Dezomeshiki (Firefighter Festival)

One of the largest New Year's festivals in Tokyo is the Dezomeshiki. We attended the event on Sunday, January 6th, at the Tokyo Big Sight convention centre.

The firefighter festival and parade commemorates the workers who helped banished the fires at each of the Kaga feudal lord's estates during the Edo Period (1603-1868), when Tokyo was known as the City of Fires. In short, when the fires were successfully extinguished, the men employed earned fame and were invited to exhibit their skills in fire fighting in Kanazawa. Back then, they used manual fire engines, fire hooks and ladders and performed on New Year's Day. Since then, it has become a well respected annual matsuri (festival) in Tokyo.

During the outdoor presentation, over 5,000 professionals paraded through the area in uniform.

Rescue vehicles of Tokyo come in all forms

One of the highlights of the event were the men dressed in Edo period attire showcasing bamboo ladders and traditional firefighting equipment. Before a crowded audience, firefighters performed acrobatic stunts at the highest point of the ladder while the men below held the ladder vertically balanced using hooks on sticks at every angle.

Below, is a close-up photo of the men holding the ladder still.

Later, a motorcade of fire trucks of all sizes, including Hazmat vehicles and ambulances circled the area, while four rescue choppers hovered pass the crowd.

Throughout the Dezomeshiki, the Tokyo Fire Department takes the opportunity to showcase their latest equipment and firefighting techniques using dramatization. One scene was comprised of a narrow four-story makeshift building, which was set ablaze while firefighters worked to extinguish the fires. It added excitement to see the rescue teams scale the walls from the roof, while paramedics, police and Hazmat teams surrounded the scene. They also acted out emergency scenarios caused by earthquakes. Over the speakers, a narrator described the scenes while informing audience of safety procedures.

After touring the indoor exhibits, and trying on some heavy protective firefighting gear, masks and helmets, we decided to walk the short distance to Palette Town in Odaiba. It was a beautiful day for a walk along the waterside. Buildings are scarce and less crowded than in Tokyo.

In Odaiba, we rode the main attraction at Palette Town, the Giant Sky Wheel, boasting a range of colours resembling a large palette. Markus happens to be thrilled by Ferris wheels. He's enjoyed it ever since his first ride on the Big O at the Tokyo Dome Amusement Park in December. The 16-minute ride on the Giant Sky Wheel takes you up 115 metres high, offering the greatest views of Tokyo including the Tokyo Tower, the Rainbow Bridge, and all the way to the skyscraper districts of Shinjuku.

We were able to watch airplanes minutes apart taking off and landing at the nearby Haneda Airport...that was a bit nerving to see for Rodney and I, but Markus LOVED it! Palette Town is also known to be a hot spot for shopping. We were able to get in on some year-end bargains at some of my favourite shops at the Sun Walk Shopping Mall. Sales are always a good thing!

Our little guy was easily captivated by the views.

In this photo, Markus is pointing out to an airplane taking off from Haneda Airport.

Our 800 yen souvenir snapshot from the Giant Sky Wheel.

Rodney's capture of Tokyo Tower and the endless skyline of skyscrapers, beyond the Rainbow Bridge.

A rather interesting close up shot of Fuji TV Building, taken from the monorail. Fuji TV is one of Japan's private nationwide TV stations.

Snow in Tokyo?

Sure enough as forecasted, we woke up this morning to a very rare site in Tokyo...snow! Lots of it, in fact. I didn't think it was going to stick, but to my surprise it snowed all morning and into the afternoon, lightly blanketing the rooftops, cars and streets. For us, this a first experience of snowfall in Tokyo since moving here nearly two years ago. (So, I guess it's sort of a big deal.)

Looking down into the parking lot and courtyard of our apartment.

Mt. Naeba Winter Escapade

Prepping his gear for the big snow trip.

Enroute to Niigata Prefecture, our morning drive was full of beautiful views .

The drastic change in atmosphere after about 2 hours into the drive. The marquis informs drivers to switch to tire chains from this point.

The powder snow and white landscape was a refreshing change from the metropolis Tokyo scene. We spent two nights and three days at Naeba Prince Resort beginning on January 1st. Since we decided to drive and knowing there would be snowy road conditions, Rodney had the car prepped with new snow tires. Unbelieveably, there was no traffic throughout the entire sunny voyage until we reached the mountainous region of Niigata Prefecture. Literally, we drove into a mountain tunnel and came out the other side to a blizzard. Mind you, the tunnel was nearly and kilometre long. Cars were stopped along side of the road strapping on the tire chains. From that point we drove mountainside up through the winding roads as Rodney eased his way around the sharp bends. I admit I was a bit nervous while we drove alongside the expanse of mountains and deep cliffs that boardered the snowy road. I think if it weren't for the cliffs, these road conditions wouldn't be anything too much to worry about since we've survived worse winters back in our hometown. I had the weird sensation of feeling really small next to the enormous mountains. When Markus finally woke up in the car, he was beyond surprised to see all the snow out the window. I was certain he remembered playing in the snow last year, since making snow balls was the only thing on his mind. Before long, we arrived safely at our destination.

