Japan Blog

Watching The World Economy Tank: A Bird Photo

2012-02-16T20:32:00.001-08:00

Watching the world economy tank is better than sticking your head in the sand.

Or, is it ?

Link to full article

Super Iiwake, pt. 1: The Gas Face

2012-02-16T18:13:00.001-08:00

Readers of Loco in Yokohama may recall the game I created a couple of years ago called Iiwake.

The rules were pretty straight forward…simple even. The player must come up with an excuse (Iiwake is Japanese for excuse) for the bizarre behavior of the people in their vicinity and, based on the excuse’s creativity and humor (if possible), points were rewarded. The point system went a little something like this:

Give yourself 20 points if you make yourself laugh (reduced to 15 points if you laugh out loud), 10 points for merely creative Iiwake, 5 points for mediocre, -10 points if you fail to come up with an Iiwake and -50 points if you even think a negative thought about your fellow Japanese-flavored human beings.

As I mentioned at the time, my high score was 175 (hurrah, it was a banner day in Yokohama) and my low? Well, it was too embarrassing to mention.

I’d explained I created the game for three reasons:

1- To address my growing suspicion that I was becoming paranoid, thinking that everything going on around me was somehow being caused by me or was as a direct result of my presence. To get out of my head, as it were (never a bad thing), and try to see life through another’s eyes, so to speak.

2- To gather ammo in my ongoing internal war against the part of me that finds most Japanese people cowards and unconscionable cowards and xenophobic to boot, thus repulsive. Because, if that side of me was to win I would be forced to leave this land that I have grown to adore with a bitter resentment. And,

3- Simply for entertainment. If I could laugh at them or at myself then I would feel so much better. I’m a firm believer in the maxim one must never, ever, lose one’s sense of humor. Never!

If I could find other reasons and/or rationalizations for their behavior something that paranoia had until now blinded me to, then I’d score points and so would they.

It’s a Win-Win kind of game.

(Longtime readers of my blog, and of course those who purchased my book, Hi! My Name is Loco and I’m a Racist, — see chapter 10 — know how this game played out.)

Well, the other day, following a rather terse conversation with a high-level private student who’d read (and loved) my book, I was finally inspired to upgrade the game. Thus the birth of Super Iiwake.

And, as before, this is not for the faint of heart! And, parental guidance is suggested

This conversation, which took place in a cafe in Yokohama, as per usual, and went a little something like this:

Me: …so you enjoyed the book?

Student: Oh Yeah! I loved it…you have an interesting style. I couldn’t stop reading. And you have really lived a fascinating life!

Me: Some of it, yeah, I guess.

Student: I think you misunderstand something about Japanese people, though.

Me: Well, set me straight…I’ll put it in my next book. Life is a learning process, you know?

Student: Sou da ne. Well, it’s about the, eeto, the empty seat…

Me: Uh huh…

Student: Do you think that Japanese don’t sit next to you because we are racists?

Me: I don’t think there’s only one reason. And I don’t know every individual’s reason… From my Japanese friends and people I’ve spoken to about it, I’ve gotten a number of excuses…I mean, reasons. So, in the book I focused more on my response to the seat, not so much the cause. You know?

Student: I can tell you the reason.

Me: You mean, there’s only one?

Student: … (pregnant 30 seconds of cogitation)

Me: So, what do you think the one reason is?

Student: I talked to my co-workers about this and they all say the same thing…

Me: What did they say?

Student: They are afraid that a foreigner might speak English to them and embarrass them.

Me: OK…

Student: It’s true!

Me: I’m sure it is.

Student: Then, why did you make that face?

Me: Sorry…I think I might have gas…

Student: …

Me: Seriously.

Student: You don’t think it’s a language issue?

Me: Sometimes, yeah, of course it is.

Student: …

Me: Well, think of this way…let’s say you lived in Jamaica… And everywhere you went people avoided coming near you like you had a disease, and evaded you when possible like you were a dangerous animal…Don’t laugh, I’m serious! Not everyone, of course…but a significant portion,..let’s say a solid 50% of the strangers you encounter on a daily basis do it, to some extent. Some even run when they see you! So you ask your Jamaican friends or the students you’re teaching Japanese to…you ask them about this and they say, “oh don’t pay those people any mind. Jamaicans are just afraid of being embarrassed by people who don’t speak English or Patois. And since you’re Asian they assume you can’t speak either language. It’s nothing personal…” What would you think?

Student: … (gives me the gas face)

To be continued…

PS Remember this classic?

Link to full article

Attention Pinterest and Instagram Users

2012-02-16T05:40:00.001-08:00

For all you avid pinners and phone photographers, just want to you let you know that Surviving in Japan (currently pictured as myself - Ashley) is now on Pinterest and Instagram (survivinginjapan).

Pinterest is a virtual "pinboard" where you can "pin" any image you might come across while browsing the web. You can follow others' pinboards, and you can browse all pins that are shared publicly, "repinning" onto your own boards if you'd like, liking or leaving comments. It's already hugely popular among foodies, fashionistas and all other creative types (but it isn't only good for those fields). It's still invite-only, so if you don't have access to an invite and would like one, let me know (I'll need an email address to send it to you).

I'm experimenting on Pinterest but I'm working on boards you might like such such as "Products for Living in Japan," "Where to Go in Japan," and "Japan Photos," among others. You can find my boards here.

As for Instagram, it's an iPhone-only app for sharing photos. I just joined the bandwagon, so perhaps many of you are already using it. Would love to connect with you there as well and see/share photos. Username is survivinginjapan.

My family is recovering from the flu, but look forward to how to do an online redelivery with Sagawa in the next few days.

Link to full article

Ten More Photos: The Okinawa International Orchid (蘭) Show

2012-02-16T00:38:00.001-08:00

Here it is ten days later and I just finished developing all the flower photos from the 2012 Okinawa International Orchid (蘭) Show.

Ten more, never seen before, orchid photos that I'm posting on the blog because I said I would.

These photos are in the sequence I shot them as I was going through the place. Normally, you'd put your best shot first in the series to attract visitors. But, I'm tired of looking at flowers right now so, I'll just throw them on here and let you tell me which photo you think is the best. Hah !

It was hard to believe, they had a piano in the place. I figured out why that red rope was there, too.

It's not like I wanted tp play the thing or anything like that.

When this gal that worked there saw me sneaking around, they sent a staff person to tail me wherever I went the rest of the day.

All I was gonna do was take off my flip flops and stand on top of the thing to compose a shot like nobody else would get.

What'd they think I was, some sort of animal ?

Anyway, I guess you aren't supposed to play the piano, or stand on top of it, either.

Just to prove I'm a regular guy, I let some people appear in my photos.

Then, when they got out of the scene, I quit biting my tongue and shot the photos they way I wanted to. Do you like peope in your pictures ?

Here you go, another flowers and people photo.

The lighting inside these buildings is a bit challenging but, it sure beats being outdoors on a cold and windy February day.

Just when I thought no one was looking, I managed to climb up on something for this shot.

But, I got caught and apologized. And, put my flip flops back on again.

The rest of the day, I stayed on the ground.

The next time I go back up to the Tropical Dream Center

I'll let that gal pick out her favorite photo and print one for her.

Who knows ? Maybe she'll let me stand on the piano, next year !

RELATED POSTS:

TEN PHOTOS: THE 2012 OKINAWA INTERNATIONAL ORCHID SHOW

ORCHID LOVERS A TRAVEL PHOTO THURSDAY ESSAY FOR YOU !

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Good news

2012-02-15T10:34:00.001-08:00

Dear friends,

We have good news, Muza-chan is now out of danger and her condition is improving. She is in great hands, receiving the best treatment possible.

We were overwhelmed to tears by your wonderful response. We received hundreds of messages by email, website comments, Google+ and Twitter.
We want to thank you all so much for your prayers, compassion, encouragement and support.

Her family

Link to full article

Celebrate Black History with Loco #4: Zora Neale Hurston

2012-02-15T01:44:00.001-08:00

I was in my early twenties the first time I read “Their eyes were watching God.”

I was an avid reader but rarely had I been so moved as I was while reading this book.

I didn’t know who Zora was. We’d never learned about her when I was a child. My elementary school primarily focused us students on the greatness of African Americans, particularly in the Arts. We were encouraged to read many books by popular and even some not so popular black writers. But, Zora was not among them. There was “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker, of course. And, the choreo-poem, “For Colored girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” by Ntozake Shange. And then there was “Sula” by Toni Morrison and one of my all time favorites, “The Friends” by Rosa Guy (the first book to actually make me cry almost throughout).

But, no Zora.

She was a lost treasure, basically, til Alice Walker went in search of the woman and found her unmarked grave somewhere in Florida where she died the romantic death of an artist, penniless and under appreciated.

Thank you, Ms. Walker! And may the Creator’s blessings remain upon you forever!

“Their eyes were watching good” is held up as Zora’s masterpiece. At the time it was published, however, it was not. Even other writers I admired trashed it. Richard Wright, for one, shredded it in a review. Accused her of pandering to white superiority. Said she was trying to tell a story that would only appeal to them. That black folk didn’t need stories that portrayed them as quaint and illiterate circulating about reinforcing what whites already believed, while intellectuals like him get looked upon as freaks and exceptions to the rule of black inferiority.

These were troubled times for blacks in the America. We were holding on to our dignity and self-esteem with our teeth and fingernails.

And, Zora comes along and writes a powerful novel starring characters so plain-spoken as to resemble caricatures, dialogues written phonetically so that most readers would have to read the conversations aloud to even understand what the characters were saying, as they lived out there lives of simplicity free of white influence, in the first incorporated black township in America.

It was audacious. Profound. She was post-race before people could even envision post-race. Even now we can only glimpse it. I think it was because she was an anthropologist. She studied people, the way they lived and the way they talked. She travelled a great deal in the South of the US and in the Caribbean, and learned things that people trapped in the US mindset couldn’t understand at the time.

I think she discovered something in her travels. Travelling, not to take pictures of famous places and come home to show them to friends, but to study about life and humanity, does something to a person. It frees the mind from the constraints that most people aren’t even aware of. Digging up folklore, and listening to the stories passed down through the ages orally, as they were done traditionally, and the nature of things becomes more apparent.

I suspect.

And this is what Zora brought to all her work. This discovery,though language is power, that laced in language is love. That language, spoken language, has an inherent poetry and vividness that is lost when it is comtemporized and formalized. The beauty gets lost.

Zora never lost it.

Love you Zora. Thank you for keeping the oral tradition alive even in print. Your work is miraculous. A tradition that you taught us all is worth preserving.

