The preview of BBC's drama programs

I want to write about the preview of BBC's drama programs on my blog. Since the end of Aug, I have been busy because I will have to release the service on Nov.

So I often work overtime...

However, I left my office as soon as it was 6 pm of last week.
Yes, I decided to go to the preview of Shibuya because I wanted to refresh myself.
Then I arrived at Shibuya station and went to the place.
The place was a restaurant "bar amusement".



Acording to the website of the restaurant, a lof of beer were served in there.

The preview started at 7 pm.
I arrived at there at 6:30 pm and entered there.
Then I was so surprised because there were many foods and beer in there.
Yes, everyone could eat and drink for free!!!





So I ate fish and chips, spareribs etc and drank 3 cups of "Guinness" until watching the drama.
At first, we watched "Ashes to Ashes" for 1 hour.


The story was about one police woman who slipped back in time to 1980.
She solved the accidents with other polices.
I laughed and really enjoy watching this drama.

Until next drama program, we started drinking and eating.

After eating snacks, the preview started again at 8:30 pm and we watched "Jekyll" until 9:30 pm.


I know about Jekyll and Hyde and have watched the movie in the past.

The drama was so interesting.

After watching them, British ambassador came to us in order to talk about Drama programs and our comments.

I could enjoy watching "Ashes to Ashes" and "Jekyll" yesterday!
I will ask my mother to record these drama on DVD and I will try to watch them later.

The apprentice

Hi, how are you?

I am fine.
On last Friday, I left the office at 8 pm and arrived at the station.
As soon as I started going back home by foot, I met a steady deluge and a thunder.

While I went back to home, I was soaked through by the drizzling rain.
When I turn on the TV and watched the TV news at home, the trains were stopped because of the rain and thunder.

Although I promised to meet my friend on Sat, I gave up.
Because I couldn't go back to my home if the trains were stopped because of tunder and heavy rain.

Then I decided to stay at my home while a weekend and I enjoyed watchig movies.

At first, I watched "Maiko Haaaan!!!".



I was looking forward to watching this movie when the movie was released.
However, I didn't have a chance to watch it in the theater.

This movie was comedy and the story was about "Maiko" that is Geisha's apprentice.

The main character was one man who love Maiko's culture.
He move to Kyoto from Tokyo to meet Maiko.
Then funny accidents happened around him and his girl friend.

I couldn't stop laughing while watching the movie.

I suppose that this movie was so fun!

The preview of UK's TV drama

Hi, how are you? I am fine.I enjoyed watching movies on the weekend because the weather was too bad.(I will write about it later.)

By the way, I like TV dramas and movies of UK.
I got a email from UK-Japan this morning and I read it.

It was an invitation of UK's drama's preview!!!

The preview will be held in Shibuya's pub on 3 the of Sep.
Of course, I will manage to go to there if it is possible.
The drama that will be shown are
- Ashes to Ashes

- Jekyll

According to the email, the peview will start at 6:30 pm.
So I must leave my office at 6 pm.

At first, "Ashes to Ashes" will start at 7 pm.
Then a snack and beer will be served and "Jekyll" will start at 8:30 pm.

I will write about them after watching them.

My most favorite UK's dramas are "The It Crowd", "Extras","Little Britain".

When I had gone to my parent's home, I enjoyed watching them.

I am looking forward to watching them.

You can become a singer!!!

Well, August will be over soon.

I want to write about my summer vacation again.

After going to the orchid garden, my mother thought about what we would do.

Then she wanted to go out to Karaoke with me.
Yeah, I love to sing songs!
When I was a student, I often went out to Karaoke with my friends.

Sometimes, my friends and I kept singing songs in Karaoke until early mornings.
Finally, I could find songs that I could can...

Since I became a full-fledged member of society, I didn't often go out to there.
However, I sometimes go out to Karaoke to enjoy singing songs.

Anyway, I enjoyed singing songs in Karaoke with my mother for 3 hours.
While singing song in Karaoke, I broke a sweat.

Yes, singing songs is a good exercise.

If you go out to Karaoke in Japan, you may be surprised.

Because there are Karaoke machines with many functions.

For example,

- You can check how many calories did you burn off by singing songs.

- You can compete with other and see the ranking in Japan.

In addition, recent Karaoke's machines are so convenient because we can order drinks or snacks etc.
I think that they look like staffs of Karaoke's boxes.

At the first time, it was so difficult to sing songs in Karaoke for me.
Of course, I was so ashamed to sing songs in front of others.
But I got more accustomed to sing songs in Karaoke and could enjoy singing songs with friends.

I would like to go out to Karaoke soon.

The battle of cooking

Well, it is too fast that the times go.

By the way, I want to write about my summer vacation.

After enjoying seeing orchids in the garden with my family, my father wanted to try cooking a pasta like the restaurant where we ate pasta.

So I went to a supermarket and bought some vegetables(tomatoes, paprika, bean sprout, cabbege,cucumbers) and a beaf.

Then my father prepared to make pasta.

When I was watching my father in the kitchen, I tought I would try cooking other dish.

What did I make?

The answer is gazpacho!!!



I sometimes make gazpacho in the summer because the weather is hot and we don't feel eating heavy foods.

My recipe is here.

- Cut vegetables
- Boil bean sprout and cabbege
- Add salt and pepper, white wine
- Mix vegetables and tomato's juice

Then gazpacho was kept in refrigerator.

The time of dinner came and we eat pasta and gazpacho together.

My father said, "You win! Gazpacho is more delicious than pasta!".
And he said that he put into a little red wine instead of white wine.
So the taste might be not good.

Although he said that, my mother and I were really satisfied with that pasta because the pasta was delicious!

I think he said because my father is kind.

It is nice to eat delicious food at the restaurant with familes.
However, it is interesting and fun to cook something with families.

Orchid garden

I had stayed at my parent's home for 5 days and came back to a real world where I am live on 17th.

I could really enjoy having a great time.

Because I don't like a too hot summer, I went to the places where were cool and close to my parent's home.
Of course my father and mother are same.

On 14 th of Aug, we discussed about what we would go and where we would have a lunch after waking up at 11 am.

The places where we would try to go to were here.

- Going to the airport "centrair"

I had gone to there a few times.
There are many interesting shops and restaurants in there and we can see airplanes in the sky deck.
In addition, there is a hotspring in there!



Unfortunately, I don't enjoy it of the airport yet.
According to the information, we can see the night view and flying planes while taking a bath in the hot spring.

So many people go to there on weekends and holidays.

- Going to a fish market "Ishiki"

You many know about it because I wrote about this fish market on my blog.
On Jan, we had gone to there and there are fish stores and restaurants.
We ate Sushi and we could buy seafoods cheaper.

- The island "Chita"

There are beaches in Chita island. So many children and other visit in Chita island to swim in the oceans.
I like beaches and oceans.
However, it takes at least 2 hours to Chita island by the car.
In addition, we must wait for a few hours if the highway is crowded.
So we decided not to go to there.

- The orchid garden

I didn't go to there before and I love flowers.
My mother had gone to there with my brother and she said that it is so cooler than outside.
The orchid garden is in Nagoya city and it is close to Sakae station.

We discussed for 1 hour and we decided to go to the orchid garden by a car.

And my father knew that the restaurant of the orchid garden was so nice.

After 30 mins, we arrived at there.
The fee of the orchid garden is 700 yen.

We entered into the orchid garden and enjoyed seeing beautiful or interesting orchids.







Then we had a lunch at a restaurant of the orchid garden "THE ORCHID ROOM".



According to the website, this restaurant is known for people and many people married in there.
We ate pasta lunch.

The menu is here.

- Salad
- Bread
- Pasta of octopus and paprika
- coffee

The price is 1500yen.

After a lunch, we went to back.

I prefer quiet gardens to crowded places.
I would like to go to the orchid garden again.

The two sons of Francisco

Do you know "Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano"?

I didn't know about them before.

A few months ago, I found one movie.
The movie was "The two sons of Francisco" and about Brazilian famous musicians "Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano".

This movie was based on the true story and released in 2005.



Finally, I could watched the movie and I shed my tears many times while watching the movie.

The story was about a family of Zezé Di Camargo & Luciano.
Their family was poor and they had many brothers and sisters.
Their father wanted sons to become musicians and they learned to play the music for many years.

