Valentine’s Day, February 14th, is one of the most romantic days of the year – so it’s natural that we want to celebrate this day in a unique and special way! Japan celebrates Valentine’s Day a little differently than most other countries. How?  You will need to watch my show where I explain the difference… ２月１４日はバレンタイン・デー。一年の中でもロマンティックな日の１つ。・・・だから何かトクベツな方法でお祝いしたくなっちゃいますよね！日本では他の国とはちょっと違った習慣がありますね。さて、どんなものだと思いますか？　番組の中で違いについてお話していますので是非ご覧くださいね・・・。

This month’s program will show you fun ways to spread happiness and joy to all of your favorite people!  It is not about how much you spend on a gift, but the thoughtfulness and creativity that went into your gift giving.   Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, looking for simple and fun ideas for your family, or planning a Valentine’s Day party for all of your friends, I have some wonderful ideas to spread the love to all of those you care about – plus have fun doing it!  My mom always said; when you give love – so much more comes back! I hope the same for you! 今月の番組は、あなたの大好きな人たちに「ハッピー」と「うれしい」を届けるいろんな方法をご紹介していますよ！バレンタイン・デーを恋人たちだけの日にするなんてもったいない！　今年はちょっとアメリカン・スタイルに家族で、そしてお友達同士で楽しんじゃいましょう。 お金をかけたプレゼントより、ローコストでもハートを込めたクリエイティビティーなプレゼントのほうがきっとステキでしょ！ 今月の放送ではロマンティックなディナーを計画したり、家族のためのシンプルで楽しいアイデアや、お友達とのバレンタイン・デーのパーティーなどにぴったりなアイデア満載です。周りの人に、あなたがどんなにその人の事を思っているかを伝えて、プ・ラ・ス　２月１４日を思いっきりみんなで楽しんじゃいましょう！私の母曰く「愛すれば、自分が愛した以上に愛される」　あなたも同じことがおきますように！

Culture – Learning about Valentine’s Day in Japan and America
カルチャー・・・日本とアメリカのバレンタイン・デーってどんな違いがあるの？

Life -  Two Cute crafts,  Thoughtful Notes &  Creative Coupons
ライフ・・・２種類のカワイイ手作りプレゼント　「ソートフル・ノート」＆クリエーティブ・クーポン「ポケットフル・オブ・ラブ」

Food – Heartfelt Sweet Treats
フード・・・バレンタイン・デーのプレゼントにぴったり！なチョコのお菓子

Closing　エンディング  

New Updates Coming – January 2012

This portion of the website is dedicated to providing helpful information to new and inbound families coming to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan.

** Be sure to SCROLL down to read all the necessary information once you clicked on a category **

The original www.iwakunimcas.com website was created by Ms Lisa Stewart, a military spouse who dedicated extensive time and effort into building every detail of the site during her tour in Iwakuni. When Lisa PCS’d, my company sponsored the site to keep it alive as a service to the community, because the information was so helpful to so many people.

This information is UNOFFICIAL and is simply for the purpose of military spouses helping others.  If you find something that is possibly outdated or incorrect, please send a message on the contact form at the upper right corner of the page.  The air station is going through many new changes and we would appreciate your proactive help with keeping the information current for everyone to use.

This somehow allows other drivers to exercise with some caution because of the different driving habits older people may have.  The Japanese system recognizes and acts on a reality and on common sense – as one gets older, one loses some capabilities which may cause a problem for other drivers on the road.  Sounds fair and respectful right?

Here are some of the stickers you will see while driving in Japan.

1 .   The blue shamrock symbol to designate handicapped drivers, even though the international symbol of a wheelchair is recognized everywhere else in the world.

2.   The butterfly mark is for  “hard of hearing” symbol.   After an evaluation of a hearing test the “hard of hearing” drivers must display these sticker which forbids other drivers from cutting off or aggressively passing such cars.   This butterfly-mark is an obscure, only-in-Japan symbol, and other parts of the world use this easy-to-understand ear mark.

