女経Jyokyo (A Woman's Testament)

The second episode, directed by Kon Ichikawa, from this 1960 Japanese Omnibus Classic Film called "Jyokyo" is the best movie ever made. It is so sexy that it is my most favorite movie. In order to make him buy a house near a beach, a mysterious widow seduced a popular writer (Eiji Funakoshi), who's escaping from his job because of its stress. Fujiko Yamamoto, who plays the woman in this film, is the most beautiful and sexy movie actress I have ever seen! Her great acting and beauty really hold its audience spellbound! Whenever you have an opportunity, please watch this film! This episode is that good!!

Jyokyo

“物を高く売りつける女”は、“女経”という1960年のオムニバス映画の中の2番目に出てくる市川崑監督の作品で、僕はこのエピソードが自分の一番好きな映画です。とてもセクシーな映画ですからね。この話は、船越英二扮する失踪中の流行作家三原靖が、謎の女に魅了されるというものです。何と言っても、謎の女を演じる山本富士子の演技と妖しい美しさが、この映画の最大の魅力です。この映画の中の山本富士子が映画史上最も美しくセクシーな女優だと思います。また、この作品を撮った市川監督は天才です。この映画のDVDがやっと発売されましたので、チャンスがあれば、ぜひ見てみて下さい。ホント素敵な映画ですから！

Omotesando Niigata-Kan N'ESPACE 表参道・新潟館

When you think about Omotesando/Harajuku area, you may think about cool places. For example, night clubs, bars, restaurants, and expensive stores. Since Omotesando Hills were opened, Omotesando has become the hottest place in Tokyo. When I think about Omotesando, I think about Niigata Prefecture. Right behind of Omotesando Hills, there's Niigata's Antenna shop "Omotesando Niigata-Kan N'ESPACE." The 1st floor of the shop is selling Niigata's foods and special products. Niigata is really famous for Sake. They have a lot of good stock of them. Please check their website at http://www.nico.or.jp/nespace/
The B1 floor is their reastaurant "Syoku Raku En." It is really good restaurant with Omotesando/Minami Aoyama atomosphere. I've only been there for lunches; but, the restaurant has a really good mood in there. The Entire room is lighted really sofetly with Jazz music. It is really good for a date.
Mochi Buta Hamburg Zen(もち豚ハンバーグ膳)
Anyway, the Niigata born ingredients are used for the foods in there. I had a Pork Hamburg Lunch(Mochi Buta Hamburg Zen) . The pork, which is really great, is from Niigata. The pork's called Echigo Mochi buta. I drank a litlle bit of Koshi no Kagetora(Sake). As I said earlier, Niigata is really famous for sake. Sake is made from Rice. Many people admit that Niigata has the best brands in rice. That may be the reason their 100% rice sake is really fruity. I also ordered a bottle of Echigo beer, Niigata's Local brand beer, too. I really feel happy when I can eat and drink local brands in a restaurant like Syoku Raku En. I was really happy when I found the Niigata brand beer in the menu.
Echigo Beer Yuuki Saibai Premium（越後ビール有機栽培プレミアム）
Niigata has a famous brand for Tofu. It's Echigo Tofu. The Lunch has a Echigo Dofu menu for "Echigo Dofu Steak Zen." It's really healthy and great.
Echigo Dofu Steak Zen(越後豆腐ステーキ膳）
When you heard that Niigata has local brand pork, you need to try pork Cutlet. "Mochi Buta Tonkatsu Zen" is really great pork cutlet lunch. If you wanna know more about Syoku Raku En, please go to their website at http://niigata-shokurakuen.com/ They have a really great point card system. You can save money with the certain points.
Mochi Buta Tonkatsu Zen（もち豚とんかつ膳）
N'ESPACE has a one more restaurant "Seikouan." Seikouan, operated by Niigata Grand Hotel, is more luxualy(still sounds reasonable price) Japanese (Niigata) restraurant. You can check them out at http://www.nico.or.jp/nespace/tenpo_3.html
表参道や原宿と いうと何を思い浮かべますか？表参道ヒルズがオープンして以降、東京で最もお洒落になったこのエリア。高級ブティック、お洒落なレストランやバー、クラブとかを想像すると思います。けれど、自分の場合は表参道をイメージすれば、何と言っても新潟県です。表参道ヒルズの真裏に新潟県のアンテナショップ表参道新潟館ネスパスがあります。1階では新潟の食材、酒、物産品が販売されています。http://www.nico.or.jp/nespace/
Souveniors from N'ESPACE(ネスパスで買ったお土産）
地下には、レストラン食楽園があります。食楽園は新潟の食材を使ったものを食べさせてくれます。ランチにしか行った事がないのですが、とってもお洒落なお店です。ジャズが流れる店内の照明は落としぎみで、とっても表参道・南青山な雰囲気を醸し出しています。デートにとっても良い所だと思います。
さて、自分が頼んだのはもち豚ハンバーグ膳。新潟名産の越後もち豚がとってもおいしいです。越後ビールの有機栽培プレミアムを一本頼み、越の影虎特別純米酒を少し味わいました。地元の食材はもちろん、地ビールとか地酒とかが食楽園のようなレストランで楽しめるのはありがたいことですね。越後ビールをメニューで見つけたときは、ホントに幸せでした。
越後豆腐を使った越後豆腐ステーキ膳もヘルシーでとってもおいしいです。
豚肉といえば、何と言ってもカツですね。もち豚とんかつ膳はとってもおいしいです。食楽園のホームページはhttp://niigata-shokurakuen.com/ 食楽園にはすごくお得なポイントカードがあります。あっ、と言う間にポイントが貯まってしまい、節約できます。
ネスパスは新潟グランドホテルの経営する静香庵という会席料理などの高級な日本料理(それでも良心的な価格設定だと思います）レストランもあります。http://www.nico.or.jp/nespace/tenpo_3.html

Lunch at Hiroshima Yume Terrace Kansuitei 歓粋亭

Kansuitei IS my most favorite restaurant. It is located inside of Hiroshima Yume Terrace at Shinjuku Southern Terrace(near Shinjuku Station). Hiroshima Yume Terrace is Hiroshima Prefecture's Antenna Shop. Great place. I mean, really GREAT! I must tell you. I have nothing to do with that prefecture. I've never even been there; however, I've fallen in love with the taste of Hiroshima right after I ate at that restaurant. Their Hiroshima cuisine(food) is really great. I go there to eat at least once a month. I went there to eat lunch with six people yesterday. Their target's Hiroshima Oyster.
Kaki Furai Teisyoku(Fried Oyster Lunch) カキフライ定食
Hiroshima is famous for many sea foods. Their Oyster is really famous. All people, I went to with, ordered Kaki Furai Teisyoku(Fried Oyster Lunch). All of them says Hiroshima's Oyster's really great.
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Ikaten Nose 広島風お好み焼きいか天のせ
I ordered Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Ikaten Nose. Okonommiyaki is another popular food from Hiroshima. This Okonomiyaki's really great too. I ordered a lunch beer too. I can order first lunch beer for a 100yen($1.00-) with one lunch. Kansuitei's beer is Kirin Ichiban Shibori; but, it's a special one. It IS brewed in Hiroshima!! That's amazing!! Please check their website at http://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/tokyo/index.htm
歓粋亭が自分の一番好きなレストランですね。歓粋亭は広島県のアンテナショップ、広島ゆめてらすのレストランです。広島ゆめてらすは、新宿駅南口の前にある新宿サザンテラスにあります。自分はここが大好きなので、最低でも月に1回は行きます。ホントに素晴らしい所です。自分は広島県と何もかかわりは無いんですけどね。行ったこともないですし。けれど、歓粋亭で食事をした瞬間に広島県の味に恋しました。広島料理も広島の食材も最高です。
さて、今回は知人6人とランチに行ったのですが、その全員がカキフライ定食を注文し、おいしいおいしいと言いながら食べてました。自分は広島風お好み焼きいか天のせをおいしく頂きました。後、自分はキリン一番搾りを飲みました。ランチビールはランチ一つにつき最初の一杯が100円で飲めます。この一搾（one shiboと読む）がこの店で飲める特別なビールなんです。なんと、この一搾は広島県産なんです！！広島産に対するこの店のこだわりにはいつも感動します！！広島ゆめてらすおよび歓粋亭のウェブはhttp://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/tokyo/index.htm　をチェックしてみてください。

