Hirosaki.

Early as always, we wake up and load the van swiftly. Breakfast this morning comes from the convenience store; we are on the move.

While we are driving, we make our way through the beautiful mountains of Aomori prefecture, and eventually pop out into the countryside. 

One thing that you should know about northern Japan is that it is famous for it's apples. And due to this fact, apple orchards cover the landscape of the rural areas.

We made no stops along the way - we were on a mission. The tournament had already started, and we wanted to make sure that we arrived there with enough time to practice.

Slowly, the buildings began to rise up more frequently as we neared, and the sights became familiar as we drove deeper and deeper into the city. 

Until finally, we were in front of the tournament grounds, needing a place to park. Now, normally this may cost some cash, and we might look for another place to park, but Masahiro just used his superstar status and said that he was attending as a guest of the tournament. Resulting in us getting a free prime parking spot near the front entrance. Life is good.

It is eleven o'clock. The senior and junior classes are playing right now, so I have got some good time to practice; maybe until around two thirty or so.

I feel horribly underprepared this year.. but then again I feel the same way every year. Perhaps that's just how it's always going to be.

Before I sit down to practice, to my surprise, I run into another gaijin. His name is Dimitris and he is greek. I've seen him on YouTube before, so it was cool that he managed to make it out all the way to Japan. Also, while we are standing around talking, another gaijin walks up and introduces himself. Now, at this point, I am really surprised, because this is just unprecendented. The second gaijin's name is Josh, and he is living in Japan doing graduate work for his academics. The craziest part of the situation is that he is also playing in the tournament! That makes for even more foreigners this year! Wow! Things are changing my friends!

Anyway, after the meeting and greeting is over, I plop down, set my kitchen timer, and start warming up for the stage.

The time passes quickly, but I am used to the routine by now. I make it to the backstage just at the right time and do my best not to be nervous.

Fending off my nerves comes fairly easily though; maybe it's due to my last two years experience? As each player ends their performance, I move another seat closer to my turn in the spotlight.

My turn is up, my will is strong, and my resolve is unwavering.

The rest is history.

[ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u--ki9-XVCA ]

When I strike the final notes, a wave of relief washes over me. One down, one to go.

Once I'm finished playing, I put my shamisen away (not wanting to play it at all for awhile) and go for a walk in the park. What's cool this time of year in Japan, is that it's "Golden Week"; in which many fesitvals are going on around the country. In in Hirosaki particularly, the Sakura Matsuri is important because the park that the festival is held in is famous for all of its cherry blossoms. To celebrate during this festival, many little shops and carts are set up all around the park, and it's a lot of fun to check them all out. There's lots of food stands selling Takoyaki, Yakisobi, and other grab and go foods, as well as games.

Masahiro joined me on my walk, as well as Machida (a shamisen maker, who is a friend of ours) and his two kids. It was especially funny because his kids seemed oddly entertained by me. I don't if it was because they thought I was cool or just because there was a novelty of me being a foreigner. Either way, we went for a walk.

Masahiro wanted some Takoyaki especially, so we went out of way to find a stand that met his standards. Eventually we found one that had fresh, whole octopi, which I suppose indicates

 delicious to Masahiro, because that is what we went for. Now, personally, I wouldn't have chosen them, but he bought some for me, so, as it was only polite, I dug in. They were sort of gross, but they didn't taste bad at all. Eat a whole octopus dipped in batter definitely is not something we do in America very often.

We ate a couple more things, strolled around, played some games, and then went back to tournament to see the results for C class (me), and to see B class play (which Mike was in).

The results were, that I didn't win. Sigh.

Looks like it'll have to be next year.

We spent a few hours hanging out around the park, and waited for the results of Mike's class. Unfortunately, it looks like neither of us practiced enough this year but then we eventually 

packed up our things and went out to eat at our favorite after-the-tournament dinner locale: Bikuri Donkey! (Bikuri means "Surprise"... don't try to make sense out of it).

Along with Machadi and his family, we also invited another shamisen player that was at the tournament, who we know from YouTube. He had actually ridden his scooter all the way up from Tokyo to be there. It took him six days to travel. I don't know how he managed it wtih a shamisen in his lap the whole way.

After dinner we checked into our capsule hotel, tired and beaten, but with high hopes for the day ahead.

One of the cool things about Japan, a lot of the hotels you check into have onsens; which are hot spring bath houses. This hotel in particular happens to have one, and every year we always go to this hotel and kick it in their onsen. It's very relaxing.

After that we grabbed a snack at the bar and went to bed.

Superstar!

Lots of training happened.. and I mean a lot.

A common practice that we have accustomed ourselves to, is taking a sheet of paper, making about fifty to one hundred lines on it, and then checking off one line every time we play through our tournament piece. -- Time consuming, but it gets you prepared.

