Monday, December 23, 2013

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year


Merry Christmas everyone.  Hope everyone out there is able to spend the season with those they love and have the chance to slow down and recharge for 2014!

Haven't kept up on this blog for a bit.  But hopefully the New Year will kick me into gear to start posting again.  All the best and shall try my best to stay in touch with you all!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Traditional Japan

This was a week filled with tradition.

It may or may not be fair to equate Hideki Togi with Kenny G, but during Wednesday's concert in the neighbouring town of Naie there was a flair of Mr.G that came through.  Here's a clip of Hideki Togi:


But before you go away thinking initially the same as I did, Togi is definitely not your run of the mill guy you'd see playing at your local mall selling his muzak versions of the Beatles or Engelbert Humperdninck.  Togi basically brought "Gagaku" back to the modern lexicon of Japanese Music and put it back on the map by using the ancient Gagaku instruments in a modern way.  Gagaku is basically the oldest style of Japanese music which was played in the 7th century.  Togi is trained in this tradition and was a musician in the Imperial Palace; the guy definitely has talent, that is for sure - and I would say he showed it off some of it at Wednesday's concert.  However, he mostly ventured into his maudlin versions of western  pop hits with synthesize background music (note: he plays the synthesizer as well and a multitude of other interments).

Here's a clip of Togi again doing his thing.  As well as a clip of what traditional Gagaku sounds like:

 
Togi looking a little more traditional

Traditional Gagaku Ensemble


Also this week we went to the town of Shinkapu where a local traditional theatre group, as well as a professional guest group from Akitaka Hiroshima, put on a variety of Kagura plays.  Kagura theatre is connected to Shintoism and the stories are based on stories about angry gods going ape shit, greedy army generals getting their just desserts, or men being lured by beautiful women who are well not women but actually angry gods - you get the picture mainly stories about lust, power, violence and death.  It was pretty amazing watching the actors and musicians go non-stop for the four plays they presented with each going on in excess of 45-minute - there was a definitely a marathon of talent happening all at once.  There are times when I am in Japan and I think to myself this is why Japan is such a special and cool place and watching the Kagura plays made me feel that way.  Taiga was definitely into it, especially when the snakes and the fox came right up to his face to say hello and frighten him!!  Here's some videos I found of the same stories that were presented at the festival we attended:

"Big Snakes"
A play about a god who was banished from the heavens back to earth who 
eventually helps save a young maiden from a group of overgrown snakes.

"Evil Fox Lady"
An evil fox who presents herself as a beautifully lady lures a unsuspecting monk back to his quarters, where she transforms herself back to her beastly self.
Go 1/3 of the way into the clip to see the "foxy lady!"






Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Taiga's A Star!

Quickly wanted to post a link to our town's website which has some pics of Taiga performing at his pre-school play:

http://www.town.kamisunagawa.hokkaido.jp/topicpage13_11.html#top

Taiga sang in Japanese, danced, and also acted in a Japanese rendition of Cinderella - way to go Taiga, you're on your way to Hollywood.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Ryuichi Sakamoto - Playing the Piano

Last week we took in another concert in the "big city" of Sapporo; we had the luck to get tickets to see Ryuichi Sakamoto.  Not sure if many outside of Japan will know his name, but he is a bonafide international music star in his own right.  He has worked alongside many international artists, though probably for the casual music listener the one chance you may know him from is a movie he did with David Bowie entitled "Merry Christmas Mr.Lawrence".

Here's the movie trailer if you wanted to jog your memory:


Not only did Sakamoto act alongside Bowie, but he also did the main soundtrack for the film and the title track is probably his most famous piece.  There's an instrumental version and also a version released as a single with lyrics sung by David Sylvian (another famous singer who most people should know, but don't!) entitled Forbidden Colours.


The music video may be dated and the acting in the movie itself a bit stilted, the piece ranks up there as one of my favourites.

The concert itself was good, but I think the first 15 minutes may have caught some listeners by surprised as Sakamoto spent the time banging his piano with mallets and various other things making noises that you usually wouldn't make with a piano.  Although I am open to mostly anything, have to admit it was too "artsy" for my liking; thankfully he spent the remainder of the concert playing more traditional pieces in a traditional way!  Anyways, it was good to see another concert and to see an artist who I have been listening to for some time.

As an aside, Sakamoto is probably one of the more vocal and famous Japanese celebrities who is part of the anti-nuclear movement here.  He has frequently attended rallies and spoke at them.  This month TEPCO, the company who is in charge of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, is scheduled to start removing used nuclear fuel which is located in the used fuel pool at Number 4 - here's hoping it goes off without a hitch.  It has been garnering a lot of international attention, even from famous Japanese-Canadian David Suzuki has rang in:
For those who know me, you already know some of my stance on the issue.  I won't go into it right now.  I am surprised that my work peers have yet to mentioned anything about the nuclear issue - I guess life goes on.  Here's hoping it does!!!!

