Omiyage-Ya (The Gift Shop)

What trip is complete without gifts reminding you and your friends of the wonderful adventures you had? We thought it would be great if you had the opportunity to visit the Omiyage Shop and browse to your hearts' content.

There is no better gift than good health

This gift to you, from me, is free. No strings attached. It is the best possible gift I could ever give to anyone.

We all have good years and bad years with respect to our health, but since I found Brian Peskin and his research, my life, and those around me (who have listened and challenged me then come to understand the truth) have improved dramatically. Forget Atkins, South Beach and all the rest. What I have to tell you here, what Brian Peskin has done for all of us is a gift beyond our wildest dreams. Welcome to the land of the Secret Fountain of Youth. See what Brian Peskin has to say and why I believe that you really need to know.

Have you noticed I put this at the very top of my website? That is how serious I am about this! Don't lose years of your life wasting away with cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Read this and then test it. I did. Challenge Professor Brian Peskin and your world will change forever. For the better!

Follow this link to see what I have to say about Brian Peskin.

Get Your Name in Japanese (Retired)

Have you noticed that so many of the signs and menus are not written in English, but in picture-like characters? These are called Kanji and are one of the three writing systems used in Japan (Katakana, and Hiragana, phonetic-based systems are the other two.) 

Over the years we have had so many requests for Japanese names that it forced us to shut down the service.

If you are a curious person who "needs to know" why we are back online click here for more information.

Japanese Proverbs

There are many cryptic and funny proverbs the Japanese like to use. The Japanese Proverb section may be of interest to you..

FREE! Japanese Lessons

You are probably thinking that had you understood Japanese before you came ashore your experience would have been that much richer. The FREE! Japanese Lessons could be extremely useful if a future visit is planned.

For all you diehard fans, after a five year hiatus LESSON EIGHT is now available! Say it isn't so!!

　

There is a well-known, well-traversed street along a quiet river in Kyoto that is lined with cherry trees and parallels a quiet little brook. A long time ago the locals were able to catch glimpses of Japan's most famous philosophers shuffling up and down the path, deep in thought.

I have had quite a few years in Japan and have seen many things both wonderful and strange. I can't compare myself to the philosophers of yore, but I have developed many of my own ideas on topics related to this country I love so much. Would you care to hear some of them? I would be more than happy to share them with you. For example, just recently I wrote a really Stupid Poem to prove that my creativity has waned with my aging. To see the proof, just take a look.

Kenritsu Bijutsukan (The Art Gallery)

Japan has created a lot of artistic masterpieces during it's several thousand years of history. Here at The Art Gallery you will be able to walk through the displays and see what kind of art Japan (or a small portion of Japan) is creating these days. Best of all, everything you see here (and more) is all for sale!

Yoshida Ranma Gallery

A good friend of mine is displaying his artwork in the Bijutsukan. You can see it by heading over to the Yoshida Ranma Gallery. This artwork is extremely unusual as they are the only people in all of Japan that make ranma and other objects out of Japanese paper. But you won't believe that it is really paper! All others carve from wood. If you would like to see an example of work work in progress, please visit the Yoshida Ranma Workshop.

Here is a video of the artwork on display in Yoshida's home.

Here is a video of Yoshida's studio where they produce their art.

　

This bonsai "okimono" took about a year to design and hand create. If you would like to see what it looks like, then click the image to the left. There will be many more coming soon. We have created a new theme: The 12 animals of the Chinese Calendar. If this interests you, please contact the gallery managers by writing to info @ japanippon (dot) com for details and we will show you a few of what we have done to date (until I can get them up on the site).

The 12 Eto 2004 was the year of the Monkey in the Chinese/Japanese Eto calendar. 2005 is the year of the Chicken

Kodomo no Koen (The Playground)

As we view the sights and sounds of the big city, we will be taking a break at The Playground. Many people like this rest area because it brings back memories of their youth. They feel that their lives are somehow connected to the people of Japan. Why? Because no matter where you go, it seems that kids will be kids. Why not be a kid again for a while? Roll your pants up, take off your shoes and socks and jump right in!

Japanese Children's Fairy Tales

You are likely to see many children at play in this park, with their real or imaginary friends and by themselves. If you listen closely you may even hear some of the parents telling their little ones fairy tales that were passed down to them from their parents when they were but mere grasshoppers. These stories should put a smile on your face. Listen closely.

The Family Tree House

If you look toward the back of the park, you will find a small wooded area that people disappear into from time to time. Why? Because it is quiet, peaceful and there you can get away to a private little place, away from the flash of neon lights, and the roar of automobiles.