Despite all of the seemingly bland goings on, one glaring granule of immense interest remains; Shamisen Superstar, Masahiro Nitta, arrives in town today! YAY!

So, like all great friends would do in this situation -- we take the vacuum and 

the brooms out of 

the closet again, and prepare to repeat our trick we played on Mike! Mwhahaha! (It was just too funny the first time, so we couldn't help ourselves).

>>>Fast forward one hour.

I'm sitting in the closet writing my blog (a guy has to keep himself occupied, y'know). They are telling Masahiro that I am out buying beer. Eventually, Kevin comes up to the door, asks in Japanese "have you ever wondered what's in this closet?" and opens it. The best part was that

 Masahiro was actually leaning in to look and then ]BAM[ surprise! We laughed, we cried, it was beautiful.

In honor of the mighty Masahiro's arrival, Kevin's parents had an expensive sushi dinner delivered to their house. It had unagi, rice, and many rolls. Oishikatta desu yo!

After dinner, to my surprise, we had a special guest. His name is Bailey, 

he is fourteen years old, and he just started playing Tsugaru Shamisen! 

The strangest thing about it, is that he is an american. Obviously his family is a military one, but that doesn't make it any less interesting that he decided to play Shami.

He is a bit reserved at first.. understandably so, due to the fact that we are all older than he is and much more experienced. But we definitely did our best to make him feel at home, and gave him a bunch of tips, and also played a little concert for him.

I think he was pretty inspired... although sitting in the same room and listening to the best Shamisen player in the world will do that to just about anyone..

Anyway, since this was the night before the tournament, we held a mini competition including Kevin, (The Legend) Mike Penny, and I, just to test our nerves. I played decently, but more work was still to be done.

The remainder of the night was spent working out some of the final details of my performance and hoping for the best.

Oyasumi Nasai.

The Legendary Mike Penny.

We wake up early... too early. It's around six-thirty or so, and I am wide awake. What have they done to me? I've been up every day at this time, and it's getting easier, but I'm by no means used to it, and I'm positive that I will welcome the later hours with open arms when I get back.

The early hours of the day are spent training, and not much of interest occurs until later on, when the Legend himself arrives in town.

Kevin and I set down our instruments only to eat. And, with the temptation offered, we board the car with Yoko and Lou (Kevin's mother and father).

We go to a place called "Ku". I point out some coconut curry on the menu, which Lou cautions me is very hot; I'm feeling brave, so I proceed to order it despite that.

It arrived at the table, I eat it.. I'm not sweating, so it's not too bad. In fact, it's very delicious.

Once we wrap things up we head back home and and train some more.

The clock's hands neared the hour of two, signalling the imminent arrival of The Legend.

In the meantime, Kevin and I discuss our plan to play a practical joke on The Legend. In order to make this sound more entertaining for you faithful readers, I will go into some detail and give backstory to explain::

Inside of Kevin's parents' house, there is a large living space that is used as the common room 

and living area. Against the wall in this room, is a small door for a closet. One day I inquired as to what was in the closet, since this is my third year coming, and I have yet to discover what was inside. I opened it up to discover some cleaning supplies and a vacuum; it's a broom closet.

 Somewhat disappointed in this fact, I mused with Kevin that it would be funny to of opened the door, to be greeted by The Legend, Mike Penny or Masahiro. I think the rest of the story explains itself.

The car pulling out of the driveway, our plan goes into action.

Predictably, you could probably guess what happens next. The bulk of the action involves me sitting in a closet for fifteen minutes while Kevin and his family said I was at the convenience store getting beer.

Needless to say, The Legend, Mike Penny was super surprised and we all laughed... 

Yup, that's about as interesting as I can make it.

After the standard hello-how-do-you-do, The Legend, Mike Penny and I expressed our interest in withdrawing

 money from an ATM nearby. The usual practice while we are staying with

 Kevin's parents in Misawa is to get our money on base (due to the fact that there are minimal fees associated with the withdrawal and the exchange rate is accurate).

Anyway, so we did that, but once we got our money, Yoko dropped The Legend and I off at the dog park nearby with the Yuki-chan (the Beach Fox), while she ran some errands.

She hopped, skipped, and ran around, and sniffed some other dogs. We even found a ball to

 throw for her. Meanwhile, The Legend and I attempted some white boy free-style dueling.. it was... uh... interesting.

Once that was wrapped up, Kevin, The Legend (Mike Penny), and I, all went to the park and and practiced for a little while. We did a couple songs all together to entertain the people there, but we weren't

 particularly aiming to please anyone at the time. Lanters hung from all the trees around, and as the sky darkened, the lit up.. it was very beautiful and Japanese.

