Japanese Microbrew Tour - Nara Prefecture / 日本地ビールツアー ‐ 奈良県

Back to the tour of Japan's Microbrews by Prefecture. Check out Nara Prefecture's Sonikohgen Beer.

今回の地ビールツアー都道府県は奈良県の曽爾高原ビール

Sonikohgen Beer - Altbier

曽爾高原ビール ‐ アルト

Sonikohgen Beer - Pilsner

曽爾高原ビール ‐ ピルスナー

Sonikohgen Beer - Kolsch

曽爾高原ビール ‐ ケルシュ









43 more Prefectures to go.


残り４３都道府県。

Kankoku Shokudo / 韓国食堂

Not too long ago, Mikako was watching television when some program featured a one-coin Korean restaurant called [Kankoku Shokudo] (which translates to "Korean Diner") in the neighborhood of Shimokitazawa. As that area is within walking distance from our apartment we decided to go there for lunch. We are big fans of kimchee chige (a one pot meal) which is what Mikako ordered while I had there shundoubu chige (not sure how it's really spelled) which includes clams and a poached egg. Delicious. And they really are just one coin - 500yen. Well, my meal cost 100yen extra but that's okay. The meal comes with a bowl of rice and some kimchee.

ちょっと前に美香子がテレビが見てたら、下北沢にある小さなワンコイン韓国料理店。うちのアパートから歩ける距離なので、そこでランチを食べることにした。店の名前は「韓国食堂」。私たちも大のチゲファンなので、行くしかないと思った。値段はなんと５００円！それにご飯とキムチ付。美香子はキムチチゲを頼んで、僕はシュンドゥブチゲ。違いはあさりと半熟たまご入りですね。あとシュンドゥブチゲのほうが６００円。別に良いんですけど。とっても美味しかったです。

Kimchee Chige / キムチチゲ

Shundubu Chige / シュンドゥブチゲ

Don't forget the kimchee.

キムチを忘れずに。

Bon Appetit!

いただきます！

Ern's Monthly Page Turners (May 2009)

*一部日本語を書きこんでます

Just in case some of my non-drinker readers were getting bored of checking out Japan's micro brews, I thought I would write up my monthly book reviews a few days early. I managed to read more than four books this month as there were no 1000 page monsters.

酒が苦手な読者がいると思うので、一旦日本地ビールのネタを休憩。その変わりに、今月読んだ本の紹介をちょっと早めにアップしました。

JAPAN: 6000 MILES ON A BICYCLE by Leigh Norrie - You know, I usually enjoy people's travel essays on Japan and elsewhere in the world, but I must say, this is the most badly written, poorly edited, travel across Japan I've ever come across. Granted the author wrote a blog while traveling which I probably would have enjoyed more as I'm sure there were color pictures and short video clips to show us what he's seen and where he's been. Although Norrie was inspired by Alan Booth's "The Roads to Sata", who walked the entire length of Japan, Norrie decides to bicycle through all 47 Prefectures of Japan. Unfortunately, you don't even get a inkling about the people he meets or the places he sees. The writing reminded me of high school on Mondays where you were sure to hear things like "Man, I got so fucked up this weekend." "Dude, I got so wasted on Saturday", and I believe you get the picture. No, for us, the reader, the title should be changed to "Japan: 6,000 Miles of Constant Whining, Drinking, and Smoking". The blog should have never been adapted into a book. Just go and read the Alan Booth book or Craig McLachlan's "Four Pairs of Boots" instead.

TOKYO: CITY ON THE EDGE by Todd Crowell and Stephanie Forman Morimura - Now here we have two authors writing about my adoptive town of Tokyo. Just one city, and this was by far more interesting and entertaining than the previous plight through the whole of Japan, via Leigh Norrie. This is definitely not a guide book to Tokyo. You won't find the best places to shop or the best restaurants to eat at here. No, you will find out little things you probably never knew about Tokyo, such as being able to experience a large earthquake in a simulated environment. Checking out the girl's fashion in Harajuku (of course, Harajuku fashion has come into its own with magazines like "Fruits" and Gwen Stefani singing "Harujuku Girls"). There is the Marunouchi Financial District - the chapter is interesting but doesn't really make me want to go explore it. Or how about the odd museums this city is full of - The Lighter Museum, The Salt and Tobacco Museum, just to name a couple. And when you feature Tokyo, one must also give few words to the nearby towns of Yokohama and Hakone. The former with it's large Chinatown and Ramen Museum and the latter featuring short weekend getaways from the city. I plan on featuring this title on my friend's "Asia By the Book" blog.

WAR CHILD: A BOY SOLDIER'S STORY by Emmanuel Jal - It was only a matter of time before one of the "Lost Boys of Sudan" would write his story. I'm sure many critics may compare this to Ismael Beah's "A Long Way Gone" but Jal's story is just as intense. Where as Beah had to deal with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) who's main goal was not freedom, but controlling the diamond trade. The civil war in Sudan isn't really about the Northern Muslims fighting against the Southern Christians - it's all a power grab for the vast amounts of oil!! Its a sad state of affairs when 7 year old Jal is first witness to the start of the conflict. At 9 he"s sent to Ethiopia to go to school. But when he gets there, he finds himself living in a refugee camp. At 11 he's left the camp and has become a child soldier. This sad but true and sometimes disturbing story of overcoming impossible odds will have you riveted to your seat. Jal may have escaped the conflict which continues to this day in Darfur. Peace and stability is still a long way off, and there are still "Lost Boys" who haven't escaped.

THE DIARY OF A WIMPY KID by Jeff Kinney - Meet Greg Heffley who's "diary" this is, or rather journal. In fact he starts off with saying, "Let me get something straight: this is a JOURNAL, not a diary. This was Mom's idea, not mine. But if she thinks I'm going to write down my "feelings" in here or whatever, she's crazy." You see, Greg is in middle school. He has an older brother in high school named Rodrick who is the bane of his existence and also plays guitar for his heavy metal band called Loded Diper, and a very much younger brother Manny, who's the darling of his parent's eyes. Greg's best friend is Rowley, who may come off as a little slow and it seems that Greg is only friends with him so he could play new video games that Rowley always seems to get. I find Greg to be more irritating than Ramona and not so cute as Chibi Maruko-chan (famous Japanese character). But still, you cannot help but laugh as you read Greg's "diary" which is also filled with a bunch of cartoons to depict what he's thinking. Hey, I needed something light to read after "War Child"!

*翻訳あり： 「グレッグの駄目日記」

THE DIARY OF WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES by Jeff Kinney - Greg says his mother was so proud of him for continuing his journal that she thought it would be an excellent idea for him to start another one for the new year. Greg continues to be humiliated by Rodrick. Continues to take advantage of his frieｎd Rowley (Greg would call it being a great friend), and has a crush on Holly Hills.

