Shinning Star☆☆

Rediscovery of the old days in Japan.

2011-08-15T21:40:00.000+09:00

Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima

2011-08-10T22:49:00.000+09:00

Okinawan Food

2011-05-22T00:19:00.005+09:00

My favorite Island-Miyako, Okinawa

2011-05-21T23:16:00.009+09:00

No special effect added to the color of the sea. Natural.

Last train on weekends

2010-11-27T23:02:00.004+09:00

haha, look at this guy. Must have thought that it is his home so took off his right shoe.

Sometimes you can see this scenery if you are on the last train (around 0:00am) on weekends. I wonder who will wake him up and take home...

Top of Japan, Mt. Fuji

2010-09-06T22:47:00.006+09:00

My biggest memory of this summer is Mt. Fuji.

2 days, total of 15 hours walking, I finally reached the top and came back down.

It was hell; hot in daytime, freezing at night and on the top, rocky path, full of people in lines, little oxygen that make you headache, and the worst was going down. Walking step by step with your knees and feet hurt incredibly on the path you cannot see the end...

I cannot do this again, but I wanted to do this once in my lifetime and I finally did it.

I appreciate to this person who went with me, with his support I probably couldn't finish to the end. I am glad to share this wonderful experience with him.

One Summer Night

2010-08-31T00:17:00.004+09:00

We had such a wonderful night this day.

Firework festival is very famous in Japan during summer holidays and this time, we saw Tokyo Bay Fireworks from top of the hotel having "teppanyaki" for dinner.

Wow, the view was amazing, Champagne and steak was so good. I think I would like to come here again next year:)

Relaxing Holiday

2010-07-19T22:59:00.004+09:00

It was a 3 days weekend in Japan and I went back to my family's place.

Playing piano, going to gym and swimming, going to cinema, seeing my grand parents... Things that I used to do in my spare time, things that I like to do but haven't done for a while because I didn't have time.

Busy.... that is just an excuse.

The past few months, I have been putting most of my time for work (work until late and sometimes even weekends). But I realised I need my own time. I need time to be alone, do things that I like to do, and to study. Before, I used to study or learn something for myself (ex. new language, read business books, cooking, belly dance) but I forgot about that now.

Time is limited so you need to make time, not wait until you will have time.

I will start doing things that I used to do.

*above photos: my neighborhood

Mt. Fuji

2010-06-23T21:30:00.002+09:00

View from an airplane.
I am planning to go up there this year!! I'm a little worried if I have enough strength to reach the top (I'm terrible in sports...) but hope the weather will be good and it will be a wonderful experience.

6 month past...

2010-06-23T00:53:00.003+09:00

Wow, it's already end of June.
I can't believe how fast time past this year.

I've been travelling a lot (all of them for business) national and international, 2-3 places every month. I never got tired of going overseas but this year, I am... I realized visiting other places for business or holiday is definately different.

Anyway, until now, I dedicated most of the time for work. So many thing happened but I was enjoying and had such a fruitful time. Not just working as sales but I also involved in product planning. I actually planned and designed a product, went to the factory to check the mass production proceedure and launched this product in April.
I am also involved in one big project that will finish in early winter. This will probably be one of my biggest acheivement ever (for my company too), I can't wait to finish!

Well, hope I can enjoy a lot, work hard and be happy rest of this year.
Everything depend on me, right?

Interesting photo

2010-01-06T23:40:00.002+09:00

It's quite scary to see so many legs in jeans...

Happy 2010!!

2010-01-06T23:34:00.003+09:00

Tokyo night lights. (view from Roppongi Mori Tower)

Icho Namiki

2009-11-23T22:28:00.002+09:00

Autumn trees in Tokyo (@Gaien Jingu). It was so beautiful.

My recent appetite...

2009-10-23T22:18:00.005+09:00

Seasonal Japanese dishes.
You can eat all of them, leaf shaped carrot, rice wheat shaped popcorn... it's art.

Wine I bought in Paris 5 years ago. It tasted fantastic.

French in Kyoto style.

Bouchon in Lyon

2009-09-30T22:42:00.005+09:00

It was true that Lyon is one of the best city to eat.
You can eat inexpensive with high quality dishes.
One bouchon we went turned out to be one of the best, we met some local people who came to bring their friends from Paris, a restaurant owner in different area of Lyon and they said it is one of the best places to dine.

We had a dinner set with appetizer, main dish and dessert for 12 euro and it was the quality of Michelin star restaurant.
I would definately come back to the same restaurant! @Atelier d'Yvonne

Lyon, France

2009-09-30T22:02:00.003+09:00

Berlin Marathon 2009

2009-09-29T21:51:00.003+09:00

For my holiday, went to see Berlin Marathon.
Running is one of the sport I hate the most, however, seeing this marathon made me want to run a little. (well, very little though...)
At the end of the marathon around 35-40km, people seem to be really tired, make them think to stop and quit at anytime. However, most of the people do not stop. Why is that? Why do people run even though they are really tired and cannot move even 1 step??
One answered "There's only 2 choices for marathon, either proceed or stop. You can stop anytime, but if you stop it's the end. Therefore, I proceed until I have no choice to stop."

I saw lots of people from Denmark and Swiss. Are there many marathon runners? Very few Asians, btw.

I really respect all the people who finished to goal 42.195km, no matter how fast nor if they walked. Achieving is the most important thing any not many people can do that till the end.

I didn't get to do much sightseeing, but got a chance to see Berlin Cathedral. It was amazing! One of the biggest and most powerful Cathedral I've ever seen. Too bad we couldn't get to go inside due to the Sunday misa.

Berlin was a little different from what I imagined, modern and clean city than I thought. Since Berlin is one of the city that was destroyed in WWⅡ, I was expecting more of Middle Ages, European style. My impression was mixture of US and Europe. People were... not so nice.. :(When I asked for direction or something, people either said no or answered with unfrindly face.)

Solar Eclipse -7.22.2009-

2009-07-23T21:06:00.004+09:00

I could see the solor eclipse in Hong Kong.!! well, actually at the border of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (China side).

I had a meeting on the 22nd with a customer in China, so I knew I do not have a chance to see the this fantastic event.

Around 9 am, I was on the train to Shenzhen, desparately wanting to see the sun. After arriving and got on a car that came to pick me up, I had a chance to look up in the sun (usually people say you cannot see the sun in Shenzhen because of polution). I didn't have any protection film or something to see the solor eclipce, however, luckily from the car window shade and a little bit of cloud, I could see the sun covered by the moon!!! It was phenomenal...

I was sooooo happy. I really really wanted to see this once-in-your-lifetime-event, and since I was giving up on that, I was even more happy.

I could take some pictures too. It's not a good shot but not bad for someone who happened to carry a camera and took in a hurry, huh?

Delightful Afternoon

2009-07-19T20:57:00.006+09:00

I saw a rainbow today.
It was one of the most beautiful rainbow that I have seen. It had a perfect semicircular shape all the way to the end, and there were two! I took some pictures but the camera didn't capture how beautiful it is...

When I see a rainbow, somehow it makes me happy. I feel lucky and think that today is gonna be a good day. Isn't that same for everyone?

Trip To Singapore

2009-07-18T23:48:00.008+09:00

It's been 1 year since my last trip to Singapore.
Exactly 1 year ago, I was here to start my first business in Singapore. This year, came to meet this company again to give feedback and also discuss our future business plan. Met other companies as well to see if there is any other business opportunities.
What's difficult is that since Singapore market is very small (population around 4 million), having several partners will cause confusion and conflict. Therefore, we are researching the one who will be our best partner. Well, I guess you never know who is the "best", so I would say "better" business partner. This is always my biggest topic to consider.

Anyway, I met my good friend, who we sometimes discuss about work, love and marrige and he advised me this one phrase "to be successful, is to be ready when opportunities come". This is absolutely right.
I would also like to add "to be successful, you need to have the courage to jump in to that chance & change". I've seen so many people who doesn't have the courage to act and missed their chances.

Below is the picture from the boat ride on Singapore river.
I really like this city. Clean, organized, lots of nature, good food, and what's more, it is English speaking country. I feel comfortable wherever I go:) Enjoyed my biz trip this time!

Work, work work...

2009-07-10T22:22:00.004+09:00

I haven't written anything about my life recently... Maybe because I didn't feel like writting, not many good news these days.

I've been stressful with my work since we entered 2009. One reason is because I'm feeling too much responsibility for my work and second is I feel difficulties dealing with one of my biggest client...

It's been almost 2 years since I joined this company, and I became to understand my company, job, my boss etc just recently. Since we are very small company, there's no one to teach you, you have to study, research, think and act yourself. That is interesting until they put you under too much pressure. Recently, I feel pressure towards me is more than my ability. If I can make an excuse, there's no one to teach, no past experience, so I have to figure out all by myself. In those cases, if they put me under pressure, I can't do anything... I'm too scard to do something. If they are gonna ask me for responsibility, I want more education, experience, someone to teach me, lead me.

This is one of the biggest differnce between big companies and small companies. In big company, they give you lots of opportunities to develop yourself. In small company, you have to figure out yourself. This is good and bad. Just studying and not putting into practice is meaning less ( I know many end up like this), however, you can't develop yourself unless you have the ability.
I quit my former company because the organization was too big that I couldn't do what I wanted to do, and now I'm doing what I dreamt of but asking for education like big companies... I guess humans desire for what they don't have. Such an ironic thing...

Anyway, hope my work situation will be bright. At least I like my company and like my boss, co-workers a lot. There's no one that I don't like in my company. Everyone is nice so work enviroment is very comfortable.

Only half year left until 2010... Time past so quickly...

Lake District, UK

2009-05-24T00:48:00.004+09:00

Surprisingly, it was sunny every single day during my stay in UK. Even the person went here (Lake District) 3 times, said she never saw a blue sky.
I love the scenery of the countryside of UK like the photo below.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

2009-05-24T00:25:00.005+09:00

This is one of the country I've always wanted to visit. Such a beautiful place with terrible past, finished not so long ago (1991). Because I didn't have enough time, I only visited one city. I really want to visit other cities as well. well, next time...

Ryuzo Nakata Private Salon Party @Tokyo

2009-04-15T21:12:00.007+09:00

Went to Ryuzo Nakata's private salon party the other day.
He's a famous designer in Paris, not too commercialized in Japan but has lots of fan who is crazy about his clothes.
Only his friends or his friend's friend can go to this event so there was lots of clothes that can not buy at the store, with very good discount.
I wasn't planning to by any clothes (cause I need to save money for holidays), but I finally bought 2 dresses... it was too adorable. His clothes are amazing cause any age can wear (20-60 yld) and is sexy, cute, feminine, sensitive, elegant... has all the concept that all women want to be. Or I would say it has the style how men want women to be. Has men's collection too.

