Busy days have passed from the beginning of this yaer on me. January is the first month of the last quarter in a fiscal yaer in Japan. For all book-salesmen, everydays in this season must be busy if they want to survive!
I had some meeting recently with my business partners. One is with some librarians from an association in U.S. They developed a very progressive library system. We discussed about the possibiity to apply to Japanese libraries. The topic was very technical, and I had to listen to their talking in English. Although there was an interpreter, it was a taugh situation for me. But, of course, I could enjoy it.
Another meeting was with an American pulisher. She expalined me for their publications. I like to talk with publishers because they are very interesting. But, this time, the American publisher's publications were about Physics. And, I don't know Physics at all. I tried to study Physics very much in my high school days, but I gave up soon. So, the meeting was also taugh for me. However, as you can imagine, I could enjoy the situation.
In this economical recesion, fortunately, my business is ok. I can spend busy days on my business. But, in general, book-sales in Japan is growing down, due to decreasing population. My company is also on this trend.
Recently my company's store in Shinjyuku has an event to display and sell many goods made by universities all over Japan. Now, most of Japanese universities are producing their own original goods; for example, mag cup, sake, beer, wine, soup, sweets, T-shirts, rice and so on. The aim of this event is to gather the people into the bookstore. For the students of each university, the goods are not rare, but for most people, they are unknown goods. So, it seems that many people are coming to our store.
Book store can't survive without selling new things except books. I am living in a funny era.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
VS Gaza
We are enjoying a happy new year enough well in Japan, but there are many people far from happiness in Gaza. Neither Israel nor Hamas can stop fighting. They don't listen to UN call for cease-fire. Only we can do is to watch their battle on TV with drinking beer. But it is less exciting than watching K-1 fighting match. So, we will change the channel and watch a comedy program.
For Israel and Hamas, what is their new year's destination? To kill their enemy? If such a destination could be achieved, nobody can fell happy. They will continue to worry about the revenge from somebody.
I know they have thier own aim to fight. I can't understand it, though. But, I don't think they imagine the result after the war. They don't know how to end their conflict.
Compared with their sad situation, Japan starts this year with a very peaceful condition. Economy is not good, but not too bad. The weather is fine from the beginning. I feel the air is clean. It's due to Japanese environment technology? I am not sure.
When thinking about the people in Gaza, I can't complain for anything in Japan. I must be happier than them. Although it was the coldest day in this year in Tokyo, I felt warm.
For Israel and Hamas, what is their new year's destination? To kill their enemy? If such a destination could be achieved, nobody can fell happy. They will continue to worry about the revenge from somebody.
I know they have thier own aim to fight. I can't understand it, though. But, I don't think they imagine the result after the war. They don't know how to end their conflict.
Compared with their sad situation, Japan starts this year with a very peaceful condition. Economy is not good, but not too bad. The weather is fine from the beginning. I feel the air is clean. It's due to Japanese environment technology? I am not sure.
When thinking about the people in Gaza, I can't complain for anything in Japan. I must be happier than them. Although it was the coldest day in this year in Tokyo, I felt warm.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
VS Year End
It's the peak of year end parties now in Japan. Shibuya on last weekend was filled with more people. I had a year end party with my coworkers in a crowded restaurant. 20 people shared a table for 15. The unmovable condition could make our relationship tight. It was a good party.
This month, I have many year end parties. Although I don't arrange the parties, many people ask me to have a drink to celebrate the end of this year.
Why do we celebrate it so much?
To be correct, we don't celebrate. We try to forget it.
Year end party is "Bounenkai" in Japanese. The meaning is the gathering for forgetting the year.
I got a Christmas card recently. It says "Merry Christmas, and a happy new year." For the west, The end of this year and the beginning of that new year are seamless. But, for Japanese, it is important to decide the end, to forget the past.
After the Christmas day, we try to clean up everything about Christmas, and prepare for the coming new year. Christmas tree in a town has gone to somewhere. We might look to try to forget the existence of the Christmas.
For Christmas party, this year's party in Aeon was held in the school. It was a nice idea. In this season, all restaurant are crowded and noizy. If we don't refuse to clean up the room after the party, the school is the good place to have a party.
Aeon staff prepared for foods, and we brougt the drinks by ourselves.
I think we had better bring something we can share, for example the bottle of wine, in this kind of party. But, many brought the drinks for themselves. It was okey, but we had better a little know what the party is for.
Back to year end parties, I don't have anything I have to forget. Maybe because this year was the good one for me. Or, everyday's day end parties make me forget everything? I hope it's not true.
This month, I have many year end parties. Although I don't arrange the parties, many people ask me to have a drink to celebrate the end of this year.
Why do we celebrate it so much?
To be correct, we don't celebrate. We try to forget it.
Year end party is "Bounenkai" in Japanese. The meaning is the gathering for forgetting the year.
I got a Christmas card recently. It says "Merry Christmas, and a happy new year." For the west, The end of this year and the beginning of that new year are seamless. But, for Japanese, it is important to decide the end, to forget the past.
After the Christmas day, we try to clean up everything about Christmas, and prepare for the coming new year. Christmas tree in a town has gone to somewhere. We might look to try to forget the existence of the Christmas.