Kagoshima's Antenna Shop(かごしま遊楽館）

Antenna Shop is the place, where a Prefectual Government promotes itself; such as, tourism, traditional crafts, foods, special products, and business opportunities(for both indiviuals and companies). Most of prefectures have their Antenna Shop in Syutoken(Tokyo and its surrrounded Prefectures). Yesterday, I went to Kagoshima Prefecture's antenna shop(Kagoshima Yuurakukan) at Yurakucho to eat lunch. Yurakucho and its surrounded area have many many antenna shops from various prefetcures. Some of Antenna Shop have a restaurant in them. Kagoshima's has a one too. It's called Ichi Nii San(いちにぃさん).
Kuro Buta Bara no Katsudon Set(黒豚バラのカツ丼セット）
I ordered Kuro Buta Bara no Katsudon Set(Kagoshima Barkshire Pork's Pork Cutlet Bowl), Jidori no Sumimibiyaki(BBQ'd Satsuma Local Chicken), Ikkomon with Soda. Ikkomon(一刻者) is the brand of Satsuma Shochu(hard liquor). Barkshire Pork's Cutlet is very delicious.
Buta Miso(Pork Miso). This tableware is actually a chopstick rest(箸置きと豚みそ).
This restaurant's chopstick rest is really cool. It's big enough to put some Buta Miso(Pork Miso). A chopstick rest should be small. This chopstick rest is not too big; but, it can be put some food on it.
Jidori no Sumibiyaki(地鶏の炭火焼き）

After the lunch, I went to a shop corner and got some Kagoshima foods(picture below) for a gift. If you wanna know more about Yurakukan, please go to thier website at http://www3.pref.kagoshima.jp/foreign/english/profile/gaiyou/yurakukan_main.htmlFrom L to R, Hana Katsuo(Bonito Falkes), Kogane Miso, and candy

アンテナショップは、各県政府が首都圏で開いているお店の事です。メインは各々の県のプロモーションです。就職や企業誘致から観光・伝統工芸・特産品・料理まで、様々な県の自慢を提供するのがアンテナショップです。いくつかの県のアンテナショップには、レストランが併設されています。昨日は有楽町にある鹿児島県のアンテナショップ、日比谷シャンテ・シネのすぐ目の前にあるかごしま遊楽館にランチを食べに行ってきました。ちなみに、有楽町およびその周辺はたくさんのアンテナショップがあります。今回は、いちにぃさんという鹿児島の食材を使った店で黒豚バラのカツ丼セットと地鶏の炭火焼きをいただきました。地ビールが見当たらなかったので、薩摩焼酎一刻者のソーダ割りをドリンクに頼みました。箸置きの中に、生まれて初めて見る豚みそが出てきたのはかっこ良かったです。鹿児島の黒豚、あっぱれというぐらいにおいしかったです。帰りにお土産として、はなかつお・こがねみそ（麦みそ）・アメをショップで買いました。かごしま遊楽館のウェブはhttp://www.pref.kagoshima.jp/yurakukan/index.html

MitoKomon for Monday Night! 月曜夜8時は水戸黄門！

Today is Monday! For me, Monday Night is not for Monday Night Football. Monday Night is for MitoKomon! MitoKomon has been the best Japanese Samurai TV drama series for 39 years. It's "the Samurai Drama for the People." It's the drama of Japanese Spirit! MitoKomon is the Heart & Soul of Japan! MitoKomon is aired at 8:00 p.m. on TBS(Tokyo Broadcast Station Network). Please check their website at http://www.tbs.co.jp/mito/

今日は月曜日ですね。月曜夜8時と言えば、水戸黄門です！“世の為、人の為になる時代劇”水戸黄門こそ、日本が誇る世界最高のテレビドラマ・シリーズです！水戸黄門のウェブサイトhttp://www.tbs.co.jp/mito/の方も、ぜひチェックしてみてください！

Lions is the Asia Champion for '08

The Saitama Seibu Lions crinched their first Asia Series title yesterday with Tomoaki Satoh' s game winning single in the bottom of the ninth inning to beat Taiwan's Uni Lions. The final score was 1-0. Hideaki Wakui pitched 6 and 2/3 strong innings. Home Plate umpire, whom from KBO, ruled many calls for a favor to Japan's Saitama Seibu Lions. In the bottom of the ninth inning, he didn't call a strike at the at bat of Yoshihito Ishii when it looked like the inning ending strike out ball. After that, Ishii got a walk; then, he scored the game winning run from the first base.

When and the after the ceremony, both Lions teams greeted each other. It was a really good scene. Taiwan's Lions got a many cheer and a standing ovation from even the Japanese Lions fans in the Tokyo Dome. That was really good emotional feeling. I believe the Asia Series is really great international event. I think the Ashia Series is an more important international event than tax money wasting Olympics.