Loco

PS: In case you didn’t know, your boy Loco is looking a place in black history right in the face with the publishing of his critically acclaimed first book: Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist! (now available from both Amazon and Barnes & Noble online!).

This book reflects my own knowledge and love of black history, which began with my parents making sure I learned it in lieu of “American” or “Eurocentric” history from the tender age of six.

This book is more than about life in Japan. It is a memoir of my active participation in several major movements and how these events have helped shape my current world view for the better! Don’t take my word for it. LET READERS TELL YOU: See what they’ve said here on Amazon

Get your copy here.

For more info, check out the book’s webpage here: www.himynameisloco.com

Link to full article

The Canon G12 Captures the Camouflaged Butterfly (Photos)

2012-02-15T01:17:00.001-08:00

This series of five photos was produced from one RAW photo file taken with the Canon G12.

The pile of leaves has one of those ninja butterflies, I run into sometimes.

Can you spot the camouflaged Butterfly ? Me neither.

Using the 12 Megapixel (MP) RAW file to produce a second JPEG photo at 6MP brings the little master of disguise into view a bit more clearly. But, he's still hard to spot.

So, I went back and made another photo at 3MP, enlarging the critter a bit more.

And for anyone, like myself, who doesn't like putting reading glasses on, I went back to the original RAW file to crop the photo down to 1 Megapixel. See him, now ?

Just in case, I made a 5th JPEG at some secret dimensions, I consider unfit for printing, but you can see the camouflaged butterfly pretty clearly.

The Canon G12 hasn't been around me long enough for a full blown Mad Mike's Review.

But, I'll tell you this, right now. For a hand held point and shoot camera it takes some awesome pictures. I'm usually the one screaming at my shooting partners about failing to use their tripods. But, I had put mine away for the day when I spotted this butterfly and just grabbed the G12 out of my cargo pocket and started snapping away.

They have some super deals on these Canon G12 cameras going on right now at

ADORAMA CAMERA

If I would have waited, I could have had an extra hundred dollars beer money in my pocket !

SHUCKS

VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR: THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

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Signed, Sealed & Delivered…Loco’s Yours!!

2012-02-14T09:03:00.001-08:00

***This is a special LOVE DAY offer for you guys and gals living here in Japan!***

Are you interested in getting your physical hands on a physical autographed copy of the critically acclaimed book, Hi! My Name Is Loco and I am a Racist?

That’s Right! Signed, sealed and delivered to your front door…

Sure, you are!

Well, for the first 50 people who respond to this post you’ll get just that!

Just send me an email to: loco@himynameisloco.com to reserve your copy!

The cost: ¥1500 (plus shipping and handling) Roughly, ¥2000!!

You make out much better than with Amazon (no int’l shipping), PLUS you get the author’s autograph! Who knows? It might be worth something someday (-;

PS: And, oh yeah, do me a favor and send me (or post) a pic of yourself holding the book and smiling like you’ve hit the lottery!

Love,

Loco

Link to full article

These Birds on Valentine's Day Cracked Me Up (Photos)

2012-02-14T03:06:00.001-08:00

She's like, lookin' peeved about somethin' and ready to let someone know.

HOW COULD YOU FORGET VALENTINE'S DAY ?

You forgot our anniversary, Mom's birthday and my birthday, too !

HOW COULD YOU FORGET VALENTINE'S DAY ?

While she's still screaming at the top of her little bird's lungs, he's like,

IT'S BECAUSE I'M A GUY. WE FORGET STUFF LIKE THAT. OK ?

Well, the one-sided conversation goes on and on and on.

And right about the time it's almost over he remembers something important.

Guys never forget important stuff.

He went bowling.

GUYS, DON'T FORGET IT'S IMPORTANT TO YOUR SWEETHEARTS.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !

Link to full article

Spirits, Vittles, and Discourse: An Evening at a Speakeasy with Loco

2012-02-13T18:52:00.001-08:00

Are you in the Tokyo area, or will you be on March 2nd? Would you like to spend a lovely evening with great vibes, great people and a book that readers say lives up to the hype?

Well, here’s your chance!

For I will be doing my first reading of my new book that evening at a lovely venue in Yoyogi- Uehara called Biscotti Tapas. I visited there one evening last year and had a wonderful time! It’s an ideal venue for my inaugural reading and for an intimate Q&A with a few choice readers.

This event is being promoted, curated, and coördinated by the fine people at The Cat’s Meow, primarily that lovely, talented and energetic Gal-About-Town, @Kimiecat

So, have you been wanting to meet the man and mind behind Loco in Yokohama but haven’t had the chance?

Have you wanted to get yourself a copy of his new book, “Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist“ but were waiting for the trade paperback version to be made available? Did you want your copy signed by the man himself? Have you prayed on bended knee for the opportunity to ask him questions directly about this controversial, critically acclaimed book?

Is my referring to myself in 3rd person creeping you out, too? lol

Well, in the inimitable words of Mr. Bob Barker, “Come on, down!”

The venue is small (this is Japan) so we’re accepting only thirty (30) reservations, on a first come / first serve basis (and according to Kim, 8 of those are already spoken for as of the moment of this posting: 2/14/2o12 10:50 am) So, don:t delay, reserve today!

Foe more information and to reserve your spot at this event, please visit Kimiecat’s homepage here: The Cat’s Meow

Looking forward to meeting you!

Loco

Link to full article

Flowers for Muza-chan and a Get Well Soon, Gal !

2012-02-13T17:29:00.001-08:00

Today I received word that Muza-chan, one of the Top Bloggers Japan, has been admitted to a hospital emergency room with diabetes and was unable to post her daily Japan Photo.

Being the clod that I am, I don't really know what to do so, I'm posting these flowers for her.

Muza-chan, Get well soon.

We miss your Japan Photo Per Day !

And, you better get well so, you can have one online, tonight. OK ?

PHOTO OF THE DAY: ELEPHANT EARS IN THE RAIN

Link to full article

Temporary interruption

2012-02-13T11:04:00.001-08:00

Dear all,

Instead of today’s Daily Photo from Japan, we are sadly announcing that our beloved Muza-chan has just been admitted to emergency room, due to sudden diabetes.
Since she started the Daily Photo series, she never missed a day! She asked us to continue her work, but we think you will agree with us, that she’s simply irreplaceable…

Hoping that she’ll return soon, we are praying for her health and recovery,
Her family

Link to full article

25 Useful and Informative Japan Links From the Past 2 Weeks

2012-02-13T10:36:00.001-08:00

Sunset outside a train station in summer. I miss summer. Desperately.

Here we are with another round of Top Japan Links from the past two weeks. I'm now sick with the flu and trying to prevent the baby from catching it. So whilst I try to rest and recover, please enjoy, and have a lovely Valentine's Day! -Ashley

Living in Japan

Flu outbreak hits more than 2.11 million nationwide (Japan Today) - I'm now one of those numbers, unfortunately. Please be careful...

Depression is a national ailment that demands open recognition in Japan (Japan Times)

Police caution more than 10,000 in Tokyo for breaking bicycle rules (Japan Today) - Look out Tokyo cyclists on the 10th of each month.

Government to create new child care program in '15 (The Daily Yomiuri) - This is essentially to combine kindergartens and day care centers.

More part-timers to become eligible for health insurance, pension programs (Japan Today)

Japan takes #1 spot for most shipments from U.S. (Japan Today) - Expats living in Japan aren't the only ones ordering from abroad! Also talks about a useful company that can act as your U.S.-based address.

Tokyo, Saitama, Kagoshima enter Hay Fever season (The Daily Yomiuri) - Link is in Japanese, but if you have Springtime allergies, you may want to start your preparations...

Privacy and Net cafes — a tale of two cities (Japan Times) - I had no idea sexual assault happens in internet cafes. What do you think, how private should internet cafes be?

Immigration cuts lengthy detention for foreigners (Japan Times) - Hopefully you never find yourself in this situation, though.

On a similar note, @lkp48 said "Narita now has signs saying "you must produce your alien card" if you hold a reentry permit." - Has anyone else seen this?

KDDI's 'au Smart Pass' offers unlimited app download at flat rate (Japan Today) - Starting from March 1st.

24% of coastal municipalities lack plans for issuing evacuation alerts (Japan Times) - This is a bit disconcerting...

Illustrated earthquake home prepardness guide (pdf)

Japan to build tsunami warning systems in space and on the sea floor (The Daily Yomiuri)

Just for Fun

Gundam park to open in Odaiba (Japan Times) - Gundam is no longer in Shizuoka, but you can check him out now in Odaiba.

Let’s Get a Foursquare Limited Tokyo Badge! (Asiajin) - If you're on Foursquare and are or will be in Tokyo in the near future, you may want to get this special, limited-time badge.

On Finding a Rubbish Bin in Japan (This Japanese Life) - I had never thought it could possibly be related to the sarin gas attacks...

Why Japan doesn't celebrate the Lunar New Year to the extent of its Asian neighbors (JETwit) - Did you know that many of the current holidays should have been changed/moved when Japan switched from the lunar calendar? Neither did I.

Hello Kitty's Citizenship Controversy: Is She British or Japanese? (TIME) - I am most amused that they actually called Sanrio about the whole thing.

Automatic dishwashers: the square peg in the round hole of Japanese kitchens (Yen for Living) - Ever wonder why finding a "real" automatic dishwasher is so difficult in Japan? (I'm not counting those countertop things as the same, as I'm skeptical they work as well - feel free to correct me if I'm wrong).

Food

Would you order curry with everything on it from CoCo Ichiban? (Rocket News 24) - This looks and sounds truly disgusting. Would you try it?

Okonomiyaki – Japanese Savory Pancake, Osaka Style (Lovely Lanvin) - Who doesn't like okonomiyaki?

Fukushima Nuclear Crisis/Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami-related

"Gov. failed to keep minutes of meetings of various units it set up to cope with March 11 earthquake and tsunami" (Japan Times) - Um, probably not a good idea...

Scientists say contamination of ocean fish minimal so far (Japan Times)

Area near Yokohama school closed due to high radiation levels (Japan Today)

NHK to broadcast documentary series for 9 days to mark 1st anniversary of March 11 disaster (Japan Today) - Can't believe it's almost been a year.

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: French Kiss - Kakko warui I love you

2012-02-13T07:19:00.039-08:00

French Kiss - Kakko warui I love you:

Link to full article

Sunday's Silly Sign (Photo) FEB 12, 2012 Boat May Tipple

2012-02-13T07:19:00.037-08:00

This Sunday's Silly Sign comes from the west coast of Okinawa, Japan.