I think the Japanese see the wings of a butterfly as ears and wish the sticker to be pretty and coloful, how considerate .

3.   The Koreisha mark (kōrei untensha hyōshiki), the fallen leaf mark must be displayed by drivers over 75 (and strongly recommended for those over 70) to warn other drivers of the impending danger. (below: sticker on the left)

4.   The Shoshinsha mark (shoshin untensha hyōshiki), “new drivers” must display the green leaf mark for one year after getting their license to warn other drivers that the driver is not very skilled.  (Sticker on the right)

Update! A newly designed four-leaf clover sticker has become the new symbol for identifying elderly drivers in Japan.  Drivers age 70 or older re required to display the special identification stickers on the front and rear of their cars, in cases where age affects driving.

There were more than 6.26 million elderly drivers through the end of 2009.    Wow!

What are your thoughts about designating driving stickers?    Great idea or “labeling” peoples’ abilities?

I’m  getting ready for the summer and nothing tastes better than a cool refreshing, plus nutritious drink!  “Summer Smoothie Time!” I love making smoothies for my family because it’s so easy, with unlimited flavors, and they’re very good for you!  High in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they are the most perfect drink for anyone to drink at anytime!   Try a few of my favorite summer smoothie recipes – delicious and totally addicting!

私は家族のために、よくこのスムージーを作るの。だって、簡単で、フレッシュな香りがいっぱい楽しめるし、何と言っても身体にいいもの！　ビタミン、ミネラル、それに抗酸化物質をたくさん含んだスムージーはいつ、誰が飲んでもパーフェクトな一品ですよ！　あなたもリフレッシングでやみつきになる私のお気に入りの「サマー・スムージー・レシピ」をお家で試してみてね。

Watch my video to learn how to make my “Very Berry” Smoothie!
（ベリー・ベリー・スムージーの作り方はケーブルテレビ放映後UPしますのでお楽しみに。。。）

More recipes!   Every smoothie listed here has the same directions.  Put all the ingredients in the blender in the order listed and mix on high until fully blended.   That’s it!

その他にもこんなレシピがありますよ！　下のスムージーもレシピの材料の順番どおりにミキサーにかけるだけですよ。お試しあれ！

Basic Boot Camp Smoothie

2 bananas
10-12 frozen strawberries
1 cup of apple juice
1/2 cup yogurt vanilla or choose your favorite
4-6 ice cubes

ベーシック・ブート・キャンプ・スムージー
バナナ　　　　・・・　２本
いちご（冷凍）・・・１０～１２個
アップル・ジュース　・・・　２４０ｃｃ
ヨーグルト　　　　　　・・・　１２０ｃｃ　（お好きなフレーバーのヨーグルトでも可）
氷（キューブ）　　　　・・・　４～６個

“Vita-C” Smoothie

2 bananas
1 orange
2 kiwis
10-12 frozen strawberries
½ cup of frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups  orange juice
4-6 ice cubes

ビタ-C・スムージー
バナナ　　・・・　２本
オレンジ　・・・　１個
キューイ　・・・　２個
いちご（冷凍）　・・・１０～１２個
ブルーベリー（冷凍）　・・・　カップで１２０ｃｃ分
氷（キューブ）　・・・　４～６個

Peaches & Creamy Smoothie

2 bananas
1 cup of frozen peaches
1 cup apple juice
1 cup vanilla yogurt or peach flavor
4-6 ice cubes

ピーチ＆クリーミー・スムージー
バナナ　・・・　２本
ピーチ（冷凍）　・・・　カップで２４０ｃｃ分
アップル・ジュース　・・・　２４０ｃｃ
ヨーグルト　　　・・・　２４０ｃｃ分
氷（キューブ）　・・・　４～６個

In the summer, Mount Fuji should simply not be missed. Official tours start in June and end in August – the mountain is closed the rest of the year because it is too cold and dangerous to climb.  Known throughout the world for its perfect cone shape, this mountain is breathtaking and spiritually connected for all those who climb it.  Over 350,000 visitors from around the world come to see Mt Fuji every year.  An interesting fact is that fewer than one percent of Japanese people ever climb Mount Fuji!  There’s a famous quote, “Your are wise to climb Fuji once, but a fool to climb it twice.”  I’ve personally climbed this magnificent mountain many, many times – I guess that makes me a fool!.  (wink, wink)

Fuji san – absolutely breathtaking!

