Rising Sun – Part 1
March 19, 2010

Not even a week and I’m on a roll. Three countries down and one more to go. I saved the best for last. Words cannot say enough about how this country has influenced me. Not only is my family from here, but it’s the reason I was able to start my thing. Yes, LA is the heart, but the land of the Rising Sun has the legs that gave me the chance. I won’t go into too many details, but the name and numbers of what I do originated from my late grandmother. In addition to the science of mathematics and the support from my first distributor, the rest is history. As I only have two days here, I want to head to this special 800+ year old temple that my mom tells me I need to go to.

The guards of the temple

Although I don’t officially practice one religion, my origins come from Buddhism. Before you enter the temple, you must clean yourself of any impurities.

The smoke around your body protects you.

Pray

On the way out of Kawasaki, I can’t help but notice all the goodies at the shops. Odangos are soooo tasty.

This area is known for these taffy-like deserts. Special chefs are famous for “chopping” the candies apart.

So special they even have mannequins dressed like the real thing! Only in Japan.

Tasty!

I’m sure you’ve seen these before, but it is Japanese tradition to get one of these dolls and fill in one eye, make a wish and work towards that goal. Once you accomplish that goal, you can fill in the other eye. I have lots to accomplish so I better get a few.

Off to meet my distributors all the way across town in Chigasaki. Work, work, work…

Yes, you have time to smile Takashi.

In Japan, they are still into bright colors for the Winter market. We make special goods just for them.

The other Special of the Special.

Gotta get back to Shibuya and get ready to catch my friends. One of our past employees is now working for the Miss Universe Japan organization. When she asked if I wanted to come out and meet the girls, I didn’t have to think about it for that long. The shitty thing is that I try to squeeze in too many things in one day, so I missed the show, but I made it to the after party.

Japanese girls have changed a bit. They actually have curves now. Well...Hello.

Not these guys when it comes to freaking out and having fun.

I’m out. Time to get a few hours of sleep. This is my place in Shibuya.

Contemporary & Clean

Nighty night.