He features embroidery, swarovski design attached to jeans, jacket, dress etc. He was saying in one interview that he puts the embroidery where he wants to touch on womens body. He design the clothes imagining how elegant it will look when undressing the dress. wow... that is so romantic...Every single clothes are made one by one, by hand so there are no other person wearing that clothes. It is very special.

I met him directly, drank wine together until late at night :) I got the image that he is very friendly, energetic, creative, wine and women lover.

One more thing that was so interesting were the people who came. Wine freak, president of one company teaching women "how to get married" or "how to get a better man and not losing", lives in Paris, wife of a doctor who's crazy about his clothes (she bought 12 clothes!) etc. Everyone was energetic and positive so I got lots of energy from them. ( I'm kinda stressful at work these days...)

Went there around 6pm, stayed there until 12am... trying all kinds of dresses, drinking wine & champagne, chatting with all kinds of people. I had such a wonderful time!

Thanks to my friend who invited me to this party!

Ryuzo Nakata Exclusive Paris

http://www.ryuzonakata.fr/

Sunday Church Live

2009-02-22T23:28:00.007+09:00

Today, I went to visit my co-worker's Sunday church ceremony. I'm not Christian and am not planning to be one either, but since I am interested in religion and she invited me, I thought "why not?".

This one that I went was more like live music show, live band, singing, dancing etc. but talk about bible, sing about Jesus and make community. Many were young (18-30 yld) and very international community. What I was surprised was that there were so many young Japanese who believe in Jesus, and they were so energetic, so positive.

I've been to church quite a few times when I was living in US, with my friends or family so going to the ceremony it is nothing new to me. I've met people who believe in God, and some were non-believer but became a strong believer when they are grown up.
I am not for or against religion, I think as long as one is happy with that, it is completely fine.

Sometimes I feel envious for the people who believe in God. Sometimes I wish I believe in God. Because they have something to believe, believe that God is there to help you, I think you are stronger than others. That strong belief will help you and lead you to overcome difficulties.
In my experience there are 2 types of beliver. One is the ones taught by their parents since they were born so religion is part of their life. Two is the ones who once got lost in their lives but met god and was saved by him. When they were struggling and needed someone's help, somehow they met religion/God. Maybe through friends or accidently went to the ceremony etc. but however people met God, there is one thing that is common between them. They were all lost. They were desparate. By listening to the what God wants to tell you, that God is there to help you, and sharing their experiences with other people in the same community, they feel that they are not alone and be resuced. A lot of my friends who I know is this second type of people.

If religion can encourage people to live, to survive, I think religion is a wonderful thing. I said in the former paragraph that beliver is stronger that others (non-believer) but maybe people who has weak mentality, who is feeling alone, who needs help tend to believe in God. People who has strong mentality, who is succeeding very much may not become a believer.

As I said before, I'm intested in religion. To be more specific, I'm interested in mentality side of religion. I'm curious why people became a beliver, how they were rescued, are they happy compared to the time when they did not believe in God?
If some of the readers who can share their experience/opinion, please let me hear what you think.

P.S. One more thing what surprised me was that people were so friendly to me. Everyone came and talk to me, asked me many questions, looking like they really want to get to know me. I asked my co-worker, "why everyone is so friendly? why do they want to know about me?" and she said "we are happy to have someone new in the community. we want as many people to know about us, how fun it is to come here even though they don't join the group. We want to share our experience and want to know about others too." Everyone (I mean EVERYONE) seemed to enjoy being together. I also asked her "what if you met someone you feel you are not comfortable, or you don't like?" Then she said "there are no likes and dislikes. we are like brothers and sisters, like one big family. There is no likes/ dislikes to your family, your family is your family, right?" I totally understood what she meant.

My recent activities

2009-01-18T20:30:00.007+09:00

It's been a while since my last post.
Here is what I've been doing for the past few month.

Birthday in HK..

Hakone Onsen at the end of the year...

Okinawa (Miyako Island) on New Years...

and San Francisco (Mac World) for biz trip... came back last week.

Kabuki

2008-11-16T19:17:00.005+09:00

First time I went to see Kabuki, one of the traditional Japanese culture. Something similar to musical stage but story in old Japan times, speak old Japanese language, using traditional costumes and instruments.
It was very very interesting. It was a bit modern style Kabuki so I could understand what they are saying. The story was about a beast who was envious of one guy who could get beautiful girls. Unfortunately, they always liked the same girls so the beast got very jealous and started to kills the girls one after the other which was man's girlfriends. The man got so depressed and could not recover from his sadness. Then one detective decided to seach for this beast and...

I've seen lots of western cultures like opea, musical show, ballet but never Japanese ones. It is nice to know about your own culture as well. I guess as you get older, you (or just me?) have more interests in your own culture and want to know more. When I was little, I was more interested in US or Europe culture and style, tried to be like them. I travel a lot but these days everytime I go somewhere, I re-recognized how wonderful Japanese culture is, especially in people's behavior and mentality. I am proud to be Japanese.

My Travel Map 79 cities, so far that I can remember

2008-11-16T19:14:00.003+09:00

Tokyo, Japan

Bali, Indonesia

Nice, France

Seattle, WA, USA

Vienna, Austria

San Francisco, CA, USA

Budapest, Hungary

Florence, Italy

Barcelona, Spain

Paris, France

View my profile

Create your own travel map or travel blog

Travel Info at TripAdvisor

Biz trip to Kanazawa

2008-10-18T22:23:00.003+09:00

Went to Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, on a biz trip. This city is famous for hot spring and older genernation come here to relax. Not much to do here but I went to a road called "Nagisa drive way", where you can drive on the beach! No road signs or street lanes, so you can drive however you want. You need to becareful not to get stuck in the sand though.

I didn't expect to see this so I was so excited! Isn't this nice?

Chagall Museum @ Nice

2008-10-13T21:07:00.005+09:00

I love Chagall!! I've been to many museums but this was one of the best. Not big but very satisfying.
I was so happy being surrounded by lots of Chagall paingings. His drawings make me feel happy and positive. I still cannot forget the celling of the Opera House in Paris, my first contact with Chagall.

My favorite museum so far would be Dali Museum @near of Balcerona and this Chagall museum. Dali Museum is one of the most unique musuem, would take you deep inside of Dali world. What is your favorite??

Trip to Monaco and Mysterious Rich Man

2008-10-13T19:22:00.011+09:00

30 min drive from Nice and you'll arrive in Monaco!

In one of the richest country in the world, we met this mysterious, richest man I've ever met in my life. He was something ralated to F1 (of course), but did not ask exactly what he was doing. ( I didn't want him to think that I'm interested in him)When we met this guy, he was carring a big bear body (he said he hunted up in Swiss mountain) and was about to take this to his storage.

Anyway, we were lost so asked him the direction and also if he know any good place for a cafe. Then he offered his apartment to have a coffee. We thought about it for a little bit, and decided to take a look because not everyone can see a apartment in Monaco! We followed him with curiosity and arrived at the entrance 1 min walk from the Palace. Wow, who can live in such a place!? His place was 2nd and also 4th floor of the building, loved arts especially paintings. He had many many paintings on the wall, probably incredibaly expensive. Surprising thing was that he hired this Russian artist for 2 years to paint just for him, payed for his rent and salary. wow... (below is view from his room)

Another info I found out is that he just broke up with his wife, and looking for a girlfrind(s). I'm sure he can get anyone he wants but I felt a little sorry for him. He was interested in us, and it was obious that he was not interested in us personally but just wanted to have... you know, physical relationship. What was surprising was that he asked us to spend the night together so directly without any hesitation (and was shortly after arriving at his place) so was shocked to answer his question. He probably has difficulty finding a woman he really loves or a woman who really loves him from bottom of her heart and not for money.

Anyway, there was not so much to do and see in Monaco, unless you are a big fan of cars. It's a place you would like to go once in your life to say "I've been there!" but no more than once. Oh, but I'm talking about as a tourist so it's a different story if you are going to live. Not everyone can live, only the selected ones and probably one of the safest country in the world (but of course you pay for that).

Holiday in Nice

2008-10-13T19:05:00.006+09:00

Nice became one of my favorite city! I would love to have a second house here...
Very nice people, food, culture, mixture of France and Italy. Not to big but not too small city was comfortable even for foreigners.

The first and second pics below is from our apartment we stayed up on the hill. I felt very lucky to be able to see this breathtaking view everymorning when I wake up.

Again in HK...

2008-08-26T22:16:00.003+09:00

My new cell!!

2008-08-26T22:08:00.003+09:00

I finally got a new cell phone and it is soooo cute!

I put on a sticker and also some sparkeling stone with a glue.

I love it!

Summer Vacation in Japan

2008-08-26T21:53:00.002+09:00

Biz Trip to HK & Singapore

2008-07-27T19:01:00.007+09:00

First time going to HK. I was very excited to see the city, imagining how modern the city is. But my impression was, " it's stilll China". I thought it would be more westernized but people were Chinese (I mean mentally not physically).

I was amazed to see all those tall buildings though. I wonder how people can live in that tall building? That is not the height were people should live.

*Second pic below is a pic from the roof pool in my hotel. Isn't it wonderful to swim with this view?

Singapore was very nice. I think Singapore is the only place I can live in Asia other than Japan. Good service, nice people, clean, good shopping, diverse, English ok etc. I heard that 1 out of 4 people is a foreigner. Can you believe this? And the government has so much power, good and bad aspects but so far I guess they are managing well. Even with the high income tax and car tax, people are not doing strikes and following what they were told to do. People pay but know it will come back to them. In Japan, people pay and don't know where they go, how they are used...

*Below is again a pic of the pool in my hotel. It was a very very nice hotel. I loved it.

Just a reminder that I was not on a vacation, I was working! All these pics seem like I'm having fun but actually, I didn't have much time to go to pool and enjoy shopping...

Again, I met a lot of people. I want to say thank you for those who treated me nice. Thanks!

Weekend in Guam!!

2008-07-12T15:26:00.010+09:00

It was a very tough weekend.

Worked Friday morning until 3 pm, went home to get my suitcase and off to the airport.

Arrived in Guam at midnight, couldn't sleep that day so went to the beach early in the morning.

It was only girls trip so we had lots of fun. Good food in nice hotels, had fun at the beach and pools, sunset and BBQ with polinesian dancer. Because we were too tired at night, we didn't go out to party but I think that was good. There were only Japanese and American navy!! When we were inHilton Hotel's pool, all we saw were American armies. I guess they were on their way to the next destination, stopped over in Guam to have fun.

Hilton's sunday brunch buffet was fantastic! We had champaign from 11 in the morning, I was kinda drunk all day...

