Bio-gasoline? we've all heard about biodiesel and bioethanol, but what on earth could be bio-gasoline (or renewable gasoline)? Sapphire Energy, the pioneers behind this product claim that it is a new kind of crude oil from one of the world's oldest and most adaptable plants: algae. According to The NY Times (Dec, o7), researches are trying to figure out how to grow enough of the right strains of algae and to extract the oil most efficiently. The biggest challenge is cutting the cost of production (nytimes, 07). For more info, go here

Ikebana or Japanese flower arrangement is an unique Japanese traditional culture. It is said to be originated from 6th century Buddhism, whereby the priests used to collect flowers and branches from mountains etc as their offerings. Today, there are growing numbers of ikebana schools outside of Japan, all exploring and enjoying this unique tradition

Disaster Reduction Museum, Kobe. Just few weeks after our visit to this museum, an earthquake similar to the 'Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake' hit China. Our visit here made us realize the catastrophe that can occur from such an incident. Since I have a lot of Chinese friends, I could understand the difficulties they are going through at this moment. Today evening, a mourning period took place among the Chinese 'Gaijins' in my area, concurrent to the one held in China. All our prayers goes to the victims and their families

Mt. Rokko, Kobe

It's a perfect place to enjoy the panoramic view of Kobe and Osaka bay. This particular spot from the 'Tenrandai' observatory is said to be the place where Tennoh Emperor came to visit and the name itself means "the view where the Emperor stood". In 2004, the observatory was recognized as a 'Japanese Night View Heritage Site'.

I always feel like at home in Kyoto. However, this is one of those views that caught my attention and made me realise that i'm actually abroad

Two popular Japanese cuisines that is also enjoyed in other parts of the world. 'Sashimi' (left) is not my favorite dish. 'Chirashizushi' (right), maybe i'll regard it as so-so!

Tokyo City Hall (or Tochō); Shinjuku, Tokyo. Also known as the Tokyo Metropolitan.. It's a perfect place to enjoy the bird's eye view of Tokyo city without paying a single cent. This area is actually surrounded with expensive department stores and hotels, but this is one of those things we could do for free

Shibuya, Tokyo. Apart from visiting Hachikō, the reason for me to drop by Shibuya was to take a look at Bunkamura, the first and largest multi-media, cross-cultural complex in Japan. I call myself lucky because what a coincidence, the exhibition of ‘Renoir + Renoir’ (father and son) was being held. I enjoyed every single of their work. However their two famous paintings ‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’ and ‘Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette’ was not displayed.. probably it’s too precious

Hachikō; Shibuya, Tokyo

Finally I managed to get my hands on Hachikō. For those of us who still do not know the touching story of Hachikō, pls refer here. In Shibuya, Hachikō statue surrounding is a common waiting/rendezvous location for people ..similar to the loyalty once shown by Hachikō to his master. Recently, I came to realize that the story of Hachikō is being turned into a Hollywood motion picture, but it is shot in the United States