The weather was sort of unpredictable when I spotted this sign.

There's a saying I have about the weather in the Ryukyu Islands.

It goes like this,

"If you don't like the weather in Okinawa, you can either wait five minutes for it to change or, go to the other side of the island."

My home is on the east coast of the island so, after I read

BOAT MAY TIPPLE DOWN

I went home.

MORE SILLY SIGNS MAY BE SEEN IN THE DOOZIES

PHOTO OF THE DAY: OGIMI DRAGONBOAT

Link to full article

Japanese architecture, Osaka Broadcasting Station, History Museum and a travel tip

2012-02-13T07:19:00.035-08:00

If you like modern architecture, one of the most interesting cities to visit in Japan is Osaka. I already presented a few very interesting skyscrapers like the Gate Tower Building, the Rinku Gate Tower Building (second tallest building in Japan) and the spectacular Umeda Sky Building.

Today, I would like to show you a complex built in 1991 near the Osaka Castle, including the NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station and the Osaka Museum of History. The two buildings are independent, but they were designed to harmonize well together. The building in the forefront of this photo, with the entrance through the spherical glass dome, is the Osaka Museum of History (Ōsaka Rekishi Hakubutsukan) and the building in the back is the 135-meters-tall NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station.

An interesting fact related to this complex is that it was built on the place where once was the Naniwa Palace (Naniwa-no-miya), a palace built in 645 by the Emperor Kōtoku, when Osaka was the capital of Japan.

Travel tip: Besides the Osaka Castle, here you can also visit the foundations of the throne room, at the Naniwa Palace Site Park, located across the Hanshin Expressway. Even more interesting, at the last floor of the museum you will find a full-size replica of the Naniwa Palace interior.

Click on photo for higher resolution:

NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station, Osaka Museum of History, Osaka

Info:

	`Nikon D300`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 8mm`
	`Aperture: F/7.1`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/6400s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Popular Japanese food, salt grilled Ayu

Link to full article

What to do if You're in a Car Accident in Japan - Part 3

2012-02-13T07:19:00.033-08:00

Editor's note: This is part 3 and the final post in the "What to do if You're in a Car Accident" series, written by David Thompson. If you haven't yet, be sure to read part 1 and part 2. This series is a must-read for anyone driving in Japan. -Ashley

I wish I could tell you that the beginner driver’s course was a great experience. However, as you all can probably imagine, it wasn’t. The morning consisted of a written driver’s aptitude test, group discussion, and driving practice on the school’s course. It was during the group discussion time that I was able to ask a lot of questions which I will share with you all shortly.

After a lunch break, we went out into onto the actual streets for driving practice, used a really expensive driving simulator to simulate braking in bad conditions, and then spent the rest of the time talking. While this might not sound that bad, the eight-hour course only had about five hours of actual content and we spent the other three hours talking, which is not something I wanted to be doing when I had an upset baby and exhausted wife waiting for me at home. It’s important to note that since the detailed contents of the course are determined by each driving school, this can differ depending on where you go.

The driving simulator:

Well, enough of that, let’s get to the interesting stuff I learned during the morning discussion.

Words to know:

交通違反	こうつういはん	koutsuu ihan	traffic violation
点数制度	てんすうせいど	tensuu seido	point system
基礎点数	きそてんすう	kisotensuu	base points
付加点数	ふかてんすう	fukatensuu	additional points
反則金	はんそくきん	hansokukin	fine
免許停止	めんきょていし	menkyo teishi	suspended license (免停 for short)
免許取消し	めんきょとりけし	menkyo torikeshi	license revocation

For Beginner Drivers
Japan has a strict traffic violation system, especially for beginner drivers. For the majority of you that got to skip this beginner year when you got your license, congratulations! The rest of you (including myself), beware!

Take a look at this diagram:

As a beginner driver, if you don’t get into any accidents or have any traffic violations that add up to three points (will talk about the point system in "For All Drivers" below) in your first year of driving, you move on with no problems (blue line in diagram). However, even the slightest accident or violation, which you might have gotten away with only a ticket or a slap on the wrist if you weren’t a beginner, will somehow end up being three points or more and will force you to take the beginner driver’s course I had to take (first yellow box on the left).

If you take the course (second yellow box from the left) and don’t cause any more problems in the remainder of your first year, you are good to go (yellow line).

On the other hand, if you somehow fail to take the course or get any sort of traffic violation before your beginner year ends (first red box from the left and red box after "Take Beginner's Course" in yellow), then you have to take the full 100 question written test (that almost all of us didn’t have to take if you had your driver’s license from your home country translated). If you pass, congratulations, but don’t cause any more problems in your first year. If you fail the test, which is most likely since the passing rate for beginner drivers in this case is only 5%, your license gets revoked.

For All Drivers
Japan’s traffic violations (交通違反) have a point based system (点数制度). Whatever infraction points you get for any accident or violation will add up over a three-year period and as you reach certain point totals there are penalties. Not to mention that certain violations also come with fines and/or jail time.

Here’s a diagram of the point totals and their corresponding penalties (definitions for terms in kanji are above).

How many points do you get for what kind of violation? Here’s a picture of part of the list (not all violations are translated below):

You can also find the list online at the following links (Japanese only, but you can use Rikaikun for Chrome or Rikaichan for Firefox to translate terms, or copy/paste to an online/computer dictionary, or use Google Translate):

Traffic Violation Points pg. 1
Traffic Violation Points pg. 2

The website above also lists the jail time for certain violations. I tried to find the list in English but wasn’t able to so if anyone knows where to find one, please let us know.

As you can see from the list, driving with any sort of blood alcohol level will basically get your license revoked. The list in the links is slightly different from the one displayed above, as they say, "酒気帯び
点数" and have two numbers separated by a slash (e.g. 14/25). The number on the left indicates if blood alcohol level is below .25 and the number on the right is if your blood alcohol level is above. Points are also `added on if you injured someone in an accident.

What happens if your license is revoked? During your probation period (minimum of a year) you will be required to take a course for people who have had their license revoked. However, in order to take the course you must acquire a temporary license (good for only six months), so you also have to take that test and pass. After that you will have to go through the process of getting your license which can be split into two different options.

Option A: More expensive but quicker.
After completing the course previously mentioned, you can enroll in a driving school during your probation period. After graduating from the school and once your probation period ends, head to the licensing center and take the written test. If you pass you will get your license.

Option B: Takes longer but cheaper
After completing the course, instead of enrolling in a driving school, you can choose to practice driving (on actual streets) instead. This method will require you to obtain a minimum of 10 certified practice hours, which means you will need someone in the car with you to sign off on your hours and these must be completed no earlier than three months before you go to get your license again. After your probation period is over you can head to the licensing center and take the written and practical tests. If you pass, you will be required to take a short class when you get your license and then also take a high speed driving course before you can get your license.

Things to avoid:

Drinking and driving (like I mentioned above)
Telling a police officer you were tired while driving (automatic 25 points, which gets your license revoked with a 2 year probation)

Other random pieces of information:

Not stopping long enough at a railroad crossing is a two point infraction and a 9,000 yen fine (for a 普通 car)
Driving more than 3km in the right line when you’re not passing someone can get you pulled over
Driving while using your cell phone is a one point infraction and 6,000 yen fine, but if the cell phone causes you to drive dangerously or cause an accident, it is 2 points and a 9,000 yen fine.

All fines must be paid within eight days. Failure to pay the fine on time will require you to appear at the Notification Office in person and you will then be given 11 days to pay. Failure to pay means you will be required to appear in court.

So there you have it. The bottom line is, of course, try not to get in a car accident or get a traffic infraction in Japan, but if it is does happen, hopefully now you have a better idea of what that will entail.

***

David Thompson is currently in his fifth and final year on the JET Program, teaching English at a technical high school. When he's not busy trying to convince teenage boys to pay attention in class, he helps coach baseball at the school (officially), helps Ashley with research and checking Japanese for accuracy, and takes care of baby Ai-chan. He's currently looking for a full-time job in Japan starting in August/September, particularly if it involves working with youth and/or non-profit organizations. You can check out his credentials on LinkedIn.

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: sifow - Clover

2012-02-13T07:19:00.031-08:00

sifow - Clover:

Link to full article

Then and Now (Photos) Kin Kannon Temple Okinawa, Japan

2012-02-13T07:19:00.029-08:00

This photo of Kin Kannon Temple was taken in 1966 by photographer Donn Cuson.

Here is a photo of Kin Kannon Temple taken yesterday afternoon.

Other than Coca Cola and Pepsi vending machines, a cell phone tower and a satellite dish antenna (far left) for the Buddhist Monks to watch TV, the place hasn't changed all that much in the past 46 years.

This temple was built sometime back in the 16th Century as the result of a Buddhist missionary being rescued from a typhoon-wrecked ship by the people of Kin Village.

There are more spirits on these temple grounds than all the other spiritual places I've visited in my travels around the world !

Then Photo was taken with a Canon 7

Now Photo taken with a Canon G12

NOTE: It has been brought to my attention that some folks interested in following this Then and Now Series are experiencing difficulty locating the posts.

In the near future a Then and Now page will be created to make things more reader friendly.

Please, bear with me on this.

There are a few of us Ryukyu Cameramen, really excited about this project.

We are traveling all over the island of Okinawa, Japan doing whatever it takes to identify, locate and recompose those photos on the REMEMBERING OKINAWA Website.

It is a work-in-progress that requires plenty of outdoors exercise, research, patience, and time but, we are determined to document every recognizable site we can find. It's a blast !

Shooting these photos from the same perspective as the original is our goal and that can be a real challenge, at times.

We have received some excellent support from members of local communities in identifying the THEN sites when we tell them it is to obtain a NOW photo, 50-60 years later.

It dawned on me, just this week, we should take photos of the process we go through in making this series. The smiles we encounter on the faces of Okinawan people, the methods we use looking for a certain location, how we get there and some of the trying, hilarious or dangerous situations we get into to take a photo, are all part of the story. A book could be written about it but, we are cameramen, and busy.

The good old Google Search for "Then and Now Photos Okinawa" works fine, for now.
As soon as I get ten in this series of blog posts complete, a Then and Now Page will be created.

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE "THEN AND NOW" PHOTOS:

HAKUGINDO SHRINE

TODOROKI WATERFALL

SUICIDE CLIFF MABUNI OKINAWA

Link to full article

Popular Japanese food, salt grilled Ayu

2012-02-13T07:19:00.027-08:00

If you’re browsing the stalls (yatai) from a Japanese festival (matsuri) and feel the appetizing smell of grilled fish, chances are that you found grilled ayu… a popular delicacy in Japan.

