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Pete B
04-27-2013, 11:01 PM
well One week in the land of the rising sun, ( just wish it didnt rise at 4:30 am) a couple pics from my firsst week here. taken with my pocket camera, althought there will be hints of Rat's finish product which is similar to the gay guy on the other site.


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0288_zps94c91cf3.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0288_zps94c91cf3.jpg.html)


my first meal here wasnt bacon and eggs, but i was hungry so i ask for what the guy in front of me had, and it wasnt bad.


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0271_zps5f973ae3.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0271_zps5f973ae3.jpg.html)


and while the food was different, it didnt cause me to use this!


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0270_zpsfd3c277d.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0270_zpsfd3c277d.jpg.html)


and thank god there is good coffee


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0290_zpsba43362c.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0290_zpsba43362c.jpg.html)

old377guy
04-28-2013, 10:53 AM
love the icons on the toilet

Ratickle
04-29-2013, 09:52 AM
Did you try the toilet on Water Pressure High???????

rschap1
04-29-2013, 11:40 AM
enjoy

Pete B
05-05-2013, 06:52 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9168_zpsf3b2ff89.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9168_zpsf3b2ff89.jpg.html)

Bobcat
05-05-2013, 06:56 AM
Whatever you do on that toilet....do not press the "Kotex Remover" button:eek:

Pete B
05-05-2013, 07:01 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9134_zps4f90b143.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9134_zps4f90b143.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-05-2013, 07:02 AM
yes it is pretty loud! And I dont know if we were suppose to ring the bell we did and left right away

Pete B
05-05-2013, 07:09 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/5adc38af-c130-4728-a721-e9260ef9bb1c_zps9a316289.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/5adc38af-c130-4728-a721-e9260ef9bb1c_zps9a316289.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-05-2013, 07:09 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9125_zps4f352b2a.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9125_zps4f352b2a.jpg.html)

Ratickle
05-05-2013, 07:11 AM
WHat time is it there?

Pete B
05-05-2013, 04:35 PM
spring time, :) I am 13 hrs ahead of EDST. so now you will really have to get up early to be ahead of me.

Pete B
05-05-2013, 04:41 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9098_zpsc8653355.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9098_zpsc8653355.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-05-2013, 04:48 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9047_zps11b77cf7.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9047_zps11b77cf7.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-06-2013, 06:05 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9021_zps217cab7e.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9021_zps217cab7e.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-06-2013, 06:13 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T8940_zpse15147f7.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T8940_zpse15147f7.jpg.html)

phragle
05-06-2013, 08:17 AM
we want piks of hot Asian chicks!!!

Ratickle
05-07-2013, 04:05 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9098_zpsc8653355.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9098_zpsc8653355.jpg.html)

Snow through a pass?

Ratickle
05-07-2013, 04:06 AM
we want piks of hot Asian chicks!!!

On boats!!

Pete B
05-07-2013, 06:23 AM
go to WWW. SPANKYOURASIANMONKEY.com

Bobcat
05-07-2013, 07:24 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9021_zps217cab7e.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9021_zps217cab7e.jpg.html)

We need one of these for our upcoming Asian Carp outing in August...:smash:

Pete B
05-07-2013, 05:24 PM
We need one of these for our upcoming Asian Carp outing in August...:smash:

Ill see what I can do!

Pete B
05-08-2013, 06:19 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T8915_zps791c0aa2.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T8915_zps791c0aa2.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-08-2013, 06:23 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T8954_zpsba26ef52.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T8954_zpsba26ef52.jpg.html)

Ratickle
05-09-2013, 04:13 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T8915_zps791c0aa2.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T8915_zps791c0aa2.jpg.html)

Hey, he has been driving a lot. Forgot the cart though....

Pete B
05-10-2013, 06:27 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T8964_zpsf7b2e95d.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T8964_zpsf7b2e95d.jpg.html)

old377guy
05-10-2013, 10:58 AM
yes it is pretty loud! And I dont know if we were suppose to ring the bell we did and left right away

.........and you can't unring that bell.............