After trying making efforts, they could become musicians.

Especially, I was impressed with the last scene of the movie.

The last scene was a concert of Camargo and Luciano.
When they were singing songs, their father and mother suddenly appeared on the stage.

I couldn't stop shedding my tears when I watched the last scene.

"The two sons of Francisco" is my most favorite movie.

The express bus and Ena service area

My short summer vacation was finally over.

I had stayed at my parent's home for 5 days and came back to a real world where I am live in yesterday.
I went some places with my father and mother.
I will write about it on my blog soon.

By the way, it was a first time to get on the express bus 2 times on the evening.
I always had gotten on the midnight express bus.
So I didn't see any landscapes while get on the midnight buss.

But this time, I could see landscapes and took photos.

On 12th, the bus left in Shinjyuku at 4 pm.
The bus stopped at service areas 3 times while about 6 hours.
There are shops and restaurants in service areas.
We arrived at Ena service area at 8 pm.
Ena is a place of Gifu pref.
There are many mountains around Gifu pref.

Then I got out a bus and I saw one thing.

What did I see?

Firework!!!



I watched beautiful fireworks exploded in the night sky!!!

In the summer fireworks displays are held in Japan.
I like seeing fireworks.
So I often go to see them in the summer.
However, I didn't see any fireworks this year until 12 the of Aug.
So I was luck because there were many people in fireworks displayes and the trains were crowed to and from firework displays.
It was so hard to go back homes.
Indeed, I had waited for getting on the trains for at least 2 hours a few years ago.

And we could stayed the place around firework displays for a half day in order to see fireworks.
Before starting a firwork display "Sumida hanabi taikai", I had to stay outside for 5 hours...
I thought I must be tired before seeing fireworks...
Yeah, it was true.

At this time, I could see fireworks without any efforts.

It is fun to enjoy seeing landscapes while getting bus.

The summer vacation's plans

Well, I always think about going to my parent's home since last week.
Today, I reserved the tickets of express bus.
The fee of round-trip was about 10,200 yen.
If I get on the express train , I had to pay at least 21,000 yen by round trip.
So I was lucky because I could save money.

I will leave my office at 15 pm of 12th and get on the bus from Shinjyuku at 16 pm.
The bus will arrive at Nagoya station at 22 pm.
Because I don't have a car license , my father will come to Nagoya station.

What will I do at my parent's home?

Nothing!!!

At this morning, I watched an interesting news on TV.

What is many Japanese's plans of summer vacations?

Their plans are doing nothing!!!

According to the news, many people planed to stay at homes while vacations.
Many Japanese people used to travel or go out by cars.
The crowded airports and roads, express trains etc were famous during summer vacation.
Many news said about them on TV and I watched the news about crowed roads on TV.

However, the price of crude oil is higher and they try not to drive cars now.
(Current oil's price is 190 yen in Tokyo.)
I think it is good to global warming.

I think we will have a little luxury lunch at a restaurant during this summer vacation.
Although we will go to somewhere by my father's car.
However, my father gets eye strain while driving for a long time since last year.
So we may go to the place where is close to home if my father drives a car.

Anyway, I will take a rest at my parent's home.

Difference between Japan and England

I like reading bloggers about writing foreign countries.

Yesterday, I read about English homeless.
One woman started to live in England and she noticed one thing.

What did she notice???

About homeless.

She was surprised because there aren't any homeless people in England.

I agree with her.

Unfortunately, it is true that there are homeless peoples around downtown of Tokyo.
For example, Shinjyuku or Shibuya etc.

I like travelling.
When I travel, I am sorry when I see homeless people.

However, I didn't see any homeless people while staying in England.

I was so surprised.

According to her article, homeless people can stay in B&B or shelter under state care.
I was so surprised at all although I had known that medical costs of England is free.

In Japan, medical costs are rising and old people are increasing.
Meanwhile, children are decreasing...

So medical costs and pensions are big problems in Japan.
Especially, Japanese pension's price is cheap and we think that it is hard to live by only our pensions.
You know Japanese who live in Asia(Malaysia, Thailand etc) or want to live in there are increasing.
Of course me too.
So I wen to Malaysia 2 times to check prices of Malaysia.
Because Japanese prices are expensive...

In addition, homeless people can't get money from Japanese government.
So they have to live in outside and they can't have their address.

Some of Japanese people doesn't have any hopes because they put up with their terrible lives..

I think our society will become cheerful if Japanese government think about homeless people and weak persons.
If Japanese government helps them and we have to pay more expensive taxes, I can understand and I will pay.

Struggle against sleepiness

Hi, how are you?

I am fine. However, I feel like taking a nap right now with all this work...

Because I can't often sleep well recently.
At last night, I waked up at 2 am and 4 am...
I think I might wake up because of air conditioner.
For example, I wake up and feel a chill because I put on the air conditioner while sleeping.
Meanwhile, if I don't put off the air conditioner, I can't sleep because of the summer heat...

So when I wake up at this morning, I felt dull.
If it is possible, I'd like to take a day off today.
But I managed to go to the office.

After a lunch, I couldn't stop closing my eyelids a few times.
My boss's desk is in front of my desk.
Fortunately, my boss took a day off today.
I drank many cups of coffee to fight off the urge to sleep.
What do you do if you feel sleepy while working?

I often do these things.

- drink lots of cups of coffee

- rub the sleep my eyes

- go out and feel a fresh air to cool my head

- chew a gum

If I can't stop feeling sleepy after doing all, I must give up not to take awake. It is best to leave my office and take a nap at my home.

Yes, I am a bad employee...

So I saw the clock many times while working because I wanted to go home at once. As soon as it will be 6 pm, I will leave my office without any words...

The Bon festival

The Bon festival will come soon next week.

This year, the Bon festival takes place every year from August 13th to 16th.

This Buddhist festival is held to welcome back the souls of the dead.
These souls are believed to return to their families during the festival.

It is also an occasion for people to visit their relatives' graves to pray and make offerings of food and flowers.
When I was a child, I often went to my grandmother's house with my family to pray. Then we made these horses by vegetables.
They are called "Shyouryou uma".
"Syorou uma" is believed that dead people ride on "Syorou uma" to come to our world.

Most cities also hold Bon dances at this time.
So we put on yukata and enjoyed dancing when I was a child.

Many people receive company holidays during the Bon period and go back to their hometowns.
According to JR, the number of people returning to their own homes after the holidays will reach a peak on August 16th.

I couldn't take holidays while the Bon period at ex companies.
However, my current company receive company holidays.
So I will go to my parent's home to spend a time with them next week.
If I wasn't busy, I would take holidays from friday of this week.

I will write about my vacation after coming back to Tokyo.

Best pizza "Sicilian"

How are you? I am fine. When the weekend comes, I usually stay at home because I don't like Japanese summer heat.

If I must go out, I try to go out at nights.

By the way, do you like a pizza?

I love a pizza.

Then I found my best pizza!

One day, one person taught me one pizza's restaurant.
That is "California pizza Kitchen".

Do you know that?

I didn't know that at all.
A few days ago, I went to there and ate Sicilian pizza for the first time to eat a pizza.



I can't explain the taste of Sicilian pizza well.

The toppings of pizza were Italian sausages, salamis,Parmigiano Reggiano,Mozzarella,basil,oregano.
Taste was so spicy and the sausage and salami were so nice!!!
And pizza bakes until the top was so crispy.
The price was about 2380 yen.
I think 2 or 3 peple can be satisfied with one pizza.
Please think again to order another pizza if you want to eat many pizza.
You had better order another pizza after finish eating a pizza if you can eat and you aren't stuffed.

Before I loved Mrgherita pizza but I prefer Silian pizza now because I love spicy foods.
The volume of Sicilian pizza was so huge and I was so stuffed that I couldn't eat another bite.
However, I want to eat Sicilian pizza again and I will tell my friends California pizza.

The movie "Ikigami"

well, I will go to spanish restaurant although we planed to eat Japanese eel tonight. Because my friend said that we couldn't reserve at Japanese eel restaurant.

Maybe, many people plan to eat eel because the weather is too hot!!!

I was sorry but I perfer Spanish food.

