A bit of headbanging, anyone? (ちょっとヘッドバンギングしよか？)

That's right, kiddies, your beloved author here is off to another rock concert this weekend--all on her lonesome this time, which wasn't really all that worrisome until some of her coworkers suggested that it should be.

... Oh, the power of suggestion.

I must admit that I have never been to a live all on my lonesome.... I was supposed to go to a Dir live alone during my senior year, but a nasty bout of the flu kept me from making the hour long trek into Los Angeles proper and head banging my heart out.

Because, you know, doing that sort of thing with a fever, some congestion and even a bit of nausea probably isn't wise. Especially for all my poor fellow headbangers. And, well, every single diver on the 10 that particular evening.

... nevertheless, I curse my body's bad timing to this day.

Sigh.

However, I will not be cowed, and I continue on with the same degree of excitement and enthusiasm I have always had!

And really, it's only worth going together with someone when their love for the band matches yours. Thus, BUCK-TICK with Melon? Excellent. Dragging Melon to DEATHGAZE when they may or may not make her ears bleed?

Well that's just not something friends do.

And thus I head to Nagoya on Sunday all on my lonesome, dressed to the nines (is that the phrase?) and quite willing to have a sore neck for the following week.

Because it just wasn't a live if you don't feel it for days afterwards.

... well, ok, you don't really headbang to BUCK-TICK, but the arm-waving and the jumping does get you a bit sore, so it still works.

Anyway.

DEATHGAZE.

They're pretty awesome.

And this time, they get their own tour!

Very likely, this is due to the December release of their new album, because as far as I know they are still technically an indies band (which, as we all know, just means that they're not quite getting paid what they want need deserve are owed based on record sales yet.)

BLISS OUT. Quite enjoyable, says I, though I admit to liking pretty much everything I've heard by these guys.

Currently, I am trying to ascertain whether or not I will be able to wear my jacket and then store it in a coin locker so that I can rock myself silly without being encumbered and overheated. Provided that everyone else in attendance does not have the same idea and jam all the coin lockers in the station, I think I should be all right.

... hopefully.

Regardless, I will have a good time.

Also: who knew that getting into Nagoya on the cheap would be easier than getting there quickly and expensively?  Take that, 特急 (tokkyu, limited express train.)

This is Edo, signing off realizing just how much effort travel planning entails. Yeesh.

Cookings and wanderings. (料理や放浪。)

Well, maybe more the former than the latter, but "cookings with maybe just a touch of wandering" really just doesn't have the same ring to it, you know?

Oh, also, I have learned to change my computer from English to Japanese with the mere pressing of two keys. Had I been a bit more forward thinking, I probably could have done this ages ago, but I suppose that until I was working with a Japanese computer everyday, the thought didn't really occur to me.

Needless to say it is a lot more convenient this way.

Though still not as convenient as a Japanese computer itself.

....and yet I will give my own American machine a pass here, because as much as I have gotten used to the Japanese keyboard, I am still more proficient with the American one I learned to type on.

Japanese just doesn't use as much punctuation as English does, don't ya know.

Anyway, enough chit-chat; let's get straight down to business.

...whatever it is that passes for business on this scatter-brained blog, anyway.

Yes, it's omuraisu again, but this time... I had a revelation.

Instead of attempt to put the rice inside the omelet while it's still cooking in the pan (an effort in futility, at least if you consider cleanliness and not spilling your hard-earned food everywhere as you go to be a measure of success), I decided to just cook th omelet, leave it flat,put the rice on the plate and then cover it all with the omelet that way. Voila, ease and a fairly equal distribution of egg in every bite! Certainly a win-win, in my book.

...mmm, omuraisu.

Though I admit that the lighting in this shot isn't good enough to give you that YELLOW of beautiful, fresh egg. Aaah, eggs. And to think I used to be, at best, ambivalent towards them! Such a beautiful little multi-tasking packet of goodness...

And goodness knows we love multitasking.

Moving on.

Yes, it's my pasta dish.

... but. Uh.

Oh. I already wrote about not putting in anchovies, huh?

Um. Well. I'll probably do that again tonight, and then not overpower it all with lemon so as to get a better reading on the actual success of the dish.

So there. That's an update for you.

Ah, this.

This is the beautiful salad that I have become addicted to from the Max Value across the street. It is heavenly.

