2018.12.31

It is omisoka(大晦日), the end of the year.

How was your 2018?

Mine was good.

I have been to Dubai & Malaysia, Hong Kong, Australia, and Myanmar.
In Japan I have been to Yamaguchi & Hiroshima, Chiba, Hokkaido, Ise & Kyoto, Fukuoka, and Hamamatsu.

I had many chances to wear kimono.

I attended many seminars and learned a lot and met new people.

There was a grest reunion of high school which happens once in four years.

Today I stayed at home and cleaned the alter, rooms, entrance, and washed the car and windows.

This is the 10th year anniversary of my blog and I applied for the contract to publish abroad today.

It will be a great year 2019.

2018.12.30

It was fine.

In the morning I received the re-delivered goods which was a choice gift from a company which stocks I inherited from my father. There are a few companies which have winter & summer gifts. Whenever I choose the goods, I remember the days I chose the goods with my father.

I visited a nearby shrine. I met some people who were preparing the New Year decoration.

After that I went grocery shopping and filling up my car. I bought some foods for the New Year's.

In the afternoon I walked to the station because tonight I have a year-end party of high school friends and can't drive home.
On my way I met a woman who was looking for the way to the station. So we walked to the station together and enjoyed talking.

There were 13 classmates at first, and 9 of us went to Karaoke later.
To my surprise the Karaoke was more expensive than the first party.
I enjoyed meeting old friends and singing.

2018.12.29

It was fine and very cold.
Mt.Fuji looked so beautiful.

In the morning I received the talismans for the new year.

First I went to Ebina to see a group leader to get advice which really cleared what to do now.

Second I went to Tokyo to attend a seminar to set goals for the new year 2019.
It lasted for four hours but passed so quickly.
To write what I am thinking clears what I really want to do.

Third I went to see a professional overseas pubishing producer. He has produced about 170 books in less than one year. Isn't it amazing?

One of my dreams is to publish my books in English and Spanish too. I felt like starting as soon as possible.

After that I went to a year-end party of the seminar of daytime. I enjoyed talking with many people.

It was a nice day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.12.28

It was fine but cold.

Today is the last working day of this year at the office. We call this shigoto osame(仕事納め).

Many people are already in the winter vacation. There is no special ceremony at my office but some people visited to greet and brought some calendars and pocket notebooks.

I went out for lunch at a shabushabu restaurant. The wash room there was very unique, and if you were a first comer, you would never know how to open it because it looked like a bookshelf.
There were three different soup tastes, and we can choose either steamed rice or rice with broth called zosui (雑炊) or noodle. We chose rice with broth which is made after enjoying meat and vegetables.
It was delicious.

2018.12.27

It was fine.

On my way to the office, I visited the ophthalmologic clinic where opens only three days in a week to make an appointment. To my lucky there was only one spot opening and I made a reservation.

I took an hour off at lunch time and visited there. There has been something wrong with my left eye for a few weeks, and I wanted to visit, but I could not because of many reasons. The treatment was so quick and easy that I should have visited earlier.

Yesterday I could not book the hotel in Kyoto for my business trip in March, but today a very interesting thing happened. I have been looking for a hotel by website. While checking a hotel, it suddenly offered in a half price as today's offer. There were only four rooms. While I was inputting my personal data, they were booked one by one because of the special price. To my lucky I could book the good hotel in a very reasonable price. I am very glad.

2018.12.26

It was fine.

Toward the end of the year there are many things to do at home and at office.

I am now preparing three programs for Feburary and one program for March.
I will go to Kyoto on a business trip in March, and started to look for the hotel. The travel agency booked the one for a fellow and an interpreter. I was so surprised to hear the price. When we booked in November, it was also more expensive than our designated hotel fee. But it is more than double.

Fall is a good season to see the turning leaves,  so it was understandable. Spring is also the good season for cherry blossoms. But the date we will go is a bit earlier for cherry blossoms. So I am wondering what is going on.

I hope to find a good one.

2018.12.25

Merry Christmas!

I started the day earlier than usual because there was a meeting from 9 am.
Next meeting started at 11 am.

During lunch time I went to banks to transfer money.

In the afternoon I had another meeting.

After work I went to see the illumination of the Tokyo Midtown which was very beautiful.

After that I went to Shinagawa to see somebody. It was very interesting to talk about my dreams.

I got some Christmas messages.

By talking with somebody many problems can be solved.

I felt I got many nice Christmas gifts to make my future better.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

2018.12.24

Merry Christmas!!

How are you spending Christmas this year?

It was cloudy, but I saw the beautiful sunset. After that it partially rained in the evening.

Today was a transferred holiday, and it was the last day of three day weekend.
I stayed at home in the daytime.

In the evening I went to Le Soleil, a French restaurant which is run by my high school friend's sister and her husband, to have Christmas dinner with her. This is our annual event.This year only two of us got together. We ate delicious course dinner. It's been a year! How fast time flies! We enjoyed talking and eating.
We promised to get together more often next year.

After taking her to the station, I went grocery shopping on my way back.

2018.12.23

It is Emperor's 85th birthday today. It is Sunday today, so we have a transferred holiday tomorrow.

It was slightly rainy this morning but I saw the very beautiful full moon.

I went to Shibuya to attend one day seminar which was very interesting. After the seminar there was a party and I talked with some people and became Facebook friends.

From them I was introduced somebody else and became Facebook friends. People attending seminars have high motivation and it is easy to find something in common.

I enjoyed meeting new people today.

2018.12.22

It was rainy but became fine. The moon is so beautiful now.

Today is toji (冬至) winter solstice, one of nijyushisekki(二十四節気), the 24 solar terms. Last one was taisetsu (大雪) on December 7  and the next one is shokan (小寒) on January 6.
Toji is the day when the daytime is the shortest in a year. On this day we take a yuzu bath, and eat pumpkin not to get cold.

I went to Shinjuku to attend the four-hour seminar which I happened to find by Facebook ad and applied for a few days ago.
There were 8 participants and most of them were women. It was very interesting.

After that four of us went out for dinner. We enjoyed talking and eating.

It was a nice day.

2018.12.21

It was fine.

I walked to the station thinking of tonigh's party

My morning train delayed again but I was in time.

After walk I went to Higashi Shinjuku to have the second year-end party. I selected the place from coupon site. It was about 51% off. We enjoyed sea urchin related dishes and 10 kinds of Japanese sake.

2018.12.20

It was fine.

I went to Ochanomizu to attend one day seminar about writing. It started at 10 am and ended at 4:45 pm. There were 6 participants including myself. Before one minute self-introduction, we decided the first person by waking up time. The earliest got up at 6 am but she said it was very late compared to her regular hour which is 4 am. We were surprised. The seminar itself was very informative and useful. There were four women and two men. We, four women went out for lunch at a Taiwanese restaurant which was ver reasonble.

After the seminar I went to Kawasaki to see a Japanese movie "Ningyo no nemuru ie (人魚の眠る家)" meaning a house where a marmaid sleeps. It deals with brain death and was a very deep story. I have wanted to see but could not have a chance by now. I am glad to see it before it finished showing.

2018.12.19

It was fine, and Mt. Fuji looked so beautiful.

These days morning trains often delay. This morning Toei Oedo Line delayed because of multi reasons.

We use flex system and need to work for 7 hours and 45 minutes per day. If we start early, we can leave early.
If our trains delay and if we get a certificate, we are not regarded as late, and it is counted from 10 am, and we need to work until 6:45 pm. It is also OK to work more in other days and leave earlier. We can also get hourly off which is very convenient.

2018.12.18

It was fine after rain. Mt.Fuji looked so beautiful.

There were three meetings and one English lesson.

There were about 15 participants at three tables for English lesson. First we discussed good or bad about 8 things by taking a turn to be a chairperson. They say there are differences between Japanese way of discussion and cross-cultured participants' discussion.

They say there is a package sold for Australian who became homesick. There are small items such as tea bag, match, postcard of recipe of Australian dessert, a badge, and so on in it which makes them feel Australia.
We had a group discussion to choose 8 items something Japanese to include in the package. What do you choose? Something Japanese which is small, not so expensive, and reminds of Japan. We thought of green tea bag, dried plum called umeboshi(梅干) related food, soy sauce and wasabi tube, postcard of Mt.Fuji and cherry blossoms, origami and its instruction, bookmark of pressed cherry blossom, Totoro goods, and fregrance bag called nioibukuro(匂袋). Other groups suggested chopsticks, seaweed, miso soup, furikake (ふりかけ) which is flavorful food additive consisting of dried seaweed, salt, and so on that is sprinkled over steamed rice.
Most of them were foods. Flegrance was only related to the sense of smell.

After work I went shopping at Kamioooka  where I could not go yesterday.

2018.12.17

It was rainy in the morning.
My train delayed again due to the jam caused by rain.

There was an event in the evening and I helped the preparation in the morning, reception in the afternoon, and clearance in the evening. It was a surprise to know how to remove/set the seats from/ on the floor.

After work I went to the Fuji Film Square after a long time, and got 2019 calendar by exchanging a stamp card full of 24 stamps. There are beautiful pictures of Japan.

I went shpping after that.

