I didn’t have much idea about aikido but after watching this 45 minutes documentary I have become quite interested in it. It is fascinating how master Shioda knocks down Robert Kennedy’s bodyguard in a second when he visited Japan in 1966, it seems like he uses a magical technique. In the documentary some of the basic techniques and foundations of aikido are explained: not attacking, concentrating strength in a point and using the energy of the enemy in our favour.
Video via Jim Grisanzio
Tokyo Sky Tree will open up to visitors on May 22nd, to go up to the observation platform will cost 3,000 yen. Tokyo Sky Tree is 634 meters tall and is the second tallest structure in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai. To celebrate the hotaru (firefly) festival during last weekend 100,000 balls with LED lights were released to Sumida river and the Tokyo Sky Tree lighted up using LED technology provided by Panasonic.
Photos by Spoon Tamago and video by Steven Nagata
Ooyama 大山 is a 1,250 meter tall mountain ideal to spend a day trip out of Tokyo. It reminded me a lot of of Mount Takao, as there is also a couple of temples half way during the climb, a Shinto temple and a Buddhist temple, and from the top you can see all the Kanto plain. If you are lucky you can also see Mount Fuji. We were not 🙁
To get there you have to go to Isehara station (Odakyu line) and from there take a 20 minutes bus until the head of the trail. It will take around three hours taking it easy to climb to the top.
Xavi! We miss you!
Beware of bears!
