RandomlyTokyo

Electric Nabe Pot

2010-06-14T11:33:00.002+09:00

After visiting Japan, my sister decided she wants an electric pot in order to cook sukiyaki at home in Italy. I want one too and so I am looking around in Tokyo. BicCamera, yes, but also websites. Rakuten (http://en.rakuten.co.jp/) is one of the biggest shops online for Japanese products and I found the pot. You've gotta love the English translation of the Japanese page...

Elephant seal plate [2] Large! Cookers Grill "whole horse mackerel" EP-RA45
Price:
¥13,335 tax incl.
You Save:
¥8,715 (40%)

Product Description

Deep flavor ● "pot-style" all large-scale (diameter 30.4cm) "open fire OK"A family of four can eat plenty of comparable size, so large pot for about 10 items. Colors of the foods are tempting the appetite pan shine like the color of the soup pot.
Also, since a flat bottom pan, easy to clean, making it easier to shape when you put the tripod stable.
"Open fire OK" ... to be put directly into the gas stove, the mise quick. Boiling, immediately brought to the desktop is eaten.Since taking the hand away from the stove fire origin, the specifications are less likely hot.
● 3.7cm depth can Sukiyaki "flat plate"Ceramic titanium flat platePancakes and so using a durable scratch-resistant titanium ceramic durable and noodles, the menu expands.

Hagoromo

2010-02-15T07:18:00.004+09:00

Banana Yoshimoto, Hagoromo (L'abito di Piume), 2003.

I sassi, il colore del cielo, le luci delle case, le auto e le altre cose in lontananza, il vigore delle attività umane, il colore dell'erba, le piccole creature viventi, le nuvole enormi che si rincorrono all'orizzonte, quel suono flebile che risuona nelle orecchie... forse tutti quelli che come me in qualsiasi angolo della Terra riescono a trarre dall'ambiente quel tipo di conforto, speciale e ordinario insieme, si rendono conto di vivere questo mondo.

Quell'inverno ero davvero messa male, tanto da decidere di tornare per qualche tempo al mio paese (...). Non riuscivo ancora a credere fosse finita la relazione che avevo avuto con un uomo sposato da quando avevo diciotto anni. Per quanto tempo passasse, non mi rassegnavo all'idea che ci fossimo lasciati davvero. Era come se quegli otto lunghi, lunghissimi anni avessero dato vita a qualcosa di enorme, a qualcosa di importante che io stessa non avrei mai potuto immaginare. Forse a causa di ciò avvertivo sempre una strana stanchezza... i muscoli delle spalle erano sempre in tensione e pensavo in continuazione alle stesse cose, tanto da temere di essermi bruciata il cervello.

Capita spesso che i figli di genitori che vanno molto d'accordo, crescano senza sviluppare alcun senso critico nei confronti del mondo che li circonda. E così era stato nel mio caso. Ero diventata grande pensando che tra moglie e marito non potesse che esistere armonia, e che per una coppia la cosa più piacevole e bella in assoluto fosse stare insieme. Se così non fosse stato, ero convinta che il matrimonio non avesse più ragione d'esistere e che il divorzio fosse solo una questione di tempo. Una regola di certo applicabile nel caso dei miei genitori, ma che purtroppo non era sempre vera. Dalla mia disavventura avevo imparato che a questo mondo, invece, esistono numerose forme di unione e una vastissima gamma di compromessi.

C'era voluto così tanto tempo perché me ne accorgessi, da darmi della cretina da sola. A ben pensarci, però, più che una coppia legata da un amore indissolubile, mia madre e mio padre erano due persone molto affini, idealisti al punto da voler mettere la felicità al primo posto. Riuscivano a non prendere troppo seriamente le cose della vita, e così facendo se la spassavano in qualsiasi circostanza. Al contrario io, in quella fase dell'adolescenza in cui il desiderio d'amore arde quanto mai, mi ero messa con un uomo sposato e vivevo nell'attesa che si facesse vivo. Non mi restava che riempire il vuoto delle mie giornate rimuginando, e avevo cominciato a sospettare di tutto e di tutti proprio perché non avevo di meglio da fare. Ero davvero stanca di non potere più fare affidamento su niente e nessuno.

L'appartamento di Tokyo l'avevo tenuto, ma ancora non riuscivo a decidermi se fosse il caso di tornarci a vivere oppure no.
Con chi avrei potuto sostenere che la mia intera adolescenza non era stata altro che una forma di nevrosi? Tutto sommato avevo vissuto per anni aspettandolo, senza mai tradirlo una volta, accontentandomi di fare lavoretti saltuari così da potermi gestire gli orari con la massima libertà. Ero anche arrivata a imparare a maneggiare il cellulare e il computer per essere più facilmente rintracciabile. In quel frangente di vuoto improvviso, non aveva senso fare paragoni inutili o chiedersi chi dovesse uscirne vincitore e chi vinto. Io ero semplicemente pazza di lui e senza rendermene conto ormai mi aggrappavo con tutte le forze ai miei sentimenti e alla mia condizione. Era stato tutto molto divertente, niente di più, proprio come quando in primavera soffia il vento tiepido e con la punta del naso ti godi i suoi profumi dolci, oppure come quando in inverno ti senti felice a stare seduta davanti alla stufa con le ginocchia bollenti. Io mi ero immersa in quella vita di coppia, in quella grande storia d'amore senza futuro in cui giorno dopo giorno si accumulavano leggeri ricordi quotidiani privi del peso della realtà. Anche se non ne ero consapevole del tutto, non c'era dubbio che dipendessi completamente da quella vita.

