Z Reflections

Earth Angel - Tokyo

2009-06-21T18:06:00.001+09:00

Don't Let the Door Hit You On the Way Out

2009-06-19T23:58:00.001+09:00

Beyond Relaxing at Work - Tokyo, Japan

2009-06-19T23:25:00.001+09:00

Common Type of Menu in Japan

2009-06-19T22:50:00.003+09:00

These places are nice with a group because they have something for almost everyone. For those wanting a liquid dinner they usually have a nice liquor selection. With pictures on an ad like this you are almost guaranteed to have a menu with pretty pictures too.

Creative Pizzeria Ad - Tokyo

2009-06-19T22:41:00.000+09:00

A 1,050 Yen Lunch - Tokyo

2009-06-19T22:39:00.000+09:00

Tokyo - Peter Rabbit Flowers

2009-06-19T22:37:00.000+09:00

Visiting Japan III - See Two Movies

2009-06-18T17:19:00.004+09:00

Japan is a wild mix of the traditional and the ultra new always at odds with each other. I recommend "The Last Samurai," http://twurl.nl/5bd3ha for the traditional view and "Lost in Translation," http://twurl.nl/2rumk4 for the modern view.

As they were both major blockbusters I won't summarize them here. The transformation Tom Cruise goes through in "Samurai," from an arrogant Westerner coming to understand Japan and its mindset is fascinating. "Samurai," was shot in Sho-sha-zan Engyo-ji Temple in Himeji-city, Chion-in temple in Kyoto, and the general Kyoto area.

Bill Murray is arrogant as well but befuddled by his life and culture shock. "Lost" catches the decadence and sadness of a wealthy foreigner trying to find his way. I like the scene where he is on set for a commercial and the Japanese director speaks for several minutes. Murray says, "What was all that?" The translator says something like, "More focus." Murray stayed at The Park Hyatt Tokyo http://twurl.nl/0jikh3 which has great views of Tokyo and beautiful rooms. I am saving up to buy a drink at this exquisite hotel bar.

Your Japanese Travel Guide,
-Zackary

Liquor Shop Vending Machine - Tokyo

2009-06-18T16:30:00.003+09:00

In case you are out for a walk and need a fix it is easy to get. Walking down the street with an open container of alcohol is legal.

Capsule Hotel Near My Home in Tokyo

2009-06-18T16:19:00.005+09:00

Tokyo Vending Machine

2009-06-18T15:58:00.001+09:00

On the right hand side is corn soup in a container. I've never tried it but my friend Carl likes it. The next item is a cold latte by Boss which is a popular company here. For your trivia their current spokesperson is Tommy Lee Jones. Next is my good companion everywhere I have been in the world, Mr. Coca Cola. The last item is a type of sports drink which I find to be undrinkable. One recent estimate I read suggested there are 5.6 million vending machine in Japan.

Chanel Display Window - Tokyo

2009-06-18T15:52:00.003+09:00

Walking out of Shinjuku Station I saw this display and wanted a good picture. The hard part was that several hundred people walked by and kept getting in the picture. Between a large pillar, the crowd and a women passing out fliers behind me I was happy to get a decent shot.

Fasion Ad in Tokyo - Japanese English

2009-06-18T15:28:00.004+09:00

Alta is the Mecca for every women who are in the forefront of fashion in dress. To be what I am, to enjoy my own style makes it happy everyday. Re-find yourself in this new season!

Tokyo Subway - No Talking On Your Phone

2009-06-17T17:37:00.002+09:00

In Nagoya where I used to live the trains were sometimes so quiet in the morning you could almost hear a pin drop. In Tokyo the trains are more lively than that but most people don't talk on their cellphones.

Visiting Japan II - Payment

2009-06-14T22:45:00.004+09:00

People in Japan often pay for things with good old fashioned cash. Places such as foreign hotels, tourist spots, and the airports take credit cards. If you visit Tokyo there are more places to use your cards. In smaller areas there may not be any places. My experience is that you can't use your debit card. I've never tried at the airport, it might be possible there.

Banks in Japan are a world unto themselves and a general mystery to Westerners. The only bank with ATMs you will recognize are from Citigroup. Using your foreign ATM card at any other banks ATM will not work. In fact if you have a Japanese debit card you can only use it at your own bank. In convenience stores you will find a variety of ATMs. Some of these may allow you to use your credit card. My recommendation is that you get the yen you need for your travels at the airport. Just don't carry all your money together in one place. Japan has a low crime rate but even here there are pickpockets.

The Streets of Tokyo

2009-06-14T20:26:00.001+09:00

A large crowd like this is common on the Streets of Tokyo. There are still some quiet streets like the one I live on. If you hate crowds Tokyo is not your best choice. I choose this title because of the TV show, "The Street of SF," which I used to watch. Thanks to my friend Ron for repeating this slogan so I never forget it.

Visiting Japan * I * Cell Phones (Keitai)

2009-06-14T06:13:00.005+09:00

This is the first installment in my new series designed to make visiting Japan less confusing. If you have any questions please add a comment to this post or contact me at MindofZ@gmail.com

International cell phones work in much of Europe, the United States, England, etc. Most of these phones don't work on the Japanese network. You should call your cell provider to make sure of this. You can buy a temporary phone and purchase minutes if you want to. (I hear a jail broken i-Phone works great with a different SIM card but you didn't hear that from me.)

I would still recommend that you bring your cell phone. Camera phones are great for taking pictures of station stops so that you can find them later. Many phones allow you to take notes and that is great for writing down transit information and how to find places.

Your Japanese Guide
--Zackary

Where I Live, Map Included

2009-06-14T05:16:00.005+09:00

Welcome my Friends.

I lived for almost two years in Nagoya, Japan. Recently, I moved to Tokyo and live in Shinjuku. All of my contract information is the same except of course my physical address.

http://maps.google.com/maps?near=Tokyo,+Japan&geocode=&q=Shinjuku&f=l&sll=35.797766,139.691162&sspn=1.084875,2.471924&ie=UTF8&z=14

Peace,
--Zackary

Tokyo Tower

2009-06-12T07:34:00.001+09:00

Tokyo Tower to my surprise was in a rather unattractive looking area. There were of course several dozen power lines and other obstructions. I was trilled to get a picture as clean as this one.

An Umbrella in the Summer

2009-06-11T02:54:00.001+09:00

In parts of Japan summer is not hot as much as it is brutal. Temperatures reach into the nineties and the humidity can be 80% or more. Most (public) schools don't have air conditioning and are closed for parts of July and all of August.

Many stores sell smaller umbrellas like the woman above is using to block the sun. People also ride their bicycles holding an umbrella. Is this at all safe? It's not especially when people text on their phones too. Foreigners are just as apt to do this as the Japanese.

Mitsukoshi Department Store, Nagoya Japan

2009-06-11T02:28:00.001+09:00

This store is absolutely huge and many people mention it as a place to meet. I enjoy looking around inside but never found anything that was affordable.

Water Boot

2009-06-11T02:00:00.001+09:00

Waves and Sky

2009-06-11T01:52:00.002+09:00

There is something magical about watching the waves and the sky together. For me I think it a sense that time stands still and yet it doesn't. (I used to say, "And time marches on without us." My poetry teacher in college forbid me to use that expression.)

Fragment No. 5 (Tokyo, Japan)

2009-06-07T03:23:00.007+09:00

Red Slide (Tokyo, Japan)

2009-06-06T00:52:00.000+09:00

2nd Day in Tokyo

2009-06-06T00:32:00.003+09:00

Hello my Friends. How are you?

I've been relaxed today as I set up stuff in my new pad here in Tokyo and listen to the rain. When I want to take pictures the rain makes me angry but relaxing at home it is wonderful. Tomorrow I will venture out again to find the grocery, a good 100 yen stores and other important things. Tonight I am going to enjoy some more writing and then watch the latest Bond film online again.

Peace & Love,
--Zackary

Actually I Am Not Leaving Japan Afterall

2009-06-03T13:06:00.005+09:00

"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." -John Lennon

My life seems to change by the moment these days. As I was trying to drag myself to the travel agency without much luck I got a new job offer. This offer was too good to turn down so I said yes. Thus, I will be moving to Tokyo and working as an ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) again at one public junior high school. I am very excited about living in Tokyo again and being able to stay in Japan.