*翻訳あり：「グレッグの駄目日記 ‐ ボクの日記があぶない！」　

HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS & ALIENATE PEOPLE by Toby Young - Adapted for the silver screen and starring Simon Pegg and Kirsten Dunst, you just have to appreciate the dry humour of a British national who by own charm or sheer luck, was presented with a job opportunity who could not refuse. To work for Vanity Fair in New York. Filled with images of journalists from the Golden Era, Young is shocked to find that the writers of old are no longer the scribes with the acerbic wit that he was so fond of. He finds that working at Vanity Fair, which is owned by Conde Nast, are full of shallow people with big egos - he calls them the "Conde Nasties". Of course the more you read about his adventure, you will find yourself - "Blimey mate - you're getting what you deserve". But reading about his fall from grace from what some people would consider their dream job - is sad in a way, but he writes about his tragedy in a way that makes you laugh and will find yourself hoping that he will succeed (in something anyway). I may have to watch the film when it comes out.


THE DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LAST STRAW by Jeff Kinney - What do you know. Greg Heffley has started yet another journal in which he finds himself having to do his own laundry, is forced to participate in the neighborhood soccer team, fears that he may be sent a military academy, and is trying desperately to have the nerve to speak to his dream girl Holly Hills.

JAYWALKING WITH THE IRISH by David Monagan - Unlike Evan McHugh's "Pint-Sized Ireland" in which he goes in search of the perfect Guinness, Monagan uproots his family for an adventure of a lifetime. Along with his wife and three kids, they packed up their home in Connecticut and moved to the far distant land of Ireland. Their plan was to live abroad for a year and they picked County Cork. Now visiting a place on vacation and living in a foreign country are two totally different things (I know from experience as I am a current ex-pat living in Tokyo). Their adventure was to continue as they decide to buy a house and plan to settle in Ireland. Of course nothing goes quite as planned but you will still be entertained by the magic of Ireland.

ALVIN HO: ALLERGIC TO GIRLS, SCHOOL, AND OTHER SCARY THINGS by Lenore Look - Middle schooler Greg Heffley might have been a handful, but now lets meet Alvin Ho. He's just about to enter the second grade but he has one small problem - he's afraid of everything. In fact, he is so afraid, that he cannot speak when he is in school. Alvin also has a brother who's two years older named Calvin and a little sister named Anibelly. They live in Concord, Massachusetts. Alvin loves Aquaman, Wonder Woman and all heroes of the world. In fact, he becomes one himself - Firecracker Man. Follow Alvin as he tries to be a gentleman and tries to make friends (even though he doesn't talk to anybody).

アイバンのラーメン by アイバン・オーキン - Which translates to "Ivan's Ramen" by Ivan Orkin. I've featured Ivan Ramen in previous post as Mikako and I went there to eat for lunch one day. Now, you can read (in Japanese) of how a Jewish American boy from New York came to be the first American to own and run a ramen shop in the middle of Tokyo. After watching Juzo Itami's movie "Tanpopo", an idea is formed in Ivan's head to become a ramen master himself. Of course much of his success is owed to his wife Mari who encouraged and helped him achieve his dream. If you ever make it Tokyo, have a bowl of ramen at his shop near Rokka Park in Setagaya Ward.

結構前ですけど、以前にアイバンラーメンをこのブログで紹介した事があります。私と美香子がアイバンラーメンを食べに行ったことがあって、その後にブログでアップしました。さて、今度そのアイバンラーメンの店主のアイバン・オーキンがついに本をだしました。ニューヨーク出身のユダイア人のアイバンがどうやて東京の真ん中で激しラーメン業界にラーメン職人になったことが書かれてます。本を読むと、妻のマリさんのおかげで、自分の夢が叶えた感じの物語。東京に来たら是非京王線で世田谷区の芦花公園駅に降りて、アイバンラーメンを行ってみて下さい。

THE DUST OF 100 DOGS by Lenore Look - A young adult novel that's different, entertaining, and original. Emir was in Irish woman who was sold as a bride to a Frenchman by her uncle after her parents were killed by Oliver Cromwell and his army. Emir escapes the Frenchman and becomes a notorious pirate, but the love of her life is killed and as she kills her lover's killer. But the Frenchman was not quite dead and Emir herself is killed as well, but before she dies, the Frenchman's First-Mate curses her to live the life of 100 dogs before she can return to a human body. Now, after 300 years, she has become Saffron - a normal teenage girl with Emir's memories intact...and now she's on her way to Jamaica.

I hope you enjoyed this month's choices as I had reading them, with the exception of the first book. Oh wait. At least I read that entire book. I've heard such great reviews books by David Sedaris that I decided to give his first one a try - "Barrel Fever" which features a collection of stories and essays. Twenty pages into the book and I wanted to toss the piece of sh*t into an incinerator. I never got as far as reading the essays because the first few stories were so juvenile and irritating. Sometimes I think I am getting old as I probably would have found those stories hilarious ten or twenty years ago.

Japanese Microbrew Tour - Miyagi Prefecture / 日本地ビールツアー ‐ 宮城県

Just a note before I continue along my Japanese microbrew tour - I did not drink these all in one day or at one sitting. Today, I am featuring the craft beers from the Matsushima Brewing Company based in Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture.

日本地ビールツアーを始る前に、ひとつ分かって欲しい事がございます。私は一気に飲んだわけでもないし、一日全部飲んだわけでもない。今回紹介する地ビールは宮城県の松島ビール。

Matsushima Beer (Bock) / 松島ビール （ボック）

Matsushima Beer (Weizen) / 松島ビール （ヴァイツェン）

Matsushima Beer (Dunkel) / 松島ビール （デュンケル）

Matsushima Beer (Helles) / 松島ビール （ヘレス）

Only 44 more Prefectures to go...

残り４４の都道府県。。。

Japanese Microbrew Tour - Shimane Prefecture / 日本地ビールツアー ‐ 島根県

This week, I tried a few craft beers from Shimane Breweries based in Matsue in Shimane Prefecture. A stout, a pale ale, and a celebration of 400 years of something.

今週の地ビールの旅は島根県の松江です。三種類があって、スタウト、ペールエール、と松江開府４００年のビール

Enmusu Beer Stout / 縁結麦酒スタウト


Most of my friends know that I love dark beer. Especially porters and stouts. I'm one of those people who enjoy those beers where you can't see through the glass.

僕が黒ビールを好きなのは、自分の友達が皆知ってる。特にスタウトとポーターとゆう種類のビール。自分にとって、ガラスの中で透明感がないビールが好き。

Beer Herun Pale Ale / ビアヘルン ペールエール

Matsue Kaifu 400 Year Anniversary / 松江開府４００年祭

Still 45 Prefectures to go...

