Thursday, August 9, 2007

Sushi in Technology World



Is it an interesting picture? I receive this picture from an email. I wonder where they sell?
After I search in google , I found that you can buy it at http://www.dynamism.com/sushidisk/pricing.shtml

Do you want to have one? (^0^)

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Takoyaki (^0^)

Takoyaki is the one of my favorite japanese food. I used to go to "Takoyaki Musuem" in Osaka where have many delicious takoyaki shops (^0^).I 've already buy one takoyaki pan to made it at my home after I came back to Thailand . It 's made very easy and very fun when turning each takoyaki on the takoyaki pan


Osaka Takoyaki Musuem




My takoyaki pan look like this photo


Takoyaki (たこ焼き or 蛸焼, Takoyaki?) (literally fried or baked octopus) is a popular Japanese dumpling made of batter, diced octopus, tempura scraps (tenkasu), pickled ginger, konnyaku, and green onion, topped with okonomiyaki sauce, green laver (aonori), mayonnaise, and katsuobushi (fish shavings), originated in Osaka. Making takoyaki requires a takoyaki pan, a special frying pan made of cast iron with hemispherical molds. There is a similarly named dish called ikayaki but it is a broiled whole squid and bears no resemblance. "Yaki" is derived from "yaku" (焼く, "yaku"?) which simply means "to bake or grill" in the Japanese language, and can be found in the names of other Japanese cuisine items such as teriyaki or sukiyaki.



Although takoyaki can easily be made at home if the equipment is available, it is usually considered to be fast food and mostly sold on the streets. Frozen takoyaki are also sold, and there are restaurants in which customers can cook their own takoyaki at their tables. Takoyaki is especially popular in the Kansai region, but has risen in popularity in other parts of Japan. In the Kansai region, takoyaki is eaten as a side dish with a bowl of cooked rice. Elsewhere in Japan, it is eaten without rice as a snack food.



source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takoyaki

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

X Japan Forever

The first of my impression japanese song is "Say Anything" which is the song of X Japan.I had known this song and this band on a music channel in one day for many years ago.The power voice of Toshi which I heared that day, impress me so much.
After that I has been willing to own all of their albums and any stuffs about them.
After broke up 10 years ago,I have just heared that they 'll be return again in the end of this year. It's GOOD NEWS (^0^)


I will love X Japan forever.
WE ARE X ...... \(^0^)/ ......




X Japan is a popular Japanese band founded in 1982 by drummer and pianist Yoshiki Hayashi and vocalist Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama.Originally named X (エックス), the group achieved its breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood. They started out as a power/speed metal band and later gravitated towards a progressive sound, at all times retaining an emphasis on ballads. After three more albums, X Japan disbanded in 1997. On June 4, 2007 it was confirmed that the band will reunite, with a new single and a tour tentatively scheduled for later this year.



X (1982–1992)
X released their first single "I'll Kill You" on Dada Records in 1985. To ensure a continuous outlet for the band's publications, Yoshiki founded the independent label Extasy Records in the following year on which a second single ("Orgasm") was released, as well as the group's debut album, Vanishing Vision in 1988.[3] X's lineup at that time consisted of Toshi on vocals, Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto on lead guitar, Tomoaki "Pata" Ishizuka on rhythm guitar, Taiji Sawada on bass and Yoshiki on drums and piano.[1] The band makes a cameo in the 1988 comedy Tokyo Pop, starring the late Carrie Hamilton and Diamond Yukai.[4]
After being signed on by Sony Records, the band's second album Blue Blood was released in 1989 and spawned several successful singles, such as "Kurenai" and "Endless Rain", as well as a VHS containing one of the concerts of the subsequent tour (later re-released on DVD). Recordings for the follow-up album Jealousy took place in Los Angeles. It was released in July 1991 and shortly followed by the band's first performance in Japan's largest live venue, the Tokyo Dome. The later show in the dome would later be released both on CD and VHS/DVD.
By 1992 the band's ongoing success in Japan made an international breakthrough appear likely enough to warrant the renaming to "X Japan", in order to distinguish the group from the United States punk band X. Around the same time, Taiji was replaced by Hiroshi "Heath" Morie, supposedly due to creative differences with Yoshiki. He went on to work with Loudness and Cloud Nine. While still named X, the band appeared on two heavy metal samplers, Heavy Metal Force III and Skull Thrash Zone Volume I.[5]