For Christmas party, this year's party in Aeon was held in the school. It was a nice idea. In this season, all restaurant are crowded and noizy. If we don't refuse to clean up the room after the party, the school is the good place to have a party.
Aeon staff prepared for foods, and we brougt the drinks by ourselves.
I think we had better bring something we can share, for example the bottle of wine, in this kind of party. But, many brought the drinks for themselves. It was okey, but we had better a little know what the party is for.
Back to year end parties, I don't have anything I have to forget. Maybe because this year was the good one for me. Or, everyday's day end parties make me forget everything? I hope it's not true.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
VS Microfilm
Most people might have no oppotunity to use microfilms. But, for book-salesmen, they are one of the comodities to sell. A huge numer of books, journals and manuscripts are made microfilms, by publishers or libraries.
To read microfilms, we need a special machine, Microfilm reader. Most people don't have such a machine. That's why we don't have the chance to read microfilms.
Recently, I sold two microflms to my customers.
One is the big collection of Japanese newspapers published from 1945 to 1949. During this periods, GHQ had collected all publications in Japan. And, University of Maryland preserved them in their library.
Now, the newspapers are made microfilms by American company, and we can buy it.
But! The price is very high.
Instead of the microfilms, we can buy a house in Tokyo!
Because an university really really wants them, I sold them. Tokyo lost one house.
Another customer will buy the microfilms of many manuscripts in Arabic countries. This microfilms are not as expensive as the collection of Japanese newspapers. But, the price is as same as the house in Atsugi.
I think the value of the Arabic microfilms is higher. Because, there are no libraries or institutes with them in Japan.
Because my company opened a new shop in Dubai, it might be becoming popular to study Arabic culture in Japan.
Anyway, Atsugi lost one house.
To read microfilms, we need a special machine, Microfilm reader. Most people don't have such a machine. That's why we don't have the chance to read microfilms.
Recently, I sold two microflms to my customers.
One is the big collection of Japanese newspapers published from 1945 to 1949. During this periods, GHQ had collected all publications in Japan. And, University of Maryland preserved them in their library.
Now, the newspapers are made microfilms by American company, and we can buy it.
But! The price is very high.
Instead of the microfilms, we can buy a house in Tokyo!
Because an university really really wants them, I sold them. Tokyo lost one house.
Another customer will buy the microfilms of many manuscripts in Arabic countries. This microfilms are not as expensive as the collection of Japanese newspapers. But, the price is as same as the house in Atsugi.
I think the value of the Arabic microfilms is higher. Because, there are no libraries or institutes with them in Japan.
Because my company opened a new shop in Dubai, it might be becoming popular to study Arabic culture in Japan.
Anyway, Atsugi lost one house.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
VS Surfer Tetsu
The surfer sergeant Tetsu, around 45, was a professional surfing trainer based on Enoshima beach. Recently he quited his job, and went to Italy to know modern Italian cuisine. He will start Italian restaurant business next year.
When I surfed for the first time, I learned it from him. I joined a surfing school, and got his lesson. The keeping my balance on a board was very difficult for me then, but it is an easy job now. Long time has passed since then.
I heard that he was a chef before. He will come back to his old job. I thought the restaurant business is very very taugh now because of economical recession. But fortunately he seems to have a good sponsor. I hope of his success.
During summer time, many people come to Enoshima beach, but in other seasons, the beach is calm. His new restaurant might bring more people there.
When I surfed for the first time, I learned it from him. I joined a surfing school, and got his lesson. The keeping my balance on a board was very difficult for me then, but it is an easy job now. Long time has passed since then.
I heard that he was a chef before. He will come back to his old job. I thought the restaurant business is very very taugh now because of economical recession. But fortunately he seems to have a good sponsor. I hope of his success.
During summer time, many people come to Enoshima beach, but in other seasons, the beach is calm. His new restaurant might bring more people there.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
VS Noge
I went to Pacifico Yokohama to watch a exhibition for librarians this week. Not only librarians but also book-salesmen were interested in the exhibition.
After that, I visited Noge area for drinking.
Noge is an old-fashioned area in Yokohama. It was the great night sopt before, but now many popular places emerges in Yokohama. Noge has became unpopular. In addition, the area's image became bad due to the existence of many prostitues around there.
But recently, some people in Yokohama is trying to change the area's image. They invites young film makers there to make the area cultural.
At the night, I went to an old drinking place (60 year old) with my coworkers. I drunk hot sake with the fin of globefish, Hirezake in Japanese. Thanks to either the alchool or the poison, I was drunk very much. After the place, we moved to a pub where only one grandmother is working. We ordered Whisky, but she refused it and made Shochu for us. We were a little hungry, so ordered spagetti, but she rufused again. She didn't want to cook then, so she brought a meal for her dinner to us. We thought we were in our house.
Noge is the area you have to visit.
After that, I visited Noge area for drinking.
Noge is an old-fashioned area in Yokohama. It was the great night sopt before, but now many popular places emerges in Yokohama. Noge has became unpopular. In addition, the area's image became bad due to the existence of many prostitues around there.
But recently, some people in Yokohama is trying to change the area's image. They invites young film makers there to make the area cultural.
