Kira, Aichi

A visit to Kira seaside town (Aichi) about a month ago, made me closer to nature. Watching sunset and sunrise, that was really something. This particular picture by the way, after taking it.. it reminded me of some entertainment company's logo. After returning home, I searched it on the internet, turns out it was actually 'Castle Rock' (maybe similar). More pics from Kira town here

This picture does not mean I was in NY, I was actually in Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. With the beautiful Rainbow bridge and Odaiba-kaihin park in the background, it's a splendid location to spend an evening. There are also water buses (or water taxis) connecting many spots within this island, to enable tourist to enjoy the scenery from the sea. Unfortunately, I was unable to commute on those water buses

Bōnenkai

Bōnenkai (or 'forget the year party') is a common practice in Japan to forget the troubles of the past and hope for a better future. This year our 'bōnenkai' was held in the crowded Sanjo street (Kyoto). As with the bōnenkai that we had, I'd like to wish the readers of my blog to have a better future ahead, Merry X-mas and 'Happy New Year'

Kusatsu, Shiga

A visit to Panasonic factory in Kusatsu city (Shiga) enabled us to understand and witness the Japanese working culture; besides observing the latest breakthrough in home appliances research. I had the opportunity to ask the question whether with the recent recession this company is laying off any workers.. luckily to my relief the answer was no. Overall, it was an interesting trip

Both Kousuke Murata and Osamu Fukunaga competed in the Rally Hokkaido (JRC) held in the middle of this year. I came across their vehicles (Daihatsu Boon), about a month ago. Unfortunately, Murata finished 12th and Fukunaga retired. Hopefully, better luck for them next time!

Autumn in Kyoto is definitely breathtaking. With the colors of 'Momiji' (or Japanese Maple) being the center of attention, it's certainly worthwhile to take a couple of pictures. Apart from that, it's also very relaxing and could also be very romantic, hehe

Kyoto Foreign Students Music Festival (2008) was an event showcasing the culture and art related to music from countries outside of Japan. Even the emcees for this event were foreigners. Many students from various parts of the world took part; e.g. Indonesia, Vietnam, Mexico etc. Indonesian students had the most number of performances. I came to know that the musical instrument used in this performance is actually 'angklung'. The sound of this instrument together with what I recall as the 'Chan mali Chan' song was pretty good