One thing I was upset was that it rained at least once a day. It is sunny and hot but it also rains especially in the afternoon. So sometimes we had to wait 1 or 2 hours until the rain stop.

On the way back, pick up at the hotel was 3:45 am, flight at 6:45 am. Arrived in Tokyo at 10 am, went back to my house at 11:30, and went to work at 1 pm... I was gonna take a day off on Monday but I urgently had an appointment that I had to go.

Plus, the next day after work, I flew to Kagawa prefecture, which is in the 4th largest island in Japan and famous for Udon noodle. Stayed there for one night and went back to Tokyo. I didn't wanna go to Kagawa, but this trip made me refreshing. It is very country side that you have to drive 10 min to the closest convenience store but this made me feel relaxed. I guess I needed to get out from the city.

Anyway, this week was incredibally busy, tiring.

Leaving to HK/Singapore on Sunday for business. Usually I am excited to go abroad but not this time... I need to rest, take holidays...

Rainy Tokyo

2008-06-30T20:53:00.003+09:00

It's been raining all week... Even it's almost July, it's quite cold maybe around 22 C.

I hope this rainy season will end soon.

Biz Trip to Taiwan

2008-06-15T21:23:00.000+09:00

It's been a while since my last post.
I was in Taiwan from end of May till last week to exhibit at Computex Taiwan (June 3-7), one of the biggest electronic trade show in the world. It was very very busy and tiring but was good experience and a lot of fun.

I arrived earlier to spend the weekend in Taipei, to see my friend and also to see my house where I used to live. It was one of my dream to visit my old place so I'm very happy that I could achieve my dream. I didn't remember anything since it's been almost 20 years...

The show was a success. We had very nice booth (I did the decoration!) , many customers were interested in bringing our product into their market. Now that back in Japan, it's my real job to contact them, discuss and negotiate to have a new business. We had many buyers from all over the world but my target is Dubai!! (well, kinda personal purpose because I want to go there and it's so expensive to go by myself)

Other than work, I dinned out a lot. Every night, either dinner with customer or company staffs, we went to have Taiwanese food, Shanghai food, beef noodles, noodles and noodles... Therefore, I was craving for sandwitches and cheese cake for lunch. Too much Chinese food is heavy for my stomatch... but you know, chinese people eat a lot!! I don't know why how can they eat so much and not being so fat!?

Anyway, I met many people during this trip. Everytime I could meet people and they treat me well, have fun together, I feel very lucky and appreciate this opportunity so much.

Taipei 101

2008-06-15T21:19:00.004+09:00

Still the tallest building in the world (one in Dubai will be the tallest but still under construction), the top view was amazing. 508 m, 39 seconds to the top floor.

By the way, do you know what 101 means? It's a bit embarrassing but I had no idea what it meant. When we got to the top (91F), my co-worker started to count, 91, 92, 93..... 101! Then I noticed, wow 101 means 101 floors! Everyone looked at me probably thinking "you didn't know that? Anyone can guess what it means." well, I didn't...

Things I ate in Taiwan

2008-06-15T20:47:00.014+09:00

These are just a few, unfortunately I didn't take any photos when I ate at a nice restaurants.

ジンザイ

2008-05-18T22:00:00.002+09:00

企業の「じんざい」には3種類ある。

「人罪　・　人材　・　人財」

人罪：いても役に立たない人。給料だけもらっている人。
人材：ずば抜けた能力があるわけでもなく、かといって不出来でもない普通の人。
人財：企業の財産といえる能力のある人。

自分は一体どれなのだろうか。
今は人材でも、必ず人財になろう。

ちなみに前の会社での経験だが、大企業は「人罪」が多い。
厳しい競争の中勝ち残り、大手に入社した新入社員はそう感じているのではないだろうか。私の友人からもそのような話はよく聞く。
大企業病、あと10年くらいは続くだろう。。

In My Garden

2008-05-11T21:27:00.006+09:00

How many 4-leaf clovers can you find in this photo??
In our garden at home, there were a pile of clover leaves and there are lots of 4-leaf clover!! Isn't this amazing?
I also found 5-leaf clover! In Japan, we have a saying that if you find 5-leaf, it means bad luck.

Art of Taro Okamoto

2008-04-29T21:11:00.007+09:00

I had friend coming over from Nagoya and went shopping in Aoyama. Aoyama is a very nice area to walk around and do shopping.
While wandering around, I saw this interesting statue and had to find out what is is. It also reminded me of something familiar... I went closer and noticed what it was. It was the same artist of "Tower of the Sun" in Osaka Park; Taro Okamoto.
Very interesting figure, I enjoyed them.

Also, it was funny to see this cause I have been reading this manga (comic book) called "20th Centry Boys" recently, and this Tower of the Sun plays a big role in that story. This manga is very popular in Japan now, not my type of the manga, but sooo interesting that I cannot stop. Mystery and futuristic story. I cannot read alone at night because it's too scary ... I heard that it'll be a movie soon and maybe it'll come out in foriegn countries sometime. I know there's already an English translation book.

Anyway, the Golden Week Holiday has started in Japan! Just sharing with you some of my activities and update you more later.

Hanami with Prime Minister

2008-04-13T18:54:00.006+09:00

I went to the event which was called "Hanami with Fukuda prime minister" @ Shinjyuku Gyoen Park.

It was very very interesting. I was invited from a friend's friend who has some connection with the goverment, you need to have the invitation from prime minister, or I guess LDP is the host . The whole park was reserved for this and there were so many people from all kinds of world; politicians, ambassadors, soilders, TV stars etc. Many people I see on TV news!
Since my friend is dealing with in the middle eastern countries, I met many ambassadors from Africa and Middle-East. I remember Eygpt ambassador was a very nice guy.
The second picture below, who's drinking sake is the prime minister, Fukuda Yasuo. Since many flowers were already fallen, someone expressed that "Fukuda government is almost over like the cherry blossom here..." haha, quite a harsh comment.

Spring has come

2008-04-02T20:10:00.002+09:00

Spring has come!
My favorite, sakura (cherry blossom) season.
This is inKyoto, Maruyama park, one of the most beautiful place to see sakura. I used to see this every year when I was in Kansai area, but this year I couldn't. but my friend sent me this photo and made me very happy. (Senpai, sorry for using this photos. it was too beautiful.)

Family Dinner @Tofu restaurant near Tokyo Tower

2008-03-20T21:24:00.015+09:00

It was my dad's birthday so we had dinner together at a very nice place. It was located right below Tokyo tower called "Ukai-tei (tofu restaurant)" Great atmosphere that you can enjoy the dinner with the view of Japanese garden, beautiful food and fantastic hospitality. If you have someone visiting Tokyo from another country, this is a perfect place to take them.

Dinner Course
1. Appetizer with Plum wine
2. Fried Tofu and sashimi
3. Sushi, beans soup and i forgot...
4. Fish Soup
5. Their speciality; tofu-nabe
6. Forgot to take photo of the main dish... it was grilled fish
7. Cooked rice with miso soup
8. Tofu pudding
9. Japanese Sake!

View from Tokyo Tower

First Experience!

2008-03-09T20:55:00.004+09:00

I tried Shee-sya first time in my life. I've never EVER smoked (cigaritte) in my life, I just hate it!! I can't believe I tried it but I have to admit, it tasted soooo good. I had the apple-mint flavor. My friend told me that it is not as bad as the cigaritte because it goes through water which filters the nicotine, but is this really true?? Can someone tell me the truth with official information? Cause if it is true, I might wanna do it often. I went to the bar in Shibuya and my friend told me that there's not many places that you can smoke shee-sya in Tokyo. Only few places. It's quite surprising cause in Tokyo, there's everything, nothing that you cannot find in Tokyo.I heard there's lots in London and other europian countries, of course in Middle East, and also in South East Asia where the Western go and have party.

Anyway, just wanted to share my exciting experience!

Petit & Delicate Japanese Food

2008-03-05T22:21:00.011+09:00

This dish really discribes the real traditional Japanese food. It's not just the volume and taste. First you enjoy the food with your eyes (see), then with your nose (smell), and at last with your mouth (taste). Small but various and colorful food, with the ingredients that you can feel the season. Delicate and simple taste by using most of what ingredients itself has. You can also enjoy by looking at the plates and how they are decorated.

This becomes like.... this.

Biz Trip to Hiroshima

2008-03-01T20:02:00.006+09:00

I went to Hiroshima and it's been 13 years since the last visit. If you went to Japanese elementary school, you're more likely to visit Hiroshima on a field trip. Hiroshima and Nagazzaki are the cities where Atomic Bomb was bombed in 1945, only 2 place in the world. When we study history in school, we always visit the peace museum and this Dome below.

Too bad I couldn't see the city since I didn't have any free time, but would like to go there again and learn the history. I remember the museum was so realistic that it was too shocking for us young students.

Another famous thing in Hiroshima is hiroshima-yaki!! It's kinda like Okonomiyaki from Osaka, but with noodles inside and thinner crust. There was this building that has only hiroshima-yaki restaurants! I didn't know locals like this so much!

Snowman

2008-02-11T23:08:00.001+09:00

It's was snowing a lot this weekend all around Japan even in Tokyo and Osaka. I couldn't go out because of the heavy snow....but

me and my sis made a snowman next day! Isn't it cute? "smiling snowman" :)

Below is the backyard of my house.

My Weekend Appetite!

2008-02-11T22:46:00.001+09:00

Sweets, sweets and sweets...!!!

All around the World; Tokyo-Madrid-LasVegas-San Francisco-Tokyo

2008-01-22T22:17:00.001+09:00

End of the last year, I went to visit the most speacial person to me in the world- to Madrid, Spain. I really had a great time. Dinner with all the family, Chirsmas presents, New Year's eve, shopping...etc. I deeply appreciate for their big, warm heart for welcoming me as one of their family.

After Spain, I went to Las Vegas on a business trip to attend the International CES show. On the way to Vegas, I transfered in Philadelphia and because of the strict immigration with such a long line, I miss the connecting flight. So I had to stay over night in Phila. Very tired and stressful after the long flight, long long waiting in line and terrible customer service. Terrible. All the other staffs were already in Vegas but I was 1 day late for the show... Plus, my luggage was not there (I knew it) so I had to go to the airport in midnight to pick it up. I am so tired of airplanes now, especially going to US.

Unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy Vegas much because I was so tired by the end of the day. I did have hotel buffet every night though. If you've been to Vegas you probably know, but there's only 4 things to do here. Casino, Show, Shoppping or Buffet.

After Las Vegas, our company headed to San Francisco for the MacWorld 2008. We had the weekend off so I get to enjoyed the city. Very beautiful city, nice people, diverse, good food, good shopping, I was very comfortable staying here. Also, Mac World was interesting. So many Mac geeks!Everyone was carrying Mac PC and iPhone in their hand. Mac fans are addicted to Apple products...

