Cool washing machine? Or laundromat? Or onsens?

Washing Machine/Air Conditioner Combo Saves Space, Chills Clothes. Wait a minute, air conditioners or at least their blower/indoor component are supposedly elevated and so no space is taken away, right? Ah, their outdoor/condenser component might be the one that doesn't have space. Okay, maybe this'll work. The author though makes a suggestion that people here in Japan could consider as a better alternative: go to a laundromat instead, which saves even more space. But I read from a comment on another blog post that some locals here might not like the idea of using a laundromat because they'll be using the same machine which other people has also used with their soiled clothes. The commentor then wondered, what about onsens where people dip in the same pool? The local guy he was talking to said, it's not the same. Sure, it's not 100%. Because the idea in onsens is the people shower and wash up first before they dip. But still, some bodily fluids (i.e. sweat, because it is hot inside the onsen, of course) creep out of you and you would then be sharing that with others. Meanwhile, some people tend to smell when they sweat, i.e. they have something on their outer skin that interacts with the sweat that causes that smell - you could likewise be sharing that "something" with others! I think a laundromat is better because there is a two degree separation between you and other people - your clothes and their clothes. At onsens, there is just one degree of separation between you and other people - the water. At laundromats, your clothes and their clothes go in there dirty, but they come out clean and the inside is essentially clean (or else your clothes aren't). At onsens, you and they come in there clean - on the outside - but again, it's those bodily fluids and the presence of "something" are still there. Then again, I dunno if they have any effect in hot water. Well, it's all about beliefs. I don't mind going to onsens or using laundromats - onsens are practically the same thing as swimming pools and even the sea! Or public toilets. Just one degree of separation between you and others. I just don't like onsens because of the nudity - yours and others'!

Shinjuku/KoreaTown and Bike Ride to Downtown Atsugi

Or you can view the above video directly from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cdeaSdZnms



Or you can view the above video directly from YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IId2aVn8pKY

Harajuku+Yoyogi 2

I visited the Harajuku/Omotesando/Yoyogi area for the 4th time this year, this time by myself though. And this is my second video around the place, but this time I videoed some new stuff. Check it out:



You can view the video directly on YouTube at this link: The Japan! Japan! Video Blog Episode #11.  This and the last 2 episodes are all available in HD. :-D

I also have two new basketball videos.  Wala lang.
The Japan! Japan! Video Blog Sideline #01
The Japan! Japan! Video Blog Sideline #02

Pakbet without bagoong

There is such a thing! http://homecookingrocks.com/pinakbet-without-bagoong/ :-D

Filipino restaurants in Atsugi!

Apparently there are now a couple of 厚木のフィリピンレストラン, Filipino restaurants right here in Atsugi!

This one is a blog post from one of my Japanese friends: KUSINA NI SARAH（厚木）｜食い倒れ猫の食べ歩き.  The place is open from 10:00am to 5:00am, and they do not serve lunch sets on holidays.  The approximate location of the place is: 神奈川県厚木市旭町１丁目２２−２４.

This other one has its own website: http://foodpia.geocities.jp/trespalmas_restaurant/.

Yahoo!

Chanko Nabe

"Nabe" means saucepan or pot. "Chanko Nabe" is the Nabe for sumo wrestlers. Basically one serving is good for 2 to 4 people, but it is meant for just ONE sumo wrestler.



You can also directly view the video on YouTube.

Atsugi Street Arts Festival

7 November 2010. Street performers from all over the world went to Atsugi to perform.  You can view the videos below or view them from YouTube. You can view the videos in HD if you want.

Part 1:


Part 2:


Part 3:


Part 4:

What Happens in the Purikura Booth STAYS in the Purikura Booth.

What Happens in the Purikura Booth STAYS in the Purikura Booth.

Okaasan

That would be Nihongo for "Mom."  "Mama" is also used here.

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, today and tomorrow, respectively.  This blog post is in memory of this "Kodomo" (child) and all others who have shared in the same fate.

Mother admits activating washing machine with daughter inside › Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion