taking in the action
Vortis fans take up the song
the team acknowledges the crowd post draw
Friday, August 31, 2007
The other football
With the start of the college football season less than 24 hours away, I attended my first J-League soccer game tonight, a 1-1 draw between the hometown Tokushima Vortis and neighboring Ehime FC. My impressions? Average talent, a small but spirited crowd of supporters, and an all-around excellent night out in Tokushima-ken. My friends and I took to the grass hillside as the Vortis managed to equalize late in the game on a cross that mysteriously found it's way into the opposing team's net. Have a look.
taking in the action
Vortis fans take up the song
the team acknowledges the crowd post draw
taking in the action
Vortis fans take up the song
the team acknowledges the crowd post draw
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Required listening
Ben Folds, Rockin' the Suburbs
This is what pop music sounds like.
Step 1: Find album buried in colored socks drawer. Step 2: Dust album off. Step 3: Love. If you don't have it, rush to your computer and download it two days ago. It's that good. The harmonies on "Gone" and "Not the Same" are transcendent. "Fred Jones, Pt. 2" is pure sun-faded Chuck Taylor melancholy (sigh). And the chorus to "Losing Lisa" sounds like suburban fist pumping coming from your parents' 2001 Ford Explorer while you buy beers from your friend's brother in a Sentry parking lot (gasp). This album could have been written in 1994 or 2007, and therein lies a good deal of its charm.
You listen. You enjoy.
This is what pop music sounds like.
Step 1: Find album buried in colored socks drawer. Step 2: Dust album off. Step 3: Love. If you don't have it, rush to your computer and download it two days ago. It's that good. The harmonies on "Gone" and "Not the Same" are transcendent. "Fred Jones, Pt. 2" is pure sun-faded Chuck Taylor melancholy (sigh). And the chorus to "Losing Lisa" sounds like suburban fist pumping coming from your parents' 2001 Ford Explorer while you buy beers from your friend's brother in a Sentry parking lot (gasp). This album could have been written in 1994 or 2007, and therein lies a good deal of its charm.
You listen. You enjoy.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Why I love Japan - Entry 2
If you've ever walked into an Everything's a Dollar or Family Dollar store only to leave cursing the proprietor for the misleading nature of their storefront, then you too will love the 100 yen shop.
These places have everything. Seriously. Need a mirror and picture frames for your living room? Done. Mugs and utensils for the kitchen? Got those too. Big packages of fireworks? You get the idea. In fact, the only drawback to the 100 yen store is that you end up buying too much. Did I need a backup pillow football in case the first somehow spotaneously unravels? Probably not. But then again, you know...it's only 100 yen.
Hey, it's a far cry from Ben Franklin and the five and dimes of American past. But at least it's honest. And these days, that's worth a hell of a lot more than a measly dollar.
These places have everything. Seriously. Need a mirror and picture frames for your living room? Done. Mugs and utensils for the kitchen? Got those too. Big packages of fireworks? You get the idea. In fact, the only drawback to the 100 yen store is that you end up buying too much. Did I need a backup pillow football in case the first somehow spotaneously unravels? Probably not. But then again, you know...it's only 100 yen.
Hey, it's a far cry from Ben Franklin and the five and dimes of American past. But at least it's honest. And these days, that's worth a hell of a lot more than a measly dollar.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Scenes from a Japanese restaurant
Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き?) is a pan-fried Japanese dish cooked with various ingredients. Okonomi means "what you like" or "what you want", and yaki means "grilled" or "cooked" (cf. yakitori and yakisoba); thus, the name of this dish means "cook what you like, the way you like" (reference.com).
Nihakuba, 8.10.07
Nihakuba, 8.10.07
Thursday, August 23, 2007
From the market shelves
Animal crackers that manage to be both delicious and educational. Putting the name of the animal on the actual cracker may seem like overkill, but when you're staring down a porcupine and a peafowl tag teaming a polar bear, who really cares. This bag contained 47 different animal species. By comparison, a box of Barnum's Animal Crackers contains only 17. Itadakimas, Nabisco.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Sighted
rac·coon dog
noun
a small wild dog of raccoonlike appearance, with a black facial mask and long brindled fur, native to the forests of southern and eastern Asia.
Ok, so I didn't spot one, but a friend down south stumbled upon this fabled creature while driving in the mountains last week. Not only does this 'coon dog' satisfy my fascination with hybrid creatures (particularly those involving raccoons), but my research uncovered this little gem of an artifact as well:
Remember this guy? Not to be confused with the more commonly pictured raccoon guise, the tanuki (or 'tanooki') suit provided insight into the series' little discussed folklore roots and makes this particular discovery all the more significant.
From Wikipedia (highlights):
"On 22 December 2006, fur-hooded jackets made by the Sean John clothing company were pulled off the shelves of Macy's Department Stores when the nation’s largest animal protection organization concluded that the garments were actually made from raccoon dog."
"The actual wild tanuki has unusually large testicles, a feature that has inspired humorous exaggeration in artistic depictions of the creature. Tanuki may be shown with their testicles flung over their backs like travellers' packs, or using them as drums."
"Statues of tanuki can be found outside many Japanese temples and restaurants, especially noodle shops. These statues often wear big, cone-shaped hats and carry bottles of sake in one hand, and a promissory note (a bill it will never pay) or empty purse in the other hand."
Ohhhhhhhhh, Japan.
noun
a small wild dog of raccoonlike appearance, with a black facial mask and long brindled fur, native to the forests of southern and eastern Asia.
Ok, so I didn't spot one, but a friend down south stumbled upon this fabled creature while driving in the mountains last week. Not only does this 'coon dog' satisfy my fascination with hybrid creatures (particularly those involving raccoons), but my research uncovered this little gem of an artifact as well:
Remember this guy? Not to be confused with the more commonly pictured raccoon guise, the tanuki (or 'tanooki') suit provided insight into the series' little discussed folklore roots and makes this particular discovery all the more significant.
From Wikipedia (highlights):
"On 22 December 2006, fur-hooded jackets made by the Sean John clothing company were pulled off the shelves of Macy's Department Stores when the nation’s largest animal protection organization concluded that the garments were actually made from raccoon dog."
"The actual wild tanuki has unusually large testicles, a feature that has inspired humorous exaggeration in artistic depictions of the creature. Tanuki may be shown with their testicles flung over their backs like travellers' packs, or using them as drums."
"Statues of tanuki can be found outside many Japanese temples and restaurants, especially noodle shops. These statues often wear big, cone-shaped hats and carry bottles of sake in one hand, and a promissory note (a bill it will never pay) or empty purse in the other hand."
Ohhhhhhhhh, Japan.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Tales of the North Pacific
Spent the weekend taking in some surf and sun at a couple of beaches along the coast and managed to snap a few pictures in the process. Apparently the Pacific Ocean is sepia colored.
walking the wall at Komatsu
beautiful girls make pretty pictures
watching a surf competition at Ikumi
walking the wall at Komatsu
beautiful girls make pretty pictures
watching a surf competition at Ikumi
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Awa Odori
This past Wendesday marked the last day of Awa Odori in Tokushima City, and what a welcome to the city it was. I don't want to give too much away, but I can say with confidence that it was hands down the best festival I've ever been to. Anywhere. Period. Here's a few pictures and videos, but if it's alright, I'd like to keep the rest for myself. This one's gonna be a lifer.
post-enkai in Central Park
a group assembles
heading into the first stage
impromptu dancing in the shopping arcade
post-enkai in Central Park
a group assembles
heading into the first stage
impromptu dancing in the shopping arcade
Friday, August 17, 2007
What up gaijin?
Prediction: In the year 2000, I will be arrested by the Tokushima police after failing to convince them that the man pictured on my alien registration card is, in fact, actually me.
