tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231094392012-02-13T04:02:15.593ZOne boy's adventure in one of the parallel worldsphil-sannoreply@blogger.comBlogger8951100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-25609549563762970622010-04-27T19:39:00.000+01:002010-04-27T19:40:28.752+01:00

I wasn't just imagining it! (Click the title)

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-38363800172685350442010-04-26T21:44:00.007+01:002010-04-26T22:08:51.445+01:00

Last weekend I was bitten by a spider. Normally I would hate to have a spider crawl over me let alone come anywhere near me but it's a selective phobia in that it only bothers me indoors. I don't mind so much if it's outside where spiders belong - although, I've never encountered a bird-eating spider of mammoth proportions and I'm not willing to test my theory by hunting one down - but if they

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-31924157044599418712010-04-24T17:25:00.009+01:002010-04-24T18:54:32.303+01:00

I had a text at work on Friday from Oli telling me that it's a year since I last posted an entry. It's been a weird year too: I couldn't talk about work for confidentiality reasons to the point where saying anything became such a moral dilemma that it was best to avoid it entirely, and there was a lot in my personal life that I didn't want to share.But the text message made me think, what would

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-90864605570033612512009-04-20T23:37:00.002+01:002009-04-20T23:42:22.673+01:00

Took a walk through Leicester Square tonight to go to the theatre (The Woman In Black). Brilliant, but that can be another post. Was caught up in the Star Trek premiere which you can read about here. I saw Simon Pegg and some woman from the film, whose name I've forgotten since checking on the IMDB. Keiko apparently saw Eric Bana but didn't realise. She was more excited about seeing a guy that

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-30735618355021896392009-04-19T19:12:00.002+01:002009-04-19T19:16:17.162+01:00

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-46533199186347581352009-04-19T19:05:00.003+01:002009-04-19T19:14:45.710+01:00

It's not the same without the pigeons, although I'll give it credit for being much much cleaner.If you ever want a laugh (and some mild panic from the chance that someone will fall and break their leg - it's a long way down!), watch a Japanese girl shimmy her way up the plinth and onto a lion. Oh, and losing her top when she's up there...Just like Narnia.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-72338362205598742822009-04-15T20:10:00.007+01:002009-04-15T20:42:22.971+01:00

I'm not sure what the real collective name is for the birds, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't this in the 1800s, whatever the following artist may have believed. Roz and Michael kindly took Keiko and me to The Royal Academy (between Green Park and Piccadilly Circus) for a Japanese artist's exhibition.Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) was one of the great woodblock print and painters, alongside the more

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-55395693240047020042009-04-14T20:06:00.002+01:002009-04-14T20:19:43.071+01:00

The big news today is that the main Oxford Street junction is going to have a £5 million upheaval based on the Hachiko crossroad in Shibuya, Tokyo. Instead of the four straight crosses, the area will be less cluttered with barricades and will also allow for diagonal crossings. The full story is here.I like the idea in theory but where the Japanese can all circle eachother bump-free, can you

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-65190382459067544242009-04-05T21:00:00.003+01:002009-04-05T21:03:25.766+01:00

Had a brilliant jam-packed weekend, including a visit to Trafalgar Square. I'm down in Bournemouth from Wednesday for a week so there'll be more time to attend to my site.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-25053703960344314652009-04-05T20:43:00.004+01:002009-04-05T20:59:47.322+01:00

Or something like that anyway:There seems to be something in the water in Hyde Park - the birds are acting strange. They're fearless, perhaps they know of a rebel uprising against humans and this is the first wave. We tried to eat some sandwiches by the pond and commented how the smaller birds had no chance against the geese and swans. Suddenly one swooped up and took the sandwich out of Keiko's

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-70307488037725523242009-03-31T16:49:00.008+01:002009-03-31T23:06:32.438+01:00

I suppose I should start here:Sadly the dog stayed in Sendai.Fast forward to Friday afternoon when I left work early to the new terminal at Heathrow. It's very aesthetically pleasing, with a glass frame. However, the actual arrival gate is terribly designed - there are two doors about 200 metres apart and no indication of which side the passengers will exit from. So standing at one end could mean

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-74377411869401812632009-03-29T22:54:00.003+01:002009-03-29T22:57:17.706+01:00

You wait a year to show someone Westminster all lit up, and the one night you finally get down there, it's switched off.I think it's in honour of 'Earth Hour', leading up to the G20 Summit. At least it's for a good cause.There'll be plenty more nights, I'm sure.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-82388576863120744892009-03-28T22:03:00.002Z2009-03-28T22:06:00.621Z

Just to let you know I received one Japanese girl from the airport. I'd like to say 'fresh' but she's extremely jet-lagged and dead to the world right now.I've tried poking her, and offering snacks, but she's unresponsive. I wonder if you can send them back and get a replacement?Or does that only work for Thai brides?

