Roving Japan

Sorry for the lack of updates on the blog. It’s been a busy week here in Tokyo. We spent the first couple of days unpacking our stuff and getting settled into our new home with Risa’s parents. Then last weekend we were very busy visiting Risa’s relatives.

On Saturday we went to see Risa’s Aunt Shigeko. Shigeko’s husband is the famous shamisen musician and composer ‘Masataro’. He and their daughter had just returned from the Prime Ministers sakura viewing garden party when we arrived. He is a really nice guy, and he was very happy with himself because he had managed to get an extra 1 box of mochi from the party.

Masataro is so friendly and approachable, it was surprising to learn just how famous he is. He actually owns the highest national award for rtists in Japan. He’s basically considered a national treasure! Check out his website: http://www.masataro.jp

Btw, he also thinks that I should audition for a TV role with NHK since I am really really ridiculously good looking.

Sunday we visited Risa’s 100 year old grandmother and a few more of her aunts. This was a fun day, since I got to see almost everyone who flew to America for our wedding. Kazuko was especially fun to see since she always enjoys getting a hug (or 4!). Risa’s grandmother also made the day extra special when she told us that she had ordered in Sushi. The sushi was sooooooooo good. The box had TWO pieces of Otoro!

After grandmas house, we managed to get over to Risa’s brothers house. He recently moved into his own place with his fiance about a half mile from Risa’s parents house. His house is really nice, although small. He’s got a kitchen and dining room downstairs, and 2 bedrooms upstairs. The real gem of the place is the fact that he has a decently sized backyard, which is fairly rare in Tokyo.

The 6 of us went to a Soba noodle place that is famous for the fact that Jimmy Carter ate there about 10 years ago. The food was really good.

On Tuesday, Risa and I were on a mission to get our Japanese bank account in order. First thing to do was to change her last name on her account to Saunders. Since her name is changed in the family registry, the bank requires an official government copy of the registry before they change her name on the account. So, we first went over to Kudanshita where the Chiyoda government office is. We got the registry, and then had lunch in the office cafeteria. This is what you get for $5:

The office is right next to Kitanomaru Park and the Yasukuni Shrine, so after lunch we walked around and I took some quick photos. The park was pretty neat, but the Shrine was really great. Not only is it a huge shrine, its also home to the military museum. We didn’t have time to go into the main gallery, but they had a Zero parked in the lobby, so that was pretty cool.

After the shrine and park, we went to the bank which is in Shinjuku. The bank said that the registry isn’t enough. We also need to have a family stamp. So…. we have to go get a “Saunders” stamp made tomorrow. There is an old man down the road who makes these stamps for about $20. I’ll take a picture when it’s finished!