Basically, you have a bunch of rare, rare roast beef (if you find the right salad; sometimes I have to search, but damnit it's worth it) on top of a bed of lettuce, some carrots, red onion and daikon. I take out the red onion. Because bleh.

But also, you get ponzu for dressing.

Oh, ponzu.

Look, I even found an English-language bottle for all you non-Japanese speakers.

Because if you have never had the beauty that is ponzu....

Oh, my goodness.

I usually use it as a salad dressing, but it works great on, I imagine, just about anything. Tataki (tuna sounds particularly tasty), food in any sort of nabe (ok, maybe not curry), yakiniku, ice cream...

...I admit I have not tried that last one.

... I feel the English description sells it a bit short though. This stuff is flavorful. There's nothing "flavored" about it.

But you'll just have to take my word for it. And then buy some.

Aaand finally, that gosh-darn 洋服の青山 (Aoyama's Western Clothing). I was unsure how long that red light would last, so I took a picture with my cell phone first, just to make sure the thing was recorded properly.

Ah, nostalgia.

And with that, dear friends, I leave you for a day off of shopping, cooking, and possibly translating... if the curse of the internet does not capture me first.

This is Edo, signing off and wishing that she had organized her closets better a few months ago. Ahem.

A tiny little earthquake. (ちっちゃい地震や。)

http://tenki.jp/earthquake/

I'm surprised it got all the way over here, really.

Not a whole lot of shaking, but enough to make me get up and run to the window to see if a car had hit the house or something similar.

... so earthquake still isn't the first thing that jumps to mind. Ahem.

This is Edo, signing off marveling at the weird things our planet does.

A winter wonderland? (不思議の国の冬？)

Not for this desert-dweller.

Something about waking up to this scene on a Friday morning just didn't sit right in my brain.

Suffice it to say that I am completely taken aback by the presence of snow (in the air or on the ground) if I am not currently vacationing in some sort of ski-resort type locale.

I don't think we're in Arizona anymore, dear readers.

I suppose it did give me something to post about, though. Silver lining and all that.

Apparently, Japan in general has been blanketed in abnormal amounts of snow this weekend. In fact, yesterday saw most of the Kii peninsula jammed, delayed, and otherwise inconvenienced by the unexpected dump from the heavens.

It actually made those pictures up there look silly in comparison.

Unfortunately, I came home past dark, and thus was unable to take any photographs for your viewing pleasure.

And they say spring begins after setsubun (the third of February.) Ha.

This is Edo, signing off wondering why all this snow stuff has been romanticized to death when really, all it is is wet socks waiting to happen.

Racking my brains... (頭をひねってる。。。)

Trying to think of a suitable topic for this week's post.

So far, I'm drawing something of a blank, in case you were wondering.

... yup, yup, total blank. I don't even have any exciting pictures to share in yet another round of "hide the lack of content with shiny things."

... wait just a minute. Not having the original source material by no means renders the principal unsound! I can put it into practice with whatever is readily available!

Genius! It's genius I say!

... now, what do I have readily available...

...

...

Ah ha.

Pictures from 伊勢神宮 (Ise jingu; Ise Shrine.) The jackpot.

I had forgotten all about my little jaunt over that-a-way in the end of December... Silly me.

Ahem.

Above, we have the main 鳥居 (torii), or Shinto gateway to the shrine. I was going for artistic... But I'll let you be the judge of that.

I like clouds.

And why wouldn't you, really?

... although these shots may very well be irrefutable evidence in the case against my bid for a stint in professional photography.

Oh well, I think they're pretty.

The bridge over the river into the shrine. Not very crowded at the end of December... that doesn't happen until January. Then, hold onto your socks. (Or tabi, as the case may be.)

An old, Miyazaki-esque (in my mind) torii further in. I had to stop and hold my camera at a bit of a weird angle to keep people out of this shot, but I think it's worth it. They'd totally spoil the feel of things.

... and just now I notice those obaa-san in the corner. Curses. This picture has just been downgraded from mystical shot of wonder to bland tourist photo #3452. Poop.

You can't take pictures of the actual shrine (apparently Amaterasu doesn't really go for that sort of thing), but this is pretty cool. No clue what it is, but hey. Pretty is as pretty does.

And last but not least...

The 洋服の青山 which I distinctly remember from our trip to Ise during AKP. It stood out to me from my seat on the bus and said "Behold: this is the inaka. Think of me as you return to your urban wonderland, and remember my people."

