Harajuku Girls!

I am thinking of Violet, the very genki student in my Japanese elective class, who loves Harajuku. I visited that fun section of Tokyo -- my guide book says it is for the spendy and trendy -- and took many photos. For now, however, I must resort to some found through Google images as I am using a 100 yen per 15 minutes machine in the hotel lobby in Yokohama. Whoops. I can't understand the kanji on this computer to know how to upload a photo. Mata ne?

What Kind of Hairstyles Do You Like?

That's a question Cesar of Media Academy had for Japanese teenagers. So far in Ena, I've noticed that the boys take great care in their hair, sometimes adding clips! These two boys at Ena High School had some of the more fashionable hair. I am sure to see some crazy hair when I go to Harajuku (Violet's favorite part of Tokyo!).

Reppin Oakland in Japan

Oakland A's caps in the Japanese countryside! I'm pictured above in "Kip's" store in Ena with the owners, the Katos, and three A's caps. The Katos, especially Ken, are HUGE fans of American culture, clothing and coffee. I used to tutor the Katos' two sons, Kent and Kenny, and loved hearing Ken and his store workers get excited about the Bay Area. Ken entertained both my sisters when they visited with nonstop excitement about American products, places and people, and nonstop beverages and food.

The store is named after Kip's Bar on Durant Street in Berkeley -- a place Ken loved to go while at Cal. Peet's is also repped in the store, along with In N Out, LL Bean, Starbucks, Ruehl, Abercrombie and dozens of other American companies.