2018.12.16

It was cloudy in the morning, became rain in the afternoon, but it stopped fortunately.

In the  morning I brought old newspaper, advertisement, catalogs, and card boards to the designated area. It used be collected by PTA once in a while but the rules changed. I brought them for the first time, but it was not so difficult.
Then I went to a bank to tranfser money. Of course the bank itself is closed but we can use ATM which is very convenient.
After that I went grocery shopping.

In the afternoon I went to Kimono-style Miya to have hairset, makeup, dressed, and taken pictures. When I got off the train, it started raining, so I was worried about the new kimono. But to my lucky it stopped raining later.
Thete were so many people there today and I had to wait for a while. I happened to see some kimono friends there.
After shooting, I was supposed to have a cake set, but it was rather late and it became to have dinner. As per my request I could eat delicious sushi at a famous Japanese restaurant with a kimono friend, which was really a happy surprising.
Foods were delicious, Christmas decoration was beautiful.

It turned out to be a very lucky day.

2018.12.15

It was fine.

I went to shrines today, which is my 15th day rituals. One is near my house, the other is in Yokohama.

I went to massage in the morning, which is my once a month health treatment. After that massager offered me apple. She cut it horizontally, which she said is in fashion. As a matter of fact I felt it was a good way to eat most.
Then we visited Iseyama kotai jingu (伊勢山皇大神宮).

In the afternoon I went to Shinjuku to attend Morinda's CEO Mr. Makoto Oki's lecture. There were so many audience today because of the big announcement.

In the evening I went to Shinagawa to see some people. It was fun and I enjoyed the delicious cake set.

It was a nice day.

2028.12.14

It was fine and Mt.Fuji looked very beautiful.

I walked to the station because there was the year-end party with office members.
It started at 6:30 pm and lasted for two hours. 10 staffs out of 13 joined. It was held at an Indian foods restaurant. There were many foods and drinks. To my surprise many staff did not drink alcholic drinks. We ate a lot for sure. It was hard to talk with all, and  there were two groups. Our group talked about the places in the world where we have been to and not been to yet.

There are still many places to go.

2018.12.13

It was fine.

But I was not.
This morning I had a fever and decided to take a day off.

Good thing was I could get delivery goods which I arranged to receive this Saturday night.

I hope to get well soon.

2018.12.12

It was rainy in the morning but stopped in the afternoon.
It was very cold.
I have had a cold since last Sunday or so and become worse now.

There was an announcement of the Kanji of the year. Sai (災) which means disaster was chosen as the Kanji of 2018. There happened many disasters such as big earthquakes, heavy rain and typhoons, record-making heat and so on.

The Kanji of the year has started since 1995. This was 24th. Sai has been chosen once in 2004.

How do you describe your 2018?

2018.12.11

It was cloudy in the morning and became rain in the evening. It was very cold.They say it was the coldest day of this winter.

There were two meetings today, one is office meeting which is held biweekly, the other is team meeting which is held weekly.

We share the schedule at the meeting, and many people look like taking a longer year-end and year-beginning vacation.

How will you spend this year-end?

2018.12.10

It was very cold.

I had a slight fever this morning and felt dull.

Soon after the business trip there were so many things to do therefore I went to work..

Today was a pay day of Bonus.

2018.12.9

I came back from Myanmar this morning. It took about 6 hours from Yangon to Narita.

It was so cold in Japan today.

I sent a suitcase by free delivery of Amex. The earliest will be tomorrow, but I am not sure if I can come home early so that I asked them to deliver at the weekend.
If I ask at other company, it was possible to be delivered within today.

I arrived at home around 10:30 am. There were many mails and newspaper for a week.

There was a notice of delivery so that I arranged to be delivered today. However they did not come after all, and I had to re-arrange.

Because I waited for the delivery, I could not go out for shopping today.

2018.12.8

It was fine.

I got up early to see the sun rise. Bagan is very famous for seeing the sunrise from the air balloon. I  hear it costs $200 or $300. I saw some balloons from my hotel.

We visited Tuyin Taung pagoda, Phaya Thonezu Temple, Nara Thiba Patae Temple, and Minnan Thu Village.

At the pagoda we offered roses and prayed in front of each person's gurdian gate. I was born on Tuesday which is lion.

The gardians of the week are as follows:
Sunday-Garuda, Monday-Tiger, Tuesday- Lion, Wednesday morning-Elephant with tusk, Wednesday- Elephant without tusk, Thursday-Rat, Friday-Guinea pig, and Saturday-Dragon.

What day were you born?

We came back to hotel and after a while we went to have lunch.
Myanmar lunch includes many small dishes. Most of them were oily and bit spicy for me.

After that we came back to the hotel and check out later. One hour extension cost $5.

On our way to the airport I saw the very beautiful sunset from the car.

It was a fruitful business trip.

2018.12.7

It was cloudy but became fine.

We went to Bagan by car. It took about five hours by stopping for lunch.

We checked in the hotel which looks very nice.

We visited Shwe Zien Zedi, Anand Phaya, Dammayongyi temple,Ohh Htein Taung Hil to see sunset and Mya Thit Sa Lacquerware shop.

Then we went out for Thai restaurant for dinner. They were rather spicy.

After that I tried the massage for 10 minutes.

It was another long day.

2018.12.6

It was fine.

I stayed at hotel almost all day long.

We had a progress report meeting. There were about 140 participants including a Minister.

There was dinner after that.

Then I went shopping and visiting a pagoda with a participant of JENESYS Program. It's been 9 years since we net.
It was fun.

2018.12.5

It was fine and hot.

I checked out the hotel at 9 am but had to wait the correct invoice to be issued for a long time.

We just arrived at the Aitrport one hour before the flight. Flight from Yangon and  Naypyitaw is about one hour but they offered snack and drink.

Naypyitaw is a capital, but there are nothing but govermental offices. Roads are wide and long.

We had very delicious lunch. The place for dinner had a view of the beautiful sunset.

2018.12.4

It was fine.

We stayed at hotel almost all day long.

In the morning we re-arranged the seminar venue and prepared.

From 11 am we had a meeting and luncheon.

The seminar started 15 minutes later than schedule. There were 5 presentations and finished 30 minutes later than schedule.

We had a dinner party and I attended with a Burmese dress.

After the dinner, I went to make another Myanmar traditional dress.

It was a long day.

2018.12.3

It was fine and very hot.

Traffic jam here in Yangon is terrible. One of the reasons must be luck of train transportation system, the other is bad condition of the roads, and another is traffic signals.

We visited two construction sites, one industrial housing zone, two offices, central station, and so on.

Foods in Myanmar are very tasty.

It was another fruitful day.

2018.12.2

I arrived at Bangkok early morning.
There were two hours to transit to Yangon.
I came to Yangon behore nine, and someoe came to pick me up. We went shopping the traditional Myanmar dress which was fun.
After that I checked in the hotel, and visited their house which was big with a pool. I tasted 10 sweets which tasted similar.

Then I went to a Myanmar restaurant to have a reunion of JENESYS MES group. This program was done about 9 years ago. There were 20 in total. Today 12 of them got together which was really nice.
We enjoyed talking about memories, eating Myanmar foods, and taking pictures.The visiting Japan for 10 days gave them a big impact. I am very glad to kow that.

After that  I went back to the hotel to do some jobs.

At night we went to a restaurant "House of Memories" which was used to be an office for the General Aung Sun. We enjoyed Myanmar dinner.

It was a nice day.

2018.12.1

The first day of December.
December is jyunigatsu (１２月), the 12th month or shiwasu (師走), teachers run in Japanese.

It was fine and warm today.

I went to the nearby shrine as otsuitachimairi (お朔日参り), the first day's custom.

I went to Shinjuku to attend Morinda's monthly meeting from 11 am and had a luncheon with ex-colleagues. It's been 9 years since we met each other and worked together in Shinjuku. After luncheon we visited the building where our office used to be.  There was a nice Christmas tree as usual.

I went to Kawasaki to see a movie. At first I was going to see a Japanese movie but I left Shinjuku later than schedule and could not see it and decided to see other movie but it was full and I could not see either. So I decided to see another one, The Nutcracker and the Four Relms instead.

Then I had dinner with my advising professor of graduate school. There was kegani (毛がに), hairly crab which is my favorite.

Then I headed for Haneda Airport to leave for Myanmar via Bangkok. I picked up the suitcase and checked in.  I wished to buy some souveniors, but most of shops were already closed.

It was a fruitful day.

2018.11.30

It was fine.

It is already end of November. There is only one month left. How was your November?

I was rather busy because today was the last working day before the business trip to Myanmar.
There are still many things to fix.
However we could decide many things too.

2018.11.29

It was fine in the morning but seemed to have rained during the daytime.

In the morning I attended an English training class.

My business trip to Myanmar starts on Sunday. So I am rather busy for preparation. Every presentation file is ready and I finished printing for 220 sets.

In the afternoon I sent two boxes of documents to the airport. I am so glad that I do not have to carry them by myself.

2018.11.28

It was fine.

I was rather busy and overworked till 8:15 pm or so.

There are many things to confirm before going abroad for a business trip from this weekend.

2018.11.27

I was awaken by the sound of rain this morning and afraid of the weather. But by the time I left home, it became fine.