Una vita che, a ripensarci adesso, assomigliava a quella dei ricoverati negli ospizi, tutto il giorno davanti alla televisione. Intontiti dal tranquillo ripetersi degli eventi, riescono a chiedersi soltanto quale programma desiderano vedere, mentre fuori dalle loro stanze tutto avviene in modo dinamico. A dire la verità, sapevo che stavo perdendo, istante dopo istante, qualcosa di molto importante. Per esempio: il tempo per me stessa e la lucidità di giudizio.

Smarrita all'interno di quella vita passata, capii che così facendo non ce l'avrei più fatta a uscirne. Era come se mi fossi incantata a osservare un filo reciso che penzola nel vuoto (...). Se va avanti così, si mette male... Il momento in cui arrivai a questa conclusione confusa, decisi di tornare al mio paese. Laggiù dove viveva gente con cui non andavo particolarmente d'accordo e dove non cambiava quasi mai niente (...).

Pensai che la gentilezza disinteressata delle persone, le loro parole spassionate, fossero come un abito di piume. Avvolta da quel tepore, finalmente libera dal peso che mi aveva oppresso fino a quel momento, la mia anima stava fluttuando nell'aria con grande gioia (...).

Mi sentivo rilassata mentre, con il corpo ben caldo, osservavo le montagne e le auto che passavano sulla statale. L'insieme delle emozioni di quel momento non lo si sarebbe potuto descrivere soltanto con il termine "felicità". La mia consapevolezza di essere viva, ormai, aveva raggiunto un'estensione infinita. Così facendo, mi dimenticavo sempre più. Delle sofferenze passate, della sensazione che la vista mi si fosse annebbiata per la tristezza in cui era immerso il mio appartamento, delle lacrime che avevo praticamente vomitato.

Sentivo che il mio corpo se ne liberava giorno dopo giorno. Certo, mi capitava di avere ancora qualche crisi improvvisa, i ricordi mi ripiombavano addosso e le gambe non mi reggevano più, ma la frequenza con cui ciò accadeva diminuiva a vista d'occhio. Dalla mia memoria si stavano cancellando tutte le sensazioni fisiche della vita di Tokyo. Avevo anche cambiato faccia. Ero più rilassata, non avevo più lo sguardo perso nel vuoto, adesso era attento e mi si erano addirittura addolcite le linee del viso. Avevo realizzato quanto impressionante fosse la forza del tempo. Era come se la corrente del fiume mi avesse portata lontano, se anche fossi voluta tornare indietro, ormai non sarei più riuscita nemmeno ad afferrare la coda di quelle sensazioni (...).

Io avevo lasciato la mia giovinezza a Tokyo, adesso però mi sentivo stranamente serena. Una sensazione nuova per me, come se fossi tornata bambina. Le uniche cose a cui avevo pensato durante gli anni definiti come "adolescenza" erano stati il cibo e il sesso. Bastava che guardassi la foto dell'uomo con cui stavo, perché venissi riportata in un mondo fantastico. Che altro non era che la realtà vista attraverso la finestra di un estraneo.

"Ancora un piccolo sforzo, dai! " fece lei.

"Ma si può sapere cosa vuoi da me?"

"Non l'hai ancora capito? Voglio che torni a vivere qui! " rispose Rumi con il sorriso sulle labbra.

In quell'istante mi sentii avvolgere ancora una volta dal calore di quelle parole.

Non ho bisogno di te, non mi servi più... il mio animo da orfanella, abbandonata sia dall'uomo amato che dall'unico legame che avevo con Tokyo, era rimasto traumatizzato da quelle frasi che pure non mi erano mai state rivolte apertamente. Da quando ero tornata al paese, invece, aveva cominciato a sentirsi protetto dall'affetto di quelle esortazioni (...).

Home made remedies

2009-08-12T17:34:00.003+09:00

In Japan:

If you have fever or flu: place something cold around your neck and prepare a cup of hot sake mixed to raw egg... Yummy.

If you have a sorethroat: prepare a cup of Japanese tea (cannot be Darjeeling ot Jasmine), add a teaspoon of salt and rinse your throat. Be careful not to vomit as it defeats the purpose...

Domestic and International Affairs: latest news from Asia

2009-08-02T11:14:00.007+09:00

N. Korea Reportedly Seeking Corporate Sponsors for Next Missile Launch
With its economy crippled by years of international sanctions, North Korea has devised an ingenious plan to fill its government coffers: tagging the sides of its Taepodong missile with corporate logos.