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-77186847157032801072009-03-26T21:11:00.005Z2009-03-26T21:17:07.795Z

Eight and a half months later, a two year visa, tomorrow's the day!!An accurate portrayal of both the flight plan and plane size. As long as there aren't any snakes on the plane I think it'll be fine.It's so exciting that I can't quite believe it. The only downside: in my nice minimalist (in every way!) apartment, there're going to be loads of girl clothes and shoes. The sacrifices we make.(I'm

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-6720166170548414922009-03-25T18:03:00.002Z2009-03-25T18:04:26.796Z

Just in case you missed staring at February's poster for over a month (I'm updating fairly regularly now!) here's the hayfever-relevant warning:

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-51164643052464972472009-03-24T21:53:00.004Z2009-03-24T22:09:32.700Z

BBC4, my new favourite channel, is in the final furlong of its Japan Season; which is a little late know, I know, but there are always repeats.The channel adopted a new ident (four in Kanji) as well as short VTs of "words of the day" etc. There have been some interesting documentaries on, including one about the search for 'wabi sabi' - the art of imperfection - as well as one documenting the

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-24182450222899495492009-03-21T11:47:00.003Z2009-03-21T11:51:55.251Z

Exactly today, three years ago, I arrived in Japan. If only I knew then what I know now.Actually, I have no idea how that applies but it sounded appropriate and wise.I do remember turning up just as the cherry blossom was making its annual appearance. It seems this year is no different:

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-25460692139476470482009-03-19T22:51:00.002Z2009-03-19T22:55:49.535Z

Speaking of zombie attacks, this is my favourite YouTube clip in the world. A Japanese TV show pranked some young children who love horror movies. The whole neighbourhood was in on it, and the childrens' reactions are fantastic:It doesn't matter if you can't understand Japanese. All you need to know is that zombies can write to let you know they're coming over, tabasco sauce can be mistaken for

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-20205515633566084342009-03-19T22:03:00.002Z2009-03-19T22:50:59.705Z

3 comments already! That's enough motivation for me to type a little more.Another weird one today - back at my Auntie and Uncles' house for a funeral-type thing. I swear, I'm never in my new apartment for more than two days in a row. And now it's late, so that'll do for today.I'll leave you with this interesting thought: we have 'parents', 'sibilings', 'grandparents', and even 'cousins'. So why

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-38247952502930678752009-03-18T20:55:00.002Z2009-03-18T21:04:51.419Z

That was the longest break on my blog since it began. A whole month between two posts. I'm not ashamed, I've been more than busy what with a new job, new home, new city, and non-stop things happening around me (friends coming, family etc).But I'm definitely back.Everything's going well, and the big news is... Keiko will be here in 9 days! It's been 8 months since I left Japan and we were

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-54125916238709862962009-02-15T16:26:00.007Z2009-02-15T16:31:08.454Z

I'm finally in London but I don't know on a map where exactly, I started my job but I don't know what I'm doing, and I finalised my rent and picked up the keys but I haven't moved in yet.So, you could say it's a transition. I have a lot to write about but since I'm not settled it'll have to wait a few more days. For now, enjoy February's Tokyo Metro poster, which appropriately suggests lovers

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-25588814019179705702009-02-12T23:30:00.003Z2009-02-12T23:31:16.881Z

Happy 200th Birthday to one of the World's greatest men. To read a brilliantly written article, go here.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-25472963949691025652009-02-08T15:27:00.004Z2009-02-08T15:42:36.133Z

Asian horror movies do it well - the psychological torment - replaced by cheap scares in the Hollywood remakes. What lets a lot of those movies down are the ghosts and paranormal explanations (Ring, Grudge, The Eye). European movies are where it's at.Although some take a monster route (werewolves, zombies), the gritty realism of them bring the scares closer to the viewer; this could be happening.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-67035270010850331332009-02-07T14:19:00.004Z2009-02-07T14:23:27.465Z

With this box (lemon flavour), you can open it up, write your message, re-fold it using a special design so it completely closes again, and send it on anonyously.from your secret admirer xx

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-22451840231732870062009-02-07T13:52:00.006Z2009-02-07T14:22:23.005Z

