Japanese New Year, an entire new approach as we know it. The place shuts down for about a week to usher in the new year. No business is will be open (aside from the usual, 7-11, Gas stations and all that) until 5 Jan.
We went to the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to see/hear Emperor Akihito's new year greeting (Ippan Sanga). Twice yearly the public is invited into the inner palace grounds. Once on the Emperor's birthday and once for this greeting. It was special and something amazing to see. It is a shame that many Americans cannot find the same level of patriotism in themselves regardless of how they feel about our nation's leader. Seeing over a million people from all over Japan and the waving of over a million white flags with red circles in the presence of their leader was awesome.
On the way to the palace we saw, for the first time, a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. It was like seeing a movie star in public, only better. After seeing it for real it was easy to understand why it has become such a national symbol of Japan. It stands alone watching over Yokohama and Tokyo, symmetrical, abstract, minimal and totally Japanese.
B.T.W, we have added a photo slide show (right side of screen), which we will be updating regularly. If you wish to take a look, just click on the thumbnail to enlarge, enjoy!
That's really neat that you two got to experience that ceremony - you two are becoming quite cultured! The slideshow is a nice touch, and I have to admit that I am quite jealous of your Mt. Fuji sighting. Any plans to scale it at some point?
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ReplyDeleteYes we are trying to get on a winter sightseeing tour to Fuji and in the summer there is a charity race, it raises money based on the number of times you go up and down Fuji in 24 hours, I may try to get in on that. First I just want to go explore at our own pace. Thanks for staying in touch, any plans to come visit?
Very cool to be able to see the emperor, and hear from him as well. The pictures are a nice touch. I really like the one of fuji. Poor Finchy, she'll eventually adapt but I am sure it's hard now.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you both!!!!! Glad you are getting assimilated !!! We are fine. Damp winter weather (mostly rain) has settled into the Washington - Annapolis area. UGH!! Hoping for some snow soon. Your pictures and narrative are great .... We are going to enjoy keeping up with you. All our Love, Aunt Mary & Uncle George.
ReplyDeleteUncle George and Aunt Mary, Thanks for keeping up, you know there is always that trip you have wanted to take to the Orient, wink-wink. We are so glad you are keeping up with us Happy new year and stay in touch. Love you.
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