By the way, do you remember about Japanese comic "Ikigami"?
In the past, I wrote about it on my blog.
Finally, the movie of Ikigami will be released next month in Japan.

Shouta Matsuda as the main character of this movie played in the movie. If you want to watch other movie previews, you can watch this.

Find more videos like this on www.truveo.com.

You may know his father.
His father is a famous actor "Yusaku Matsuda".
Yes, his father had played as the movie "The black rain".

According to the website of wikipedia, Shouta Matsuda can speak English because he studied abroad in UK for 2 years.

I like Shouta Mastuda too.
When the TV drama "Bara no nai hanaya" was boradcasted in Japan, I often watched it.
(The title means that flowershop without rose)
I didn't know about him before watching them at all.
I thought his performance was great after watching them.
He is 22 years old but his talent was greater than other Japanese actors.
I expect his future!!!

Simple food is best!

Well, I know that many foreigners don't like the smell of Nattou and they can't eat Nattou.

Indeed, some of Japanese can't eat Nattou because of the smell.

When I watched Japanese TV shows at TV, one Greek man said that he could eat Nattou with one thing.

What is that?

The answer is olive oil!!!


I was so surprised at all.


People tried to eat Nattou with Olive oil.
They said that nattou with Olive oil was so delicious!!!

According to the TV shows, Olive oil of Greek is so good and Greek is the top country to use Olive oil in the world.

One Greek man living in Japan eat Japanese noodle with olive oil!!!

He put olive oil into the noodle's sauce "Tsuyu" and he eats them.

He said that Japanese noodle "Soba" becomes Italian pasta.

I will try to do that soon because there are dried Japanese soba at my home.

My family likes olive oil for a long time and we use olive oil when we grill meats or vegetables etc.

And olive oil can be used as dressing oil of salad.
My father often uses olive oil for health and he eats breads with olive oil.

At last night, I made a summer vegetable's salad.
(Japanese eggplant,cucumber,Jew's mallow)
The reason that I use summer vegetables is summer vegetables make our bodies cold.

And the recipe was so simple.

- cut vegetables and boil them by hot water

- make dressing sauce(vineger,soy sauce,olive oil,pepper)

- put dressing sauce on boiled vegetables

When I am tired, I can eat healthy foods without many time.
Besides, I add cutting Tofu and tomato.



Sometimes, I use Ponzu and olive oil.

Although it is so easy, the taste is so good.

Some people think it isn't easy to make Japanese dishes.
But I think it is easy.
It is a fact that we don't eat luxury dishes every day.

For example, Sushi, Yakiniku, Sukiyaki etc.
We make simple Japanese dishes to eat.

In addition, many Japanese women work and so they can't cook luxury dishes every day.

If you don't believe that, please try to make Hiyayakko.
We often eat Hiyayakko in the summer.

If there are tofu and soy sauce at your home, you can eat Japanese dish "Hiyayakko" after cutting tofu and putting soy sauce on tofu.

Because I am writting about foods, I feel hungry.
After work, I will buy summer vegetables at supermarket and make simple salad with olive oil at home.

Foods are culture!!!

Hi, how are you?

I am fine. But I felt dull last week and I took a rest on the weekend.

I didn't feel like eating something.
I think I got tired because of the summer heat.
On last weekend, the temperature was 39 degrees.
I think that the summer of Japan was crazy....

Although I was the only person that the weather of Japan is strange, other people thought so like me.

When I watched the weather news on TV, the news said that heat will continue to Oct.
I can't believe.

By the way, do you know that Japanese eat eel's liver?

To tell the truth, I don't like Japanese eel's liver because the taste is bitter.

But I can eat other fish's liver.
It is popular to eat fish's organ in Japan.
For example, the organs of saury or cuttlefish.
The organs of cuttlefish "Shiokara" is popular.



Shiokara is my favorite food and I used to make Shiokara by myself.
It is so easy to make Shiokara.

If you buy fresh cuttlefish and you have salt and Japanese sake, you can make Shiokara.

Recipe is here.

- Wash cuttlefish and remove organ of cuttlefish

- Cut cuttlefish

- Mix organ and salt, Japanese sake

- Mix cutting cuttlefish into the sauce(organs,salt,sake)

We eat rice and shiokara.
If you find shiokara, please try eating!

I suffered from summer heat and I decided to eat eel at Japanese restaurant after work.

I may write about it after eating eel for the first time of this year.

One singer's visit

UK-Japan 2008 sends me e-mail newsletter and I enjoy reading it and check out the events of UK in Tokyo.

A few weeks ago, I got the email from UK-Japan.

The email was written about a event of one singer who would come to Japan.

Who do you think?

Leona Lewis!!!

Leona Lewis as famous singer of London visited to Tokyo.
UK-Japan goodwill ambassador swearing-in ceremonies of Reona Lewis were held in a British Embassy of Tokyo on Tuesday, July 22.
And about 100 such as a guest or a journalist attended.



If you want to know about it more, please check out this.

A few weeks ago, I got the ticket of her event.
Of course, I planed to go to there.
Unfortunately, I couldn't go to there because of my job...

I am really sorry not to meet her.

Forest of Fuchu city

In the midnight, I talked with my old friend and we promise to meet on next day.
My friend lives in Fuchu city.

A few months ago, I watched the TV program about Fuchu.
According to it, there is a big park and forest, museums etc.
So I told my friend about it because my friend didn't know about it at all.

Then we arrived at Fuchu station at 3 pm.
We left the station and went to the museum at frist.
Unfortunately, exhibitions weren't shown in the museum.
So we walked around the park while seeing trees.
There are people playing a guitar, catching bugs, reading books etc.

In addition, it was so cooler than cities of buildings because of lots of trees.

I always think that why the Tokyo metropolitan government builds only buildings in the public.
I want the Tokyo metropolitan government to build parks or grow trees.
If there are some trees in the cities of Tokyo, the heats of summer might be cooler.

Because in urban areas it is especially hot due to the heat island phenomenon. This phenomenon causes the temperatures in urban areas to rise far more than those in surrounding areas. Yes, my apartment and office too...

So why the Tokyo metropolian government and Japanese government try not to build many buildings?

I can't understand at all.

Anyway, I could see beautiful trees on last weekend.
After walking around the park, we went to back to the center of Fuchu.
I found one temple "Ookuni tama temple".

My friend told me about this temple and famous festivels.


The temple was built in 111 and designated as a nationally important cultural property.

After seeing the temple, we decided to have a dinner at Japanese restaurant "Izakaya".
You may know izakaya because I often wrote about it.

Then we entered one Japanese Izakaya and drank beer and eat delicious foods.
I could enjoy Chofu city!
If I move my living place, I might live in Chofu.

Japanese eel "Unagi"

Hot humid weather continues for the seventh consecutive day...

On weekend, I went to Chofu city and met my friend.
To go to the park of Chofu and a museum.

There are many trees in the park.
So the nature was fresh and it was so cool.
After we left the park, we went to the cafe to take a rest.

Japanese who suffering from the summer heat increase in the summer.
So some of people can't eat foods because of summer heat.

It is said eating some foods helps to beat the summer heat.

Tomorrow is called "Doyou-no-ushi-no-hi".
It means eating broiled eels in the summer.
Eel is one of foods helps to beat the summer hear.

Eels are caught in Kagoshima and Aichi, Miyazaki pref.

It is too difficult to clean eels for us.
So broiled eels are sold in the supermarket when it is Doyou-no-ushi-no-hi.

About 5 years ago, my family went to Eel's Japanese restaurant of Aichi pref. The name is "Hourai ken".
It is so famous in Japan and many famous people visit it to eat eels.
When we went to there, we had to wait for eating eels for 1 hours.

And the way of eating eels "Hitsu-mabushi" was so different.

At first, we ate broiled eel and rice as usual.
Second, we ate boiled eel and rice with green onion and wasabi.

We ate boiled eel with wasabi for the fist time.

Finally we poured the green tea in eel and rice.
Then we ate them with wasabi and seeweed "Nori".

They were so delicious and we were satisfied with Hitsu-mabushi.

If you find Japanese eel's restaurant, please try it.

Of course , you can eat broiled eels like Hitsu-mabushi at home after buying them.