At the night, I went to an old drinking place (60 year old) with my coworkers. I drunk hot sake with the fin of globefish, Hirezake in Japanese. Thanks to either the alchool or the poison, I was drunk very much. After the place, we moved to a pub where only one grandmother is working. We ordered Whisky, but she refused it and made Shochu for us. We were a little hungry, so ordered spagetti, but she rufused again. She didn't want to cook then, so she brought a meal for her dinner to us. We thought we were in our house.
Noge is the area you have to visit.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
VS Business Blog
Do you know the term, Business Blog?
It is the blog used for the communication in a company, which is becoming popular now. Blog itself has already been popular yet in our society. And now, people start to use it for their business.
I know the benefit of blog very well. It make me keep in touch with friends living far away easily. And, writing something in public makes my thinking clear. So, when I knew the existence of business blog system, soon I agreed with introducing it into my company. I thought it must be useful for our working, and interesting because we can know each other more.
However, I realised soon it is not welcome for everybody. Some dislike such a system. My boss is one of them.
Blog is the communication tool in public. Any communication becomes public even though the issue is private. Some bosses hate it, because they want to enclose what they say just in their division. Of course, comfidential things must be enclosed in the division. Private things is too. But, the things about everyday's job should be open to everybody, I think. Who makes the decision? How do I treat the matter? What is the result? They must be checked by others. However, some like to hide what they do. Such people don't like the system for open-communication.
When one of my bosses tried to stop the use of business blog, I wrote a long report for its benefit, to boss's boss. In addition, I advertised the blog to my coworkers everywhere in my company, in order to get my supporters. I don't like this kind of "political" action, but unfortunately I am good at it. My action workd very well.
However, it isn't the only one problem. The bigger problem exists.
There are many people who are not interested in others.
They don't care for other's job, other's remarks and others themselves.
They don't check blog. Of course, they don't wirte anything.
Even if the blig is useful for their job, they aren't interested in it.
I can't enforce them to use the blog. It's their working style. But, I can't understand what is interesting for them in their job if they can't be interested in the people working together.
I like to know what other sales-person is doing in Okinawa. I like to read what the person in a technical division is writing.
Although there are many resisters against open-communication, I am optimistic. I think a business blog system will change Japanese companies' culture. The book store based on the philosophy of freedom of expression have to change the company's culture at first.
It is the blog used for the communication in a company, which is becoming popular now. Blog itself has already been popular yet in our society. And now, people start to use it for their business.
I know the benefit of blog very well. It make me keep in touch with friends living far away easily. And, writing something in public makes my thinking clear. So, when I knew the existence of business blog system, soon I agreed with introducing it into my company. I thought it must be useful for our working, and interesting because we can know each other more.
However, I realised soon it is not welcome for everybody. Some dislike such a system. My boss is one of them.
Blog is the communication tool in public. Any communication becomes public even though the issue is private. Some bosses hate it, because they want to enclose what they say just in their division. Of course, comfidential things must be enclosed in the division. Private things is too. But, the things about everyday's job should be open to everybody, I think. Who makes the decision? How do I treat the matter? What is the result? They must be checked by others. However, some like to hide what they do. Such people don't like the system for open-communication.
When one of my bosses tried to stop the use of business blog, I wrote a long report for its benefit, to boss's boss. In addition, I advertised the blog to my coworkers everywhere in my company, in order to get my supporters. I don't like this kind of "political" action, but unfortunately I am good at it. My action workd very well.
However, it isn't the only one problem. The bigger problem exists.
There are many people who are not interested in others.
They don't care for other's job, other's remarks and others themselves.
They don't check blog. Of course, they don't wirte anything.
Even if the blig is useful for their job, they aren't interested in it.
I can't enforce them to use the blog. It's their working style. But, I can't understand what is interesting for them in their job if they can't be interested in the people working together.
I like to know what other sales-person is doing in Okinawa. I like to read what the person in a technical division is writing.
Although there are many resisters against open-communication, I am optimistic. I think a business blog system will change Japanese companies' culture. The book store based on the philosophy of freedom of expression have to change the company's culture at first.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
VS Street Performance
Next Atsugi News.
CHANGE is the key word of Atusgi, as known well all over the world.
We need something new. We need fresh perspective.
We have to change.
We wouldn't stop changing.
When we stop changing, it means we come to death.
Living people is always changing.
And, living city is also changing.
Atsugi city is not dead. This city is an undead city.
The 1st international street performance festival in Atsugi is held now. 44 street performamce groups is coming to Atsugi now, and they show us thier great works. Magic, acrobat, pantomime, comedy and so on.
I had thoght they were amaturer's works, but I knew their level is very high. I enjoyed watching them very much.
This event will be able to a new every-year's event in Atsugi.
Actually, street performance is fitted to Atsugi, I think.
Atsugi has many narrow roads, and the corners on the street. Small show is just fitted to such places.
Imagine the street performance on the big street in Tokyo. Nobody stop in front of the show, because they don't care for it.
Atsugi is the best place for street performers.
This event will last untill tomorrow.
CHANGE is the key word of Atusgi, as known well all over the world.
We need something new. We need fresh perspective.
We have to change.
We wouldn't stop changing.
When we stop changing, it means we come to death.
Living people is always changing.
And, living city is also changing.