Pete B
05-12-2013, 02:16 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9224_zps6e40c669.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9224_zps6e40c669.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-12-2013, 03:19 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9208_zps57097cba.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9208_zps57097cba.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-12-2013, 04:04 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9237_zps72311df2.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9237_zps72311df2.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-12-2013, 06:35 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9263_zps14cd3d96.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9263_zps14cd3d96.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-12-2013, 07:10 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9245_zps7b4c90c2.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9245_zps7b4c90c2.jpg.html)

Ratickle
05-12-2013, 10:03 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9237_zps72311df2.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9237_zps72311df2.jpg.html)

So what's that say?????

Pete B
05-13-2013, 06:57 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9240_zpsa6db7ecf.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9240_zpsa6db7ecf.jpg.html)

Bobcat
05-13-2013, 07:39 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9208_zps57097cba.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9208_zps57097cba.jpg.html)

Nice, F4-E Phantom.:cool:

Pete B
05-13-2013, 04:10 PM
So what's that say?????

some thing like dont you wish you could read this!

Pete B
05-19-2013, 04:41 AM
well a gloomy day here in Japan, so it was off to the fish market!

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0308_zpsd21e1d5a.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0308_zpsd21e1d5a.jpg.html)

Ratickle
05-19-2013, 09:38 PM
Is that a guys hand in there???:eek:

So what did you buy?

Pete B
05-20-2013, 07:25 AM
Prawns, and a bowl of ramen, also tried something that looked like urchin, i swamped it with soy sauce..


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0309_zpsc5fa2d35.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0309_zpsc5fa2d35.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-20-2013, 07:28 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0296_zps51a4ccc5.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0296_zps51a4ccc5.jpg.html)

Ratickle
05-20-2013, 09:07 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0296_zps51a4ccc5.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0296_zps51a4ccc5.jpg.html)

I think some of those are moving!:eek:

Pete B
05-21-2013, 06:25 AM
they were good!

Pete B
05-21-2013, 06:25 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/AQ5T9277_zps2cef3ad6.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/AQ5T9277_zps2cef3ad6.jpg.html)

Bobcat
05-21-2013, 07:17 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0296_zps51a4ccc5.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0296_zps51a4ccc5.jpg.html)


That looks like the Filipino dish "Pancit Guisado" :huh:

Pete B
05-21-2013, 05:01 PM
shrimp Yakisoba

poncho
05-21-2013, 05:35 PM
Yum I love Japanese food especially sashimi! Importing Japanese vehicles is popular here so see a lot vehicles from there on our roads.

Pete B
05-27-2013, 02:47 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_0325_zps78edcc8c.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_0325_zps78edcc8c.jpg.html)

old377guy
05-27-2013, 11:26 AM
Great shots Pete, thanks.

Ratickle
05-28-2013, 04:16 AM
How fast? And where'd you go?

Pete B
05-28-2013, 05:40 AM
300 kph/ 180 mph from Hacinokoe (SP) to tokyo and back

Pete B
05-28-2013, 05:38 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9445_zps57f50eb8.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9445_zps57f50eb8.jpg.html)

Pete B
05-29-2013, 06:48 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9495_zps93c39b70.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9495_zps93c39b70.jpg.html)

Ratickle
05-29-2013, 10:13 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9445_zps57f50eb8.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9445_zps57f50eb8.jpg.html)

Observation at the very top?

Pete B
05-30-2013, 06:58 AM
yes but 2 + hour wait, and german beer fest going on, I decided next time.

Ratickle
05-31-2013, 03:48 AM
300 kph/ 180 mph from Hacinokoe (SP) to tokyo and back

What's that feel like at that speed? Smooth like an airplane or rough like a train?

Pete B
05-31-2013, 06:09 AM
smooth like a plane , but more leg room!

Ratickle
06-01-2013, 04:09 AM
Looks like a few bugs smashed on the front. No deer though....

