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.