Here’s a view from the very top, sunrise approximately 4:35 am

Photo below was taken by Lisa Kilmer Do you see the five pointed star in the sun?

If climbing isn’t your cup of tea, then you should at least go and visit the 5th station, where you can drive up to. You can take some wonderful photos if the weather is good.

Antoher great attraction is to visit a few of Japan’s beautiful temples and famous shrines. Visit cities like Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, just to name my favorites. Many of these are quite historic and you shouldn’t miss out on the chance to see them.  People in Japan visit Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines on various occasions to pray for good health, happiness, safety, and wealth.

Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

Tsuwano Shrine, Tsuwano

Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

Some helpful tips before you enter the torii (entrance gate) of a shrine, bow to it.  Stop by the purification fountain.  Fill a ladle, called hishaku, with water. Pour some water over each hand from the ladle. Put some water in your left palm and rinse your mouth with it.

When you pray to the Shinto deities, the followings are common steps.

1. Ring the bell if it’s hung above the offering box.
2. Throw offering coins into the offering box.
3. Deeply bow twice.
4. Clap your hands twice.  Make your wish.
5. Deeply bow once.
Note: Keep in mind that taking photographs might be forbidden in certain areas.  Please ask.

How about watching Sumo! Sumo is the national sport in Japan and is a very popular form of entertainment.  You might not completely understand the experience, but you should definitely go at least once and experience the power and excitement.

Visiting historic sites and museums is another great way to enrich your cultural experience…

Hiroshima Peace Museum & Atomic Dome  - Japan’s most thought-provoking and impactful museum contains exhibits examining Hiroshima’s militaristic past, the events leading up to the explosion of the world’s first atomic bomb, the city’s terrible destruction, and its active anti-nuclear movement.

Adachi Museum & Japanese Garden – Japanese modern art is the focus indoors, while the perfectly landscaped garden — comes into view through framed windows, making it part of the art in a very beautiful way

Himeji Castle is widely held to be the finest surviving castle (WWII) in Japan.  Standing at the base of Himeji Castle, one cannot help but be overwhelmed by the size, power, and beauty of the architecture

Kintai Bridge – (錦帯橋, Kintai-kyō) is a historical wooden five-arch bridge in the city of my hometown of lovely Iwakuni. Declared a national treasure in 1922, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, especially for the Cherry Blossom festival in the spring and the autumn color change of the Japanese Maples.  I love this place so much!

Also, try out various forms of travel while in the country. Driving around Japan by car is an entirely different experience than zipping around on the “bullet train” or as the Japanese call it, Shinkansen.   Take the time to see the country from its many sides and explore as much as you can!

Rice fields near my home

The land of many islands – Seto Inland Sea

Crane Dancing Statues – Tsuwano

Anyone man can be a father, but it takes a very someone special to be a DADDY! My father is the most amazing person – ambitious, a hero, a guide, an inspiration,  and incredible friend (plus a terrific cook).   He always told me how much he loved me and how much he believes in me.  I am honored to have such a man in my life and be his daughter.    You’re the greatest!   Gracias por todo papi!   Feliz dia de los padres!

世の中の男性は父親になる可能性がある。ダディーになるのってとっても特別なことですよね！私のお父さんも私にとってとっても特別な存在。お父さんは私のヒーローであり、人生のガイドであり、そして最高の友人。いつもどんなに娘の私を愛しているか、信じているかを語ってくれる、そんな言葉が、行動が、お父さんの娘であることの誇りを私にくれるの。

Forget the neck ties and socks!