Valentine's is coming up, which means a chocolate explosion around the world, dragging into White Day in March. So a few related entries to follow.How about starting with this one. Although Snickers and a few other Wetern chocolates can be found in Japan, the most popular is KitKat. I don't know why but they're everywhere. And what's particularly special is the variety of flavours they come in.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-71102244528684234112009-02-07T11:16:00.004Z2009-02-07T11:34:40.042Z

Anything regarding tricking the mind, or inattentional blindness is fascinating. This is one of my favourite illusions. Which is darker, A or B?Neither, they're the same shade.This is the new illusion that has been flittering around the Internet. Which way is the woman spinning?If you see her spinning clockwise, you are using your right hemisphere, and vice versa. The left brain relates to logic

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-37041420074952306242009-02-06T11:24:00.004Z2009-02-06T11:29:02.421Z

It's the worst snow Bournemouth's seen this week, although still not comparable to London. I started making a snowman with big intentions but I was lonely and freezing, so this is the result:(She - she has nice lips - is strong, however; propping up the chair!)

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-92013540323316552002009-02-03T23:34:00.005Z2009-02-03T23:43:01.054Z

We celebrated in style tonight, throwing beans around the flat (sorry Grandma) and each taking turns to be the 'oni' (monster) under attack. We also beckoned 'fuku' (luck) indoors.Oli and I both ate our age in the beans.There are a lot of developments regarding the London move, and when they become a little more concrete I'll explain them. Off to the capital tomorrow - if the coaches aren't

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-33309401321343127202009-02-02T23:31:00.003Z2009-02-02T23:36:52.595Z

Tonight we had Bird's Eye Potato Waffles because, well, they're waffling versatile. And £1 for a box of 12 at the moment in Iceland. Oli and I had 6 a few days ago and I went to stick the rest in the oven tonight but I could only count 5. I searched high and low, in the freezer and at the bottom of the box, the mystery thickening to the point where I considered submitting it for an episode of

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-31127063753062998762009-02-02T18:47:00.003Z2009-02-02T19:21:43.982Z

How can a country be so unprepared and useless in responding to snow outside of, say, East Africa? I understand airport runways closing are inevitable but nearly all of the London public transport shutting down?It's times like these that Britain's undeserving of it's Great prefix.Anyway, good news is, I've brought the snow back to celebrate!

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-23953266170643363142009-02-01T22:58:00.008Z2009-02-01T23:27:08.497Z

It's a tough fight between Darwin and Shakespeare to top my list of the most important Brits in history. Given it has been 150 years since the former published his 'The Origin Of Species' and the BBC have dedicated a season to him, I'll allow Darwin the top spot for the time being.Just now, David Attenborough presented an incredible programme, highlighting the scientist's discoveries, with a

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-90137269749852823822009-01-31T15:14:00.002Z2009-01-31T15:17:09.035Z

Who is that unmasked man in the mirror?I suppose I could've been the blue monster from the previous post to the fancy dress party but I'd rather be a hero than a villain.Coincidence - the day I received the costume, I found a small spider in my hair. Gross, yes. Weird, also yes.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-26975779345298887602009-01-31T15:01:00.004Z2009-01-31T15:14:06.510Z

Red alert, red alert.Setsubun - my favourite festival - is on Tuesday (3rd February). There're a lot of monsters roaming around so will someone out there here my call and prepare some beans to throw around.To jog your memory, here are my previous two experiences of the festival. The first was low-key but fun, and the second was insane - remember satsuma throwing in the snow?Isn't that amazing,

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-18721896021725329312009-01-28T21:52:00.002Z2009-01-28T21:55:22.943Z

Hollwood's biggest couple and their six (yes, six!) children have taken on Tokyo to promote the Benjamin Button film*.One thing though. Take off your hat!*One of the last big Oscar nominated movies I want to see, along with Revolutionary Road. Milk was brilliant.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-52950752804966501722009-01-26T21:53:00.001Z2009-01-26T21:54:37.294Z

...now it's officially the Chinese New Year. Google were ever so kind to remind me it's the year of the cow/ox, and they even included my favourite kanji (fuku - luck), although I'm not sure the relevance.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-75173804040495585982009-01-21T20:51:00.003Z2009-01-21T21:06:36.967Z

To make the supermarket trip a little less dreary, here's a fun way to add some pizazz to the products. Barcode Revolution, a Japanese company, added pictures to the barcodes, giving them life whilst still being fully functional. A huge list of them can be seen here.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-72152595784262982692009-01-21T20:47:00.002Z2009-01-21T20:49:56.933Z