Officials have reportedly approached a number of well-known international companies about the plan, with mixed results. A spokesperson for Starbucks Japan who spoke to The Negi on condition of anonymity pointed out that, due to the rocket’s altitude when cruising over the major markets of Kansai and Kanto, it is unlikely that the logo would be visible to the naked eye. Coca-Cola Corp. seemed warmer to the idea, with a spokesperson saying, “This may be the last surface on earth we do not now have advertisements on.” The sponsorship opportunity was greeted most enthusiastically by McDonald’s Corp, which unveiled a mock-up of its planned ad that reads: “The end is near! Beat the heat of nuclear Armageddon with a McFlurry. Now in Oreo™ flavor!”

Gov’t: Economy on Rebound as Chihuahua Sales, Teen Prostitution Rise
Recently released figures from the finance ministry suggest that the recession has bottomed out and that Japan’s fiscal health is improving. The report cited a rise in three key economic indicators: the median number of occupied seats in Starbucks, the sale of Chihuahuas, and the average monthly income of teen prostitutes. The spike in all three market sectors indicates that Japanese consumers have begun pouring money back into the economy.

Some analysts, however, warn that while the income levels of teen prostitutes are returning to pre-recession levels, it is not yet certain that the money is being funneled back into the economy in the form of brand-name handbags, nail art and choux cream pastries.

“Let’s not forget the lost generation of young girls who missed out on their earning prime during the recession,” a finance ministry spokesman said. “The economy is coming back, but too late for some women who have aged out of their teens during the downturn.”

POVERINE....

From Metropolis #801

2009-06-15T15:07:00.002+09:00

I particularly like 'it's fluenced by Yoga and Tai chi chuan. It's sometimes like shiatsu, sometimes like streach [...] Here, You'll find the ellements essential to the well-being of body and soul'.

On Kotto Dori, the biggest sign on the street! If I was to spend that much on advertising my shop, I'll make sure the spelling is right...

Latest News: gov't checks for husbands, stop to public affection and stop to saying 'ehhtooo'!

2009-06-06T17:49:00.000+09:00

Japanese Husbands to Receive “Secret” Gov’t Stimulus Checks

Fearful that large sums of its kyufukin stimulus money is sitting idle in savings accounts, the government has devised a plan to distribute the funds to married Japanese men without their wives’ knowledge. Politicians hope that this money will immediately be pumped back into the economy in the form of alcohol sales, pachinko losses and sex workers.
The plan was formulated after a finance ministry study revealed that women, who generally run family finances, intended to spend the stimulus money on “bills, savings and aromatherapy instruction.”
When interviewed by The Negi, passersby at Shinagawa in Tokyo appeared to wholeheartedly support the plan. “Oh, I’ll probably use a little bit [of the money] each day so I can get some extra pork topping on my ramen,” said one middle-aged corporate worker. “Maybe buy some nihonshu that’s not in a carton. Oh, and definitely a nice present for my Miko. She’s the hardest working girl at the kyabakura.”

Gov’t Asks Int’l Couples to Limit Public displays of affection to Check Spread of Swine Flu
As the number of newly diagnosed swine flu cases dwindles, health officials are optimistic that Japan has averted a full-blown pandemic. Credit is being given to a rapid medical response, warming seasonal temperatures, and near-zero levels of physical intimacy among the population.
Fears, however, are now centered on a surge in new cases among non-Japanese who make physical contact with others. The health ministry has released a special set of recommendations for international couples who, against social norms, hug and even kiss their partners and family members.
“We ask those foreigners in relationships with local Japanese to please refrain from hand-holding, kissing and hugging,” said government spokesman Eichi Niida. “For the sake of public health, please refrain from displaying affection; instead, please bury your feelings deep inside. Likewise, we call on Japanese couples to refrain from their semi-annual hug and to limit interaction with their children to a slight bow and grunt (if you are not already doing so).”

Gov’t To Reduce CO2 Emissions by Limiting Use of Phrase “Ehhhhhtoooo…”
As part of an environmental initiative being trumpeted as the “Green New Deal,” the government has come up with a daring new plan: requiring Japanese speakers to limit their use of “Ehhhtoooo…” to less than one second in duration. The new statute, which will also cap the use of the filler at twice per sentence, is based on a research study which revealed that the average Japanese person employs the phrase for as long as 3-4 seconds, and that it comprises as much as 60 percent of overall speech.
Environment Minister Anone Oguchi clarified the regulations at a press conference in Nagatacho. “As with the success of our Cool Biz initiative, we hope we can lower the unnecessary release of carbon dioxide into the earth’s atmosphere by limiting the amount to which citizens, particularly elderly government-employed men like myself, pollute the air with our unnecessary vocal noises.”

From Metropolis#793

Aperetif on a Sunday night

2009-04-29T14:25:00.000+09:00

On the roofs of Tokyo at dusk. Sweet Spring.

