Toshi's running blog: Running around in Japan

On 2/10/08, I went on a business trip to Japan.

I was in a cramped economy seat by the window on the flight UA885 from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Kansai International Airport in Osaka for 11 hours.

It's true! The toilet seat that sprays your butt and washes it clean is commonly used in Japan. The Japanese are very conscious about good hygiene.

My room at Hotel New Otani in Osaka. Pretty spacious for a Japanese hotel and excellent service.
But this room was very special, because...

I was on the 13th floor in room 1309! 1+3+0+9 = 13
Taken just before I went for a run ...in the rain!

Osaka Castle in the dark.

I was staying in one of these skyscrapers.

The morning buffet was excellent. I've never had a Japanese buffet before.
I would come back just for the buffet.
Book your vacation today at Hotel New Otani located just off the Osaka Castle Park station on JR Osaka loop!

Capcom HQ (7th floor) in Osaka. The lovely lady on the right was my coach for OJT (on the job training).

Me and what's his name in a traditional but obsolete Japanese after-work attire.
This is how you drink in Japan and then you take your shirt off and start doing a belly dance.
Seriously. In 1980s.

Power harassment. Deko-pin is a strong finger flick (often given in one's forehead) that inflicts both pain and humiliation.

Next day, Mt. Fuji from bullet train Nozomi. Don't ride Hikari, it stops more frequently.

Me in Shinjuku, Tokyo. But the real focus of this picture is my package.

The building in the middle is where Capcom Tokyo branch is located in, on the floors 25th and 26th. Perhaps more.

Taken at a Italian restaurant Al Bacio on the 29th floor of Shinjuku NS bldg.
Late Valentine's Day wishes from Japan.
I swear I just went to eat dinner with my boss!

And then, off to Karaoke.
I cannot emphasize enough what a great Karaoke singer my boss is!
Check out his air guitar.

In a cramped room on the 4th floor across from Hotel Sunroute, he rocked the house! Very small house!

Going back to the US tomorrow at 5:25pm from Narita Intn'l Airport to SFO.

And yes, I ran in Japan too.

See ya soon!