My favorite magazines

You know I love traveling.

So I often read and see the guidebooks and photograph of travelling during travel to or from work.

A few years ago, I don't read Japanese magazines at all because they aren't interesting.
They show only fashion or ad...
As a result, Japanese magazines aren't sold among Japanese.
Some of them discontinued publication.

4 month ago, I found one magazine.

The magazine's title is "Mr partner".
The magazines are written about England.



According to the magazine's article, one woman had started to make a magazine's company when she was 28 years old.

When she was 18 years, she had been to UK for the fist time.
Then she loves UK and she often goes and stays in UK.

Then people who like UK or are interested in UK read the magazine "Mr partner".

If I had read the magazine before I went to UK, I might enjoy interesting places more.

Of course, I really enjoyed and I am satisfied.

While getting on the subways in the morning, I always read the magazine and enjoy imagining UK.
Funny?

And the articles of the magazine are so nice.
They are greater than Japanese guide book of UK.

For example,

- Most wonderful and best B&B

- The Cotswolds and farmers markets in UK

- Gardens of UK

- Wonderful shopping lists

- Immigration towns

- museums of England

- Manor Houses

In addition, the other articles are interesting for me.
For example, the government systems and Immigration of UK are written in the magazines.

I think young and old people enjoy this magazine.

Now, I am reading the magazine about summer of UK.
The articles are so interesting.

If it is possible, I will go to UK again.

Shimoda of Shizuoka pref

Do you remember that I got the hotel vaucher for free?

At last night, I called the luxury hotel of Shimoda in order to reserve the room.

Because when I had met my friend and we had decided to go to there on September.
We are planing to go to there by the train and it takes about 3 hours to Tokyo station from Shimoda.

I asked about meals and courtesy car after reserving the room.
The hotel staff said that we will be able to eat 2 meals and get on the car from Shimoda station.
In addition, the dinner will be Japanese seafoods!!!
Wow!
I especially love seafoods!
So I can't wait for staying in the hotel.

Today, I was checking out about websites of Shimoda.
Shimoda is famous as the place of Commodore Perry's arrival in Japan.

I could find interesting places of Shimoda.

You many know Shimoda is a locale of Japanese novel "The Dancing Girl of Izu" of Kawabata.

I want to go to these places.

- Gyokusen-ji Gyokusen-ji is a temple that was built in 1573. It had used as consulate general of US at end of Edo Period.

- Shimoda park



- Shimoda history museum

- Uehara buddhis art museum

you can see exhibitions on this page.

- Uehara museum of Modern art

There are pictures by Cezanne,Renoir,Picasso,Shinsui Itou etc.

- The Murayama Residence
- Perry road

You know, Perry opened the door of Japan to the world.
According to the website, there are cool shops and restaurants in there.



- Foot bath of Harris


Everybody can take a this foot bath for free!

I plan to arrive at Shimoda station at 11 am.
Before checking in the hotel 3 pm, I will be able to go to the some places!

Before I had been to Shimoda by the car. But I didn't go around Shimoda at that time. Only having a lunch.

So I will enjoy Shimoda for 2 days!

Southern All Stars

Do you know Japanese popular singers group "Southern All Stars"?
And do you know the song "Ellie My Love"?

You many know the song because Ray Charles sang the song.
The song "Ellie My Love" was made by Southern All Stars.



I love their songs and they are popular among young and old Japanese.
All their songs always hit a record high.

They had started to play music in 1975.
The leader of the group is "Keisuke Kuwata" since 1975.

However, they announced that they will come to a screeching halt since next year.
So We won't be able to listen songs and watch their concerts.

The new CD will be sold on 5th of Aug and I will buy it.

It may be their last work. I can't wait for selling their new CD.

Japanese fisherie issues

You may know I prefer seafood to meats.
I often buy seafoods in supermarkets.

And Japanese soul food "Sushi" is popular among foreigners.
It is true that we can eat Sushi even if we go to foreign countries.

I heard that resource of fishes are decreasing now.

Many people think many Japanese seafoods are caught in Japanese.
But it isn't true.
Japanese depend on other countries.
For example, Thailand, Canada ,Norway, Italy etc.

Almost seafoods that we eat are imported from them.
It is so hard to live primarily by fishing in Japan.
Fishery collapse is one of the biggest problems of Japan.
Young people don't want to live primarily by fishing or agricultural industry.

If you go to the supermarket in Japan, you may be surprised at seafoods that are imported.

According to the news, fishermen and fishing cooperative stopped fishing yesterday.

But the news said that supermarkets don't attack any damages because there are seafoods of other countries in Japanese supermarket.
It is a sad story for Japanese fishermen who live by fishing.

The hottest days

Since last weekend, the weather of Japan is too hot!
In Tokyo, the temperature was 38 degrees...

According to the news show, the temperature for 3 days hit a record high.
Some people suffered heat prostration.
As a result, they have been rushed to hospitals with heat stroke on the weekend.

I think that it said every summer.
Anyway, the fee of air conditioner in my apartment may be higher than last month.
Because I keep turn on the air conditioner all day long.

Indeed, I tried to sleep without the air conditioner.
But I couldn't sleep at all...

Because of global warming, current weather of Tokyo is different from past weather.
When I was a child, the summer wasn't hottest like now.

So I heard that tropical animals and plants are increasing in Japan.

If the temperature will be lower, I will stop keep turning on the air conditioner.

Do you feel global warming?

Charo episode16 - Hospital

It's nice, warm day. Charo is enjoying walk and see Candy.

Charo: Candy, where are you going?

Candy: Oh, Charo. To the hospital. Chris is going to have heart surgery pretty soon.

Charo: I didn't know that. You must be worried.

Candy: I can go up to Chris's room when Aunt Charotte is with me, but she is busy. So I always wait for him outside. Oh, Aunt Charotte is Chris's aunt. I'm staying with her while Chris is in the hospital.

The tone of her voice makes Charo a bit worried.

Charo: Candy?

Candy: What?

Charo: Are you all right?

Candy: What? Of course. I am all right.

But in fact, Candy is crying.

Charo: Don't cry.

Candy: I'm lonely. I know I shouldn't be complaining. But Aunt Charotte wants me to enter a dog show this weekend. And then, next week she's going to Chicago and I supposed to go with her. Everything is moving so quickly and I can barely keep up.

Charo: But you can see Chris today. You will be fine.

Candy: So, have you found a way back to Japan?

Charo: No, not yet, but look! I have this red star! "If you wear a red star, you can get back to Japan."

Candy remembers the story she made up and this almost makes her cry again. The two get to the backyard of the hospital.

Candy: Oh, there he is! Chris!

But Chris has just gone inside, being pushed back to his room.

Candy: Arf arf! Chris! I'm here! I came to see you! Come back! Arf arf!

Tow of the guards are approaching. Charo catches Candy by the tail and tugs.

Candy: Hey! What are you doing?

Charo: They're coming. Let's go!

Charo leads Candy out to the alley. Candy keeps crying all the day.

Charo: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry, but...

Candy: I know! We had to leave the way. But I just wanted to be with Chris. I just...

Finally she calms down.

Candy: Hey,Charo,would you come to the dog show with me this weekend?

Charo: Dog show?

Candy: I really don't want to go... but if a friend could join me, it wouldn't be that bad.

Charo: ... Yes.Sure, I can go with you.

The sound of the word "Friends" echoes is his heart. It leaves him warm inside for a very long time.

Aniversary of my best friend

Well, I will meet my friend after work and we will have a dinner.

You many know I lost my friend. Before, I wrote about him.

Since he was dead on November 11th, I remember him and have a little luxury dinner on 11th of every month.
To thank for him.

We'll have a dinner at Japanese food "Okonomiyaki" restaurant.

The restaurant is a place where we had a dinner with him last year.
Okonoimyaki is his favorite food.
He was born in Osaka pref.
You may know that Okonomiyaki is Osaka's soul food.

When he and I were finding a delicious Okonomiyaki last year, he found this restaurant.
Then we went to there and we enjoyed eating Okonomiyaki.

After I knew the death of him, I couldn't laugh at all.
Now, I can remember him without any tears.

I could learn and realize many thing from his death.
I will talk about him with my friend and I hope he keeps watching us from heaven.
I believe that he hopes that I enjoy my life and keep laughing.

