MIYAZAKI TO KYOTO ON EASTER SUNDAY

.

.

.

.

.

If you have been a tad confused about the actual dates, join the crowd, but this blog is actually being created on Sunday, April 12, in Japan, but it is still April 11 in Hawaii and the rest of the USA.

.

EASTER SUNDAY

.

Easter is the holiest of Christian observances. There is Christmas, which is generally fixed as December 25, the birth of Christ, or Jesus. But Easter is a moveable feast, and can occur anytime from March 22 to April 25. This year, it is April 12, or today.

.
Lent is the 40-day period leading to Easter, when Jesus fasted in the wilderness. This 40 day period is common in the Bible, as for example, the 40 days/nights of Noah and that of Moses. According to surmisals, the Last Supper occurred on Thursday, the day before Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified, but resurrected on Easter Sunday. AD 33 was approximately the time frame, but, remember, most of this “history” was written long after it actually happened. A few details were presented in SIMPLE SOLUTIONS for Humanity, where some skepticism was postulated as to the actual reality. Yes, someone was no doubt crucified, but is the story a brilliant fabrication? Was the beginning of Christianity the greatest story ever created by Man? Next to notion of a God and the Afterlife, of course. Amen.

.

For one, there is nothing about Easter in The Bible. Today, in much of the Western World, there are greeting cards, Easter eggs, marshmallow bunnies and Peeps.
.

Continuing our Shinkansen adventure and roots search, we spent some time at the Miyazaki Zoo, Florante Miyazake, and Seagaia onsen. In reference to the non-biblical photos above, we start with Pearl in her kimono with a view from our room, while the white building is the Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort. Our room is on the 26th floor at the corner facing you. That round spheroid is the fabled Miyazaki orange. Yes, it looks like a regular orange, and, not surprisingly, tastes like one

.
We are now in Kyoto.

-

951-69

SEAGAIA

Every so often in life you stumble unto something and say, WOW! This would be the Sheraton Grand Ocean Resort, or Phoenix Seagaia Resort, in Miyazaki, Japan, located in the southeast corner of Kyushu, nearly 12 hours by train from Tokyo. This is partially why no one comes here, although there is a nearby airport. So WOW can be a mixed blessing, and unfortunately reminds us of our Sheraton Cairo nightmare, featured in Chapter 6 of SIMPLE SOLUTIONS for Humanity.

.

The resort itself is first class in beautiful natural surroundings. There is something intruding about a skyscraper in nature, but I like it. Pearl poses above from the 42nd floor of the dominant structure. Our room comes with three large picture windows. We could live here forever. Maybe this is heaven.

.

Miyazaki Prefecture has just about the same population as Hawaii, about 1.2 million. The Kobe-like beef and chicken are nationally famous. However, being free-range with no hormones, there is an unusual toughness to the fowl flesh. Interestingly enough, local meats tend to be more expensive than imported varieties. Same for the beer. We are nevertheless planning to try Kai tonight, a special attraction featuring local delicacies.

.

The Seagaia tourist complex first opened in 1993. Poor timing, for the economic bubble had burst, and in 2002, Sheraton took over the operations. This was a money losing proposition for another five years, but in 2007, finally a profit was turned. The latest economic collapse is, however, unfortunately evident today.

.

How can an international convention center and 45 story hotel with monstrous sized rooms, 99 holes (including Tom Watson 27-hole course), tennis center, onsen, ten restaurants, several bars and the largest indoor water complex (which recently closed) succeed so far away from anything significant? I can't imagine how, under current conditions, there can be any hope.

.

Yet, the opportunity is intriguing. The shuttered water park, for one, is just waiting for the ideal application. Maybe a marine concert hall? The first meal we had is another example of imperfect excellence. Located on the 42nd floor, the view is incredible, but the decor somewhat reminescent of a stale coffee shop. The food? Memories of the best in Paris...with an Italian flavor. The set menu comes at different prices. They all start with seven (yes, 7) appetizers, focusing on the food of the region: Miyazaki beef, black pork, foie gras, local vegetable in various hybrid amusements. Then the real food arrives, where you have a choice of soups, pastas, entrees, dessert, interrupted with something called Granite, which is like finally shaved ice. The flavor for the day was wasabi citrus. We had too much to drink at the free cocktail party next door, but a nice bottle of barolo would have gone well with this tapa-ish Roman feast.

.