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Happy Halloween from Hokkaido


This past weekend we celebrated Halloween in Japanese style.  The neighbouring town of Sunagawa is known for its farming and they grow many North American pumpkins.  The town annually puts on a Halloween event where they decorate pumpkins and put them around town.  The local foreign English teachers also participate and interact with the children and have fun.  The event tried to recreate "real" North American Halloween by having local stores give out candy; all the kids had the opportunity to make their own costume and walk around town and get treats.  Taiga bought his costume ahead a time; this year he decide to be his favourite superhero Ultraman!






Taiga's first big climb - 黄金山 (Mt.Kogane - 740 meters)


Taiga climbed his first "real" mountain this month.  He was a real trouper from beginning to end and he didn't complain once.  The hike was about two hours up and just over an over back down.  The terrain at the top was a little hairy and steep, but we made it back all in one piece.  It felt good to go soak in the onsen (hot springs) at the end of our journey.

On the way up we ran into a few groups coming down from the mountain and they were sincerely surprised when they saw young Taiga passing them on their way up.  One man was so impressed that he took out a big Snickers chocolate bar and gave it to Taiga; thankfully, Taiga was feeling generous and gave his tired Papa a big bite! 


Yep Taiga, to think you were on the top of that mountain!


The mountain is commonly referred to as Hokkaido's Fuji-san because of it resemblance.  
But I was told this mountain is not a volcano.



Monday, October 28, 2013

Busy October; to think it's almost November.


It's hard to believe that October is almost done. The leaves are still hanging on, but I think most parts of Hokkaido will be without colour after this weekend, at least until the white stuff shows itself.  The highlight of our month was Taiga being able to visit with his cousin; Naoko's youngest brother and his family spent a weekend with us.  Taiga and Lilyka played together as if they were best friends; nice to see them get along so well.


Every time we get the chance to visit the sea or oceanside, I can't help but wish to have had the chance to live near water.  I love our small town of Kamisunagawa, but it always feels great to get out of the inland and see the great expanse of the sea.

A view of the city of Otaru from Mount Tengu 

Otaru Canal


Thursday, October 3, 2013

Concert: Yoshida Kyodai

Last night we drove into Sapporo to take in a concert to see Yoshida-Kyodai (Brothers), who are originally from Hokkaido themselves and are very well known all throughout Japan.  They are unique in that their choice of instrument is the shamisen - a traditional three stringed "guitar".  When they perform there's a lot of interplay back and forth, think of it as almost the american equivalent of "dueling banjos".

Click below to see a performance and get a little taste of Yoshida-Kyodai

The duo are known for doing both traditional tunes as well as doing modern renditions and new pieces of their own.  Here's a take on Radiohead's "National Anthem":


I was surprised last night was a fairly, umm geriatric crowd.   I thought there would be a greater mix of ages given their popularity. Regardless, the crowd still rocked out and gave the crew a good response - though, they seemed more receptive when the duo were doing their more traditional themes.  Taiga was by far the youngest and there appeared to be no other school children in the hall.  All the nice senior ladies around us commented on how well behaved Taiga was afterwards.  

Hopefully they'll be some other good acts that will come through Hokkaido; we just bought tickets to see Ryuichi Sakamoto in November - I will do a blog post on him once we see him, but he's basically a more classically trained Japanese version of David Bowie.  In fact, David and Ryuichi starred in a film together entitled "Merry Christmas Mr.Lawrence".  Anyways, shall discuss Ryuichi at a later date; he's someone who I am very excited to see!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Ultraman pays a visit to Hokkaido

Taiga's "U-RU-TO-RA-MAN" Collection


So Taiga was one happy camper this past weekend as he saw a live action performance of his favourite super hero Ultraman. The character has been around for almost fifty years and recently was inducted into the Guinness Book records for having the most spin-offs of any other television series - with the current Ultraman Ginga, it is currently on it's 27th spin off.  He is not well known like his other rubber friend Godzilla, but in Japan he definitely holds as much, if not more popularity - Eiji Tsubaraya created both rubber based series.   So if you're a fan of Godzilla and are into rubber monsters then Ultraman will definitely be your man - he will not disappoint!

Check out the official website: Ultraman Live Link - scroll down to September 29, 2013 to see two happy fans!  Also the entry on the link dated September 30th has a bunch of pictures that were drawn by children and sent to Ultraman, Taiga's was selected to be shown on the site - his is the fourth one down.