Charo episode15 - Sally

Early in the morning, Charo and Dread are sound asleep.(a loud, clattering noise) Charo gets up and goes see what's happening. Right around the corner, a strange - looking bird is sitting on a mountain of empty cans.

Sally: Whoops! Did I wake you up? Sorry about that. I was just trying to get some food out of this...(pecking) can.

Dread comes out, too.

Dread: Noisy bird. Do that somewhere else. Get out here!

Sally: Hooey! Scary, scary!

Dread: Grumps!

Dread heads back to his nest but Charo is curious.

Charo: Hi, I'm Charo.

Sally: Me, Sally. How dee doo dee?

Charo: Where are you from?

Sally: Good question! I'm from everywhere. You know how I go everywhere? I fly. I fly around the world. Where're you from?

Charo: I'm from Japan.

Sally: Japan? Wow. That's far away, isn't it? It's a great place, thought.

Charo: You know Japan?

Sally: Of course I do! Who do you think I am?

Charo: Sounds good. Where in Japan?

Sally: Err... I went to ... more or less... the south of Japan!

Charo: Sounth?

Sally: Yeah, where there are lots of penguins!

Charo: Penguins? Really? I want to be like you. I want to fly to Japan.

Sally: That's easy! Just flap your wings. That's all you need to do go to Japan.

Charo: But I don't have any wings. I am a dog.

Sally: Hmm... now that's a problem. That means you can't go back.

Charo looks sad. Sally feels so sorry for him.

Sally: Oh, come on, don't be depressed... Hey, I'll tell you what. Go west!

Charo: West?

Sally: Yeah! Japan is to the west of America.

Charo: Okay.I'll go west. Thank you, Sally.

Sally: You are welcome. And if you have any questions about anything, just ask Sally.

Dread: Hey, didn't I tell you? Get out!

Sally: Oh...

Dread: What time does he think it is?

Charo: Are you leaving?

Sally: I'm not good around that type. Charo, remember, Japan is to the west.

Charo: Yes! Thank you, Sally.

Sally: See ya!

Without sally, the place suddenly becomes quiet.

Charo: West. I will head for the west.

Start the world of iPhone?

Finally, iPhone started be selling in Japan.

Since yesterday, news said about iPhone and people who try to buy iPhone.

They has been standing in line all night to get iPhone since at least 1 day.
I can't do it because I have to work and I can't sleep outside...

I think the price of iPhone isn't expensive.
Other cell phone's prices are more expensive in Japan.

However,iPhone's Calling of rate is high.
Users of iPhone have to pay about at least 8000 yen as a an monthly fee of cell phone.
What do you think about the price?

The cell phone's company of iPhone is Softbank.
It is same as mine.
But iPhone's price system is different.
I don't know the reason at all.

When I knew that Softbank would start to sell iPhone,
I thought I would like to buy iPhone.

Now, my monthly fee is about 5000 yen.
In addition, I can call my friends for free that their cell phone's companies are same.

I'd like to use iPhone if the monthly fee of iPhone is cheaper.

The movie 'Billy Elｌiot'

At last night, I couldn't sleep at all. I tried to sleep but I gave up.

Then I decided to watch movies and TV drama.

At first, I watched the movie 'Billy Elliot' of UK.



Before watching that, I had known that.
The reviews of that were nice.
However, I didn't have a chance to watch that.

The story was about a boy who lived in UK and wanted to become a dancer of ballet.
His father didn't allow him to go to the lesson at first.
So he tried to keep going to the lesson a secret.

His teacher told him that he should take an exam of Royal ballet and leave the town. But his family wasn't rich.
His father worked in the coal mine's company and his father kept striking of coal mine with co-workers.

One day, the father found his secret.
Yes, the father saw his son dancing with girls.

Father was angry but father tried to make money.

So they went to London in order to take an exam of Royal ballet in UK.

I know that all of story.
But I don't write about that.

While watching the movie, I was so impressed and the movie cheered me.

It is important for me that movies cheer me.

If you don't watch the movie 'Little dancer', please check it out!

The hotel voucher

You know, I love traveling. So I go to the trip at least once or twice a year.

While having a lunch at my office, I check out the website of traveling.

Sometime, I can find the campaigns about traveling.
For example, the air tickets for free, the tour of Europe etc.

When I find them, I submit applications of their websites.
Before, I had gotten the win of Korean's trips 2 times.
But I had been busy and I couldn't take holidays at that time.
So I had given up.

At last night, I checked out my post and I found one letter. It was a hotel voucher of Shimoda's luxury hotel.

When I saw that, I couldn't believe at all.
As soon as I saw it, I call the hotel and asked some questions.

The hotel voucher is available from September and I can use a hotel voucher while weekdays.

If I can use the hotel voucher,I don't need any money.
I can eat a luxury dinner and breakfast and enjoy hotsprings of the hotel for free.

The hotel's name is 'Kagetsu tei'. According to the website of the hotel, the hotel was rebuilt in 2007.
There are a hot bath, hot springs and restaurants in the hotel.







I read the website that people had stayed in the hotel.
Their reviews are so nice.



In addition, the meals are delicious.



I must go to the hotel as soon as it will become September.

The life without any computers

Well, some knows that my computer has been broken now.

So I have to live without my computer every day.
Why did I buy a new computer?

The reason is simple.

I don't have just money to buy a new computer.

Of course, it isn't convenient to live without computers.
Especially, on weekends...

I can use a computer while I am at my office or internet cafes.
Before, I used to go to internet cafes.
But I don't go to there at all because I have to pay money.
So I have to get many emails after weekends.

But my life will change soon.
Because my friend will give me her pc.

In addition, for free!!!

Her pc isn't new. But I don't mind at all.

Because I just access the internet and watch movies or listen to the music on the pc.

But I think it is a good experience for me to live without any computers.
I really understand that I depend on computers and internet.

I know that it is so useful to use computers.
However I sometimes feel it is so tried.
Because there are lots of informations.
I have to check out them and collect the right informations.

Could you put up with living without any computers?

Although I will keep putting up with living without them for a while.

Where will I go with my mother?

Well, I was busy because the new project launched.

However, the trouble happened on Mon and the schedule was canceled.
So I am free.hahaha

By the way, my parents have colds since last week.
While night, it is so hot in Japan. So my father kept putting on the air conditioner.
The next day, they have colds...

Because I am worrying about them, I call them every nights.

At last night, my mother said "Please get back to our home! I need your help.". I really understood her feeling.
If I get a job in their place, I will leave Tokyo at once. In the past, I tried to find jobs.
But I couldn't find any jobs.

There are jobs that I can't do in their place.
I hope Japanese internet companies try to build new offices in my parent's place.

Oh, I forgot an important thing.

I decided not to leave my living house this year.

Why?

My friend wants to live with me in order to save money like me.
So she can't leave her living place at once.

Anyway, I can use a little money.
So I will plan to travel with my mother.
My mother loves traveling.
Of course me too!

In deed, we had enjoyed traveling of UK!!!

After the trip of UK, she has been loving UK and Europe more.
Her dream is to go around Europe for months.
If it is possible, I want to go to their with her.
When I was talking with her about the next trip,
I said that I could go to Europe with my mother if my father paid money of me.

My father only laughed.
Yeah, that was right.
I said a joke.

It is unusual to take a long vacation in Japan. I am sorry.

When will it come in Japan that people takes a long long vacations?
And when will it be usual in Japan to take long vacations?
If it will comes true, I will go around Europe with my mother.
But now, I have to put up with a short vacation.

So I will find a cheap tour soon.

Charo episode14 - The red star

Charo and Candy are walking to Margherita's place.

Candy: So you came from Japan, right? When are you going back?

Charo: I... don't know.

Candy: Japan is very far, isn't it?

Charo: Yes. But I will get back.

Candy: Oh. (a bit sarcastically) Well... good luck. Beautiful red star.( thinking ) Um, Charo... did you know that... you can get back to where you want to ... if you keep wearing a red star?

Charo: ... Really? I can go back Japan?

Candy: Sure!

Charo: Then, I'll look for a red star.

Needless to say, red stars have nothing to do with going back to Japan. She just made up a story and was playing a joke on Charo.

