Continue reading »]]> to snow you a bit

My last week in Manza deep in the Japanese Alps. We had snow again… And some last photos from here before I head for Tokyo on Wednesday and to Seoul on Friday. There will be further web page updates and more infos about the tour within the week.

Continue reading »]]> Tokyo trip

Pictures of my Tokyo trip and the international Anime fair.

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The big bicycle trip through Japan approaches. Thus it takes a lot of resources to organize this event. A little side note in advance. I’m going to start in Korea. I have to begin my trip there due to the fact that there is no way to extend my stay in Japan after my working holiday visa expires. An advice for all who also would like to stay in Japan as long as possible. First make use of your tourist visa, extend it after the regular three months for another three months and make then use of your working holiday visa. It’s not possible the other way around!

Since last Friday I had only one day off which is why I still haven’t managed to do all the updates. This volume of work wasn’t predictable. Once I don’t work full time any more I can concentrate on blogging once again, so that there will be longer posts again.

Special thanks to: Hubertus Neidhart from  Webspace Provider Network for excellent web page hosting services; Lilith Pendzich;

Continue reading »]]> A movie about the international Anime fair in Tokyo! Will also add some photos here within the next days. Enjoy!

Animefair English von Daaaaaaaaaaaax
I haven’t forgotten the poll (last week). But still haven’t found time to set up the tool
Next week I will concentrate on updates. There are still some unpublished videos I will add to older posts.

Special thanks to: Amanda Oswalt (video text revision); Weaw J. and Taylor Cass (couch surfing hosts); Tokyo international Anime fair Hubertus Neidhart from  Webspace Provider Network for excellent web page hosting services; Lilith Pendzich;

Continue reading »]]> Snow, Snow Snow!!! :) :) :)

Yes, even though the Japanese people don’t really celebrate Christmas – less than one percent of Japans population are Christians – we will definitely have a white Christmas. But like in Germany the Japanese people tend to assimilate lots of customs from the U.S. Americans that come with Christmas. For example Coca Colas Santa Claus. And in every department store, and even here in the hotel you find Christmas decorations…

As promised the last bunch of pics from Tokyo. Enjoy!

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Next week the blog will receive some mayor updates.

Special thanks to: Hubertus Neidhart from Webspace Provider Network for excellent web page hosting services; Natalie Canham, UK (proofreading); Lilith Pendzich;

Continue reading »]]> The big good bye

He gave me shelter when I was broke. He helped me find a job in Tokyo. He let me stay at his place for free even when I finally found a job and offered to pay rent. He corrected most of my blog threads. Together we philosophised about life, enjoyed lots of films and checked out Tokyo’s bars, festivals …

Well, all good things come to an end.

Brandon, my – as he would say – ‘brother from another mother’ will go back to the states after his two years in Japan. But since I am in a position to give at least something back I am treating him and his wonderful girlfriend, Natalie (who corrected three of my blog entries) for two nights here in Manza onsen hotel.

Well but now the promised pics of Tokyo which were shot in late September shortly before I flew back to Germany for a little more than a month to pick up my bicycle gear.

Enjoy.

[Show as slideshow]

Next week more pics from Tokyo. And yes, I’m still working on the surprise I mentioned in my last blog entry.

Special thanks to: Hubertus Neidhart from Webspace Provider Network for excellent web page hosting services; Natalie Canham, UK (proofreading); Lilith Pendzich;

Continue reading »]]> Sleepless in Shuttle

After another sleepless night on an airplane I arrived at Narita Airport for the second time. This time even more packed with stuff compared to the first time. I brought my bicycle trailer and my snowboard. Well, since I don’t have my own bicycle (I used my sister’s bicycle for the Hamburg – Rome bicycle trip) I obviously need to deal with that problem here in Japan. However I’ve still got some time for that as the trip is scheduled for 2012 and I do not intend to start in the winter season.

Oh, there is something I kept as a secret so far: My new job here in Japan. Those who have accompanied me on my Japan stay through my blog so far might remember that I already had arranged a job at an Onsen (hot spring) hotel in the Mountains of Gunma Prefecture close to Nagano before I began my Japan stay. After 3/11, tourism all over Japan had decreased and so the hotel manager apologised for being unable to hire me. However he got back to me some months later, telling me he could use me now. As I had found another job by then we set a starting date for the first of November. Even though Fukushima completely screwed up my plans for Japan the outcome was even better. I knew the hotel was located in the mountains. I knew it was an onsen hotel. I did not know that it is in middle of a winter sports area. Of course I would have happily worked there during the summer season when I could “only” have enjoyed the onsen and walking around the mountains. But this way I get to enjoy both the onsen as well as snowboarding.