I took a half day off and went to Shijukugyoen to have my hair set and makeup and dressed up to attend an international cultural exchange event.

It was fun to see my old friends unexpectedly.

2018.11.26

It was fine.

I went out for lunch at Okinawa food restaurant. I chose Half & Half set which  has both noodle and rice. We can choose two small dishes and a drink too.
After checking out they offered a small sweet souvenir too.

There were two meetings today, one within the office member, the other with outsiders too. Many things were fixed which was good.

2018.11.25

It was fine.

I went to Shibuya to attend a seminar.
It started at 10 am. In the same building there was an examination of Chinese language. There were so many people waiting for the elavator to come.
In our seminar there were about 40 to 50 participants. I arrived there about 10 minutes before starting, and I was ushered to the center front seat.
It lasted for four hours and a half without having any lunch time nor break. There were lots of work to write somerhing in mind. After the seminar reception was held.  I talked with some people. It seemed most of them were members of the company. It was fun to have found somebody that belonged to other course I took.

At night the pick up of suitcase came. I will be busy for next two weeks.

2018.11.24

It was cloudy.

I stayed at home all day long.

The big news of today is the announcement of Osaka Expo 2025. It's been 55 years since there was Expo '70 in Osaka, and 20 years since Expo 2005 in Aichi.

After 2020 Tokyo Olympic, another big event is coming. That's good, isn't it?

2018.11.23

It was fine.

Today is a national hoiday called kinro kansha no hi(勤労感謝の日), Labour Thanksgiving Day.
It used be Niinamesai (新嘗祭) and it was one of the most important events for the Emperor.

I stayed at home all day long .There was a delivery of suitcase which I ordered through internet the other day. I need to pack for the business trip next month.

Today is the full moon but it was cloudy at night.

2018.11.22

It was rainy in the morning, but became fine and the moon and the stars were  so beautiful at night.

Today is the last day of the current program. Half of the program went well.

In the afternoon we checked our warehouse and decided to clear the cabinets and floor.
It is the time of danshari (断捨離), to decide to throw away things or to keep.
We found some precious tiings and enjoyed the time.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2018.11.21

It was fine and beautiful.

At lunch time I usually eat something watching TV at ladies' resting room.

First I watch NHK news, then talk show called Tetsuko no heya (徹子の部屋: Tetsuko's room), and go back to NHK to see the morning drama series.
Today when I switched on TV, news was already finished and the next program was on. It was about Takachihokyo(高千穂峡) where I have wanted to visit for a long time. So I watched the program till the end. It made me feel like going there.

In the afternoon we went to Ochanomizu to visit the Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum which was interesting, what is more it was free of charge.
There were beautiful rose garden and Japanese garden behind which was a nice surprise. Roses and red and yellow leaves were very beautiful.

2018.11.20

It was fine and cloudy.

Many things have been done by communicating.
I prefer writing emails but face to face talking is the best and earliest way to decide something. Telephone is also fast way to fix something but I do not like so much because there is a possibility of disturbing something.
Group chatting is another way to solve the problem.

They say it snowed in Hokkaido for the first time this winter. It will get colder and colder.

2018.11 19

It was fine in the morning, but rained in the evening.

I was supposed to be in Shiga and Kyoto today, but worked in Roppongi as usual.

We need to plan many things soon.

2018.11.18

It was fine.

We were supposed to go to Kyoto today. But it was canceled and our schedule of this week was changed a lot.

I went grocery shopping.
I cooked for dinner after a long time.

I received the registered mail. To my surprise it was sealed by wax.

2018.11.17

It was fine and beautiful.

I went to Hinodecho to get massage. This is my once a month health treatment.

After that I visited Iseyamakotaijingu (伊勢山皇大神宮). There were many families celebrating their children's shichigosan (七五三) which is usually held on Nov. 15. I happened to see the wedding ceremony there too.

Then according to my massager's advice, I walked to Yokohama which is about 2 km away. I watched a movie Bohemian  Rhapsody which I have wanted to see for a long time because Queen is one of my favorite groups since I was a junior high school student. It was a nice movie and I enjoyed their music.

After the movie I went to a beauty salon in Sugita to have my hair cut and perm.

After that I visit a kimono shop. I tried two beautiful kimonos. One is about 5  million yen the other is about one million yen. Kimono is really expensive but very beautiful. I just bought small things there.

It was a nice day.

2018.11.16

It was fine and beautiful in the morning. I think it lasted for all day long, but when I finished working it was already dark.

Our schedule was totally changed because of the fellow's flu.

JR tickets cancellation cost yen 550 for each way. If one day delay it would cost 30% of the total fare.

Today I changed the flight tickets of business class for next month. I was surprised to hear that if I chaged it later than today, it would cost more yen 90,000.

2018.11.15

It was fine and very beautiful.

I went to Ariake in the morning, but we returned to Roppongi soon to go to clinic. The research fellow was diagnosed as flu, and most of the programs for a week needed to be canceled which included visiting Kyoto and Shiga.

After lunch on my way to the office I happened to witness the wedding ceremony.

Nov. 15 is known as shichi go san (七五三), seven, five, three. It is a day for a family with children aged three, five, seven to go to a shrine to wish their happy and healthy growth. I did not see anybody celebrating shichi go san but saw the wedding.

After coming back to the office, I canceled my hotel in Kyoto. To my lucky I did not have to pay anything.

At JR Shinagawa station I canceled the round tickets to go to Kyoto too.

I dropped at Kurihama to attend my tea master's wake ceremony. He passed away at the age of 94.  When I saw the movie dealt with tea ceremony, I felt like visiting my tea masters. I should have visited them soon. My tea master is Shintoist therefore the ceremony was done by the Shinto way.  This was the first experience.

2018.11.14

It was fine.

At lunch time five of us went to a halal restaurant because there was a Muslim.  It was a buffet style, but in addtion they served two things. There were not so many dishes, but everything was delicious. It was yen1,200.

I recommended to my colleagues because we often need to find Halal restsurants when there are guests from Indonesia and Malaysia.

2018.11.13

It was cloudy.

I changed trains at Shimbashi to take Ginza line. There were so many people at the station. I thought there must have happened something but actually it looked like the daily condition.

In the morning we had a lecture and a couresy call.

We enjoyed Ladies' lunch at the 35th floor restaurant where we tried last time but could not enter.

In the afternoon we visited the Parliament Museum where you can enter at free of charge. If you are interested in Politics, you can spend a day there.

In the afternoon we had another courtesy call and a lecture.

In the evening I went to Shinagawa to see my friends. I ate tiramisu tonight.

2018.11.12

It was cloudy.

From the morning there were so many things to do today.

After work two big news arrived. 

One is good, the other is sad. The former is the chance to take. The latter was the death of my tea master. He is in his mid 90s. So I knew someday we would  encounter this news. When I saw a movie about tea ceremony the other day, I felt like going to see my tea masters. If they have the first tea ceremony next year, I was going to attend by all means. But it won't happen any more.

I pray for the soul of my master.

2018.11.11

It was fine.

I took hot spring baths from the morning, had a big breakfast, and a half-day training. It was a fruitful event.

At Hamamatsu I ate eel dish for lunch which was rather expensive. If you eat that kind of dish in Nagoya, it is called hitsumabushi(ひつまぶし), but here it was called unagichazuke (鰻茶漬け). The main difference was hitsumabushi has grilled eel on the top of rice, but unagichazuke has grilled eel on the dish.Therefore unagichazuke has three different ways of grilled eel and rice: eel and rice, eel on rice, eel on rice with soup.
We enjoyed eating and talking.

I took Hikari bullet train from Hamamatsu to Shinagawa which took one hour and 22 minutes.

After coming home, I found the delivery notice and called them to re-deliver. There were 5 boxes. I am glad to receive them

I went grocery shopping as usual Sunday.
While shopping there were another deliveries too.

It was a nice weekend.

2018.11.10

It was fine.

I left home around 8:30 am and arrived at Maisaka, Shizuoka at 12:12 pm by Shinkansen Kodama and JR Tokai.

I bought a special discount ticket called Puratto Kodama which is yen 6,600 with a bottle of soft drink.
I wanted to buy the return ticket at Hamamatsu but I did not have enough time and gave up. I thought I could buy through telephone or Internet and pick up the ticket tomorrow before riding.  So I called during the recess of the training. But to my surprise they say they cannot sell by phone the day before. They only sell at the window on the day before.
So I gave up pratto Kodama on the way back.

But when there is something bad, something better would happen.

So I am looking for tomorrow.

Training started at 1pm and finished at 5 pm. After dinner for two hours there was another meeting at night.

In the night I enjoyed hot springs. There were three hot baths and a sauna inside and four out door.

It was a fruitful day.

2018.11.9

It was rainy day but I did not have to use an umbrella.

There were many things to do at office, and most of them were done.

After work I bought a commuter pass for 6 months by vending machine at Roppongi. There are three choices, one,or three or six months.The longer the better.

TGIF

2018.11.8

I took 5 hours off to deal with many things.

First IH repairman came to fix the problem. Finally I can use the IH oven to cook!

Second I went to city office to get a certificate of registered seal. I need this document to redeem my father's dormant account.

Third I went to post office to send the above mentioned document and others by registered mail.

Fourth I went to Yokohama to attend luncheon. There were nearly 30 people.

After that I went to work.

It was a new moon. I wrote new 10 wishes.

It was a fruitful day.

2018.11.7

It was cloudy.

Today is ritto (立冬), one of nijyushisekki (二十四節気) the 24 solar terms. The last one was soko (霜降) on Oct. 23 and the next one is shosetsu (小雪) on Nov. 22.
Ritto in Japanese character means stand winter. This is the first day of winter.

I had a fever this morning but there are so many things to do at office and I went  to work.

2018.11.6

It was a slightly rainy day though I did not use an umbrella.

Yesterday I felt sore throat, today I have a running nose. I have got a cold.

These days there is something wrong with my smartphone, and it is not charged from a charger.
The commuter train used to be my office to write emails, blog, and so on. We have been accustomed to the life with electicity so when it is not available we feel frustrated.

2018.11.5

It was fine in the morning but it seemed to have rained in the afternoon.
However once I entered the office I won't go out so I did not know exactly when it rained. In the evening when I looked up the glass roof from the first floor, it looked like rain. When I went out from the office at night around 9 pm, the earth was wet. Fortunately I did not use an umbrella.

I have a slight sore throat. I need to get rest

2018.11.4

It was slightly raining.

In the morning I went grocery shopping.

In the afternoon I went to Mita to see somebody. Mita station of the Toei Asakusa Line and JR Tamachi station are very close and convenient. I happened to see a mutual friend there too.
At the cafe I ordered chocolat royal milk tea. Before going there I was going to order hot chocolate, but I saw it on the menu and drink it for the first time. They said no sugar is included so please use sugar if you need. I did not need.

After that I went to Yokohama to see a Japanese movie "Kohi ga samenai uchini (コーヒーが冷めないうちに): Before coffee gets cold." The poster says you can cry four times. It consists of four stories. Indeed I did. I was moved. When will you go back to the past if you can?

2018.11.3

It is a national holiday called bunka no hi (文化の日), Culture Day. It is supposed to be fine but it was cloudy. Unfortunately it fell on Saturday, so it was just like a regular weekend for me.

IH repair serviceman finally came, but he did not bring the necesssary parts and I have to do without cooking for another few days.

New Year's cards which I ordered were delivered. Last year I started writing very late, so this year I hope I can finish before Christmas.

In the afternoon I went to Yokohama to watch a Japanese movie Okuotoko (億男), Million Dollar Man.

Then I went to Shinagawa to buy a ticket for the next weekend.

There were some time before the next appointment therefore I went to Okachimachi to attend a special festival at a temple in Ameyoko (アメ横) street. To my lucky I was in time for the last prayer ceremony.

Then I went to Ochanomizu to learn about FX with my friend.

After that we went to Shinagawa to have dinner.

It was a long day.

2018.11.2

It was fine.

There was once a year medical check up today. Compared to last year, urine test kit was greatly innovated. We used to make a paper cup, but this year the container became a pen-shape one. Balium also became easily taken.

After work I went to a monthly meeting. There was a good news.

After that five us enjoyed dinner.

2018.11.1

A new month has started. November is jyuichigatsu (11月), 11th month or shimotsuki (霜月), frost month.

In the morning before working I visited three shrines. This is called otsuitachi mairi (お朔日参り).

Today is ichi no tori (酉の市),  Cock Fairs held at the Otori Shrines.

It has been becoming cooler these days.

There are only two months left.There are still many things to do within this year.

2018.10.31

Trick or treat?

Happy Halloween!!

Did you enjoy the parade or party?
I did not see anyone with soecial costune today.

It was fine.

I went to a bank during the lunch time.  I used to have a Citi Bank account but they closed the business in Japan, and were taken over to a different bank. There used to be an ATM in Roppongi, but when I went last time there was a window. Therefore I thought I can transfer money from there. However today I found it was just a window of exchanging money. The closest branch is located in Hiroo. To my lucky since I called last night and adjusted the limit for transferring money, I could use the ATM of the group bank.

After work I went to Shinagawa to submit documents.

I am glad everything went well.

2018.10.30

It was fine.

I had a rather busy day.

In the morning I had a weekly team meeting, and in the afternoon I attended the English training.

After work I went to Shinagawa to see my friends. I ate a cake set as usual. Then three of us went out for dinner.

It was interesting.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.10.29

It was fine. But I was inside for most of the time and could not enjoy the beautiful autumn weather. Instead I had to overwork until 9:30 pm.

There was a royal wedding at the Meiji shrine. I watched the news at lunch time. Bride wore the very traditional royal wedding dress with unique hair style called osuberakashi (大垂髪).

Happy Wedding!

2018.10.28

It was fine.

In the morning I expected the repairman would come to fix IH Oven, however he called and said he would come in the afternoon. I had two things to do this afternoon and canceled today's repair, which means I cannot cook for another week unfortunately.

I went grocery shopping in the morning instead.

In the afternoon I went to Shinagawa to see my friends.

There were about two hours before the next schedule and I decided to visit Shinagawa shrine which is located within a walking distance. The sunset from the quasi-Mt.Fuji was beautiful.

Next I went to Yurakucho to attend Mr. Ken Honda's special lecture commemorating the world debut of his first book "Happy  Money" next year.

It was another fruitful day.

2018.10.27

It was fine and comfortable, not cold nor hot.

In the morning I went to Kawasaki to see a Japanese movie, Nichinichi kore kojitsu (日日是好日) which means every day is a fine day. It deals with lessons of tea ceremony. I have practiced tea ceremony since the late 20s near my home town. These days I commute to Tokyo which makes me unable to go to the lesson. So I feel like practicing it again.

Speaking of Kawasaki, it is famous for Halloween parade. It was just a day of the parade, and I saw some people wearing unique costumes.

Then I went to Ginza to visit my friend's art exhibition's Gallery Opening. We met about a year and a half ago at the open seminar of Mr. Koya Yamakawa (山川絋矢), who is a very famous translator and a writer of the spiritual world. To our surprise we have a mutual Spanish-French friend in New York and we have been Facebook friends since then.
At the Gallery Opening I have made some Facebook friends. One of them cooked the foods offered at the party. They were so delicious.

After that I went to Shinagawa to meet friends. It was so interesting. I ate a cake set as usual which was delicious too.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.10.26

It was cloudy but when I got home, it started raining.

Two weeks program finished today. There were lots of lectures and site visits and I learned a lot too.

Now I am preparing for the next program while I need to do some paper work of this program.

2018.10.25

It was fine.

After business trip I am usually busy to deal with emails and paper work for travel cost reimbursement.

I had to overwork till 8pm but there are still many things for the past three weeks programs.

In the morning I attended an English training to be an active listener. This is one of the things I like at my workplace.

Today is the full moon. It is so beautiful.

2018.10.24

It was fine and very beautiful.

We visited two offices and some sites.

After morning session we moved to Kokura by Shinkansen.
We had lunch at the restautant on the 14th floor which had a good view of the harbor.  The volume of menu was big and the price was reasonable.
After the afternoon lecture we rid on the Monorail too. They run into the station building and it seems the rare case.

After the site visit at Jono Station area, we headed for the Kitakyushu airport where I used for the first time.

There are observatory decks and a foot bath at the one side, but it closed at 5:30 pm.

After eating dinner, I went to a credit card lounge and did some work.
The flight was 8:45 pm and arrved at Haneda around 10:10 pm.
Therefore I will be back home around midnight.

I am glad every schedule went well.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.10.23

It was fine in the mornig but rained around  noon. It stopped raining in the evening.

We visited two offices to get lectures first and visited three sites later.  Without having lectures, there were many things we would not have noticed. To know or not to know is a quite big thing.

There are variety of foods including of local foods for breakfast at this hotel. At lunch we ate Okinawa dishes, and for dinner we ate at Izakaya (居酒屋),  Japanese dining and driking place.
Whenever I go on a business trip, I tend to eat too much.

I need to exercise.

2018.10.22

It was fine in the morning, but rained at night.

I flew to Fukuoka and I could see the beautiful Mt.Fuji.

Flight delayed because of a passenger problem, but arrived on schedule.

There were two places to visit In Fukuoka.

We had dinner at a night restsurant.

2018.10.21

It was fine after rain. In the morning and evening it is a bit cool, but daytime it is very comfortable.

There was a community cleaning up event from 8 am. This is the twice a year event. I saw the very beautiful Mt. Fuji on my way to clean up. I feel grateful to be able to live in such a beautiful place.

After that I went to Hinodecho to get massage. This is my once a month healthcare event. Massager advised me to do stretch at night because my body is so stiff.

After that I went to Shinagawa to see friends.

I wanted to see a movie but again the timing was not good and I gave up.

So I went to Hinodecho again to visit the Kimono-Style Miya. They were having a shooting event with Dandy-Sakano who is a comedian. There were still beauticians and dressers, and I decided to be dressed up and have my hair done and makeup, and have my pictures taken.

I feel good when I wear kimono.

It turned out to be a very good day.

2018.10.20

It was cloudy in the daytime and became rain and very cold in the evening.