Since I was away from Japan for about 1 month, I feel strange to be back. I don't feel like I belong to anywhere now. Maybe because I was moving around like this since I was little and also I love to travel around. Where is the best place for me?? Where am I in 10 years??

Family Party

2007-12-28T01:48:00.001+09:00

I went to my dad's family party yesterday. It was held in Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo, very nice place. There were about 3,000 people attending, everyone was chatting, drinking, eating, singing all kind of things.

I was introduced to many of my father's staff and everyone told me that my father is a hard worker, very strict person. He did a speach at the end and it was fantastic. I think it moved many people's heart and I even saw some tears in his eyes. It was a very hard year for my father and all of the staff but finally it succeded. I had few people telling me that they quit the former company and came to this company because of my dad. "Without him, I wouldn't be here.", one said.
Everyone respected him and I was very proud of being his daughter.

Atami Onsen

2007-12-28T01:26:00.001+09:00

It's almost holiday and I went to Atami Onsen (2hours from Tokyo) with my good friends.

It was veeeeery nice. Good food, good onsen(Japanese style hot spring) , and what more, good friends. I've never been to Osen with a girlfriend, but actually I enjoyed it a lot. With girls, you can talk and stay in the osen for a long time (usually guys get tired easily) and enjoy the atmosphere from your heart.
The fireworks we saw was awsome! It went up right infront of us so we had to look up to see them.

When I'm in Osen, I'm always happy to be Japanese.
Enjoy the pictures!

My Recent Activities

2007-12-16T23:27:00.000+09:00

My recent activities...

Went to work seeing the sunrise...
Had udon in Roppongi (huge size!!) at 12 am during weekday...

And gave myself a present to become beautiful!
Isn't it nice?

Date with my dad♡

2007-12-09T21:15:00.001+09:00

Recently, it's a routine to have dinner with my dad every Sunday night.
Last time we went for teppanyaki steak, and today shabu-shabu in Ginza. Dinner in Ginza... the most expensive place in Tokyo. Aren't we romantic?
Some people are surprised and say "what do you talk with your dad just two of you!?" I guess it's not common for a Japanese family to go out just the dad and his daughter when you get older. It is really nice though. We talk about business, work, family etc. He is more like my adviser than a father now.
Plus, this Sunday dinner helps me to charge my energy and nutrition for the whole week. I eat very bad(little) during weekdays cause I finish late and don't have a chance to have a proper dinner.

Anyway, I really appreciate my father these days. The reason I can have this life, what made me now, is my dad.

Blue Tokyo

2007-11-22T21:45:00.001+09:00

I was walking toward the station and saw this blue tokyo tower. I was very surprised, couldn't help to take a picture. It had totally different looks.

I don't know why it was blue though. If someone do know, plz tell me...

Actually, I've also seen Pink and Green tokyo tower. All of them by accident.

I wonder what's the next color.

Numbers and facts.

2007-11-08T21:43:00.000+09:00

Fact 1.

イラクにおける米兵死者が２００７年1月～10月末までで、853人と報告された。
2004年年間累計849人が今までで過去最多だったが、今年はその記録を10ヶ月で超えた。これで戦争開始の2003年から累計3856人だそうだ。

The number of the American Soilders killed in Iraq war was 853 people from Jan to Oct, 2007. This was the hightest in the past which is more than 849 people in the year 2004. The total American Soilders killed in Iraq war since it started in 2003 is 3856 people.

日本にいると、戦争は自分に関係のない、地球の裏側で起こっている出来事のようにしか感じない。

直接、戦争に関わったひとは知らないが、アメリカにいた時、子供が兵士として派遣されている母親や、以前イラクに数ヶ月間派遣されていた人などと話をしたことがある。ほとんどの人がお金のために仕方なく行っているが、愛する子供がそのような所へ行かなければならない母親は一体どんな気持ちでいるのだろう。恐ろしくて想像もつかない。米国兵士だけでなく、この戦争で多くの犠牲者が出ている。歴史上、常にどこかで戦争が起こっている。どうしたら戦争はなくなるのだろう。だれもが戦争のない世の中を願っているのになぜ無くならない？
心からはやく戦争が終わってほしいと思う。

Fact 2.

世界の極度の貧困（一日の収入が50セント以下）に苦しむ人の数 : 約1億6200万人。その3/4がサハラ砂漠以南のアフリカにいる。この数は日本の総人口より多い。

The number of the world most poor (whoes income is less than 50 cents a day) ; 162 million. 3/4 of them live in South Africa. This number is higher than Japan's population.

これもまた、日本にいると全く違う世界の話にしか感じない。でもこれが現実。多くの大企業が毎年過去最大の利益を出す一方で、貧困はなくなるどころか格差がどんどん広がっている。
このままでいいのだろうか。どうしたらいいのだろう。。

Tokyo Life

2007-11-04T22:11:00.001+09:00

View from my balcony. When I see this, I feel that I live in Tokyo.
Roppongi hills on the left and Tokyo tower on the right.

3 min walking from my place.

No matter how many times I see, I'm always impressed by it's beauty.

Tokyo Midtown

2007-11-04T21:51:00.001+09:00

My best friend came to visit me and we went to Tokyo Midtown, one of the hottest place in Tokyo. I've been here many times but this time, I went as a tourist and took some pics.

Opened this year in spring, very modern but also japanese style. Even though it's in the middle of Roppongi, you don't feel like it at all.

Akko trying to take a picture of the tall building and me, taking a picture of that.

Happy Halloween!!!

2007-10-28T20:58:00.001+09:00

This weekend was a Halloween party!

I thought I was too old to dress up but hell no! There were so many people (young and old, japanese and foreigners) in the street dresse up in costumes that we wanted to wear something also.
We were planning to go home but bought this dress at 12am midnight and went out partying.
I can't believe I walked down the street in a China dress! but since surroundings were much more crazy it wasn't embarrassing at all.

Happy Halloween everyone (^^)

Moving

2007-10-13T19:40:00.002+09:00

I just moved to a new place and I'm so sick of doing things to make my room. I had to buy bed, frige, microwave, washing mashine, desk, chair, TV table, kitchen stuff, toilet stuff, curtains, and many other small things. Also, I had to have Internet connection, have electricity, gas, water etc. Gosh, it takes time and I have to carry heavy things, have to clean up, and the worst is that I have to wait for the delivery to come which you don't know when, so you have to stay at home for 3 hours just waiting. plus, it takes 1 week to come so untill then, I don't have them. Today, I bought dest and a chair so it'll come next weekend. I still have many things I need...
It's not just stress but it cost a lot!! ahhhh...

well, fun things is that I can make my own room in my own taste. My room is basically white, cream white and dark brown color with a little bit of red. My bathroom is mostly pink. looks nice!

Updates

2007-10-13T19:19:00.000+09:00

It's been 2 weeks since I started working.
1st week past so fast. Very important customer from Italy came to visit us to have a meeting and I was one of the main person to organize everything. I will be the European Regional Sales (if this business works), so I was always with the Italians for 4 days.
Since I don't know anything about the company nor the products, I can't do any business negotiation but I did translation, explained technical stuff about products, helped to prepare for presentation etc. I worked from early in the morning till late at night but I enjoyed it very much. I get to eat sushi and tempura in Ginza and also, went to Nikko (3 hours drive from Tokyo where it has world heritage shrine) on Sat. which was considered "work" but me, I was enjoying sightseeing with them:)
Doing business with foreign company and Japanese company are very different. Their mind, their attitude, their questions are different. Sometimes they ask things we never imagined. I want to know more about the difference and be able to handle both well. Also, I need to learn more about the products... I'm not good in electronic device...

New Job

2007-09-22T00:50:00.001+09:00

Finally, I've decided my way.
I was looking for a job and it's not difficult to get a job if you don't choose.
But to find the one that you want to do (and most likely you don't know what you wanna do exactly), was difficult.
Changing job is kinda like deciding your life. Especially in Japanese society. You can say that your private life depend on your job, company, industry, boss etc.

This time I've decided to work in a very small company. Very opposite from the previous company. Let's see which is better for me, big organization or small organization. It looks interesting though. I'm gonna be doing national and international sales. They've just launched their product internationally so I get to participate in un-established business. I don't know anything about sales but I think I can do it ;) I think "sales" is more of a people-to-people relationship.

Also, I'm excited about my new life in Tokyo! I found a very nice place near Tokyo tower. Finally I can have my own castle! I love organizing rooms and deciding bed, chair, curtain... make it in my style.

I'm gonna work hard and play hard to enjoy my life!

Bali!!!!!

2007-09-10T23:38:00.001+09:00

If you go to Bali, make sure you go to Gili Islands as well. Much more beautiful and romantic than Bali. Above 3 pics are in Gili.

Do you have someone...

2007-09-09T09:32:00.001+09:00

When you really need help, when you are down, do you have someone to talk to? When you're scared walking down the street, do you have someone to call?
You are very fortunate if you have someone to talk to without any hesitation. Maybe you don't have any reason to call but when you feel lonely and you need to talk to someone. Who do you call...?
Boyfriend, girlfriend...? Friends that you know for a long time?
When you become older, it's difficult to find someone new like that. Society covered with lies and pretense, it's hard to believe someone, get to know the true person.

When someone needs help (and that person is really important to you), give them a hand no matter what circumestances. Even though you're busy, show them that you care about him/her. When you need help, they'll give you a hand.
Do not leave your beloved ones.

What was the best thing that you did travelling?