Two arrive at Rosa's restaurant but Charo is already eager to leave.

Charo: Hello, Margherita. This is Candy.

Margherita: Oh, I remember you. Welcome.

Charo: Um... I need to go now. Excuse me.

Charo dashes away.

Margherita: What was that?

The next day Candy is visiting Margherita's place again. Dread also runs in. He seems upset.

Margherita: Hi, Dread! You look... terrible!!! Hey, have you met Charo's girlfriend Candy?

Dread: Girlfriend? Then, have you seen Charo?

Margherita: (to Dread) What's the matter?

Dread: Charo didn't come back last night.

Margherita:(gasp) No!!!

Just then, Charo shows up. He's limping.

Margherita: Charo!

Dread: Where have you been?

Charo: Dread...Margherita...

Margherita: Are you all right?

A red star is shining around Charo's neck.

Charo: I found it. See,Candy? The red star. You told me about it.

Candy: ... I did?

Charo: I can go back to Japan if I wear this.

Candy: Oh... that.

Candy seems very uncomfortable. Margherita realizes what is going on and cuts in...

Margherita: That's great, Charo! You keep it, and someday your dream will come true!

Charo: Yes!

Dread: Charo, you must be hungry. Here. Eat.

Margherita: Shhh. Don't tell him anything. Don't take his dream away from him now.

Candy: Yes...( in a small voice) I am sorry.

Charo keeps eating, with the red star shining proudly around his neck.

Fish and Oil

You know, one of the big problem is high-price of crude oil. Every day, the price of oil is higher. Japanese food self-sufficiency is so terrible.
Japanese food self-sufficiency ratio is 40 percent and we depend on many imported foods.

According to the news, Japanese many fishermen have a big problem. That is price of crude oil. Even if they go to the ocean by the boats to get fishes, they have to pay more money before last year. Recently, fishes are imported from Thailand, China etc in Japan. If I can't eat all of seafoods, I don't wonder if I put up with...

Oh, I want to eat fishes because I wrote about them.

Rains of weekend

Finally, this month is July. The summer is coming in Tokyo. But the rainy season isn't over.

A few weeks ago, it had been raining while the weekends...

By the way, I had a cold on last Friday because it had been too cold. I put on only T-shirt. Some of them put on jackets. If I got up early, I would get back home to put on a jacket.

Now, I am fine because I took a rest on last weekend.

I hope that it will be nice on this weekend!

Doctor 'Akahige'

Do you know Eugene Aksenoff?

This is a photo of him.



If you don't know him and you want to know about him more, please read this.

He is a special doctor in Tokyo and he is called 'Akahige'.

I knew him when I read the book that the nurse of his hospital had written for the first time.

Although he is 84 years now, he is still working and helping people. I respect him. When he was 18 years, he met Japanese Royal family. Japanese royal family said that he must go to Japan if he wants to be a doctor. Then he decided to go to Japan and studied Medical in Japanese college.

According to the book, he had worked hard in Japan to get money. Now, there is his hospital in Roppongi.

If you go to Roppingi, you see foreigners in there. Foreigners who can't speak Japanese go to the doctor's hospital.

Because the doctor speaks Japanese and English , Russian etc.

On the other hand, He goes to anywhere if somebody need medical treatment.

Dr.Akesenoff got the win of Eiji Yoshikawa pride in 1998.

The doctor is so famous among foreigners.

He met a lot of famous people and he fixed them.

For example,

- John Wayne
- Brad Pitt
- Michael Jackson
- Jacques Chirac
- Madonna etc

John Wayne is the first famous person that the doctor met.

When he had came to Japan to make the movie, he hurt his eyes. He asked his manager to fix his eyes. Joh Wayne was in Odawara of Kanagawa pref.

Although Doctor was in Tokyo, he got on the train for 3 hours at midnight. Finally, he arrived the hotel where John Wayne stayed. Then he tried to shoot the injection. But John Wayne was afraid of injections!!!

Doctor said that you must not be better without injections. Then John Wayne gave up and his eyes were better. After that, he thanked the doctor. When he came to Tokyo, he invited the doctor's family and they enjoyed having dinner.

But the doctor doesn't know famous movies stars and singers at all.

He doesn't often watch TV or movies because he is too busy. He reads only some newspapers and books every day.

If you read the book, you must laugh!

For example, the doctor didn't know about Brad Pitt. The nurse told the doctor that he is famous in the world. Then the doctor asked him to his job!!!

Brad Pitt said that he is working about the movie. Of course , Brad Pitt was so surprised.

I like the chapter about Michel Jackson especially.

Of course, the doctor didn't know him. He had always called from the luxury hotel. The request was helping one singer. The doctor and his nurse went to there and they met one singer.

Yes. That is Michel Jackson.

While fixing Michel Jackson, the room was dark without any lights. The doctor tried to open the curtain. But Michel Jackson didn't want to do that.

Michel Jackson was so tired. He must take a rest.

Of course , then the nurse shouted in the elevator. But the doctor didn't know why she was excited at all and he was calm.

She told him that he is a star and showed the dance of Michel Jackson to the doctor. Yes, dance was Moonwalk!!!

Anyway, Michel Jackson often meet the doctor when he visited in Tokyo. The doctor fixes his children, too.

They are friends since the doctor had fixed for the first time.

I like his character because he keeps helping poor foreigners. Even if they can't money, he fixes them without money.

I think it is right that he is called 'Akahige'.



What do you think about him?

Live from Abbey Road

Well, I use the computer while working for a long time. So I sometimes feel dried eye and stiff in my shoulders...

By the way, I love Jamiroquai. When I was 18 years old, I had listened to their song for the first time. Then I love their songs and I go to their live when they come to Japan.

I don't often Japanese TV drama at all. Except Japanese TV drama "Furuhata ninzaburo".

At night of yesterday, I watched TV's ad "Clarion" of Jamiroquai on TV for the first time.



The music is "Feel So Good". I like this song.

By the way, I check out the website "Wikipedia" every day. Do you often check out?

It is so useful for not only private interests but also business.

Today, I felt the pain of my eyes. So I killed time. Please keep it secret!

Then I checked out the page of Jamiroquai. Then I found one thing!

Yes, Abbey Road!!!

According to this, Jamiroquai played music at Abbey Road Studio!!! How exciting! The title is "Live_from_Abbey_Road". I didn't know it at all.

I will try to watch it!

Elizabeth The golden age

You know, the season is rainy in Japan now. So since last week, it had been rainy days...

I think the rainy season will be over soon.

By the way,I watched the movie "Elizabeth: The Golden Age". Because the rain was heavy.



It was so interesting after reading the history of England. If I didn't know about the history, I couldn't understand at all.

Recently, I enjoy reading the books about the history of England. It is so fun for me. Because I went to UK and I could understand England more.

I try to check out the history after enjoy trips.

When I was a child, I didn't often study the history of Japan and others. But now, I like the history!!!

Do you like history?

By the way, do you know this website?

According to the website and TV shows, this year is an anniversary of UK and Japan. So many events are held in Tokyo and etc! (Arts, Music, etc)

On last sunday, I tried to reserve one event but the tickets were already sold out... I was really sorry...

If I have a time, I will try to go some events.

Charo episode13 - Pride

Bad weather is heading towards the city. Charo's on his way back to his nest. Around the corner, he almost bumps into Sirius.

Charo: Sirius!

Sirius: Shhh, you're ... Charo. Listen, you'd better go back and use other street.

Charo: What's wrong?

Sirius: A suspect is hiding out in that building. We're on a steakout now.

Just then, a hat comes dancing from nowhere, And old woman is looking for her missing hat on a sidewalk nearby.

Charo: This ... is hers. Why don't you take it to her? You're faster.

Sirius: I told you I can't move.

Charo: ... I understand. I'll go.

Charo tries, but the hat is too big for him. However... Charo is inside that hat, walking.

Old woman: Oh, you brought back my hat for me. How sweet of you! Thank you so much!

Charo: Arf!!!

At that moment, Chatherine and Sirius bursts into the building. The next day...

Rosa: Look! Sirius has done it again! He found a murder suspect. Wonderful, isn't it? (Cut to the back alley)

Charo: I met Sirius yesterday. There was an old lady, too. The wind blew off her hat. I asked Sirius to help. But he said he was working.

