2005-07-24T12:34:00.000+09:00

OK, I've decided that I am going to periodically post a blog on the topic of bad fashion here in Japan, since I can't ignore how horrible some of the get ups are in Tokyo. Now, let me first separate these fashion retards from the people in Harajuku who I think are stylish, and are putting together some type of concept with their clothing. However, these people just make me say WTF??? I don't understand their fashion sense, but it makes me laugh and its another reason to take more pictures, hahah!

Signs Of The Times: Volume 1

2005-07-11T12:23:00.000+09:00

Since I've been in Japan, I've stumbled upon alot of signs and advertisements that I thought were hilarious. I'm sure the Japanese people around me we're wondering why I started to laugh out loud for no seemingly good reason, but why don't you take a look for yourself... ^_^

Yoyogi Park

2005-07-04T11:26:00.000+09:00

This park is huge!! Its like the Central Park of Japan, which offers great open grass fields and long trails for recreation. There's also a fantastic ancient shrine that's located inside the park. The natural scenery here is beautiful, not to mention the fact that there is always live music in this park, this is my favorite park in Tokyo for sure! I see families having picnics, friends playing frisbee, college students rehearsing dance moves, skaters practicing their board tricks, and freestyle bike riders busting sick moves all the time. I love the energy of the people at this park, so friendly and so alive!

The World Of Harajuku

2005-06-27T11:11:00.000+09:00

Here is a city where Halloween seems like it takes place all year round with the crazy fashions that people wear. I like the variety of styles I see in Harajuku, I cant think of any other place where people dress like this on a daily basis during the regular day, its always interesting to come here and hang out. On top of that, Harajuku is one of the most popular places for young people to come spend their time and money, its right up there with Shibuya for that title.

Izakaya Madness!!!

2005-06-20T14:12:00.000+09:00

Hahaha, An Izakaya (Japanese Style Bar) is a must-go-to for anyone living in Japan. This IS where people come to laugh and drink the night away amongst friends and co-workers in Japan. My friend Jon recently just finished putting in one year of service with GEOS, and he decided to go back to America and get a job in NYC, best of luck dude! As part of a series of going away parties for him we stopped at his favorite Izakaya to wish him a fond farewell. We were there for several hours and actually drank ALL of the beer they had that night, they had to tell us there wasnt anymore! HAHAHA! In case youre wondering who those crazy Japanese guys are in the picture above, they were some funny comedians that we met while celebrating another farewell for my friend Erin. The Japanese really have different personalities at an Izakaya compared to their character at work, they get loud and crazy like Americans!!

Shibuya Life

2005-06-13T09:53:00.000+09:00

Shibuya is one of the most popular places in Tokyo for young people to hang out at and shop. Aside from the fact that there are tons of fashion clothing stores, arcades, and entertainment shops in this area; Shibyua is also known for its huge building side projection screens that act as stylish backdrops for the main intersection crossing. By the way, the main intersection crossing happens to be the busiest people crossing intersection in the world. I feel like Im in some sort of "Braveheart" battle scene when Im at the front of the crowd and all you can see is this wall of people coming straight at you! One day Im gonna run out into the street and yell "Mortal Kombat!", haha. I think there was a commercial like that, this was probably the place they shot it. Ill wait until some of my American friends come to visit me so they can video tape it, ahaha, Im sure theyll be embarrassed!

Good Times At Tamagawa River

2005-06-06T13:49:00.000+09:00

Yes, its time to enter another entry into my journal for everyone to see. Tamagawa River is a popular place next to my school for people to have barbeques, drink, fish, play, and do fireworks. Its a great place for me to chill with friends and wind down after a crazy saturday night/sunday morning at the clubs.

Sanja Matsuri - My First Festival In Japan

2005-05-23T12:57:00.000+09:00

I had an opportunity to experience my first big festival in Tokyo today. The Sanja Matsuri is a festival that celebrates the important spirits that reside inside these huge shrines, which are carried through the streets by many people. Here is a link for more information about this festival:

click here for more info!

This festival took place in the city of Asakusa, and there were tons of people there to celebrate the occasion! I had a good time just walking through the streets and watching all the action. There is so much culture to witness in this country, its a great mixture of modern entertainment and respect towards tradition.

Settling Into My New Pad

2005-05-21T01:53:00.000+09:00

The Apartments in Tokyo are pretty small since there are so many people in this city and space is limited, so I decided to get pretty creative with the small area in my new Apartment this week. I've got a loft in my pad upstairs that I decided to use as a storage area and a place for all my personal belongings. On top of that, I decided to convert my downstairs closet into a small computer room for myself, haha. Also, I built a projection screen for my projector that I brought with me from America, so now Im big pimpin with a small home theater in my place, ahh yeah, how many people in Tokyo do you think can touch that!? haha, Im such a technology freak! I plan on covering all my wall space with pictures that I take while Im here. I love taking photographs of all the people and places in Japan, and its alot cheaper than spending money everywhere I go. Anyways, I live in the city of Magome and I thought Id take some pictures of my local area and items for daily life.

New Faces, New Places

2005-05-16T00:38:00.000+09:00

I started my new English teaching job this week and got a chance to meet all my students. All of the adults seem really nice and the kids are so well behaved I can't believe it! Keeping in tradition, my students and co-workers threw me a Welcoming Party at a big Karaoke palace in Shibuya (popular place for shopping and hanging out). I had a great time there with all my students, I love singing Karaoke, haha! After that, some of us headed out to Roppongi (famous for its great nightlife and International crowds) and we partied till the crack of dawn! Its so exciting in Tokyo, I love going out on the weekends here, and I foresee much more all night partying! Ahhh YEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!

Welcome To Japan!

2005-05-08T11:34:00.000+09:00

My first day back in Japan! Ive been here 3 previous times for vacation, each for a 2 week period, but this time I'm stickin' around for awhile! The flight wasn't too bad, the 10 hours went by really fast so I felt pretty good as I was getting off the plane. My head trainer, Jason, met me and the other new teachers at the airport and helped us get to our new Apartments. I also had a chance to stop by and see my new school and meet my new manager.

Welcome to Vancouver!

2005-05-02T07:23:00.000+09:00

Well, well, well... Im finally off to a new life of traveling and adventure. My first stop takes me here to Vancouver where Ill be undergoing 5 days of training for my new job in Tokyo, Japan. I must say, the place I am staying at is quite impressive... its a 3 floor mansion with over 10 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a sauna, and a backyard big enough to have a full size basketball court! Im sharing the place with 5 other teachers who come from Canada, Europe, and America. This place reminds me of a college frat house! TOGA TOGA TOGA!!!