I got a call from IH repair serviceman in the morning. I wanted them to come to fix the problem in the morning, but they said they would only be available in the afternooon. So I canceled. Therefore I cannot cook for another week.

I went to Shinjuku to attend a monthly lecture. Though I invited my friend, she left earlier and we could not talk.

I was going to see a movie, but timing was not good and gave up.

Instead I went to Softbank and komono shop in Sugita and some banks in Yokosukachuo.

I watched a movie "Mix" on TV.

2018.10.19

It was cloudy. It seemed to have rained in the evening, but to my lucky I did not have to use an umbrella.

I started the day earlier and finished later than usual. After all I had to overwork and took the last train to my station.

There were so many things to do during the daytime at office, and I did not have enough time to eat lunch too.

2018.10.18

It was fine in the morning, but became cloudy in the afternoon.

I had another busy day.

First I went to Futako Tamagawa (二子玉川) in the morning. I have thought it was Futago Tamagawa for a long time, but it was not.

We had a lecture and site visit around the area. I have been interested in the place but have never been there before.
There is a Japanese Garden. Contrast of the high rise buildings with Japanese Garden was uique.
The view from the 30th floor of the hotel was nice.

In the afternoon we went to Tama Plaza. I thought I have been there before but it might have been Tama center.

In the evening we went to Ichigaya to attend a book launch event. I happened to see some people I have worked with for the the past two years.

Then I went to Ginza to have dinner at Shabusen. It has been a long time since I went there last. I had a very good time.

2018.10.17

It was rainy early morning but became fine when I left home, and became cloudy again in the afternoon.

This morning I visited a factory which was really interesting.

In the afternoon we had a lecture in Tokyo and walked around the Otemachi area. We visited the area about two years ago, but the landscape has been changed a lot since that time.

I went back to the office in the evening to deal with emails.

At night I went to Shinagawa to see my friends.

It was another long day.

2018.10.16

It was cloudy.

It was another busy day.

There were two lectures today.

I went to Nihonbashi in the morning. It is convenient because Keihinkyuko line and Toei Asakusa Line are connected and I don't have to change the train.  However the exit I used was rather far from the Toei Asakusa Line, and it took about 8 minutes to get there. I have listened to that lecture twice before, but I learned something.

Then I went to office in the afternoon. Another lecture was very interesting and informative and I learned a lot.

I overworked until 9 pm tonight.

2018.10.15

It was cloudy and slightly rained at night.

Before going to the office I went to three shrines, one near my house, two near the office as my ritual for the day of the fifteenth.

I was rather busy having two programs today at the office.

In the evening I went to Shinjuku to attend  the 25th Celebration of the Day of Railway. There were about 1000 participants.  It lasted until 8 pm.

After that I went up to the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office where there is an observatory deck for free of charge.  At the best view corner there is a cafe where charges yen 500 for the seat.

If you have a chance to come to Japan, I recommend you to visit there.

2018.10.14

It was cloudy.

I stayed at home all day long.
There are many things to do.

My brother came home to bring the souvenir from his trip to Turkey. It was a box of chocolate with pistachio. I love chocolate.

2018.10.13

It was cloudy in the daytime but became rain in the night. It became cool suddenly.

I walked to the station because I came home by taxi last night.

I went to Saitama shintoshin to go to the Saitama Super Arena to attend the World Blockchain Festival 2018. Its theme is "Create the Future, Change the World."

I met my friend at the station and had lunch first. There were so many people waiting in the line and it took more than 20 minutes just to enter. There was a security check and stimulative interpreter device rental line too.
It started at 2:30 pm and the first keynote speaker was Mr.Heizo Takenaka who used to be a Minister of Finance. There were more than 10 speakers in the part one.

There was about 40 minutes break.
To my surprise one of the guest speakers, Dr. Anthony Lojac came to the seat just behind me. I asked him to take a picture with me and a business card. We became Facebook friends.

Part 2 was a concert of Mariah Carey. She changed the costume twice. She looked so nice. It lasted for one hour and 20 minutes or so.

This was a free event for 20000 people.
Isn't it nice?

After that I met another friend at the station and came back to Shinagawa together.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.10.12

It was cloudy.

I had a very busy day.

After work I went to Shinagawa to see my friend. We have known each other for 6 years or so but this was the very first time to see just two of us.
I chose the place by coupon site. We enjoyed talking, eating, and drinking.

TGIF

2018.10.11

It was a slightly rainy day.

In the afternoon I went to Tokyo to attend a seminar and came back from Nihonbashi station. I came home around 8 m.

2018.10.10

It was fine.

I took a half day off to go to City Hall to get my number card, dentist to get treatment, and the post office to send many things.

The dentist is my friend from high school. After the treatment they offered me a calendar of the next year. How fast time flies! It is already time to get the new year's calendar.

After work I went to Shinagawa to see my friends. I ate a cake set and had a good time.

2018.10.9

It was fine and beautiful but I was inside most of time and did not enjoy the beautiful autumn weather.

These days there is something wrong with the combination of charger and smartphone and I could not use the smartphone after work, and I visited Softbank to ask. It seems the problem of cable, and I went to buy it, but it was not the right one again.

There has been something wrong with IH Oven of my kitchen these days and after all the repair person won't be available until Oct.20. I have to do without cooking for two weeks...

It is so inconvenient when we lose something that is thought as a matter of course.

Today is a new moon. It is a good time to start something to grow. I could do something. Hope it will grow.

2018.10.8

It is a national holiday called taiiku no hi (体育の日), Sports Day. It was established to commemorate the opening of the Tokyo Olympic in 1964. It used to be on October 10 but became the second Monday of October in 2000.

It was the last day of the three day weekend.

Weather was fine but I stayed at home all day long.

There were lots of things to do, but  I did only a few of them.

I am glad to do so.

2018.10.7

It was fine and hot like summer.

I went grocery shopping in the morning, and filled up my car.

After having lunch I went to Kimono-Style Miya where had a special sale.

I went to Yokohama to see a movie "MAMMA MIA! Here we go again" at last.

After that I went back to Kimono-Style Miya again.

2018.10.6

It was fine but seemed to have rained partially.

I went to Shinjuku to attend Morinda's monthly meeting. They say there were 657 participants today. There were good information and  a gift for the participants.
I ordered this month goods and picked them up and measured AGE.

After having lunch I went to Shibuya to see my friend's art exhibition.

Then I went to the Hibiya Park to see the Day of Railway Fair. There were many booths of the railway companies around Japan.

Next I went to Kaihin Makuhari to see the World Business Expo. However there was something wrong with the communication of the ticket and I gave up entering.
I decided not to enter and came home earlier to see the Facebook Live.

It was a long day.

2018.10.5

It was a rainy day.

After work whe I got to Daimon, I knew there was blackout on Keisei line and trains stopped. I went to Shinagawa via Hamamatsucho by JR. When I got to Shinagawa, there were so many people waiting for entering the gate.
I am glad that I did not have to wait for a long time.

At night when I watched the news I knew it happened because of the salt which was caused by typhoon.

2018.10.4

It was cloudy at first and rained slightly.

After work I went to Awajicho to attend a monthly meeting. It was the same place as last month and I could go smoothly but if not, it would have been very difficult to find the place.

I met some friends there.

After the meeting we went out for dinner.
I could not stay until the last but I am glad to be in time for the last train.

2018.10.3

It was cloudy.

After work I went to Shinjuku to attend the opening party of the photo exhibition.

On my way there I passed in front of the Tenso jinja shrine where is celebrating Chanel Festival. It started last week and will last till Oct. 8 or so. When I passed there in the morning, it was not open yet, when I passed there in the evening, they were closing and I have been wondering what are there. This evening I left the office earlier than usual to go to Shinjuku I could see inside. I did not have much time, but when I left there they gave me a small gift in a beautiful Chanel bag.

At the photo exhibition, there were many people and I could not talk with my friend. Therefore I left there earlier to go to the next places.

When I got out of the place, I saw the beautiful lighten up Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Unfortunately I could not take pictures because of the battery problem of my smartphone.

I have a sore throat now, maybe I got a cold.

2018.10.2

It was fine and beautiful.

It is ichiryumanbaibi (一粒万倍日) today. It means today is one of the days when one seed becomes 10000 times. So it is supposed to be a good day to start something.

Yesterday there were some big news. One of them was the Special Professor Dr. Tasuku Honjo(本庶 佑), became a winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
The other is the retirement of Stable Master Takanohana (貴乃花) from the Grand Sumo Association.
Another is the formation of the new cabinet.

2018.10.1

A new month has started. October is jugatsu (十月) in Japanese.
By lunar calendar it is kannazuki (神無月) which means month without gods in most part of Japan and kamiarizuki (神在月) which means month with gods in Izumo (出雲) area.
They say there are 8 million gods in Japan and they get together to discuss in Izumo in this month. Therefore there is no god in other area.

The big typhoon No.24 left Japan having caused much damages here and there. Because of these damages there were many cancellations and delays for transportation. My trains also delayed and I got to the office later than usual.

The weather was very fine and hot like summer, which is called taifu ikka (台風一過).