Ayu is a fresh water fish and, like the koi, a symbol of courage and perseverance, because it swims against the current. It is a hard to catch fish and, besides fly fishing, old traditional methods, like cormorant fishing, are still used in some places in Japan.

Ayu is also known as sweet-fish, because of its deliciously sweet taste. One of the most popular cooking methods is to grill it with salt over a charcoal fire (Ayu no shio yaki), like in this photo taken during the New Year’s celebrations at the Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo.

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Salt grilled ayu (ayu no shio yaki)

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 16mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/25s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 640`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: A Shrine that protects… Information Technology

Link to full article

In My Own Words: Interviews / Q&As

2012-02-13T07:19:00.025-08:00

Since the launch of my book, there have been a number of interviews and Q&As done. Below is a comprehensive list of them. Check them out!

***A little FYI: Hi! My name is Loco and I am a racist is available in paperback as well. You can pick up your copy at my book page here: Loco’s Createspace Page

Enjoy the interviews! Drop a line and let me know what you think.

Click Here to read Baye’s Q&A with Our Man, from the infamous blog Our Man in Abiko

Click here for Baye’s Q&A with Corinne of the outrageously popular blog: Always Leaving Things Unfinishe

Click here to read Baye’s Q^A with the fabulous Sci-fi author: Tonya Moore,

Click here to read a Q&A with Amanda of the rising star among blogs: Whoa I’m in Japan

And, below we have a couple of video interviews done via Podcast and Youtube channels. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE FOR THE PAPERBACK!!

That’s right! You can get the trade paperback version of this book right here at: Loco’s Createspace E-Store

And, for those of you who like the convenience of carrying a library around with you in your Smartphone, iPad or other smart device, the Kindle version of this controversial new book remains available from anywhere in the world at Amazon.com. Just follow this link: Kindle Version. You don’t even need to buy a Kindle. Just go to the order page and download (for FREE) a Kindle reader for your Mac, PC or smart phone. Hi! My name is loco… is also available on Barnes and Nobles’ Nook: Click here to download the Nook version. If you need a Nook reader for your PC, Mac or Smartphone, you can click here to download a Nook App for FREE.

You’ll be reading it in minutes! Gotta love the modern world!

Loco

Link to full article

Infographic: Maybe It's Time for A Tick in the Bellybutton Dot Com

2012-02-13T07:19:00.023-08:00

Every day I like to check and see what Google Stats are trying to tell me.

Today I was seeing all these things people are using to find stuff on my blog and decided I'd make an infographic out of it.

So, I took a screenshot to prove, I DON'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP.

People use Bing, Yahoo and Google to search.

They are looking for stuff like birds, flowers, dogs, fish, festivals and funerals.

But, most people coming to Mike's Ryukyu Gallery, today were searching for

ticks on the bellybutton !

Do you think I should grab the domain name

TICK IN THE BELLYBUTTON DOT COM

Before somebody else gets the idea ?

POSTS ABOUT TICKS AND BELLYBUTTONS:

SWISS ARMY KNIFE PRODUCT REVIEW

SWISS ARMY KNIFE, TICK (PHOTOS) NO BELLYBUTTON THIS TIME

TICK IN A BELLYBUTTON (PHOTO) JUST WHAT I NEEDED !

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: My Little Lover - Blue Sky

2012-02-13T07:19:00.021-08:00

My Little Lover - Blue Sky:

Link to full article

A Shrine that protects... Information Technology

2012-02-13T07:19:00.019-08:00

Located on a small hill near Akihabara, Kanda Myojin is one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo, being originally established in 720. It enshrines the famous samurai Taira no Masakado and two of the Seven Gods of Luck, Ebisu and Daikoku. That’s why, from the old times, the shrine was a place where people were coming to pray for happiness, recovery from illness, for prosperity and business success.

But the times are changing and today, people can go to Kanda Myojin to pray for their… IT systems! I’m not kidding… (^_^) Probably because of its proximity to the Akihabara Electric Town, the shrine has become a “guardian of IT data". Yes, Japan delighted me again with this example of tolerance and flexibility…

If you want to go there and buy a charm for “Protection and Safe keeper of IT Data", you will find it in the Phoenix Hall (on the left side in this photo).

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G`
	`Focal Length: 18mm`
	`Aperture: F/5`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/400s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 320`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal Night View

Link to full article

Wildlife Photo: Osprey of Senaga-Jima Okinawa, Japan

2012-02-13T07:19:00.017-08:00

This Osprey was photographed on the Okinawa Island of Senaga-Jima Feb 10, 2012.

The photo was taken using a Pentax K5, a tripod with legs folded (as monopod), shutter release cable and a Pentax 18-250 lens at 250mm.

f/11 1/400 ISO 100 Spotmetered and panning on the bird's eye in flight.

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: Loveholic - Shinkirou

2012-02-13T07:19:00.015-08:00

Loveholic - Shinkirou:

Link to full article

Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal Night View

2012-02-13T07:19:00.013-08:00

Tokyo is one of largest ports in Pacific and it is well known for its multiple cargo and container terminals, but the Port of Tokyo also includes passenger terminals. The newest Tokyo passenger ship terminal, Harumi, opened in 1991, features an observatory and restaurants, from where the passengers can admire Tokyo, Rainbow Bridge and even the Tokyo Tower. But not only the passengers can admire the scenery, from the promenade near the Harumi terminal the view is also spectacular and this is actually one of the best places to admire Rainbow Bridge at night time.

The design of the terminal’s building is gorgeous and original and by night it looks breathtaking…

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G`
	`Focal Length: 29mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/1s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese Customs and Traditions - Chinowa, the ring of purification

Link to full article

Flower Photo: Melastoma. Heck, Just Call It Forest Star

2012-02-13T07:19:00.011-08:00

Here is a new flower, to me, anyway.

At a museum up north in Okinawa, Japan on a cold and windy February day is where I found this. See, I get tired of hanging around inside museums trying to make photos under the harsh indoor lighting. So, I step outside a lot. That gives me a chance to see what's worth shooting outdoors, get some fresh air and a l'il bit of nicotine in my body. So, that's what I do a lot.

The museum photos, I'll get around to developing and posting later. There may even be some great shots. There was this sweetheart of a gal at the place. She turned off lights for me when I asked. You don't find many museums like that these days.

Well, this gal showed me this tree thing with pink flowers growing on it and she told me they are called "Nobotan".

So, I shot them.

The research I did online didn't help much but, I came to the conclusion they are some kind of Melastoma.

There are a whole bunch of places, like Hawaii, that don't like Melastomas.

People call them invasive. And, they call them weeds.

Even Wikipedia !

But, this sweetheart of a gal was real proud of the pretty pink flowers and they don't seem like weeds to me.

One of the names Wikipedia had listed was Forest Starr.

Not sure if that's a person or a flower name. They're asking for help expanding everybody's knowledge about flowers, too.

What the heck. The flowers in Okinawa aren't weeds.

Just call these pink flowers Forest Stars.

That's what I'm gonna do.

And, I promised that sweetheart, LadyE, over at Budget Travelers Sandbox I'd try and dig up some flowers for TRAVEL PHOTO THURSDAY.

Check it out. There are more Valentine's Day surprises there !

PHOTO OF THE DAY: GOLDEN TRUMPET FLOWER

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: Globe - Perfume of love

2012-02-13T07:19:00.009-08:00

Globe - Perfume of love:

Link to full article

Hard Copy is Now Available

2012-02-13T07:19:00.007-08:00

The wait is over!

Hi! My Name Is Loco and I am a Racist

has arrived!

ON SALE NOW!!

For those of you living in the past, who like the feel of slain trees in your hands when you read, the Trade Paperback version of Hi! My name is Loco…is now available. Never let it be said that Loco discriminates against the Old Skool and the Ecologically Unsound. (-;

…and here’s the proof:

CLICK HERE FOR THE PAPERBACK VERSION!!

That’s right! You can get the trade paperback version of this book right here at: Loco’s Createspace E-Store

You’ll be reading it in minutes! Gotta love the modern world!

*****

I’ll be having a book launch party and doing some signings around Yokohama, Tokyo and Kawasaki in the very near future. So stay tuned for that in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, enjoy which ever version you purchase and please leave reviews at the Amazon and Nook pages so that others can know how much you enjoyed the book–and I have every confidence you will!

Thank you, and brace yourself for a game-changing experience!

Regards,

LOCO

Link to full article

Japanese Customs and Traditions - Chinowa, the ring of purification

2012-02-13T07:19:00.005-08:00

If you visited Shinto shrines during summer or winter, you probably noticed these large straw circles, about 2 meters diameter, placed like in this photo from the Ohtori Shrine, Asakusa, Tokyo. This is an old Shinto tradition, with roots in a very old Japanese legend:

Somin Shōrai was a good man who once hosted for a night, in his house, the Kami (Shinto god) of the sea and storms, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. As a reward, Kami taught him how to protect his family against an epidemic that was affecting the village: by wearing around the waist a ring made of reeds.

This ritual takes place twice a year, on the last days of the sixth month of the lunar calendar (which is in June or July) and of the twelfth month (in December). Large rings made of reeds called chinowa, decorated with shide, are installed in front of the shrines, and the passing through chinowa signifies purification and protection against misfortune.

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Ohtori Shrine, Asakusa, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 8mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/400s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Photo participating to Travel Photo Thursday

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Osaka Castle glamorous gold decorations and a travel tip

Link to full article

It’s Real! It’s Realer than Real!!

2012-02-13T07:19:00.003-08:00

First, a little De La to set the mood!

It’s real, it’s realer than real…

It’s not a rumor, y’all! Dreams DO come true! Just do your part, and stay the course…the Creator”ll give you a hand when you need it (-;

Don’t know what else to say…except this:

The Paper version’s coming soon!!

Stay Tuned!

Loco

PS: Damn, 392 pages is thicker than I thought…(-;

PPS:My critically acclaimed first book: Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist! (is now available in both Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook online!) and as you can see above will soon be available in print!

This book is more than a “Japan” book. MUCH, much more! Don’t take my word for it. LET READERS TELL YOU: See what they’ve said here on Amazon

For more info, check out the book’s webpage here: www.himynameisloco.com

Link to full article

A Real Angry Caterpillar Causes an Extremely Short Photo Essay

2012-02-13T07:19:00.001-08:00

This caterpillar-looking creature caught my eye when I was visiting a waterfall in northern Okinawa, Japan.
It was crawling on a wooden post that supports the stairs and handrails leading up out of the falls.