Here are some fun ideas for you and the kids to show your Dad how much you really appreciate him:

父の日にお父さんに感謝をささげる楽しいアイデアをいくつか紹介するわね。

*  Have the kids draw a picture with his favorite colors and frame it.
*  Take a picture with the family and frame it for him to display at his office.
*  Take his order and repare his favorite foods or meals all day!
*  Make a cute coupon book – TV and remote control possesion, washing his car, …be fun!
*  Put together a gift basket of snacks, movies or his favorite magazine or books.
*  Make a BBQ or Sports Basket with cold beer or fancy wine
*  Make a banner and display it proudly in the kitchen!

Just be creative and show him how much you LOVE him!

お父さんの好きな色で絵を描いて額に入れて贈る。
家族写真を撮って額に入れて会社のデスクの上に飾ってもらう。
お父さんの好物の料理のオーダーをとって、それを作ってあげる。
クーポンの綴りを作る。中身はテレビとテレビのリモコンの優先使用券、お父さんの車の洗車の券などいろいろ楽しいものを考えてね！
お父さんの好きなスナック、DVDの映画、雑誌、本などをつめたギフトバスケット
バーベキューの材料を詰めたバスケット、冷たいビールとかファンシーなワインも一緒に。
上の図にあるようなバナーを作って家族のつどうキッチンに飾る。

想像力を働かせて、あなたがどんなにパパを愛しているかを伝えましょう！

Happy Father’s Day to all the Daddys in the World!!

世の中のすべてのダディーへ　父の日に感謝を込めて！！　ありがとう！

日本は魅力的で美しい国です。私はここに住んで１3 年になりますが、この国のユニークで素晴しい事柄の全てを体験できた訳ではありません。だからこそこのサイトで皆さんに紹介したいと思いますし、私がここを「ホーム」と呼ぶ理由を心に留め続けるきっかけになればと思っています。

If you are visiting or living here for any length of time, you should take advantage of everything the country has to offer.  There are many sights and experiences in Japan that simply shouldn’t be missed.  Here are a few ideas for “must-do” and “must-see” activities and destinations in Japan.  Let’s start with local, simple, traditional Japanese cuisines -日本料理 Washoku 和食  Oishii!!   (Delicious!)

滞在期間の長さに差があるとしても日本を訪れたなら、体験できることの全てに挑戦してみましょう。ここには沢山見るべきもの、体験すべきものがあるのですから、チャレンジしないと勿体無いですよ。では、日本で「しなければならないこと」「見なければならないこと」のいくつかをご紹介したいと思います。最初にご紹介するのは地元のシンプルで伝統的な日本食ー和食から始めましょう。美味しいわよ！！

If you enjoy sushi, you’re in the right place; and if you’ve never tried it, maybe you should have it at least once or twice.  That’s what I did and now I am hooked! (No punn intended)  In Japan, sushi restaurants are literally everywhere!  Many different kinds of restaurants in Japan serve sushi, ranging from fancy restaurants to simple establishments that treat it almost like a fast food snack.  Many people, when they first visit Japan, are surprised as to how many kinds of sushi are actually available, unlike other countries where there is only a very simple and limited variety.

お鮨が好きな方にはぴったりですね。そしてお鮨未体験の方には是非１度か２度挑戦してみる事をオススメします。私はすっかりはまってしまってます！日本ではお鮨屋さんはいたるところにあります。非常に高級なお店から一般のファストフード的なお店まで種類もさまざまです。そして多くの人が、日本国外では限りのあるメニューが、ここ日本ではたくさんの種類があることに驚かされるものです。

The various noodle dishes that are popular in Japan are another culinary experience that shouldn’t be missed. Ranging from the familiar ramen-style noodles, to the Japanese udon noodle which is much thicker; you’ll find that noodles are prepared in many delicious and interesting ways. There are also fried noodle dishes such as yakisoba, which is an absolute favorite for many Americans.  This popular dish is generally served with a vegetable and meat combination, along with a a tangy brown sauce. Also okonimiyaki is another foreigner favorite, I know it was for my parents when they visited Japan!  It is served in two ways; Hiroshima style (layered like a light pancake omlette – personal favorite) or Osaka style (all mixed up together like a giant western omlette).