Margherita: I tought his work to help people.

Dread: Maybe he was in a tight spot.

Charo: I bought the hat... to the old woman.

Margherita: Good for you, Charo.

Charo: Why?

Margherita: What you did might not be beroic, but I'm sure you did a very good thing.

Charo: Thank you.

Without a word, Dread starts off to his nest.

Charo: I'd better go, too. Goodbye, Margherita.

(Charo catches up with Dread.)

Dread: Sirius did the right thing. Dogs have pride, too.

Charo: Pride?

Dread: Yes, if you're trying hard, you shold be proud of yourself.

Charo: I try hard... to get back to Shota.

Dread: I know. You should be proud of yourself, Charo.

Charo: Yes, Dread. What are you proud of?

Dread: What am I proud of? Hmm... I used to have something but...(laugh) maybe I dropped it somewhere.

Charo: (after a little thinking) Do you want me to to find it for you?

Dread: (Suddenly serious) Will you? Will you do that for me, Charo?

Charo knows they are talking about something important. He feels very close to Dread. On the other hand, Dread is thinking to himself.

Dread:(saying to himself) I'll try everything for you to return to Japan. I'll try everything!

New project & living alone

I wrote about my job and I have been busy. Yes, I was going to launch the new project. The planning and sales department want to release the new service on Aug. But the schedule is so hard...

I attended a few meeting about the new project. I really understood their requests. But the cost of the new project is so high. So we decided to release a few functions of the new service. Then other will be released after Aug.

I will find a new living place and take the summer vacations. But I don't know that I will be able to take vacations. Of course, I will try! Because I want to meet my parents and they want to meet me.

Recently, my mother misses me and she wants to live with me together. I really know her feeling. Because there is nobody to know her in Nagoya. My father goes to his office and enjoy chatting with others. She is lonely...

In the past, Japanese used to live with their family together. It was usual. But people get out their house and live in the city to get the jobs. So there are old people living alone or with their wife or husband. I heard that it is usual that people get out their home in US when they are 20 years. However, European is different. Many European live in their family together.

How is your country?

Japanese actor Masakazu Tamura

In the past, I wrote about Japanese actor Mr.Tamura. (If you doon't know about him, please read this.) So you may know him. Since a few week, his most popular TV "Furuhata Ninzaburou" drama had been broadcasted on TV. Of course, had I watched them!!!

This TV drama had finished. However, there are many fans of Furuhata in Japan and they hope that it will start again.



By the way, I had met him 10 years ago. When I'd arrived at the hotel "New ortani", he'd gotten out from the shop "Christian Dior"!!! Then I had been socked because he was so good looking and he was something!!! I had been excited!!! Then he got on the taxi. It was about only 10 mins!! But it is true that he is cool!!!

His father Tsumasaburo Bando was an actor too. And he was a hero in the past. So you may know him and watch his films. Anyway, please try to watch Mr.Tamura's movies or TV dramas if you have a chance.

Uk's top tea shop "Juri's The Olde Bakery Tea Shoppe"

I checked out the website of UK. Today, I read this article. The shop "Juri's The Olde Bakery Tea Shoppe" got the prize of "UK's top tea". The shop is in the Cotswolds and the owner is Japanese.

The owner's name is Mr.miyawaki. His family runs the shop.

If I have a chance, I'd like to go to there!

Do you want to go there?

Charo episode12 - Sirius

On a gloomy Monday morning, there's a crowd in from of John's shop. Margherita and Charo are there, too. A burglar has broken in and is barricding himslef inside.

Charo: Look, Margherita!

Margherita: The burglar!

In a split second, a black shadow jumps on the burglar. So quick that nobody understands what has happend. It's the super police dog Sirius.

(applause)

Sirius: Arf!

The next day, Rosa's checking out the newspaper.

Rosa: Look! There's an article about yesterday's robbery. It says, "The wonder dog is to be given a medal from NYPD." Wow! Isn't this something?

Just then, a police officer and the Doberman enter the restaurant.

(Applause from the customers.)

Rosa: Hello, Chatherine! Congratulations!

Catherine: It wasn't me. It was Sirus.

Rosa: Hi, Sirius. How does it feel to be hero?

Sirius: Bow - wow!

Rosa: So sirius, shall I fix you something special? And extra reward?

Catherine: That's nice job but no thank you, Rosa. He was just doing his job. We don't want to spoil him.
Rosa: Oh, okay. It's tough to be a police dog, isn't it?

Charo comes in for his food.

Margherita: Charo, come on in. I'll introudece you to Sirius. Sirius, this is charo. He's from Japan.

Charo: Hello. My name is Charo. Nice to meet you.

Sirius: Hi, welcome to New York, Charo.

Margherita: I hear that you're going to receive a medal for yesterday's work.

Sirius: I was just doing my job.

Margherita: Well, then I wonder if you could help us, too. This Charo over her, he wants to return to Japan. What kind of advice could you give him?

Sirius looks at Charo, thinks for a while, and finally, in a calm voice...

Sirius: None.

Margherita: ... That's it? You can't think of anything?

Sirius: For a dog to get back to Japan, he would need the help of a human. Without that help, it's impossible.

Margherita: But there must be a way. I mean, you're with the plice, you're supposed to help us.

Sirius: A fact is a fact.

Margherita: Okay, okay, I shouldn't have asked you in the first place. Charo, let's go!

Margherita seems to be really upset.

Margherita: He's always like that, you know. Calm and logical. All he cares about is his work.

Charo: But he was right.

Margherita: He's always right, but...but... can't he show some heart, some warmth, some...

I mean, it wouldn't hurt to say "I'll try" or "I'll look into it" or...

Charo: Please don't be so angry.

Margherita: (sign) You are right, Charo. I souldn't be so angry. It's a waste of energy... I'm going shopping. See you later.

Charo: Yes, see you later, Margherita.

Meanwhile,Sirius sits patiently beside Cahtherine. He seems very proud and happy.

My favorite music & book

Hi, could you enjoy your weekend? I could enjoy my weekend. By the way, I want to talk about my favirte music and the book. - Perfume

- Soba_ni_Iru_ne by Teruma Aoyama

- Together by MONKEY MAJIK


goo 音楽

I often listen their music at home. Of course, they are popular in Japan. Especially, I was so surprised because the members of "MONKEY MAJIK" are from Canada. But their Japanese is so great. If you listen to their song, you must think they are Japanese. When I listened to the song of them for the first time, I thought they were Japanese!! You can watch their lives on You tube. Please find it if you want to watch!



- The novels of Hideo Okuda

He is a famous writer. His works are popular now. The story is about the people suffering from troubles of their bodies. Then they went to the hospital of the main character Irabu doctor. If you read the books, you must be surprised because Irabu doctor is so eccentric and funny. Yes ,He looks like a child. But he helped people who suffering from troubles of the bodies. Then they could recover and solve their problems because of Irabu doctor. I think he is something! A few months ago, I knew him books for the first time. Then I really enjoyed his world.

Exactly, life always isn't perfect. Life is so difficult. But we must stand by ourselves and enjoy our lives. I don't like a sad story... After reading books, I feel strong and the books cheer me. I think it is enough that there are only a few people who understand me.



I found his English book. If you find it, please read it. I think you must think there is happiness around us and it is all right there we don't live all people. It is happy that there are only a few people who belive and understand us.

Now, I'm reading the English book "In the pool" in order to study English although I had read Japanese one.





Now, I have a friend who suffering from troubles. Then I told her about the novels of Okuda. After telling, she called me and she told me that she read the book. I think I will tell somebody who suffering from troubles.

Do you have any books like them?

Where's my new living place?

Hi, how are you? I am fine. Although I had been busy.

By the way, I want to change my living place. If I couldn't find my new living place, I have to renew a lease on Aug. So I will try to find the new apartment on July and prepare to be ready for my move soon.

Why?

I have some reasons...

- the rent

The rent is so expensive because I live in the place where is close to Shinjyuku Station. Of course, I can save the time to go to the office. But the company doesn't support the money of my apartment. In the past, old Japanese companies paid the money of the employee's living. But now, I think many companies stops paying the money to cost cut.

