August 3, 2003
Eel
I have been to Stockholm, Bangkok, Fukushima and Tokyo during the last two weeks. The last dinner for the long trip was Kabayaki (grilled and then softly steamed) of eel at Tokyo style. It is my custom to buy something nice to eat before hopping on long distance train. In Japan, there is a tradition to eat eel in the middle of the summer, and that's the reason I chose Kabayaki this time.
August 9, 2003
Typhoon is gone
A powerful typhoon is crossing Japan from Shikoku to Hokuriku via Osaka. The tropical storm has whirled down the bikes beside my office, and then it is gone. And, I went home after enjoying shopping in vacant department store.
August 19, 2003
Obon
Obon is one of the most important Buddhistic religious day in Japan. I also visited the temples where my ancesters sleep in peace. It is believed that the spirits of the deads returns home during this period. I guess this represents an old aministic culture in Japan where peopled found spirits everywhere.
August 23, 2003
Koshien Ballpark
Today, the final game for the Japan Highschool Base Ball Tournament was held at Koshien Ballpark which is located between Osaka and Kobe. The initial half of the tournament was troubled by rain, but it was burning hot today. The coach of Joso Highschool, the winner of the game, commented during the interview that the place is best for the young boys to learn everything. I like his words, because winning a highschool tournament is not the goal of life for these students, but nothing more than a passing point during their youth.
August 31, 2003
Bird Nest Exhibition
I have been to OSAKA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY to see the Bird Nest Exhibition. In this exhibition, the nests of various birds were exhibited. Yes, just bird nests, and it was a fun to watch them. The description by the bird nest researcher Mr. Gijiro Kogaito was also nice with a sense of humor. Also illustrations by Mr. Mamoru Suzuki was so lovely. And, as the typical end of a museum visiting, I was trapped at the museum book shop....