Whenever I find a new critter, I've never seen before, I like to get plenty of photos from every possible angle. That makes the process of identification a lot easier.

Well, this caterpillar didn't like the camera being pointed at him, I guess.

It was hard to decide whether it was grinning or growling when it looked at me.

But, I figured out he was a real angry caterpillar when he struck this pose.

Being this is Okinawa, that guy could know karate.

So, I went home.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: NEST BUILDING

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: French Kiss - Kakko warui I love you

2012-02-12T22:56:00.001-08:00

French Kiss - Kakko warui I love you:

Link to full article

Sunday's Silly Sign (Photo) FEB 12, 2012 Boat May Tipple

2012-02-12T17:55:00.001-08:00

This Sunday's Silly Sign comes from the west coast of Okinawa, Japan.

The weather was sort of unpredictable when I spotted this sign.

There's a saying I have about the weather in the Ryukyu Islands.

It goes like this,

"If you don't like the weather in Okinawa, you can either wait five minutes for it to change or, go to the other side of the island."

My home is on the east coast of the island so, after I read

BOAT MAY TIPPLE DOWN

I went home.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: OGIMI DRAGONBOAT

Link to full article

Japanese architecture, Osaka Broadcasting Station, History Museum and a travel tip

2012-02-12T17:27:00.001-08:00

Travel tip: Besides the Osaka Castle, here you can also visit the foundations of the throne room, at the Naniwa Palace Site Park, located across the Hanshin Expressway. Even more interesting, at the last floor of the museum you will find a full-size replica of the Naniwa Palace interior.

Click on photo for higher resolution:

NHK Osaka Broadcasting Station, Osaka Museum of History, Osaka

Info:

	`Nikon D300`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 8mm`
	`Aperture: F/7.1`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/6400s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Popular Japanese food, salt grilled Ayu

Link to full article

What to do if You're in a Car Accident in Japan - Part 3

2012-02-12T12:25:00.039-08:00

Editor's note: This is part 3 in the "What to do if You're in a Car Accident" series, written by David Thompson. If you haven't yet, be sure to read part 1 and part 2. This series is a must-read for anyone driving in Japan. -Ashley

I wish I could tell you that the beginner driver’s course was a great experience. However, as you all can probably imagine, it wasn’t. The morning consisted of a written driver’s aptitude test, group discussion, and driving practice on the school’s course. It was during the group discussion time that I was able to ask a lot of questions which I will share with you all shortly.

After a lunch break, we went out into onto the actual streets for driving practice, used a really expensive driving simulator to simulate braking in bad conditions, and then spent the rest of the time talking. While this might not sound that bad, the eight-hour course only had about five hours of actual content and we spent the other three hours talking, which is not something I wanted to be doing when I had an upset baby and exhausted wife waiting for me at home. It’s important to note that since the detailed contents of the course are determined by each driving school, this can differ depending on where you go.

The driving simulator:

Well, enough of that, let’s get to the interesting stuff I learned during the morning discussion.

Words to know:

交通違反	こうつういはん	koutsuu ihan	traffic violation
点数制度	てんすうせいど	tensuu seido	point system
基礎点数	きそてんすう	kisotensuu	base points
付加点数	ふかてんすう	fukatensuu	additional points
反則金	はんそくきん	hansokukin	fine
免許停止	めんきょていし	menkyo teishi	suspended license (免停 for short)
免許取消し	めんきょとりけし	menkyo torikeshi	license revocation

How many points do you get for what kind of violation? Here’s a picture of part of the list (not all violations are translated below):

Drinking and driving (like I mentioned above)
Telling a police officer you were tired while driving (automatic 25 points which gets your license revoked with a 2 year probation)

Other random pieces of information:

Not stopping long enough at a railroad crossing is a two point infraction and a 9,000 yen fine (for a 普通 car)
Driving more than 3km in the right line when you’re not passing someone can get you pulled over
Driving while using your cell phone is a one point infraction and 6,000 yen fine, but if the cell phone causes you to drive dangerously or cause an accident, it is 2 points and a 9,000 yen fine.

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: sifow - Clover

2012-02-12T12:25:00.037-08:00

sifow - Clover:

Link to full article

Then and Now (Photos) Kin Kannon Temple Okinawa, Japan

2012-02-12T12:25:00.035-08:00

This photo of Kin Kannon Temple was taken in 1966 by photographer Donn Cuson.

Here is a photo of Kin Kannon Temple taken yesterday afternoon.

This temple was built sometime back in the 16th Century as the result of a Buddhist missionary being rescued from a typhoon-wrecked ship by the people of Kin Village.

There are more spirits on these temple grounds than all the other spiritual places I've visited in my travels around the world !

Then Photo was taken with a Canon FTb

Now Photo taken with a Canon G12

NOTE: It has been brought to my attention that some folks interested in following this Then and Now Series are experiencing difficulty locating the posts.

In the near future a Then and Now page will be created to make things more reader friendly.

Please, bear with me on this.

There are a few of us Ryukyu Cameramen, really excited about this project.

We are traveling all over the island of Okinawa, Japan doing whatever it takes to identify, locate and recompose those photos on the REMEMBERING OKINAWA Website.

It is a work-in-progress that requires plenty of outdoors exercise, research, patience, and time but, we are determined to document every recognizable site we can find. It's a blast !

Shooting these photos from the same perspective as the original is our goal and that can be a real challenge, at times.

We have received some excellent support from members of local communities in identifying the THEN sites when we tell them it is to obtain a NOW photo, 50-60 years later.

It dawned on me, just this week, we should take photos of the process we go through in making this series. The smiles we encounter on the faces of Okinawan people, the methods we use looking for a certain location, how we get there and some of the trying, hilarious or dangerous situations we get into to take a photo, are all part of the story. A book could be written about it but, we are cameramen, and busy.

The good old Google Search for "Then and Now Photos Okinawa" works fine, for now.
As soon as I get ten in this series of blog posts complete, a Then and Now Page will be created.

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THESE "THEN AND NOW" PHOTOS:

HAKUGINDO SHRINE

TODOROKI WATERFALL

SUICIDE CLIFF MABUNI OKINAWA

Link to full article

Popular Japanese food, salt grilled Ayu

2012-02-12T12:25:00.033-08:00

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Salt grilled ayu (ayu no shio yaki)

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 16mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/25s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 640`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: A Shrine that protects… Information Technology

Link to full article

In My Own Words: Interviews / Q&As

2012-02-12T12:25:00.031-08:00

Since the launch of my book, there have been a number of interviews and Q&As done. Below is a comprehensive list of them. Check them out!

***A little FYI: Hi! My name is Loco and I am a racist is available in paperback as well. You can pick up your copy at my book page here: Loco’s Createspace Page

Enjoy the interviews! Drop a line and let me know what you think.

Click Here to read Baye’s Q&A with Our Man, from the infamous blog Our Man in Abiko

Click here for Baye’s Q&A with Corinne of the outrageously popular blog: Always Leaving Things Unfinishe

Click here to read Baye’s Q^A with the fabulous Sci-fi author: Tonya Moore,

Click here to read a Q&A with Amanda of the rising star among blogs: Whoa I’m in Japan

And, below we have a couple of video interviews done via Podcast and Youtube channels. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE FOR THE PAPERBACK!!

That’s right! You can get the trade paperback version of this book right here at: Loco’s Createspace E-Store

You’ll be reading it in minutes! Gotta love the modern world!

Loco

Link to full article

Infographic: Maybe It's Time for A Tick in the Bellybutton Dot Com

2012-02-12T12:25:00.029-08:00

Every day I like to check and see what Google Stats are trying to tell me.

Today I was seeing all these things people are using to find stuff on my blog and decided I'd make an infographic out of it.

So, I took a screenshot to prove, I DON'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP.

People use Bing, Yahoo and Google to search.

They are looking for stuff like birds, flowers, dogs, fish, festivals and funerals.

But, most people coming to Mike's Ryukyu Gallery, today were searching for

ticks on the bellybutton !

Do you think I should grab the domain name

TICK IN THE BELLYBUTTON DOT COM

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: My Little Lover - Blue Sky

2012-02-12T12:25:00.027-08:00

My Little Lover - Blue Sky:

Link to full article

A Shrine that protects... Information Technology

2012-02-12T12:25:00.025-08:00

If you want to go there and buy a charm for “Protection and Safe keeper of IT Data", you will find it in the Phoenix Hall (on the left side in this photo).

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G`
	`Focal Length: 18mm`
	`Aperture: F/5`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/400s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 320`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal Night View

Link to full article

Wildlife Photo: Osprey of Senaga-Jima Okinawa, Japan

2012-02-12T12:25:00.023-08:00

This Osprey was photographed on the Okinawa Island of Senaga-Jima Feb 10, 2012.

The photo was taken using a Pentax K5, a tripod with legs folded (as monopod), shutter release cable and a Pentax 18-250 lens at 250mm.

f/11 1/400 ISO 100 Spotmetered and panning on the bird's eye in flight.

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: Loveholic - Shinkirou

2012-02-12T12:25:00.021-08:00

Loveholic - Shinkirou:

Link to full article

Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal Night View

2012-02-12T12:25:00.019-08:00

The design of the terminal’s building is gorgeous and original and by night it looks breathtaking…

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G`
	`Focal Length: 29mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/1s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese Customs and Traditions - Chinowa, the ring of purification

Link to full article

Flower Photo: Melastoma. Heck, Just Call It Forest Star

2012-02-12T12:25:00.017-08:00

Here is a new flower, to me, anyway.

Well, this gal showed me this tree thing with pink flowers growing on it and she told me they are called "Nobotan".

So, I shot them.

The research I did online didn't help much but, I came to the conclusion they are some kind of Melastoma.

There are a whole bunch of places, like Hawaii, that don't like Melastomas.

People call them invasive. And, they call them weeds.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: GOLDEN TRUMPET FLOWER

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: Globe - Perfume of love

2012-02-12T12:25:00.015-08:00

Globe - Perfume of love:

Link to full article

Hard Copy is Now Available

2012-02-12T12:25:00.013-08:00

The wait is over!

Hi! My Name Is Loco and I am a Racist

has arrived!

ON SALE NOW!!

…and here’s the proof:

CLICK HERE FOR THE PAPERBACK VERSION!!

That’s right! You can get the trade paperback version of this book right here at: Loco’s Createspace E-Store

You’ll be reading it in minutes! Gotta love the modern world!