As for the rest of the night, all I can really say is that there was a lot more Shamisen playing involved, in fact, most of it by myself.

Yuppers.

On the hunt for the elusive Beach Fox.

-------------------------------------

Early in the morning, our bellies full from a hearty meal, we set off.

Our purpose is singular, to capture and study the elusive beast known as Hamabe Kitsune, or 

"Beach Fox".

This terrible creature has never been witnessed by human eyes. It is rumored to only appear in 

spring when the tide is low, and the trash is exposed upon the beach, which i

t then feeds upon, (as well as children, when available). 

Despite the plentiful warnings from the community and local superstitions sending us signals of danger from all 

directions, we do no falter. This monster has plagued our fishermen and their families among the shores for too long now, and it must be stopped!

We arrive at the beach via four passenger automobile, Yoko Kmetz at the wheel. Kevin and I ready at a moment's notice 

to net the beast, (for this kind of expedition requires us to avoid violent means of capture). Having no luck from inside the vehicle, we embark on foot, and begin to comb the sand. to vigilante for any signs or traces of the Beach Fox.

For hours we combed the trash and

sea shells, praying for a sign, never daring to rest for even a moment... and then there it was; Advancing toward us at incredible speed! Fast on the trail of our fresh footprints!

--

Luckily, we were more than ready. Months of preperation for this exact scenario allowed us to keep our focus.

We assumed a tight V formation as we rehearsed, and as its gaping maw flew towards us -

menacing teeth stained crimson with the blood of children and garbage - our months of training paid off:

Adrenaline pumping strong now, I darted in front of the beast as it lept and dropped beneath its soaring frame. Meanwhile, extending the military-grade beast-catching snare I held in my hand. And as it glided toward my companion, so too did it glide through my trap.

The line drew taught, my hands straining 

against the immense force; and just as readily as it launched itself hungrily toward us, it crashed to the earth, its efforts stifled. 

Facing a lesser disciplined party, the threat may have continued, but the legendary creature was immediately put under with sedatives and carried to our vehicle.

Exhausted, but victorious, we transported the Beach Fox back to our lab for further study.

Surprisingly enough, once it awoke, it showed no signs of hostility towards us; and seemed to be stricken with a sort of curiosity; strange for a murderous beast...

As the hours went by. Under close examination, I became more and more convinced that this creature posessed not only a lack of violent intentions, but even a bit of strange benevolence in it's demeanor. Perhaps this was not the same murderous beast we had encountered on the shore? Or perhaps it was driven to those acts of savagery through desperation.

However, more study is required to make a proper analysis of its true  motivations...

------------

After we went to the beach, we briefly stopped off at a nice little park and took a walk. There were many beautiful obelisks and cherry blossoms all around.

Once home, Kevin and I practiced for a few hours and went out for hirugohan.

As we headed out to look for some food, Kevin remembered he needed to pick up his new pair of 

glasses.

While we were combing the town, I remembered that I needed a kitchen timer to practice my tournament piece against, so we stopped by the DenKodo again.

After stepping out of the electronics store, we happened to spot a pizza place down the way named j.Pizz@Bross. Being the italian kitchen loving Americans that we are, we headed straight for it. Inside, ironically, there was a poster of Britney Spears and Alicia Keys, not any Japanese pop stars. Since the pizza is made fresh, we sit around and watch J-pop videos on the television while our

food is made.

We eat our food and go home.

We decide to go practice at the park again. And yet again, there are drunk people everywhere. This time we had a guy request some Yngwie Malmsteen ironically, and so we played our arrangement of "Far Beyond The Sun"... needless to say he was a bit surprised.

After that, nothing interesting really happened (not to say any of the other things I am doing are that interesting when it comes down to it). We went to dinner at a ramen shop, which wasn't bad at all, except they didn't have any soba.

Anyway, Mike Penny comes to Misawa tomorrow! Yeah!

PS: We made a short film while we were on the beach, I will upload it later on.

An evening with drunk people.

Woke up -- grabbed some breakfeast with Kevin and Yoko (his mother).

Afterwards Kevin and I split up and began knuckling down on some practice for the tournament.

Later on when I was taking a break and wanting to use my computer, I then realized that none of the outlets in the house, or anywhere nearby had a three pronged input for my AC adapter..

.doh.

Soooo, Kevin and I hopped on bikes and went over to the Denkodo (electronics store) and they just so happened to sell a three-to-two prong adapter! WHEW! I lucked out, that was going to be a whole mess of suck.

Anyway, along the way we found a couple interesting sites..

On the way back we decided to inspect the park nearby and see how many drunk people were there that we could take advantage of.

-There were many. This time of year there are many people hanging out and grilling because it is festival season. Particularly during this week it is "Sakura Matsuri", which is basically "Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival". Families and friends get together and eat, drink, and play games. And since almost every park in the country has cherry blossoms in it, you can imagine that it's quite widely appreciated.

