the view from japan » robert b. staehlin

early morning on the train

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 06:00:47 +0000

Taking the first (non-rapid) train from Narita Airport back in to Tokyo on a lazy Tuesday Morning. Was quite surprised to see how empty it was….

manhoru

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 06:00:05 +0000

manhoru (マンホール), or manhole, are found all throughout Japan, of course. However, many communities have distinctive covers that show a famous place, thing, or event for the area.
In this case, the manhole displays an even called Chagu Chagu Umako which takes place in Takizawa, Iwate.

me

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:00:30 +0000

me (目), (pronounced meh or め is Japanese for eye. As you know, many Asian people have the distinctive almond shaped, brown colored eyes that many people are envious of.

p is for parking

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:08:06 +0000

P is for parking, so when in Japan you just look out for the familiar Blue square with a P in the middle and you know parking is near by

However, be advised and shop around! Frequently, just around the corner, a better deal is to be had!

kodomo no mori

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:23 +0000

Kodomo no mori (子供の森) is a small area in Northern Iwate that was built as a (free) play area for people to come and enjoy. They have a wade variety of activities ranging from swimming, to hiking, to taking pictures, etc. It is an easy and fun (and cheap) way to spend the day, even though it is a bit out of the way.

tanpopo

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:00:09 +0000

Dandelions, or 蒲公英 (たんぽぽ) are a favorite of children the world over and can be quite beautiful when shot close up.

asagiri

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:08 +0000

朝霧（あさひり）, or morning fog can be quite hazardous on the way to work in the morning, even more so outside of the big cities as it seems to settle in much more. Unsurprisingly though, this has little effect on the speed that people drive and only increases the amount of red light running.
(sorry for the low quality photo, taken from my iphone)

shinkansen

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:38 +0000

The shinkansen (新幹線), or “bullet train”, is a vehicle of rapid transportation that connects the furthest reaches of Japan. There are several lines (such as the Tōhoku, Jōetsu, Tōkaidō, etc.) that each serve a different area of Japan at speeds up to 300 kph (186 mph). These trains make far fewer stops and (usually) a different set of tracks than the local trains allowing them such great speeds.

sauna mask

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:02 +0000

A sauna mask (サウナマスク) is the home version of getting all the benefits of going to a sauna without all the expense. The also come i various colos just in case pink isn’t your color. Also suitable for robbery masks?

undokai

robert b. staehlin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:00:57 +0000

The Undokai (運動会) is a sports day (filled with Japanese ceremonies) usually held in September during which students compete in a variety of events. Very similar to the US version of track and field day, albeit with some differences. Typically the whole family comes out as there are usually games for the parents and grandparents to participate in too!