Atsugi city is not dead. This city is an undead city.
The 1st international street performance festival in Atsugi is held now. 44 street performamce groups is coming to Atsugi now, and they show us thier great works. Magic, acrobat, pantomime, comedy and so on.
I had thoght they were amaturer's works, but I knew their level is very high. I enjoyed watching them very much.
This event will be able to a new every-year's event in Atsugi.
Actually, street performance is fitted to Atsugi, I think.
Atsugi has many narrow roads, and the corners on the street. Small show is just fitted to such places.
Imagine the street performance on the big street in Tokyo. Nobody stop in front of the show, because they don't care for it.
Atsugi is the best place for street performers.
This event will last untill tomorrow.
Monday, November 03, 2008
VS Shiro Koro
I have to report for my town Atsugi's great work. In B-1 grandprix, which is the competition for B-calss food all over the Japan, held recently in Fukuoka prefecture, Atsugi's Shiro Koro won No.1.
Shiro Koro is a brand name of pork innards( Horumon in Japanese). I can eat it soon in Yakiniku restaurant in Atsugi.
I don't know the definition of B-class food, yet it's a great thing for Atsugi to be popular. My friend emailed me soon after the grandprix to say that he will eat Siro Koro at his next visit of Atsugi. The gathering of all pork lovers will make Atsugi's economy better.
Shiro Koro is a brand name of pork innards( Horumon in Japanese). I can eat it soon in Yakiniku restaurant in Atsugi.
I don't know the definition of B-class food, yet it's a great thing for Atsugi to be popular. My friend emailed me soon after the grandprix to say that he will eat Siro Koro at his next visit of Atsugi. The gathering of all pork lovers will make Atsugi's economy better.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
VS LOUIS VUITTON
LOUIS VUITTON City Guide Tokyo was published yesterday. Since 1998, LV has published many countries' guide books. And, at last, Tokyo's version was published for the first time. It reminds me of the first appearence of Michelin Guide Tokyo last year. It must be ture that LV Tokyo is one of the big news in Japanese publishing world this yaar. I don't know why, but my company Kinokuniya is the only one book store to sell the book in Japan.
When I drunk in Soiree, a samll bar with just ten seats, in Shinjyuku, Tokyo, last week, a TV director had negotiated the staff to interview the owner of the bar. From him, I knew that the bar is on the guide book. Nobody, including me and even the staff, thought the bar deserves LV's introduction. So, we were surprised.
The staff refused the TV man's offer, because she didn't know LV is publishing a guide book. But, thanks to the exsitence of a professional book salesman in the bar then, she called the bar owner to come there soon. (The day was his day-off.)
After his coming, the interview started, and TV crews took shooting the bar inside. Of course, I was inside too. Because I was a customer.
The bar owner doesn't know why the bar was choosen by LV. So, he was a little confused. In addition, the guide book writes the bar owner is a woman! From the viewpoint of French, he might look female.
It was unfortune that I couldn't check whether I was on TV or not, because I don't have a television.
Moreover, unfortunately my company is not on the guide book even though other book stores are introduced as nice shops to visit! I don't know why LV choose Kinokuniya as the distributor. LV's selection is certainly unique.
I add that the description in the book is also unique and interesting. We can understand the history of Tokyo well.
When I drunk in Soiree, a samll bar with just ten seats, in Shinjyuku, Tokyo, last week, a TV director had negotiated the staff to interview the owner of the bar. From him, I knew that the bar is on the guide book. Nobody, including me and even the staff, thought the bar deserves LV's introduction. So, we were surprised.
The staff refused the TV man's offer, because she didn't know LV is publishing a guide book. But, thanks to the exsitence of a professional book salesman in the bar then, she called the bar owner to come there soon. (The day was his day-off.)
After his coming, the interview started, and TV crews took shooting the bar inside. Of course, I was inside too. Because I was a customer.
The bar owner doesn't know why the bar was choosen by LV. So, he was a little confused. In addition, the guide book writes the bar owner is a woman! From the viewpoint of French, he might look female.
It was unfortune that I couldn't check whether I was on TV or not, because I don't have a television.
Moreover, unfortunately my company is not on the guide book even though other book stores are introduced as nice shops to visit! I don't know why LV choose Kinokuniya as the distributor. LV's selection is certainly unique.
I add that the description in the book is also unique and interesting. We can understand the history of Tokyo well.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
VS Strong Yen
While I enjoy some drinking oppotunities, like Hallowen party, and am relaxed this month, I am spending busy days because my business is at one of the peaks in a business year.
I have to contract my customers for import many things from foreign countries.
Just importing is an easy job. But, always, the job is set with price negotiation. As my friends know well, I am a taugh negotiater, but talking about price is certainly annoying even for me.
In my situation, recent strong yen is the main factor of controversy. A month ago, $1 was around 107 yen. But now it's about 95 yen. And last week, it was 90 yen for a short period. In this monetary situation, pricing of imported commodities is very very difficult.
Because I am not trader, but just a book salesman, I am a completely amateur for international money. In addition, and to be worse, my customer is an amateur too. So, our negotiation can't reach the reasonable goal at all. It is a stressful situation.
But I am lucky because I have many drinking oppotunities this month as I wrote above. They softens my tension very well.