2007-09-03T11:16:00.001+09:00

久しぶりに会う友達とかによく聞かれるのは「一番よかった国はどこ？」と聞かれる。
でも、この前ある子に、「5ヶ月間周遊して帰ってきて、一番（周遊旅行に）行ってよかったなって思うことは何？たくさんの人に出会えたとかいろんな国がみれたとかじゃなくて。。」と聞かれた。一瞬考えたが、すぐに答えが出た。
「今しかできないことが出来たこと。みんながみんなできることではないことが出来たこと。」今、私の知っている中で仕事が楽しい、一生今の会社を続けたいと思ってるひとが誰一人といない。みんな何かしら疑問を感じ、近い将来辞めることを考えている。確かに周りの新社会人の方が私より遥かに社会を経験してるだろうし、仕事のことも分かるであろう。私は1年しかまだ働いたことがないから、スキルも何もない。悲しいことに、この国には仕事に追われ、自分の時間が全くなく、仕事のストレスでカラダが悲鳴をあげている人がたくさんいる。そんな人が世界中に何億といる中、世界を旅行ながら文化を見て、人をみて、触れ合って・・・っていうひとは一握り。やりたいって思ってるひとは山ほどいるけど、実際にやるのはごく一部。私は、仕事の経験はないが、人よりもいろんなもの見てきたし、感じてきた自信はある。いろんな国の生活ぶりをみてきて、いろんなものを感じる中、人生で何が一番大切なのかもわかった。大手企業をやめ、もったいないと人に言われたが、今でもまったく後悔してない。そのまま続けてたら楽しくもなく、悲しくもない平凡は日々だったであろう。

何人かの人は「そんななめたこといって。人生そんなに甘くない」と思うかもしれないが、それはそれでいいと思う。私はまだ24だし、まだ何も知らなくても許される年だと思う。（って思ってちゃだめかな？）20代はtake risks, experience many things as possibleだと思う。

友達にこの質問をされてから改めて、自分の幸福さに気づいた。自分はなんて幸せなんだろうって。こんだけやりたい放題できる人はそういない。何かしら制限があると思う。お金であり、親であり、仕事であり、恋愛であり。私が旅をできたのは、なんといっても、何も言わず私がしたいようにさせてくれた親のお陰。あと、旅費は自分の稼いだお金で行ったが、家が経済的に大丈夫でないかぎり、こんな冒険もできない。

私はいつも自分に言っている。「人生は一度きり。楽しまなくっちゃ☆」

When I meet my friends after coming back from the travel, everyone ask "where was the best country?" But the other day, one asked me " what was the best thing that you went travelling? Not that you met many people or you saw many places but..." I thought of it for a second but a had the answer immediately.
"the thing that I could do what I can only do now. the thing that I could do what not many people can do." As far as I know, none of my friends enjoy their job, none of my friends are thinking to continue their current job for a long time. Of course, other people has by far more experience than me, know more about business society. I've only worked 1 year so I don't have any skills. However, there are so many people that are too busy working, don't have private life, got sick because of the stress etc. There are millions and billions of people like that in the world, not living their life, not interesting life but meanwhile, I was travelling around, saw many things, experienced culture, met many people, felt so many things ... A lot of people say they wanna do this but people who actually do is only few. I don't have skills and working experience but I am confident that I experienced and felt many things than other people. I have courage. I've also found out what is really important in my life. There are people who says I'll regret that I quit a big company but I never do. If I've continued, I would be having same old life, not too hard but not exciting life.

Some people might think I am thoughtless for the future. Especially Japanese. But I think it's okay. I'm still 24. Someone said "When you're in 20s, take risks."

After being asked this question, I again realized how lucky I am. not many people can do this. More or less, you'll have some restraint to do this, whether it is money, parents, job, love etc. My parents understanding meant a lot to me. They didn't oppose, let me do what I wanna do. Also, I paid the travel money but if my family was poor, I couldn't do this either.

" You can only live once. Live life!"

Japanese Society

2007-08-31T00:41:00.001+09:00

Again, I've been thinking a lot about Japanese society, Japanese Company since I'm looking for a job right now.

My girl friend who works in one of the biggest and intelligent company in Japan, work a lot. Too much. It's okay if she's enjoying it or getting paid well. But the thing is, even though she works till 10 pm, she doesn't get over paid. (usual working hour is until 6 pm) It's not because her boss says you cannot do that. It's because the whole atmosphere, the company culture makes her not declaring over time. Another friend of mine (same age) who works in Panasonic got ill because... I think too much working. Make you work a lot, stress, pressure etc... If you get paid very well, maybe MAYBE you can survive but if no, you know what happens.

The most beautiful sky I've ever seen

2007-08-30T17:22:00.001+09:00

Australia was not much impressive but one thing that is really really beautiful is the sky. Seriously, I've never seen such a beautiful sky like here. Everyday clear blue sky, amazing sunset... breathtaking.

Ayer's Rock (Uluru)

2007-08-30T17:08:00.001+09:00

Because of the VISA expiration, we had to get out from Indonesia, so we chose the closest country... Australia. From Bali to Darwin, it's only 3 hours. Australia was very expensive for backpackers. We were thinking to stay for a while but we only stayed for 10 days just to see this famous rock, Ayer's Rock.

3 Mixed Culture

2007-08-24T00:34:00.001+09:00

Malaysia is a very interesting country. It might not have much things to see but there is no other country that has 3 culture mixed so well without any conflict. If you look in the streets, you'll see people with scarf on head, indian costume, and Chinese girl in a short skirt.

Malay 65% (Muslim), Chinese 25% (Buddism or Christian) and Indian 10% (Hindu or Christian). Because Malay is considered to be the native and Chinese and Indians are immigrants, law is based on Malay's religion "Muslim". My friend, who is Chinese Malaysian, told me that Malay people has many advantages conpared to other race. One of the benefit is financial benefits. For example, when they buy a land or house, Malay people get 5% discount. When you go to the bank, Malay gets more interests than non-Malay.

Can you believe this? So I asked him "They are all born in Malaysia which means all same Malaysians. How come they are treated different?" He said "We are same nationality but different race." Then I asked " Aren't Chinese or Indians angry and do a protest or something? No jealousy or hatred?" The answer was "No." He explained that the rules are set like this so that everyone will understand that Malaysia belongs to Malays. Chinese and Indian Malaysians accept this and are happy as they are. There are no conflict, that's why this country is very peaceful country, he said.

He also told me that there are good things for non-Malays about the financial benefits to Malay. Since Malay has beneifts, they get lazy to work. They don't try hard to earn money. On the other hand, Chinese and Indians work hard. In fact, most of the richest person in Malaysia is Chinese-Malaysian.

One more thing that I was curious. "Can Malay, Chinese and Indian marry each other?" "Yes, but if you marry to Malay, you have to be Muslim. There is no choise." Becoming Muslim means no alchohol, no pork, no sex until marrige, no showing skins, fasting, praying 5 times a day. To me, it seems like there are too many restrictions that you cannot enjoy your life as much as you can. but I guess if you are born like that, haven't experienced to drink alchohol, then you won't need it. Sex (or cigarrete is bettery example maybe) is the same thing, right? Once you've experienced, you know the taste that you have to do it agian.

Oh, but unfortunately Muslim do have sex before marrige, do have an affair too. Not everyone but few. Of course it's a hidden secret. I guess all men are same no matter which nationality, race or religion!? Tell me your opinion guys!

Malaysia

2007-08-24T00:07:00.001+09:00

Kuala Lumpur

This is my second time visiting K.L. When i was in high school, we had this exchange program with our sister school in K.L. so I went there for 2 weeks. I was staying in a host family and guess what, I met them again! wow, 9 years since last time we met! My host buddy, Elena, became very beautiful and her brother grew up a lot. Their parents hasn't changed a bit. It is very nice to see then again. It's quite amazing to keep in touch since high school. I'm sure we'll meet again. Don't know when but sometime, somewhere. untill then, keep in touch!

Melaka

Pulau Tioman

Thai People

2007-08-22T12:30:00.001+09:00

Thai people are so royal to the king. When I arrived, it was the king's birthday and people are encouraged to wear king's color "yellow" the whole month. Surprisingly, everyone was wearing yellow. If this was in Japan, no one will wear it. The first day I was walking down the street and saw everyone in yellow, I felt like I was in a wired world wondering what was going on.

Bangkok Karaoke is more advanced than Japan! This is in a shopping mall and you pay by how many songs you want to sing. I think it was about 20 cents per song. It's a great idea! Girls can do shopping for hours and hours but they get tired. With this, you can sit, rest and sing at the same time. It is cheaper than going into a cafe. 10 min rest & singing, go shopping again!

Another surprising thing. In Thailand, many things are restricted to show on TV. Sex scenes are normal, but even people smoking cigarretes and holding guns, they obscure them so that you can't see. People's smoking in the streets and cover to show on TV? I can't understand this. Plus, you can't enjoy the TV if you cover too many scenes. I wonder how much you can see if you watch Sharon Stone movie.

Thailand

2007-08-21T15:50:00.001+09:00

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phangan

In this island, there is this famous party called "Full Moon Party". Held once every month when there's a full moon at the beach. It's supposed to be some kind of religious ceremony but now it's only a tourist attraction. This party is really really crazy. Beach is packed with drunk people, clubs, music, dance, drugs etc... This is the craziest party I've ever been. Here, the drinks are a bucket that has one whole small bottle of liquer and one can of soda. This is only $5. No wonder everyone's so drunk. One bucket is enough to make you crazy. There is also a party called "Half Moon Party" which is held in the jungle also once a month. That means there's a big party every other week. But here, everynight is a party. Just that full moon and half moon party are more crowded than crowded. If you like crazy party, this is the place.

Bangkok

Kingdom of Cambodia

2007-08-20T19:38:00.001+09:00

Phunom Penh

7 hours by bus from H.C.M.C. I arrived in the capital of Cambodia. People eat everything here. Cockroach, grass hopper, spider, rats, some wired plant etc... wow. It was the poorest country I've visited but people didn't look that unhappy. When you meet their eyes, people smile. In China, this would not happen. In Vietnam, if you don't give money, people will be unfriendly. Here, even though you don't buy anything, people will still smile at you.

Angkor Wat

This was amazing. People should go once in their life time. Angkor Wat is actually one of the temple in the Angkor Park and there are a lot more temples around. The park is extremely huge that you need a car of a moto to go around. Tourist usully hire a car or a taxi. The entrance fee is $20 for one day pass, $40 for 3 days and $60 for 1 week. One day is definately not enough, 3 days are good. This is very very expensive in Cambodia but I noticed later that Cambodians are free to enter. Very poor country but very expensive for tourist. Please enjoy the pictures!

Power, money?

2007-08-20T17:37:00.000+09:00

A tuk-tuk driver in Cambodia told us that the richest people in Cambodia are those who has the "power". Politicians, police, friends of politicians, friends of police...
but I also think that people who has the "money" can have "power".

"In Cambodia if you have the power, you can do whatevery you want." he said. "you can get the most beautiful women in the country, even if she had a husband. Women cannot say no even she wanted to."

Sadly, the world still works that way. In every country.

Vietnam

2007-08-20T11:22:00.000+09:00

Hanoi

My impression of this city is... not a beautiful city. Too many people and crazy traffic. One thing I was surprised was that there were no Mc Donald's in Vietnam. Where ever you go, no matter how coutry side it is, there was always Mc Donald's in all over the world but not in Vietnam. Probably some politic problem from the war with U.S. Actually it's quite nice not having Mc around you.

Halong Bay

Hue

Nha Trang

Nha Trang is one of the most famous beach in Vietnam. Not too crowded not too quiet beach. Second picture is "Bar in the ocean". We did a boat trip and it was all you can drink! There were many jelly fish and the water was very cold but everyone jumped out and swam to the bar.

