Monday, April 06, 2009
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Zackary
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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.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
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Zackary
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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.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
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Zackary
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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.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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Zackary
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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.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
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Zackary
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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.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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Zackary
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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.
Welcome to My Blog! I am an American from Chicago living in Tokyo. The pictures/videos & words you see are all mine. Make yourself at home and let me know if you need anything.
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