For Natto lover Mike, I want to export Natto to the States, but it must be a bad timing now. The cheap food in Japan becomes a very expensive one for celebrity in US. Constructing Natto factory there may be a good solution at this moment.
I have to contract my customers for import many things from foreign countries.
Just importing is an easy job. But, always, the job is set with price negotiation. As my friends know well, I am a taugh negotiater, but talking about price is certainly annoying even for me.
In my situation, recent strong yen is the main factor of controversy. A month ago, $1 was around 107 yen. But now it's about 95 yen. And last week, it was 90 yen for a short period. In this monetary situation, pricing of imported commodities is very very difficult.
Because I am not trader, but just a book salesman, I am a completely amateur for international money. In addition, and to be worse, my customer is an amateur too. So, our negotiation can't reach the reasonable goal at all. It is a stressful situation.
But I am lucky because I have many drinking oppotunities this month as I wrote above. They softens my tension very well.
For Natto lover Mike, I want to export Natto to the States, but it must be a bad timing now. The cheap food in Japan becomes a very expensive one for celebrity in US. Constructing Natto factory there may be a good solution at this moment.
Monday, October 13, 2008
VS Bug Eating
The topic of the discussion class in Aeon last week was Bug Eating. An article in Japan Times introdued a recent pulished Japanese book about bug cuisine. Based on the article, we discussed about the theme.
This author says that Bug is nutritionally balanced and easy to feed. So, Bug eating can solves the global food shortage. In addition, he says Bug itself is very tasty. Fro him, the taste of Cicadas(Semi, in Japanese) is similar to shrimps.
In the book, he shows us many kinds of his original bug cuisine.
Actually, in some areas and coutries in the world (mainly Asia and Africa), Bug is eaten by the people. Even in Japan, Bug is eaten in some local foods. I also have eaten it in my childhood. The taste? Honestly, for young boy, it was shit! I haven't tried it after that.
However, I can respect the auther's investigation. To make our food life rich, somebody have to explore the world nobody have stood on. For example, Natto is one of the grotesque food in Japan, but now it is popular to the extent taht we can buy it in any super market. Due to an old Japanese challange, we can enjoy it now.
That's why the auther's trial mught be able to deserve Novel Food Prize.
But, to be honest, I am skeptical to the safety of Bug Eating. Even dogs and cats wouldn't eat bugs. If bug is tasty and good for our health, why don't they eat it? Maybe, there is a natural reason there. This author thinks we have't eaten Bugs for our prejudice. But, because dogs and cats are free from prejudice, we had better think of Bug Eating more carefully.
This author says that Bug is nutritionally balanced and easy to feed. So, Bug eating can solves the global food shortage. In addition, he says Bug itself is very tasty. Fro him, the taste of Cicadas(Semi, in Japanese) is similar to shrimps.
In the book, he shows us many kinds of his original bug cuisine.
Actually, in some areas and coutries in the world (mainly Asia and Africa), Bug is eaten by the people. Even in Japan, Bug is eaten in some local foods. I also have eaten it in my childhood. The taste? Honestly, for young boy, it was shit! I haven't tried it after that.
However, I can respect the auther's investigation. To make our food life rich, somebody have to explore the world nobody have stood on. For example, Natto is one of the grotesque food in Japan, but now it is popular to the extent taht we can buy it in any super market. Due to an old Japanese challange, we can enjoy it now.
That's why the auther's trial mught be able to deserve Novel Food Prize.
But, to be honest, I am skeptical to the safety of Bug Eating. Even dogs and cats wouldn't eat bugs. If bug is tasty and good for our health, why don't they eat it? Maybe, there is a natural reason there. This author thinks we have't eaten Bugs for our prejudice. But, because dogs and cats are free from prejudice, we had better think of Bug Eating more carefully.
VS Presidential Election
American is funny. While their Presidential Election itseif looks an entertainment, they make related new entertainments too. This site Lance taught me is one of the good examples.
http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=46832&altf=Bljp&altl=Lpcbzbtij
http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=46832&altf=Bljp&altl=Lpcbzbtij
Saturday, October 11, 2008
VS Octoberfest 2008
The most popular German beer festival, Octoberfest, started in Yokohama last week! As a beer lover, I can't miss the event. I went to Yokohama last weekend.
I reported about this event in this blog last year. It was my first time to join Octoberfest. It was a fantastic experience.
This year, I went there again, to know the character of German beer and festival more.
Following German trend, I started with white beer. The bitter of hop is weak, and you can feel fruity and a little milky. After enjoying it, German pilsner and black continued. Needless to say, they all have a great taste. I enjoyed them very much.
Not only beer but also German music is enjoyment in the event. A German local music group comes to Yokohama for the event. Their music pushes us to more beer! The song for cheers is the climax of this event. Exerybody sang this song;
Ein Prosit der Gemutelichkeit
Eine Prosit Eine Prosit Der Gemutelichkeit.
Eine Prosit Eine Prosit Der Gemutelichkeit.
Eine! Zwei! Drei! G'suffa! Prost!
( Cheers for comfortment.
Cheers Cheers the comfortment.
Cheers Cheers the comfortment.
One! Two! Three! Drink! Cheers!)