This is an alternative inauguration, a magic show by the man of the hour himself. It helps to know that a 'mikan' is a type of orange in Japan.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-11961221840110605602009-01-21T20:45:00.001Z2009-01-21T20:47:09.293Z

Want to be Mario? In a really substandard reality?Here's your chance. Welcome to 'Nintendo Amusement Park'.Go wild.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-2319820534956578432009-01-15T20:37:00.001Z2009-01-15T20:38:31.822Z

Not sure why this happened but it did. A real life Mario experience.I love how happy they all are at the end.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-16604630933140756192009-01-15T20:20:00.002Z2009-01-15T20:29:51.837Z

Whatever your eyes tell you, this is not a cow. This is a goat born in Narita (between the airport and Tokyo). Actually, it's a kid but you get the point.The News should be full of more of these stories.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-42412479170187437232009-01-15T20:13:00.003Z2009-01-15T20:20:04.297Z

I can finally give a Barry-esque grin now: I finally knew something the Eggheads didn't. (Ok, so they guessed it correct but that's irrelevant.) The question was about Yakult Swallows playing in Japan. I even know their colours, mascot (a swallow of course) and stadium, as well as most of the rules. I also know the price of a hotdog there.Other Egghead and BBC quizzing news (but slightly more

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-74709102295428338272009-01-12T10:25:00.001Z2009-01-12T10:26:37.327Z

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-69063764935264310292009-01-11T23:29:00.000Z2009-01-11T23:30:14.175Z

Everything you need to know:

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-65517111659393014662009-01-11T23:19:00.002Z2009-01-11T23:27:42.131Z

Now I have your attention. I could've equally used the word "Sex" on its own and undoubtedly you'd be intrigued (although sorely disappointed) but I have readers who may find it objectionable.I was just reading about 'Google Whoring' (sorry, again) on the Times Website's comment central section. It's a method of including popular words in your headines to make your blog/website more favourable in

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-81760308149472670362009-01-09T23:57:00.003Z2009-01-10T00:01:31.542Z

Isn't the sound of thick snow crunching underneath shoes the best? Shame then that this is Sendai again. Bournemouth may have had the coldest temperature of the UK last night (-6) but only brought frost with it. Where's the snow?

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-8344867227323776752009-01-09T23:39:00.004Z2009-01-09T23:51:33.211Z

When the whale died in the Thames a few years back, The Sun used the caption "Farewhale". I could have equally used the title "Goat-ed" but the news is too depressing for that. My friend, the goat in Buais, died. An obituary: He was an absolute beauty. When we first met he approached cautiously and sealed the deal with eating some veg I offered him. From then on he'd spring out of his shed and

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-64538523990379665162009-01-08T22:18:00.004Z2009-01-08T22:27:37.303Z

(Never really 'got' the book but at least it continues my literary theme this year.)Roadworks are never fun but Japan has introduced a novel (literary!) way to make them less depressing. This was floating around the internet:Keiko was in Tokyo today (long story, and one that shouldn't be told yet for fear of jinxing) and found this:Sweet.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-40420339298081625932009-01-07T22:23:00.005Z2009-01-08T01:18:15.474Z

That sketch still cracks me up, as does this one: Merry Xmas!.I 'borrowed' this story from a blog, but seeing as two blogs have 'borrowed' a photograph from my Miyajima post, it only seems fair. According to this report, Japan has the highest density of robots in the world, by quite a long way: ten times the average. However, Europe sneaks ahead, overtaking Asia and America in the continent

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-29345114573409498912009-01-07T13:12:00.003Z2009-01-07T13:31:16.849Z

Not because I think I met her once* but because she is mightily talented. Yesterday I saw The Reader on the cheap**, her latest film and it is an unforgiving role that relies on her courage as an actor.The novel was massive on its release; the only German book to ever top the New York Times Bestseller list. The first half concerns a relationship between Hanna Schmitz (Winslet) and Michael, a 15-

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-44500019102555923072009-01-06T22:52:00.003Z2009-01-06T22:57:53.989Z

I thought the 'Please do it at home' posters had been resigned to last year but they continue on. I guess it wil be a monthly feature.I like to imagine the best in people, so I'm going to pretend the boy tripped over and the girl is helping him up.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-30539669069448507622009-01-05T12:28:00.003Z2009-01-05T19:28:03.020Z

