Ohanami Season 2008

Celebrating ohanami season (sakura or cherry blossom viewing) is much a part of Japanese tradition and culture, as is any other matsuri (festival) such as natsu matsuri (summer festivals). Once again, we were more than happy to be in Tokyo for another year of splendid cherry blossom viewing this spring.

You can find sakura at just about every park in the city. If you're lucky, you might even find yourself driving down some side streets with the cherry blossoms lined up along both sides, creating one of the most beautifully picturesque canopy of trees you can ever see. The photo left was taken alongside of Wako Jurim Koen. These photos really don't do it justice.

In Tokyo, it becomes one big, week-long excuse of partying, eating, and drinking sake while viewing the blossoms. Usually after a little over a week, the velvety petals fall to the ground creating a snowy effect.

Our great friends, the Wakayama Family invited us to join them once again at Wako Jurim Koen in Saitama Prefecture for a fun family picnic. We were fortunate to have the company of Mom (Frijas) and Tita Jasmin visiting Tokyo during such a joyful time. It turned out to be a chilly and overcast day in the park that Sunday, April 30th, thus we still enjoyed the afternoon having wonderful food and strolling through the park admiring all different varieties of sakura trees. Markus of course, always has a blast hanging out with his two best older buddies, Naoki and Junki! They played catch, climbed the trees and they also taught him how to use a tennis racquet. Once he got the hang of hitting the ball, he didn't want to stop!

Hangin' around

PEACE!

Because of the warmer than usual climate, the cherry blossoms bloomed a week earlier in Tokyo this year. Our sakura viewing continued with another sunny afternoon of picnicing at Heiwa Park in Kamiitabashi with many friends from Jidoukan on April 1. This would be the last time seeing many of Jidoukan friends before many begin yochien (kindergarten) classes the following week. Markus had a great time running around and reunting with his friends.

(L-R)-

Yukiko-san, Sae-chan, Emi-san, Yagi-san, Hiromi-san, me, Sayaka-san, Yagi-san's baby, Markus and Sora-chan

Our good friends, Hiromi-san and Taro-kun, who recently moved to Suganami (about an hour away from Kamiitabashi), were able to join us back in our town.

With Ayumi-chan, Arisa-chan, her mom and sister, and Yoko-san

Markus and Kota taking turns on the Anpanman bike

A fine day in the park

The following day, on April 4th, we met with Keiko in Meguro to one of the sakura viewing hotspots along Meguro River.

Simply gorgeous!

Soon after, we headed next door to Meguro Gajoen to give Tita Jasmin a tour of the wonderful hotel/convention hall and courtyard. Markus was fired up to see the dozens of coy swimming in the courtyard. It's definitely one of his favourite places to see when our visitors come to Tokyo.

Inside Meguro Gajoen, the halls were decorated with stunning sakura theme.

Over the week, seeing the beautiful sakura made me think of how blessed we are to have lived through these wonderful experiences in Japan. I'm certain I'll be thinking about my memories of the ohanami season this time, next year, where ever I may be.

....more of ohanami season 2008 to come

Jidoukan Graduation Day

March 14th was Markus last day of Jidoukan for the school year. During the special graduation ceremony and all the children received their certificates of completion. For many mothers, it was an emotional day since their children would be commencing kindergarten classes at new schools in mid-April. In Japan, it is common for children to begin kindergarten at the early age of three. We decided to opt out enrolling Markus into Japanese kindergarten since he would have to be removed from the classes in July, when we depart Japan. Instead, he will continue with Jidoukan classes for the remainder of our stay.
Each child was individually called to the front of the class to receive their certificate. The sensei (teacher) asked a short question in Japanese about what he liked best about Jidoukan. Markus responded with, "Tomodachi ni asonda koto ga suki desu." (I liked playing with my friends.)

Markus all "thumbs up" after receiving his certificate! OMEDETOU!!!

Here are some of the latest and greatest Jidoukan pictures with Markus close friends. They've grown so much over the last two plus years.

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." - Abraham Lincoln

Keeping Sora-chan entertained during the ceremony.

Jidoukan has been an all-around splendid experience for Markus and I over the last two years. Not only has it enriched Markus educationally, he's learned invaluable skills that would otherwise be difficult to teach on our own, such as interacting with peers. He enjoys being with his tomodachi (friends) and participating in all different kinds of activities. Jidoukan has also been a place where both Markus and I have enhanced our Japanese language skills communicating with friends and fellow mothers.

Markus with his sensei (teachers). (L-R) Su-chan, U-chan and Hiro-chan

March 14 is also known as "White Day" in Japan. This commercialized holiday falls exactly one month after Valentine's Day. Just a note, Valentine's Day is celebrated rather unusually in Japan. Women gift men with sweets and chocolate. Some women see it as obligatory to give men of their superior, such as co-workers and office managers, boxes of sweets. On White Day, it gives the men the opportunity to return the favour to the women. The evening of March 14, we received a special surprise visit from our dear friends, the Wakayama Family. Naoki and Junki made a special delivery of wonderful homemade sweets for me! They were absolutely delicious! (See photo right) They were so kind to send some to Mihoko and Sayaka, as well. Such sweet boys!!
Arigatougozaimashita Naoki and Junki. Ouishikatta!!

Thomas Land

On March 9th, we headed out to Thomas Land, a themepark near the foothills of Mt. Fuji, fully dedicated to Thomas the Tank Engine. We promised Markus a while back that we would take a day trip there some day, so naturally he was ecstatic when he heard of our travel plans.

Thomas Land is located about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo. During most road trips, Markus enjoys taking a nap, however he was so geeked about going, he kept wide awake with excitement the whole road trip. As always, the drive toward the vicinity of Mt. Fuji is especially beautiful with the sacred mountain against the blue horizon. We can't help but take a ton of photos every time.

All the attractions and rides were suitable for Markus' age. He had a heck of a time riding every single attraction including the mini-coasters, water log ride and of course, a train ride through the Island of Sodor.

About to take off on the water ride...PEACE!

Markus waiting in line for Harold the helicopter ride

Finally riding "The Happy Harold"

Mr. Independent Markus was thrilled by the self-operated train car. Surprisingly he did pretty good pushing the gas pedal and steering all by himself.Thomas Land is part of the main amusement park, Fuji-Q High Land. Within the same grounds is a Warner Brothers activity facility with a public ice rink. You have the option to rent out ice skates too. Check out Mt. Fuji in the background...so beautiful!

Taking a break while perched beside Percy

A visit through The Island of Sodor

Above, you could hardly see little Markus sitting beside me. We waited in line a little longer just to sit in the first train car seats.

Fuji-Q High Land rollar coaster in the background. Markus was a little freaked out by the sceaming passengers.