Many people stand on the chairs and say "Prost!". And, of course, drink! We can feel a strong unity at the moment.
I was told by a doctor not to drink too much in my health check. But, when facing a beer event, nobody can be allowed to escape from it. I have to say "Prost!" tomorrow again...
I reported about this event in this blog last year. It was my first time to join Octoberfest. It was a fantastic experience.
This year, I went there again, to know the character of German beer and festival more.
Following German trend, I started with white beer. The bitter of hop is weak, and you can feel fruity and a little milky. After enjoying it, German pilsner and black continued. Needless to say, they all have a great taste. I enjoyed them very much.
Not only beer but also German music is enjoyment in the event. A German local music group comes to Yokohama for the event. Their music pushes us to more beer! The song for cheers is the climax of this event. Exerybody sang this song;
Ein Prosit der Gemutelichkeit
Eine Prosit Eine Prosit Der Gemutelichkeit.
Eine Prosit Eine Prosit Der Gemutelichkeit.
Eine! Zwei! Drei! G'suffa! Prost!
( Cheers for comfortment.
Cheers Cheers the comfortment.
Cheers Cheers the comfortment.
One! Two! Three! Drink! Cheers!)
Many people stand on the chairs and say "Prost!". And, of course, drink! We can feel a strong unity at the moment.
I was told by a doctor not to drink too much in my health check. But, when facing a beer event, nobody can be allowed to escape from it. I have to say "Prost!" tomorrow again...
Sunday, October 05, 2008
VS Proposal
My friend, Hideto, is thinking that he makes a proposal to his girl friend. He met her in July, and soon seemed to think the girl must be his future wife.
He asked me where he should make a proposal?
Where?
It was an unexpected question for me because I had thought anywhere is ok. So, when listenning to him at first, I couldn't give him any good answer.
And now, I think the question was not valid to ask me, because I am single.
Anywho, next day, I asked the question to some female coworkers; Where do you want to have a proposal?
I had better change the way to live. "Anywhere" was not women's answer. They have some ideal images for their getting a proposal.
They said that it should be on the beach or in the room. And they add that it have to be after five PM.
The word of proposal might have to be delivered on time by Fedex.
On the other hand, the two men I asked where you made a proposal to your wife, have already forgotton the place at all. "Somewhere" was their answer. Of course, it is a bad answer for their wives.
I hope Hideto can find where he can't forget the location.
He asked me where he should make a proposal?
Where?
It was an unexpected question for me because I had thought anywhere is ok. So, when listenning to him at first, I couldn't give him any good answer.
And now, I think the question was not valid to ask me, because I am single.
Anywho, next day, I asked the question to some female coworkers; Where do you want to have a proposal?
I had better change the way to live. "Anywhere" was not women's answer. They have some ideal images for their getting a proposal.
They said that it should be on the beach or in the room. And they add that it have to be after five PM.
The word of proposal might have to be delivered on time by Fedex.
On the other hand, the two men I asked where you made a proposal to your wife, have already forgotton the place at all. "Somewhere" was their answer. Of course, it is a bad answer for their wives.
I hope Hideto can find where he can't forget the location.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
VS Origine of Beer
Although there are many types of beer (for example, black beer, white beer, ale beer, trapist beer, and so on), 80% of consumed beer in the world is shared by pilsner type, which is the most popular in Japan too. Four major Japanese beer companies (Asahi, Kirin, Sapporo and Suntory) provide us with much pilsner.
Pilsner Urquell is the historical origine of all pilsner, made in Czech and Slovak. I enjoyed it recently in a beer pub. I tried to drink it because I should not only drink beer and also study the history of beer. "Study" might be extreme, but it is good for hte topic of conversation in a pub.
Beer is progressing. So, I had thought that drinking classical beer didn't have any more meaning of experience. Modern beer must be better for our tongue.
However, the quality of Pilsner Urquell is over its historical position. The taste was quite simple but very high. It doesn't add anything with beer. It was my impression when drinking it for the first time. Compared with it, Japanese beer might be sweeter.
I read an article about Pilsner Urquell later. For Urquell's brewers, it seems to be a taugh work to keep the beer's taste same as the origine. "Change" is the word people likes because it sounds challanging. But, for Urquell's brewers, "Unchange" is challanging. I was impressed by their great job.
Pilsner Urquell is the historical origine of all pilsner, made in Czech and Slovak. I enjoyed it recently in a beer pub. I tried to drink it because I should not only drink beer and also study the history of beer. "Study" might be extreme, but it is good for hte topic of conversation in a pub.
Beer is progressing. So, I had thought that drinking classical beer didn't have any more meaning of experience. Modern beer must be better for our tongue.
However, the quality of Pilsner Urquell is over its historical position. The taste was quite simple but very high. It doesn't add anything with beer. It was my impression when drinking it for the first time. Compared with it, Japanese beer might be sweeter.
I read an article about Pilsner Urquell later. For Urquell's brewers, it seems to be a taugh work to keep the beer's taste same as the origine. "Change" is the word people likes because it sounds challanging. But, for Urquell's brewers, "Unchange" is challanging. I was impressed by their great job.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
VS Librarian's Job
Recently I am selling a huge number of medical books to a school. The school's major is Oriental medcinen, so the books they are collecting are interesting. Not only new books but also the rare books like antique medical books in China, are holded by them.