You all know by now that carrots were originally purple, but have you heard of the white strawberry? Scientists developed them in Tokyo to be sold mainy for weddings. The going rate is extortionate - a pack of 8 white and 12 red would be something like £30!Not as significant a scientific breakthrough as water-powered clocks, but still something.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-80923735291614394192009-01-05T11:41:00.003Z2009-01-05T11:55:05.957Z

In my haste to finish the retrospective I forgot to include my favouritest thing of last year. During the writers' strike, Joss Whedon (the main guy behind the Buffy series) and his pals went to work creatively. Whilst writing for tv was off the cards, they made a self-contained story within three 14 minute episodes (collectively the usual length of a tv drama*) and published them online. It's

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-2577020842125083292009-01-04T15:47:00.002Z2009-01-04T15:50:21.644Z

Their news may be abhorrent but the FX Network sure know how to make a good tv show.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-83350614882401370512009-01-04T12:54:00.005Z2009-01-04T13:31:27.352Z

Nearing the end of the first decade of the 21st Century, technology is constantly on the rise. Now scientists have invented a clock that doesn't rely on batteries. Instead the electricity is water generated.Here's a brief explanation from thinkgeek.com: "How does it work? Magic mostly. And a little bit of science too. The internal converter simply extracts electrons from water (or other liquid)

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-17103646538970068302009-01-03T14:07:00.009Z2009-01-03T14:25:48.440Z

Find a better title than that for the Chinese Year of the Cow/Ox! I dare you.We leave my year - the rat - behind and, if you turn 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96 or, indeed, if you are born this year, you are a cow. Don't have a cow, man. I don't mean cow literally, although I admit the cow isn't the most flattering of animals to be stuck with. Still, they are known for their determination and

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-72588133984786852382009-01-02T11:10:00.003Z2009-01-02T11:23:01.457Z

2nd of January and I'm raring to go: I finished a book last night! (And I didn't smoke either!)It was a peculiar read - Picnic At Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay - as I knew it had been made into a horror movie but the front cover looked prim and proper, which was intriguing. Set in a boarding school in Victoria, Australia at the turn of the 20th Century, the story begins with four girls and their

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-68582218262298178952009-01-01T16:25:00.003Z2009-01-01T16:34:34.920Z

Trying a new header picture for the blog. Settled on this one for now as it's clean, fresh and bright but I'm open to suggstions.I learnt last year that there are certain times the sun sets directly over Fuji, and I was lucky to capture that on a trip to Enoshima in April 2008. My pictures came out well, and you can see the rest here:I just found out that around New Year, the sun also rises above

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-67918486333201495262009-01-01T13:34:00.005Z2009-01-01T16:19:21.326Z

"Have a Fine 2009" doesn't have the same level of positivity as "Have a Great 2008"."Have a Sublime 2009." Does that work? Either way, Happy New Year!Last night was really fun - good food and company with family. It proved that you don't need to go out for a good time; maybe my crusade should be to bring back the board game. The game was hilarious (I can't remember the name, but you have to guess

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-90691161071315674092008-12-31T00:34:00.009Z2008-12-31T20:02:45.037Z

This was a strange year, nearly exactly midway did I finally take the plunge and make the reverse-culture-shock-inducing trip back to England. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond my control have resulted in a delayed start to a job. I trusted my instincts to (indefinitely) postpone the Masters and I was offered a far better job than I ever could have imagined so, without jinxing myself, it's

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-15156526531188663682008-12-31T00:08:00.008Z2009-01-02T15:30:33.299Z

So the snow never happened, even though I encouraged it with my blog. Mixed opinions about my artificial snow I can report; thanks to the two of you that acknowledged it. It's gone now anyway.Not a lot to tell of the past week. A birthday party up in London for a friend which was great. Nice to see uni friends again after so long and hopefully I'll see them more often when I move up there. I

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-20044296589785201042008-12-30T14:45:00.002Z2008-12-31T00:07:13.874Z

Drafts are an interesting thing. Today I found the feature to search my blog for unpublished posts, and there were just under ten. That's about ten things I forgot to post, for whatever reason, but were worth the time to write. Should they stay unpublished? This one - about the ferry home from France in October - felt like the right time to finish it properly:I was eagerly rushing back to England

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-48219922100914348242008-12-25T09:58:00.000Z2008-12-25T09:59:50.851Z

Merry Christmas everybody

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-29851991813894875242008-12-18T13:48:00.003Z2008-12-18T14:07:39.075Z