Royal Shopping: Kinokuniya

2009-04-15T15:15:00.000+09:00

Last Sunday night we quickly drove to the nearest grocery shop to buy a few things for dinner. At least that was the intention. We drove to the Kinokuniya International Supermarket that recently opened in the basement of the new AO building in Aoyama, one of Tokyo coolest. Generally one of us waits in the car while the other goes in (to avoid parking or fines) but we saw the underground parking on the side of the building and drove in. As only in Japan happens, a high tech automatic elevator took the car away and we walked inside the little Italian cafe part of the supermarket, just in case one needs an aperetif before or after the shopping...
Kinokuniya was founded in 1953 as a grocery store and developed into one of the classiest and priecest international supermarket in Japan. Japanese selected food as well as ingredients to cook Italian, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Mexican and French food abound on the shelves. The vegatables and the fruit look so perfect you would think they were picked up in the garden of Eden. Belgian chocolate, Norwegian brown waffles, shortbread as well as delicate Japanese mochi are among the varieties of superior quality goodies one can find just next to the Boulangerie-Patisserie area where all sorts of bread, scones and croissant are baked daily. Next to a very well stocked wine cellar you could stop and indulge in good cheeses from France and Italy, cured meat from Denmark, Germany and Italy, foie gras and other similar delicatessen. For coffee lovers, fresh beans from all over the world just next to the sushi stand.
We strolled around as if we were in Alice's Wonderland, buying premium Sukiyaki beef and broth, tofu, leeks and mushroom for dinner, Thai noodles, curries and Tapioca pudding for another soon-to-be dinner, pate de campagne and baguette as appetizers and Blue Mountain coffee beans from Jamaica.
A Japanese man in uniform took our bags, provided us with a paid ticket for the parking and asked us to follow him. Two minutes later the car was magically lifted by the elevator from the underground parking and we were on our way, almost feeling pampered. Royal shopping in Tokyo!

Amanatto - Candied beans

2009-04-03T13:28:00.000+09:00

Today one of my colleagues asked me if I am interested in Japanese traditional candies. I thought to myself that I was not interested in traditional candies rather peckish enough to try one of them. Of course I said I was very interested indeed and I got a few candies to taste.

Now, the main ingredient is a simple, not pretentious little bean. And yet the final result turns out to be the best candy one could ever taste, delicious and so delicately made! How the Japanese can elevate simplicity to its highest...

AMANATTO RECIPE:
Best if started from dried beans that you cook yourself to control the consistency of the beans. You want them cooked but not mushy, picking out any floaty skins, beans without skins and cracked beans. Canned beans are usually too mushy and have all sorts of preservatives in them. Frozen edamame works really well - just make sure you get shelled ones!
Special Equipment: heavy, baking sheet(s) lined with parchment/Silpat
4 c cooked beans (edamame, black bean, azuki, lima, etc.)
3 c water
4 c sugar
1 tsp salt
1 c sugar (preferably superfine)

1. Dissolve water, sugar & salt in heavy pot over medium heat. Bring to simmer.
2. Add cooked beans to pot. Simmer for 1.5 hours.
3. Drain beans.
4. Toss drained beans in superfine sugar. Coat very well.
5. Spread sugared beans on prepared baking pan(s).
6. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-12 minutes, stirring beans halfway through.
7. Turn off oven, crack door open & keep beans in oven until completely cool. If you live in a dry area, you can skip this step and just remove the pans from oven and cool completely on the pans. 8. Store in airtight container.

Amanatto were developed by Hosoda Yasubei during the Bunkyu years (1861–1863) in the Edo period. He opened a wagashi store in Tokyo: Eitaro. This store continues to operate and I've got to find it!

Kanamara Matsuri or... Penis Festival

2009-03-12T17:34:00.000+09:00

The Kanamara Matsuri (?????), also called Festival of the Steel Phallus, or in layman's term "Penis festival", is an annual Shinto fertility festival held in Kawasaki, Japan in spring. The penis forms the central theme of the event that's reflected everywhere; in illustrations, candy, carved vegetables, decoration, a parade of mikoshis, etc.
- The Kanamara Matsuri is centered around a local penis-venerating shrine, once popular among prostitutes who wished to pray for protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Today, the festival is used to raise money for HIV research. There's also a legend of a demon that hid inside a young girl and castrated two young men on their wedding nights before a blacksmith fashioned an iron phallus that was used to break the demon's teeth, leading to the enshrinement of the item.
- Other attractions include locals carving penises out of daikon (radish), children and young women sitting astride penis-shaped seesaws for good luck and fertility blessings, as well as a seated banquet in the compound of Wakamiya Hachimangu shrine where the phallic radishes are auctioned. All are welcome to take part in the festival's parade and banquet, which includes dancing and karaoke singing. Many revelers, Japanese and foreigners alike, turn out in kimono, Edo period attire or drag for this two-day event of phallic fun which is also attended by many of the area's community leaders and civic dignitaries.

When trying to reserve a room in English...

2009-03-09T14:02:00.000+09:00

To Elisa
Thank you for inquiring.
This is Aura Tachibana reservation charge.Your inquiry was accepted.I will report with the telephone or mail later.
Indeed excuse me, please contact the following where to make contact when it is disconnected even if two has passed since mail was received by any chance.

...