First I have to pick up some stuff my dear and record breaking host Brandon kept for me while I was in Germany. But how to get from Narita Airport, Chiba prefecture to Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture almost 62 miles packed with a rucksack, a 47 inch x 23 inch x 20 inch bicycle trailer weighing 101 pounds including a snowboard without having to pay a fortune? And how to get then from there back to Tokyo again to catch the bus to Manza, Gunma Prefecture? I’m definitely too packed for any train or metro. Luckily there are buses to Kawagoe. And for 3.000 Yen (37,95 AUD, 39,48 CAD, 24,68 GBP, 38,60 USD) it’s not even expensive.

“Brother from another mother:” being welcomed by Brandon in Kawagoe.

The hotel I will be working at has it’s own company bus that departs daily (!) at 9 a.m. from Shinjuku, Tokyo. Packed with five items now I definitely can’t take the metro to get there from Kawagoe. It’s almost about 31 miles after all. So once again I depend on a coach service. Actually there is one company offering such a service however only after 9 a. m. and … it’s the only one I can find. A taxi would cost me at least 7.000 Yen (88 AUD, 92 CAD, 57,6 GBP, 90 USD) if not more, if I found one at all that could carry and if so would accept this much stuff at all. I feel kind of ashamed to ask former hosts with cars since November the 1^st is a regular working Tuesday—it’s understandable that they have better things to do than to be my chauffeur. Wait a minute… I came to Kawagoe by an airport bus. And they run 24/7 to almost every place in the Tokyo metropolitan area and also 24/7 from almost every Tokyo metropolitan area. Hmmm… Let’s search: Haneda airport to Shinjuku. Arrival time 8:30. Wow, success! But would be there at 7:30 already. Departing from Haneda airport at 6:15. Okay, now Kawagoe to Haneda Airport. Oh …. hmmmm departing 4:25 a.m.

Well, I knew it would take sacrifices. With my Tetris packing skills I managed to pack everything in my bicycle trailer two big plastic bags, my backpack and the snowboard goes on top of my trailer. After another sleepless packing night at Brandon’s, in buses and at the airport, I finally arrive in Shinjuku. I’m at the place described by the hotel manager—there are buses but even at ten to nine there’s no sign of the Manza bus. I’m sending a text message to the manager… No reply. 5 to nine. I’m calling him. Nobody is picking up….

At about 20 minutes past nine I discover the bus station where the bus departs form. The bus had already taken off of course. I’m going to bus station manager. He has the landline number of the Onsen hotel, is calling it for me and hands me the phone.

“Hi is this Ichimura San?” I’m asking.

“Ah Simon San, I’m sorry I forgot my cell phone at home today. Oh by the way I just realised I made a mistake when describing how to get to the bus station. It’s not south side it’s west side.”, he apologises.

“Yeah, I think I just realised that as well” is my reply.

”But can you still come via train? You know transportation fee is the companie’s burden”, he is asking.

“Er, no I’m afraid that won’t be possible”, I’m replying.

“Ah wakarimasu ne. But tomorrow via our bus?” he’s asking again…

Hm… I think I’ve got another problem. Should I really get all my stuff now back to Brandon? I am pretty sure he would host me again but after all he did for me so far I simply don’t want to bother him any more. With all my stuff it would be outrageous to beg any host for an emergency couch for only one night. As much as I earned within the last four months I should actually afford myself a night in a hostel but who knows if I will stay this lucky regarding finding new jobs after my next one? For safety reasons I’d rather save the money. Luckily it is a bright and shiny day without the slightest sign of a cloud. And even though it’s November the temperature is quite all right. So yes, I am really thinking of sleeping in a park. I know it’s not legal and not how a guest should behave in a foreign country. But these times are tough.

One might wonder now how it fits together that I on one hand indulge myself the luxury to travel world wide, to take my snowboard with me but stint on the other hand with 3.000 Yen (37,95 AUD, 39,48 CAD, 24,68 GBP, 38,60 USD) for a night. I’d like to emphasise the following regarding that: My Hamburg – Rome bicycle trip was more a makeshift since I lost my job during the world wide economic crisis and it appeared senseless to me to apply for jobs in a time in which thousands experienced a similar fate and it was therefore quite unlikely to quickly find a job at a time in which most companies rather dismissed people instead of hiring them. The reason for my Japan stay is admittedly and surely my thirst for adventure but also the fact that I’ve never accomplished a one-yearlong lasting stay abroad with which I’d like to value my CV. And the snowboard? – Is ten years old and was a present. And if you book a flight about one year in advance, put some effort in a sophisticated search you will be stunned for how little money it is possible to travel around the world. And this shall also be told: Who searches long enough will find an airline that does not even charge to transport a snowboard. But now back to Shinjuku.