Finally, after checking in to our room, we dropped off our luggage, quickly bundled up, and headed for the slopes. It was about 10:30am by then, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the snow for a couple of hours until we headed in for lunch. The resort offered several types of restaurants; we opted for the western-style buffet which offered a large variety and also had the best views of the mountains. We dined while watching skiers and snowboarders plow through the snow. After lunch, I picked up my rental skies and headed out again for a few more hours of fun. Rodney had already snowboarded down a few times. At the bottom of the runs, were fenced off areas for families to ride sleds and play in the snow. That was where we alternated taking turns watching and playing with Markus, while the other went down the runs. Several ski lifts meant no long waiting to get up the mountains. It worked out well. Though it was cold and snowing hard, Markus didn't seem to mind the least bit. He was overjoyed!






This was seriously too much fun! I was surprised by how much speed we picked up. Markus loved the rush! He laughed and screamed each time we went down.

The Dragondola

The photo above was taken at one of the highest points of Mt. Naeba - 2,221 metres high. We took a gondola up the mountain, which was about a 15-minute ride.

There was a small restaurant at the top where we took a coffee break, then Rodney snowboarded while Markus and I rode the gondola back down. It was extremely windy up there and the high altititude made me feel a bit queasy.

"Gambatte daddy...see you at the bottom of the hill!"

The heavy snowfall from the night before made for perfect packing snow the next morning. Rodney and Markus spent hours building forts, while I skied down the hills a few times.

Adding some final touches to secure the roof from caving in.

An emergency exit...just incase.

By the time the fort was finished, it attracted a few guests.

Thrilled by the monster snow ATV. He was begging me to turn it on so he could ride.

I think this was a more suitable option than the above.

The gorgeous view looking down toward the resort hotels

To celebrate the New Year, there were fireworks displayed each evening at 10 P.M., over the main slopes facing the hotel. We had a great view from The Whistler Cafe; a Canadian-themed venue. At first, the loud banging sounds freaked Markus out. He huddled under the table for a bit until I convinced him that it was okay. He said, "Bikurishita mommy!", an expression which mean he was surprised or caught off guard. Finally captivated by the brilliant colours in the sky, he managed to enjoy the last minute of the show.

At The Whistler Cafe

He makes it look so easy

All tired out!









Gee, I like how this camera almost makes me look like a pro...heehee!

Markus wanting badly to get on Rodney's board!

What a great way to start the year! We had an incredible time during the three days in Mt. Naeba's winter wonderland. I have to say we were impressed by the amenities and family atmosphere it offered. The food was good and the heated pool was also a relaxing treat from being out in the cold all day. Special thanks to my good friend, Hiromi-san for the recommendation.

By the last day, we were pretty worn out. Markus nearly slept the entire ride home. Unfortunately, we had terrible gridlock traffic with folks heading back into Tokyo from their holiday trips. It had to be expected, I guess. It is after all, Tokyo.

A Japanese New Years...Welcome 2008!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Our family had a quiet New Year's Eve in Tokyo. First, we dined at a fantastic Italian Restaurant in Ginza called Liana Capella, then headed home soon after. To welcome the New Year, we enjoyed some fine wine, and watched TV switching channels between the NHK Broadcast and MTV Japan countdown, all the while packing for our ski trip for the next morning.

New Years in Japan is known as Oshogatsu; the most important holiday of the year. Along with the coming of the new year, there are many traditional occurrences that I find interesting. Here are a few for your reading pleasure.

• Japanese say "Yoi otoshiwo" to each other on New Year's Eve. It means "Have a nice year passing". In the New Year, people greet each other with "Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu." あけましておめでとうございます. This means "Happy New Year". The usual phrase that follows is, "Kotoshimo yoroshiku onegaishimasu." Basically it translates as, "Let's continue our good relationship this year as well."
  

• At midnight, most Buddhist temples ring the bell 108 times. It is said that each person has 108 attachments to their ego that we need to rid ourselves of before the New Year. When the clock struck 12, I slid open our balcony door and anticpated the bell from the local temple, but unfortunately I heard nothing. It was actually a very quiet night.

