My father came to Japan in 1968, at the invitation of Nissan Motor Co Ltd., and wore this hat. Datsun was the export brand of Nissan Motors cars.
What does a 9-year old Japanese child have to teach what is arguable one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful person in American show business? A little of the Japanese Way from Yokoka, the 9-year old drumming sensation to her very powerful and most gracious host.
Last year this company also bought the prized itsukiboshi crab for a mere ¥2 million, and has now smashed its own Guinness book of World Records for the highest price ever paid for a crab.
The meaning of this important event is to celebrate the survival of their children, because as we all know historically understand, the mortality rate for young children in most parts of the world was very high. They pray to the Shinto Gods for the continuing healthy growth of their children in the coming years of youth into adulthood.
The Japanese never fail to amaze me when it comes to KAIZEN. As I'm sure many of you already know as fans of Japan, the Japanese take things from the outside world, and refine them to an extraordinary degree and make them uniquely Japanese.
Having just landed on the Land Of The Rising Son, I barely spoke any Japanese, and my new friend’s English was basically zero. He invited me over to his house for my very first sukiyaki experience.
A few short days after my arrival on January 11, 1987, I was invited to a lovely girls house and what a surprises that awaited me there.
The beauty of the Japanese language never fails to take the breath away.
Historically, tattoos in Japan were associated with the yakuza (Japanese mafia), and, therefore, when the common citizens of Japan see people with tattoos, the red flags go up immediately, and caution mode is invoked.
Let’s think about it: Who in their right mind would think, “Why not – let’s eat fish raw”, said no one from the western world, ever. However, once you discover the delightful and subtle flavours of the “umi no sachi [delights of the sea]” there is no turning back.
Along my merry way in my neighborhood, I am always entreated by these Deities guarding the traveler. And indeed, for the thoughtfulness of the ones who created and set up these in order to "guard and protect" the wary travelers on the way.
There was something that burned inside of him that compelled him forward, no matter what. Even after one of the most devastating blows one could endure in old age, he got back up. Not only did he get back up, but he never lost his sense of humour throughout his many ordeals, which included growing up in poverty.
A large vessel can not be created quickly; To become great, it takes much time. Therefore, it’s not too late, for one.