English Camp 2007
August 12, 2007
Dear Mom and Dad,
I arrived at camp by bus this morning and things are going great! We are staying at a temple roughly an hour west of the city - one of the first temples on the 88 temple tour! After receiving our room keys and a twenty minute explanation of how to use them ("It is like hotel key"), we got settled in and had some time to meet the other prefectural teachers. A couple of fun ice breakers ensued, including one in which we had to introduce ourselves to the entire group and say something interesting about ourselves. One girl said she drinks too much. She was Irish.
the scenic temple grounds
After a few hours, the students arrived. There were about 40 of them from all over Tokushima and all of them were studying English. What a fun group! After getting settled into our groups, it was time for all sorts of fun English activities, including cooperative craft activities and a game called Robot Wars, in which Japanese students used English commands to control two battling teachers. "Eye poke!"
craft time
After a long day of teaching, we had some time to unwind this evening after the students went to bed. The friendly pilgrims and temple staff on the grounds encouraged us again and again to drink the beer from their vending machines, and there was quite a nice selection of English songs on the karaoke machine. Basically, things have been really good here at English camp! I think I'm really going to like it here.
my group, Mayo Ramen
Love you and miss you lots,
Jeff
Dear Mom and Dad,
I arrived at camp by bus this morning and things are going great! We are staying at a temple roughly an hour west of the city - one of the first temples on the 88 temple tour! After receiving our room keys and a twenty minute explanation of how to use them ("It is like hotel key"), we got settled in and had some time to meet the other prefectural teachers. A couple of fun ice breakers ensued, including one in which we had to introduce ourselves to the entire group and say something interesting about ourselves. One girl said she drinks too much. She was Irish.
the scenic temple grounds
After a few hours, the students arrived. There were about 40 of them from all over Tokushima and all of them were studying English. What a fun group! After getting settled into our groups, it was time for all sorts of fun English activities, including cooperative craft activities and a game called Robot Wars, in which Japanese students used English commands to control two battling teachers. "Eye poke!"
craft time
After a long day of teaching, we had some time to unwind this evening after the students went to bed. The friendly pilgrims and temple staff on the grounds encouraged us again and again to drink the beer from their vending machines, and there was quite a nice selection of English songs on the karaoke machine. Basically, things have been really good here at English camp! I think I'm really going to like it here.
my group, Mayo Ramen
Love you and miss you lots,
Jeff
Thursday, August 16, 2007
From the vault
Rahzel, circa 1999. Check it out here.
Listen closely at 00:25. That's one voice doing both the beat and the chorus AT THE SAME TIME. Incredible.
Listen closely at 00:25. That's one voice doing both the beat and the chorus AT THE SAME TIME. Incredible.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Authentic Japanese "brues" music
Went out to Earth last night to check out some live blues and found cheap darts and even better company. Fantastic music too. Check it out:
Mad solo complete with feverish Japanese dancing
Off to Engrish camp for the next three days. Only two horcruxes left!
Friday, August 10, 2007
At first glance
What do Blankey Jet City, Asian Kung Fu Generation, ORANGE RANGE, and the Kick the Can Crew have in common? They're all the names of famous J-pop bands! ("In this speech, I will tell you about...")
Seriously, if these bands were half as cool as their names indicated, I would turn my back on America and swear my allegiance to Japanese music forever. Husking Bee? Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her?? There's a whole slew of bands alone that read like an old lineup of Nick in the Afternoon (see Gackt, SMAP, RIP SYLME, GReeen, yada yada yada). And just in case that's not enough...
Jeff's Top 5 J-Pop Band Names (in descending order):
5. Dragon Ash
4. Spitz
3. MONKEY MAJIK
2. Mr. Children
1. Bump of Chicken
Who comes up with these names, anyway? Manatees?