The currently compelling draw today is the cost effectiveness High quality at a bargain, for all the restaurants are uniformly outstanding, service at a 5-star level and outdoor activities varied and appealing. Toshitsugu Sakou and Takeo Kondo: Techno-Ocean should explore a future meeting here, for the economics could be enticing. Joe Vadus: bring one of your international ocean gatherings to Seagaia. Mt. Sakurajima is currently erupting, but only Kagoshima is being affected, and Oita is not too far up the road.

.

I regret if I'm making this all sound so doomsdayish for the facility because the whole Seagaia experience is wonderful and relaxing. We most definitely will want to someday return, so let me begin my crusade to draw some positive attention. After all, the G8 Nations met here in 2000. Next, perhaps the G20, with the advantage being that no one will be able to find this site to protest.

.

But all these comments are after less than 24 hours, so, perhaps, I might adjust my attitude by the time we leave tomorrow for Kyoto.
-

FUKUOKA RAMEN

I AM ON A JAPANESE COMPUTER AND DON`T KNOW HOW TO UNLOCK THE CAPS. ANYWAY, THERE IS THAT OBLIGATORY PHOTO OF MT. FUJII FROM OUR SHINKANSEN (BULLET TRAIN) SEAT. FIRST OVERNIGHT STOP WAS AT THE HAKATA MIYAKO, AND THE MEAL OF REGIONAL CHOICE IS THE FUKUOKA RAMEN.

THE RECOMMENDED RESTAURANT IS ICHIRAN, WHERE, CLOSE TO THE HAKATA TRAIN STATION JUST BEFORE THE DUKE HOTEL, WALK DOWN TO THE B2 LEVEL, PLACE YOUR MONEY INTO A VENDING MACHINE AND MAKE YOUR CHOICE. THEN STAND IN LINE. AT 8:30 IN THIS RELATIVELY DINGY ENVIRONMENT, THERE WAS A SHORT LINE. NO FANCY STUFF HERE, AS YOU SIT IN A SMALL CUBICLE WHERE YOU CHOOSE YOUR CHOPSTICK AND USE A FAUCET TO GET YOUR WATER.

YOU NEED TO FILL OUT A FORM TO PROVIDE DETAILS, WHICH CAUSED A FIVE MINUTE DELAY FOR ME, AS AN ENGLISH VERSION NEEDED TO BE FOUND. I NOTICED THAT 80% WERE MALE AND 80% OF THEM HAD ON DARK SUITS AND TIE.

I THEN HAD TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE NOODLE TENDERNESS HAD TO BE EXTRA FIRM, FIRM, MEDIUM, TENDER OR EXTRA TENDER. I PICKED FIRM. NEXT WAS TO SELECT PORK FILLET OR NOT (THE BROTH IS MADE FROM PORK), AMOUNT OF GREEN ONION, AMOUNT OF GARLIC, ETC. IN MINUTES CAME THE STEAMING BOWL.

FUKUOKA RAMEN IS A NICE EXPERIENCE, FOR $12 WITH BEER WAS OKAY IN PRICE. THE BROTH IS EXCELLENT. THE NOODLE WAS THIN, BROWNISH AND A BIT TOO AL DENTE, BUT I CHOSE FIRM.

THE ROOM WAS WARM, THE RAMEN BOTH HOT AND SPICY HOT, AND WITH A　SPORTCOAT, THE EXPERIENCE WAS SWEATY. NOW ON TO MIYAZAKI.
-
The Dow Jones Industrials shot back up above 8000, increasing 246 to 8083. World markets also went up. The word is that the $150 billion Japanese stimulus package was the spur. Oil also re-entered $50/barrel territory, and is now up to $52.24. Gold dropped $2/toz to $880.
-
Tropical Cyclone Jade, at 40MPH, is now moving away from Madagascar and Le Reunion Island.
-

JINDAIJI

Fumio Ito took us to Jindaiji Botanical Garden, which, we agreed, had the most spectacular cherry blossom collection we've ever experienced. The temple itself was built in 733 and is next to Asakusa as the oldest in Japan. The variety of Sakura colors was awesome. Then for dinner, we celebrated Yayoi Kondo's birthday at Tofuya Ukai, an incredible restaurant located at the base of Tokyo Tower.

.

The Dow Jones Industrials dropped 186 to 7790 and gold rose $13/toz to $886.

-

Tropical Cyclone Jade, now at 45 MPH, is continuing to move south along the eastern coastline of Madagascar.

