View from kobe

Ready for the World Cup?

2006-05-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was living in England, the biggest sports event that came around every four years was not the Olympics, but definitely the FIFA World Cup. Yesterday the 23 members of Japan soccer team for the big event was officially announced. No big surprise like in England, where Ericsson chose 17 year old Theo Walcott among other talented foward players such as Rooney and Owen (both recovering from a broken foot) and the 2m tall Crouch.

There was a 2hour TV program today where many of the team members were invited. The program was intended to draw everyones attention to the world cup. Poor players, having to attend such a boring event... I have a feeling that my company is behind this program, unfortunately.

Anyway, can't wait to see the world top level games!!

Bath time

2006-05-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Taking a bath is definitely one of the most relaxing time in everyday life, especially in Japan. Now that I have a new born baby in the family, the bath time has become even more relaxing and also fun. The little one seems to love the bath, and shows the most relaxing faces.

My task right now is to raise my little one to be billingual, and the bath time is his first english lessons. Hope it works...

Soccer in Japan

2006-05-10T07:39:00.000-07:00

Soccer, or football as they call it in UK (Is it only the Americans that call "American football" as "football" and not soccer?) has become one of the most popular sports here in Japan. We have a professional soccer league called "J league" that has been around for over ten years now, and several players are playing in European leagues. Nakata has been a big name (I think) in Italy and now plays in English premiere league. Nakamura just finished his first season with Celtic which won the league title in Scotland. With the world cup in Germany coming up, many Japanese are getting enthusiastic about the Japanese soccer team, lead by the brazilian Zico.

When I was a kid baseball was dominating sports, but a soccer comic "Captain Tsubasa" changed many boys mind to become a soccer player rather than a baseball player (at least I was). I'm glad
that soccer has beacome such a major sports here in Japan, but I think it will take another decade or so to meet the levels of other top countries. Well, let's wait and see how we do in Germany next month...

Golden Week over and out.

2006-05-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

There are 3 major periods in Japan that most people get off work for vacation for about a week. One is called "Golden Week", another is in August called "Obon", and the last one is new year holiday called "Oshogatsu".

The "Golden Week", starts at the end of April and lasts for a week or so. The origin of "Golden Week" is said to come from the Japanes film industry, since may the movie theaters were packed with people during this period when this holiday regulation was executed in 1948. In the Japanese TV industry the "prime time" is called "Golden time", thus "Golden Week".

These major vacation periods are the high seasons for travelling, and all the tourist spots and amusement parks and bullet trains are packed, and the highways left with long lines of heavy traffic. If you hate long ques and heavily crowded situations, stay at home, or stay out of Japan at these periods.

Yesterday was the last day of this years Golden Week. No, I did not go for a trip overseas, nor a short trip within the country. But still, I did have a good time meeting friends, family, and spending time at home. So, am I ready for hard working days again? Hmm, could do with another Golden Week before going back to office...

2006-05-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

One of the best features of living in Japan is definately the distinct four seasons. Kobe, surrounded by both the mountain and the sea, is a great place to be to enjoy the natural blessings. Through our long history we Japanese have grown (if not lost yet) a sensitive mind against the ever changing seasons. Being the beginning of the new fiscal year, spring is assumed as a time for fresh start. The cherry blossoms that bloom at this time of year (from the end of March to April) is said to resemble the Japanese culture. Since the petals falls as the spring breeze blow them off the branches, it lasts for only a week or so, this "ephemerality" or fragility of this flower is what makes it the most beatiful flower for the Japanese.

This years cherry blossoms has already gone, and the warm season with fresh green leaves are here. One of the very few short times in a Japan that is most suitable for a ride on a convertible car. Every year at this time I think "Gee, I wish I owned a convertible".

Point of View from Kobe

2006-04-23T09:27:00.000-07:00

Spending five years in England has left me with the ability to communicate in English, other than my mother tongue Japanese. Yes, I know it's quite easy to find a Japanese who can handle English with ease, now days. But I do feel there is not so much opportunity to use this ability as long as you are living in Kansai area. Yes, I do know there are a number of Irish pubs and other places that foreigner's hung around, but I can't go bar hopping every night.

So this is my small effort to keep up my english, and hopefully this blog will be one way to find others who are looking for opportunities to use their english abilities. Yes, I know that my english is not so interesting to read, but still, I believe it is important to make an output. The ultimate goal of this blog is to send out a "Point of View from Kobe" to the world, if all goes well. So, here we go!