Seriously, if these bands were half as cool as their names indicated, I would turn my back on America and swear my allegiance to Japanese music forever. Husking Bee? Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her?? There's a whole slew of bands alone that read like an old lineup of Nick in the Afternoon (see Gackt, SMAP, RIP SYLME, GReeen, yada yada yada). And just in case that's not enough...
Jeff's Top 5 J-Pop Band Names (in descending order):
5. Dragon Ash
4. Spitz
3. MONKEY MAJIK
2. Mr. Children
1. Bump of Chicken
Who comes up with these names, anyway? Manatees?
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Light reading
From the Chicago Sun Times...
Culture swap takes youths East
EDUCATION | Local twentysomethings part of Midwest contingent spending year in Japan as ambassadors
July 27, 2007
BY NEIL VERSEL
Flights to Tokyo will leave as normal from O'Hare International Airport on Saturday, but aboard one trans-Pacific plane will be nearly 200 young adults who will stay in Japan for at least a year.
The group is the Midwestern contingent in a Japanese government program developed to promote cultural exchange at the local level. Called the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, or JET, the plan brings people from all over the world to the Far East to teach English or work at prefectorial governments and other local authorities.
"Basically this is not a job opportunity. It is a cultural exchange program," explained Yoshi Kono, JET program coordinator at the Japanese Consulate in Chicago, which serves 10 Midwest and Plains states. "The JET ambassadors do not replace Japanese English teachers. They supplement Japanese English teachers. They are helping to enhance the internationalization in Japan by teaching English."
Indeed, Japanese authorities have been working hard to open up their nation to the world, and the 21-year-old JET program is one means. Last year, JET brought 5,508 foreigners to Japan from 44 countries.
Go here for the entire article.
Culture swap takes youths East
EDUCATION | Local twentysomethings part of Midwest contingent spending year in Japan as ambassadors
July 27, 2007
BY NEIL VERSEL
Flights to Tokyo will leave as normal from O'Hare International Airport on Saturday, but aboard one trans-Pacific plane will be nearly 200 young adults who will stay in Japan for at least a year.
The group is the Midwestern contingent in a Japanese government program developed to promote cultural exchange at the local level. Called the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, or JET, the plan brings people from all over the world to the Far East to teach English or work at prefectorial governments and other local authorities.
"Basically this is not a job opportunity. It is a cultural exchange program," explained Yoshi Kono, JET program coordinator at the Japanese Consulate in Chicago, which serves 10 Midwest and Plains states. "The JET ambassadors do not replace Japanese English teachers. They supplement Japanese English teachers. They are helping to enhance the internationalization in Japan by teaching English."
Indeed, Japanese authorities have been working hard to open up their nation to the world, and the 21-year-old JET program is one means. Last year, JET brought 5,508 foreigners to Japan from 44 countries.
Go here for the entire article.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Why I love Japan - Entry 1
From the people that brought you Kobayashi, I give you the Mega Mac.
How is this thing not in America? At 754 calories, it's a heart attack waiting to happen. Remember the Gilbert Burger? The Mega Mac is actually available as a value meal complete with a soft drink, fries, AND chicken nuggets!
Naturally, I had to try one.
I've only been here a week, but the Japanese find ways to surprise me every day. A Big Mac? Not bad. But a Mega Mac? Goddamn. Now there's a sandwich.
How is this thing not in America? At 754 calories, it's a heart attack waiting to happen. Remember the Gilbert Burger? The Mega Mac is actually available as a value meal complete with a soft drink, fries, AND chicken nuggets!
Naturally, I had to try one.
I've only been here a week, but the Japanese find ways to surprise me every day. A Big Mac? Not bad. But a Mega Mac? Goddamn. Now there's a sandwich.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Tokyo in pictures
Streets of Shinjuku
View over the city
For Brian ('Cos It Already Is)
Juxtaposition
Waterfall
Shinjuku-Chuo Park
Tokyo by night
Karaoke
Through the looking-glass
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