Where to put my stuff while I’m sleeping? Jim and Heath! Right, one of my first hosts who live in Shibuya nearby Shinjuku. Hm… Can’t reach them via phone. Seems I have to go there with all my stuff and ring the bell.

Finally there somebody’s opening the door. But it’s neither Jim nor Heath.

“Hi, er you must be a couch surfer I suppose?” I’m asking the gentleman.

“Well, kind of. Jim and Heath rented the house to us while they are on their vacation”, he’s replying.

“Oh, that’s embarrassing. Well, I’m a former couchsurfing guest. I kind of got stranded, not asking to stay for a night only if I could leave my things here at the pitch for a night?” I’m explaining.

“Well, sure. No problem!”

As I’m so exhausted I’m lying down on a meadow in a park. About three hours later I awake. 3 p.m. of course too early to finally settle down for today. Hm… maybe I should go to a hairdresser’s before seeing my new employee.

So this is my first time I am at a Japanese hairdresser’s. She’s doing a good job. What I like about the Japanese hairdressers over the German ones is that they wash your hair not before but after you got your cut so that really all cut hairs are gone. Also interesting: They clean your ears with the towel. Kind of shocking or let’s simply say unexpected if you are not used to that. But what I like best is that I’m receiving a free shoulder and back massage after all is set and done! And as much as my shoulders are aching after the long haul today it comes at a time that couldn’t have been chosen more sense-fully. All this for 3.500 Yen (44,28 AUD, 46,06 CAD, 28,80 GBP, 45,03). Better invested than in a hotel night. :)

After getting a sushi pack from a grocery store for dinner I can even brush my teeth in one of the park toilets. Wow, got my hair washed, teeth and face cleaned—only need to find a cosy spot in a park which can’t be spotted by the police. When finally finding one I’m discovering several homeless people who seem to be used to this place already. As I am unfolding my camping matt and sleeping bag I feel a bit ashamed. For me this situation is like an adventure. For them it’s their daily routine. I get into my sleeping bag and fall asleep quite quickly. I wake up about three times at night but with my jacket on in my sleeping bag it’s really all right.

A grip to my throat the next morning tells me it is not cut through. A grip to my pockets tells me my wallet is still there. No I am not in a prison cell. And yes, after picking up my stuff from Jim and Heath’s I’m finally catching the bus to Manza!

Special thanks to: Hubertus Neidhart from Webspace Provider Network for excellent web page hosting services; Jim McKinley (proofreading), Lilith Pendzich;

Continue reading »]]> Am I a cheater for having a break in my stay in Japan? My blog says “one year work and travel in Japan” after all! No worries. It won’t be less than a year! However there are things which simply don’t fit into two backpacks. For instance a bulky bicycle with 28-inch-tires is not very helpful when couchsurfing in Tokyo where living space is very limited. Anyway in Tokyo you can’t take your bicycle with you on the metro unlike in many German cities. Even if you could, it would be impossible during peak times!

If you possess a visa for Japan which is valid for a few months and you want to leave Japan for a while but want to come back before the visa expires you’ll need a “re-entry permit” which you have to apply for while in Japan and it will be issued in Japan as well. If you leave Japan without this permit your visa will lose its validity and you’d have to apply for a new visa. In Tokyo the Regional Immigration Bureau in Shinagawa is responsible for this. You’ll also find such a bureau in the Saitama prefecture in Omiya. On arriving there you have the choice between a single re-entry permit and a multiple re-entry permit. A single permit costs 1,000 Yen whereas 6,000 Yen are being charged for a multiple re-entry permit.

The environment in which the immigration bureau can be found reminds me a bit on Ellis Island in New York. Should you come to Tokyo via ship this artificial island could be used as an interception base for unsolicited immigrants. I hope I won’t be deported and taken to the next ship to Hamburg if there’s something be wrong with my visa. Thank god the island only has a giant port of transshipment but no landing stage for passenger ships. Lucky me!