My job is to find good books fitted to their major, and to sell them. After selling them, my interest usually goes to another business. I wouldn't be interseted in the sold book's future. Who reads it? How is it used? Whether is it useful or not? Such questions are over book-salesman's job.
However, recently my job is becoming close to the library, especially University's library, thus I have to think about the above once ignored questions. Because librarty's mission is to help students or teachers use books easily.
I have never studied Library science yet. So, the lack of the knowledge about it was my weakness. Especially, Cataloging is the most important and difficult knowledge. I heard from an old librarian that a librarian('s life) starts with cataloging, and finishes at cataloging.
Cataloging is the job and knowledge to organize the huge number of books in a library. The old man's remark was very impressive for me.
Last week, I had the chance to study librarian's job by chance. When drinking with some librarians, I asked them to teach me their job. They said, "OK. Come to our library. We will teach the whole process of our job."
It is rare that a book-salesman is interested in their job. That's why they might have been interested in me. Kindly, they made soon the two-day's study course for me.
The two-say's study was very helpful for me. I can't write down the detail here because it's too specific, but one of the impressive things was that Cataloging is related to the library's history.
I will give you an example. As you know, all books are categorised in a library. This book is in Japanese literaure. That book is in Philosophy. That one is in Biology. However, it is difficult to categorise the book with the title, "Postmodernity". When watching the title, librarians at first try to investigate how the book is categorised in other libraries. But, the most inportant thing is how the same kinds of books are categorised before in the library. Because, for students and teachers, it is useful that same kinds of books are on the same shelf. So, Librarians have to know their library's history.
It was a good experience for me to know the depth of their job.
My job is to find good books fitted to their major, and to sell them. After selling them, my interest usually goes to another business. I wouldn't be interseted in the sold book's future. Who reads it? How is it used? Whether is it useful or not? Such questions are over book-salesman's job.
However, recently my job is becoming close to the library, especially University's library, thus I have to think about the above once ignored questions. Because librarty's mission is to help students or teachers use books easily.
I have never studied Library science yet. So, the lack of the knowledge about it was my weakness. Especially, Cataloging is the most important and difficult knowledge. I heard from an old librarian that a librarian('s life) starts with cataloging, and finishes at cataloging.
Cataloging is the job and knowledge to organize the huge number of books in a library. The old man's remark was very impressive for me.
Last week, I had the chance to study librarian's job by chance. When drinking with some librarians, I asked them to teach me their job. They said, "OK. Come to our library. We will teach the whole process of our job."
It is rare that a book-salesman is interested in their job. That's why they might have been interested in me. Kindly, they made soon the two-day's study course for me.
The two-say's study was very helpful for me. I can't write down the detail here because it's too specific, but one of the impressive things was that Cataloging is related to the library's history.
I will give you an example. As you know, all books are categorised in a library. This book is in Japanese literaure. That book is in Philosophy. That one is in Biology. However, it is difficult to categorise the book with the title, "Postmodernity". When watching the title, librarians at first try to investigate how the book is categorised in other libraries. But, the most inportant thing is how the same kinds of books are categorised before in the library. Because, for students and teachers, it is useful that same kinds of books are on the same shelf. So, Librarians have to know their library's history.
It was a good experience for me to know the depth of their job.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
VS Bocce Ball
Bocce Ball is a outdoor game with which most of Japanese are unfamilier. I played it with Scott, Peter and others last weekend. In a park on a sunny day, it is good for our relaxing. We can enjoy the game even with drinking beer.
Bocce Ball uses a small white ball like a golf ball, and some pairs of colorful balls bigger than the white ball.
This game is like golf or carling. At first, one player throw the white ball in the field. It should be thrown far, to make the game exciting.
The thrown white ball becomes our target. Players throw their colorful balls to the target, the white ball.
The player who can throw the colorful ball to the point closest to the white ball, can get a score. Each player have two same color ball, and if the two balls are closer to the white ball than any other player's balls, then you can get two scores!
If your cotrol of the balls could be excellent, and your ball could be on the white ball, Congratullation! In that case, you can get additional two scores.
Next round starts with the white ball again. Somebody(usually, loser in the last round) throws the white ball to the direction he likes. Toward the new target, we start to throw our ball again.
When the playing field is a large park, the game is like a travel. We will move from the end of the park to the another end. Needless to say, it is better that Beer and Food wil follow the white ball with us.
Bocce Ball uses a small white ball like a golf ball, and some pairs of colorful balls bigger than the white ball.
This game is like golf or carling. At first, one player throw the white ball in the field. It should be thrown far, to make the game exciting.
The thrown white ball becomes our target. Players throw their colorful balls to the target, the white ball.
The player who can throw the colorful ball to the point closest to the white ball, can get a score. Each player have two same color ball, and if the two balls are closer to the white ball than any other player's balls, then you can get two scores!
If your cotrol of the balls could be excellent, and your ball could be on the white ball, Congratullation! In that case, you can get additional two scores.
Next round starts with the white ball again. Somebody(usually, loser in the last round) throws the white ball to the direction he likes. Toward the new target, we start to throw our ball again.