Mui Ne

This is a very small town but one of my favorite cities. Nothing much to do but you can walk up the river which has an awsome scenery and do sliding from the sand dunes. I was scared so did with a local little kid about 12 ys old. I remember he was a very gentleman:)

Ho Chi Min City (Saigon)

One and the only thing you need to do in H.C.M.C. is to visit the War Museum. War between Vietnam and the U.S. just ended 32 years ago. Only 32 years. Can you believe this?

I visited a tunnel called "Vin Moc Tunnel" which was a shelter during the war. It was very hot, humid, dark and stinky. I can't imagine living in that place. This tunnel is not in H.C.M.C. It is close to Hue which is in the middle of the country.

Kumming, China --> Hanoi, Vietnam

2007-08-20T10:52:00.001+09:00

On the way to Vietnam from China was the worst road trip ever. 12 hours by bus to the boarder and another 12 hours train to Hanoi. The thing is, the bus road was terrible, storm and heavy rain when we got to the boarder, and train was terribly hot, hard seat, crowded (we thought we bought the soft seat with A/C but we got cheated). From the boarder to Hanoi, it is only 300km but it took 12 hours!! Can you imagine how slow this is? Motos were faster then us...

China's transportation is still very bad. The country's so big that people travel by bus or train often but very slow, dirty, and usually A/C doesn't work. I wonder what foreigners think when they come to China for the Olympics. As far as I've seen, Beijing is far from completion and it's less than 1 year till the Olympic starts.

Back to Japan

2007-08-20T10:27:00.000+09:00

I finally came back from travelling. 5 month travelling throughout South East Asia. I'll be posting some blogs and pics from the trip later on.

It feels wired to be back after a while away from Japan. I gotta find job...:(

Vietnam Traffic

2007-05-28T17:22:00.000+09:00

Traffic in Vietnam is terrible...

there seems to be no rules. Everyone drive however they want.

The smallest Mc Donald's in the World!!

2007-05-07T19:36:00.000+09:00

In Shanghai.
This is the smallest Mc Donald I've ever seen!!

Travelling around different countries, I'm surprised and impressed how Mc Donald and Starbucks take over the world. They are everywhere.

Oh, but I haven't seen Mc Donald in Vietnam!
maybe that has something to do with the history.

Currently in Vietnam!!!

2007-05-05T16:54:00.000+09:00

Long long time since last post.

I've been travelling around China and now in Vietnam. I really would like to post some pictures but that seems to be difficult because of the computer situation. I will upload as soon as possible when I can.

I've been travelling around and meeting people on the way. They all come from different countries, different occupation, backgrounds, personality etc...

But one thing I've noticed. People travelling around (not the ones who's on vacation) have the same purpose. They are questioning them-selves and searching for the answer to "What do I wanna do?" "What do I wanna be?" or "What is life...?"

You'll probably be quetioning that all your life and there's no answer to it. But travellers are looking for the hints or some ideas to get the answer.

Have you found your answer?

Some Phrases

2007-03-25T23:04:00.001+09:00

最近、人に言われた心に残っている言葉。

人生は一瞬一瞬だ。将来の損得を考えず、今素直にやりたいと思うことをやるべき。
Life is every moment.　Don't think about the profits and listen to your heart's voice.

会社は結局“人”である。会社にとって“人”が最大の財産。
People is the most important thing for a company.　Employeeｓ are the assets.　

お金は大事。お金は自信につながる。
ただし、お金は幸せではない。
Money is important. Money will become confidence.
But money is not happiness.

お金を増やす方法は３つ。
一、収入を増やす
二、支出を減らす
三、資産運用
今の私にできるのは二番。
There are 3 ways to increase your money.
1. Increase the income.
2. Minimize the expences.
3. Investing

この一年で学んだこと。まとめ。

2007-03-23T14:38:00.000+09:00

たった一年（実際職場についてからは9ヶ月）しか働いていないから、スキル・知識的なものは全く身に付いていないが、その間、日本の大きな組織に入って感じたこと・学んだ事・疑問に思ったことを最後に書き残しておきたい。

「この一年何を一番学んだか。」部内の送別会をしてもらったとき、課長にこう聞かれた。一瞬戸惑ったが、すぐ答えが浮かんだ。それは“組織”というもの。

私は今まで自由奔放に生きてきた人間なので、決められたルールに基づいて、型にはまったり、みんなで～、集団でするというようなことをあまりしたことがなかった、というか苦手だった。帰国子女だからといいわけしたくないが、やはり海外経験がある人は自分の意見をはっきり言うし、やりたいことを遠慮せず言うから、悪く言えば「自己中」、よくいえば「自分をしっかり持っている」といわれる。それを長所にするか短所にするかは自分次第であろう。

ともあれ、こんな私が伝統的な日本の会社に入ったのだから理解できないことがたくさんあった。
まず驚いたのが入社式。みんな同じ黒いスーツ。式の前に社歌を暗記＆練習。全員に支給されたダサすぎる服。毎朝の服装チェック。口の体操。社訓唱和。お辞儀の仕方。350人ほどいるのだから軍隊に入ったのかと思ってしまう。まず、この段階で理解できなかった。「みんなもう大人なんだし常識あるんだから幼稚園児みたいに監視しないでほしい。」のちに、ある部長に靴のピンヒールを注意されたときは本気で嫌気がさした。なんでそんなことまで言われなきゃいけないの？

それから集団生活、営業研修、工場実習を経て配属先へ。営業研修・工場実習は辛かったが、いろんな人々のお陰でうちの会社が成り立っていること、いろんな人の苦労のお陰でお金を稼げていることを肌で感じることができて本当によかった。また、いろんな視点から物事をみることができるようになった。二回目の大きな衝撃は配属先。経理部だった。どっからどうみても私は“経理”ではない。親も友達もそろって「あなたには向いていない」という。なんで？ここで初めて「会社という組織は怖い」と思った。
もちろん上司や人事に理由を聞いてみた。「数字に強い人間を育てたい。数字が分かればどこの部署に行っても強い。また、今の時代経理が一番海外赴任をする機会が多いから海外に興味のある人を集めている。」昔からよく言われているが、日本の会社が求めるものはゼネラリスト。いろんな仕事・部署を経験しながら視野を広げ上に上がっていく。私は海外営業かPR系しか考えていなかったし、エントリーの段階からアピールしていたのでそれを考慮したうえで採用されたのこと思ったが、実際は違った。経理配属10人中、経理志望は2人。その内全くもって興味のない人が5人。こんなんで大丈夫なの？と思うが、なんとかなるのがまた怖いところ。組織というものである。ひどいのは新入社員だけではない。いきなり3日後に違う事業所（つまり転勤）へ異動させられる人がいれば、アメリカから帰ってきたばっかりでやっと日本で家族と落ち着けると思ったら一週間後にタイへ異動命令の人もいる。昇格するかもしれないが、そういう問題ではないと思う。彼の家族はもう海外生活が嫌らしく、タイへは1人で行くそう。などなど、大きな組織になればなるほど、個人的なことを考慮してもらえず、会社の都合で動かされてしまう。確かに、これは理解できる。ここまで大きくなった組織、みんなの希望を聞いているといつまでたっても決まらないし、会社の利益を最優先するのが普通である。また、いろんな仕事を経験した人の方がいろんな角度から物事をみることができ、スペシャリストでは想像できなかったことができるかもしれない。そこで会社に従うか従わないかはその人次第である。私みたいにこのような組織は自分に合っていないと思えば辞めるだろうし、それでいい・出世するには仕方がないと思うのであれば従えばいい。ただ、悲しいのは、やめたい・嫌だと思って働いている人が想像以上に多いことである。でもなんだかんだ言って結局みんな辞めない。会社に従っている。だから組織も成り立つのだ。これが良いか悪いかは分からない。この組織のあり方が自分に合っているか、合っていないかだと思う。ただ、この日本的組織のお陰で日本が戦後強くなったことは事実である。日本人である以上、まして海外に興味がある私にとって、日本の組織を少しでも肌で感じることができたことだけでも、この会社で得た大きな収穫である。もともとこの会社を選んだのも、世界で強い日本の会社に入って日本の企業組織というものを知りたかったからなので、本来の目的は達成できたかな・・？

この他にも日々の業務で疑問に思ったことは多々ある。例えば、ハンコ。何かとはんこ、はんこをうるさい。一つのプロセスでも担当者（私）→係長→課長→部長と確認してはんこを押して次へ回す。一つの決裁を決めるにもいろんな部を回り、はんこをもらって次工程へ回し、結局決裁がおりるのに1週間はかかる。そんなに時間がかかっていいのか？と思い、入った当時課長に質問したことがある。「どうしてはんこはんことうるさいのですか？もっと早く決断した方がいいんじゃないですか？」と。すると「はんこにはきちんと意味があるんだよ。はんこをみると誰が確認したか、誰に責任があるか一目で分かる。責任分担することができる。また、はんを押すことによって個人に責任意識を持たすことができるし、何重にもチェックすることによって回避できる間違いを見つけることができる。」と。確かに自信のないものや不安なものには自分のはんは押したくない。また、大きな組織となった以上、一つの判断が大きなミスにもなりかねないので、複数の人間によっていろんな目線からチェックする必要があるのだろう。

とまぁ、"組織"というものに疑問に思うことが多々あったが、今はそれぞれに理由があり、理解できるようになった。再度言うが、これは良し悪しではなく、自分に合っているか、合っていないかである。日本的組織というものを少しでも体験できたこと、また、それが自分には合っていないことが分かっただけでもこの会社に入ってよかったと思う。

最後にもう１つ、この会社に入って得たもの。それは多くの出会い。同期はもちろん、尊敬できる上司、職場コーチ、部内の人、技術の人、工場の人、いろんな人にお世話になった。この会社は本当に良い人が多いと思う。意地悪な人はいないし、嫌味な人もいない。（もちろん変な人はいるけど）こんなんだからうちの業績が上がらないのかもしれないけど。何もわからない、非常識な私にもやさしく丁寧に教えてくれる会社はそうないと思う。数少ないが、これから一生付き合っていくであろう人にも何人か出会えた。同期はもう同期ではないが、これから彼らがどのように成長し、大きくなっていくのかすごく期待している。いつか雑誌や新聞等に載っている人もでてくるだろう。これからは一消費者として応援しています☆また、職場コーチと課長には心から感謝しています。会社のためではなく、私の事を思っていつも応援してくれ、２人がいてくれたからここまでやってこれた。本当に有難うございました。

My recent activities

2007-03-12T17:16:00.000+09:00

Final Decision

2007-03-12T16:09:00.000+09:00

Feb 19th.

