2000 yen for 2 kg.

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Instead of spending a casual Sunday afternoon of on the couch, catching the excitement of the live broadcast of the first F1 race of the 2009 season, my time was spent furthering my own motoring career.

Those of you in the know will may have already noticed that my “new” license is the blue type (not gold).  In order to get my renewal it meant spending time in a lecture with ~200 other law breakers.  Speeding.  If any of you honestly have not been over the speed limit (intentionally or otherwise) you are probably not normal.  I just happened to get caught whilst doing it.

The renewal process for me involved the following:

1) Showing up and checking in.

2) Confirming your details are correct, deciding on PIN numbers (more a bit later).

3) Paying for the renewal.

4) Getting your vision checked (the standard Japanese up/down/left/right) check.

5) Getting your photo taken.

6) Lecture.

7) Exchange old new license for new license!

A fairly simple process handled with regular Japanese efficiency. 

Despite all the people I spoke prior to attending telling me that the lecture will be a tedious/boring/useless exercise, I found it (disturbingly) informative.  The instructor spent the time highlighting the new type driver’s license and recent/upcoming changes to the road rules all aimed at improving road safety. 

As an anti forgery measure, all new Japanese licenses now have a IC chip.  The chip contains all the personal information printed on the card as well as country/region of origin (No longer printed on the card).  This personal information is only accessible after the entry of two, four digit PIN numbers.  There are also some license class changes with normal licenses being automatically converted to the new “middle” class (中型) - provisional to 8 tons.

In addition to the 0 tolerance to drink driving (Blood alcohol 0%), enforcement of the law will be ramped up and penalties being increased from June this year.  The penalties will become so severe that it is simply not worth the risk for those who like to go for a sip on the way home – and it is not just the driver who can get done!  For example: If proven that person A allowed person B to drive whilst under the influence, person B is not the only one who will receive a additional bill in the mail. 

Some other rule changes affecting drivers over 75 years of age (re-testing and compulsory display of “older driver” mark on vehicle) may mean that these drivers will have their licenses revoked. 

Overall, I am pleased that Japan seems taking a different approach to road safety (speeding has done to death). 

Anyway, another 3 years of driving on Japanese roads approved.  It also dawned upon me that I have now spent more time driving here than back home.

Touge anyone?

PS. Congrats Brawn F1.  Honda must be wishing they didn’t sell.

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In a traditional Japanese ceremony at Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), on May 30, my good friends Alex and Yumi tied the knot.

 I was invited as one of 3 guests to the intimate ceremony.Modern Japanese people often opt for the modern style wedding celebrations held in elaborate new buildings designed specifically for these events for 10s or 100s of people.  Having been to one of these about 3 years ago I was interested in the old school style. 

After morning photos with the professional photographer (bride and groom fully dressed), preparations for the ceremony take place about an hour before the actual ceremony in a small room in the temple.  Normally the strict rules and procedures are explained, practised, explained again and practised again (like all things traditional Japanese) with only the bride, groom and family members.   Being my first experience with this type of wedding, I was lucky enough to also participate in this briefing as my interpretation skills were required for Alex’s family members.

Although Alex had expressed to me his concerns regarding his Japanese vows on several occasions, like the entire ceremony, was delivered smoothly without any problems.

 Despite the thunderstorms and heavy rain in the morning, the skies cleared in the afternoon allowing for another round of photos to be taken outdoors with the floating torii (in above photo) as backdrop ending a beuatiful wedding.

Retiring to the ryokan for refreshments, the wedding party having travelled from Nagoya and Ehime, enjoyed the beautiful views that make Miyajima one of Japan’s top 3 views.

 Congratulations to Alex and Yumi!

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Like all photos like this that circulate the web, it is easy as native English speakers to laugh and make fun. At the Satsuki Matsuri, this store was selling light refreshments and snacks under this tent in order to fund raise for the Nishimiya “Soccer” Club.

Originally arriving in Japan in a position related to English education, the above is a prime example of the simple mistakes that can result in detrimental errors.

This particular error occured due to the Japanese English education system being based on American English. Originally being a foreign game, the Japanese used the American pronunciation of the name of this sport (saa-ker) as opposed to the British English (so-ker) when translating to Japanese (サッカー – sakaa). The photo tells you rest of the story.

Throughout my time in the education system in Japan, I always made an emphasis on pronunciation – by the book. Intonation aside, I cannot stand the number of inconsitencies with American English in both pronunciation and spelling (Color does not read as colour anyway you look at it).

Similar to the supporters of not cutting out traditional Chinese characters for the “easier” simplified characters, I am one supporter of “proper” pronunciation. I suppose it would have also made my job of explaining pronunciation a whole lot easier too!

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After a tough week, turned out to this small matsuri (祭り = Festival) in support of some friend’s kids, who were performing in the parade and live stage. Like all festivals in Japan, these community building events are a buzzing display of local food, culture and entertainment.

Quickly grabbing a glance at the parade route online, made it just in time to grab a spot on the side of the road to take a few snaps. Highly professional performances, fine tuned over weeks of practise, made up the parade. My friend’s kids dancing school act was no exception in the 28 degree heat.

Satsuki Matsuri(さつき祭り), meaning the May Festival is held before the start of the rainy season in Japan. Regular festival food is served from the numerous stalls all supporting local organisations. Personally I had a not so healthy lunch comprising of squid, sausage, fried chicken, french fries, all washed down with sprite and Japanese rice tea.

After lunch sat down to watch the stage acts whilst catching up with friends. At 3pm, it was time for the dance school’s stage performance.

After saying good byes, it was back home to nurse my sunburnt arms and neck, something that hasn’t had to be done the last five years.

On a side note (for the camera people), the amount of camera gear being wielded by amateurs was unbelievable. My view finder would be obstructed by men in the 70′s and 80′s with 1D MKIIs with 70-200 2.8s on more than a few occasions. It confirmed my suspicions that there are many camera mad Japanese. The good thing about this is that it doesn’t make me stand out at all when pulling out my 30D.

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