まだ４５の都道府県が残ってる。。。

Japanese Microbrew Tour - Aomori Prefecture / 日本の地ビールツアー ‐ 青森県

My father sends me newspaper clippings from my hometown from time to time and one article caught my interest. It was about a shop in Federal Way called [99 Bottles]. It's a specialty store that sells microbrews from all over the world. Lately, I've been going in search of Japanese microbrews. I thought I would make it my own project to find microbrews from all 47 Prefectures in Japan. I've featured some of them before, but now I'm going to give the microbrews a post all there own, and I'm going to start off with my wife's hometown Prefecture of Aomori.

自分のお父さんが定期的に地元の新聞の切り抜くを僕に送る事があって、気になる記事を発見しました。それはシアトルに近い街にある地ビール専門店。世界中の地ビール、あっ、アメリカは今地ビールをクラフト・ビールと言うらしい、が扱ってる店です。最近僕が日本の地ビールにはまってるので、日本全国の都道府県の地ビールを探そうと思ってる。自分的の遊びですよ。前にも紹介したかも知りませんが、今後は一つ一つの都道府県の地ビールを紹介しようと思っます。やっぱり一番最初は美香子の出身地の青森県から始めます。

Manji Mugi Shizuku / 卍麦雫 （マンジムギシズク）


I featured these Microbrews when I last went to Aomori. These are the Pilsner, Lager, and one other by Manji Mugi Shizuku.

前に青森の浅虫温泉に行った時に紹介した地ビールの卍麦雫。種類はピルスナーとラガーと発泡酒。

Oirase Beer / 奥入瀬ビール


This pilsner is made with the water from Aomori's famous Oirase Gorge.

青森県であの名所の奥入瀬渓流から奥入瀬ビールです。こちらもピルスナーです。

Osorezan Lager Beer / 恐山ラガービール

Belgium may be famous for the trappist beers made by monks, but here in Japan, you can also find beers made by temples. This is a lager from Osorezan, a temple famous for their itako - blind women who help people speak to the dead.

ベルギで修道院でビール作りは有名なんですが、日本のお寺もビールを作ってます。これはあの有名な霊場の恐山の恐山ラーガービール。イタコが作ってるわけじゃないので、安心で飲めますよ。

Hachinohe Chateau Beer / 八戸シャトービール

Chateau Beer made my Chateau Kamiya in Hachinohe.

八戸のシャトーカミヤが出してる八戸シャトービールスペシャル。

Tsugaru Path Beer / 津軽路ビール

And finally, here we have Tsugaru Path Beer brewed from Minami Tsugaru's waters. A draft beer that taste similar to a lot of ales.

最後に津軽路ビール。南津軽の水使用。味はエールと同じ。

I'm sure there are other craft beers from Aomori Prefecture, but these are the ones I've bought and actually drank. Off to another Prefecture!

青森県で他の地ビールもあると思いますが、僕が紹介した物は自分で買って、実際飲んだ物だけを紹介してます。　さて、次の都道府県へ出発！

Thai Festival 2009 (Part 2) / タイ祭り ２００９ （パート２）

You didn't think that was it for Thai food did you? There's still more!

タイ料理はそれで終わりと思いましたか？まだまだありますよ。

More Green Curry / またもグリーンカレー


Thai Style Gyoza? (Kuay Chai?)/ タイ風の餃子？


Thai Pastries / タイスイーツ


Shrimp and Chicken Dumplings / 海老の鳥つくね

Rambustan / ランビュスタン


Aside from food, my friend bought himself a jersey featuring Muay Thai.

食べ物以外に友達がムエ・タイのジャージを購入しまて。

Beer number what? 何本目のビールかな？



Thai Noodles / タイ風ラーメン

And more Thai Style Noodles / また別のタイ風ラーメン


My friend Gonzui / 友達のゴンちゃん


And I did check out the Sepak Takraw exhibition.

あとセパッくタクラのエクシビション

And back to more food.

また料理に戻る。

Squid Skewers / いかげその串焼き


Pineapple Fried Rice / パインアップル炒飯

Sticky Rice cooked in Bamboo with Coconut Milk and Sweet Beans

竹の中で焼いたもち米、ココナツミルクとあずき入り


Spicy Papaya Salad / スパイシーパパイヤサラダ

Thai Sausage / タイソーセージ

Crisp Egg and Mussel Pancake (Hoy Taud) / たまごとムール貝

Phat Grapao? / パットグラパオ？

Larb Muu? / ラーブムー？

And even more Thai Noodles / またしてもタイ風麺だ

And more... / ラーメンがつづく。。。

Thai Spring Rolls / タイ風春巻き






And finally, these years participants.

一番最後に今年参加したメンバー

Thai Festival 2009 (Part 1) / タイ祭り ２００９ （パート１）

It's that time of year again. The annual Thai Festival sponsored by the Thai Embassy and held at Yoyogi Park on the 16th and 17th. I've been going to this festival every year since it started - and this is the 10th annual one! Well hey, since I can't make it to the Bite of Seattle or Taste of Tacoma every year, I had to find some alternatives.

今年もやってきました。代々木公園で開催されたタイ祭り２００９年。今年で１０回目です。僕は初の祭りから毎年行ってます。

These tuk-tuks or Thai taxis always remind me of the times I've been to Bangkok - which would be three, twice as a stopover before heading my way to Laos but that's another story.

トゥク・トゥク （タイ式タクシ）を見ると、タイの旅が思い出す。三回も行ったことあるので。二回はラオス行く前でバンコックに一泊。

Mikako and I and my friend Suga went early (about 9:30am) to pick a prime spot before the place gets too crowded. Our other friends would be showing up around noon or later. But we were surprised to find other people already picking out prime spots before us. So, the three of us went and bought a variety of food and some Singha beer to start off today's festivities.

僕と美香子ともう一人の友達が場所取りの為に早い時間に出掛けた。会場に着いたら、私たちより早く来たお客さんが何人も先に居て、びっくりしましたよ。だて、朝九時半に行きましたよ。ま、まだ込んでないから、気軽に食べ物とビールを買いました。皆が来る前に三人にシンハビールで乾杯。

And now for what you've all been waiting for - the food. I must admit, I had some help with the Thai names of the food from my friend Janet who currently lives in Bangkok (Thank you!) but a lot of the food will be familiar to you with their English names.