... who knew I'd be living less than an hour away in the years to come.

That's not really irony. But it's interesting anyway.

This is Edo, signing off with a whole folder of Ise pictures that she can pull out at a moment's notice. Moo ha ha.

If pictures are worth a thousand words... (写真って一千の言葉の価格なら。。。)

Then really, these picture dumps are actually quite lengthy works of prose.

I guess it all depends on how you look at it.

I look at it as... easier than thinking of something to write. Ah ha ha.

And now that I'm actually putting some effort into maintaining my other blog... well. You can guess what happens when attentions get divided.

Suffice it to say that you are lucky to be getting pictures.

Let's see... I'll try to go in chronological order.

This is a cool traditional dance thing (yes, the name currently escapes me, don't rub it in) that Melon and I walked in on accidentally while wandering through the Aeon Mall by Kyoto station.

The best part, in my opinion, was the fact that half of the musicians were women, and I'm pretty sure the dancer was as well.

The point here is that traditionally, like Kabuki, this art form had a big ol' "NO WOMEN" sign strapped across it. However, unlike kabuki, it would (as evidenced above) likely not survive were it to maintain such strict regulations.

So hey, kudos for letting outdated traditions die, I say.

This was the creme brule desert that came wrapped up our set meals from an Italian restaurant restaurant in  新風館 (しんぷうかん, shinpuhkan) the following weekend. Unfortunately, this was by far the best part of the meal. Regardless, I can always appreciate good desert.

... unfortunately, however, my camera hand was not quite quick enough.

What can I say, it was tasty and I had just choked my way through half of a thoroughly disappointing pizza, flavorless soup, and a mediocre salad. I was desperate for some deliciousness. Not to mention we had to deal with a thoroughly unhelpful waitress on top of it all.

And look. It had kiwi. De-licious.

I keep promising that I'll write about Takarazuka... but I just never get around to it. Ugh.

Well, until the day comes that I actually get the inspiration to sit down and write the proper lengthy post that the performance truly deserves, suffice it to say that it was amazing and I am truly happy that Melon suggested we go.

(Also, that banner thing hung there for a good five minutes before the show started, and we suspect it was so that everyone could get their pictures to prove that they'd been there. Good idea, really, and pretty much everyone with the ability to do so took full advantage of the situation.)

And, last but not least...

Yes, yes, it is my pasta dish again, but this time I left out the anchovies... simply because I was feeling a bit cheap and lazy. Not to mention the fact that my anchovies are getting pretty old and grody... 

Regardless, I could not really gauge how well the dish fared sans-fish, because I misgauged the amount of juice in my small lemon and added way too much. The dish was overpowered, and I thus have no idea if I can continue to leave out the anchovies or not. Further experimentation is warranted. 

And that, as they say, is that.

Oh, I also bought myself a ticket for a DEATHGAZE live in Nagoya next month. I told you I liked them, didn't I? 

This is Edo, signing off with a live in her sights and a dinner to plan.

PS- I also got my first ever influenza shot today... let's see how that works out, shall we? I've only ever caught influenza while living in Japan, and my health insurance got me my vaccine for only 500 yen, so I figured what the hey. 

We shall see.

Wait just a minute. (ちょっと待ってよ。)

WARNING: This post is... well, pretty much entirely composed of things that only interest, say, maybe 20% of my audience.

And that's only provided that I'm actually attracting the people I think I am. Who knows how big a grain of salt that needs.

Oh, and it also demonstrates just how whiny, entitled, selfish, and horribly self-important I can be when pushed.

(But doesn't maintaining a personal blog and expecting people to read it, in general, do all of that regardless...?)

Anyway, consider yourself sufficiently warned.

Ahem.

I had planned to make my first post this week about the amazing Takarazuka (宝塚) performance I saw yesterday... but now, now that has to wait.

Because of what I consider to be sheer and utter... foolishness.

Honestly, you leave your favorite band alone for a few months, just a few months...

And then this happens.

Oh, you know what I'm talking about.

This. This nonsense right here.

Long, short, blonde, black, magenta, I don't care.

But shaving it off and then dressing yourself as a B-boy, complete with ridiculous fluffy jacket and pants that don't seem to fulfill that whole bum-covering requirement? 

What, has it suddenly dawned upon you that your life simply will not be complete until you become the fiftieth member of EXILE?

Somehow, I doubt they'll appreciate your skills, sweetheart. I just can't picture your vocals quite fitting into their line-up. Also, they probably can't read your kanji.