So I'd like to save money. If I lived in new apartment, I must get on the train for a few hours. But I don't mind. If I get on the train, I will just read the book or sleep. hahaha

- the noise



Because I live in the place where is close to the center of Tokyo, the noise is awful while midnight and weekend... Even the night... Young people gathered the convenience shop or supermarkets where are close to my apartment in the midnight and they shout!!! I can't believe it at all...

- the parks and natures

You know I love natures and parks. Unfortunately, there isn't a park around my apartment. So I sometimes get on the train for 30 mins and I enjoy feeling nature. If it is possible, I would like to live in the new apartment of Chofu station and enjoy natures.

You may read the article about Jindaiji. It is close to Chofu station. I like Chofu. So I may live in there.

Anyway, I have to find good apartments. I will see them after finish looking for them.

iPhone

Do you have a cellphone of Apple "iPhone"? When it was started selling in US and other, I really wanted to buy it. Many Japanese too. And finally, Japanese cellphone company "Soft Bank" will start to sell iPhone on July in Japan. So many websites and news said that a few days ago.

I heard that the percentage of Japanese who like Apple's product is higher. So there were many Apple's users when the company "Apple" was in trouble...

Anyway, I am lucky because the company of my cellphone is SoftBank. So I will be able to change the new cellphone!!! The current cellphone was bought 5 years ago... So there are not new functions in my cellphone. Of course, I can listen to the music and take photos or videos.

But my father often watches TV by his cellphone. He may be crazy because he sometimes watches TV by his cellphone while he sitting on the sofa. Of course, there is a new TV in front sofa at his home....

By the way, the computer that I bought for the first time was Apple's one. It was LC630. Have you ever watched the photo of LC630?

It wasn't expensive. I think the price was about 180,000 yen. In the past, the products of Apple were so expensive. I heard that they paid at least 1000,000 yen in order to get Apple's computers 15 years ago. Not beat around the bush, they were too expensive...

Anyway, I hope I get iPhone in the summer!

Charo episode11 - The Dream woman

It's the day of a street fair. After wandring around for a while, Charo stops in front of a very small tent. It looks inviting.

Charo: Wow... How small!

Charo peeps in. As he looks around, somebody picks him up.

Charo: Arf!

Andorra: It's all right. There's no need to worry.

It's the woman he saw in his dream.

Charo: あのときの・・・

Andorra: I was waiting for you, Charo.

The woman lights her lamp and burns some purple flower petals. At the same time, a sweet smell surrounds Charo, making him sleepier and sleepier.



Andorra: Little turtles crawl in the sea blow.

Stars fall in the sky.

Float your way back home.

Float your way to love.

Run to the arms of the one you love.

Claim what you're always worty of...



In his dreamland, Charo wakes up to see the woman's face again.

Andorra: My name is Andorra. I know you.

Charo: How come you know?

Andorra: I'm the dream-traveler. I visited your dream. Do you want to see the boy Shota?

Charo: Yes...but...

Andorra brings her hand close to Charo's forehead. Somehow, Charo is able to see Shota.

Charo: Shota! It's me!

Andorra: Sh.... Be quiet and watch.

Shota: I'm looking for my dog. I don't understand... My dog, where?

Charo calls out to him but soom the vision disappears.

Andorra: I'm afraid that's it. You just saw a piece of Shota's dream. See? He's trying to find you. He's even looking for you in his dream. And you know, maybe I can help you... Why don't we see each other again? In your dream.

Saying so, Andorra strokes Charo on the head.

Charo: (Wakes up) What?

Andorra: We should call it a day now. I'll see you again, Charo.

Charo is still feeling dreamy as he walks to where Dread is waiting.

Dread: (licking ice cream) This is delicious... Hey, what's the matter?

Charo: ....

Dread: What's the matter?

Charo: I saw Shota...

Dread: What? You okay, kid? Charo: A woman... I knew her... She showed me Shota.

Dread: Uh...oh... This is serious... Maybe too much sun. All right, Why don't you sit her in the shade and rest?

Charo: Yes...

Dread goes on licking his ice cream. Charo still can't forget the vision of Shota. Shota is looking for him!

This makes Charo feel strong again.

The movie "Hot fuzz"

Finally, today is Friday... This week, I had been busy... Anyway, I have some movies that I'd like to watch now.
I checked the emailbox and read one email. It was about a movie "Hot Fuzz".
Do you know about it? And have you watched it?

I'll try to download the movie on this weekend!!!

Farmars markets of UK

Hi,how are you?

I am fine. But I am a little busy now. Yesterday, I made some documents of new projects.

Today, I have to attend the meeting...

Anyway, I want to talk about other thing!

I am reading the magazine of UK. It is about the Cotswolds!!!
And there are many interesting things of the Cotswolds in the magazine.

- Farmars market of Cheltenham

I had known about farmers markets before I went to UK. But I didn't go to there when I went to UK. Because I didn't had a lot of time.... I am sorry...

I found Cheltenham's farmers markets.

Do you want to go to there? Or have you ever gone to there? Mike told me that Uk's people prefer organic foods. Japanese too.

A few year ago, I ate only vegetables and rices. Because I was interested in Yoga. Last year, I did yoga for a year, I realized that the nature food is most important. We sometimes ate junk foods. But it isn't healthy.

So I will try to eat fresh and organic foods. Of course, sometimes, I eat fish and meat.(Sashime etc.)

- Plantation Cottage herbs

I love herbs. So I sometimes use herbs while cooking.



- Hayles Fruit Farm

- Lyne down cider

There is this store in Gloucester

Yes. This place is famous as the movie "Harry Potter".



Mike knows I love a cider of UK!!! So I'd like to drink this cider someday!!!

Do you want to go to there? Or have you ever gone to there?

If there are farmers markets in your country or you had gone to, please tell me!!!

Charo Episode 10 - True birthday

One day, Charo finds Candy crying. He runs up to Her.

Charo: (panting) Hi,Candy. It's me...Charo. Are you crying?

Candy: Leave me alone.

Charo: But why are you so sad?

Candy: It's ... my birthday today.

Charo: Birthday. Congratulations!

Candy: Congratulations? No, there's nothing to congratulate about my birthday. That's why nobody is celebrating.

Again, Candy starts to cry.

Candy: Last year, I had a goregeous birthday party. A big tall cake, lots of food, lots of presents... Everything was just perfect. But this year, Chris and his father are gone. Both of them have forgotten about me. What's going on?

Charo: Oh, I see.

Candy: I see? What can you see?

Charo: I'm sorry.

Candy: You'll know exaxtly how I feel when it's your birthday.

Charo: No... I won't.

Candy: What do you mean, "No"?

Charo: I ... I don't know when my birthday is.

Candy: What?

Charo: I was abondoned... so I don't know .

Candy: Then you don't celebrate...?

Charo: I don't think so.

Candy: ...Oh...

Candy seems a bit embarrassed.

Then , a car stops and Chris gets out.

Chris: Candy! There you are. I've been looking all over for you!

Candy: Arf,Arf! Chris!

Chirs: What's the matter? Come on, it's your birthday today. Let's go home and celebrate!

Candy: (in tears again) Arf!

Chris: I'm sorry to be late. We were looking for your present.

Candy is happy. She turns to Charo, who gives her a big smile.

Charo: You'd better go.

Candy: Yes... but...

Charo: Happy birthday, Candy!

Candy: Thanks! And about your birthday...

Instead of words, she just kisses Charo on the cheek, and runs towards Chiris.

That night...

Dread: My birthday?

Charo: Yes, Dread. Do you know your birthday?

Dread: What is it, all of a sudden?

Charo: Does everybody celebrate? Have you ever celebrated your birthday?

Dread: Cut it out.

Charo: But have you?

Dread: Yes, I have.

Dread: It doesn't really matter when your birthday is. You have a wonderful day to celebreate anyway.

Charo: What?

Dread: You remember the day you met Shota?

Charo: Yes. It was a snowy day. Sunday morning.

Dread: Then every snowy Sunday morning will be your birthday...

Charo: ...

Dread: What? Something wrong?

Charo: No... Thanks, Dread.

Dread: It's late. Get some sleep.

With this, Charo feels calm again. Before long, he falls into a sound a peaceful sleep.