I saw a mildly amusing sight today. Maybe not amusing, but you can fill your own word of choice in later.Walking back from the library through town, I passed a couple of men proclaiming Christianity to passers-by. One was holding a placard with something about repenting in time for the apocalypse and the other was handing out leaflets. I watched for a while and realised that not a single person

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-49683224042032119442008-12-18T13:43:00.003Z2008-12-18T13:46:47.598Z

Has this become the dumping ground of Bournemouth‽How cool is the ‽ - it's an interrobang, made up of the word interrogation and bang, as in exclamation. Love it.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-32417909121428217562008-12-16T22:43:00.002Z2008-12-16T22:53:59.334Z

The Kanji of the Year has been announced again. Following 'Life' in 2006 and 'False' in 2007, 2008 is the year for Change.変 can be read in a number of ways. The most relevant is change, and this is regarding Obama's Presidency, as well as the economic and ecological climates. However, the kanji can also mean 'strange' and 'uncertain' which seems equally fitting as the world shifts into 2009...*

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-86241505426149083212008-12-15T22:22:00.003Z2008-12-15T22:43:01.607Z

Hollywood actors have been making a nice profit by advertising products in countries away from their English-speaking fans; which is a key plot point for Lost In Translation. I would've made the assumption that with the increase of the YouTube generation, they would stop but I guess it's true, I made an ass out of you and mption... anyway...The term a website has given for this is Japander, which

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-43060486002319334122008-12-15T22:11:00.004Z2008-12-15T22:21:19.508Z

The local fish and chips shop has been merged with a Chinese takeaway for some time now but it was only recently I bought some mushy peas which, under new management, translates as a tub of boiled peas. Foolishly or otherwise, I tried it a second time but still no luck. Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice then shame on... the point is you can't be fooled again. Speaking of Bush, nice to see

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-51581792315450602532008-12-10T12:40:00.002Z2008-12-10T12:46:19.419Z

The Telegraph has picked up on the "Please do it at home" Metro posters, and analyse why manners are slipping - with the conclusion that the young have less pressure to conform to societal expectations, as well as the lack of respect developing and the Japanese typical response of ignoring it. You can read about it here.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-4319917318863994462008-12-10T12:29:00.003Z2008-12-10T12:39:33.427Z

Hitting the news this week is the Hello Kitty maternity hospital in Taiwan, designed to ease the stress of giving birth. The uniforms, bedsheets, wallpaper, scalpels - all pink and Kitty themed. Maybe not the scalpels. They even give the newborns cat food. Ok, again they don't but you get the gist.Interesting fact: strangely Kitty herself was "born and lives" in London. Even weirder, she is five

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-85200493096994055572008-12-02T22:52:00.003Z2008-12-02T22:55:25.184Z

I found this photo the other day that I'd sneakily taken ages ago*. It took me a while to realise what was odd but made me laugh again. I can't do it, yet Oli is able to. Do I need to be practicing more yoga?The question is, can you?*If you've seen the size of my camera, you'll know it wasn't.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-11551296195473481942008-12-02T22:42:00.005Z2008-12-02T22:49:10.992Z

For those of us who are working (and for those that hope to be working soon) the end of the year offers an intriguing drinking party (who cares if we're in Japan or not!). Bounenkai is typically a social for coworkers and with the translated name of "forget the year gathering" it's the time to down your sorrows and forget any troubles you had. While I would imagine this is to prepare for a

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-73518360402969957342008-12-01T19:00:00.005Z2008-12-01T19:21:13.434Z

Tokyo Tower is 50 years old. Weighing 4000 tonnes, it is the world's tallest self-supporting steel structure at 333 metres, narrowly beating the Eiffel Tower by 13 metres.I went up once but the observation deck isn't that fantastic; there's no outside area and the glass was too dirty to see outside. In my opinion, it's better as part of the skyline itself. Actually, that was the time I realised

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-59055949718149401712008-11-29T13:55:00.016Z2008-11-29T15:23:54.176Z

I'm feeling diligent so... Following the two days in Kyoto and preceding the Hiroshima excursion here is the write-up for Miyajima Island. We arrived early into Hiroshima and checked-in at the hotel. We were given some maps and a free tram pass, which was a nice touch. The next two days in Hiroshima took some scheduling. As much as I wanted to see the A Bomb Dome, we only had one night here and

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-54633122797543319272008-11-29T11:32:00.013Z2008-11-29T13:50:04.133Z

Some of you may have been on tenterhooks ever since I wrote the first half of Kyoto back in June 2007, anxiously awaiting how the snow scuppered our plans. Most of you would have completely forgotten. Here is the much anticipated second part. Follow this link for the first entry.After the not-so-great sleep (the air-con oven and the motorbike convention) we pulled back the curtains to find snow.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-87345446886053471312008-11-19T21:51:00.004Z2008-11-19T22:26:21.356Z

One more morning of Fuji, milking the Live Cam for all it's worth.This is a sunrise!