Cheese Dogs & Mentai Mayo Dog(明太マヨドッグ）

Yakitori(Grilled Chicken Stick)

9回裏の石井義人の一塁からの激走で、埼玉西武ライオンズが決勝で台湾の統一ライオンズを１－０で下し、アジアシリーズ・チャンピオンになりました。この日は涌井が先発。6回3分の2を好投しました。この日の主審は韓国リーグの審判が勤めたのですが、終始日本よりの判定をしてました。9回裏の石井義人の打席でもあきらかにストライクのところをボールと判定。結果的に、これが勝敗の行方を左右しました。それでも、素晴らしいゲームだったことに違いはありません。試合終了後のセレモニーでは、両チームの健闘に対しドーム中のファンから温かい拍手が送られました。優勝した日本のライオンズに送られた声援はもちろん、敗れはしたものの善戦した台湾チームに送られた拍手にも感動しました。アジア・シリーズって、非常に素晴らしい国際大会だと思いました。アジア・シリーズが東京にはあるから、税金無駄使いのオリンピックなんか東京にいらねぇよ！と、思いました。

Lazy Day & Late Night Yose at Shinjuku Suehirotei

I had done nothing yesterday. I did nothing. I tried to have no stress for a day. And, I did it!! I ordered the Hot Hokkaido Potato Gratin Pizza from PIZZA-LA. I love pizzas. I also love cheese and gratin. It was really good combination of cheese and gratin. Some of Pizzas in Japan uses Mayonnaise for the Pizza sauce. This is one of them. It's really good for me. I think I can say that the pizzas with Mayo is Japanese Style Pizza.

Outside of Shinjuku Suehirotei

At the night, I went to "Rakugo” at the Shinjuku Seuehirotei. Every saturday night from 9:30-11:00 p.m., there's "Shinya-Yose" at there. You can watch Rakugo, traditional Japanese verbal entertainment show, for just only 500yen($5-). You can usually watch & hear 4 stories at the night. Rakugo-ka(lone story tellar), who gives a performance at the "Shinya-Yose" is considered as a younger, unexperienced, or not famous. Even though they are not that famous, it means nothing to me. Some of them are really great. They give me good laugh. Rakugo has two story types. They are "Koten Rakugo," or "Shinsaku Rakugo." "Koten Rakugo" is a traditional story, which is even from Edo Period (400 years ago). "Shinsaku Rakugo" is a new and original story, which written by the Rakugo-ka. Tonight's Hayashiya Kikumaro did a really great "Shinsaku Rakugo." It was about un-lawful bicycle parking in Setagaya ward. That's really funny. Katsura Saishi's "Koten Rakugo" about beautiful women make three men cry in their lives was good one too.

Inside of Shinjuku Suehirotei

After the Rakugo, I usually go to Japanese style standing bar. Suehirotei locates at the area(Shinjuku 3cho-me), which consists of many kinds of bar especially famous for standing bar. I had a glass of beer and a dish of pork oden(picture below).

Pork Oden

昨日は、久々に何もしませんでした。ホント,意識してストレスなしで過した一日でした。ピザーラからあつあつ北海道ポテトのグラタンピザを注文しました。ピザが大好物なうえに、チーズもグラタンも大好きな僕には最高の組み合わせでした。このピザのソースはマヨネーズソースですが、これは日本のピザにしかないソースだと思います。

夜は、新宿末広亭で深夜寄席を見ました。深夜寄席は毎週土曜日の夜9時半から11時まで行われていて、木戸銭わずか500円で4つの落語が聞けます（稀に内ひとつが講談の時も）。自分は落語について詳しくはありませんが、とても楽しいものだと思います。深夜寄席に登場するのは二つ目にあたる落語家のようで、いわゆる有名でなく機会に恵まれない若手ですかね。けれど、真打もいいですけど、噺家がおもしろいかどうかに家柄や階級は関係ないわけで、二つ目でも良いものは良いです。昨夜は、古今亭ちよりん（女性）、桂才紫、林家きく麿、柳家右太楼の4人でした。桂才紫の古典落語も良かったですが、何と言っても林家きく麿の新作落語が可笑しかったですね。タイトルは分かりませんが、世田谷区の違法駐輪自転車の管理に関わる人たちというおバカな内容で笑いっぱなしでした。古典落語も大切ですが、こういう新作落語ももっともっと評価されないとダメですね。

末広亭は新宿三丁目に位置していて、このエリアは居酒屋やバー、特に立ち飲み屋が多いエリアです。深夜寄席が終わった後は、立ち飲み屋で一杯飲んで帰るようにしているのですが、今回はビール一杯と豚肉のおでんを食べて帰りました。立ち飲み屋の良い所は安くておいしいところで、プレミアム・モルツがグラス一杯400円。それにおでんの盛り合わせも400円でした。安くておいしいんだから、もっと食べて飲んでも良かったなと思いつつ、食べすぎ飲みすぎも体に悪いのですぐに帰りました。

Kishi Got a Win in a Asia Series Game

Since his complete game shout out in Japan Series, Takayuki Kishi has been established himself as one of Japan' s top pitcher. To me, he ranks as same pitcher as Darvish Yu. Last night, he pitched another great ball game for the Saitama Seibu Lions. He allowed just five hits and one earned run in eight strong innings against Taiwan's Uni Lions at the Tokyo Dome. Saitama Seibu beat Uni 2-1.