• In the early morning, families head to the temples and shrines and pray for prosperity, good health and good luck. This first visit of the New Year is known as hatsumode. Some people dress in kimonos and carry wooden arrows called hamaya, which are demon-quelling weapons.

• Throughout the country, many businesses, homes and even vehicles on the road display kadomatsu (see photo on right of Markus holding our mini kadomatsu). Typically, most decorations are made of sprigs of pine, bamboo, twisted straw, paper and sometimes ume (plum tree). Bitter tangerines are also displayed throughout homes to thank the gods for harvest. The kadomatsu, usually placed near the entrances of homes or buildings, represent prosperity, longevity and steadfastness.

• Awakening before sunrise is also considered important, as viewing the first sunrise of the year known as hatsuhinode, is thought to be a good and proper start for the New Year. TV networks which broadcast continuously throughout the night, show pictures of the first sunrise breaking at various locations in Japan. The TV program we tuned in on showed people flocked to certain waterfronts near Odaiba. That morning, we were up before sunrise preparing to leave for our ski trip. Without a cloud in the sky, I was also able capture the perfect first sunrise from our balcony.
  

On January 1, 2008 at 6:51 A.M., this is the beautiful hatsuhinode I witnessed:

• On New Year's Eve, toshikoshi soba (buckwheat flour noodles) is served. The thin long noodles symbolize longevity. Traditional New Year's food is known as osechi-ryori. Depending on what part of the country you live, determines the type of osechi-ryori you'll most likely eat. Some examples of specially prepared food include ozoni soup, which is made of miso, seaweed, fish cakes, soy beans, simmered burdock root and mashed sweet potato.
  

Interestingly, most osechi-ryori can last for up to three or four days without refrigeration.

• Another favourite is omochi, which are rice cakes (completely different from the Western-style rice cake that you're probably thinking of). Omochi is made by pounding down sticky mochi rice with a wooden pallet, than shaped into small blocks or rounds. Usually it is served grilled and wrapped in nori (seaweed). Sadly enough, there are a number of elderly people who die each year from choking on the very sticky omochi. This year it was reported in Japan Times News on January 3, 2008, in the metropolitan area, 5 people died while 8 others choked, but survived.
  

The process of pounding down mochi rice to produce omochi becomes a festive affair each year.

Part of this valuable experience living in Japan is exploring the historic and fascinating culture. We've grown to love and respect many of what the country has to offer and continue forward feeding our minds with more to learn and experience in the New Year.

Our family wishes you all the best in 2008. KANPAI!

More of Our Christmas in Tokyo

A week before Christmas, a few of my Jidoukan friends and I planned a luncheon party in the recreation hall of our Park Homes apartment. As always, there was plenty to eat and sufficient space for the high-energy kids who played and ran around for nearly four hours. Over lunch, it was nice to share holiday family traditions with the other mothers. Most discussed how they were gearing up for the New Year celebrations - the most important holiday of the year in Japan. It's always interesting to hear the difference in celebrating holidays among cultures.

On December 24th, Markus and I went to a children's Christmas mass at our parish in Roppongi. After the pleasant service, we walked around and did some shopping, then chilled at my favourite cafe in Ebisu for a donut and coffee...well, Markus had a warm milk. There were crowds of people shopping, as always, however the confectionery shops seemed to be busier then ever with folks buying Christmas cakes and pastries. Despite having to work Christmas Eve and Day, Rodney was able to free himself earlier than usual for both days. Coming from a large family, our holiday festivities back in my hometown are joyfully hectic. So this year's Christmas was surely different frow what we're accustomed and needless to say, I missed being with my family very much. Though I've mentioned it plenty of times before, thank goodness for Skype. Being able to see and talk to family and friends during real time was the next best thing to being home for the holidays.

On Christmas Eve, when I asked Markus what type of cookies he wanted to leave for Santa, he suggested animal crackers and milk to drink! With reason, we explained to Markus that we lent Santa a key to the front door to come in and drop off gifts. It was either that, or have Santa climb up six floors to enter in through our balcony. Markus agreed that it wasn't a good idea. He assumed Santa's reindeer waited on the roof of the building. The next morning, Markus was eager to open more gifts - his new favourite thing to do. He got what he asked for from Santa; a Diego video and a Little Einsteins' book. Then he asked us why we didn't receive gifts from Santa...funny boy! "Only to good little boys and girls," we explained.

On Christmas Day, I had a Japanese lesson scheduled. It was nice to have Keiko come by for lunch and spend the a few hours with us. That evening, Mihoko invited us to her home for a delicious Japanese Christmas dinner, and more gifts. Together, we had a very pleasant evening with our Japanese family!