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-41010296879558304462008-11-19T21:36:00.002Z2008-11-19T21:47:48.883Z

This is a little bit embarrassing.The big headline in Japan yesterday was that someone is killing Government officials who were involved with making a mess of the Pension system. The former Vice Health Minister and his wife were murdered, and the wife of another former Vice Health Minister was stabbed by someone pretending to be her postman. Over 64 million pension records were lost (it was a

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-36330415518276997232008-11-19T21:18:00.003Z2008-11-19T21:24:06.518Z

I wasn't going to put any more pictures of sushi attempts on the blog, but I couldn't resist because this batch looked pretty presentable, if I say so myself. The cuts were neat and tidy, and we stuffed ourselves. (Including a good clear-out by the wasabi!) We also had miso soup with noodles.Sushi rice is deceptively filling but I suppose if it was just piled onto a plate in one go, it is a lot.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-31614526265954324332008-11-18T14:46:00.004Z2008-11-18T14:57:21.766Z

I'd argue that the Internet is the greatest invention over any other. I love the fact that you can look at a screen and have access to the rest of the world and any knowledge you can possibly desire. It's shaped communication and advanced forum and discussion. I'm sure I've written about this before but it's worth repeating.The other great thing the Internet can do is take you to destintations

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-35047443212121504452008-11-17T20:38:00.003Z2008-11-17T20:49:56.941Z

The Collins English Dictionary has decided to include the word 'meh' from the next issue as the public's entry. It means 'indifferent to' or 'unimpressed by' something. It onomatopoeically sounds exactly what it intends.Schoolkids must be rejoicing around the country as finally their response to "How was your day, darling?" is legitimate.I use it quite a lot on MSN but how do I really feel about

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-18272698777150159112008-11-17T12:54:00.006Z2008-11-17T13:01:39.666Z

Last week, Emperor Akihito (and his wife) welcomed King Juan Carlos of Spain (and wife) to Japan, and they rode the seldom-used Imperial Train for a little while.You know what they say...The reign from Spain stays mainly on the train!Also, here's the current version of the Narita Express, which links Tokyo to the airport and what the NEX will look like in the future:

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-32936047474086389252008-11-17T11:53:00.003Z2008-11-17T11:55:37.638Z

Look at this supposedly all-natural tree. Listen out for the monstrous name.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-81803377484918253482008-11-16T13:05:00.003Z2008-11-16T13:22:06.963Z

Sometimes I watch Dragons' Den and wonder how many more inventions could still be useful to society. The main category, I suppose, would be energy-saving ones, although there are the occassional gimmicks that sell well (Reggae Sauce). Often, the inventor has either pushed a previous idea forward or tied two together.And sometimes, ideas just seem wrong.Take the 'Slot Detective' for example - an

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-48524403755213061382008-11-16T12:53:00.004Z2008-11-16T13:01:15.395Z

A gorgeous view of Tokyo at night, taken by one of Keiko's friends.Stay tuned for the 100th Image Of The Week, which will be a special retrospective of past Images.*although obviously the blog's been going for longer than that

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-193069337673533242008-11-15T22:11:00.003Z2008-11-15T22:18:13.200Z

Alarm clocks, tape-measures, and now a Yamanote Line piggy bank. It plays authentic platform jingles as well. One of the best things about the train system is that each platform in each train station across Japan (not just each station!) has a separate tune. These can range from simple melodies, to anime/video game tunes, to theme tunes from "It's A Small World" to "The Third Man". The anime/

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-44802115445653008112008-11-15T22:04:00.005Z2008-11-15T22:10:01.869Z

Thankfully, I've been able to locate a replacement for the Saturday evening "Hole In The Wall" slot.Sadly, I can imagine Vanessa Feltz up for it.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-74067007112117241662008-11-14T02:38:00.004Z2008-11-14T02:42:58.420Z

Live puppies, of course! A San Francisco couple set up a webcam over their newly-born pups, mainly to keep a check on them when they were out and about, but it has since turned into a phenomenon with millions tuning in. This is the post-modern Truman Show. The puppies are Shiba Inu - Japanese dogs, such as Pochi, the one that I rented in Odaiba. Born October 7th, their names are Autumn (