Takayuki Kishi
I watched this game from the back of the Home Plate at the Upper Seat. It was part of the General Admission(2,000yen). It's really great view with good seats. You can even find out what kinds of pitches a pitcher throws. This area has a steep slope. That may make you little bit scary at first; but, you'll be ok after an inning. This area is actually Season Ticket Holder Seats for the Giants Game. Unless you're Season Ticket Holder, you cannot watch the game from there. It's cheap during the Asia Series; so, I recommend this area for watch the series.

Cheese Dog
I ate two kinds of Hot Dogs last night. I believe the Cheese Dog(420yen) is the best food in Tokyo Dome. Concession foods in Tokyo Dome are not that good; however, their Hot Dogs are different story. While Yokohama Stadium's Bay Dog uses Wisconsin's Johnsonville Sausage(The Best Sausage Brand in the World), Tokyo Dome's Cheese Dog is really good. Even though Tokyo Dome's Sausage is not Johnsonville, its melting cheese makes this stadium's dog really special. I also ate the Dog with chopped and grilled onions and Hunny Masterd on it(440yen).

Pari Pari Onion To Hunny Masturd Dog (Chopped & Grilled Onion with Hunny Masturd on the Dog)

日本シリーズでの完封以来、埼玉西武ライオンズの岸は日本のトップ・クラスのピッチャーになったと言ってもいいのではないでしょうか。ファイターズのダルビッシュと並び称されるべき投手になったと思います。アジアシリーズでの初先発となった統一ライオンズ戦でも1点は失ったものの、抜群の安定感で勝利投手になりました。

この日は自由席券を購入し、2階席のバックネット裏で見ました。なかなか見ごたえのある良い席です。投手の球種が良く分かるし。ただ、前の方だとちょっと傾斜がキツイのが最初は怖いですが、慣れれば平気になります。この席は巨人戦だと年間予約席なので、なかなかチケットを手に入れる機会がない所です。アジアシリーズでは2,000円と比較的安い値段設定なので、お勧めの席です。

今日のスタジアム・フードは東京ドームでは一番おいしいチーズ・ドッグ（420円）。それにパリパリオニオンとハニーマスタード・ドッグ（440円）です。

LIONS is THE JAPAN CHAMPION for '08

Finally, Saitama Seibu Lions is the Japan Champion for 2008 season! What a wonderful season for the Lions! I am really happy to see the Lions winning the Japan Series in Game 7 since I know what had happened a lot last season. Since I am Kaz Ishii fan, I have become Lions fan after he had decided to move to Saitama from Tokyo. His choice and mine were really good one. I had really good experience as Lions fan in this season! I had really great time and great foods at Seibu Dome! Now, we are going to challenge the Asia Series!

ついに、ライオンズが日本シリーズ優勝を飾りました。ホントにうれしいです。自分は石井一久ファンなので、彼がスワローズからライオンズに移籍したと同時にライオンズのファンになりましたが、最高の形で報われました。今年は、ホントに西武ドームでたくさん楽しみましたし、ライオンズファンになってホントに良かったと思いました！たくさん、おいしい物も食べましたし。

The score of the only game(Game 4) I had atended for 2008 Japan Series.

Guess who's coming to the talk show? あなたはだぁれ?

My sister told me that the Gakusyuuin University(Mejiro area of Tokyo) would have a talk show on their Pyramid Building, which appears on one episode of "Ultra Seven." "Ultra Seven" is a Japanese Sci-Fi show for Children, and I am big fan of it. The building itself(the picture of a miniature below with the Arien Prote)was torn down in this January.When I checked about it on the web, they said it's a free of charge and had two stages.
In the first half, university's guest researcher would talk about his memoir about that building and the college facilities. I thought "poor guy! He cannot even hold real position at there. He must have been struggling financially. I don't wanna hear his boring story. I just want to hear the talk show(2nd half) of Kazuho Mitusta (the director of "Ultra Seven" ) and see the episode on the big screen." The web said I must attend both part of the show; so, I decided to go to sleep in the 1st half of the show. When I got there, they gave me a paper that had some guy's name from the Japanese Emperor family on it. I didn't know who this was. I guessed some unimportant guy would give us boring history of his own. Faces of audience were little bit strange. I knew there must'd been some weird Sci-Fi freaks. I was right about it; then, there're some little children with parents. That's OK for a "Ultra Seven" show that including Ultra Seven himself as a special guest; but, there're many audiences who wore suits and all. That was strange to me, 'cause the show is talking about a just a historical building, which appeared on the Children Show. I didn't understand why they were wearing that kind of clothing. I mean the theme of the show was Children's TV show. Most of the audience should be children with parents and freaky Sci-Fi fans. It's ridiculous to wear a suit. I was dead wrong. The speaker for the first half of the show was Japanese Prince Norihito, the next Emperor of Japan. I was so panicked, 'cause I didn't understand what's going on out there. Instead of sleeping, I listened, with respect, everything the Prince said. What I really suprised was that the Prince stayed the entire show after his speech. He even watched an episode of "Ultra Seven."