Five Reasons for Japan’s Leaders to Get Drunk

2009-02-18T14:53:00.000+09:00

Anyone who has seen the video of Japan’s finance minister at last weekend’s Group of Seven meeting in Rome may be having similar thoughts. Nakagawa resigned yesterday even after insisting he wasn’t drunk. It was cold meds, he claimed (...)
Of course, if I were in charge of this rapidly shrinking economy -- at an annual 12.7 percent pace last quarter alone --I’d be tempted to hit the bar, too. The high won’t last very long,mind you. Japanese data of late are way too sobering. Talk about an economic hangover.
Here are five reasons why Japanese leaders might be excused for drinking in excess these days.
1. Things will get far worse. You know an export-driven economy is in trouble when exports plunged an unprecedented 13.9percent last quarter. The collapse in demand for Corolla cars and Bravia televisions comes as the G-7 says the global slump will last for much of 2009. It’s probably more like 2010, too. Big losses are forecast at Toyota Motor Corp., Sony Corp.and Hitachi Ltd., all of which are firing thousands of workers.That will accelerate the drop in household spending and deepen the recession. The current quarter could be even uglier.
2. Leadership is nowhere to be found. Nakagawa’s wobbly,droopy-eyed performance became an Internet hit and made Japan thebutt of jokes. More importantly, though, his replacement,Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Kaoru Yosano, recently castdoubts on whether Japan will get its act together by April, when the Group of 20 nations meets in London. Call it a two-month do-nothing binge.
3. Even party bigwigs are turning on you. Media are in atizzy over Junichiro Koizumi’s public rebuke of Aso’s bungling. Apro-reform prime minister who served from 2001 to 2006, Koizumi is credited with shaking up Japan’s business world and privatizing the massive postal system, which also housed the nation’s biggest savings bank. Koizumi recently spoke for many of Japan’s 127 million people when he attacked Aso for what he called “appalling” and“laughable” blunders. He suggested that their party, the ruling LDP, may lose this year’s election. Let’s face it, the LDP deserves to lose badly. The party serves only itself, not Japan’s people and certainly not the investors looking for opportunities in this $4.4 trillion economy.
5. The yen will rise no matter what happens. For 10 years now, Japan’s ultra-low interest rates funded borrowings that weremoved overseas into higher-yielding markets. Japanese companies and investors, hungry for fatter returns, ventured overseas. Allthat money is now coming back to Japan. The dollar’s weakness is exacerbating the problem. That’s a crisis for an economy that lives and dies byexchange rates. There’s nothing the Finance Ministry or Bank of Japan can do about it. That’s why Japan isn’t intervening incurrency markets to cap the yen. Whether Aso’s LDP hangs on to power -- which is highlydoubtful -- or Ozawa’s Democratic Party of Japan grabs the reins,the yen will strengthen. A strong currency is normally a sign of confidence in an economy. In Japan’s case, it’s a contrarian indicator of growth prospects in a world fast losing altitude.
Nightcap, anyone? It may help leaders in Tokyo deal with Japan’s un-happy hour.
(Commentary by William Pesek)

Oshogatsu

2009-01-09T10:23:00.000+09:00

New Year (shogatsu or oshogatsu) is the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together. Homes and entrance gates are decorated with ornaments made of pine, bamboo and plum trees, and clothes and houses are cleaned.
January 9. After a long week off work this year the Japanese (and the gaijin living in Japan) are back at work. You would assume they are all rested and ready for work... Nope...

I have had a bad stomachache from yesterday. The medicines don't work. I will go to the doctor, then i will try to login from my home. Sorry.

X called in. He has a stomach ache. He'll take P off a.m to goto a doctor. thank you.

Hi Team, X will take urgent p off today. Thanks.

And the day after:

Sorry. I have still a stomachache. I will go to big hospital this morning, then go to the office. Thanks.

X will be late for 40mins due to family issue. thank you.

X doesn't feel well. He will be in the office around 9am.

Resolutions

2008-12-19T17:21:00.000+09:00

During the course of 2008 I listed on a piece of paper all the things that I wished to accomplish within the year or so:

1. Study to pass the GMAT in view of a master degree -> I did buy the books and even got my hands on my sister's algebra book. I enjoyed the first chapter and as soon as I was starting to understand the logic of the test I stopped.

TO BE DONE IN 2009.

2. Read business related articles to get ideas and inspiration and keep following the debate in International Relations -> I read some articles but I am still stuck on my professional development and maybe I should find inspiration somewhere else. I also downloaded lots of articles from International Security. Pity I saved them on the desktop and never got around reading them.
TO BE SERIOUS MATTER OF CONSIDERATION IN 2009
3. Taking a course in Japanese cooking -> I did find a website and even wrote an email to enquire about the possibility of starting the course but never got a reply. I also insisted a bit with the owner of a very special isakaya in Shibuya, I said I could wash up or help for free as long as I could see how they cook their amazing food but I got a 'uhmmmmmmmmmmm... Muzukashi ne'. TO BE CONTINUED IN 2009.
4. Visit Okinawa and Nikko -> Lots an lots of emails exchanged with travel agents, lots of last minute planning in view of long weekends but no concrete action.
TO BE DONE IN 2009 IF POSSIBLE.
5. Yoga and Pranic Healing: I read the book and did meditation a few times. I sent countless emails to 'certified teachers' in Japan but only got 2 replies and none of the them seemed to be interested in teaching me. Headquarters in Australia didn't help either.
SUBSTITUTED BY ZAZEN PRACTICE AND BUDDHAHOOD ASPIRATIONS

6. Volleyball -> Found a group of gaijin that meet once a week to play among themselves and got myself added to the mailing list. Unfortunately they play on a Saturday morning at 9am in Mita and I am way too lazy...
TO BE PURSUED IN 2009 (IF THEY CHANGE THE SCHEDULE)

Balance: ridiculously bad. I wonder if I'll have space for new propositions this New Year...