On The Coffee Table you can find our family photo album which you are free to flip through at your leisure. On the walls, I have a collection of scribbles showing the humorous aspect of our Life in This House. This is probably best enjoyed by people who know what strange people we really are.

There is quite a bit more, so come and see for yourself. You will especially like the House Tour!

Shizen Taiken (Experiencing Nature)

Getting out into nature is a very big part of our life here on the island. With over 80% of the country covered in heavily forested mountains, Japan is a fantastic place to be if you love nature. If you have a mountain bike, even better! So why don't you come on a few excursions with us and experience it for yourself?

How to Dig Your Way to the Opposite End of the World

Now that you have your tickets there is no turning back. So you think you're ready for the big adventure? Well, just in case you have been losing sleep having nightmares about getting on the wrong train, or being accosted by three legged gypsies speaking in tongues, maybe this little "road map" will help you out. Print it out so that when you finally get to the location, you will recognize the signs. This should help you to get here. I hope.  (2003.10.04)

The Treasure at the End of the Rainbow

Once upon a time there was a handsome young lad who diligently toiled away at cleaning the hearth and stable of his master's humble abode. He was graceful and kind, gentle and caring; the kind of boy who . . .  (2002.11.02)

Click here to read the continuation of the latest addition to our stories!

Mountain Biking Tours

I love mountain biking. Even more since I met my friend Masaaki Yoshida (of the Yoshida Ranma clan) because he has taken me to places that I only dreamed of in the past. For those of you who brought your bikes along, I definitely recommend all of these tours. They are worth their weight in gold. In To Die For, you can even learn about my very last ride on my 200th birthday, the day I finally call it quits and go to that big single-track in the sky. Kleenex highly recommended for this one, folks.

Added another new adventure to our tour package. Bring along your camera and Say Cheese! (2001.04.08)

Hokuriku Rice Cycle

Hokuriku is the area on the Japan Sea side of the country. We have a lot of rice fields here (and frogs too). Our rice is famous throughout the entire country. You can learn all about the Rice Cycle of Hokuriku. I have spared no efforts to get the entire picture for you, from the beginning of the season in April to final harvest at the end of summer. This is definitely worth looking at. I promise you won't be disappointed. Maybe just a little hungry. If so, visit the next stop on the tour.

Hanami 

Hanami, or the viewing of the sakura (cherry blossoms) season has just ended here in Japan. But, thankfully we were able to get out and see them at their prime last weekend (2001.04.08). It was stunningly beautiful. As we thought you wouldn't want to miss the event, we captured the moment for all to see. Won't you come and enjoy the hanami with us? Spread out a blanket, toast life and relax.

You may have noticed that the background to this page is pink. Look closely. You will see they are actually the sakura themselves. What a coincidence! (2001.04.15)

Sushi-Ya (The Sushi Bar) CLOSED FOR BUSINESS

I am very sorry to say that the Sushi-Ya is closed for business! Due to the amazing popularity of this restaurant, we have sold out of absolutely everything and there is nothing left. My apologies to all you hungry people out there. If you are still interested in seeing what was on the menu, please feel free to come on by. But we cannot take your orders. There are no more products to serve you with.

Intrmarket Solutions (My Business)

This is the business I started two and a half years ago to help foreign companies and Japanese firms work efficiently, effectively and affordably. Bypass all of the hurdles and scale over the walls that everyone who wants to do business with Japan faces. At Intrmarket Solutions, I show you how. And then I help you make it real.

Blogging (Something New for Me)

Recently I have begun blogging. This and RSS is one of the recent internet tools that I knew nothing about. I decided it was time to learn so made some blog spaces. I read somewhere that blogging is the information network of the future. Personally I am not interested in reading other people's rants and raves so it is hard for me to believe this. I wanted to conduct an experiment to see if the information I put on blogs really gets found or not. If you would like to visit them, please do. I would be happy to meet you there.

My Personal Yahoo 360 Blog - This is a private blog consisting of anything I can think of from dreams, to reality. It started as a test, really, but is doing well.

Intrmarket Solutions Blog - This blog is intended for business purposes.

Japanese Lessons Blog - I have decided to put my Free! Japanese Lessons up on a blog as a test to see if it garners any attention or discovery.

The Death of Carbohydrates Blog - This is basically my first experiment. To date not too many people have found it, though I think it may be the most interesting blog of all.

Feeds to Articles Written

The following feeds are from articles that I have begun to write.