さてお持ちかね ‐ 料理の紹介。バンコック在住の友達ジャネットが料理のタイ語を教えてくれました。ありがとう！

Seafood Stirfry & Green Curry / 海鮮甘辛炒め ＆ グリーンカレー （タレーパットとゲン・キョワン）

Pork Skewer (Muu-pin) / 豚肉の串焼き （ムゥピン）

Stirfry Noodles (Phat Thai) / タイ焼きそば （パッタイ）

Dragonfruit & Mango / ドラゴンフルーツとマンゴ

Chicken Rice with Basil / 鶏挽き肉のバジル炒めご飯 （ガイ・ガパオ）

Green Curry Croquette / グリーンカレーコロッケ


Fried Banana & Sweet Potato / 揚げバナナとサツマイモ （クルワイケーク）

Korat Styled Grilled Chicken / コラット風焼鳥 （ガイヤーンコラート）

Cheese & Thai Sausage Spring Roll / 蕩けるチーズとタイソーセージネム入り （ポピアリムパー）

Chicken Satay / カイサテー

Before I feature more food, just to give you an idea of how crowded this festival gets, take a peak at the short video clip.

他の料理を紹介する前に、どの位この祭りが込むのを下記の動画をご覧下さい。

To be continued...

つづく。。。

Asakusa's "Hollywood" Stars / 浅草スターの広場

Well, it's not Mann's Chinese Theatre but its still fun to see the names of Japanese stars that I do know.

Ramen Mutsumiya / ラーメンみつみ屋

It's been a while since I featured a ramen shop. I finally convinced Mikako to try this place out, it specializes in Miso Ramen (and we usually end up going to Miso-Ichi), but this time around, we ventured to Ikejiri to try the Miso Ramen from [Mutsumiya]. We both ordered the same ramen - Uma Kara Noko Miso Ramen which roughly tranlates to Spicy, Delicious, Miso Ramen.

久しぶりにラーメン屋を紹介しようと思いました。美香子にやっと連れてあげることが出来た。メインは味噌ラーメン。うちは味噌ラーメンを食べたい時にはだいたい「味噌一」に行きますが、今回は「むつみ屋」に行ってみました。私たちは同じラーメンを頼みました。それはうま辛濃厚味噌ラーメン。

Uma Kara Noko Miso Ramen / うま辛濃厚味噌ラーメン

We also shared a plate of gyoza with our ramen.

ラーメンと一緒に餃子も頼みました。

The three gyoza on the right are garlic-filled but both are delicious - and so was the ramen.

緑色の皮の餃子はにんにく入り ‐ 両方は美味しかった。ラーメンも。

Bon Appetit!

いただきます！

Picnic in Komazawa Park / 駒沢公園でピクニック

Last weekend when we had beautiful weather, Mikako and I went on a picnic with some friends and their kids. We went to the Komazawa Olympic Park. After eating and downing a few beers, we moved to larger open area and I got to do something I haven't done in I don't know how many years - I flew a kite!


先週凄い良い天気の日、駒沢公園で友達とピクニックをやりました。食べて、飲んだ後に、長年やってない事をやりました。それはなんと凧上げです。

Okay, so a lot of the food was store-bought, but what the hell.

食べ物はほとんどスーパーで買いましたが、そうゆうこと気にしない、気にしない。

Shoei with his RC Kikaida.

Shoei and Rino

Rino

Shoei flying a kite

Sapporo Ichiban Cup Star Red / 札幌一番カップスターレッド

This Cup Noodles is Chili Pepper flavored.

Bon Appetit!

いただきます！

Manse / 万世

You didn't think I would forget to write about where we had lunch during our walk around Nihonbashi did you? We found a nice little steak house to satisfy our hunger. It was a place called [Manse]. Mikako ordered her favorite dish of hamburger steak and fried prawns while I opted for the burger with 100% Japanese beef steak.

日本橋の散歩でランチネタ書き忘れ事はないよ。今日の昼食はチェイン店の「万世」に決定。美香子が注文したのは大好きなハンバーグと海老フライ。僕が選んだのはハンバーグと黒毛和牛ステーキ。

Hamburger Steak with Fried Prawns / ハンバーグと海老フライ

Hamburger Steak and 100% Japanese Beef Steak / ハンバーグと黒毛和牛ステーキ

Bon Appetit!

いただきます！

Lunch Break Walk / ランチの散歩

A few weeks ago when the sun was shining and I was still between books, I took another walk around my work neighborhood. It's amazing what you come across when you just walk around without a plan.

ちょっと前に読む本がなくて、また職場の近くに軽く散歩に出かけた。なにも考えずに歩いたら、面白い発見があるよね。

What caught my interest today was the Kaitokuji Temple.

最初に気になった場所は海徳寺。

Entrance to Kaitokuji Temple / 海徳寺の入口

The grounds of Kaitokuji Temple is also listed as one of the hundred scenic sites in Shinagawa Ward.

海徳寺境内も品川区の百景に指定されてます。

In case you were wondering where I got my information.

品川区百景の一つはこれを見てわかったの。

Kaitokuji Temple / 海徳寺

Temple Grounds / 海徳寺境内

Japanese Tombstone - so different from the U.S. / 日本のお墓はアメリカと違いますね。


You can see the thousand paper cranes so I imagine this is place to pray for a recovery from a sickness. It might be considered bad luck to take pictures of such images but I had to share.

千羽鶴が見えるので、病気を治すを祈りする神社と思いますね。日本人はこうゆう写真撮るのが良くないと言われますが、綺麗のんでみせたい。

Pretty small cannon if you ask me.

As my lunch break was just about over, I had to head back to work. That's when I came upon this little shrine called Mitake Inari Shrine.

休憩時間がそろそろ終わるので、職場に戻る途中に、この小さな神社を発見、名前は御岳稲荷神社。

Then back to work it was.

それで仕事に戻り。

Home Cookin' & Rino at 1yr 5 months / 手作り料理と梨乃ちゃん

Our friends invited us out to a picnic at Komazawa Park during Golden Week but the weather did not want to cooperate. So, our friends invited us to their home instead. Which means we will get to see Rino, their daughter who is now 1year and 5 months old.

ゴールデンウイーク中友達が私たちを誘って、駒沢公園でピクニックをやる予定だったが、あいにく天気が悪かったので、友達の家に招待された。手料理と梨乃ちゃん会うのが楽しみだな。

Rino / 梨乃ちゃん

Me and Rino / 僕と梨乃ちゃん

And now for the home cookin'.

次は手料理だ

Better than some restaurants I tell ya.

店に出してもおかしくない、うまいです！

And homemade pizza.

手作りのピザ。

The pasta was great too!

パスタもうまいです！

But that doesn't mean the picnic was cancelled - just postponed until Sunday!

でもピクニックがキャンセルされたわけがないです、延期になっただけ、今度の日曜日に変更！

7025 Franklin Ave. / ７０２５ フランクリン・アベニュー

There are currently two excellent books that have been published featuring Japan's Burger culture. It's also Golden Week and I have the day off. Unfortunately Mikako is working all day. So, today - I went out with my friend Hama-chan as we ventured to Gotanda for some gourmet burgers. The shop of choice this time around is 7025 Franklin Ave. Located 10 minutes away from Gotanda station in a residential neighborhood, I was surprised to see a line filing out the door. Fortunately, we only had a twenty minute wait before being led to our table. I chose their mushroom burger with swiss cheese while Hama-chan ordered the avocado burger. I must come back to try their Asparagus Cheeseburger and their O Sole Mio Burger as well!