Ultra Seven and the back of the Japanese Prince and Kazuho Mitsuta
ウルトラセブン第29話”ひとりぼっちの地球人”に学習院大学の有名なピラミッド校舎が出てきます。校舎（一番上の食玩の写真のプロテ星人の前にあるのがそれです）はもう取り壊されたのですが、それを懐かしんで学習院大学で無料のトーク・ショーがあると妹が教えてくれたので行ってきました。この作品を監督した満田かずほ監督のトークの後、ビッグ・スクリーンでウルトラセブンの鑑賞会という事だったのですが、よく調べるとその前に学習院大学の客員研究生のスピーチがあるとの事。今どき、正研究員にもなれないような経済的にも貧しそうでかわいそうな人の、ピラミッド校舎に関する思い出話を1時間近く聞かせられなければならんのかと思うとイヤでした。その研究生のスピーチの時は眠ればいいやと思いながら会場に入ると、やはり親子連れとキモい特撮オタクっぽい人たちが多く見受けられました。が、観客の中に妙にきちんとしたみなりの人たちが多くいるのに気付き、変だなぁと思っていました。だって、今日のメインはウルトラセブンですよ。会場にも、今日のスペシャル・ゲストはウルトラセブンて、子供たちが群がりそうな事が書いてあったし・・・。会場で渡された紙に、何でか皇族の名前が書いてありました。どうせ、自分の知らない皇族が学習院の思い出を語るのかと思って待っていると、現れたのは皇太子その人でした。事情が全く理解できず呆然としていると、学習院の客員研究生である皇太子がスピーチを始めました。結局眠るどころか、皇太子の登場にあまりにも感激したので、彼の思い出話に聞き入ってしまいました。皇太子は、自分のスピーチの後も最後までショーにいて、ウルトラセブンを見ていました。感激したけど、皇太子の登場には腰を抜かすくらいビックリしました。

Last Sunday

Last Sunday, I went to Jingu Stadium for the first time in August. It was between Hanshin Tigers(Japan's most Poplular Team) and Tokyo Yakult Swallows. I got there 16:17 for 18:00 game. I needed to go there that early because I only have general admission ticket (All of reserved seats are sold out) and I and my buddies wanted to have seats on Tigers side. When I got there the gate was opened earlier than usual(16:30). 85% of Left field breacher seats were already filld with Tigers fans when I got there. Right field breacher seats for Swallows fans had only 100 people. It was bad weather. Some rain, some cloud. Even though that weather condition, I believed they would have game. Ryan Vogelsong was announced to start for the Tigers that night. I was so happy to be given the opportunity to see one of his starts. He wears No.4 on his Uniform. It was really cool to me wearing that number. Pitchers usually not to wear 1 digit numbers, and the Tigers has the history of great pitchers wearing No. 4. Around the game time, I went to get Raamen Noodle and Fried Octopus. Right after I got them, the game was cancelled.

Ryan Vogelsong in the outfield(L) and bullpen(R)
この前の日曜日の神宮でのタイガース戦は指定席が全部売り切れなうえ、外野自由の阪神側に座りたかったので、１６：３０の開門を目指して行ってみたら、１６：００に開門が早まったようで、すでにたくさんのタイガースファンでレフトは埋まってました。どうにか、こうにか、人数分の席を確保し、ビールで盛り上がっていると、試合開始が近づいてきました。僕のラーメンと連れのためにタコのから揚げを買いに行き、受取った直後、雨天中止がコールされました。１８：０５でした。せっかく、ボーグルソンが先発したのに・・・。

Swallows vs Carp

Ken Takahashi couldn't hold three runs lead, and the Carp lost the fifth straight games on Sunday. On the other hand, Swallows won the forth straight games. It was Yukata( Japanese traditional summer cloth) Night and the Fire Works Night at the Jingu stadium. There were a lot of people out there. It was cool to ware Yukata on hot summer night. It was really fun to watch Hanabi.