When the playing field is a large park, the game is like a travel. We will move from the end of the park to the another end. Needless to say, it is better that Beer and Food wil follow the white ball with us.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
VS Sumo Wrestler
Two Russian Sumo wrestler, Rohou, 28, and HakuRozan, 26, were discharged recently for their taking marihuana. And, another Russian, Wakanohou, 20, was also fired from Sumo wrestling for owning marihuana.
Rohou and Hakurohou is denying their taking marihuana, and not trusting the anti-doping test they took. But, they are refusing to take the test again.
Wakanohou's case is diffrent from other two. He was fired just for having an illegal thing. He can't agree with the Sumo association's decision, so now he is sueing them.
They did a bad thing. So, they heve to be punished. So, they lost their job. I understand that very well, but I can't stop worrying about their future. Without Sumo, they can live?
Newspaper says that some of them might go to other world of marial arts. But, I think it's impossible. Sumo is a very special (and strange) sport. So, no wresler could make a success in other martial art. "If you are put out of this field, you lose." This very unique rule makes a big fat man strong. Sumo wrestler is strong in Sumo rule. So, they shouldn't go out of Sumo rule.
That's why I worry about their life after losing Sumo.
I don't deserve to say anything about marihuana, but they did a bad thing to the extent that they have to lose their life work? Even after some punishments, it's not ok for them to come back to Sumo?
If they had sold marihuana to others, it's very bad because they expanded it into our society. But, taking marihuana for themselves itself is their business. (Of course, it is illegal though.) Because they dodn't do bad things to others, I think they can get the chance to come back to their life after getting punishments. This thinking is too indulgent?
I hope to know the opinion that the people who know the Russioan Sumo wrestlers personally have. The wrestlers are good men or bad men? If they have a good relationship with friends in Japan, some must support them to bring them back to Sumo. The key point is whether they have a real friend or supporter in Japan or not.
Rohou and Hakurohou is denying their taking marihuana, and not trusting the anti-doping test they took. But, they are refusing to take the test again.
Wakanohou's case is diffrent from other two. He was fired just for having an illegal thing. He can't agree with the Sumo association's decision, so now he is sueing them.
They did a bad thing. So, they heve to be punished. So, they lost their job. I understand that very well, but I can't stop worrying about their future. Without Sumo, they can live?
Newspaper says that some of them might go to other world of marial arts. But, I think it's impossible. Sumo is a very special (and strange) sport. So, no wresler could make a success in other martial art. "If you are put out of this field, you lose." This very unique rule makes a big fat man strong. Sumo wrestler is strong in Sumo rule. So, they shouldn't go out of Sumo rule.
That's why I worry about their life after losing Sumo.
I don't deserve to say anything about marihuana, but they did a bad thing to the extent that they have to lose their life work? Even after some punishments, it's not ok for them to come back to Sumo?
If they had sold marihuana to others, it's very bad because they expanded it into our society. But, taking marihuana for themselves itself is their business. (Of course, it is illegal though.) Because they dodn't do bad things to others, I think they can get the chance to come back to their life after getting punishments. This thinking is too indulgent?
I hope to know the opinion that the people who know the Russioan Sumo wrestlers personally have. The wrestlers are good men or bad men? If they have a good relationship with friends in Japan, some must support them to bring them back to Sumo. The key point is whether they have a real friend or supporter in Japan or not.
Sunday, September 07, 2008
VS Roman food
I went to a Roman restaurant in Takadanobaba, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo. The restaurant name is Taverna. In Japanese the name sounds 'Don't eat.' In Italy, it just means a restaurant.
Italian food is popular in Japan, but Roman food is very special. Altohugh I had no idea for it, I chose the restaurant for a drinking party with my colleague.
I worried about the price of the dishies a little, but they were not cheap but reasonable.
We ordered a casual course menu because we don't know Roman food at all. Starting with appetizers on a large plate, risotto, spaghetti, fish food, beef food. The amonut of each dish was big, so some female coworkers gave up eating some.
For me, the difference of Roman food and typical Italian food was not clear. But, those foods were very good. They were fitted very much to red and white wine. Thus, we drunk many bottles of wine on the day. I have to add that I was shocked when looking at the check. Delicious is Dangerous.
The restaurant owner is very talkative. Even if you go for a dinner there alone, you wouldn't get tired. The restaurant's head office is in Roma. If you can go to Tokyo or Roma, please enjoy thier dishes.
Italian food is popular in Japan, but Roman food is very special. Altohugh I had no idea for it, I chose the restaurant for a drinking party with my colleague.
I worried about the price of the dishies a little, but they were not cheap but reasonable.
We ordered a casual course menu because we don't know Roman food at all. Starting with appetizers on a large plate, risotto, spaghetti, fish food, beef food. The amonut of each dish was big, so some female coworkers gave up eating some.
For me, the difference of Roman food and typical Italian food was not clear. But, those foods were very good. They were fitted very much to red and white wine. Thus, we drunk many bottles of wine on the day. I have to add that I was shocked when looking at the check. Delicious is Dangerous.
The restaurant owner is very talkative. Even if you go for a dinner there alone, you wouldn't get tired. The restaurant's head office is in Roma. If you can go to Tokyo or Roma, please enjoy thier dishes.
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