いろいろな種類の麺類にチャレンジしてみることも、外せない美味しい経験ですね。ラーメンのようなスタイルの麺から少し太めのうどんのような麺、いろいろな調理方法で調理されます。また、多くのアメリカ人の大好物「焼きそば」のような炒めた麺料理もあります。焼きそばは野菜、肉、麺を炒めて少し濃い目の茶色いソースで味付けをします。「お好み焼き」も外国人に好まれるものの一つですね。うちの両親も大好きです！調理方法には広島風（クレープのような生地の上に具材を重ねるもの）と大阪風（生地と具材をすべて混ぜて焼くもの）の２種類があります。

If you have the opportunity to go to a Yakiniku restaurant, don’t miss the chance. These Korea-influenced style of restaurants let you do some of the cooking yourself. You simply choose your meats and then you can cook them yourself at the table on a grill that is built right into the table. You can then dip the cooked meats in tasty sauces and enjoy.

もし、焼肉屋に行く機会があれば、ぜひそのチャンスを逃さないでください。韓国風焼肉店では、お肉を自分で焼くスタイルになります。食べたいお肉を注文し、各テーブルに備え付けられているグリルで焼いて食べます。焼いた後は美味しいタレにつけて召し上がれ。

These restaurants also offer other foods, but it’s the meats that are the real highlight of the meal.

If you are in the mood for some fast but delicious food, try stopping at a stand that serves Yakitori. This grilled chicken-on-a-stick is a popular food in Japan, especially if you are on the run!

これらのレストランではもちろん他のメニューも豊富です。もしあなたが手っ取り早くおいしいものを食べたいのであれば、「焼き鳥」に挑戦してみてはいかがでしょうか？これは竹串にさした鶏肉をグリルした料理です。

I’m really starting to feel the spring season!   Thank goodness,  I think many of us has been waiting for this time of year!   Well in Japan we are already starting to see the ‘signs’ of one of the most sensational time of year.   Throughout the months of March and April your eyes will be delighted to an explosion of vibrant spring colors!   Just wait and see  …up first Ume Blossoms!  Is your camera ready???

(Ume-Plum Blossom)

Now sometimes at the end of March – if we get super lucky we will experience the beautiful Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)… and what a sight that is to see!

All the pretty cherry blossom trees magically turn into waterfalls of pink and white flowers. It’s a great time of year to enjoy Japan as the weather is pleasant and people are outside enjoying the great outdoors.

イェ～ィ！　いよいよ春まっさかり！　今は日本のどこへ行っても春色一色に染まっている時期！　きれい花々の咲き乱れる様子はピンクや白の滝のような光景なのよ。気候は良いし、日本を満喫するベストなシーズン。みんなお日さまの下で春を楽しんでいるわ。

The incredible beauty of the Sakura (cherry blossom) is symbolic to the Japanese culture.  The cherry blossom trees all over Japan come into bloom for 10 days or so, with a little luck and if the weather is just right.

美しい桜の花は日本文化のシンボル。桜は日本中で見ることの出来る木で、花は１０日くらいしか持ちません。天候にどのくらい恵まれるかって運にもよるけどね。

I once read that the sakura flower petals are compared to the life of the mighty Samurai – a brief explosion of color (glory in battle), and a short life (do not fear death).

