So, the Japanese may not believe in Christmas as a holiday (there are still incredibly few Christians here, the opposite of Korea), but as with holiday lights, they love Christmas carols. Every store here is the same experience as in the US of A, lots of Rudolph, Jingle Bells, etc., etc. Like in the US, this started right at Thanksgiving.
In general, I find the Japanese are a little bit classier about it: it tends to be some jazz or classic vocalist (think Andrews Sisters) version, not so much the Mitch Miller. On the other hand, my friend said the store he was just in was playing the "Chipmunks Sing Christmas" album so...
23 December 2007
20 December 2007
Singapore at night from above
So, I booked my room at the Swisshotel because it's next door to the place I was going, but it turns out to not only be a very nice hotel, but also a very tall hotel -- my room was on the 55th floor! As a result, from my balcony I had gorgeous views of the city, which were especially compelling at night.
The above picture is the Chijmes complex, a converted convent that's now a fun nightlife area.
The body of water in the distance is Clarke Quay, another nightlife area. Also, hard to see at night, the huge round structure in the lower right is the Singaporean Supreme Court.
The above picture is the Chijmes complex, a converted convent that's now a fun nightlife area.
The body of water in the distance is Clarke Quay, another nightlife area. Also, hard to see at night, the huge round structure in the lower right is the Singaporean Supreme Court.
Never Before Seen in Aviation History
On my flight to Singapore last Sunday, the plane's departure time was changed... to be earlier!
Yes, you read that correct: original departure time 11:30, updated departure time 11:20. I guess they were hoping nobody tried to cut it close that day!
Yes, you read that correct: original departure time 11:30, updated departure time 11:20. I guess they were hoping nobody tried to cut it close that day!
11 December 2007
10 December 2007
More FF Miles
Well, after all our Singapore trainee program looks like it's going forward, so I'm off to Singapore for a 4-day trip starting Sunday. Time for some Chicken Rice!
07 December 2007
02 December 2007
Shimokitazawa
Every time I've gone out to Shimokitazawa I've had a good time, whether it was eating at an Okinawan restaurant with Makino-san, discovering an awesome Japanese beer emporium or hanging at a hookah bar with Eldred.
After the JLPT today I stopped by Shimokitazawa again, and I'm more convinced than ever it's a future trendy neighborhood. All the ingredients are there: arty fashion and performance spaces, trendy student bars and clubs ("live houses" as they're called here); multiple train lines; and lower-than-current-average apartment prices (maybe still 40% under central Tokyo). I hung out in a local record store and discovered a couple fun new Japanese bands, saw the crowds and the energy... I'm telling ya, invest in Shimokitazawa real estate now! ;-)
After the JLPT today I stopped by Shimokitazawa again, and I'm more convinced than ever it's a future trendy neighborhood. All the ingredients are there: arty fashion and performance spaces, trendy student bars and clubs ("live houses" as they're called here); multiple train lines; and lower-than-current-average apartment prices (maybe still 40% under central Tokyo). I hung out in a local record store and discovered a couple fun new Japanese bands, saw the crowds and the energy... I'm telling ya, invest in Shimokitazawa real estate now! ;-)
25 November 2007
Moonrise Over Tokyo
Right off the balcony of my apartment. We've had beautiful, clear (if somewhat chilly) weather for about two weeks now.
The red and white needle is Tokyo Tower, and the building with the illuminated roofline is the Westin Ebisu.
The red and white needle is Tokyo Tower, and the building with the illuminated roofline is the Westin Ebisu.
21 November 2007
18 November 2007
11 November 2007
haikyo
There's an awesome subculture growing in Japan called haikyo or haikyo tourism. Folks go find abandoned buildings throughout (mostly rural) Japan and photograph them. There's been quite a market for picture books, perhaps because Japan's looming demographic crisis makes haikyo as a metaphor for the future seem not-so-fantastic.
One of the coolest websites is Haikyo Deflation Spiral. If nothing else it's fantastic source material for anyone making a postapocalyptic game!
There was a recent article on haikyo in Tokyo's english-language weekly Metropolis. Be aware that the link above changes every week, so you may have to Google for the article.
One of the coolest websites is Haikyo Deflation Spiral. If nothing else it's fantastic source material for anyone making a postapocalyptic game!
There was a recent article on haikyo in Tokyo's english-language weekly Metropolis. Be aware that the link above changes every week, so you may have to Google for the article.
08 November 2007
04 November 2007
Hee Hee Even Tesla Coils are Computer-controlled now
From Make Magazine: http://www.makezine.com/blog/archive/2007/11/tesla_coil_super_mario_du.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890
02 November 2007
Japanese Elderly Inmates
I found this article completely fascinating. A piece of aapnese society that doesn't get much publicity:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/02/asia/japan.php?page=1
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/02/asia/japan.php?page=1
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