現在日本のバーガー文化の本が二冊出版されてますので、今週もゴルデンウイークだったので、早速美味しいバーガー屋に行くことにした。美香子が残念ながら仕事だったので、今日は友達の浜ちゃんとお出掛け。今日選んで店は五反田の住宅街にある７０２５フランクリン・アベニュー。五反田駅から歩いて１０分位です。着いたら店に列が出来てた、でも良かった事に待ち時間は２０分程度でした。僕が頼んだはマシュルームバーガーうぃずスイスチーズ。浜ちゃんはアボカドバーガーお。今度来たらアスパラチーズバーガーかイタリアンバーガーを頼んでみよう。

Mushroom Burger with Swiss Cheese / マシュルームバーガーうぃずスイスチーズ


Isn't that beautiful? / 美しいでしょう。

Avocado Burger / アボカドバーガー

But we didn't end the day with just eating burgers. We then headed out to Akasaka Sacas to stand in line to buy some fresh caramel made by Hanabatake Farms. The line here was a lot longer than the burger shop. Currently there is only one place to buy it in Tokyo but for Golden Week, Akasaka Sacas (new shopping/entertainment area) was selling them for a limited time. 1700yen for a set of plain and Miyazaki mango. I bought two sets.

でもバーガー食べ終わって、すぐには帰りませんよ。次の目的地は赤坂サカス。ゴールデンウイークの間に北海道の花畑牧場の生キャラメルがここで買うことが出来た。普段は東京で一ヶ所しか手に入らないものです。セットで売ってたので、二セットを買いました。セットはプレーンと宮崎マンゴ味。両方美味しいですよ。税込で１７００円！

Bon Appetit!

いただきます！

Nostalgic for America / アメリカでのノスタルジ

A&W Root Beer, how American can you get?

A&W ルート・ビール！アメリカ思い出すな。

A Walk around Nihonbashi / 日本橋の散歩

Sign designating Nihonbashi to be one of Japan's National Treasures.

Nihonbashi

Our walk today was around the neighborhood of Nihonbashi. All major roads leading from Tokyo are counted from the Zero Milestone located here.

今回の散歩は日本橋の周りでした。日本橋は日本国道路元標です。

The Zero Milestone / 道路元標複製

As we continued our walk, we came across the mascot of Nara Prefecture, Sento-kun. He was standing outside of the Nara Prefecture Antenna Shop, so we popped in and I bought a few craft beers from Nara Prefecture.

散歩をつづいたら、奈良県のマスコットせんとくんと出会いました。ビルを見ると「奈良まほらば館」と書かれました。入ってみて、奈良県の地ビールを混入しました。

Nara Prefecture Mascot, Sento-kun / 奈良県のマスコット、せんとくん


We also stumbled upon the antenna shop for Shimane Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture, and Yamaguchi Prefecture as well. I also bought a few more craft beers from the Shimane Prefecture store and decided to try the microbrews from Yamanashi at another time. The Yamaguchi Prefecture store didn't stock any microbrews, but they did have my favorite Nihon Shu which I also passed on buying this time around.

他の都道府県のアンテナショップも発見しました。島根県、山梨県、と山口県。島根県の地ビール３種類も混入しました。山梨県の地ビールはまた今度買おうと思ってます。山口県の地ビールは置いてなかった。でも自分の好きな日本酒はありました。鷽祭（だっさい）と読む。それもまた今度。

The following are a few more interesting sites we came upon.

他にこうゆう面白い物も発見しました。

The Chuo Mitsui Trust Bank Building / 中央三井信託銀行ビル


Sign on the Ebiya Antique Store featuring Kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa / 海老屋美術店のサイン、歌舞伎役者市川蝦蔵

Mural on building shutter featuring the original Nihonbashi / ビルのシャッターに描かれた初期の日本橋

Monument for Nihonbashi's First Fish Market / 日本橋魚市場発祥地の記念碑

We then left Nihonbashi and headed towards Iidabashi to check out the Aomori Prefecture antenna shop where I picked up a few more craft beers.

日本橋と探検したあと、次の目的地は青森県の物産店がある飯田橋。青森県の地ビールもここでゲット。

And so ended our neighborhood walk. Hopped on a couple of trains as we headed home.

それで散歩終了。電車で帰り。

For the American train fans.

アメリカの電車オタクの為。

Sobu Line / 総武線

Yamanote Line / 山手線

And lastly, Colonel Sanders dressed up for Children's Day (May 5) - Every day is not Children's Day in Japan. I hate that American cliche.

最後にカネル・サンダーもこどもの日に力入れてます。

Happy Children's Day!

こどもの日に万歳！

Mecha Libre / メチャ・リブレ

Japan isn't really known for its Mexican restaurants (which are still few and far between). But occasionally you will stumble upon one which will surprise you. We had lunch at Mecha Libre in Sangenjaya (a 15 minute walk from our apartment). I ordered their burrito with chicken which was filled with spanish rice as well while Mikako ordered a plate of garlic shrimp. Both dishes were quite delicious.

日本で僕が思う美味しいメキシコ料理店はほとんどありませんが、たまには良い店も発見することがある。今回は三軒茶屋にあるメキシコ料理店の「メチャ・リブレ」でランチを食べました。うちのアパートから歩いて１５分位の距離。僕が注文したのはチキンブリット、ブリットの中にスパニッシュライスも入ってました。美香子が注文したのはガーリック海老。両方はとっても美味しかった。

Chicken Burrito / チキンブリット

Garlic Shrimp / ガーリック海老

We also enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant itself. It's not too large and has a family feel to it. A very relaxing place to enjoy lunch.

店内は結構個人まりで雰囲気は心地良い。とってもリラクスが出来て、ランチにはもってこい場所と思います。

Bon Appetit!

いただきます！

A Walk around Jiyugaoka / 自由が丘の散歩

Its the start of Golden Week in Japan and we started it off with a walk around a neighborhood called Jiyugaoka. It just so happens that when we reached Jiyugaoka, there was a ceremony for the opening of the Jiyugaoka Sweets Festival. We hung around for the unveiling to the "Candy House" - a huge house made entirely of sweets - my father would be in heaven.