桜の花の命が中世の侍の一生にたとえられると読んだことがあります。死を恐れることなくぱっと散ってしまう命のはかなさと輝きを表すのだとか。。。

Kintai Bridge, Iwakuni Japan

It’s Hanami time!

Everyone is eager to watch the blossoms arrive in the next few days.  Each year we plan special picnics with friends and neighbors; there’s nothing like a party to celebrate a new beginning!

みんな花が満開の間に桜を見たいと熱望するようになるわね。毎年私達も友達やご近所の人たちと一緒に特別なピクニックを計画するの。春の訪れを祝うこんなパーティーって他にはないわ！　ステキな花見パーティー！

Hanami means “flower viewing.” The name says it all – hana means “flower” and mi is “to look,” and in Japan it’s a yearly tradition to celebrate with a party under an amazing umbrella of pink and white. With a wide variety of foods, snacks, sake (rice wine), beer, and light sweets, it’s a perfectly beautiful meal!  (We are celebrating with the local neighbors and farmers – good time!)

「花見」は「花を見る」という意味。漢字を別々に説明すると「花」はフラワー、そして「見」は目で見るという意味なの。日本では毎年この素晴しいピンクや白の花のあふれる木の下で花見をする風習があるわ。いろいろな種類のごちそうを詰めた花見弁当、スナック、酒、ビール、スイーツ、とっても贅沢な食事会なの。

Enjoy some breath taking photos that were taken last year….

If you ever get a chance to visit Japan, this is one of the most beautiful times of year.

If you miss the cherry blossoms, don’t worry, cherry trees can be found all across Canada, Philippines, England, Germany, and in America (the most famous is in the Washington D.C area, which were a gift from Japan many years ago) – they’re even in my hometown of Newark, New Jersey!

もし、日本を訪れる機会があるのなら、ぜひこの一番美しい時期をオススメするわ。それから、日本の桜を恋しく思っている方に情報です。桜の木はカナダ、フィリピン、イギリス、ドイツ、そしてもちろんアメリカでも見ることが出来ます。（アメリカで一番有名なのはワシントンDCのエリアね。ずっと前に日本から贈られたたくさんの桜の木があるわ）　もちろん！私のふるさとニュージャージー州ニューアークにもね！

Visit http://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/cms/index.php?id=390

詳しくは↑のリンクを参照してください。

下に日本の唱歌「さくら、さくら」の歌詞を英訳を載せますので楽しんでください。

Japanese folk song “Sakura, Sukura” さくら さくら

Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,(sakura, sukura)

On Meadow-hills and mountains (no-yama mo sato mo)

As far as you can see.( mi-watasu kagiri)

Is it a mist, or clouds?(kasumi ka kumo ka)

Fragrant in the morning sun. (asahi ni niou)

Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms (sakura, sukura)

Flowers in full bloom. (hana-zakari )

A beautiful sunrise from my living room window (Seto Inland Sea)

私の家から望む美しい日の出の風景

My home is surrounded by rice fields, Mikan (tangerine) trees and bamboo forests. The air is fresh, everything is green, and the view is breathtaking. I call it Tengoku, which means “Heaven” in Japanese.  For me, there is no place I would rather be.  I love my home town of Iwakuni.  So now you see why I love this place so much.   Here are just a few pictures – I hope you enjoy them…more to come!

この「日本でのくらし」のコーナーでは毎週、またはできる限りの更新して、いろいろなものにスポットライトを当てて取り上げようと思います。最初の投稿は「私が日本を好きなな訳について、ほんの少しお話しますね。どうして、ここがこんなに好きなのか？　日本にはマジカルなエッセンスがあるでしょ。人々は賢く、親切で、とても謙虚よね。そして、地域のコミュニティーは、平和でステキなハーモニーを奏でている。どんな細かなことにでもお互い気をつけ、完璧になんでもこなすの。かんばって！　人生は喜びであふれ、寺院で祈り、祭りで神を祝い、また子どものためのエコな考え方がいいと思うの。家族はとても大切だものね。