I declined the offer. I called the HR manager in the morning but since he was out for the conferense, I wrote him a email. His reply was " I understand. Your will seems to be very strong so I will give up to hold you back. I wish for your success in the future. "

Feb 20th.

I met my direct bosses again to confirm my final decision. I said, "My will haven't changed. I would like to leave this company." They looked sad but accepted. The next is paper work.

Feb 21st.

I met the general manager this day and talked about things in details. When is the last day, what to do with paid holidays, insurance, resignation etc... I thought I had to write my resignation to give in but they had this format which you just have to fill in blanks and write few sentences.

My plan was to finish working on March 20th, and after that use all of my paid holidays. In this case April 20th will be my last day in my company.

March 1st.

I turned in my resignation paper. Everything's done.

March 2nd.

My boss called me suddently to discuss about the resignation date. The company asked me to set March 31st to be the last day. I guess this makes them easier for procedure and so forth. They said I can use my paid holidays so counting from the 31st using my holidays will be.... 7th!?!? My boss said it will be helpful to them if I stay longer (that means working for free!!) but it is up to me to decide my last day at work. Of course I will use all of my paid holidays! It was only 3 more working days till I finish. Wow.

The last 3 days went by so quickly. On Monday my boss told everyone that I will leave work in 3 days, did a farewell party for me, saying goodbye and thank you to people at work, plus my rutine work.

March 7th, the last day.

Updates...

2007-02-17T03:19:00.000+09:00

So yes, I did tell my boss about leaving my job.

Feb, 5th, Monday moring, my boss (my closest boss) called me to talk. First I didn't know how to start so he was speaking most of the part. After a while I thought I have to say it so I started..."You know I've been thinking about my job, that I told you I'm not enjoying and want to change the position..." I've discussed and told my feelings few month ago. I told everything that I was thinking, all my passion, my decision. He listened to me and didn't stop me. He is a really understanding person, he always thinks about me first than about the company. "If the next step is best for you, I'll encourage you for what you've chosen." he also said "don't worry about the company. You can leave whenever you need to." because I said I feel bad that I'm leaving in the most busiest time of the year and also for everything he've done to me. He was different from other people. Never look down on me, explained to me in easy words so that I can understand even he was so busy. First step, cleared.

Next step. Feb, 7th. I had an interview with my manager in our accounting group. I told my feelings again. He's reaction was different. " I still want you to rethink and stay in our company. The best is to stay here but if you don't want to, I can talk to the HR and maybe we can change your position. Please think about it."

Third Step. Feb, 15th. My manager called me again and told me that bigger boss in Accounting department wants to talk with me. It's a bit complicated but I belong to 2 groups. I'm in accounting in Applied System Group but also belong to Head Accounting Department which is in the head office. So that means I have to persuade people in 2 different groups. So this time was interview with the Top 2 of the whole Accounting Department. He's in quite a high rank so made me very nervous. Plus, he has this big eye balls that make me more nervous. Anyway, in the first half of the interview, he was speaking most of it trying to make me pursuade from leaving. He said few things that made me a bit waver (like they might be able to change position) but maybe is maybe, no gaurantees. At the end, I think I won the fight. he seemed like he didn't know what to say because my will was so strong. But because of the situation he couldn't say "Ok, we will understand", so he just said " I understand your feelings but think again and hope you'll change your mind."

Forth Step. Feb, 16th. I was called from the same boss I talked yesterday and took me to HR manager's room. So now the boss of the HR. He didn't ask me like why I want to quit or something like that. He was there to ask how he can stop me from leaving the company. They offered me a great deal. He said he can put me into International Sales or Advertising group which I wanted to get in before. Not sure which position since there're many but definatley has something to do with internationally or PR. He said " we don't want to lose you for both of our benifits. We do have position that you might be interested. Will you stay if we give you the position that you want?" I didn't know what to say. then, he said "I'm not asking you to decide right now so think about it over this weekend and let me know on Monday, ok?"

Now this made me confused. This was the position I've always wanted, not anyone can get it. Doing international sales or PR for a big company must be very interesting, since the business is in a larger scale. As far as the career wise, staying in the company is a lot wiser. This is an ultimate decision. Choose my career or love? Which ever decision I make, I'm sure I won't regret. I just need to think what I want to do now. Not thinking like "if I choose this I will lose this" or " what if I ...." I had a weekend to think and decide.

Listen to your heart, Mayu... and I know what I want. I've already made up my mind. I guess I've already chosen the answer from the beginning. just that sometimes you need someone to agree with you and make you feel more confident, you know?

Thanks to my friends who gave me good advise.

Hisashiburi~!!

2007-01-29T20:12:00.001+09:00

Haven't written for a while. I hope people are still reading my blog...

The reason I was away for a while is because my life has changed a lot recently.
In a good way, so don't worry. But still same job...
I remember writing here a few month ago that I'm thinking to quit my job. I still have that feeling and I was waiting for the right chance. Well, I think now is the time now.

My company was ranked 4th in one of the recruiting company's top 100 ranking and 1st among male new graduates. Human resourse said we have 3 times more applicants than last year. Wow, I was surprised to hear this.
You can't believe how good my company's welfare program is. Depends on which department you belong but in my case, I can get holidays almost anytime I want (I took 2 days off this month), no overwork except the busiest time. If I had to do overtime, I get paid 100% ( not like many Japanese who have to do "non-paid over time" ) I would never want to work for free. I also have long GW, summer and winter vacation (compared to other jp companies).

So lucky, huh? Too good to quit. I know, I know...
This makes me to hold back a little bit but I don't think I will regret. Because I'm not enjoying my job! It's not because I can't do it or I hate it. It's not the thing I want to do. I still don't know what exactly I wanna do but I can tell you this is not it. Completely the opposite.

I know that getting a job that you enjoy is difficult. Only a few (or maybe no one) are like that. You might have to keep looking all your life to find that position. But what if you don't try? Only regret will remain. You'll keep thinking "what if I did this...." or "what if I quit and challenged this...". I don't wanna be like that.

Anyway the reason I'm writting this is to remind myself that I have to notice my company this week. This week. I am 100% sure for my decision but I don't have the courage to tell my boss... I'm not like this usually but telling your boss that you want to quit is.... difficult, pressure. Especially when your boss did a lot for you. But in order to quit by the end of March, I have to say it. Please everyone wish me luck...

I'll update and tell you how it went next time.
For those of you wondering what am I gonna do after quitting, I'll tell you when I know that for sure. It's not like I'm not thinking anything and leaving my job. I do have some ideas and plans in my mind.

すごく久しぶりに書く気がする。
新年に入ってから新しい生活になったので、ちょっとご無沙汰してました。
新しい生活といっても仕事を辞めたわけじゃないので。
でもそろそろ本気で辞めることを会社に言おうと思います。前に一度このことについてブログ書いたことあるけど、ついにその時期が来たようです。

先週、会社のイントラで”当社がある雑誌で就職ランキング第４位、男性新卒者では第１位にランクイン”というニュースが入ってきた。人事部によると新卒応募者数は去年の3倍だという。正直驚いた。

辞めたい気持ちは本物だが、辞めたくない理由が一つだけある。それは福利厚生がとても良いこと。まぁ事業部や部署によるんだけど、私の場合、有給が好きな時にいつでもとれる（今月なんか2回も休んだ）、残業はほとんどないし、あったとしても残業代が必ずつく。GW、夏休み、冬休みが長期である（今年はそれぞれ９か１０日間ある）。こんな日本企業ほとんどないだろう。親にも「こんないい会社で働いて、他では働けないよ」って言われた。確かにもったいないかもしれない。でも面白くない。いやとかできないとかじゃなくて、面白くない。仕事に対するやる気が大きかった分、全く興味のない部署に配属されて余計やる気を無くした。やめる理由は後悔しくないから。面白くないまま続けて後で「もし辞めて～してたらどうなっただろう」とか「～やっとけばよかった」って絶対思うと思う。それなら試してみてだめだったらだめでいい。ただやらなくて後悔だけはしたくない。

そんなことはともかく、ここにこの事について書いたのは、自分に言い聞かせるため。辞める決意は本気なのだが、なかなか辞めることが言い出せない。勇気がない。普段はなんでも言えるのだが、"辞める"となると言い出せない。特に大変お世話になった上司に言うのが辛い。でも何が何でも今週中に言わなきゃ。でないと自分が希望する時期に辞められなくなると思うから。有言実行。ここで宣言したら言わなきゃいけないでしょう。

次回、どうなったか報告します。

Ocean and the Sky

2007-01-04T20:55:00.000+09:00

I went to Miyako Island (one of the Island in Okinawa) on a New Years!

The ocean was one of the most beautiful ocean I've ever seen. I went with my family so wasn't romantic at all but wish to visit with my love someday!

The trip was fun but more than that, I enjoyed spending time with my family.
Once you're grown up, you spend less time together with your falmily, right? My dad is a very busy man, I'm not home most of the time (work and private), my sis is busy with school, studying and club activity... I think my mom was enjoying this trip the most.
I probably won't be able to spend time with my family from now on so will treasure those time we can be together. Family is forever a family, whether you like it or not. Appreciate before you regret.

P.S. Enjoy the pictures I took in Miyako Island!! beautiful, ne?

Miyako Island Part Ⅱ.

2007-01-04T20:30:00.000+09:00

Happy happy...

2006-12-31T21:14:00.000+09:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!!

I hope everyone is having a great great holidays and

May your 2007 be a wonderful year as ever!!!

with muchas love,
Mayu♡

umm..., yummy yummy!

2006-12-21T01:25:00.000+09:00

This turns to........

This!!!

Japanese style Omelet
it was soooo good:)

@restaurant "L'ami" in Kobe

Here comes this season again, Luminarie

2006-12-12T01:24:00.000+09:00

Kobe Luminarie ( http://www.kobe-luminarie.jp/ ) just started~!
This is the big Christmas event in Kobe where lots and lots of people come to visit. even there is a tour for this from around Japan.

This illumination started in 1995, after the Big Hanshin Earthquake, to encourage and to give hope to the victims after the disaster. Since then, it's held every year for the memorial of the earthquake and fund raising but it's most likely for lovers and couples to you know, be "love-love".

Each year it has a differnet design, different theme. This year's theme is "L'Incanto Del Cielo" which means incantation or the enchantment of the sky. Designed by an Italian living in Kobe.

I really love this illumination. So beautiful, so breath-taking. With the gospel music and billions of lights in gorgeous designs, it is soooo romantic. You will forget the freezing air, the crowd (you can't imagine how many people there are), and bad things happened to you that day.

I see this every every year, and I'm glad that I could see this year again.

When I see this, makes me think that winter is here, Christmas is here and it's almost end of the year. 20 days left to go guys!