Fire Works(Hanabi)

Yakisoba(Fried Noodles) & Tokyo Raamen(Tokyo Style Raamen Noodle)

French Fries & Miyazaki Ji-Dori (Grilled Miyazaki Chiken)

昨日は浴衣DAYと花火ナイターって事で神宮球場に行ってきました。浴衣を着るのは幼稚園以来でしたがいいっすねぇ。日本の夏でした。いつもの通り、食べ物もたくさん満喫しました。

Chiba Marine Stadium

After the Lions and Eagles game on Saturday, I actually went to Chiba Marine Stadium to see the game between Hawks and Marines. My friends kindly offered me a ticket to see the game with them; however, I arrived at the stadium around 8pm. It was fifth inning. That was the first time I came to that stadium since 1998. I am surprised that it had huge crowd that evening. I'd tried to buy some foods from concessions; but, either I had to wait really long lines, or they were out of stock. Although I really wanted to eat Philly Cheese Stake, one of my favorite, they are sold out. I also couldn't get foods from concession stands at the Seibu Dome 'cause of the long lines and I didn't wanna miss a thing. I've learned that if I want to enjoy foods from the stadiums, I really need to get there early.I got a cup of beer, cheese ball, and Yoshihisa Naruse's recommended Marine Dog, which doesn't contain any sea stuff. They use Marines original designed cups for foods and drinks. I believe it is not that usual in the Japanese ballpark. The desings of cups were so cool that they would be collectable items. 　

Marine Dog recommended by Naruse

A cup of Cheese BallsA cup of Beer

I saw really unusual things. Benny Agbayani hit two triples in that game.

心優しい友人のカップルが招待してくれていたので、土曜の昼に所沢でデー・ゲームを観戦した後に千葉マリンスタジアムに行きました。マリンスタジアムは落合の現役最終試合を見て以来でした。ライオンズの試合が終わったのが17：30頃で、そこから１８：００開始のマリーンズ戦に行ったので、球場に着いたのは２０：００頃でした。球場の食べ物がほとんど売り切れか長い行列に並ばなければならなかったので、あまり買えませんでした。それでも上の写真にある成瀬推薦のマリンドッグ、もちもちチーズ（とかいう名前のと）、ビールを買いました。マリーンズ使用の容器はおみやげに持って帰りたいくらいかっこいいと思いました。

Lions vs Eagles

I went to Lions against Eagles at Tokorozawa yesterday. It was really good game with two good starting pitchers of Takayuki Kishi (Lions) and Masahiro "Maa-kun" Tanaka (Eagles). I saw Kishi's warming up in the bullpen before the game. I realized he was really different that day from his usual warming ups in the bullpen. He was really energized that day. He pitched really good in the game too. He looks like he has determined to win the ballgame. I've never seen him like that before. He threw really good fastball from the hill. His fast ball recorded 90 mph entire game. It was really unusual for him. His usual fastball is 86 mph. He threw seven strong innigs and got a win.

Eiji Shoutu made really good relief job in the 8th and Alex Graman got a save as Eagles' Shima hit a grounder to Second baseman Hiroshi Hirao .

This game was a part of the Lions Classic. Yasumitsu Toyoda and Katsuya Nomura did ceremonial pitch. When I saw it, I thought I would cry. It was really good emotional ceremony.

Yasumitsu Toyoda's ceremonial pitchToyoda shook hands with Katsuya Nomura

昨日の岸はブルペンから違っていました。投球練習中からいつもと違って気合が入っていました。ゲーム中もストレートが時速１４５ｋｍを記録するなど、速球で押す力投を披露。７回を１失点で勝利投手になりました。この日は正津も好リリーフを見せました。最後はグラマンが嶋を二ゴロに。代わったばかりの平尾が捌いて試合終了。

今日もライオンズクラシックでたくさんのお客さんでした。豊田泰光と野村克也の始球式は泣きそうになるくらい感動でした。

Saitama Baseball Festival! 埼玉野球まつり!

It was Saitama Baseball Festival on last Friday. Lions held the game against the Marines at Omiya. Craig Brazell's homerun, which reached to Nack 5 Stadium, was amazing! Even though it was such a small ballpark, that was the best homerun I have ever seen!

