Halloween Party 2009

Chie and I headed to Ash for my first Halloween party of the year. I have another one at work this coming Sunday. I chose to be Anpanman this year, he is a famous cartoon character here. You can see the original Anpanman as well. Chie is really talented and helped me create the costume. She did the sewing and such.

We threw the costume together in one day, thus I had to settle on socks for gloves because we couldn't find any gloves. It made drinking my beer difficult. I had to drink with 2 hands like a child...

Apple Marathon Pre-Show

Oh naive Jared, you had no idea that you would be so out of shape...But check out the cool microchip!

Apple Marathon Begins!

This is where it all began...

Apple Marathon In Action

I actually started the race running much faster, but at this point my legs and body could only move at this speed.

Apple Marathon Finish Line

Apple Marathon Complete!

I am almost crying, or maybe dying, but I made it.

Apple Marathon...

Actually, in Japan they say "marathon" for all road races. I only ran the 5 km race. It was a positive and negative experience. First the good news. I ran the whole way and I came in under 27 minutes(that's with only 2 training days which I only ran about 2-4 km each time).  The bad news is that I had a cold and almost threw up, I ran 7 minutes slower than my dad's best time, and I lost to a lot of older people...much older!

When I arrived I almost made Chie drive me home because there were so many people there. Of course, in Japan, when people do activities they wear professional looking clothes. Everyone was decked out in running gear, the nicest shoes, tights, and running shirts. I have to admit that I was really nervous!  There were some 4000 people running this year, luckily only 528 people ran the 5 km. I finished(barely) 171, but 61 in my age group. As you will see in the photos and the videos that follow, I wasn't in very good shape at the finish line. Next year, my dad's time is going to be broken.

Chie joins the 30 club!

On September 27th, we celebrated Chie's 30th birthday at her restaurant with many friends, including a few American workers staying at the hotel. Afterwards, we went out for karaoke. It was a great day in which we practiced cutting the cake!

Hanabi part 3

Star Wars!

Hanabi part 2

So the Hanabi was fantastic. Why was it better than in Lincoln? Maybe it was because we were almost directly beneath it.  Fireworks are so much better when you can sit close to them and feel the power when they explode. In fact, a couple times it appeared that some people may even get rained on by some of the fireworks...but everything remained safe. Enjoy more English music with Amazing Grace...

Hanabi but no real Neputa

This year was great but also a little disappointing. I did have the chance to see a fireworks show for the first time in at least 2 years, and it was much better than any I have seen in Lincoln. It was a real performance that lasted about 2 hours, it was really well done. Also, Chie and I got yukatas, which is the traditional attire to wear to Hanabi and summer festivals, and we enjoyed the wonderful atmosphere. Apparently, I look really good in a yukata because I am not too skinny, and not too fat! That means I am just chubby enough to fit perfectly into the yukata. On the other hand, last year my school was across the street on ground level so we had seats right outside the school to watch the Neputa festival. However, this year, on the second floor, we stayed inside. Only a couple of students stopped by and it wasn't very exciting. I guess it's like watching fireworks on TV.  I did get to see about 30 minutes of the festival on Sunday of the opening weekend and even enjoyed some soy sauce/mayo chicken on a stick.  Next year, I think I may take a few days off to see the Neputa in Hirosaki and Tachi-Neputa in Goshogarawa(see earlier post from the museum), and even jump with the Nebuta in Aomori. Check out the Back to the Future theme song during the opening fireworks! More to come... 

Getting excited for Neputa

Neputa is just around the corner, actually about 8 days away. This is the time of year when the biggest festival in Aomori takes place. In Hirosaki, we have floats that are carried and rolled through the streets while groups play music and dance. It is really exciting. In Aomori they also have jumpers and it is more active, and goes by Nebuta. In Goshogarawa they have 4 story Tachi-Neputa. Last Monday I went to Goshogarawa to see the Tachi-Neputa at their museum and may actually go to see them in action this year. I have included pictures of the huge door used to bring them out as well as a model of the 3 different Neputas/Nebuta. Here's a taste...

The lighthouse

As if seeing horses along the sea wasn't enough. Their home is on the same land as a famous lighthouse...I am lucky to live in Aomori.

Wild Horses pt. 2

Although the horses seemed quite calm, a sense of awe took over me as I was amazed by their raw power. I couldn't help but think that at any time they could become aggressive. They didn't, but this Japanese man had to run around his car to get back inside. 

Wild Horses pt. 1

These horses are not much different than what I've seen before other than that they seem much more powerful. I don't know if it's because they are wild or because of their huge legs. The weather turned out some great photos as the horses are in sunlight while the sky is grey and the grass is so green. 

Drive to Mutsu

Last Monday I took a trip to the Mutsu area of Aomori, which is the axe at the north of the prefecture. The purpose was to visit some famous wild horses that live near a lighthouse. It was far better than anything I could have imagined. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, while the horses(as you will see soon) and the lighthouse were magnificent in their own way. My dad likes lighthouses so I hope he can enjoy these photos.

I'm Huge in Japan

After 1 year in Hirosaki, there is still quite a lot that I haven't seen. Today my friend showed me the rest of the city. Some of it I wish my parents could have seen when they came to visit...I guess they need to come again!