Taiga star-strucked shaking Ultraman Cosmos' hand!


Picking apples and making apple pie.   
                                         

Here's some pics of Taiga participating in an event that was held in the neighbouring town of Sunagawa where he got to pick some apples and then make some apple pie with the "fruits" of his labour.









Thursday, September 26, 2013

Top of Japan


45°31′22″N 141°56′11″E
-
Cape Soya: The Northern Most Tip of Japan


We made it to the very tip of Japan this past weekend and the weather was phenomenal.  I have not seen such blue skies in my life - it was absolutely gorgeous.   I can say hands down that the Northern most part of Japan has been my favourite place that I have visited thus far on my various journey's around this amazing country.  I am sure the weather had something to do with it, but I am already excited about making another journey up North.




There is of course a McDonald's in Japan's most northern city of Wakkanai.  Here's us enjoying a little respite from our long journey up North with "Donaldo" as he is known in Japan.

This weekend we are staying closer to town.  Taiga's favourite superheroes, Ultraman, will be paying a visit to our neighbouring town and we were fortunate enough to have secured tickets to watch Ultraman do his thing on stage.  Taiga is one excited happy man and has been going crazy over Ultraman since arriving in Japan.  I will have to post Taiga's Ultraman collection one of these days, he hasn't done too bad for a guy who left all his toys back in Whitehorse.   Taiga's also already made the decision for Halloween he will be dressing up as Ultraman.  After this, Naoko signed us up to go apple picking and then making apple pies with a group of local people.

It is getting darn cool now; the temperature was only plus 3 outside.  We are still persevering and we have not yet turned on our heater, but I think we are going to have to give in soon - it was tough coming out of my warm futon this morning.  The meteorological forecasters are predicting a colder than average winter with lots of snow - yep, not quite the beach I was aiming for when I was thinking of returning to Japan!!


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Fall Is fast approaching


We're fast approaching our two months mark in Japan already.  Amazing how fast the time has flown.  This past weekend we had the opportunity to visit Shakotan peninsula which is located on the southwestern coast of Hokkaido. 


There was a really beautiful Onsen (Hot Springs) at the tip called Misaki no Yu; the view was amazing and at the time of going in the water we hit the timing just right to see the sunset fall on the Japan sea.  Once snow falls and the blistering cold winds come with winter, the onsens are definitely going to be our favourite retreat.


One thing I am surprised at being in Hokkaido is how fast the temperature has changed over the last two weeks and it truly is feeling like fall has come in - mornings have been in the mid-teens while the rest of Japan continues to be quite hot.  I know everyone in Japan told me that Hokkaido would be cooler, but given that I am from Whitehorse, I didn't put much stock in what the Japanese think of as "cooler".  I was told that first snowfall will probably be at the end of October, so very similar to back home.

This weekend is a long weekend with Monday being a national holiday for Autumn Equinox; we are planning to go to the town of Wakkanai, which is the most northern area of Japan - right at the very tip of Hokkaido.  We figured it's better to check it out before the snow falls and the roads become skating rinks.  We have our tent in tow and plan to camp - everyone tells us camping season is over, but that's fine with us as that means no fighting for a campsites.


The farmers are out in full force harvesting; now that all the golden rice fields are gone, I must admit once snow falls the fields will look beautiful again!

Of note, a severe typhoon hit Japan yesterday, however, we were fortunate here in Hokkaido having no damages or severe rain.  However, in areas of Kyoto it looks as if they were not so lucky.  For most of Japan is has been a  difficult summer it started off with extreme heat waves, then heavy rain, tornados, and now we are into typhoon season; here's hoping that Fall will mean an end to the crazy weather that the majority of Japan has been facing and that we here in Kamisunagawa continue to be lucky with the weather we get.





Thursday, September 12, 2013

Settling in well into our new home in Kamisunagawa


So we finally have internet up and running and are connected to the outside world on an ongoing basis at home.  Will try and blog regularly to keep everyone afloat as to where we're visiting and all the fun stuff we're doing.  So far we've done well in settling into our new home; the community has been kind to us and Taiga seems to be doing well at the local play school - Taiga will enter Grade 1 in April 2014.

So far we've done some travels; been to Sapporo for a weekend, visited the biggest mountain (an active volcano - Taisetsuzan), and done a bit of camping.  This weekend I'm entering into a 10km local race; I was doing well in my running up until about three weeks ago and have tapered off a bit... shall see if I finish it or not in one piece. 



Thursday, August 29, 2013

Yes we're in Japan alive and well!

