Shortly after Tod & I arrived in Japan, we saw a big billboard with a digital display counting down the number of days remaining until the 2002 World Cup. It was a lot of days in the future, why should anyone care?
In Shibuya this week, I noted a sign counting down the days to the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi Prefecture. It's 1000 days from now. So what? When it rolls around, will we head out to Aichi to see it? Will we be caught up in the excitement of a big, international event in our backyard?
I'm not sure. But I've got to go prepare snacks now. The World Cup final kicks off in a little while.
I've never been sure whether to believe the idea that Japanese are excessively fond of brand names. None of the Japanese women I know display flashy, expensive belongings that are outside their means. If they have them, they don't flaunt them. Since showing off is the main purpose of brand name goods, I think they don't have them.
A couple of weeks ago, I accepted a pro bono job to make a 
Middle of the Night Delinquency
We did go to the conbini in our PJs and planned to come right home, but the all-night billiards hall beckoned. We played five games (MJ won all but one) and before we realised it, the sun was rising to the sound of birdsong. Poor Tod was home fretting about where we could have gone in our pajamas.
"I could imagine them going to an all-night ramen place or something under normal circumstances... but not in pajamas. Most places around here are closed at this hour. The pajama run was a 'well come on with me before you go to sleep' kind of thing but maybe they figured I would be asleep and not worry about them. MJ is kind of a wild child, brings our Kristen's party side."
This was my view of last night's exciting US-Germany game. Although the US lost, they played well. One shot on goal really might have been a goal, but it was ruled not. Even in the instant replays, it was hard to tell if it went in or not. Half the US team got yellow-carded for fouls. The Germans were tough and they won the match, but I think the US played better.
The Marunouchi line is a subway, but it peeks above ground several times along its route. Here is a view of the track between Ochanomizu and Awajicho where the train crosses a bridge over the Kanda River.
Soba tofu squares were topped with grated cucumber. The taste was very rich and earthy and the texture a little bit firmer than soy-based tofu-- the wheat gluten was well developed and heading towards gummy. It was a simple, subtle and surprisingly filling dish.
Bunkyo-ku merchants have banded together to create a point card system. Pink banners with cartoon figures of bees declare "I (heart) Bunkyoker" let you know which shops give points.
What on earth are these construction workers doing? They are taping a battery powered, blinking light stick to the hand of their colleague--the mechanical flagman whose head and helmet are visible in the upper right corner of the frame. I guess his must have burned out; he's not really able to just grab himself a new one.
otama-jakushi is the Japanese word for tadpole. We've been watching these grow in the Tokyo War Memorial Park near Korakuen station. Their heads are bulging out now and if you look carefully, you can see the budding legs (not in this photo, though, sorry!).
The park was also the site of my first dragonfly (tanbo)sighting of the season, across the tiled plaza hovering near another manmade pond.
23:56 on the way home from a meeting and dinner. 
The Zous are very excited. Their domain, 
Yesterday's task: build a container for the grill accessories. There's nothing worse than a soggy cardboard box full of charcoal and tools scattered all over the veranda. 
Someone flipped a switch and turned summer on. The weather is sunny and hot during the day with just enough humidity to feel sticky. The evenings are wonderfully warm. There's no excuse not to spend lots of time outdoors. 
Hamster's Lunch. "Seed shape rice cracker and hamster figures will provide you a enjoyable tea time."
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