This new single you're releasing today (which, might I add, is the first in over a year) better be some seriously amazing music. I expect myself to think, "good lord, all that hair was holding him back all these years! Clearly, now that he has streamlined his head for maximum vocal capacity, I can truly appreciate his talents!"

But really. You already had talent, creativity, more emotion than fifty other rock-stars combined into one (even if half of them were engaging in some sort of substance abuse at the time their powers combined) and a truly incredible range that could go from heart-wrenching to gut-wrenching in two seconds flat. 

What more can you want, really?

With this new look, the first idea that comes to mind, honestly, is "coordinated dancing ability."

Come on, guys. You were my favorites. I stood in line, in February, for 27 hours for you. Don't give it up to BUCK-TICK so easily.  

Heck, lately, even these young whipper-snappers are giving you a run for your money. 

And he smiled during their live. And flirted. 

(This one is for my two devoted readers who have softer tastes than I do. And, you know, whoever else'd like to take a listen. See what a good blogger I am?)

Ahem.

Er.

Yes.

I promise I'll get back to my non-fan-bitching regularly scheduled blog content in the next post.

But. You know.

Sometimes, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.

Even if it's just expressing how shocked and appalled she is.

This is Edo, signing off waiting for that single and expecting gold, baby.

EDIT- Ok, ok. I admit.

I got my gold.


Muzicons.com

Not to mention the fact that the two non-new songs are sufficiently remixed to satisfy my cravings for as-of-yet unheard Dir.

Consider my faith restored.

But I'm going to pretend that you had long blonde hair while singing it, 京. It'll be easier on both of us that way.

... oh, and guys? Cut back on the smoking, eh? You're starting to look older than BUCK-TICK, and they've got 10+ years on you, most of it actively touring.

I am not dead yet. (まだ死んでないぞ。)

... I get the strangest feeling I've used that title before.

Regardless, it does bring my total Monty Python count up to three.

... or does it not count if I am, in fact, recycling?

Oh well.

Unfortunately, I come, once again, not with anything of substance, but instead with a bit of a triviality to amuse you all until I can bring myself to actually write a legitimate post.

... ok, triviality may be an understatement. This is important to me, at any rate.

Behold, my favorite song of the moment (which does indeed need that qualifier since it's dangerous to be too rash with such bold statements as that):

BRAN-NEW LOVER by BUCK-TICK.



The video may not be for the faint of heart, as I know that cyber-punk and straight jackets are not everyone's cup of tea (though in this case, they are mine... oh, baby), but the song is certainly a crowd pleaser.

And yes, this is how Melon and I spend our Saturday Sunday nights in Kyoto, why do you ask?

We're in the fan club for a reason, you know.

This is Edo, signing off with this song happily fixed in her brain for the foreseeable future.

Back again, back again... (戻ってきた、戻ってきた。。。)

Jiggity jigg.


... you know, as they say.

I don't actually have a real post to satisfy you, my devoted readers... but at the same time I did not want to leave you out in the cold, wondering whether or not I had perished somewhere over the vast Pacific.

So, please enjoy this video in the interim between random idea dumps ethereal outpourings of thoughts and beauty.

It never fails to make me smile.



This is Edo, signing off wondering when her truly strange jet lag will finally wear off.

Back again, back again...

Jiggity jig, as they say.

As I am currently not sure where my home is, exactly, I thought I would stick with the more ambiguous terminology above. I hope you don't mind.

And if you do?

...well, can't say I much care. So there.

Anyway.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

あけましておめでとう!

Or rather, あけおめ as all the cool kids are saying nowadays. I love lazy slang.

Anyway, as a New Year's present, I thought that I would relive my journey home and back for you, my dear, hungry for info readers.

Because hey, airports are fun, right?

1) Tsu Airport Line

Why they call the high-speed ferry that runs between Tsu, Centrair, AND Matsusaka the Tsu Airport line baffles me. I find it a little insulting, but hey.

Maybe they paid for it.

Regardless, this is the ferry you have to take to get to the airport if you live in Mie... unless you want to go the long way and take the train all the way around through Nagoya.

Though technically, if you live in Yokkaichi, that might be faster.

Regardless, for those of us down here, it's ferry or bust. Expensive? Yes. Convenient? Also yes. Fun? Totally.

...your mileage may vary on that last one.

I love boats.

Ahem.