-

YASUKUNI SHRINE

At the top, dinner with Yoko and Toshitsugu Sakou at Victor's in the Tokyo Westin. Earlier in the day Pearl and I visited Yasukuni Shrine and Ueno Park with Hiromi Hotta, and were mesmerized by the Sakura and general tranquility. Yes, there were those 14 war criminals among the 2.5 million war dead symbolically honored at YS since 1869, thus remaining a point of contention with China and Korea. The controversy was particulary sensitized when, in 1979, General Hideki Tojo and other Class A war crime souls were enshrined here.

.

Otherwise:

.

1. Japan will be applying a $150 billion stimulus package, spearheaded by Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano. A couple of days ago I speculated that Yosano had the potential to become Japan’s next prime minister in September.

.

2. Japan fell behind Spain as #2 in grid-connected solar photovoltaics. Germany remains #1.

.

3. Japan continues to posture about the North Korean rocket test, but the UN Security Council (primarily Russia, China, Libya, Uganda and Vietnam) only agreed to further discuss the matter. While the second and third stages and “satellite” fell into the Pacific, it did fly more than 1000 miles (3200 km, but 8000km is required to reach Seattle), double the distance of a 1998 flight. However, this less than spectacular success means that Pyongyang will no doubt follow-up their puny 2006 underground nuclear test with a second one at a strategic time to affect upcoming nuclear talks. The combination of uncertainties regarding the health of their hilarious leader and widespread starvation throughout the populace makes this spot on the globe uncomfortably metastable.

.

4. Aoyama Gakuin University and Kanto Chemical Company developed an organic compound that might well pave the way for 3-D television.

.

5. The powerful earthquake that struck Italy was measured to have a magnitude between 5.8 and 6.3. The strongest earthquake ever occurred in Chile in 1960, with a Richter scale rating of 9.5. Thus, the Italian jolt had "only" 1/5000 or so the strength of the Chilean monster, which sent a tsunami around the world. The two measurement techniques are somewhat similar, but, more and more, Richter is being replaced by Moment Magnitude. Chapter 6 of SIMPLE SOLUTIONS for Planet Earth is on earthquakes and tsunamis.
-
The Dow Jones Industrials declined 42 to 7975, hitting a low at midday, but recovering 113 at the bell. While unemployment is at a 25 year high, there are signs that the bottom has been reached. Oil dipped below $50/bbl (see box on right) and gold is further declining, minus $23/toz to $873.
-
Tropical Cyclone Jade at 75 MPH struck the northeast side of Madagascar yesterday and is weakening.
-

CRIME AND WAR (Part 35A)

The following is largely excerpted from Chapter 1 of SIMPLE SOLUTIONS for Humanity:
.
Global Terrorism, Redux

World War II was “easy.” Against all initial intentions, we vanquished Japan and Germany, saving the world for freedom. Well, it did cost an equivalent of $12 trillion and 400,000 American lives, with another 100,000 still missing. But the world suffered a lot more, with 24 million dying just in the Battle of Stalingrad, and, perhaps a 100 million in total, so it could have been a lot worse for the U.S. Were it not for the USA, the world today could well be dominated by fascists. There are varied books on this subject matter.

The Cold War against communism was tense, but we also prevailed. We have yet to lose a major war. Western democracy is undefeated. We might lose minor struggles, such as Vietnam and, well, Iraq, and still harbor internal imperfections, but observing the larger picture, we find a way to continue the effort towards the common good.

In 1992, Frances Fukuyama released the End of History, suggesting that liberal democracy had conquered monarchy, fascism and communism, ending the evolution of human society. We have reached perfection, so there will be no further adjustments necessary. Samuel Huntington, in his 1993 Clash of Civilizations, disagreed, and proposed that cultural and religious differences would provoke future conflicts. In my mind, both are right. Yes, terrorism continues on the rise, but, in the end, democracy will triumph. Terrorism, though, is a matter of strategy, the correct reference should be, War on Islamic Fundamentalists, or some variation which will change over time.
-

NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES MISSILE

Well, they did it at 0230 GMT (11:30 AM in Tokyo) on Sunday, 5April09. The Taepodong-2 (also known as Unha-2) missile dropped the first stage in the Japan Sea less than 100 miles from Akita, flew over Northern Honshu, discharged the second stage (and probably rest of the payload) less than 1000 miles from Japan in the Pacific Ocean, far short of the mission plan, on a trajectory for Hawaii, yikes...but, alas, after signals of possible early success, the satellite, if there was one, FAILED to reach orbit.

.

Reactions:

.