私の家はたんぼとみかんの畑と竹林の中にあるのよ。空気は澄み、緑に囲まれ、その景色は息をのむほど美しいわ。　私は日本語で「天国」と呼んでいるの。わたしにとってココはまさに天国、他にいたい場所なんて考えられない。
どうしてこの場所がこんなに大好きかお分かりいただけたはず。　今日は写真を数枚ご紹介しますね。また近日中のUPをお楽しみに！

ではでは
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These next three photo’s were taken by professional photographer Julie Walton Shaver. Julie is from my home state of New Jersey and she came to Japan for a special lifestyle photo shoot. She has a great talent for capturing the true essence of Japan. I want to bring her back so she can do Hiroshima and Kyoto next!

次の３枚は、ジュリー･ウォルトン・シェヴァーの写真。ジュリーは同じニュージャージーの出身。日本の写真をとるために来日したの。日本のエッセンスを素晴らしい才能で画像にしているわ。もう一度来日して欲しい！次回は広島と京都で撮影旅行よ。

The women of Japan are truly beautiful people and they hold the power to do so much good.
日本の女性は美しい、そしてたくさんのパワーを秘めている

I love the way Japan integrates the coolest technology along with the balance and harmony of nature. Great photo Julie!

クールなテクノロジーと自然のバランス　新旧の共存するこんな風景が大好き。
ジュリー最高の写真だわ！

www.juliewaltonshaver.com

In all my years of living in Japan, there is always something special about the festivals – it’s the people, the colors, the excitement, the harmonious and festive atmosphere – I truly love it. On October 18th the city of Iwakuni held the 53rd annual “Iwakuni Festival.” The whole community came together and welcomed thousands of visitors to the downtown area.   

The energy was high, people were excited, and the event was a BIG success. There were so many activities and things happening at the same time, I was only able to catch a glimpse at some of it. There were so many marching bands I lost count (maybe 15?), all playing their hearts out with pride; and the dancing ladies in their colorful costumes were just beautiful. I saw nothing but smiles,  laughter,  dancing, and happiness.  

The town embraced everyone with a touch of kindness and genuine hospitality that day.   One of the things I love most is the demonstration of pride in their culture and traditions, which are passed down to the younger generations that follow.  No matter the ages, everyone was having a great time, especially me!  I hope you can get a feeling of what the day was like.

　私の日本での暮らしの中には、いつもお祭りがあるわ。人々、いろんな彩り、たくさんの興奮、それから和やかな雰囲気にあふれたお祭り。本当に好きにならずにはいられない。
　１０月１８日は岩国市で「第５３回岩国祭り」があったの。付近の人があつまって、たくさんの来訪者を歓迎していたわ。お祭りはにぎやかで、みんなエキサイトしていて、このイベントは大成功。様々な催しが一度にいろんな所で行われて、チラッとしか見られないものもあったくらい。たくさんのマーチング・バンドもあってそれは数え切れないくらいだったわ（１５くらいかな？）プライドをかけた心からの演奏に感動したわ。そして踊りの連の女性達は色とりどりの衣装でまさに「美しい」の一語ね。
　祭りの中にあったのは、ただ笑顔、笑い声、踊り、そして幸せだけ。町は温かい心と、やさしいホスピタリティーに包まれていたわ。
　私が日本で目にする最も好きなことの一つは、こういったことで示される上の世代から若い世代、そしてその次の世代へと脈々と引き継がれていく文化と伝統に対する誇りよ。年齢に関係なくみんなが素晴らしい時間を過ごしたわ、特に私はね！  この日の雰囲気が少しでも皆さんにお伝えできますように。
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Wonderful performances from people of ALL ages!    Sugoi! 

I had an interculture booth displaying many Halloween items, needless to say so many came by to a “hello” and grab some free candy!

Can’t wait for October 17th, 2010….my kids are going to want to again!  I hope to see you all there next year!