kenleewrites in 日本

Sometimes we just have to put our best fist forward and hope it connects.

Couldn’t help but marvel at the development around Hiyoshi Station when I chanced upon this aerial shot taken way back in 1934.

It was an aerial photograph of Keio University’s Hiyoshi campus – those white buildings in the center of the photo.

There was nothing but farmland and lots of green surrounding the campus back then!

Fast forward 76 years. We more more buildings, but much less farmland.

I’m just amazed that we still have the same network of roads!

The Malay term “balik kampung” refers to returning to one’s village. In most cultures, there’s always a period where people balik kampung. In the States I believe it’s Thanksgiving and Christmas? In Japan, it’s always over the new year or during the o-bon period. For Malaysian Chinese, it’s always during lunar new year.

Took these photos on my previous iPhone 3G on our way back in January 2009. Can’t believe it’s been a year.

田中；「お正月実家帰るの？」
けん：「うん、balik kampung です。」

DDD – Dunkin’ Donuts Drive thru. Have yet to see a Dunkin’ Donuts in Japan yet. Donuts are huge in Japan, but not so in Malaysia. Those round snacks with a hole have some pretty stiff local competition.

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The 4 apostles John, Paul, George and Ringo.

I was invited to a friend’s wedding last weekend. In Japan, there are usually 2 events on the wedding day. The official wedding ceremony and banquet, and the less formal nijikai (second party).

This was his nijikai.

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