--North Korea: Success.

--South Korea: Reckless.

--Japan: Profoundly regrettable.

--USA: Provocative.

--China: Be calm.

-

G20 AND NATO SUMMITS

There are the G8 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, UK and U.S.), and note that China and India are not members. Italy will serve as the host from July 8-10 this year, while the USA will so accommodate in 2012.

.

The G20 nations include the 19 largest economies plus the European Union. They represent 85% of the world gross product. They met in London on April 2 amidst semi-violent protests. They actually accomplished quite a bit: agreed to provide $1.1 trillion to the International Monetary Fund and assorted programs to promote international trade, created a Financial Stability Board, and took steps to avoid protectionism.

.

Now, if you were wondering why there were also protests (AFP photo at top left) in Strasbourg on the Continent, that was another gathering, a NATO Summit held after the G20 Summit. Only NATO members participated.

.

Yesterday, there was an announcement on television reporting that North Korea finally launched that feared rocket. Well, this misinformation came from Akita, where one of those Patriot ground-to-air guided missile batteries was sent. Japan is jittery. By the time I get to Akita in two weeks, this should all be over.

.

There should be very little concern, for even if this NK rocket crashes in northern Honshu (and there are copious assurances that this won't happen), there might be a satellite on board, but no nuclear warhead, because they don't yet have this capability. If the debris falls on anyone, that would be an unfortunate accident. If you're wondering why this communications attempt does not just go straight up over North Korea, such are the physics of rocket science. By the way, this shot will head straight for Hawaii, and the second stage should drop in the Pacific between Japan and Hawaii.

.

From my outpost on the 47th floor of the Park Hyatt, sayonara.

-

THE NEXT PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN

The Sakura was at peak today at Ueno Park. This variety is almost pure white, with a slight tinge of pink.

Last year Moscow was the most expensive city. Today, it is Tokyo, with Osaka #2. However, we bought a 10 color ball point pen at a 100 Yen store for 105 yen. Yes, these stores now charge 105 yen for each item, which is equivalent to $1.05. Amazingly enough, the ten fine point colors write incredibly well.

The current Prime Minister, Taro Aso, has a disapproval rating of 80% (even worse than recent president, George Bush), mostly because the country is in its worst recession since the Second World War. Until the past few weeks, Ichiro Ozawa, leader of the opposition, the Democratic Party of Japan, was highly favored to become the next PM, which would have ended the 50-year rule of the Liberal Democratic Party. However, Ozawa’s secretary was charged with receiving unlawful donations, so the upcoming elections are now wide open. The media is making this scandal larger than it should be. My sense, then, is that either Nobuteru Ishihara (51, on the left above) or Kaoru Yosano (71, on the right above), both from the LDP, will prevail in September, or earlier. Ishihara is the son of the Governor of Tokyo City.
-
882-97

SAKURA AND THE SEARCH

Friday, April 3, was spent at Shinjuku Park. From the bottom left are red and white cherry blossoms, Pearl with the mob at the Park and the Park Hyatt in the background.

.

There are signs and announcements warning that alcohol cannot be consumed on these grounds. But there is no enforcement and we contributed to the festivities to complement our bento lunch.

.

Our assessment is that the blossoms are not yet at peak here, but this should occur in a few days. Today, we're off to Ueno Park, where reports are that the ultimate has been attained. Today being a Saturday in Japan, the crowd should be at a particular max.
.

In reference to the photo above, taken after our dinner at the New York Grill at the top of the Park Hyatt, the Search for Kenjiro's Grandmothers team involves Fumio Ito of Nauru OTEC fame, Taka Ota, also with that project, Pearl, Kenji Hotta (professor at Nihon University), Hiromi Hotta, originally from Otaru, and me.

.

For anyone contemplating using the Japan Rail Pass. First, you need to pay for the exchange order before you start your trip. Second, after getting to Japan, you must obtain the actual pass at a JR Travel Service Center located at major stations. Bring your passport. You can then make your seat reservations at this location. Should you have a schedule change, just exchange your ticket for another one. There is no additional charge for adjustments. While not particularly cheap, just one trip to Sapporo and back from Tokyo just about pays for three weeks of Green Car (first class) service where you can take as many trips as possible during that period.

-

The Dow Jones Industrials went up 40 to 8018. This has been the best 4 week winning streak in 70 years, all the more surprising, as the unemployment rate is now at 8.5%, the highest level in 25 years. Oil did not change much and gold dropped below $900/toz to $892.

-