Osaka. Damn fine, darn trendy…..

Shinsaibashi. 

Fashionable area of Osaka, popular with young trendy girls.

 

Happiness is good beer and company…

 

Koinobori

Koinobori (鯉幟), meaning “carp streamer” in Japanese, are carp-shaped wind socks traditionally flown in Japan to celebrate Tango no Sekku (端午の節句), a traditional calendrical event which is now designated a national holiday; Children’s Day. These wind socks are made by drawing carp patterns on paper, cloth or other nonwoven fabric. They are then allowed to flutter in the wind. Also known as satsuki-nobori (皐幟).

Children’s Day takes place on May 5. Landscapes across Japan are decorated with koinobori from April to early May, in honor of sons and in the hope that they will grow up healthy and strong.

Story: Wikipedia.  Photos: Benzamin.

Pat Morita, The Karate Kid and Japan…

When I think about it, the Karate Kid movies I and II have had an affect on my life.  Although I much prefer the story and themes in the first one, the second was important too, because it introduced Japan to me.  Well, an American movie version of it anyway.  It was set in Okinawa (which was actually Hawaii) I believe, but it appeared to be a foreign country to me at the time, being only 13 years old.  Kimonos, kanji, the pretty Japanese girl named Kumiko, the dancing, the food and the tea ceremony.  “What a fascinating place”, I had thought.

The Karate Kid movies planted a seed of curiosity about Japan, a curiosity that lingered, then grew throughout my late twenties.  I finally visited Japan when I was 28, then returned just before I was 30, to live and work.   Admittedly most of what was in the second KK movie wasn’t really that much like Japan at all, but it`s always stuck with me nevertheless.  Of all the movie characters I have watched over the years, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), was exceptional.  Mr. Miyagi`s character was so kind and peaceful.  Who wouldn`t have wanted a friend like him?

Pat Morita passed away in 2005.  I never met him of course.  But he will always hold a place in my heart as a great actor with a wonderfully warm and endearing screen presence, and someone who also contributed to my experience of Japanese culture via cinema.  I know the story and characters were fictitious.  However my experience of them was very real.

I have lived in Japan now for almost seven years, embracing it, calling it my home.  Thanks Pat and thanks Ralph for your contribution, both to movie history, and my life.  I am happy I saw the show.     

The Karate Kid, Part II (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Welcome home…

Osaka.  Back after three years.  Feels like home.  Feels right.

Cherry blossom near Osaka castle

Spring has also come to Osaka station