X Japan (1993–1997)
For the release of their next album, X Japan left Sony and signed a deal with Atlantic Records. Art of Life was released in August 1993, notable for containing only the almost 29 minutes long title track, which would only be performed twice for a live audience. By then, the members of the group also maintained several side projects. For example, 1994 saw the release of Hide's first solo album, Hide Your Face, which featured a distinctively different sound from X Japan's music, leaning more towards alternative rock. Yoshiki collaborated with Queen drummer Roger Taylor on the single "Foreign Sand".[6] and provided the Japanese contribution to the international Kiss tribute album Kiss My Ass, an orchestral arrangement of the song "Black Diamond".[7] A compilation with orchestral treatments of X Japan songs, titled Eternal Melody was also released. It was performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and among others featured The Beatles producer George Martin as an arranger.[8]
In 1996, Dahlia, the band's first studio album in more than three years, was released, though with relatively little new material, given that singles included on the record had been coming out as early as a few months after Art of Life. Around that time, the group dropped most of its original visual kei aesthetics in favor of a more casual look. Dahlia would be the band's last major release, since vocalist Toshi left the group, the subsequent dissolution being officially announced in September 1997. X Japan performed their farewell show at the Toyko Dome on December 31, making it the last of five consecutive New Year's Eves the group performed in that stadium.
Much has been made of Toshi's departure, including allegations of him joining a cult and being influenced by it. Toshi has since denied these claims, stating that his decision to leave X Japan dated back as far as April 1996, more than a year before he met the organization's leader, Masaya and that the glamorous, success-oriented life of a rock star failed to satisfy him emotionally, as opposed to a simpler life and career.[9]


After the breakup

While re-issues, compilations and live footage continue to be released until today,[8] the former members of X Japan have since pursued various other projects: Hide continued his solo career as Hide with Spread Beaver, which now formally included his previous live band. The group did not last long though, due to Hide's death in May 1998, which left fans and colleagues equally surprised and shocked.[10]
Pata and Heath, along with Spread Beaver percussionist/programmer I.N.A., founded Dope Headz in 2001 which released two albums but then ceased activity. The trio also provided a track for the Hide tribute album Tribute Spirits.[11] Heath is currently pursuing a solo career and Pata is a member of RAIN (Rock and Inspiration).
Yoshiki has engaged in numerous activities, such as being briefly a member of the pop band Globe[12], producing singles for the Korean rock band TRAX[13] and working on his solo project Violet UK, which as of February 2007 has not yet published a major release. On May 25, 2007, the formation of the supergroup Skin was announced, which besides Yoshiki consists of pop/rock artists Gackt and Miyavi, as well as former Luna Sea guitarist Sugizo. The band gave its debut at the Anime Expo convention in Long Beach, California on June 29, 2007.[14]



Reunion (2007)
In March 2007, Toshi announced on his website that he and Yoshiki had recently resumed working together, stating that a "new project" would start soon.[15] A reunion was officially announced on June 4, 2007, with Yoshiki confirming a tour, as well as a new single (a re-recording of the song "Without You", originally from Yoshiki's 2005 solo album Eternal Melody II) to be well underway and that he is currently in talks with Heath and Pata, regarding their participation. About ten, yet to be disclosed guitarists are to fill in for the late Hide during concerts.[2]



Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Japan

More Information about X Japan :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X_Japan
http://www.xjapan.ne.jp
http://www.x-japan.de/main.htm

Monday, August 6, 2007

Japan Rail Pass

In this evening, My friend ask me about her plan to travel in Japan. She tell me that she want to see many places, so I suggest her to buy "Japan Rail Pass" which is the most economical way to travel throughout Japan by rail.



Who is eligible for a JAPAN RAIL PASS?
1. A foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing,under the entry status of "temporary visitor."

"Temporary Visitor" entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc." If you apply for a "stay for sight-seeing" when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "Temporary Visitor". Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JAPAN RAIL PASS.


2. A Japanese national living in a foreigncountry,

a.who is qualified to live permanently in that country, or

b. who is married to a non-Japanese residing in a country other than Japan.

JAPAN RAIL PASS types and prices
There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS: Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS.

Type:
Green

Ordinary

Duration

Adult

Child

Adult

Child
7-day
37,800 YEN

18,900 YEN

28,300 YEN

14,150 YEN
14-day
61,200 YEN
30,600 YEN
45,100 YEN
22,550 YEN
21-day
79,600 YEN
39,800 YEN
57,700YEN
28,850 YEN


The above are yen (or ) prices for a JAPAN RAIL PASS Exchange Order; the actual cost in local currency is calculated at the time the Exchange Order is issued. Note that the purchase exchange rate may differ from the exchange rate in effect when you actually visit Japan.

The local currency price, applicable exchange rate, and issue date for an Exchange Order are specified on the Exchange Order itself. PASS prices for children apply from age 6 to and including age 11. Prices are subject to change. The applicable price is the price valid on the date when an Exchange Order is issued.



Where exchange orders are sold

Exchange Orders can be purchased from the following JR authorized sales offices and agents:JTB Corp., Nippon Travel Agency, KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL, Toptour Corporation, Japan Airlines*, All Nippon Airways, JALPAK, and their associated agencies.* In this case, you must book a JAL Group flight. A JAPAN RAIL PASS cannot be purchased inside Japan.You must purchase an Exchange Order from an authorized sales office or agent before you come to Japan.

After you arrive in Japan, you turn in the Exchange Order to receive your JAPAN RAIL PASS at an applicable JR station that has a JAPAN RAIL PASS exchange office.