A big thank you goes out to my parents for being incredibly supportive during this process. I love them more than I can ever express. Thank you also to all of you that posted comments and wished me a good journey home.

Soon I must pack up the computer so this will be my last post from Nagoya.

Peace and Love,

The Story of Chu-ken Hachiko (Tokyo, Japan)

2009-06-02T00:18:00.002+09:00

Hachiko the living dog was born in 1932 and belonged to a professor named Eisaburo Uyeno. They were great friends and Hachiko always followed him to the train in the morning and waited for him there at night.

In 1952 Professor Uyeno went to work with Hachiko as usual but got sick and died before he could return to his faithful friend. Hachiko continued to return to the station each and every day for the next ten years until he died. Many people noticed how he returned every day and he became a hero in Japan.

The popular Japanese artist Ando Teru created this sculpture in 1948. It was destroyed in the war and re-built after.

Looking for Chu-ken Hachiko (The Faithful Dog, in Tokyo)

2009-06-01T23:59:00.002+09:00

A few months ago in Tokyo I was supposed to meet Doug (Bloglue), a new friend from Twitter in Shibuya by Hachiko the Dog. I got to the area early walked by the Dog and started taking pictures and videos. It may be hard to believe that I got lost during this process. Okay, maybe not so hard to believe! Anyway, I was in a silly mood and started asking people where the Dog was. People would look puzzled and would then say, "On the dog." Before long I ran into two friends laughing and having a good time. I repeated my question about the Dog and they pointed the way. Then one of them being silly walked that way pulling on my sleeve. I laughed with them and took a few pictures while being led along. If you have a good sense of humor Japan can be a wonderful place.

Some Days are Better Than Others (Tokyo, Japan)

2009-06-01T23:43:00.004+09:00

Yes this is a dark picture that needs more life and light. Yes the tree is ugly and offers no comfort. All and all the day was like that too.

My Going Away Party at Shooters in Nagoya, Japan

2009-05-31T07:31:00.009+09:00

I think maybe Nigel took this one, I'm not sure. Despite the fact I am still thin this picture makes me look properly fat! From the left: Z, Simone, Doug, Catherine. The Japanese guy was a friend of a friend and I never understood his name. The music and the other people at Shooters are noisy.

Doug (from America), Catherine (from Australia) & Nigel (from England).

I was walking to Shooters and ran into Nigel talking on his cell. It is highly possible that I was a bit lost. Creativity I have in spades, a sense of direction not so much! Nigel had time to stop by for a drink (or two) and invited his Japanese friend.

Doug's Birthday Party, Nagoya, Japan

2009-05-31T07:00:00.007+09:00

Doug and Ichiro.

Nilesh and Z.

I am way too tired, I forget both of their names!

I never did get their names but they are a cute couple.

JP the mad Englishmen and his girl.

Bad Beer - Nagoya Japan

2009-05-31T06:49:00.003+09:00

I will write another much longer article on beer in Japan but this picture is about one thing. When the Japanese pour beer in Japan it often has way too much head like this one does. Americans don't get that emotional about it but my English and Australian friends do. "What is this?" they often say their sense of humor gone.

To be honest I can't always pour beer properly. If you need a perfect martini I am your man.

Karaoke with JP & Catherine

2009-05-31T06:40:00.005+09:00

I can't remember what we were singing but I felt like a rock star. A microphone and a serious amount of suspicious free drinks will do that every time. It only really works if you are with your best mates which I was.

Tokyo Ad With Random English

2009-05-31T06:38:00.005+09:00

I have to admit that fashion ads in America often don't make any sense whatsoever. Still, this ad is impressive for its random use of English. This kind of thing is very common in Japan.

800 Yen Lunch

2009-05-31T06:37:00.003+09:00

This is at Tokyo Station and I passed as it seemed to expensive for the small size.

Blue Tokyo

2009-05-28T03:35:00.001+09:00

I took a couple million pictures of these buildings and was never thrilled with any of them. This picture grew on me after I spent an hour re-working it into something especially blue. I like blue. After arguing with myself for a while I decided to leave in the green light on the top left hand side. Do you like it in there or think it is an unnecessary distraction? I welcome any and all comments.

Graffiti in Japan

2009-05-28T02:24:00.003+09:00

This is the first and only time I have ever seen Graffiti in Japan.

