Yasukuni was packed today with people visiting to pay their respects, on the anniversary of Japan’s surrender in WWII. Of course the main talking point will be Prime Minister Koizumi’s visit. He beat the queues by coming at 7:45 this morning. However, I was interested to see so many people of all ages there, wanting to commemorate the ordinary soldiers who had died for their country. This group of old soldiers was popular, marching in time to their bugler up to the shrine.
There was a huge queue of people waiting to get to the front of the shrine. It looked like about an hour wait.

I ate it at an Izakaya tonight. Where have my morals gone?

Electricity was stopped in wide area of Tokyo and Chiba this morning, at around 7:40 a.m.
I watched news on TV about some of trains were stopped, stations were dark, and lifts were stopped with people inside them. Horrible.
Fortunately, most part of Kanagawa area were not affected, that means my computer is ok.

If you were in the train, station, lift(hope you were not) at that time, please let us know.
How was that ?

Tonight saw the Tokyo Wan Hanabi Taikai (東京湾花火大会). 12,000 fireworks were launched from the edge of Tokyo Bay, Chuo-ku, over the space of 1 hour and 20 minutes in easily the best fireworks display I’ve ever seen. The fireworks in England don’t come close!
The shapes and colours were stunning: apples, fans, smiling faces, love hearts….
I took a few photos from our apartment window. See the rest here.

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Originally uploaded by lhuga.

“LOHAS(Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability)” is seen in many places these days.
But do you know this well? What is it ?

I came across “LOHAS Design Awards 2006″ in June at Marunouchi Building , and got this bag for free. It looks like a plastic bag from supermarkets, but actually not plastic.
They offered various stamps there and said “Make your own bag with stamps”, and this became my only one bag.

But when do I use this ? I already have another shopping bag…
Maybe is it better to give it to my mum or someone ? :)

Did you hear the roar of thunder this afternoon?
Check rain fall and thunder data here.
It looks a bit scary, I better turn my computer off now?

Speed Wagon Podcast.

Ozawa kun and Jun Itoda are podcasting here. I first saw these two on Enta No Kamisama. Unfortunately, I haven’t heard a single, “Amaaai” yet. I doubt I will. Anyway, two funny guys with a podcast. The iTunes link to the actual podcast.

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Originally uploaded by lhuga.

Always I am frightened by this on my way to yamate station.
But, I have never met any snatchers here. Well… I am just lucky ?

Has anyone seen one of these badges being worn?
According to a news story today, they are being handed out on the Tokyo railway system to pregnant women.
The badge, which says “There is a baby in my stomach” is supposed to prompt people to give up their seat on the train for the wearer, stop smoking near her, etc.
A nice idea; I wonder if anyone will wear it. I’m going to print one out for my pregnant friend.

Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Health