Bobcat
06-01-2013, 06:56 AM
I still need a pic of Jesse James...reportedly sitting in a field over there.

Pete B
06-02-2013, 05:29 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9543_zps0f83594b.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9543_zps0f83594b.jpg.html)

Pete B
06-02-2013, 05:36 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9604_zpsfbc93ec8.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9604_zpsfbc93ec8.jpg.html)

Pete B
06-02-2013, 08:22 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9570_zps93eb35fa.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9570_zps93eb35fa.jpg.html)

Ratickle
06-03-2013, 03:18 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9604_zpsfbc93ec8.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9604_zpsfbc93ec8.jpg.html)

You get to catch a ride?

Pete B
06-03-2013, 04:25 PM
I have rode those all over, and spent many hours working on them! a true workhorse that will be missed, as the P-8 takes over!

Pete B
06-04-2013, 06:30 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9855_zps4530633c.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9855_zps4530633c.jpg.html)

Ratickle
06-05-2013, 04:20 AM
That's a cool shot.

Sunset or sunrise?

Pete B
06-05-2013, 06:32 AM
sunset

Ratickle
06-05-2013, 09:46 PM
And I thought you were in the Land of the Rising Sun:huh:

Pete B
06-07-2013, 08:33 AM
It does that too at 4 am

Pete B
06-07-2013, 08:34 AM
tried calling collect but you never answer the phone at 6am

Ratickle
06-07-2013, 08:42 PM
Our time or yours? Our time I've usually been at work for at least an hour.

Pete B
06-09-2013, 07:18 AM
well no wheels today so ball park next to where I am staying, beer and sunshine were enjoyed!


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T9879_zps53ec79d6.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T9879_zps53ec79d6.jpg.html)

Ratickle
06-10-2013, 04:14 AM
What kind of beer?

Pete B
06-10-2013, 06:22 AM
Leinenkugel Honey weiss !

Ratickle
06-11-2013, 04:07 AM
Whatever the heck that is.

Pete B
06-11-2013, 05:56 AM
beer made in Wisconson, You need to put your bud down and live a little!

Ratickle
06-11-2013, 07:48 PM
I don't drink beer. Bourbon or Margaritas!!!!!

Pete B
06-16-2013, 07:28 AM
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/pete454/AQ5T0188_zps48b079c9.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/pete454/media/AQ5T0188_zps48b079c9.jpg.html)

Pete B
06-19-2013, 07:31 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T0290_zps88956411.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T0290_zps88956411.jpg.html)

Pete B
06-23-2013, 07:32 AM
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/pete454/AQ5T0373_zpsfddbedb4.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/pete454/media/AQ5T0373_zpsfddbedb4.jpg.html)

Bobcat
06-23-2013, 09:43 AM
We have a similar Moon here in the USA....how cool is that.:cool:

Pete B
06-30-2013, 08:50 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T0692_zpsfaab4ae8.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T0692_zpsfaab4ae8.jpg.html)

Ratickle
07-01-2013, 03:19 AM
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/pete454/AQ5T0373_zpsfddbedb4.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/pete454/media/AQ5T0373_zpsfddbedb4.jpg.html)


We have a similar Moon here in the USA....how cool is that.:cool:

Ours is a little more blurry though....

(Nice shot Peteyzen)

Pete B
07-01-2013, 07:22 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T0471_zpsb19ce9ff.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T0471_zpsb19ce9ff.jpg.html)

Pete B
07-01-2013, 07:28 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T0625_zps8ade2022.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T0625_zps8ade2022.jpg.html)

Pete B
07-03-2013, 07:31 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T0632_zpsbf6ebbfb.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T0632_zpsbf6ebbfb.jpg.html)

Pete B
07-03-2013, 08:08 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T0616_zpscfd68046.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T0616_zpscfd68046.jpg.html)

Ratickle
07-04-2013, 06:42 PM
Well, what the heck is that????

Pete B
07-05-2013, 05:45 AM
The statue of Liberty!