日本はゴルデンウイークの最中です。それで私たちのゴルデンウイーク最初の散歩は自由が丘に決定。駅に着いたらちょうど「自由が丘スイーツ・フェスタ」が開催されてた。フェスタのマスコットの紹介とタレントの西村知美さんと長女の咲々ちゃん（ササちゃん）がスイーツ大使の任命式とお菓子の家除幕式が始まった。

Jiyugaoka Sweets Festival Mascot - Whipple / 自由が丘スイーツフェスタのマスコット「ホウィップルちゃん」

Tomomi Nishimura and her daughter Sasa / 西村知美さんと長女の咲々ちゃん

Tomomi Nishimura and her daughter Sasa

Becoming the Official Sweets Ambassador

House of Candy / お菓子の家

The "House of Candy" is 2 meters tall. It's made of cookies, macaroons, waffles, pie, and chocolate - over 1500 sweets! Better not let my father into this house or he will really eat himself out of house and home!

The Sweets Ambassadors with the creator of the "House of Candy" / スイーツ大使とお菓子の家のクリエーター




Japanese television star Tomomi Nishimura / 西村知美さん

After the ceremonies, we continued with our walk. Unlike other festivals, this isn't one where there are a lot of sweets stands selling their product at discount prices. It was more of introduction to all the sweets shops that you can find in Jiyugaoka. We only went to one for a "chocolixir" - from Godiva.

スイーツ大使任命式とお菓子の家の除幕式が終わったあとに自由が丘の散歩をつづけました。他の祭りと比べて、スイーツの屋台が出店されてるわけでもない。自由が丘にあるスイーツショップの紹介がメインでした。唯一食べたスイーツ（食べたと言うより飲んだと言うのが正解ですけど）。Godivaのチョコリクサーとゆうもの。僕は期間限定のホワイト・チョコレート・抹茶を頼んで （ 京都宇治抹茶使用）、美香子はデカデント・ダーク・チョコレートを注文。

And every neighborhood has their shrine. In Jiyugaoka there is the Kumano Jinja.

どの近所でもお寺や神社がある。自由が丘には熊野神社があります。

Kumano Jinja / 熊野神社

And we came upon this cute little building.

あとこうゆう可愛い建物も発見。

I wonder where we will walk around tomorrow?

明日はとこに散歩しようかな？

Ern's Monthly Page Turners (April 2009)

*一部日本語が書かれております

Welcome to my monthly review of books. Unfortunately I spent the month of April mostly watching films and going on neighborhood walks so my book choices are relatively few. And being that there are relatively few books, that means not much variety this time around either. So many books, not enough time...



THE LOST THRONE by Chris Kuzneski - Now here's an interesting find. I have not read Kuzneski's previous two books so I did not know what to expect with this one. However, when I picked it up and read that the story starts with the killing of monks in Greece's Meteora, I knew I had to read the rest of it. Because I think as most of you know, I have a weak spot for World Heritage Sites and I like a good adventure story. I'm sure most people will compare Kuzneski to Dan Brown, but this search has nothing to do with Christ or Knights Templar's or Mary Magdalene. Nope, this story is about the finding one of the seven ancient wonders of the world - and that being the throne for the Statue of Zeus. Also, in case you were not familiar - the only standing ancient wonder of the world is the Great Pyramids at Khufu. The others including the Statue of Zeus, are the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Pharos or Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus. Of course Matthew Reilly had already written a book about a search for the seven ancient wonders (title "Seven Ancient Wonders") but what the heck. If Hollywood can make two "Treasure Hunt" movies - the first one being silly but fun, the second was beyond silly and just plain bad, then who says Kuzneski can't write about a search for another lost treasure. From Greece we are then taken to St. Petersberg where a man named Richard Byrd was last heard from, and sounding in desperate need of help. Our heroes, Jonathan Payne and David Jones, decide to help this person who was still unknown to them. However, it seems Byrd has gotten himself killed and now the boys find themselves helping out a woman named Allison, who was Byrd's assistant. Throw in a "Kafka" drinking Finnish fisherman, the head of Interpol, a few headless monks, and a group of Spartans and shake them all about and voila - you have an entertaining story with humor, exotic scenery, lost treasures and just a fun read.

ツキイチ [Tsuki Ichi] by Puffy (大貫亜美[Ami Onuki] & 吉村由美[Yumi Yoshimura]) – This book was written by the popular duo of Puffy (Stateside fans will be familiar with them from the animated series “Hi! Hi! PUFFY AMIYUMI”). They debuted in 1996 in their early twenties and had a huge hit with a song called “Asia no Junshin”, produced by Tamio Okada. Both of them didn’t think they would still be performing as Puffy more than ten years down the road. But this book isn’t about the wild life of being Puffy as this was written while both women are in their thirties. Ami is also a mother. This book was put together from their blog site “Tsuki Ichi” which means “once a month”. The book is divided into two parts with the first part being written by Onuki and the latter written by Yoshimura. No stories about boy groupies or living in the fast lane. Just two regular women making a living as the singing group Puffy and talking about life in general. If you’re not a Puffy fan that this probably won’t appeal to you at all (and if you cannot read Japanese, well…)

あの大人気の二人‐パフィーがノンフィクションの本を出しました。１９９６年、岡田民雄プロデュース、「アジアの純真」」のシングルでデビュー。それから十年以上も経て、今でもパフィーで活躍中。本の中から：「ツキイチ」とは、PUFFYの携帯サイト「SMA☆アーティスト」(http://smam.jp/puffy/)内で、吉村由美の誕生日である２００７年１月３０日から、大貫亜美の誕生日である２００８年９月１８日まで、それぞれの誕生日に月に一回づつ更新・連載されていたコラムです。そのコラムからセレクションした２４話も、新たに書き下ろし原稿６本を加えた全３０話を一冊の本にまとめました。自分もPUFFYは好きだし、二人とも可愛いし、なに考えてるのちょっと興味ありますね。でも本当の読む理由は自分の日本語読み力をアップする為です。最近自分で選ぶ日本の本の基準は興味があって、ふりがながのってない事です。現在も日本語で書かれてる「ザ・ハンバーガーブック」を読書中。

GETTING WET: ADVENTURES IN A JAPANESE BATH by Eric Talmadge – Some of you might recognize this title from a review I wrote a few years ago. This month however, I did something I hardly ever do. I re-read a title. I thought this would make a wonderful addition to my friend’s blog “Asia by the Book” that I decided to write an official review. Instead of rehashing what I already wrote, I decided to read the book over so the story would be fresh in my mind. As there is a limit to the number of words for the “ABTB” blog, I thought I would share some of my more personal Japanese bath moments with you here on my own blog. My oldest memory of the Japanese bath would have been the one at my grandmother’s house in Maizuru in Kyoto Prefecture. Although Maizuru is in Kyoto Prefecture, it is still a couple hours away by train and located on the coast of the Sea of Japan. When I lived in Tokyo during my elementary years (pure army brat all the way), we would always go to my grandmother’s house for the New Year’s holidays. Being so far from the city (and this still being the early 70s), the bath at my grandmother’s house was a stone tub where you had to stoke a fire to heat up the tub. As a kid, I didn’t really enjoy it as the tub became super hot in only a few moments (but I did have fun with my brother as we stoked the fire). Moving back to Tokyo in my adulthood, I had taken advantage of my neighborhood sento (public bath) on many occasions. I still go to the sento even now. As for the onsen (hot springs) – you bet! I love them. Mikako and I have even tried the various bath products for our home use. The hinoki (cedar wood) bath salts are excellent, but nothing beats going to a real onsen!

THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH by Ken Follett – There’s three reasons why my choice of books this month are so few. One, is re-reading a title so I could write a better review. The next is reading a book not written in my native language. The regular Japanese could probably read the Puffy book in a day. And here is the third reason. This particular title is almost 1000 pages long. Sometimes I can hardly believe I read such an epic novel. I can make this particular long story very, very short by saying is about the building of a cathedral in 12th century England. Too simple? I thought so. This story revolves around five or so main characters. Tom the Builder who’s dream it is to build a cathedral – he represents the common man. Prior Philip – a pious monk who was also an orphan and was brought up in a monastery – he seems to modeled on the Son of God himself. Bishop Waleran Bigod – who represents the power and corruption and uses the Church as an excuse for his greed. Peter Hamleigh, the son of an Earl who was spurned by his bride-to-be, Lady Aliena – Peter represents pure evil. Lady Aliena and her brother mimic the life of Job as the go from riches to being destitute, yet has the drive to continue living. And then there is the mysterious woman – Ellen who lives in a forest and is thought to be a witch. She represents the Devil’s Advocate in showing how the community and church leaders are as greedy and corrupt as those who say they are fighting against. Along with the building of the cathedral, the land is in the midst of a civil war. Will the cathedral ever be built. If you’re reading almost a thousand pages, it damn well better be!

Well, I hope you weren't too disappointed because of the lack of choices. As always, I'm already in the middle of two books. One call the "The Hamburger Book" - in Japanese, and the other - "Japan - 6000 Miles on a Bicycle". Also have a couple of other books waiting to be read. One about Tokyo and another about Ireland. I also came across a couple of other titles that appeal to me - one about studying at the CIA (that would be the Culinary Institute of America - not the Spooks) and Paul Theroux's new book "Ghost Train to the Eastern Star" as Theroux retraces his steps from his travels he wrote about in "The Great Railroad Bazaar".

Happy Reading!!

Ern's Monthly Visual Victuals (April 2009)

*映画に関するネタは日本語書き込みません

This month I watched more films then I read books so I shall introduce what the films first. You avid readers may be disappointed in my tomes of choice this month as they are very few. Only three or four books. Well, one was a monster of an epic that was well over 900 pages - that did take a little while to read. But I will get to books in my next post. Here's what I treated to my eyes to in the month of April:

THE HAPPENING (2008) - I keep giving director M. Night Shyalaman the benefit of the doubt but after "The Sixth Sense", he has yet to make another decent film. Do you remember "Unbreakable" with Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson? Started off okay, but the climax turned out to be pretty lame. "Signs" with Mel Gibson? Oh my, the climax of beating an alien with a baseball bat - please! "The Village" - overprotective parents create their own commune away from life's reality - in this day and age. Where's my "gag with me a spoon". I skipped out on "Lady of the Lake". And now we have “The Happening”. The premise started out pretty well. People were dropping dead all over New York for no apparent reason. Could it be a terrorist attack with some kind of new chemical weapon? A weapon which makes people want to commit suicide? But alas, when the truth is revealed you will probably want to take a bat to M. Night Shyalaman as well for giving us another turkey. He’s a definite winner for a Razzy as one of the worst directors. The threat to humans? Plants!! Yeah, plants are fighting back against humans who are not taking care of the earth. God, this was so bad. If Shyalaman wanted to make a film about plants overtaking the world and the humans who inhabit it, he should have just tried adapting John Wyndams’s excellent novel “The Day of the Triffids”. Oh, I imagine I will watch his next film to see what kind of lame climax he has in store for us again. Add this to your collection of bad movies made by director’s who’ve only made one or two decent films – like Gus Van Zant’s and his waste of Matt Damon in “Gerry”.

MONSTER HOUSE (2006) – This is how an animated film should be. Funny and intelligent minus those sickly sweet songs that Disney films are known for. DJ and his buddy Chowder were playing with Chowder’s new basketball when it inadvertently fell into their neighbor Nebbercracker’s lawn. And Nebbercracker is a mean old codger who yells at people to keep off his lawn. But it seems there is a bigger secret to Nebbercracker and his lawn. It’s his house. The house really is a monster and will attack and consume whatever comes near it. Although the house is rumored to be haunted, DJ and Chowder have seen it at work, but nobody will believe their story. They take it upon themselves to rid the neighborhood of this evil.

KUNG FU PANDA (2008) – And even more animation to keep you entertained featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu and a host of others. Overweight Panda Po is obsessed with the martial arts. He does not want to be a noodle maker for the rest of his life. By chance (or is it fate), Po is chosen to become the new Dragon Warrior, much to the annoyance of the Furious Five, who are his idols. When the evil snow leopard Tai Lung escapes from his prison and head to the Valley of Peace, it is only the Dragon Warrior who can stop him. Can a big, overweight panda take on the swift and cunning Tai Lung? Go rent this and find out. You will be entertained.

DU LEVANDE (2007) English title: [YOU, THE LIVING] – A Swedish film by director Roy Andersson. A quirky and mildly funny movie that loses steam less than half-way through it. I really don’t know what the director was trying say. Even though I managed to watch the entire thing, I came to the conclusion that this wasn’t all that funny and was more of a waste of time than anything. I feel I was mislead by the summary on the back of the package. Supposedly about regular people living their ordinary lives. The young girl who yearns for the rock star. The woman who reminds me of the “Black Cloud” – sorry, inside joke there, as she complains to everyone and no one. As I write this and think about the film more, I would have to say it sucks!

SHOOT ‘EM UP (2007) – OMG! This was just too much fun. Only for action movie fans! I lost caught of the bodies after a hundred or so. Anyway, Clive Owen was just minding his own business when he sees this woman being chased by a gang of armed men. He sighs and then decides to help the poor woman. He gets a surprise as he finds that she’s pregnant and is about to give birth (which she does) but gets shot in the head. The goons want to kill the baby as well but Clive takes it upon himself to save the little guy and finds that he has now become the target of these unknown goons led by an evil and annoying Paul Giamatti (the wine connoisseur from “Sideways”). I haven’t had this much fun watching flick since Jason Statham’s “Crank”. Its nonstop action from start to finish.