This morning I visited two shrines before going to the office which is called otsuitachimairi (お朔日詣り) and one of my rituals of the first day of the month.

The new NHK morning drama has begun.

2018.9.30

The last day of September.

Another big typhoon No.24 is approaching and it was a rainy day.

I went to Hihashi Shinjuku via Yokohama.  I should have taken the planned train but I arrived at Yokohama earlier and took the earlier train. I noticed it did not stop at Higashi Shinjuku after passing Shinjuku San Chome. So at Ikebukuro I got off and took another train to back to Higashi Shinjuku. But unfortunately it was another express train and did not stop at Higashi Shinjuku again. So I had to change again at Shinjuku San Chome.

After getting off the train, it said the target place was just 2 minutes away, but I took the wrong way and had to walk more.

The seminar about the rhythm color was interesting. There were about 10 participants. Everyone loves traveling and has some dreams related with foreign countries. It took nearly 3 hours, but we could not finish all the things the instructor aimed.

After that eight of us went out for lunch. We enjoyed the Italian lunch at a restaurant where only the owner and the guests of the high-rise apartment building can use.

There were something I want to do after that but all the transportation will stop operation earlier because of the typhoon. I gave up and came home.  After that I went shopping. Supermarket was going to close at 6 pm. So I was lucky to be in time.

2018.9.29

It was a rainy day, another big typhoon No.24 is approaching.

There were two events I got invitations but decided not to go out.

I could relax at home without doing anything special but did something I wanted to do.

2018.9.28

It was cloudy.

The last working day of September.

There were lots of things to do after two days off.

After work I went to Meguro to attend SRC convention. It started around 4pm but I arrived around 7pm. However it seemed the best timing because I heard the very important parts.

After that I had dinner with a friend at the pork cutlet (とんかつ: tonkatsu) restaurant where I have wanted to visit. This time we could enter and ate pirk fillet cutlet set menu. It was rather expensive, but I am glad to be there finally.

2018.9.27

It was cloudy, and became fine.

I took a bath in the morning.
Breakfast was buffet and I chose Chinese style.

I took a walk in the morning before leaving.

We visited two places in Kyoto today.  First was a shrine where I have never visited before.
Next was a temple where I have been to serveral times.

Lunch box was really nice.

I came back to Shinagawa and met friends.

It was a nice vacation.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.9.26

It was rainy.

I took two days off to attend a special tour.

I missed a planned train from my station, but fortunately I was in time for Shinkansen from Shinagawa.

I went to Nagoya and changed to the chartered bus. We visited three places and headed for Kyoto.

The accommodation is superb. Dinner was wonderful.

I had a very good time.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.9.25

It was cloudy in the morning but became
rainy in the afternoon.

Tonight is the full moon but we can't see unfortunately.

Today was the first working day after three day weekend, and there were two weekly and biweekly meetings in the morning and afternoon.
Moreover I take two days off to go to Ise and Kyoto tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, which made me overwork.

I got a post card which I sent from Cairns on Sep.14. It took about 10 days. Emails go at once. I wonder how we could have done business without IT before.

2018.9.24

It was cloudy.

Today is transferred holiday and I could sleep long without alarm.

There were many things to choose today and I chose three.

First I had lunch with 4 travel club friends in Kanda. It was fun to talk with someone with the same interest.

Second I attended the BOM of Cryptcurrency. It lasted for three hours. I happened to see a friend there.
I think there are so many ways to be a billionaire at this age. There will be a big difference between those who know these information and those who do not.

Third I went to Ginza to see the art exhibition of my friend. This is once a year event. There are many beautiful works. If you have time, please visit the Gallery Musashi at Ginza 1 chome by Saturday 29. You will be healed by her beautiful works.
  
I wanted to go to see a movie, but gave up.

2018.9.23

It is shubun no hi (秋分の日), Autumn Eqinox Day. It is a national holiday and it is Sunday today.  Tomorrow is a transferred holiday. So we have a three day weekend.

It is higan no chunichi (彼岸の中日), middle of equinoctial week. We visit the grave yard during this time of the year. So I visited my parents' grave yard in the morning.

After that I went grocery shopping. The road was very crowded and I took a different way to come back.

In the afternoon I went to the beauty salon to have my hair cut and perm.
I went shopping and had a good deal.

In the evening I went to the Tokyo to see my friend. We had French toast set and talked for nearly three hours.

After that I went to Tokyo Station Hotel Lobby to see someone. I had a special drink.  We have talked another three hours. It was a nice consultation.

It was a fruitful day.

2018.9.22

It was cloudy.

In the morning I went to massage which is my once a month health treatment.

After that I visited Iseyama kotai jingu (伊勢山皇大神宮) and Naritasan (成田山). The former is a shrine, the latter is a temple.

Then I went to Ueno Bentendo (上野辯天堂) at Shinobazu pond (不忍池) to attend the Minarukane taisai (巳成金大祭), once a year big festival.
It became fine at that time.
There were so many people there.
Last year I could not buy a gold coin metal shaped charm because of a long waiting line. I could buy it this year.
Lotus at the pond became so big compared to early summer. There were some people feeding sparrows by their hands.

I came home early to receive my suit case.

2018.9.21

It was a rainy day and getting colder.

At lunch time I could talk with an insurance company and felt relieved to hear about the reimbursement of the hotel fee which I had to pay in Brisbane.

I bought an insurance before traveling but it does not cover the cost due to flight cancellation.

So I called the credit card company which I bought the ticket with but they also did not cover.

Therefore I asked which insurance cover such things, and they told me about the American Express Card.
Fortunately I have the Gold card.
At first they said they only cover for the food but I had to stay there two more nights. They considered again and said they would cover. I am very glad to hear that.

After work I went to Shinagawa to see my friends.

2018.9.20

It was cloudy in the morning, and became rain in the evening.
It has become cooler these days.

Monday this week was a national holiday, and next Monday is a transferref holiday. If you take four days off, you can get 10 days off. This time of the year is called Silver week.

In October we have another three days weekend.

It is a good time to have a short trip.

2018.9.19

It was fine.

There were many things to do at work. After meeting in the afternoon, things to do became so clear that jobs have got done.

After work I went to Shinagawa to see someone. But the appointment was suddenly canceled and I only met others for 20 minutes or so.
Here again after the meeting, things became clear.

Talking is very important, isn't it?

2018.9.18

It was cloudy daytime but became rain in the evening.
Depends on the place, it rained so heavily that my train delayed.

Today was the first day after 11 days summer vacation. Some colleagues took the summer vacation at the same period, therefore I got many sweets as souvenirs.

After work I visited the Fuji Film Square, Softbank, and got off at Yokosukachuo to shop something and to go to bank.

2018.9.17

I started the day early, at 3 am. I took a shuttle to the airport instead of walking at 4:10.

My flight schedule back home was supposed to be at 00:50 on Sunday via Hong Kong, but the biggest typhoon made it canceled and the Cathay Pacific Airline rescheduled mine to Virgin Australia and Qantas.
After all I did not use Cathay Pacific for both ways.

The flight from Brisbane to Sydney was at 6 am by Virgin Australia. It was a window side. It took one hour and a half.

At Sydney first I had to go to Qantas Terminal, then check in and move to the international terminal by bus. It was rather confusing.
I could use the American Express Lounge while waiting.

The flight from Sydney was at 10:25 but it was rather crowded and left about one hour later. At first I was in the middle again but there was a vacancy and I could sit on the window side. It was very nice.
I watched three movies.

It was supposed to artive at  Narita Airport at 18:50 but arrived around 20:20 after all.

Narita Airport also introduced the automatic immigration service.

After sending a suitcase, it was already 21:00 and it seems the last train has gone already.

It has been nice weather in Australia, but it was raining when I got to Narita Airport.

It is a national holiday called Keiro no hi (敬老の日), Respect the Aged Day. I am glad not to take an extra day off.

2018.9.16

It was fine.

I enjoyed making candy-sushi and walking around the house in the morning.

In the afternoon we went out for lunch which was volumy.
I joined the balance yoga class in the afternoon.

My friend took me to the airport hotel l in the evening.

2018.9.15

It was fine and beautiful.

I visited many places in Brisbane. First Queensland Art Gallary, second Gallery of Modern Art, third Queen Street Mall, fourth City Hall and Museum of Brisbane,
fifth Old Museum and Science Center, sixth Southbank Parklands, seventh City Botanic Gardens, and night street market.

After saying Good-bye to my friend at the airport, I found my flight was canceled.

Adventure continues!

2018.9.14

It was fine all day long.

I checked out around 10:20 am and headed for the airport by shuttle bus.

I left Cairns before 1 pm by Virgin Australia. I wished to have a window side, but again it was middle. There were some  empty seats, but because of weight balance they didn't grant my request.

After arriving at Brisbane, my friend took me to the biggest shopping center and the pier. I saw another beautiful sunset.

Then we headed for her house and had dinner.

2018.9.13

It was fine but partially rained and I could see the rainbow for the second time during this trip.

It was a sightseeing day and I visited two world heritage sites.

In the morning I went to Green Island National Park. It was so beautiful. I enjoyed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park through the Glass Bottom Boat Tour.