Donskihp
07-05-2013, 02:08 PM
Apparently "Ratickle" doesn't get out much

Ratickle
07-05-2013, 11:32 PM
The statue of Liberty!

I think it's a fake one..... The facial expression doesn't look right.....


You back in the states?????

Pete B
07-06-2013, 06:55 AM
Well I took a picture, you say its fake, is it in the picture??? is it the Statue of Liberty?? Yes, but not the one in New York Harbor it is the replica that is in Orisi (sp) Japan.
It is not as tall, and you cant walk in side but never the less it is a "Statue of Liberty" ! if you google statue of liberty you will find out there is more than one!

Pete B
07-06-2013, 06:57 AM
Paul, you need to get out more, if a woman has augmented breasts do you say they are fake??? if you can see them, or touch them they arent fake in my book! :)

Pete B
07-10-2013, 06:58 AM
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m126/pete454/AQ5T0799_zpsd2987689.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/pete454/media/AQ5T0799_zpsd2987689.jpg.html)

Ratickle
07-11-2013, 04:09 AM
Paul, you need to get out more, if a woman has augmented breasts do you say they are fake??? if you can see them, or touch them they arent fake in my book! :)

You'll have to post some pictures so I can make an informed decision!!!!

Pete B
07-14-2013, 07:40 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T0945_zps680b4ce6.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T0945_zps680b4ce6.jpg.html)

Ratickle
07-15-2013, 04:21 AM
From the Tsunami still?

Bobcat
07-15-2013, 06:55 AM
Too new. I'd say they forgot about the tide while picnicking.

Pete B
07-15-2013, 07:03 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T0908_zps7f747d31.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T0908_zps7f747d31.jpg.html)

Ratickle
07-16-2013, 04:14 AM
You takin up surfin??

Pete B
07-16-2013, 06:54 AM
no shooting pics!

Pete B
07-16-2013, 06:54 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T1018_zps2dacd8b9.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T1018_zps2dacd8b9.jpg.html)

Ratickle
07-16-2013, 09:28 PM
That sure is a nice little outhouse!!!

Pete B
07-17-2013, 06:31 AM
it is actually a shrine, they are all over.

Ratickle
07-17-2013, 07:13 PM
With a porcelain throne?

Pete B
08-04-2013, 10:01 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T2457_zpsaa8e8da1.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T2457_zpsaa8e8da1.jpg.html)

Pete B
08-04-2013, 05:15 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T2429_zpsd770a299.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T2429_zpsd770a299.jpg.html)

Pete B
08-04-2013, 09:59 PM
no a shrine for those that did not retrun from the sea!

Pete B
08-05-2013, 05:15 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T2442_zpsf693badd.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T2442_zpsf693badd.jpg.html)

Pete B
08-06-2013, 07:01 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T2495_zpsc1f79c79.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T2495_zpsc1f79c79.jpg.html)

Ratickle
08-06-2013, 07:00 PM
Some cool mask/costume/? stuff.

Find a boat race over there yet????

Ratickle
08-06-2013, 07:07 PM
Go Here!!!


Chances are that the first sport that comes to mind when you think of Japan isn’t powerboat racing, but every day thousands of people go to watch races at stadiums all over Japan. The reason boat racing is so popular isn’t so much because of the sport itself, but because betting on boat races is one of Japan’s few legal forms of gambling. Regardless of whether you’ve got any prior experience of powerboats, a day at the races is a great chance to experience an aspect of Japan that’s little known overseas, and if you get lucky you might even end the day with more money than you had when you set out.

Powerboat racing is officially called ‘BOAT RACE’ or ‘Kyotei’ (a Japanese word that means exactly the same thing), and it’s one of only five sports in Japan on which it’s legal to gamble. (The others are horse racing, bicycle racing, motorbike racing, and since 2001, football.) There are 24 boat race stadiums around the country, some on lakes, rivers or the sea, others on artificial concrete ponds right in the midst of cities. You can watch either from inside a large multi-storey grandstand, or if you want to get really close to the action, from behind a railing that runs along the edge of the racing area. As most of the money comes from betting, entry is really cheap – generally only ¥100 for the whole day. If you’re feeling flush, you can pay a few thousand yen for a reserved seat in the VIP area, or even book a private box.