A Quick Reminder

2009-05-27T06:20:00.003+09:00

People have been asking me lately if the pictures/videos on my blog come from somewhere else. The answer is they are all mine except for a few minor exceptions which are noted. I believe my readers want and deserve original content. I aim to please!

Peace,

Ode to My Alarm Clock

2009-05-27T05:48:00.003+09:00

My phone makes a variety of noises but none of them wake me up anymore. I got this retro looking alarm clock last year and liked it. The number are a nice bright blue and at night they glow. When you plug the alarm clock in it all lights up blue kind of like a night light. Sadly, one morning I must have done something to it because the pin that controls the time in the back came out. I returned it to the right position but it started losing time even more than I do! What is funny is at a local store (Bic Camera) they sell an alarm clock that is reinforced and can survive being bounced off the floor. The sales guy said they sell a ton of them to people visiting from India. He didn't know why either! Too bad it only makes the traditional alarm clock beeping sound.

One Bag is Not Enough

2009-05-26T15:19:00.005+09:00

Yesterday my friend Robert and I grabbed some snacks from McDonald's and set outside by Nagoya Station to enjoy the sunny weather. I tell you this story to share with you how much the Japanese love bags.

My order of fries came in the usual container and then went in a paper bag. Seeing I was an American they included a cute container of ketchup. Sadly, this ketchup did not get its own bag. My large coke (not actually that large) came in the usual container and then went in a paper bag. Both bags were carefully folder at the top as is the custom. Usually it is taped too but I think McDonald's just does the big precise fold. Anyway, both bags were put into the big bag you can see in the link below. A big thank you goes to Robert and his i-Phone for the picture and link.

http://brightkite.com/objects/5353ef90499b11dea55a003048c0801e

Planet Japan

2009-05-26T01:53:00.000+09:00

3 Shots of Nagoya Japan Building

2009-05-25T20:38:00.007+09:00

I was playing around near Nagoya Station trying to get a picture that I liked. These were fun more than anything else but I wanted to share them.

Nagoya Japan - What Do Think This Building Is For? Please comment.

2009-05-25T11:47:00.001+09:00

Spring Colors

2009-05-25T11:45:00.001+09:00

Barrier of Peace

2009-05-24T04:58:00.001+09:00

This is as big as blogger will let me make this picture here. Double click on this image and you will begin to understand what I was going for.

Corn Stand at Nagoya Festival

2009-05-24T03:33:00.005+09:00

I took this picture for my mother because she loves corn on the cob.

Nagoya Crowd in Black & White

2009-05-24T03:29:00.003+09:00

Giving Gifts in Japan

2009-05-23T09:11:00.002+09:00

In Japan people give money as a gift more often than we do in America. The proper way to give cash is in a nice card or envelope you can find at even most convenient stores. This tradition is most prevalent at weddings where few people give presents.

People don't always give cash for things such as birthdays and other special occasions. Many areas in Japan are famous for particular types of sweets and it is customary to bring some back when you are traveling. In case you forget that in most decent sized train stations you can buy such sweets all day every day.

Peace,

Tokyo Fashion Ad

2009-05-23T07:35:00.004+09:00

Dior in Ginza, Tokyo

2009-05-23T06:03:00.006+09:00

A shame that Dior isn't paying me to put this up. One of the things I love about Japan is that people are very fashion conscious. This is especially true for Japanese girls that are often seen carrying fancy bags from their favorite store. While wearing heels and checking their hair in each mirror they happen upon of course. Shopping for luxury goods is down 14% but you would never know that from walking down the street.

Japanese Child Playing in the Water, Kyoto Japan

2009-05-22T03:47:00.006+09:00

This little boy was playing with a plastic stick which had a small net attached to it. He took off the net and had more fun swishing the stick back and forth in the water. May we all find something this simple to make us happy.

A Japanese Family, Nagoya Japan

2009-05-22T03:16:00.002+09:00

Japanese children are so cute! The girls fall in love with pink at an early age here. I can't begin to tell you how much some Japanese girls love pink. There are few things that you can buy in Japan that don't come in pink.

Large Green Buddha, Nagoya Japan

2009-05-22T02:11:00.003+09:00

Becker's Burgers Tokyo Japan

2009-05-22T00:44:00.003+09:00

This is what I call good Japanese food!