In the afternoon I went to Kuranda by Skyrail on my way there and by train back to Cairns and enjoyed Tropical Rainforests and Barron Falls.

Time was short but it was worthwhile visiting.

After coming back i saw the rainbow and felt happy.

2018.9.12

No plan day.

I tried to book for Mudcrab catching tour but it was full and I could not.

I tried to eat them at restaurant but they did not have. It seems it is not the season.

I ate Seafood Course Lunch at Raw Prawn on the Esplanade which taxi driver last night recommended me and seems very popular. There were manyJapanese tourists.

I enjoyed the Night Market from 5 pm.

2018.9.11

It was another moving day.

I left Kingfisher Resort around 7:30 am
to catch the 7:50 ferry to Hervey Bay. I went from Hervey Bay to Brisbane by Qantas, and from Brisbane to Cairns by Tiger Air.

This was the very first time for to use LCC.
They only accept up to 15kg for check in buggage, therefore I had to repack. They don't serve the free drink, so I bought hot chocolate and a piece of cake for $6.
At first my seat was center, but I asked to change to the window side, and I saw the beauriful sunset.

At night  I walked to the night market.

2018.9.10

It was a beautiful day.

In the morning I attended the taining for two hours.

After lunch we went to the Lake MaKenzie via Central Station by 4WD bus which reminded me of the desert safari I attended in April this year in Dubai.

The view of the lake was magnificiant. The water was too cold for me to swim. Sand was white and fine. So beautiful!

After coming back I went to the beach to see the beautiful sunset. There were many small holes on the beach and small sand balls here and there. They say they were made by small crabs.

I changed to Yukata (浴衣), summer kimono to attend the Gala Dinner. Many people praised my yukata-style and I was asked to be taken pictures with them. This reminds me of Expo '92. I was taken so many pictures at that time.

I enjoyed drinking, eating, chatting, making many new international friends, and dancing.

It was such a nice dream trip.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.9. 9

The 3rd day of my summer vacation.

I left the apartment before 9 am and walked to the tram station with a suitcase. This reminded me of the very first day of my JOI coordinator at Atlanta in August 2006. The venue of the training was held at the motel of the suburban of Atlanta. I did not have enough cash at hand and could not use the taxi and had to walk to the motel with a very heavy suitcase.

If there are much money, there will be more ways of selections to be happy and to make others happy.

I took G-Iine tram and Brisbane Airport Train which cost AUD38.40, got on 9:06 from Cypress Avenue and arrived at the Brisbane Airport around 11:30.

The view of Gold Coast from the tram reminded me of that of Miami and Fort Lauderdale along the river.

I sat at 10D of plane where is near the Emergency Door when I left for Hervey Bay. It was a small plane for 48 passengers or so. They asked me about my English ability in case of emergency.
In flight the view from the window was beautiful.They served a snack and tea.
After an hour flight I arrived at Hervey Bay airport.
I was wondering how to get to the main Kingfisher Resort Reception. After all everything went well.

Some people from South Africa were waring the Dream Tripper's T-shit, and it was easy to recoganize them with the same group.

We took the ferry to the Fraser Island, the biggest sand island in the world. On the ferry I became friends from Miami, Florida where I stayed in Delray Beach for two years.

After checking in, I went to see the sunset. It was a bit late but the sky was very beautiful. There I've got two friends from Georgia and we had dinner.
We had a good time.

It was a nice moving day.

2018.9.8

It was slightly raining and chilly when I got to Sydney after 18 years.

After immigration, I picked up the suitcase and put luquar inside and checked in the suitcase again. Passengers were transfered to the terminal by bus.

There I walked around and found an interesting walking escalator covered by the plane shape.

I found an ATM and tried to withdraw from the HSBC for the first time. This is very convenient. I do not have to exchange money.

The flight to Brisbane was QF508 which is my lucky number. It delayed a little bit to wait for international flight passengers.
They served cereal breakfast.

When I arrived at Brisbane, my friend from Expo2005 and her husband were there to pick me up. How nice to be welcomed!
We killed time by looking around the supermarket. Prices were rather expensive. They say the salary is also higher than Japanese average.

Then we headed for their daughter's Japanese school. They say in Austraia there are four terms, starting January. Their first long vavation is around Easter holiday and every year it differs according to the calendar.

After that we came to my accommodation which is Chevron Palms Holiday Apartments. It is for the long-stay visitors.
There are a bedroom, a living room, kitchen, bathroom, porch, and furnitured.

We walked to the world-famous Surfer's Paradise and enjoyed lunch seeing the rainbow.

At night I attended the Gold Coast Glow Warm Tour of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests.
It was a wonderful experience. I recommend you to visit there if you come to Goldcoast. Especially in December.

It was a nice day.

2018.9.7

It was cloudy and slightly raining in the morning, and became fine in the afternoon.

I took a half day off to go to Australia.

I got an email from Cathay Pacific Airways saying the delay of the flight. I wondered if I could catch the connecting flight or not.

At the airport I picked up my suitcase and input something at the repacked area. I have never seen the area before.

Now I will be onboard.

See you next time from Australia !

I tried to issue the ticket but it was impossible because of the delay and I was asked to go to the counter.

There they offered me to go to Sydney by JAL and to Brisbane by Qantas which arrives earlier at Brisbane. Of course I accepted.

2018.9.6

It was fine and hot.

There happened big earthquakes in Hokkaido this morning which made big damages and the airport was closed there.

In the morning my train delayed about 30 minutes to save someone that became sick on the train.

In the afternoon I had a chance to attend a tea ceremony for foreigners. It was a very nice experience, and I felt like practicing again. If possible I hope to introduce tea culture and kimono culture abroad again.

After work I went to Awajicho to attend a monthly meeting. I thought I had enough time to be there. But my map navigation introduced me a wrong way and I was late for 15 minutes or so. I missed some parts unfortunately. But I am very glad to attend there to get important information.

From tomorrow my summer vacation starts.
I am very looking forward to going to Australia.

2018.9.5

It was fine after the typhoon No.21.

It seemed it left tremendous damages to Kansai Area including the Kansai International Airport and the bridge road to the airport.
They say electricity power went down and many travelers had to spend a night without air-conditioning.

I feel sorry for them.

I hope their early recovery.

2018.9.4

It was a rainy day because of the biggest typhoon No.21.

I could get up earlier than usual.

After work I went to the Bunkyo Civic Center to attend a seminar of Mr. Takao Hiramatsu who is a professional of business making from what people like.

One of my friends introduced me about the seminar on August 15, but I was not sure at that time if I could attend or not. Yesterday I found I would not have to work later tonight so I decided to join.

It cost yen 2,000 but participants got his new book "Sukinakoto wo bijinesu ni suru kyokasho (好きなことをビジネスにする教科書): Textbook to Make a Business out of What You Like" which values yen 1,500.  What is more, he offered the participants one hour consultation which usually costs yen 30,000. How generous he is!

At the venue I met some interesting people. One of them can read the palm lines. She mentioned that I had a very fortunate line regarding the sudden marriage with a wealthy man. How nice it would be true!

Now I am very looking forward to the next trip abroad this weekend to meet my Mr Right.

I am so glad to have attended the seminar.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.9.3

It was slightly raining in the morning, but became fine in the afternoon.

After work I went to many banks. Usually ATMs are available from 8:45 to 21:00.
But today I found there were some machines at banks which are available until 24:00.

There are some banks which are 24/7 for telephone service and of course for online service.

In 1992 when I was in Spain, their ATMs were available for 24/7 and they were very convenient.

In 1996 when I was in Washington State in the USA, there were drive through ATMs and I was so surprised.

From 2006 to 2008 when I was in Florida, I was wondering about the personal check deposit. At the ATMs we put the personal check into the envelop and deposit by ATMs.  What will happen if the amount of pressing numbers and the checks were different?
Interesting thing was they can't withdraw that amount of money soon after depositing.

These days there are many cryptocurrency which are used by smartphone. It is very convenient but I  am not sure how many people are dealing.

2018.9.2

It was cloudy, rainy and fine.

I waited for a call but they did not call the time I asked, so I went shopping for my friend. Fortunately I found and got the things I hoped.

In the evenning the suitcase pickup came. I am glad that I do not have to bring it with me during the rush hours.

I finally booked the hotels in Australia. Now I am thinking to book the local tour in the near future.

2018.9.1

A new month has started. September is kugatsu(9月) or nagatsuki (長月).

It was cloudy and sometimes rained today.

I went to Shin Yokohama to attend the Breakthrough seminar which started at 10 am and ended around 6:30 pm.This is the first biggest event in Japan, and there were American lecturers and some Japanese and Korean Leaders' speeches.
Entrance fee was US$, therefore depending on the date applied, cost seemed quite different.

There were about 700 participants. I met some friends.

After the seminar, 44 members had a dinner party.

It was a fruitful day.

2018.8.31

It was fine and very hot.

The last day of August. This is the last August of Heisei (平成) era. When our empereor changes, so does Japanese calendar name. We are not sure yet what will be next.

How was your August?
Mine was good by going to Hong Kong to open accounts, having fun, and attending the dinner cruise with kimono.