The sport is tightly regulated by a central federation, so no matter which venue you attend, the course and the races are essentially identical. Two buoys are placed 300 metres apart in the middle of an artificial pond, or a sectioned-off body of water, that’s around 400 metres long by 150 metres wide. Six drivers take part in each race, and the first one to make it across the finish line after going around the buoys three times is the winner. This might sound very straightforward, but a large part of the competition takes place before the boats cross the start line, and some of it before the drivers even get into the boats.

The boats all belong to the stadiums – for each race the drivers are allocated both a boat and an engine by lottery, and the only part they are allowed to supply is their own spark plug. (Until April 2012 they were also allowed to attach their own propeller.) The drivers then have a limited amount of time before the race begins to tune their engine. They have to do this themselves without any help, so winning requires mechanical expertise as well as driving skill. All the boats and engines are essentially identical, made to a design that has hardly changed since the start of the boat races in 1952, but punters avidly keep track of which boats and engines have the best track records, in an attempt to gain an edge when they place their bets.

When the boats are ready, the drivers take to the waters for a practice race, followed by timed 150-metre runs. This is partly to test the boats, but mainly to give the punters another chance to assess the field. Only now is everything ready for the race itself to begin. The boats all start side by side in a dock, and on a signal they head towards the start line, go round the first buoy, up the back straight, round the second buoy, and then turn towards the start line again. None of this is actually part of the race, it’s all about jostling for position, while all the time a giant clock counts down.

The drivers aim to cross the start line at full speed just after the clock reaches zero, so a few seconds beforehand they all surge forwards. If a boat crosses the start line too early, the driver is disqualified and receives a thirty-day suspension, but if they cross much afterwards they’ll have no chance of winning. The race continues for three laps, but the outcome is usually determined by who is in the lead after coming round the first buoy, and the whole event is over in about a minute.

Leaving the docks at Lake Hamana Stadium, Shizuoka Prefecture. Six boats take part in each race, and every driver wears a coloured jacket that matches a flag on the front of the boat.

What makes boat racing exciting is roar of acceleration, the speed and close proximity of the boats, and the frantic jostling for position. The drivers huddle down inside the boats as they zoom down the straight, then stand up, to slow down for the corner, using their bodies as air brakes. The boats reach 80km/h on the straights, which is really fast for such a confined space, and they crowd so close together on the turns it’s a miracle that they don’t collide every time.

Of course all of this is made more exciting if you’ve got money at stake, especially when you’ve picked a winner. If the bewildering array of statistics on past-performance of drivers, boats and engines leaves you bewildered, then there are tipsters on hand who will give you some advice on placing your bets, for a fee of around ¥100. You can simply bet on the winner, try to predict the first three finishers in order, or choose one of several options in-between.

Despite its huge popularity, you’re not likely to see much mention of boat racing in the mainstream media, and its image is so bad that many Japanese people would probably rather that foreign visitors never got to see or hear about it. If you ask a respectable Japanese person, they’re likely to tell you that everyone who goes to boat races is either a delinquent, a criminal or a gangster. Kyotei certainly does seem to be popular with those sections of society, but given Japan’s low crime rate, the majority of attendees must surely be honest and upstanding members of society.

That said, the demographic at boat races is very distinct from what you encounter at Japan’s mainstream sightseeing spots. Working class men of middle age or older dominate, there are few women, and hardly any children at all. But don’t let this put you off – the boat race community is friendly and welcoming. Part of the reason for attending is the camaraderie – sharing in others joy at winning, and consoling each other when you lose. To be sure the facilities tend to be very functional – but that seems to be how people like it – the boat racing community has no pretences of any airs or graces.