Congratulations Doug & Catherine!!!!

2009-05-21T01:12:00.004+09:00

When I first came to Japan I worked with Doug & Catherine and we became friends. They have proven themselves to be the best of friends and I cannot thank them enough for helping to keep me sane.

Recently Doug & Catherine became engaged and I am so excited for them.

Peace,

Ramen Stand - Tokyo Japan

2009-05-20T05:23:00.005+09:00

A few months ago in Tokyo I stayed up most of the night taking pictures. In the wee hours I got some some sleep at an Internet Cafe but the next day I was groggy. Leaving the cafe with my 4th cup of coffee I was waking up but starving. Walking down the street I pulled out my camera, put my ear buds in, and was just turning up Miles Davis when I smelled food. Not wow I have to get some of that right away but food non the less. Setting at the table in this picture an old man brought me a steaming bowl of ramen noodles. I closed by eyes, waited for the noddles to cool and Miles to tell me more about life. Taking off my glasses I set them next to a green glass of water and chop sticks that had appeared. Leaving forward I brushed back my hair, positioned my chop sticks, and consumed the contents of the bowl. A Japanese friend told me once that drinking all the broth makes you fat. He was fat so I guess he knew what he was talking about. Getting up I found it hard to remember there had been anything but salt in that bowl. Hitting pause on my i-Pod I asked the old man how much and somehow he communicated it was 700 yen. In anger I pushed the play button while giving him two silver coins and a gold one as I started walking further into the circus they call Tokyo.

Japanese Ad - What Does it Say?

2009-05-20T05:13:00.003+09:00

I took this picture in a train station in Tokyo last year. What do you think it says? Please leave your comments. I will reveal the translation in a few days.

Kyoto Temple Steps Japan

2009-05-18T16:12:00.005+09:00

I'd like to think that this is Mr. Miyagi (from the Karate Kid).

New YouTube video - Karaoke in Japan

2009-05-16T03:14:00.004+09:00

This video is currently at the top of my YouTube list. Thanks to some YouTube glitch the video is not as smooth as it should be.

I don't do karaoke often but it is a great way to spend time with friends. I like how most places are 24/7 so you can go anytime. The later you do karaoke (and the more you drink) the better it often is. After you do karaoke a few times you stop worrying about how you sound.

In each room is an electronic pad that helps you search and add your favorite songs. People pass it around and add whatever they want. Because I listen to so much music (I have 7,600 songs on my i-Pod) I usually know the lyrics. This is nice if my voice is right for a particular song. People at times choose obscure songs and everyone looks around to see who picked it. Last time I choose Us'2 song "Please" from Pop and everyone was quiet or went to get a drink. The more people you have the cheaper it is for your two hour period. Once you pay the fee you can drink as much as you want. You can see how after a few hours people become convinced they sing better than Elvis, Bono and Sinatra put together.

What surprised me about karaoke is that many Japanese people with a low English level sing beautifully in English. This makes sense when you realize that people grow up singing karaoke and Western music is popular. Still, it is a shock to hear people catch every nuance of a song and then say, "I'm sorry I can't speak good English."

Peace,

Thank you

2009-05-15T20:16:00.006+09:00

"You Can Never say Thank You or Please Too Much." - Andy Warhol

I want to say a Big Thank You to my Followers here at Z Reflections. A Big Shout Out to my 2,000 followers on Twitter (MindofZ), you guys rock big time. Speaking of my social networks, my YouTube channel is ZTubeJapan. At the moment I have 18 videos and am adding more soon.

If you have a minute please take my two polls on the left hand side of the screen. Lately I have been getting lots of comments which makes me happy. So thank you #3 goes to those that have commented here and emailed. Feel free to write me anytime at MindofZ@gmail.com

Peace and Love,

Looking out from a Temple in Kyoto Japan

2009-05-15T19:38:00.005+09:00

Forget Yoga! Stretching for good pictures is a discipline unto itself. To take this picture you need the Tall Temple Bad Position move. The difficult part is keeping the camera steady while using the extended digital zoom. If I had mastered this move the above picture would look better. When using the TTBPM it is recommended you take multiple shots.