*****

I’ll be having a book launch party and doing some signings around Yokohama, Tokyo and Kawasaki in the very near future. So stay tuned for that in the coming weeks.

Thank you, and brace yourself for a game-changing experience!

Regards,

LOCO

Link to full article

Japanese Customs and Traditions - Chinowa, the ring of purification

2012-02-12T12:25:00.011-08:00

Somin Shōrai was a good man who once hosted for a night, in his house, the Kami (Shinto god) of the sea and storms, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. As a reward, Kami taught him how to protect his family against an epidemic that was affecting the village: by wearing around the waist a ring made of reeds.

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Ohtori Shrine, Asakusa, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 8mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/400s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Photo participating to Travel Photo Thursday

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Osaka Castle glamorous gold decorations and a travel tip

Link to full article

It’s Real! It’s Realer than Real!!

2012-02-12T12:25:00.009-08:00

First, a little De La to set the mood!

It’s real, it’s realer than real…

It’s not a rumor, y’all! Dreams DO come true! Just do your part, and stay the course…the Creator”ll give you a hand when you need it (-;

Don’t know what else to say…except this:

The Paper version’s coming soon!!

Stay Tuned!

Loco

PS: Damn, 392 pages is thicker than I thought…(-;

This book is more than a “Japan” book. MUCH, much more! Don’t take my word for it. LET READERS TELL YOU: See what they’ve said here on Amazon

For more info, check out the book’s webpage here: www.himynameisloco.com

Link to full article

A Real Angry Caterpillar Causes an Extremely Short Photo Essay

2012-02-12T12:25:00.007-08:00

Whenever I find a new critter, I've never seen before, I like to get plenty of photos from every possible angle. That makes the process of identification a lot easier.

Well, this caterpillar didn't like the camera being pointed at him, I guess.

It was hard to decide whether it was grinning or growling when it looked at me.

But, I figured out he was a real angry caterpillar when he struck this pose.

Being this is Okinawa, that guy could know karate.

So, I went home.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: NEST BUILDING

Link to full article

Celebrate Black History with Loco #3: Ralph Waldo Ellison

2012-02-12T12:25:00.005-08:00

A big part of my motivation for writing “Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a racist” were my experiences with the dehumanizing effect of stereotyping. That is, another group’s inability to see me as an individual. It’s a quite common practice in the world, unfortunately, but minorities in any society tend to get hit with it the most. One of the results of this is this brand of dehumanization is a feeling of invisibility, of being lost under a cloak of stereotypes and not truly full-fledged member of society.

This phenomenon was best captured, IMHO, in the words of Ralph Ellison.

I remember when I was in grade school, I was assigned to write a book report. The name of the book was “Invisible Man.” I was a big Abbott and Costello fan, so naturally I thought it was going to be a creepy tale about, well, an invisible man.

It was…and it wasn’t.

It was about a man, alright. And it was very creepy. Gave me nightmares. Not the kind of book I think should be assigned to 12 and 13 year olds. I was an avid reader, though, and devoured books for fun. But, this one…it was the first book I’d ever read that scared the shit outta me despite the fact I could hardly understand it. I just knew the parts I didn’t understand would scare me all the more.

For example, in the first chapter named “Battle Royal” – a wicked example of understatement – a nameless “ginger-colored” boy, expecting to give a speech and receive a scholarship from some drunken white benefactors, is forced (after watching a naked blond women dance around) to fight 8 other black boys in a ring, all blindfolded, for the white guys’ amusement. Then, after blindly beating the shit out of one another, they were paid, but the money was placed on, unbeknownst to them, an electrified rug and they had to fight one another to retrieve the coins. Then, battered, bleeding and electrocuted, and subject to repeated interruptions replete with racial slurs and other insults of the debased nature, including the editing out, under threat of violence, of the word “equality,” he was allowed to give his speech and receive his scholarship.

WTF right?

: Ralph Waldo Ellison

While public school kids were reading Huckleberry Finn and The Catcher in the Rye (two of the greatest books ever written IMHO), at the behest of my teachers I was reading this book.

Even at that age I knew that I was not Ellison’s target audience. I was the wrong age, and probably the wrong race, too. Ellison was part of the Harlem Renaissance’s black intelligentsia, and this book was written in a style only fellow intelligentsia, or at least well-educated or well-read folk could fully grasp. His target was white people.

At least I used to think so. Now I think it was written for thinkers of any race.

Ralph Ellison won the National Book Award in 1953 for this novel, full of surreal imagery and symbolism. It’s held up as one of the 100 greatest American novels ever written.

I still can’t read it without feeling chills. Without feeling myself disappearing into the eerie landscape of the dream world he fabricated. A dream world forged by the dehumanizing impact of living in a society racially charged predominantly by white hate and ignorance.

Today, I’d like to take a moment and thank Mr. Ellison for writing a book that without a doubt leaves the reader, regardless of race, creed or color, with full recognition of what it feels like to be invisible…and for those who already feel invisible, how to materialize before the eyes of those that would negate your singular existence.

Loco

This book reflects my own knowledge and love of black history, which began with my parents making sure I learned it in lieu of “American” or “Eurocentric” history from the tender age of six.

This book is more than about life in Japan. It is a memoir of my active participation in several major movements and events in modern day history, both black and otherwise, both beautiful and horrid, and how these events have helped shape my current world view for the better! Don’t take my word for it. LET READERS TELL YOU: See what they’ve said here on Amazon

Get your copy here.

For more info, check out the book’s webpage here: www.himynameisloco.com

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: Versailles - The Love From A Dead Orchestra

2012-02-12T12:25:00.003-08:00

Versailles - The Love From A Dead Orchestra:

Link to full article

Osaka Castle glamorous gold decorations and a travel tip

2012-02-12T12:25:00.001-08:00

The Osaka Castle is one of the most glamorous Japanese castles, built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a symbol of its power and richness. It is known that Hideyoshi liked gold so much that he was using it to ornate furniture, weapons and armors… but this was not unusual for the powerful Japanese lords.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi went further and with the help of the tea-ceremony master Rikyu Sen, he built an entire golden tea room: the walls, the pillars and the ceiling were covered in gold and all the tools and vessels were made from gold. An original idea… I wonder if the tea tasted better…

But Hideyoshi went even further with its passion for gold: he covered with gold leaf the tower’s exterior architectural ornamentation, including the shachi (roof ornaments in the form of a mythical ocean fish, creature believed to protect against fire) and the 8 giant fusetora (tigers)… The Osaka Castle was completely rebuilt in 1931, with all the details and ornaments - but, of course, they are not made from gold anymore…

Travel tip: At the 2nd floor of the Osaka Castle’s main tower you can admire a full replica of a golden shachi and fusetora (1.5 meters tall, 3.3 meters wide). Also, the golden tea room was rebuilt and can be admired at the 3rd floor.

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Osaka Castle, Main Tower, Osaka

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G`
	`Focal Length: 40mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/500s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Traditional Japanese fire lookout tower

Link to full article

What to do if You're in a Car Accident in Japan - Part 3

2012-02-12T07:50:00.001-08:00

Well, enough of that, let’s get to the interesting stuff I learned during the morning discussion.

Words to know:

交通違反	こうつういはん	koutsuu ihan	traffic violation
点数制度	てんすうせいど	tensuu seido	point system
基礎点数	きそてんすう	kisotensuu	base points
付加点数	ふかてんすう	fukatensuu	additional points
反則金	はんそくきん	hansokukin	fine
免許停止	めんきょていし	menkyo teishi	suspended license (免停 for short)
免許取消し	めんきょとりけし	menkyo torikeshi	license revocation

How many points do you get for what kind of violation? Here’s a picture of part of the list (not all violations are translated below):

Drinking and driving (like I mentioned above)
Telling a police officer you were tired while driving (automatic 25 points which gets your license revoked with a 2 year probation)

Other random pieces of information:

Not stopping long enough at a railroad crossing is a two point infraction and a 9,000 yen fine (for a 普通 car)
Driving more than 3km in the right line when you’re not passing someone can get you pulled over
Driving while using your cell phone is a one point infraction and 6,000 yen fine, but if the cell phone causes you to drive dangerously or cause an accident, it is 2 points and a 9,000 yen fine.

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: sifow - Clover

2012-02-11T22:42:00.001-08:00

sifow - Clover:

Link to full article

Then and Now (Photos) Kin Kannon Temple Okinawa, Japan

2012-02-11T21:18:00.001-08:00

This photo of Kin Kannon Temple was taken in 1966 by photographer Donn Cuson.

Here is a photo of Kin Kannon Temple taken yesterday afternoon.

This temple was built sometime back in the 16th Century as the result of a Buddhist missionary being rescued from a typhoon-wrecked ship by the people of Kin Village.

There are more spirits on these temple grounds than all the other spiritual places I've visited in my travels around the world !

Then Photo was taken with a Canon FTb

Now Photo taken with a Canon G12

NOTE: It has been brought to my attention that some folks interested in following this Then and Now Series are experiencing difficulty locating the posts.

In the near future a Then and Now page will be created to make things more reader friendly.

Please, bear with me on this.

There are a few of us Ryukyu Cameramen, really excited about this project.

We are traveling all over the island of Okinawa, Japan doing whatever it takes to identify, locate and recompose those photos on the REMEMBERING OKINAWA Website.

It is a work-in-progress that requires plenty of outdoors exercise, research, patience, and time but, we are determined to document every recognizable site we can find. It's a blast !

Shooting these photos from the same perspective as the original is our goal and that can be a real challenge, at times.

We have received some excellent support from members of local communities in identifying the THEN sites when we tell them it is to obtain a NOW photo, 50-60 years later.

It dawned on me, just this week, we should take photos of the process we go through in making this series. The smiles we encounter on the faces of Okinawan people, the methods we use looking for a certain location, how we get there and some of the trying, hilarious or dangerous situations we get into to take a photo, are all part of the story. A book could be written about it but, we are cameramen, and busy.

The good old Google Search for "Then and Now Photos Okinawa" works fine, for now and I promise, as soon as I get ten in this series of blog posts complete, a Then and Now Page will be created.

Link to full article

Popular Japanese food, salt grilled Ayu

2012-02-11T17:11:00.001-08:00

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Salt grilled ayu (ayu no shio yaki)

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 16mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/25s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 640`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: A Shrine that protects… Information Technology

Link to full article

In My Own Words: Interviews / Q&As

2012-02-11T07:33:00.001-08:00

Since the launch of my book, there have been a number of interviews and Q&As done. Below is a comprehensive list of them. Check them out!