Today after work I went to the trial seminar of REIKI. Do you know REIKI?
It is a way of self-healing. I learned it last year and have been practicing every day. It is so intetesting and useful that I wanted my friends to experience. Unfortunately nobody was available tonight and I attended by myself. It was fun as usual.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.8.30

It was fine and hot.

There was an accident at the JR Yokohama area in the morning, and Keihinkyuko Line accepted those who use JR and trains became so crowded and busy. My train delayed about 30 minutes.
With the certificate ticket, I was not regarded as "late," but I had to stay at the office until 6:45 pm because my working time is 7 hours and 45 minutes using flex system.

I had an appointment of attending a trial seminar at 7:30 near the Tokyo station. So I had to run. Fortunately I was in time. The lecturer is my friend's husband but I have never seen him before. It was a nice experience to look back my daily activity toward my ideal life. He kindly gave the participants his book, booklet, and a charm. I asked him autograph and picture. Thank you very much.

On my way back there was a place I wanted to visit inside the Tokyo Station, and I took pictures. This was the time-limited advertisement, therefore I am very glad to see them.

It was a  nice day.

2018.8.29

It was fine and hot.

I did many things today for both private and public.

There was an interesting post by my friend to the Facebook and I decided to attend her husband's seminar. Unfortunately it was full at tonight's class and I attend tomorrow's class.

2018.8.28

It was fine and hot.

We had a farewell luncheon at an Italian restaurant. There is a business lunch course which consists of salad, pasta or pizza, dolce and drink for yen 1,350. It seemed very reasonable at Roppongi. We were a group of 14 and told the restaurant the orders in advance, and the person in charge confirmed last night too. In spite of that there was miscommunication and some orders were missed. What was worse, they forgot serving dessert and put the bill on the table. It seems the person answered the phone at night did not convey the orders correctly or the daytime shift person misunderstood. After all they served dessert and every participant enjoyed the foods, but we the luncheon organizers felt so bad.

After that I visited the bank. There used to be an ATM of Prestia which used to be Citibank. To my surprise there was no more ATM of Prestia and it was changed to the windows. They say the systems of SMBC and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank  are incorporated and now we can use both bank cards at their ATMs. It became convenient.

2018.8.27

It was fine and hot in the daytime, but became heavy rain with thunders at night after I left the office. It lasted for a while and the train stopped for 12 minutes.

This morning I left my commuting ticket at home and had to go back home to get it  because it would cost more than yen 2,000 without it. I am glad to have time to do so.

Usually I buy something to eat for lunch on my way to the office but this morning I gave up and went out for buying at lunch time.

2018.8.26

It was fine and very hot.

I stayed at home all day long.

There were many things to do. I finished some things. One of them is to apply for my number card, the other is to apply for Australian Visa.

Today is the full moon which looks so beautiful.

2018.8.25

It was fine but windy.

In the morning I went to massage. This is my once a month health treatment.

After that I went to Kawasaki to watch a movie "Mission impossible, Fall out." It was a very exciting movie.

Then I went to Kimono-style Miya to get dressed and hairset and went to Osambashi to have dinner cruise. We had a room and enjoyed a delicious course dinner.

The moon and the night view were so beautiful.

It was a nice day.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

2018.8.24

It was windy because of the typhoon.

I thought the train would delay but did not.

There were lots of emails after taking days off but I read most of them during my trip. How convenient!

I got a box of Noni Collagen which I ordered last month. I am very looking fo rward to seeing me after three months.

2018.8.23

It was cloudy and rained heavily again.

I started the day early and left the hotel before nine.

The main purpose of this trip was to open accounts for me. So I went to HSBC to do so. As a world traveler to have an international bank account is very important.
I was the first customer there today and all of the staffs welcomed me in line at the entrance. What a good feeling!
I could open the bank account successfully.

Participants of this tour were from Haneda, Centrea, and Kix. The typhoon is approaching to Japan. The flights to Centrea and Kix were unfortunately canceled.

The plane suffered turbulence sometimes, but landed at Haneda safely.
Inflight I watched Cinderella.

It was a fruitful trip.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.8.22

It was cloudy in the morning and rained heavily again in the afternoon.

In the morning there was a lecture by CEO. I was so surprised to hear his vision.

In the afternoon seven of us went to the Peninsula Hotel to enjoy the Afternoon tea. There was a long line. One person is  HK$388, and two persons are HK$688 with 10% service charge. There are two scorns, sandwiches and sweets. We ordered 7 different tea to share. Before checking chocolate was served. Furthrrmore they gave us BVLGARI chocolate for souvenir.
What a nice service!

After that we went to the Lady's market by taxi and enjoyed shopping.

We enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant.

2018.8.21

It was cloudy in the morning but rained heavily after lunch and became fine.

I happened to see my Kirei Design Instructor on TV in the morning.

There was an Econony seminar in the morning.

Lunch was dim sum. They were tasty.

After getting out of the restaurant it was raining so heavily. I had a folding umbrella but still got wet a little bit.

There was another seminar about Finance in the afternoon.

I went shopping for a while.

There was a dinner reception at night.

After the party  I went to see the $ Million Night View of Hong Kong Island. It was so beautiful.

After coming back there was a group meeting until late at night.

It was another long day.

2018.8.20

It was cloudy in Japan, so was in Hong Kong.

I started the day earlier than usual to go to the Haneda Airport.

When I was looking for the pickup counter  of the suitcase, an airport staff told me the wrong floor. There was a long line. But it was a dropping place and I had to go back to the right place. I was lucky to have arrived much earlier to deal with these troubles. To have plenty time is important.

There was another long line at issuing a boarding pass and checkin counter, but security check and immigration were very smooth.

There was more than an hour before departure and I waited at the card lounge.

Flight to Hong Kong delayed about an hour. I am glad to see "A Theory of Everything" which I have wanted to see for a long time.

After arriving at the hotel we have an explanation meeting.

At night we went to a Chinese restaurant and ate a lot. Unfortunately I got a stomachache later.

After coming back to the hotel we had a group meeting until very late.

It was a long day.

2018.8.19

It was fine and hot.

I went to Shinagawa to see some friends, and ate lunch at Akita foods restaurant.

In the afternoon I went to Yokohama to see two movies. One is a Japanese movie and the other is an American movie.  I wanted to see the Japanese movie first, but when I got to the theater about 30 minutes before starting, it was already sold out. So I changed the American movie "Ocean's Eight" first, and the Japanese movie "Kamera wo tomeruna (カメラを止めるな)," which means "Don't stop shooting!" second. Both were good.  I was recommended the latter by my Expo '92 friend about a  month ago and wanted to see it by all means.
There is a reason for someone to recommend something. So whenever someone recommends me something I want to try at least once.
I hope all of my friends take the same attitude.

2018.8.18

It was fine but rather cool.

I went to Shiroganedai to see an art exhibition of my friend's mother. The venue was very unique. Unfortunately I could not see the artist.

After that I went to Shinjuku to attend a lecture by Morinda's CEO Mr. Makoto Ohki. This is my once in two months event. After the lecture I measured my Tru Age which was about 10 years younger than actual age today.

I went to Yokohama to pickup kimono on my way home.

After coming home I prepared for dinner and went out again.

At Soleil no oka I attended Aurora view night with my friend from primary school.
It cost yen1000. We should have brought Yoga mat.

After coming back home at night I watched the fireworks festival from my house. This is the only fireworks festival I can see from my house. How lucky I am!

Thank you. thank you, thank you,

2018.8.17

It was fine and hot.

Today is my father's death anniverdary. It's been already three years since he passed away. It is a weekday this year so I went to the graveyard last Sunday.

I took three hours off to attend an SRC convention in Nippori today. This hourly off system is also one of my favorite things at my office. Convention lasted from 4pm to 9:20pm or so. I am glad to see some friends.

After that I went out for dinner at a curry restaurant where my friend recommended the other day with my friends. It was so impressive. We enjoyed a lot.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.8.16

It was fine and hot in the day time but in the evening it started raining. Fortunately I did not have to use an umbrella.

After work I went to Shinagawa to meet my friend.
We enjoyed a delicious cake set.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.8.15

It was fine and hot.

In the morning I visited three shrines before going to the office.

Today is the 73rd anniversary of the end of World War II. At noon we offered the silent prayer for the war dead.

In the afternoon I attended an English workshop of writing emails. One of the benefits of my workplace is this kind of seminars offered to staffs for free.

Tonight on my way home I could watch the fireworks festival at the Tama River
which was very beautiful and I felt lucky.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2018.8.14

It was fine and hot.

Many people are taking a summer vacation during the bon festival, and there are less people on the trains than usual these days.

Last year at this time I was in the USA and went to the Caribbean Cruise. How fast time flies!

2018.8.13

It was cloudy in the morning but became rain heavily in the afternoon. To my lucky when I left the office at night, it was not raining.

Many people take summer vacation from August 13 to 15 when is called obon (お盆). It is the time when the departed ancesters come back home. We make fire called mukaebi (迎え火), welcoming fire on Aug.13 and let them know the way home. We decorate the buddhist alter with fruits, vegetables, and sweets. We visit the graveyard. On Aug. 15 we make fire called okuribi (送り火), sending fire.

Today is Monday, so I went to the graveyard yesterday.