When we got home we picked up our Shamisens and strolled to the park to set up shop.

An hour or two later, we got a lot of practice in, made the crowd happy, and pulled  2,200 yen($22) and two beers.

--

We walked home and I played with the dog (Yuki) for awhile before we ate some dinner. Kevin's dad made some stuffed bell peppers, which, despite the fact that I don't like bell peppers at all, were good.

The rest of the night was spent in my room practicing my tournament piece. I was still very tired from travelling, so I fell asleep around nine or ten.

The journey begins.

Well, I made it!

Eleven hours on a plane, one hour being screened by quarantine officers, one hour on a train to Tokyo, three hours on a train to Misawa, and a five minute taxi ride, and just like that -POOF-  Japan!

Travelling was slightly more eventful than to be expected, especially since on each leg of my journey I happened to have another gaijin nearby to talk to. I am very thankful that I was sitting next  to this guy named Jeff on the plane, because he didn't mind talking, and he even let me use his

cell phone to call my friends so I could tell them I would be late meeting them. Among other things he also told me about working on a submarine, which was not your normal dinner conversation.

During the flight I watched four movies; The Day The Earth Stood Still, Forever Strong, Marley And Me, and Yes Man.

God damn, I can't remember the last time I watched that many movies consecutively. 

Anyway, here's the lowdown:: Kianu should have stayed in the 80s, Owen Wilson is more lovable than a dog, angsty highschool sports/juvenile deliquency never gets old, and Jim Carry the hotty, (even if she does look ten years younger than him) Ooo-hey!

And of course, right after we land, we have to fill out forms and we held up because we need to be examined by the Japanese Quarantine Officers for the Swine Flu; like I wasn't running late as it was.

I'm let off the plane and walk the half mile all the way to immigration and customs. I'm stamped through and then I realize that I left my shamisen case inside the bathroom back near my gate. Shitty...  As you can well imagine, that added another twenty minutes.

After I am escorted back to get my briefcase, I acquire my JR rail pass and head on my way.

Interestingly 

enough, almost all of the sights and trains I am being faced with are very familiar and I am able to make my way quite smoothly about the stations.

While on the train I talk to some other gaijin from Chicago who is in Tokyo for a wedding. He liked my sunglasses.

 Later on I show up at Ueno, but then I have to walk a few blocks because my friends were waiting near the wrong station.. (sigh, one thing after another). 

-- 

There Kevin and Gustavo were, playing Shamisen and talking with some drunk Nihonjin. I had never met Gustavo before (he's from Brazil), and had only seen him on his YouTube videos. He is surprisingly brash and tactless (much like myself), so we get along very well. He also knows three languages, which is impressive.

The drunk guy liked my sideburns.

Afterwards we got a bite to eat at a noodle shop,

said goodbye to Gustavo, and got onto the 

Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Hachinohe.

One more train and a taxi, and we were home. 

Whew.

ZzZzZz

Tea + Garden, can you say win?

Today my lovely girlfriend and I went on a pre-birthday celebration adventure to the city. When referring to the city, I obviously mean San Francisco (where else - puh-lease).

A couple years ago we had gone to the Japanese Tea Garden (under her recommendation) and we found it to be very lovely. So, two years on the dot later, we decide to go again. Perhaps we didn't find the need to visit last year because we were both preparing to fly out to Japan ... yeah.. that seems about right.

Anyway, she isn't coming with me this year, so we went.

Finding the place was a lot easier this time, I will admit. Since then we have had a lot more experience driving around San Francisco, and I am not too bad with the street map nowadays. Parking, which last time was also a pain, was easier to come by as well. Really I think the only thing that was exceptionally annoying was the fact that the Tea Garden only took cash for admission and there was no ATM to be found (of course there was one inside the damn place though, what a conspiracy).

Eventually we made it within the garden's walls - the flowers were nice and the walkways were none but a pleasant stroll. These sorts of places always make me feel nostalgic for the real Japan, and I am glad I am going back there again so soon.

We sat down and had some tea (after I pulled money out of the god damn ATM, 2.50 fee my ass) and a squirrel was hopping around under the tables eating the crumbs; he was a brave one.

The cherry blossoms were soon going to drop all of their flowers, and it was very beautiful, so we came on a perfect day.

Later on we met up with her grandpa at his office and he took us out for a birthday dinner at a restaurant aptly named "Herbivore". It goes without saying that they had a good menu.

The pad thai was pretty good, but it doesn't beat Dharma's version at all, not even close... (I am seriously addicted to it).

After that we drove home. Pure excitment.

I don't know why I feel compelled to document this in so much detail, I can't imagine who would want to read this...