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-60164451526648039052008-11-09T19:06:00.004Z2008-11-09T19:10:55.814Z

Not the most welcoming bashi (bridge) ahead!(taken in Kanda, and taken from this blog)

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-52419878489960413032008-11-07T17:23:00.002Z2008-11-07T17:34:45.322Z

Snowflakes are one thing, but have you heard about snowflies? Me neither until today. How can there be so many yearly occurrences in Japan that I never experienced? Makes you wonder how much of the world we have no idea about.Around November, teeny-tiny insects start swarming North Japan. Known as 'yuki mushi' or 'snow flies', they are a cross between a fly and an aphid, and grow a white cottony

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-456958297036795032008-11-07T14:43:00.005Z2008-11-07T14:53:40.456Z

Now this is a peculiar one.Broadcast on NHK radio in the early morning, and used at other times to boost morale and to get regular exercise, Radio Taiso is a pillarstone of the Japanese cultural identity. It not only signifies the strong work ethic but also Japanese unity; everyone knows the tune and the movements. As Wikipedia states:The exercises reflect the general role of exercise in Japanese

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-71544199087636763512008-11-07T14:38:00.003Z2008-11-07T14:41:39.198Z

This is in Matsushima, near Sendai, last week.I went there once - it has all the small islands - but the birds were much better behaved. I guess they're gearing up for the remake of 'The Birds', groan.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-59106846556654007872008-11-06T12:05:00.002Z2008-11-06T12:20:19.459Z

Now that Obama is going to be sworn in, it makes Chicago's chance of winning the 2016 Olympics that much better, over Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid.Interestingly, he will be the 44th President, which in Japanese means 'death death'. Not a good start.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-90957439092103169002008-11-06T01:00:00.003Z2008-11-06T01:05:51.473Z

I know this is a week too late but since the Halloween blog title is still up, the joint winners of the best costumes are:

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-9052334126891603032008-11-05T19:44:00.002Z2008-11-05T19:52:09.340Z

This video has been popping up on blogs all over the place, and I've debated whether to stick it in here. I decided that it needs to be seen, and I shouldn't deprave you of the opportunity.A zoo in Tokyo held a simulation of a rhino escaping and how to deal with it. It's hilarious, and the music only adds to the drama. Enjoy.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-79017666409360347732008-11-05T19:39:00.004Z2008-11-06T01:03:11.769Z

I found the Tokyo Metro website with all the posters deterring bad manners on the trains. It appears that a new poster comes out monthly, and most of them are great, such as:But this one, what does it mean?Oh, volleyball maybe?

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-35673433893482318912008-11-05T13:40:00.004Z2008-11-05T13:46:07.306Z

Not that Barack guy*, although I'm sure he's pretty happy. No, I'm talking more about Obama, the town near Kyoto!The sleepy seaside town has come to life and instead of reeling in fish, it will be reeling in tourism.*I saw Quantum of Solace last night. Staying up afterwards until 4am to watch the electoral votes slowly come in was far more riveting.

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-21252331644989177162008-11-03T19:15:00.003Z2008-11-03T19:24:07.534Z

In other 'dogging' news, Wallace and Gromit are back this Christmas. Hurrah!The half hour short (good!) is entitled "A Matter of Loaf and Death", and will feature the twosome running a bakery, Top Bun, whilst watching out for the elusive Cereal Killer.To whet your appetite, here's the greatest clip from the series:

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-86581779717793046112008-11-02T21:54:00.003Z2008-11-02T21:55:39.043Z

Will tomorrow be any different...

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-38227230859554293272008-11-01T20:18:00.004Z2008-11-02T22:14:56.584Z

Meiji Jingu was one of my favourite places to visit in Tokyo. Between Shibuya and Shinjuku, it was always somewhere I took any visitor on their first day. I know, how routine am I? This week was the 50th anniversary since it was rebuilt after its destruction in WWII.It's a funny thing, being a tourist at a site that no longer stands original. Most of the temples in Japan are reconstructions, and

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-23432562739088748142008-10-31T10:50:00.004Z2008-10-31T10:53:01.649Z

From the insect sushi restaurant in western Tokyo. A cookbook is also on sale.I'm an Englishman, get me out of here!

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23109439.post-25791762681140163842008-10-31T10:45:00.003Z2008-10-31T10:49:41.969Z

Some costumes available in all tacky Japanese shops:A terrifying ghost cloak. Perfect for double amputees. Or if you're feeling a bit more upbeat:

phil-sannoreply@blogger.com0