Continue reading »]]> I know I promised to write about climbing Fuji San. But I underwent something else which I simply need to write about…

It is the weekend and I’m meeting with Andreas, one of my school friends who studied Japanese studies and has lived for some years here in Saitama, one of Tokyo’s neighbouring prefectures. As we both are passionate freaks (video game players) we indulge our hobby in the shops/stores of Akihabara. After a long strenuous but satisfying saunter we are setting off for home. At the station of Omiya we part company and I sit down on a chair on the platform for the trains to Kawagoe.

The train towards Tokyo on the opposite platform is approaching. It is honking loudly and stops prematurely. I’m looking at the waiting people on our platform. A throng is forming at the level of the driver’s cab. Parents are taking their children by their hands and pulling them hastily out of the crowd dragging them towards the escalators towards the exits. I’m getting up and approach the crowd. Their views are staring at a spot below the train. Some women are turning away with shocked faces covering their mouths. Now I’m grasping what just has happened. A man, hard to recognise, perhaps between 50 and 60 is lying torpidly and blood-smeared below the train on the concrete ground between the rails.

Station Omiya

How I am supposed to act? Is he still alive? I’m taking a closer look. Yes, he is breathing. Before one can help here and climb into the shaft you should make sure that the track on your side is closed. Because the train for Kawagoe should come in at any second. Suddenly a consistent and almost deafening alarm shrills and simultaneously all pilot lights are turning red. A clear sign that all tracks are closed now and no trains can enter any more. Still nobody jumps into the shaft to help. Even I feel insecure. In contrast to an unsecured accident scene on a road here are railway workers in place who are trained for such incidents after all.

The man is lying on his side and starts to move. He is trying to raise his arm. The people are frantically shouting something to him. Now he is trying to move his legs as well. Every part of his body is moving a bit. So luckily he does not seem to be paraplegic. Also, and as far as I could tell, he did not lose any limbs. However the pool of blood surrounding him unfurled relatively fast, a flag of mourning not easily ignored. Why does it take so long until somebody gets here with a stretcher or for some of the railway workers to get into the shaft to finally pull the man out under the train? Only after almost ten minutes a man with a stretcher appears. Now passengers are climbing into the shaft and coming running by to help. A not benign undertaking as it can be seen quite quickly. The condensing water of the trains air conditions formed a puddle on the slick concrete floor and a coming by passenger slips in the ooze. Luckily he isn’t falling onto the hard rails.

After twenty minutes the man is being heaved by numerous helpers and railway workers with the stretcher onto the platform.

It takes a further ten minutes and the train is being pulled up and now takes up the whole lengths of the stations track. Almost as nothing had happened it is being dispatched and leaves the station towards Tokyo. Now police officers are beginning to document the situation. Witness statements are being taken. It wasn’t an accident it was a suicide attempt.

everything is being recorded

Unfortunately even such moments are part of Tokyo’s daily routine. It sounds macabre but even for suicide a kind of “codex” seems to exist here. And as ironic as it may sound most Japanese people abide by it. One does not kill her or himself during the rush hour because you don’t want to interfere with too many people on their daily commute. I asked several Japanese people if this is supposed to be a bad joke or if it was really true. In fact a lot of people who are taking their own lives here are following this “rule.” I don’t know what to make of this. And I don’t know what I am supposed to feel today. Consternation? Be glad that he survived? Wonder about the contradiction that a lot of Japanese people abide by the rules even when committing suicide… It is simply an inconceivable experience and I might need some time to understand it.

shocked faces

Continue reading »]]> They lost their hearts in India

Buddhist heart

Tukizi Hongangi Temple in Ginza, Tokyo

Obon Festival part two. In week nine I showed you some photos of the Obon atmosphere. What I missed to catch so far were the dances linked to this tradition, and of course the kimonos. It’s time to present you some footage from the festival. One of Tokyo’s biggest Obon festival takes place in front of the Tukizi Hongangi Temple in Ginza, one of Tokyo city’s trendier districts. But when looking at this temple it does not really look like a Japanese one, hm? Right, it’s orientated to Indish architecture. Why? Because Buddhism simply originates from India. And this temple is an homage to it. But now enough with writing. Time to celebrate. Enjoy!

Tsukiji Hongwanji Bon Odori Dance Festivities von Daaaaaaaaaaaax

Obon Festival

Kimono collection

Next entry will be about climbing Japan’s highest mountain Fuji San. CU then!

http://www.pluto.dti.ne.jp/~kennyko/tsukiji/tsukinew.htm

Special thanks to: Hubertus Neidhart from Webspace Provider Network for excellent web page hosting services; Lilith Pendzich, Germany; Brandon Lamb, U.S.A.;