Zazen Practice

2008-11-28T13:50:00.000+09:00

Apparently, we are all neurotic and crazy. The reason being that our 'ego' has extended far beyond the boundaries of our natural body and identifies with too many conceptual symbols like our house, our bank account, our friends, our social status. According to buddhist psychology, this is the root of neurotism and ultimately of human suffering.
In fact the 4 Noble Truths state:
1. Life means suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment to transient things and the IGNORANCE thereof.
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable. We need to realize that reality is impermanent.
4. The Path to the end of suffering: the practice of the Eightfold Path.

Buddhahood is the natural state of non-neurotism. A buddha is someone that has conquered serenity and can maintain it in every situation.

To become a buddha, you need to put in some efforts especially when trying to achieve the first power, the CONTROL OF THE MIND. Let's not fool ourselves here. There is no way we can stop thinking tout court because thoughts that produce suffering are the automatic product of the tension registered in our memory and, ironically, they reproduce themselves continuously. But at least we can try to observe our thoughts instead of identyfing with them now that we know they are a product of our unconsciuos being . This way they'll gradually loose strenghts and reduce their ability to upset us.
The thing is that you can't control your mind without calming your body first and that's where the importance of breathing comes up. Calm your breath, relax your body, observe your thoughts and emotions and let them go knowing they are a product of our unconscious selves.

And which better place to become a buddha than Japan? Last night I decided to practice zazen, a particular kind of Zen meditation. Perfect as it focuses on the breathing.

I headed to Yotsuya after work. I arrived late and as expected got lost inside the University campus before finding this old, wooden European-style building that serves as a Christian chapel. I wasn't expecting a temple but a chapel!? The room had high ceilings and resembled an old German living room, a dozen of people were sitting facing the walls, meditating. The teacher, a German professor of philosophy, seemed to be 200 years old. Tall, white and so skinny. During the pause he tought me how to sit and meditate:

Body positioning:
Use a small pillow to raise the behind just a little, so that the knees can touch the ground. Sit in the half lotus position, where the left foot is placed up onto the right thigh and the right leg is tucked under.
The spine must be straight with the lower part of the back curved to allow the diaphragm to move freely.
The mouth is kept closed.
The tongue is pressed lightly against the upper palate.
The eyes are kept lowered, with your gaze resting on the ground about two or three feet in front of you.
The chin is slightly tucked in.
The dominant hand is held palm up holding the other hand, also palm up. The thumbs are lightly touching thus the hands form an oval, which can rest on the upturned soles of your feet.

Breathing: breath through the nose and taste the breath. Keep your attention on your belly and the breath. Imagine the breath coming down into your belly and returning from there. Your exhalation should be longer than usual.

By focusing on the breathing I am supposed to reach a good level of concentration that will allow me to come to a point of deep rest. Let go of noisy thoughts, opinions, positions to uncover the mind, to see who I really am. Finally, ENLIGHTED.

I can't really say I managed to see who I am... I spent most of the time feeling pain in my legs and cheating on the half lotus position so as to concentrate on the breath. Even then, I felt so cold in that room that I kept thinking about a warm bath once at home and maybe minestrone for dinner... But I must say that a couple of times for a few seconds I had no thoughts occurring in my mind. If only I hadn't started to think that I was having no thoughts!!!

No worries. I am intrigued and I'll be there next Thursday because after attaining a good control of the mind, I will learn to be present in the real world rather than absorbed in the world of my mind and therefore be aware of the the impermanent nature of reality, I will stop feeling attached and finally discover what universal love really means.

Taxi Tales

2008-11-21T18:06:00.000+09:00

My next book for sure -if it hadn't been written in Nihongo: Takushi Uramonogatari, by Masayoshi Ise (Saizusha, 2008, 228 pp).

A veteran Tokyo cabbie shares his war stories...

The cab as love hotel

Most of the time, couples are able to hold it in until they get to their destination. But in reality, love hotels fill up on weekends, so it’s common for couples to “do it” in the taxi. The driver’s blind spot is the seat behind him, so that’s where they start. These couples seem to think that the driver is as nonexistent as air. For some reason, I more frequently see women going down on the man than I see the man and the woman kissing each other. And I’m not sure if women have become stronger in this day and age, but it’s mostly the women who start going down on the man, rather than the man trying to convince the female.If a couple says “Sorry” as they pay their fare and leave the cab, that’s a dangerous sign because there’s a high possibility that they’ve left a little “souvenir” in the backseat. There is nothing as pathetic as having to clean that up.