TROPIC THUNDER (2008) – Silly, mindless movie from Ben Stiller with Jack Black, Nick Nolte, Robert Downey Jr. and even Tom Cruise (who I didn’t even recognize). Vietnam vet is having his bestselling book adapted for the silver screen. Unfortunately, all the actors are little prima donnas who have their own entourage and are not taking the film seriously, and the producer is about to pull the plug on the entire production, which means the director will also be out of a job. The vet suggests sending those pansy actors out in the real jungle for a bit of realism. Which is what the director does, but the actors are unknowingly set in area where an illicit drug plant is. The actors think the drug makers are more actors, the drug makers think the actors are the DEA, and well, it turns out that the Vietnam vet had made up his entire story about his experience. This was mildly entertaining but not as funny as the previews made it out to be. Save it for a rainy day.

BURN AFTER READING (2009) – After the Oscar winning film “No Country for Old Men” which I thought sucked by the way (the ending anyway) comes a new film from the Coen Brothers. But before I go any further, I want you all to know that I don’t blame Ethan or Joel for the unsatisfying ending of “No Country” – that would have to go to the writer of the original novel Cormac McCarthy. I read the book too and felt that McCarthy wrote it as violent as he could make it just for violence sakes but had no idea how to make a great ending. Too bad too. But now the Coen revert back to what they really know – dark comedy. John Malkovich has been demoted at his job with the Company so he quits and decides to write his memoir. George Clooney is a married man who continues having an affair with any willing dame. Brad Pitt is the goofiest dork who goes to extreme lengths to help out his friend and co-worker Frances McDormand who wants money for plastic surgery because she feels without it, it’s not worth living. Brad finds a disc belonging to Malkovich and believes there’s “secret shit” on it so he and McDormand try to blackmail Malkovich into giving them money to get it back. And to tell you the truth, you’re better off renting “Fargo” again than watching this. As with “Tropic Thunder”, the previews made it seem funnier than it was. But hey, it was a lot better than “No Country” but I doubt that it will be nominated for an Oscar.

RAIN FALL (2009) – I’ve been waiting a long time for this film to come to the silver screen. But perhaps because this film was mostly a Japanese production, it just doesn’t have the same level of action as a Hollywood feature. The story is based on the book by Barry Eisler and was directed by Max Mannix. It stars Kippei Shiina and Kyoko Hasegawa, along with Gary Oldman. It just isn’t as intense as the actual novels. But still, I enjoyed it, being a big fan of Barry Eisler’s book. I’m hoping that the movie will do well so there will be sequels, but next time, I hope Hollywood decides to make it. There was nothing wrong with Hasegawa or Kippei’s acting, it’s just the lack of action that fans of the books might be disappointed in. John Rain is a half-Japanese, half-American hitman who makes all his hits look as if they were accidents. His latest target was a government bureaucrat (who’s acting my wife found was worse beyond anything) who had a memory stick that not only does the CIA want but so does a bunch of Yakuza – and now they all think either John Rain or the daughter of the dead bureaucrat, Midori (Hasegawa). Rain decides to protect Midori against a host of baddies and also decides to find out why the CIA wants this particular memory stick so badly. Of course, you’re better off reading the novel if you want more depth.

BALLISTIC: ECKS VS. SEVER (2002) – Another mindless but fun action film with Antonia Banderas and Lucy Liu. Lots of guns and explosions and just over the top Hollywood stuff. The story. Some covert government agency (isn’t there always one, it’s the DIA in this film – whatever that supposed to stand for). And they have created a new weapon, but the secret to the weapon is inside the big baddies son (who’s not really his son but his stepson), are you following this? Anyway, mysterious woman (Lucy Liu) is out to kill the big baddie. Now, Banderas is an FBI agent (huh?) is also in on the game. I forget why but who cares. Oh, and his wife who he believed had died is still alive and is currently the big baddie’s wife, which makes the kid his (are you still following this?). We find that Liu is pissed off at the big baddy because he had her innocent child and now she’s one pissed off former DIA agent (oh, did I forget to mention that?). Damn, I love action flicks!!

27 DRESSES (2008) – Standard and predictable but fun to watch rom-com. The story here, well you know the cliché – “always a bride’s maid but never the bride”. This just takes it to the extreme as the heroine has been a bride’s maid 27 times. The love interest – guy who hates weddings and commitments (hey, imagine that) but writes for a wedding column in the local paper. I can tell you can already see where this is going. But hey, it will still put a smile on your face.

CIDADE DOS HOMENS (2007) English title [CITY OF MEN] – The ads I saw made this out to be a sequel of “City of God”, the excellent Brazilian film about a boy growing up in the slums of Rio and becoming a famous photographer. The only thing this film has in common with “City of God” is Douglas Silva – as a young man who lives in the slums of Rio. Hey wait, isn’t that the same film? Actually, this was a pretty decent film, so you do not have to watch “City of God” to enjoy this. Best buds Acerola and Laranjinha are about to turn eighteen. Actually, I don’t think I’m doing this film justice so I will just borrow the review from IMDb from a Brazilian living in Rio: In the slum in Morro da Sinuca, a couple of days before turning eighteen year-old, Laranjinha tells his best friend and also orphan Acerola that he misses his unknown father. Acerola decides to help his needy friend to find his father and they discover that he is in prison convicted for killing a man during a robbery and near to be released on parole. Meanwhile, Acerola's wife and babysitter Cris is invited to work in São Paulo and she sees the chance to raise money to buy a house of her own; she tells Acerola that he must take care of their son Clayton alone for one year. When the owner of the hill and Laranjinha's cousin Madrugadão is betrayed by his right-hand Nefasto, he is expelled from the slum and Laranjinha and Acerola have also to leave the hill. While Madrugadão plots a plan to invade and recover the hill with the support of the gang of the drug lord from Morro do Careca, Acerola and Laranjinha unravel the past of their fathers.

ザ・マジック・アワー (2008) International English Title: [THE MAGIC HOUR] – The current king of Japanese comedy is definetly Koki Mitani. The man who brought us the wonderful “The Wow Choten Hotel”, “Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald” (English titles by the way). In his latest, which is also full of top Japanese stars, the big yakuza boss is about to get rid of his mistress and one of his underlings as they’ve been seeing each other behind his back. But the boss says he will reconsider if the underling can bring him the assassin who was hired to kill him. Underling says of course he will – but what he does is hire an unknown actor to pretend to be the hitman and tells the guy he’s making his film as real as possible so there is no script. Actor takes to his role not realizing that he really is dealing with the big Yakuza boss and not other actors. Lots and lots of laughs!! For you Japanese film buffs, this stars Koichi Sato, Satoshi Tsumabuki, Eri Fukatsu, Haruka Ayase, Toshiyuki Nishida, just to name a few. Also a lot of cameos from a bunch of other different stars.

And so ends another month of Ern's movie watching. Hope you enjoyed it. Already have two movies on deck ready to be watched - "Body of Lies" and "The Pineapple Express". After finishing work tomorrow I will be in the midst of "Golden Week". It's the long holiday in Japan. I won't be back to work until next Thursday.