***A little FYI: Hi! My name is Loco and I am a racist is available in paperback as well. You can pick up your copy at my book page here: Loco’s Createspace Page

Enjoy the interviews! Drop a line and let me know what you think.

Click Here to read Baye’s Q&A with Our Man, from the infamous blog Our Man in Abiko

Click here for Baye’s Q&A with Corinne of the outrageously popular blog: Always Leaving Things Unfinishe

Click here to read Baye’s Q^A with the fabulous Sci-fi author: Tonya Moore,

Click here to read a Q&A with Amanda of the rising star among blogs: Whoa I’m in Japan

And, below we have a couple of video interviews done via Podcast and Youtube channels. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE FOR THE PAPERBACK!!

That’s right! You can get the trade paperback version of this book right here at: Loco’s Createspace E-Store

You’ll be reading it in minutes! Gotta love the modern world!

Loco

Link to full article

The Buzz on Loco: Interviews / Q&As

2012-02-11T07:06:00.001-08:00

Since the launch of my book, there have been a number of interviews and Q&As done. Below is a comprehensive list of them. Check them out!

***A little FYI: Hi! My name is Loco and I am a racist is available in paperback as well. You can pick up your copy at my book page here: Loco’s Createspace Page

Enjoy the interviews! Drop a line and let me know what you think.

Click Here to read Baye’s Q&A with Our Man, from the infamous blog Our Man in Abiko

Click here for Baye’s Q&A with Corinne of the outrageously popular blog: Always Leaving Things Unfinishe

Click here to read Baye’s Q^A with the fabulous Sci-fi author: Tonya Moore,

Click here to read a Q&A with Amanda of the rising star among blogs: Whoa I’m in Japan

And, below we have a couple of video interviews done via Podcast and Youtube channels. Enjoy!

CLICK HERE FOR THE PAPERBACK!!

That’s right! You can get the trade paperback version of this book right here at: Loco’s Createspace E-Store

You’ll be reading it in minutes! Gotta love the modern world!

Loco

Link to full article

Infographic: Maybe It's Time for A Tick in the Bellybutton Dot Com

2012-02-11T02:58:00.001-08:00

Every day I like to check and see what Google Stats are trying to tell me.

Today I was seeing all these things people are using to find stuff on my blog and decided I'd make an infographic out of it.

So, I took a screenshot to prove, I DON'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP.

People use Bing, Yahoo and Google to search.

They are looking for stuff like birds, flowers, dogs, fish, festivals and funerals.

But, most people coming to Mike's Ryukyu Gallery, today were searching for

ticks on the bellybutton !

Do you think I should grab the domain name

TICK IN THE BELLYBUTTON DOT COM

Before somebody else gets the idea ?

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: My Little Lover - Blue Sky

2012-02-10T22:50:00.001-08:00

My Little Lover - Blue Sky:

Link to full article

A Shrine that protects... Information Technology

2012-02-10T17:15:00.001-08:00

If you want to go there and buy a charm for “Protection and Safe keeper of IT Data", you will find it in the Phoenix Hall (on the left side in this photo).

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Kanda Myojin Shrine, Chiyoda, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G`
	`Focal Length: 18mm`
	`Aperture: F/5`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/400s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 320`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal Night View

Link to full article

Wildlife Photo: Osprey of Senaga-Jima Okinawa, Japan

2012-02-10T05:21:00.001-08:00

This Osprey was photographed on the Okinawa Island of Senaga-Jima Feb 10, 2012.

The photo was taken using a Pentax K5, a tripod with legs folded (as monopod), shutter release cable and a Pentax 18-250 lens at 250mm.

f/11 1/400 ISO 100 Spotmetered and panning on the bird's eye in flight.

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: Loveholic - Shinkirou

2012-02-09T23:24:00.001-08:00

Loveholic - Shinkirou:

Link to full article

Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal Night View

2012-02-09T17:27:00.001-08:00

The design of the terminal’s building is gorgeous and original and by night it looks breathtaking…

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G`
	`Focal Length: 29mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/1s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese Customs and Traditions - Chinowa, the ring of purification

Link to full article

Flower Photo: Melastoma. Heck, Just Call It Forest Star

2012-02-09T05:01:00.001-08:00

Here is a new flower, to me, anyway.

Well, this gal showed me this tree thing with pink flowers growing on it and she told me they are called "Nobotan".

So, I shot them.

The research I did online didn't help much but, I came to the conclusion they are some kind of Melastoma.

There are a whole bunch of places, like Hawaii, that don't like Melastomas.

People call them invasive. And, they call them weeds.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: GOLDEN TRUMPET FLOWER

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: Globe - Perfume of love

2012-02-08T23:02:00.001-08:00

Globe - Perfume of love:

Link to full article

Never Let It Be Said That Loco Discriminates! Trade Paperback is now Available

2012-02-08T22:32:00.001-08:00

The wait is over!

Hi! My Name Is Loco and I am a Racist

has arrived!

ON SALE NOW!!

For those of you who like the convenience of carrying a library around with you in your Smartphone, iPad or other smart device, the Kindle version of this controversial new book is available from anywhere in the world at Amazon.com. Just follow this link: Kindle Version. You don’t even need to buy a Kindle. Just go to the order page and download (for FREE) a Kindle reader for your Mac, PC or smart phone. Hi! My name is loco… is also available on Barnes and Nobles’ Nook: Click here to download the Nook version. If you need a Nook reader for your PC, Mac or Smartphone, you can click here to download a Nook App for FREE.

You’ll be reading it in minutes! Gotta love the modern world!

And for those of you living in the past, who like the feel of slain trees in your hands when you read, the Trade paperback version of Hi! My name is Loco…is also available. Never let it be said that Loco discriminates against the Old Skool and the Ecologically Unsound. (-;

…and here’s the proof:

CLICK HERE FOR THE PAPERBACK VERSION!!

That’s right! You can get the trade paperback version of this book right here at: Loco’s Amazon E-Store

I’ll be having a book launch party and doing some signings around Yokohama, Tokyo and Kawasaki in the very near future. So stay tuned for that in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, enjoy which ever version your purchase and please leave reviews at the Amazon and Nook pages so that others can know how much you enjoyed the book–and I have every confidence you will!

(If you don’t enjoy it, well, I’m sure you have better things to do with your time than write scathing criticism LOL )

Thank you, and brace yourself for a game-changing experience!

Loco

Link to full article

Japanese Customs and Traditions - Chinowa, the ring of purification

2012-02-08T18:24:00.033-08:00

Somin Shōrai was a good man who once hosted for a night, in his house, the Kami (Shinto god) of the sea and storms, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. As a reward, Kami taught him how to protect his family against an epidemic that was affecting the village: by wearing around the waist a ring made of reeds.

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Ohtori Shrine, Asakusa, Tokyo

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 8mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/400s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Osaka Castle glamorous gold decorations and a travel tip

Link to full article

It’s Real! It’s Realer than Real!!

2012-02-08T18:24:00.031-08:00

First, a little De La to set the mood!

It’s real, it’s realer than real…

It’s not a rumor, y’all! Dreams DO come true! Just do your part, and stay the course…the Creator”ll give you a hand when you need it (-;

Don’t know what else to say…except this:

The Paper version’s coming soon!!

Stay Tuned!

Loco

PS: Damn, 392 pages is thicker than I thought…(-;

This book is more than a “Japan” book. MUCH, much more! Don’t take my word for it. LET READERS TELL YOU: See what they’ve said here on Amazon

For more info, check out the book’s webpage here: www.himynameisloco.com

Link to full article

A Real Angry Caterpillar Causes an Extremely Short Photo Essay

2012-02-08T18:24:00.029-08:00

Whenever I find a new critter, I've never seen before, I like to get plenty of photos from every possible angle. That makes the process of identification a lot easier.

Well, this caterpillar didn't like the camera being pointed at him, I guess.

It was hard to decide whether it was grinning or growling when it looked at me.

But, I figured out he was a real angry caterpillar when he struck this pose.

Being this is Okinawa, that guy could know karate.

So, I went home.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: NEST BUILDING

Link to full article

Celebrate Black History with Loco #3: Ralph Waldo Ellison

2012-02-08T18:24:00.027-08:00

This phenomenon was best captured, IMHO, in the words of Ralph Ellison.

It was…and it wasn’t.

WTF right?

: Ralph Waldo Ellison

While public school kids were reading Huckleberry Finn and The Catcher in the Rye (two of the greatest books ever written IMHO), at the behest of my teachers I was reading this book.

At least I used to think so. Now I think it was written for thinkers of any race.

Ralph Ellison won the National Book Award in 1953 for this novel, full of surreal imagery and symbolism. It’s held up as one of the 100 greatest American novels ever written.

Loco

This book reflects my own knowledge and love of black history, which began with my parents making sure I learned it in lieu of “American” or “Eurocentric” history from the tender age of six.

Get your copy here.

For more info, check out the book’s webpage here: www.himynameisloco.com

Link to full article

A Japanese Song per Day: Versailles - The Love From A Dead Orchestra

2012-02-08T18:24:00.025-08:00

Versailles - The Love From A Dead Orchestra:

Link to full article

Osaka Castle glamorous gold decorations and a travel tip

2012-02-08T18:24:00.023-08:00

Travel tip: At the 2nd floor of the Osaka Castle’s main tower you can admire a full replica of a golden shachi and fusetora (1.5 meters tall, 3.3 meters wide). Also, the golden tea room was rebuilt and can be admired at the 3rd floor.

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Osaka Castle, Main Tower, Osaka

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: VR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G`
	`Focal Length: 40mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/500s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Traditional Japanese fire lookout tower

Link to full article

HOW TO: Create an online account with Sagawa

2012-02-08T18:24:00.021-08:00

Next week a post is coming on how to arrange a redelivery online with the delivery company Sagawa. If you don't want to bother with calling (or find it too difficult), arranging a redelivery online is quick and easy once you've signed up and done it a few times. However, in order to do that, you first need to make an account, which I explain below.

Step 1

Go to this page (shown below).

Enter your email address twice, choose computer or cell phone email, and click the blue button on the left to submit.

Step 2

After clicking submit, the following window will show up, and an email will be sent to your specified address. Go find the email and click the link it provides.

Step 3

The page that shows up is all Sagawa's terms. Click the left button if you agree and wish to continue, or the right button if you don't.