“Stop by at the conbini, please”

So one day, a 20-year-old guy asks me to stop at a nearby Lawson when we’re about ¥5,000 into his ride. He leaves his bag in the car and is gone for five minutes, then ten. Just as I start to get suspicious, he comes back and says the ATM was out of order and, apologizing for the wait, hands me an energy drink. I thought, “What a nice guy!” With that, we start up a conversation, and he tells me how his bag is a limited-edition release that cost him over ¥100,000.As we get closer to his destination, he asks to stop at another conbini, and he leaves his bag in the car again. I wait for ten minutes, then 15. No sign of him. The meter has gone up to ¥11,900. Getting worried, I go out and search the conbini. There’s no trace of him—he had run off. Of course, I had to pay the fare myself, but I decided it wasn’t all that bad because I could put the man’s bag up for sale on an internet auction as soon as I got home.Later, just as I was about to leave the locker room for the day, I saw my co-worker with the same bag.“Wasn’t that expensive?” I asked.“No way,” he replied. “It’s from the ¥100 shop. Oh, look you have one, too. Isn’t it useful?”

The diaper issue

I was driving a woman on a long ¥10,000 ride, part of which was on a crowded highway. I had to go to the bathroom so bad that I had sweat dripping down my forehead. I knew I couldn’t hold it anymore and something needed to be done.I checked on the young woman in the back and, confirming that she was asleep (thank goodness!), I took out a plastic bag that I always have at hand for drunk customers and slowly unzipped my pants. Phew. Later during the ride, I opened the door a crack to drop the bag on the street. When I looked in the rearview mirror, the woman was still sleeping—mission accomplished!Actually, not. As the lady was getting out, she smiled and said, “Life’s pretty difficult for drivers, isn’t it?”After that I went to buy diapers at the supermarket, where I ran into a co-worker who told me, “Once you start using them, you get hooked. Try it out!” Since that day, though, I have not had occasion to use them. I don’t want to start relying on diapers…

(From: Metropolis, issue #756)

The Love Doctor

2008-11-20T17:45:00.000+09:00

I feel I am being perceived as The Love Doctor. Not by my girlfriends nor my sisters, not even by my boyfriend but... by my bosses. Yes, both of them and indipendently of one another. I spent the last week being heavily involved in their stories at the office. Different stories, sad and curious at the same time. Small, personal stories lost in the immensity of Tokyo.

The Japanese lady boss and I are having lunch at 'GARB', funky restaurant that opens up on the street in Marunouchi. The sun is gentle and the leaves of the trees around us are one big, stunning explosion of warm colors. Autumn is my favourite season in Japan and I can totally get into the 'momiji' mood, but I think it's a pity that many persons here cannot share the beauty of it with someone special. Tokyo is home to so many workaholic singles...

Boss: 'Don't laugh please, I would like you to help me'
Me: 'Sure, go ahead'
Boss: 'Do you know any men for me? I want to meet someone that I can talk to but it is so difficult now that I am 40 and don't socialize as much as I did when my friends were also single. I feel so embarassed, don't laugh. I have given my best years to the company and now I want to take care of myself. You know what I mean, I need someone to spend my time with.'
Me: 'I see... Uhmm... I could take you along when I go to some parties... Have you ever checked the personal classifieds on the Metropolis magazine?

The male boss and I are having breakfast at Starbucks in the building next door because the one in our building only opens up at 11 AM. You might as well have lunch at 11 AM.

Married, successful, gaijin. They often say that once Japanese women have children, they stop being wives to become full-time mothers and that's why their men have lovers. My boss found himself a young Japanese girlfriend and she recently broke up with him (because he is already married of course).

Boss:'Sometimes women can push you too far... So at some point they should appreciate what they get... Or alternatively take the suicide approach... Strange to want to break up because you are too in love and can’t control yourself versus break up when you hate someone and aren't having a good time... There seem to be a self destruct button in many ladies these days.. I despair.. '

Me: 'Don't know, I guess it's the rational side of her telling that it's not a long-term, sustainable emotional investment and that she should walk away. '

Boss: 'Her final word before I hung up was she doesn’t understand me... Not sure if I want to keep revisiting this on a monthly basis... Everyone know what’s there... Why push for more? Even if I could, not sure I would offer more... God last things I would want is a lifetime of this... Seems to be a monthly ritual, where emotions play havoc and you are damned if you do and damned if you don't... '

Yellow fever and Western Dreams

2008-11-14T14:02:00.000+09:00

Friday, Metropolis day. I read it while I was having a yummy dish of brown rice, autumn steamed veggies and tofu mini burgers at the pantry. Always thought that Natural Lawson is the best convenience store, where else do you get organic bento and natural cosmetics?

Anyway, last part of the magazine, personal classifieds: a naughty laugh on how the East meets the West.

Men for Women

The sneaky male:
Married gentleman, early 40s, white, slim, attractive and polite, in Tokyo, seeks Japanese married or attached lady for sensual friendship and staying warm. Secret.

The rethoric guru:
Am I crazy? Maybe I am because I am looking for a serious relationship and no games! Is it possible? Maybe we can try... and see what happens.

The desperate male (not for love though):
I love Japan. I want to stay. You: SJF, 20s, cute and smart, looking for a SWM for marriage. I work hard, and will love you deeply.

The modest male looking for a modest lady:
Handsome Italian man seeks nice and good-looking woman, 20-40, for long-term relationship. If you're sexy and serious, please email w/photo.

