Japanton – Chronicles of Anton in Japan!

It seems like just yesterday, no screw that, it seems like ages ago that I arrived in the damp warm Japan air for the first time.  Three years later I am getting ready for my 5th trip.  My time off has been secured, tickets will be bought this week and I will be ready to go.  Except for the whole money thing, but I will worry about that when I am in Japan.

Before I get there I have the small task of writing 4 university finals and hosting a seminar.  No big deal really, I am the man who makes the impossible possible after all.

I am looking forward to seeing people from outside of Japan which I happen to meet (or have for the past 3 years) in Japan.  I have also been promised some training with Doug Wilson.  I am sure that will be alright.  I mean he only has been living in Japan since the mid 90’s.  Oh and he is only responsible for translating Hatsumi Sensei’s books, so no big deal.

I will keep you up on my progress and probably fix the image link today.

Yesterday I was landed on my head by Cliff. Today Noguchi Sensei hit me constantly in the back, on the side that was hurting, in the face on the point which I landed and in the neck which has been causing me nothing but grief since last night. Next time for my own safety I will leave you at home with your wife and share a room with a rabid animal.

A picture of me and Noguchi Sensei for those who are interested. Oh and Cliff, let me know when you get home safely.

First off, Cliff for landing me on my head.  He did a shoulder throw slowly so I landed with my right shoulder down, unfortunately he had my right hand and thus I landed on a combination of my right shoulder and face.  It made a devastating cracking sound in my neck and spine.

Next Leah, if something happens let me know, or at least Cliff.  I would rather know and worry than not.  I would help send him home in a heartbeat if something happens.  To both of us you are more important than a training trip in Japan.

When stuff like this happens I get quite “put out”.

Had a chance to train with Doug Wilson, a resident of Japan. He is very good and I learnt a lot from him. He is also one of the translators. I was introduced to Hatsumi sensei, the grandmaster of the art for those who don’t know. Hatsumi sensei said that he remembered me. Doug went on to say that I was attending a seminar in Seattle that he was putting on. So now I am stuck going to Seattle in August. I probably still would have gone, I just would have liked for it to be my choice but I did get put in the lime light for just one brief moment so it’s OK.

I have money now because the post offices are open. I will finish paying for the hotel for the time that Cliff and I are sharing a room. Once the room is taken care of it’s just budgeting so that I don’t get carried away and buy too much stuff to bring home with me. The only promise that I know I can (and must) keep is the kimono for Alice. Mainly because I promised her and also because she was trying to help me setup remote access. She did her part I failed miserably but maybe tomorrow I will figure it out.

More pictures on the way shortly, if anyone has requests of stuff they want pictures of in Japan, send me an email through the contact list above. If not I will just keep doing what I am doing. Peace.

Well it is golden week, so Japan is taking time off. This also means that the ATM where I get money are not open.  This is not so good.  I will have to wait until Monday to get money.  Luckly the hotel has been understanding and have granted linencey with me.  Funny enough they do not take credit cards for payment.

Arrived Friday got to the hotel and had supper at Tokiwa’s.  Chicken katsu for Cliff and I and a vegetarian salad with tofu for Tracey Chan.  Yesterday had my first classes, Seno sensei and Shiraishi sensei.  Both were very difficult classes and I will have to write down notes quickly if I am to have any hope of remembering details of what we covered.  Will update pictures shortly.

20 degrees with rain today, 27 degrees with sun tomorrow.  Life is tough.

I am once again putting up Japanton.com for the world to see. Well not the world but friends, and co-workers who have demanded pictures. I will see what I can do about posting entertaining pictures, as everyone knows I am a boring guy and a lot of time in Japan is not spent “seeing the sites”. If anything interesting happens to me I will let everyone know. It is 17 days before departure date, it about a week it will be time for me to get excited. (Yes I am so boring I even plan my excitement.)