またまたルミナリエの季節がやってきました！
本当に綺麗！！！何回見ても飽きない。ルミナリエはアメリカにいた時以外、毎年見てるけど、
これを見るたびに冬の到来、クリスマス、そして1年の終わりをしみじみと感じる。

来年は誰と見るんだろう。。。？

How to be a good speaker/ communicator

2006-12-03T23:26:00.000+09:00

1. Think of the listener's situation. Their age, sex, personality, status and most importantly, what they want to know.

2. Think of the purpose of the communication.
ex. social communication: greetings and conversation
inform communication: explanation and report
persuade communication: persuation and advice

3. Take everything possitive. don't respond negative.

4. 60% of the impression towards oneself comes from the speaking attitude and facial expression. How you stand, eye contacts, hand, feet, clothes, and ones habit.

5. Before you do a speach, stop, look at the whole audience, take a breath and speak clearly.

6. Getting nervous is a good thing. It means you are highly motivated to speak. Use that nervousness as a chance.

7. Good speaker/communicator is a good listener.

8. Prepare enough for the speech.

9. Observe the listener well.

10. 3 basics principles:plain, simple, and be effective.

11. Tell the outline first, be specific by telling examples, use the words that the audience can understand, see the reaction.

12. Speak in order: overall and parts, comparison, priority, cause and effect, time order.

13. How to report smoothly:
Result first, don't forget the mid report, speedy, memos, 5W2H, fact first then opinion.

14. Ending/conclusion: summerise, your will, or problem solving.

15. Use the conjunction.

16. Never deny the others. Agree or sympathize first then explain or give advise.
" Yes,.... but..."

17. Be humorous and creative.

18. For complaints say "thank you (for your imformation)" first. Sympathize and answer clearly.

19. People learn from mistakes. If it didn't go well, think possitive and be better next time.

20. "Why" "How" is important. Always question yourself and practice to think and speak.

These are from a book I read today in the hot bath tub. I know these are very basic things but I wrote it just to tell myself once again what I need to remember. Recently I've been having trouble explaining and reporting things at work. I have things that I want to explain but I don't know what's the most effective ways to tell them my opinion. Speaking logically is difficult...

北京/Beijing/Peking

2006-11-27T22:38:00.000+09:00

First time in China continent!(I've lived in Taiwan so...)
I've always wanted to see the country that is becoming one of the main country in the world, I was so excited.

-Things I did in Beijing.

Day 1. Arrived in the afternoon, went to the hotel, and headed to the city center to make china dress! custom made china dress♡

Day 2. The Great Wall, the old castle, shopping, ate the famous Taiwanese dumplings.

Day 3. Hair cut, shopping, road bicycle around the lake, walking around the city, my friend's friends took us to eat Peking Duck at one of the most famous restaurant in Bejing.

初めて中国大陸に渡った！旅行は結構行ってるけど、中国大陸は初めて。今や世界の中心でもある中国にすごく行ってみたかったからうれしかった。

-北京でしたこと。

1日目　午後着。ホテルに荷物置いて、速攻チャイナドレスを作りに行った！オーダーメイドの赤いチャイナドレス♡

2日目　万里の長城、故宮（入れなかったけど）、買い物、台湾の有名な小龍包を食べた。

3日目　美容院、買い物、池の周りを自転車みたいなやつに乗って一周、街歩き、北京で有名な店で北京ダック。

I'll post some of my favorite pictures that I took in Bejing. Enjoy!

China Discoverys

2006-11-27T22:16:00.000+09:00

I was in Beijing for only 3 days but made me think about many many things during this trip.
北京にたった3日間しかいなかったけど、いろんな事を観て、感じた旅でした。

Things that I found out, surprising, shocking etc:
驚いたこと、発見したこと、感じたこと：

1. Overwhelming number of staff in restaurants, shops, everywhere.

Some places there were 10 staffs for 2 customers, I saw lots and lots of restaurants with no customers and staffs doing nothing, just sitting and chatting. How can you run a business like this??

　客数に対してあまりにも多い店員。初めて入ったお店ではうちら2人に対して10人くらい店員さんがいてすごく居心地が悪かったよ。レストランでも客がいなくて店員が暇そうにぺちゃくちゃしゃべってる光景たくさんみたし、こんなんで商売大丈夫！？って本気で思った。

2. Waiters and waitresses are mostly 16, 17 yld. just after highschool.

They live in a dorm with few staffs together, working all day. The girl in the pic is 16, very charming girl!

そしてそのほとんどが１６か17歳。写真の子に話を聞いてみたところ、彼女は16で田舎から出てきて寮に住み込みで働いているそう。しかもその寮は数名一緒に住み、給料も相当低い。この子中国人にしてはめずらしく気の利く子で写真撮ろうっていったら恥ずかしがっててかわいかった☆

3. There are no middle class, no average salary. People are either Rich or Poor.

中国には中流階級がいない。だから平均所得というものもない。金持ちか貧乏か。知ってはいたが、現実を目にするととても考えさせられた。私には何ができるのだろう。

4. Women love red, pink, yellow clothes.

女は派手な色が大好き。特に赤やピンク、黄色など。

5. Not friendly, not nice.

This, my friend told me that the more you go south, the more people gets friendly.

Is this because of the temperture? My chinese friend said that you gotta be strong and aggressive to survive in 13 billion population.

やっぱりあまり親切ではなかった。国民性もあって、それは普通なのかもしれないが、日本ではありえないだろう。中国は南に行けば行くほど人が親切になるらしい。気温のせい？でも中国人の友達が言ってたけど、こんなにも人が多い国で自己主張しなかったらやっていけないといっていたなぁ。

6. Kids are so cute! everyone was wearing colorful clothes. but one more thing I've noticed is that I've seen far more boys than girls. Strange. Does this have something to do with one child policy?

　子供が本当にかわいい！みんなカラフルな服着てた。あと、もう一つ気づいたことは子供がほとんど男の子だったこと。たくさん子供見たけど、女の子はごく僅かだったと思う。一人っ子政策と関係があるのだろうか。

7. Kids wear underwear and pants with a hole in it.
It's for their parents convenience so that they can let their kids "do their business" quickly and anywhere they want. But aren't you cold in winter with your butt open? Poor babies... (I wanted to take pics but didn't have a chance...)

子供たちがみんな穴のあいたパンツとズボンを履いていたの！これにはマジびっくりした。いつでもどこでもすぐにトイレにいけるかららしい・・・。でも冬は寒いよぉ。かわいそう。。

8. Many "beautiful woman with ugly guy" couple.

きれいは彼女にかっこよくない彼氏カップルがたくさんいた！！っていうかかっこいい男の人がいない・・・。

9. Starbucks power controlling the world.

There were Starbucks even in the entrance of The Great Wall. Can you believe this?? Also, Starbucks coffee price is the same all around the world. Which means a cup of Starbucks coffee is very expensive for normal chinese people. But still Starbucks has customers. The fact is they are mostly tourist and foreigners from industrialized country.

スタバの浸透力には改めて驚いた。世界中にあることは分かっていたが、まさか万里の長城にまであるなんて。。しかも中国に行っても日本と同じ値段。中国人にとっては高級なはずなのに一体誰が買うのだろう・・と思っていたら、客はほとんど欧米や日本の観光客だった。っていってる自分も何回か行ったし。つい、行きたくなるし、スタバに入ると落ち着く。これが彼らの狙いである。スタバのマーケティングは本当にすごい。恐るべし、Starbucks.

10. Police were standing and chatting, looked like they were not doing their work.

警察が何人かでただ突っ立って、道端でしゃべっている光景を何度も見た。仕事してる？

11. I saw lots of meaningless labor work; like just taking the tickes at the entrance of the station, a guy who pull down the railroad cross manually when train comes, 3 or 4 guards in one place, too many waiters and waitress. This shows how much low the labor cost is.

さっきも書いたけど、意味のない労働力がたくさんあると思う。不必要に多い店員もその一つだし、益でただ切符を受け取るだけの人、何人かでかたまって突っ立ってる警備員、電車が来る度に踏切を手動で降ろす人など。それだけ人が多いいし、労働力も安いのだろう。

12. Is Beijing Olympic 2008 really possible???

　　2008年北京オリンピック、本当に大丈夫？今の街の状態を見ていると心配になってしまう。

13. My friend was surprised that people were in a line to buy the ticket.
Few month ago, chinese peopld didn't know how to line up to do things. They were pushing each other to get what they want.

　友達は、中国人が切符を買うために並んでいたのをみて驚いていた。数ヶ月前まではみんな押し合っていたとうい。「並ぶ」ということを知らなかったらしい。

14. The weather in Bejing is always dull, no blue sky.

北京の空はいつも曇りでどんよりしている。

15. People don't care about the stop lights, cars. You cross when you want to.

人々は信号なんか全く気にせず渡る。車がきてるのに無理やり渡ろうとする。信号の意味があまりないのでは・・？

16. A stop lights for bicycles!

　自転車専用の信号！！

Today's work

2006-11-22T00:54:00.000+09:00

Today I attended a seminar from my company about consumption taxes and stamp tax. Not really interesting topic but one thing I enjoyed was this view from the building! It was right in front of "Osaka Castle" ! Plus, the leaves were starting to get red so that made the scenery more beautiful. I think I've never been there before... that's a shame. I should go sometime.
When I was falling asleep during the speech, I just looked outside and enjoyed the view:)

Sorry that it's not a good quality. I took it with my cell camera so if I zoom it, it becomes like this. My cell is a bit old now. Needs to be changed soon.

And after the seminar, since I was with my senpai (I think this is only in Japanese language, no direct translation in English- which means elder people in a certain group or community. ex. high school, University, company etc.), we went for a dinner. A nice dinner:)

This is one of the place I've wanted to go.
It's called "Le Bistrot de Paris" パリのビストロ（＠大阪西天満）
French cuisine and wine restaurant. We had wine and salad, we also ate wild boar (猪)! I assumed it would taste like pork (since it is a kind of a pig) but it was more like a lamb. I liked it but senpai said it tasted wild (?) and a little heavy. Inside was just like a restaurant in Paris, which reminded me of the days I visited Paris last year.

Bon Appetit!

Amazing !!!!

2006-11-10T23:54:00.000+09:00

I found this amazing blog when I was surfing Internet the other day. I was soooo impressed by her artwork that I want to share with you guys. I'll attach the link but also one of my favorite artwork of her. Fabulous, gorgeous, amazing!!!

久しぶりにこれっ、すごくいい！！といったものを発見してうれしかった☆

Yuki's Design
http://kissui.net/blog/designs/

Halloween Party☆

2006-10-30T21:34:00.000+09:00

Happy Halloween guys!!!

ハッピー　ハロウィン☆

from devil Mayu & Eri