The nerd with no agenda (apparently):
American male, 30s, seeks JF for friendship and language exchange. Let's meet at your favorite cafe for chatting, practicing English and Japanese, and fun.

The 'I am bored of KAWAII' male:
Foreign lady sought by Italian man, in Tokyo, who's tired of the usual Japanese women. Nice, good-looking woman sought to spend good times with, for long-lasting relationship.

The guy that thinks he is a girl:
Guy, 28. Buy me dinner and I will have sex with you. Simple. Alcohol required at times. I'm really hot.

The romantic dreamer:
Gentle American, 36, handsome (like an actor), intelligent, in Tokyo publishing business, never married and no children (but wants), seeks SJF for life-long love starting with a romantic Christmas.

The social worker:
European volunteer, clean and safe, offers a good ear, intelligent talk and sex therapy to Japanese married women. Weekday afternoons only.

Daddyo:
Asian-American, 30s, 178cm, single, investment banker in Tokyo, seeks casual dating partner. Email me if you want to be pampered and have fun!

There's really no need to consider too many classifieds in the section 'Women for Men'. This one sums them all up with few exceptions:

The undemanding, easy to please lady:
Serious relationship sought with a nice, smart, tall, fit, romantic and handsome, financially secure single Western men, 30s. Single Japanese female, late 30s, cute, smart and sexy. Yes, I am looking for my Mr Right. Email w/photo. Serious only please.

Reasons why you can be late at work in Japan

2008-11-10T16:43:00.000+09:00

Being born and raised in Italy, I always thought I knew the business of school/work laziness and related excuses to justify absences and lateness. Couldn't have been more wrong and naive. Below a list of the most recent excuses (from September to November 2008 ONLY) used by my team leader when being late for work. She is this cute Japanese lady and I like her a lot but every time I get this sort of messages I wonder... Italian and Japanese, they are all lazy really. The problem is that Japanese cannot get away with it because they haven't understood the concept of being credible when bullshiting... Judging by the excuses below, I wouldn't necessarily think it's a virtue...

Toyoko line had some problem. Train was late. I will be late 10 miuntes. Sorry.
Hi Team, I will be late 10 miuntes. Sorry.
Hi Team, I had a headache this morning. I will be late 20 miuntes. Sorry.
Hi Team, the door of train is broken. I will be late 5 miuntes.
I will be late 10 miunts since trains are late.
Hi Team, I will be late 15 miuntes. I didn't feel well this morning. Thanks
I felt sick and got off the train at the Ebisu. Sorry i will be late 20miuntes. Thanks.

P.S. Spelling errors left on purpose

One night in Yoyogi Uehara

2008-11-08T16:45:00.000+09:00

I went out with my very good friend Renee few weeks ago. We had dinner in a cozy little place not far from Yoyogi Uehara station and then walked to one of her Japanese girlfriends' shop. Amazing shop, full of hand-made yukata with the most unexpected patterns, to wear with leather obi and sexy pink sandals. I don't know why I felt so intrigued by it, I guess it's that surprising blend of tradition and innovation, past and future, passive acceptance and furious rebellion... Here she is, the owner of this tiny messy and magic shop in Yoyogi Uehara, wearing her own sexy creation. Just great.

It's Friday again

2008-11-07T12:15:00.000+09:00

Ed e' di nuovo venerdi. Per fortuna che ho superato la settimana incolume ed e' ormai quasi finita. Da dimenticare. Comunque ecco le ultime chicche dal Giappone:

Fashion victims...
[Obama is the new president of the United States, this counts everywhere]1 million: Number of people, including former US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Sen. Hillary Clinton, who have bought the rimless glasses popularized by Alaska Gov Sarah Palin. The eyewear is produced by the Fukui-based Masunaga Optical)

Japanese sense of guilt
Three Kyoto Sangyo University students who were suspended for 14 days for defacing the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in Florence with graffiti, donated about ¥150,000 to the World Heritage site to help clean up their mess.

Japanese wonders
A green potted plant at Bowls Cafe in Kamakura has been keeping a daily online blog (http://plant.bowls-cafe.jp/index.php). Midori-san, as the plant is known, writes regular updates using sensors attached to its leaves by a member of the Keio University engineering department. Entries include riveting stuff like “Today it was sunny and I was able to sunbathe a lot.”

Friday: Metropolis day

2008-10-31T14:32:00.000+09:00

Ogni venerdi in pausa pranzo ho l'abitudine di comprarmi un 'obento' al piano B1, passare all'American Pharmacy a prendere una copia del Metropolis, rivista per gaijin in Giappone di cui non so piu' fare a meno. Mi colpiscono sempre le chicche della prima pagina, come queste:

Two government ministers who were busted for watching TV on a cellphone during a Diet session said they were tuning in “to see what (the session) looked like.”

Police in Aichi ticketed five motorists for running a stop sign before discovering that a prankster had actually moved the sign to the intersection from a different location.

From the “Oh, the irony” Dept.: After five firefighters in Chiba stripped naked while singing karaoke at a colleague’s sayonara party, one of them “singed hairs on his body with a lighter.”

Dopo 3 anni e 3 mesi di permanenza posso dire che questo Paese tragi-comico mi piace davvero...