Source : http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html

More Infomation about Japan Rail Pass :
http://www.japanrailpass.net/
http://www.accessjapan.co.uk/RailPass

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Satoshi Tsumabuki (^0^)

Today, I see the movie "Nada Sou Sou". I like it so much especially Satochi Tsumabuki. He is very lovely when he smile.\(^0^)/ Let's know about him.




Satoshi Tsumabuki (妻夫木聡, Tsumabuki Satoshi, born December 13, 1980) is a Japanese actor. His breakthrough film was Waterboys for which he was nominated for the 'Best Actor' award at the Japanese Academy Awards, and won the 'Newcomer of the Year' prize. He is also the bassist and lead singer of the Japanese band Basket Lite.


Profile
Height: 171cm
Weight: 55kg
Blood type: O
Star Sign: Sagittarius
Place of Birth: Yanagawa, Fukuoka, Japan
Talent Agency: Horipro


Filmography
Movies
Tsukigami (2007)
Dororo (2007) as Hyakkimaru
Nada Sou Sou (2006)
The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
Yawarakai Seikatsu (2006)
Haru no Yuki (2005)
Lorelei (2005)
Tetsujin 28 Go (2004)
Yaku 30 no Uso (2004)
69 sixty nine (2004)
Kyo no dekigoto (2004)
Josee to Tora to Sakanatachi (2003)
Sayonara Kuro (2003)
Dragonhead (2003)
Jam Films - Justice (2002)
Sabu(2002)
Waterboys (2001)
Tomie re-birth (2001)
Great Teacher Onizuka (1999)
Nazo no Tenkousei (1998)

TV Dramas
Slow Dance (2005 Fuji TV) as Riichi Serizawa
Yonimo Kimyona Monogatari Bijokan (2005 Fuji TV)
Orange Days (2004 TBS) as Kai Yuuki
Blackjack ni Yoroshiku Special (2004 TBS) as Eijiro Saito
Ikebukuro West Gate Park Special (2003 TBS) as Fujio Saitou
Blackjack ni Yoroshiku (2003 TBS) as Eijiro Saito
Lunch no Joou (2002 Fuji TV) as Junzaburo Nabeshima
Tokyo Muke Michi Girl (2002 NTV)
Wedding Planner (2002 Fuji TV) as Shuhei Narumi
Kisarazu Cat's Eye (2002 TBS) as Little Yamada in episode 9
Long Love Letter (2002 Fuji TV) as Ryuta Fujisawa
Chuushingura 1/47 (2001 Fuji TV) as Gunbe Takada
Dekichatta Kekkon (2001 Fuji TV) as Takumi
Tengoku ni ichiban chikai otoko 2 (2001 TBS)
Kabachitare (2001 Fuji TV)
Limit: Moshimo wagako ga (2000 YTV)
Ikebukuro West Gate Park (2000 TBS) as Fujio Saitou
Koi no Kiseki (1999 TV Asahi)
Omizu no hanamichi (1999 Fuji TV)
Over Time (1998 Fuji TV)
Subarashii Hibi (1998 Fuji TV)

Awards and Nominations
Awards Won
34th Television Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor in Lunch no Joou
37th Television Academy Awards: Best Actor in Blackjack ni Yoroshiku
41st Television Academy Awards: Best Actor in Orange Days

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satoshi_Tsumabuki

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Nikko is Nippon

I choose this topic to be the first article of my blog , because it 's the most impression place of mine in Japan. There are many interesting places. You should not miss to visit Nikko. (^0^)



The name of the Nikko derived from Mt. Futara (Today's Mt. Nantai). Mt. Futara also is pronounced as Mt. Nikou.

There are three possible reasons why this place was named as Nikko.The name of the Futara came from Potakala in Sanskrit. The Potakala means pure land of Kannon Bosatsu. That word became Hodaraku in Japanese, and became Futara then. Also, there is another possible reason. Kuma-zasa (roughly mean bamboo leaves) grow gregariously in Nikko, but the Kuma-zasa is pronounced Futora in Ainu. As you imagine, the Futora became Futara. In addition to that, two storms come to Nikko in the spring and fall. The word "two" sometimes is pronounced "futa" in Japanese, and the storm is pronounced "arashi" or can be shortened to "ara" in Japanese. In this sense, the "two storm" became Futara.
There is a famous phrase to express Nikko. "Never say great without seeing Nikko." There are many sight seeing spots in Niiko as quoated. Generally speaking, Toshogu Shrine is the most famous, but history of Nikko goes back to 766 in Nara period, when Priest Shoto built Shihonryuji Temple.

Nikko is not only focused on relics, but also is focused on plentiful nature such as rich forest and clean water. Why don't you try to look at Mt. Nantai wherever you visit relics? Appearance of Mt. Nantai must be changed by any of your location.

Soruce : http://www.nikko-jp.org/english/shigai/index.html

See more information about Nikko :