Japan’s 1,500 or so professional racers tour from stadium to stadium, each racing around 8 to 15 times a month. Around 10% of racers are women, who compete on an equal basis with men (although there are special women-only races too). Women have the advantage that, as they are generally lighter than men, their boats can go faster. To have a chance of winning, racers need to be under around 60kg. In order to prevent racers from starving themselves in an attempt to gain an advantage, any racer under the minimum weight of 47kg for women and 50kg for men has to carry additional weights.

All racers undertake a year of training at the boat race federation’s academy in Kyushu. Competition to enter the academy is fierce, and is controlled by an entrance exam. Out of around 2,000 applicants each year, who can be aged anything from 15 to 29 years old, only about 60 will be accepted. The boat race federation covers most of the training costs, making the sport much more egalitarian than any other form of motor racing, but the academy’s regime is so rigorous and gruelling that at least a third of those who start the training drop out before the year is up.

The motto of the academy is ‘Strictness in training, cheerfulness in livelihood’, and it puts at least as much effort into developing character as it does into teaching racing skills. The trainees sleep in dormitories and wear uniforms throughout their training. Every day they get up at 6:00am, and lights-out is at 10:00pm. The school is perhaps more like a military training camp than a sports academy – regular activities include marching and standing to attention. Trainees are required to show respect to the teachers at all times, and the syllabus even contains lessons on table manners. Mobile phones are banned, and the trainees are only allowed to make phone calls once a week, and are only allowed to go out at weekends. The training itself is split between actual boat driving, and the mechanical skills needed for tuning the boat engines, but I suspect that main purpose of the academy is to serve as an extended rite of passage, ensuring that all racers have made a really firm commitment to their sport. It certainly seems to work, as once they’ve gone through this initiation, many racers keep on competing into their fifties and beyond.

Each race day consists of 12 races, typically starting at around 10am and going on all day, though a few courses host evening races instead. There are boat race stadiums throughout western and central Japan, but none in the northeast. (It’s a bit too cold for water-sports up there.) You can find the locations of all the stadiums on the official boat race website. The ‘boatpiers’ that are listed on the website aren’t actually racing venues – they’re just places where you can place bets and watch the races on TV screens. A monthly schedule of forthcoming races appears here. It’s only in Japanese, but with a bit of effort you’ll probably be able to work out when there are races on at each stadium. (On peak days there’s racing on at almost all of them at once.) I’d like to wish you good luck with your bets, but even if you don’t win, a day at the boat races can be great fun.



Powerboat racing in Japan (http://www.unmissablejapan.com/events/boat-race)

Pete B
08-08-2013, 07:04 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T2445_zpsc5afbbb7.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T2445_zpsc5afbbb7.jpg.html)

Pete B
08-18-2013, 06:37 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T3532_zps17e4cb5b.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T3532_zps17e4cb5b.jpg.html)

Pete B
08-18-2013, 07:09 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T3538_zpsc7761e98.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T3538_zpsc7761e98.jpg.html)

Pete B
08-19-2013, 07:21 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T3607_zpsb0d2481c.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T3607_zpsb0d2481c.jpg.html)

Ratickle
08-19-2013, 09:31 PM
In Japan!!!:hurray:

Pete B
08-22-2013, 07:10 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T3628_zps9fe94dce.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T3628_zps9fe94dce.jpg.html)

Bobcat
08-22-2013, 07:34 AM
Oh no, there goes Tokyo!:eek:

Ratickle
08-23-2013, 04:21 AM
That would be a cool garden ornament

Pete B
08-23-2013, 05:14 PM
send money and Ill get you one!
Lots of money!!!!!!

Bobcat
08-24-2013, 07:22 AM
Shipping costs for an 800 pound concrete statue could run pretty high.:sifone:

Pete B
08-25-2013, 08:21 AM
it's not concrete, it is Granite! the stone cutters here are awesome.

Pete B
08-25-2013, 08:21 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T3681_zps45f27b73.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T3681_zps45f27b73.jpg.html)

Ratickle
08-25-2013, 08:25 AM
send money and Ill get you one!
Lots of money!!!!!!