Step 4

Now, time to fill out all your personal info. I've filled in each box in the example below with the English translation in red, so follow my prompts. Note: For the address numbers, you'll want to use the "full-width" numbers or type while you're in Japanese mode, so it would look like "１２３", instead of "123".

Step 5

When I first signed up for Sagawa, a few years ago, they didn't have this survey (below), but for some reason they do now. The translated questions are in red, though if you don't know any Japanese at all and don't care to translate the words, just choose an option for each. (For example, for the first question you might just choose "other" or その他 or one of the last two options meaning you don't use electronic money for anything other than the train/bus, or you don't use it at all.) It's just a survey, so it has no effect on your account.

Once you've finished, click 次へ (next).

Step 6

If you want to receive notification emails from Sagawa, you can leave the default button at the top selected (利用する), but if you don't want to receive any at all, choose 利用しない. You can also leave the default selected and individually select each option. I've written the translations and corresponding numbers to each below the first large box.

You don't need to worry about the second and third large boxes - the second is if you want to add another email addresses to have notifications sent to, and the third is if you want to add a family member to the notifications.

After all that, click 次へ (next).

Step 7

Almost done! Now, just look over the information to confirm it's correct, and if it is, click the blue button on the left (登録). The lighter button on the right (戻る) takes you back a page.

After that, you're done! Congrats, you now have a Sagawa account!

Next week: how to arrange a redelivery with Sagawa.

You may also want to check out:
HOW TO: Arrange redelivery online with Yamato (Kuroneko)
HOW TO: Create an online account with Yamato (Kuroneko)
HOW TO: Get something redelivered (online) (Japan Post)

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Photo of the Week: It Really Is A Small World After All !

2012-02-08T18:24:00.019-08:00

Crazy things happen to me all the time.

Like yesterday, I was taking photos at the International Orchid Show.

This guy come up and taps me on the shoulder and says, "Mikesan."

Well, I looked at him and said, " Sashiburi.".

Don't worry. I wasn't cussin'. That's short for "Long time-no see."

Talk about a small world. Sometime, last century, I was the best man at his sister's wedding.

That was in California, USA.

When he found out I was a cameraman, everyone in his group wanted pictures.

Well, some gal handed me one of those throw-away film cameras and I told her I forgot how to operate them. So, I took a few photos with the newfangled thing for them.

Folks, over here, of a certain age, don't have internet and email. That's the easiest way for me to send them printable photo files. Email is kinda scary, ya know and computers even worse.

Dang, I wish I could remember that gal's name from the wedding thing, I did.

Maybe, she has a computer back in California and will recognize her brother.

That way, I could get an address and mail a photo to the guy and his friends.

IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL !

PHOTO OF THE DAY: JAPANESE WHITE EYE

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A Japanese Song per Day: Granrodeo - Infinite Love

2012-02-08T18:24:00.017-08:00

Granrodeo - Infinite Love:

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Traditional Japanese fire lookout tower

2012-02-08T18:24:00.015-08:00

Throughout the history of Japan, the fires were among the main threats: not only because the traditional Japanese houses were built from flammable materials (wood, bamboo, straw and paper), but since the houses were built close to each other, the fire was quickly spreading to adjacent buildings. That’s why, during the Edo period, each neighborhood had its own fire lookout tower (Hinomi-yagura), which was usually the tallest construction in the area. From above, the firemen were able to see a large area, sounding the alarm with a bell…

Today, these towers can be seen only in museums, and I was happy to find this one on the street from Boso no Mura Open Air Museum. It is the simplest version, actually just a 7 meters tall ladder, without any platform, just with the alarm bell… I wonder how the fireman was standing up there…

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Edo fire lookout tower, Boso no Mura Open Air Museum, Chiba

Info:

	`Nikon D90`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 16mm`
	`Aperture: F/5.6`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/120s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 200`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese superlatives, Totekiko, the smallest Japanese Zen rock garden

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Ten Photos: The 2012 Okinawa International Orchid (蘭) Show

2012-02-08T18:24:00.013-08:00

These photos were taken in the Tropical Dream Center at the 2012 Okinawa International Orchid (蘭) Show held every year in Motobu Town's Expo Park.

From the second you walk through the doors, it's like stepping into another world.

Some of the orchids had gold frames in front of them. Great for photography !

The types of different orchids must be in the thousands.

It's best to just wander around and not worry about memorizing all the flowers names.

Just when I was starting to think I could look at a flower and tell it was an orchid.....

.....along comes these guys that look like some kind of fuzzy red or yellow caterpillar.

They are orchids, too !

This Black Cherry Orchid was my favorite.

If you see the owner tell them RyukyuMike made this orchid the winner and I'll hook them up with a free picture of it. I'm not exactly an Orchid Judge, or anything but,

I did win a beer chugging contest, once.

That should count for something.

Down along the red carpet is where you see all the winners.

It' will be awhile before I get the next 200 photos developed and ready to post here.

These ten photos should give you an idea what may be seen at an orchid (蘭) show.

THE 2012 OKINAWA INTERNATIONAL ORCHID SHOW

WILL LAST UNTIL FEB 12, 2012.

DON'T MISS IT !

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A Japanese Song per Day: Seira - Love letter no kawari ni kono uta wo

2012-02-08T18:24:00.011-08:00

Seira - Love letter no kawari ni kono uta wo:

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Japanese superlatives, Totekiko, the smallest Japanese Zen rock garden

2012-02-08T18:24:00.009-08:00

Generally, the Japanese Zen gardens are small, covering just dozens of square meters. The reason is that the viewer must be able to see the entire garden, to understand the symbolic meanings. Some of them are very small, just a few square meters… but the smallest Japanese Zen rock garden is Totekiko, one of the gardens from the Ryōgen-in Temple, Kyoto.

Totekiko was designed by Nabeshima Gakusho in 1958 and it represents a Zen kōan: The harder a stone is thrown in, the bigger the ripples. The garden was built in the small space between two of the temple’s buildings and, depending on the weather outside, in some moments of the day a ray of light comes in and it makes it breathtaking…

Click on photo for higher resolution:

Totekiko, the smallest Japanese Zen rock garden, Ryogen-in Temple, Kyoto

Info:

	`Nikon D300`
	`Lens: 8-16mm F/4.5-5.6`
	`Focal Length: 8mm`
	`Aperture: F/7.1`
	`Shutter Speed: 1/50s`
	`ISO Sensitivity: ISO 320`

Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Cute Jizo Gashapon Machine

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Sunday's Silly Sign (Photo) FEB 5, 2012 Crying Cigarettes

2012-02-08T18:24:00.007-08:00

This Sunday's Silly Sign came from an ashtray just outside some very busy public restrooms in the northern part of Okinawa, Japan.

It was a rather difficult photo to take at night. Sitting down on the sidewalk, pointing a big DSLR camera at the Men's and Lady's room doesn't look so good.

So, in order not to seem like a crazy person and cause a big distraction, no flash was used.

It was bad enough the girls, standing in line behind me, were saying, : "So sad".

Maybe, they could hear the cigarettes crying !

PHOTO OF THE DAY: FERN IN THE FOREST

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Hi! My name is Loco -The not-so Lost Chapters

2012-02-08T18:24:00.005-08:00

Like any creative work, there are always some things that don’t make the final cut for whatever reason.

In the case of Hi! My Name is Loco and I am a Racist! there were several worthy chapters that missed the cut due to time and length constraints.

For those of you who have read and enjoyed the book, and would like a chance to sink your teeth into some of these missing selections (that btw I’m very proud of and regret not being able to include in the final version) then this offer is for you!

And it’s so easy!

For each person you persuade through strong recommendation and endorsement to buy the book I’ll make one of these scintillating chapters available to you!

By no means should this be done at gunpoint…after all, you are a satisfied reader, right? And this was something you were going to do anyway, right?

Just tell your recruit to holler at me on Twitter (@Hi_MyNameisLoco or @Locohama) or Facebook (@Hi! My name is Loco) using the hash-tag #himynameisloco, or in the comment section below with proof that they’ve bought the book on the strength of your personal kuchikomi recommendation, and by midnight on February 19th 2012, you’ll be one of the elite readers with a copy of the Not-So Lost Chapters from my highly acclaimed book.

It’s that simple!

“Here’s an excerpt from one of these chapters just to wet your whistle:

After University, there was an event in the US that polarized, racially, the entire country…virtually no one was excluded. No one was immune.

At the time I was an account executive, a salesman, working in corporate America at a respectable company receiving, after commissions and bonuses, respectable compensation. I was content.

The company was actually pretty diverse comparatively, and the Sales department reflected this diversity. I had co-workers from several minority groups, (Latino, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc…) and the whites were descendants from a number of ethnic groups, as well (Italians, Jewish, Irish, etc…) And, like my experience in the Army, we were all thrown together and expected to get along. Once again it was in the name of the only color that really mattered: green. But, not OD Green. This time around it was Benjamin Franklin Green, the almighty dollar. And, aside from a few minor bumps along the way, we did just that!

We were a happy group of Yuppies, Buppies and what have yous. Since the commissions were based on the group effort, we all bust our asses. Slacking was seriously frowned upon. No one wanted to be the guy or gal bringing up the rear. We’d play basketball together, go drinking together; one of my best friends, til this day, actually sat right beside me.

Life was good.

That is, until this event…

It was June, 17th 1994…I was watching my home team, the Knicks, battling it out against Olajuwan (perhaps the greatest center ever) and the Houston Rockets, game 5 of the NBA Finals, and man was I pissed when breaking news interrupted the game. I can’t even remember if I’ve even seen the end of the game to this day, because this event — for reasons that would become clearer as time went on — rocked the world!

Watching that white Ford Bronco cruising along the highway in a low speed chase, police in cold pursuit, all I could think was: this fucker is guilty just for pulling this shit during the game!

Little did I know at the time, that half of America was watching this same scene at that same moment…like it was the Space shuttle Columbia disaster or Bush’s televised Shock & Awe assault on Iraq. Nor did I know how the events that took place afterward would impact my comfy little diversified workplace, and the entire country, bringing out the ugly little racism that dwells in all of us!

: Click here to see what readers like you are saying!

Is your whistle wet? Wanna read more? Well, go ahead and do what you’d probably been planning to do already and tell a friend to buy the book! Click here!

This is just a little extra incentive…

yours,

LOCO

PS: If you haven’t read the book yet, no need to feel left out. Go ahead and get yourself a copy! Readers say it’s a page-turner they couldn’t put down (see link on left to read reviews), so there’s an excellent chance you’ll finish in plenty of time to participate.

Thank you to all of the readers who have been saying such wonderful things about my labor of love!

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