Hi everyone.  So we don't quite have internet yet, but I will use my school computer to put up a few pictures.   Hard to believe almost a month has passed since leaving Canada.  Time flies.  So far we've had the opportunity to partake in many local festivals and Taiga started at the pre-school here in town - once we get internet next week shall hopefully catch up on the story of our return to Japan.

At the beginning of our journey, Taiga had a chance to visit his younger cousin in Tokyo.  


It was pretty darn hot when we first arrived in Tokyo.  When you combine heat with having a good time, you get exhaustion.  


Thankfully during the August heatwave, we soon escaped to Hokkaido and only had a few days of really hot weather.



Taiga so far seems to be doing well with adjusting to his new life in Japan.  In a lot of ways it has been "go, go, go" so Taiga and both Naoko and I haven't felt like we've settled in.  As well with getting a car now, we have been exploring lots.  Taiga gets his new bike today which he has been asking for since day one, hopefully the rain gives up so he can try it out - though I am sure, rain or shine he'll be taking it for a spin.


Yes there are bears in Hokkaido, but no signs of live ones yet.  So far for wildlife there has been many bugs and a family of racoons that we needed to slow down for.  

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Awaiting internet....

Just a quick update that we are alive and well in Hokkaido, but do not yet have the internet.  So of course updating anything on this blog has been difficult and staying connected with everyone has been challenging as well.

We are well and Taiga has been practicing his dancing at the local festivals we've attended over the last week.  Shall post pictures as soon as I can.

Hope all is well with all of you on your end.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Sayonara Whitehorse


About twelve hours until we set out for our departure to Edmonton and then August 3rd it's off to Japan.  We're almost all packed up, Naoko and I have a few hours to relax - too bad there's no red wine in the home to sit back and sip.  Thinking I should save my liver for Japan anyways, will be tough to get back in the swing of alcoholism again; not as young as I used to be.

Strange to think I will not have to be writing any contact notes for a whole year...  No paperwork, no responsibilities... well relatively no responsibilities.  To my co-workers out there, shall miss you and thanks for a fun send off on Thursday night - absence makes the heart grow fonder, I am sure after being a human tape recorder for a year I will be harping to return back to work.

Taiga, your Mom and Dad are excited to see you again.  To Whitehorse and friends, see you in 13 months.  If anyone is going to be in the Japan area, make sure you let me know as I am sure there's always a piece of tatami we can spare and make a bed up for anyone who comes visit!

Sayonara!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Chilkoot Trail - An amazing journey with great people, weather, and views!


Check out the amazing weather we had as we got over the pass - absolutely phenomenal.

Naoko and I completed the Chilkoot Trail (Skagway Alaska to Bennett British Columbia) just this past week, yep just two weeks before our next journey to Hokkaido - it was a great.  Every Canadian should take the opportunity to go through this trail - not many of us Canadians truly realize the huge impact the Klondyke Goldrush had on not just Yukon, but the majority of Western Canada.  It is baffling to think how many gold seekers set out to get to Dawson City in those two years (1897-98) and how that created an opening up of Northern British Columbia, Yukon, and parts of Alberta.  Being able to hike the area where 30,000+ gold seekers passed over 100 years ago was humbling.  The various environmental ecosystems that you pass through as you wind your way through the pass is also the highlight of the trail.  We weaved through lush Alaskan rain forrest, high alpine, and then desert like forrest - when we got towards the end and started to see those spindly pine trees, I felt like I was being welcomed home!  Now it's back to reality packing up our home over the next week and my last gasp attempt to get all my paperwork done at work and get things tidied up.  To think in two weeks we shall be taking off to Japan.

Check out some of the photo's from our Chilkoot journey:

Taiga getting ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa's prior to the trek.

The Sourdoughs getting ready for the big hike. 
(I should mention our eldest member was 71 years old, my friend's mother - we didn't have to worry in the least about her keeping up with us; she was nipping at my shoes for most of the journey!!)


Naoko may be half my size, but she carried her fair share of the load.  She was a true stampeder by lugging almost the same weight of goods as me!


Working out way closer and closer to the dreaded "Golden Staircase"







                
Heading up "the Golden Staircase" - thankfully in summer and not like original stampeders in winter.  It really wasn't as hard as it looks.  Though I'd be lying if I didn't say the journey was a "challenge"; was glad I decided to get into shape the last couple months.














The End of the Trail - Bennett British Columbia



All our crew made in one piece and we were rewarded with a warm meal of beef stew at Bennett Train Station; we then took the hour and half train journey back to Carcross Yukon.

An awesome journey.  Any friends out there who would like to do it, let me know, would love to do the trail again. I can't guarantee the weather is going to be as nice as it was for us; if it had been piss pouring rain, I may not be wanting to do it again.