Just bring it home in your carry-on!!!

Pete B
08-25-2013, 08:30 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T3700_zpse9127a4f.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T3700_zpse9127a4f.jpg.html)

Bobcat
08-25-2013, 08:33 AM
it's not concrete, it is Granite! the stone cutters here are awesome.


Holy crap, now we've got to have it, puts some back straps on it and pretend its a hello kitty backpack. Paul's got plenty of bail money.

Pete B
08-26-2013, 06:10 AM
Paul already has a Hello kitty backpack, sez he may wear it to KW!

Bobcat
08-26-2013, 09:04 AM
:26:

Pete B
08-27-2013, 06:29 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T3898_zpse29495c1.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T3898_zpse29495c1.jpg.html)

Pete B
08-28-2013, 08:06 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4062_zpsa6ca30d3.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4062_zpsa6ca30d3.jpg.html)

Pete B
08-28-2013, 05:06 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4090_zps8768287b.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4090_zps8768287b.jpg.html)

Pete B
09-01-2013, 08:21 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4120_zpsc41d13c8.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4120_zpsc41d13c8.jpg.html)

Pete B
09-02-2013, 04:40 AM
Ok it's McDonald's, but they have a awesome burger ( quarterpounder with cheese, Bacon, and Egg!!!) this was good!


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/IMG_0011_zps9fe14dab.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/IMG_0011_zps9fe14dab.jpg.html)

Pete B
09-02-2013, 08:05 AM
well after 8 weeks in the surf and sand, someone pulled it off or outta the beach. should have done that the first day.


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/AQ5T4181_zps28b0b18f.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/AQ5T4181_zps28b0b18f.jpg.html)

Bobcat
09-02-2013, 08:14 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4120_zpsc41d13c8.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4120_zpsc41d13c8.jpg.html)


Old ship ? or old bridge?

Pete B
09-02-2013, 08:54 AM
bridge, to the after life or life on the other side.

Pete B
09-03-2013, 07:23 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4124_zps3cfb070b.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4124_zps3cfb070b.jpg.html)

Pete B
09-09-2013, 09:18 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4372_zpsc0d839e4.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4372_zpsc0d839e4.jpg.html)

Ratickle
09-09-2013, 09:21 PM
I'm assuming that's do not feed the bears or they may eat you????

Pete B
09-10-2013, 08:41 AM
was pretty sure it didnt say they will steal your picnic basket!

Pete B
09-11-2013, 07:16 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4349_zps2c945461.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4349_zps2c945461.jpg.html)

Ratickle
09-12-2013, 03:04 AM
Rainbow Trout?

Pete B
09-13-2013, 06:46 AM
yes

Ratickle
09-13-2013, 10:16 PM
Are they also native to Japan?

Pete B
09-15-2013, 05:11 AM
I dont know this one didnt speak english!

Pete B
09-15-2013, 05:14 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4730_zpsf8475941.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4730_zpsf8475941.jpg.html)

Ratickle
09-15-2013, 10:41 PM
I dont know this one didnt speak english!

Did you talk to him/her? If so, you'd know!

Ratickle
09-15-2013, 10:42 PM
Is that a long ranch fuel tank on the jet or a bomb????

Pete B
09-16-2013, 06:35 AM
They are called Drop Tanks, and are for fuel :)

Pete B
09-16-2013, 06:49 AM
The first pic is a Japanese F-2 built by Mitshubishi, it is slighty larger than the F-16 shown below note the fuel tanks are mounted on pylons on the wings as well as various weapons stations.


http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/AQ5T4402_zps710a9c24.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/AQ5T4402_zps710a9c24.jpg.html)

Ratickle
09-17-2013, 12:30 AM
Dang those two look similar....

Pete B
09-22-2013, 09:01 AM
Fall is here!
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4859_zps7e3f3125.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4859_zps7e3f3125.jpg.html)

Ratickle
09-23-2013, 07:09 AM
Starting to change here just a bit....