From L: Lina, Kobaton(Saitama Prefecture's Mascot), Leo

Hiroshi Hirao(8), who was born and raised in Saitama, got biggest fan support that evening

行ってきました！大宮で行われた埼玉野球まつりのライオンズ対マリーンズ戦。ブラゼルのホームランすごかった！凄まじい打球をNACK５スタジアムにぶち込みました。埼玉出身のライオンズ選手は大きな声援を受けていましたが、中でも平尾に大きな声援が送られていました。カメラのフラッシュの数も一番多かったです。彼が打席に入った時は感動しました。

Steroid

It was sad for Daniel Rios to be suspended for a year. I am not sure what's happened about it; but, it's not fair for only four players per game to be tested for doping. All players should be tested. It's so strange to me that only non-Japanese playes got suspended for this issue.

リオスがドーピングでヤクルトを解雇されました。けど、一試合あたり各２人しか検査の対象にならないので、選手全員が調査対象になっていません。色々な事情があるにせよ、厳格性が欠けているような気がしますし、検査の対象にならずにバレていない選手がいるかもしれない事を考えると、発覚した選手はかわいそうな気がします。

Enjoy Saitama! Onsen (Hot Spring) and Lions Baseball (Seibu Dome Food)

Yesterday, I went to Chichibu(west part of Saitama Prefecture) to go to Onsen(hot spring). I went to Bukou Onsen, near Yokoze Station of Seibu Chichibu Line. It was really nice.
Entrance of the Bukou Onsen(Chichibu, Saitama)
I left the Onsen early than I wanted 'cause I wanted to see Lions vs Swallows game at Seibu Dome(Tokorozawa, Saitama). It was the first '08 Inter League game for Lions. Lions have some promotions for Inter League games. They have Inter League only Jersey. At the Dome, Concessions have Inter League only menus. That's my target for today's game other than Kaz Ishii pitched for the Lions.

Kyuukyoku no Kuro Buta-Don(Pork Bowl)
The pork of this bowl is raised in Saitama. Its rice is blended 50 brands of rice(Can you tell what kinds of rice they are using by just watching the right side picture?). The Saitama Pork is really tasty. I wasn't sure about blended brands' rice; but, this one was really good. I just didn't know blended brands' rice could be good as this one before. You can eat this during Inter League only, and it's limited for only 30 serves per game.

Pork Stick(Buta Kushi Yaki)
This one is really nice baked pork. You can eat this entire season.

I also ate Katsu-Jyuu(Pork Cutlet Bowl) , Tori Kara-Age(Fried Chicken), and Frankfurt Sausage(Sausage Stick). All of them are really great, as always at the Seibu Dome. But, I really ate too much. Two rice Bowls and three other Tsumami(Side Dishes) for a game were too much for me, they were great taste though.

I was so amazed by the home run of Craig Brazell to tie the game in the 5th; but, Lions lost the game after Chikara Onodera gave up a run in the 6th.

今日は埼玉を満喫しました！秩父で温泉に入った後、所沢でライオンズの試合を観戦。交流戦限定メニューの究極の黒豚丼を筆頭に、球場フードもおいしかった！この日は豚づくしって感じで、黒豚丼の他に豚串焼き、熱れつ亭のかつ重、フランクフルトを食べました。豚以外には、熱れつ亭のから揚げを食べました。ライオンズが負けたのは残念だったけど、最高の一日でした。

Lions Classic

Wow! Saitama Seibu Lions will have special promotion for this summer. It's Asahi Super Dry Lions Classic. It's a basically tribute ivent for then Nishitetsu Lions. Nishitetsu Lions was old Japanese baseball team located in Fukuoka. Their prime was in the 1950's. Lions web site says they will sell special goods such as uniforms and caps. A uniform Jersey for this summer is so cool. You can check it at the Lions web site at http://www.seibulions.jp/expansion/lions_classic/index.php They will also sell special tickets. A special ticket will be including a souvenior (ex a Nike uniform jersey) with unbelievably low price. Seibu Dome will also have special foods. Please check the web site above for more information.

埼玉西武ライオンズが西鉄ライオンズ時代の歴史を振り返るイベントをやるそうです。かっこいい復刻ユニとかのグッズ販売とか限定フードとかあるみたいです。楽しみです。

Swallows against Dragons at the Jingu Stadium May 15, 2008

Daniel Rios, warming up in the bullpen at the Jingu Stadium

Daniel Rios pitched for Swallows that day. I saw him for the first time. He pitched really strong first inning with three Ks; but, he lost the game. Even though he pitched good (just gave up two runs), that's enough for the Dragons. Masa Yamamoto of the Dragons recorded 3,000 innings pitched for his carrer when he left the game.

If you wanna enjoy stadium foods at the Jingu Staium, I really and strongly recommend you to go to out field area.

ダニエル・リオスが好投したものの、山本昌が自身の通算３，０００投球回数を勝利で飾りました。