I hope everyone is enjoying the pictures from my Kyoto trip. Kyoto is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in Japan. As I took 1,100 pictures and an hour of video on my trip there is more to come. As always I welcome your comments (positive or not) and any questions you might have.

Peace,
Zackary

Kyoto Station Japan

2009-05-13T20:36:00.005+09:00

Statue Kyoto Japan

2009-05-13T02:10:00.005+09:00

When I say this statue in Kyoto Japan all I could think about was the Beatles song, "Let it Be."

And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

Smaller Temple Kyoto Japan

2009-05-13T01:22:00.003+09:00

Waiting for the bus in Kyoto Japan

2009-05-11T21:43:00.005+09:00

Most of the bus stops I waited at in Kyoto were small and quiet. This was downtown at rush hour so there were tons of people. In this picture it looks chaotic with people everywhere. Closer to the bus stop there were orderly lines maintained by a city worker. Buses in Japan are usually on-time unlike in the West.

When they are waiting at a light or a stop for very long the drivers turn the buses off. At bus stops they stop quickly and soon take off again. I have never seen a bus driver talking on a cellphone. Bus drivers are serious professionals and hate being late. The only serious delay I experienced was during a major rain storm. I got a note from the driver explaining why I was running late. Actually I pointed at my watch and the driver gave me a note in Japanese. When I got to school I gave it to the principal who nodded and didn't seem upset that I was half an hour late.

Peace,

Crossing Guard by Nagoya Station

2009-05-11T04:51:00.009+09:00

Some things are radically different in Japan but others are familiar. On my ten minute walk to Nagoya Station lights are timed to keep cars moving and pedestrians waiting.

The longest light and most annoying intersection is this one next to the station. Most Japanese wait for lights to change before crossing but here they are taking no chances. Behind this guard are large buses hell bent on keeping to their schedules.

I don't always mind waiting for the light to change but this guy loves to blow his loud whistle. Often there is no logical reason to blow it, the light is still red and no one is moving.

Late at night there are few people around and no crossing guard so I cross when I feel like it.

Orange Heart - Nagoya, Japan

2009-05-11T04:09:00.003+09:00

Colors Mother Nature Never Intended

2009-05-11T02:35:00.003+09:00

Boat For Sale

2009-05-09T18:44:00.002+09:00

Trouble Ahead

2009-05-09T14:32:00.003+09:00

Protecting the Temple

2009-05-08T15:08:00.003+09:00

I am happy with the angle I caught here. My internal debate was if I should crop on the left hand side where you can see the wood from the door. Cropping would bring it more into focus but I liked the color of the wood. I have no idea what is on the top left hand side but I like how it looks. Any comments you might have would be most welcome.

Peace,
--Zackary

Reflected Life

2009-05-08T12:03:00.002+09:00

Guarded Flowers

2009-05-08T12:02:00.002+09:00

Green FIgure near a Temple in Kyoto

2009-05-07T04:53:00.002+09:00

My New YouTube videos

2009-05-07T02:29:00.002+09:00

All of the videos at the top of the page are from my recent trip to Kyoto, Japan. I hope you enjoy them.

Peace,
-Zack

My Breakfast in Kyoto

2009-05-04T03:40:00.000+09:00

And it did.

Blurred Vision of Pink

2009-05-04T02:42:00.000+09:00

Picture of the Day - A Bird in Kyoto Japan

2009-05-04T00:36:00.001+09:00

I was taking pictures and saw this bird fly in from the corner of my eye. He only stayed on that branch a second and then disappeared. I didn't think I'd caught him until I looked at my pictures later in the day.

What Did Japan Do To Deserve This?!

2009-05-04T00:02:00.000+09:00

Let There Be Peace

2009-04-16T16:03:00.004+09:00

Picture of the Day - From Darkness Comes Light

2009-04-15T13:38:00.000+09:00

Picture of the Day - White

2009-04-15T13:28:00.000+09:00

Picture of the Day - Cherry Blossoms - Nagoya Japan

2009-04-15T13:21:00.000+09:00

Picture of the Day - Clouds & Town Taken from the Train

2009-04-10T19:20:00.002+09:00

Picture of the Day - My friend Darrell and I

2009-04-10T19:09:00.003+09:00

Picture of the Day - Japanese Girl

2009-04-10T18:54:00.002+09:00

Japan and Star Wars

2009-04-06T21:02:00.004+09:00

This picture is courtesy of my friend and artist Ron Plath in America. I include it here because the Japanese love Star Wars, especially the kids in school. I think in general I see more Star Wars things here then in Chicago.

Waiting at the Doctors Office

2009-04-04T03:34:00.004+09:00

I am setting at the doctors waiting to get my bill. Doctors have to pass a tough English test so most of them speak enough English to be helpful. My doctor is easy to talk to and we have no communication problems.

Only one guy at the front speaks English and he left hours ago. A staff woman will call to me in Japanese in a few minutes and say Zack san and I will approach the counter. She will give me the little speech they give to everyone. I will give her a nice look and pretend to understand. Then she will show me the printed bill and I will take out cash and put it on the plastic tray everyone uses here. Giving me change, I won't understand the numbers she says but will be able to count it in her hand. Putting the receipt and the change on the plastic tray and pushing it forward she will say thank you which I will understand.

Thanking her I will take those items as she bows and I bow back to her. Leaving the clinic she will call out words I don't understand but always assume to be something like, "Thanks so much for coming! We will see you soon." For all I know it could be, "Don't let the door hit on your way out." When in doubt in Japan I always assume that people are saying good things.

Love from Japan,

-Zackary

New YouTube Videos

2009-04-04T03:30:00.002+09:00

At the top of this blog you can click on two new YouTube videos I took during the St. Patrick's Day Parade. One is of the Parade itself and the other shows some me cute Japanese kids playing with birds. I hope you enjoy them.

Cheers,
-Zackary

Picture of the Day - St. Patrick's Day Festival Nagoya Japan

2009-04-02T02:09:00.006+09:00

With my friend Robert (on the left-hand side) and two other people.

Pictue of the Day - Million Dollar Smile

2009-04-02T01:01:00.002+09:00

I told this guy he should do commercials for Guinness with that big natural smile.

Picture of the Day - Babies & Elephant at Osu Kannon Temple - Nagoya, Japan

2009-03-15T02:52:00.003+09:00

Picture of the Day - from Osu Kannon Temple - Nagoya, Japan

2009-03-15T02:27:00.004+09:00

As a photographer I find Japan to have a never ending flow of wonderful images and ideas. That said it is also a great challenges to take pictures of exactly what you want due to things being pushed together. This picture for example was a close up and I also cropped it. I could have cropped it further but it didn't look right.

My favorite obstacles to overcome are the power lines which are everywhere. When I am working on a project I usually take pictures of the power lines to give them their due.

I always welcome any and all comments on my pictures so please feel free to be honest.

How much do you tip in Japan?

2009-03-15T01:50:00.002+09:00

If you compare guidebooks on this question they have different answers. I live here and know there is only one simple answer. You don't tip anywhere at any time. Even at salons and in a taxi there is no tipping. Ironically, the Japanese provide some of the best customer service in the world.

Peace,
-Zackary

White Day

2009-03-14T22:58:00.002+09:00

Welcome to my little blog, thanks for stopping by. Please look around and enjoy yourself.

Today is White Day in Japan. Yep, as you guessed everyone in Japan wears white on the same day. Tomorrow it will be all black. And the day after is pink. Really? No, just kidding. There should be a pink day though as many Japanese girls love pink. I am always amused that some men refuse to wear pink anything. I suppose white shirts are manly but how many days can you wear white shirts?

Anyway, in Japan they celebrate Valentines Day but only the boys get presents. On White Day the girls give presents to the boys. On White Day the most popular item to give is chocolate but jewelry and other exciting gifts are most welcome.

The history of Valentines Day is something many of you probably know. White Day was created in 1978 by the National Confectionery Industry Association. I doubt you will be shocked to learn that white chocolate is for sale everywhere.

And no, I didn't forget today is White Day.

Peace & Love,
-Zackary

Picture of the Day - Father and Son in Nagoya, Japan

2009-03-14T02:47:00.004+09:00

Picture of the Day - Father & Daughter III

2009-03-07T09:15:00.002+09:00

Japanese Girl Shopping for Cards

2009-03-04T15:57:00.004+09:00

Pictue of the Day

2009-03-04T15:15:00.002+09:00

Dude, what are you doing with my girl friend?