Pete B
09-24-2013, 06:55 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4787_zpsf898227f.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4787_zpsf898227f.jpg.html)

Bobcat
09-24-2013, 08:16 AM
P-51 ?

Pete B
09-25-2013, 07:38 AM
yep

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T4791_zpsa545d590.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T4791_zpsa545d590.jpg.html)

Bobcat
09-25-2013, 09:35 AM
I'd forgotten how small the Japanese were !:cool:

Ratickle
09-26-2013, 08:12 AM
:eek:

Pete B
10-07-2013, 08:46 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T5147_zps654d6129.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T5147_zps654d6129.jpg.html)

Ratickle
10-07-2013, 10:15 PM
And Navy spanked Airforce.....

Bobcat
10-08-2013, 07:59 AM
Our QB got booted off the team on Wednesday ...bad conduct.

Pete B
10-13-2013, 09:02 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T6132_zps59b96d40.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T6132_zps59b96d40.jpg.html)

Pete B
10-14-2013, 07:48 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T6102_zps1037475a.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T6102_zps1037475a.jpg.html)

Ratickle
10-14-2013, 06:37 PM
Wow that's a neat coastline, is that a dock down there too for boats? It looks it would be a tough docking......

Ratickle
10-17-2013, 06:36 PM
How are you doing over there? Been a rough bit of time, and more on the way!

ST LOUIS (LALATE) – A Japan earthquake today has struck Miyako. The Japan earthquake today October 9, 2013 began roughly one hour ago. Damage assessment is pending.

Officials tell news that a 4.7 magnitude Japan earthquake today began just after 7:46 am, locally on October 10. The quake was not centered on land but out to sea. USGS indicates to news, however, that the quake began with a significant depth. USGS reports that the quake was roughly thirty-five miles below sea level. As a result the quake had a limited impact upon communities near the coast.

USGS indicates to news that the Japan earthquake today began thirty miles north of Miyako. The quake was forty-one miles east of Ichinohe and forty-two miles south of Hachinohe. The quake was forty-two miles north of Yamada and roughly three hundred miles north of Tokyo.

Japan earthquakes have become almost a daily occurrence in recent days. Ever since September, they have been striking off the coast with lesser magnitude. Back in July, however, their magnitude was far weaker.

________________________________________________________________

Tokyo (CNN) -- At least 18 people have died and 44 people are missing after Typhoon Wipha pummeled the Tokyo area on Wednesday.

The majority died after heavy rain triggered flooding and landslides that blocked roads and crushed houses in Oshima, a small island 120 km (75 miles) south of Tokyo, a local official said.

_________________________________________________________________


Typhoon Francisco to Strengthen, Track Toward Japan Next Week

October 17, 2013; 5:36 PM

Typhoon Francisco continues to become better organized as it spins to the southwest of Guam.

Francisco has developed in a similar area to where former Typhoon Wipha formed last week.

Francisco, which became a typhoon Thursday, will bring heavy downpours to the Mariana Islands, including Guam, over the next day or two as the storm tracks northward.

Pete B
10-19-2013, 06:41 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/AQ5T6206_zps7cb64383.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/AQ5T6206_zps7cb64383.jpg.html)

Pete B
11-24-2013, 05:42 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_8799_zps595f45f8.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_8799_zps595f45f8.jpg.html)

Ratickle
11-25-2013, 04:24 PM
Dang Pete, that's worse than here!

Pete B
12-15-2013, 08:00 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_8963_zpse81fd0b3.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_8963_zpse81fd0b3.jpg.html)

Pete B
12-15-2013, 08:52 AM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_8969_zps2cfe638d.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_8969_zps2cfe638d.jpg.html)

Pete B
12-16-2013, 05:34 PM
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/Pboden19/Japan%202013/IMG_9009_zps03bb2d6f.jpg (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Pboden19/media/Japan%202013/IMG_9009_zps03bb2d6f.jpg.html)