Blend of USA Security and Japan's Modernism

Here in our base station in Atsugi, one can experience the peace and security of the US base for its populace, and the economic progress typical of Japan's prefectures. One can experience and mingle with the pragmatic, frank Americans, and the courteous self-disciplined Japanese.

Some photos posted here show a typical routine for our short stint here - a round in the base on to a typical sushi restaurant, where raw fish and meat are served. Try one? . . . Oishi! (Josh & Rose Blog)

Romancing with Yokohama Bay By the Sunset

4 January 2011, Yokohama City. Spent the day at Yokohama, sister city of Tokyo, where the Cosmo World, a paradise to both children and adults alike is. Reminisced our younger days by riding in that giant ferrish-wheel overlooking the bay and Mt. Fuji. Took some kind of merienda-cena in one famous eatery in the Queen's Square and the usual malling-walk.

Get back to our base via railway system so fast and convenient. Truly, a taste of sophisticated lifestyle in a developed economy a la rich and famous for me and wife Rose. (JSF Blogs)

Following the Road Less Travelled : Travelogue@Dec2

“The Road Less Travelled” was the sermon of Pastor Barry Dawson of Tokyo Union Church this first Sunday of 2011, our first time in this international congregation of interdenominational Christians. Daughter Jonna and husband Dominic used to attend here, and this day is but a fitting one to start our year right.

Following “the road less travelled” refers to walking with Jesus He being the Light of the world. On this Epiphany Sunday so-called, the three wise men (magi) from the East (Iran now?) with the guide of the star finally find baby Jesus, and worship Him. And for this New Year, it is an opportune time to ponder on our life’s journey, as the Pastor said, forgetting the past grudges and hatred in our hearts, and start following “the road less travelled”.

From this Church, we proceeded to our lunch at a nearby Mall.


Then, we went back to our base-house in Atsugi. God speed. (JSF Blogs)

Joining the Japanese in Paying Annual Tributes to the Supreme Being

Even the non-Christian Japanese know how to pay their yearly tributes to the supreme Being. That being may not be our Christ, the God incarnate, but Japanese major religions Shintoism and Buddhism believe in Heavens, an omnipotent power source beyond this physical dimension.

In this sojourn, we were able to join thousands of Japanese who trooped to the Meiji Shrine in the mini-forest at the heart of Tokyo, as they pay tributes to the supreme Being, pray, and make good wishes for the New Year. This shrine visit may be likened to the feast of Black Nazarene of Quiapo-Philippines, though the crowd here is very much organized and disciplined, with zero crime rate.

Some photos posted here show us crossing the Tori gate, believed to be the boundary between the physical and the spiritual world. It could be likened to the Church considered as God's kingdom on earth.

Thus, on this first day of 2011, wishing all of you only the best of everything. As the Japanese faithfuls put it, leave behind all bad experiences, carry on with the good ones, and have a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2011. (Josue & Rosalina Blog)