"Operation Flying Carpet"

Above, Sierra atop the dinette seating section that still needs a cover. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While on my three-week trip to Metropolis, Illinois and back, I had with me my cat Sierra. With the exception of clawing the dinette seats, she does pretty good as a traveling cat. To me, it is cruel to declaw a cat, so the next best thing is to get something to protect the dinette seats.

After traversing Wolf Creek Pass, I stopped at the Wolf Creek Gift Shop-Junction Restaurant in Pagosa Springs, Colorado for a snack and some coffee.

After eating, I wandered over to the Wolf Creek Gift Shop and browsed around. While there, I found two small woven wool Navajo style blankets (they're probably better described as mats) that would come in handy as covers for the top backrest portions of two dinette seats. The prices were right, both were under $30 each, so I bought them (photos below). They also add some color to the inside of The Beast.

All I need to get is one for the longest seating section of the dinette. What I need is something about 2' wide x 3' long. I think I found one online for under $30. Unfortunately, I didn't find exactly what I wanted while on the trip. I am going to look around online some more before making a purchase. So, this "quest" is "Operation Flying Carpet".

I am thinking of getting some seat covers for the dinette seats themselves as Sierra has been clawing those as well. 

Seeing Tokyo Affordably In One Day

Above, the Maman sculpture in Roppongi Hills. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is planning to visit Japan anytime soon, but they are limited in time or budget, Japan Info has an article on seeing the city in one day. And, it won't cost an arm and a leg to do to. Well, maybe your feet as it involves walking.

They begin with:

At the mention of Tokyo (東京), I am sure everyone has the idea that it is a costly place to visit. However, this is not 100 percent true. Just recently, my friend and I spent a day traveling around Tokyo area in, what I would say, an economical way. So how did we do that? We did all our activities purely by walking. Curious and want to learn more about our itinerary? Read on and challenge yourself to do the same!

To read more, go here. 

Getting Around Tokyo

Above, a view of the Sumida River from the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo, Japan is the main arrival point when traveling to Japan. It is also the one Japanese city that has many things to see in pop culture. The trick is getting around the city to see its attractions.

Fortunately, the Tokyo transit systems (there's more than one) are some of the most efficient in the world. Frankly, one does not really need a car in Tokyo.

TNT Magazine has posted a detailed article on the many transit systems available to foreign visitors for getting to and around the city.

They begin with:

The city of Tokyo has the third largest population in the world. The first two positions belong to Beijing and New Delhi. Its surface covers over 2,188 square kilometers, while the population of this thriving city numbers over 13.62 million people. Ever since the Summer Olympic Games were held in Tokyo in 1964, the city has become an increasingly popular destination. Tokyo’s infrastructure and transportation system have developed significantly over the last years, making it easier and faster for commuters and visitors to reach any part of it. 

So, how do you get around using the Tokyo Metro, the Yamanote line, Narita Express, and the Japan Rail Pass.

To read more, go here.

Graceland Celebrates Elvis’ Birthday With Special Events and Auction

Above, inside the former racquetball court building today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a number of articles on the festivities commemorating  Elvis Presley's 82nd birthday at Graceland this weekend.

One of which was a press release posted at Business Wire, which begins with:

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Graceland® celebrated Elvis’™ birthday as construction continues on schedule for the new, state-of-the-art “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” entertainment complex across the street from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s™ Memphis mansion. Graceland guests, fans from around the world, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell officially celebrated with a proclamation of “Elvis Presley Day” on the front lawn of Graceland and by cutting the largest birthday cake in Graceland history. Other birthday events included concerts and panel discussions, with special guests including “Follow That Dream” movie co-stars Robin and Gavin Koon and award-winning filmmaker Andrew Solt, who made a number of acclaimed films and television specials about Elvis Presley. For the first time ever, birthday celebration events were hosted at Graceland’s new AAA Four Diamond-rated resort hotel, The Guest House at Graceland™. The birthday celebrations kick off the 40th anniversary of Elvis’ passing. 

A highlight of the celebration was The Auction at Graceland held in The Guest House Theater on January 7. Elvis fans and pop culture enthusiasts gathered to bid on memorabilia from Elvis’ personal life, all consigned by third-party collectors and expertly authenticated by Graceland Authenticated. Highlights included a Gold and Diamond Lion Head Ring Elvis owned and gave to Charlie Hodge, one of the Memphis Mafia. It was estimated to sell for $10,000 - $15,000 and went for $37,500.00. Elvis’ Colt “Police Positive Special” .32 Caliber Pistol which he gave to bodyguard Richard Grob sold for $10,625.00 on an estimate of $4,000 - $6,000. Over 160 items were sold in the auction.

Above, concert jumpsuits on display in the former racquetball court building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What caught my eye about the article, besides the now-under-construction entertainment complex, was the news that Presley's racquetball court will be restored to its original appearance.

According to the article:

The acclaimed Graceland Mansion tour will continue to present the personal and family side of Elvis’ life, and will soon include a full restoration of Elvis’ racquetball court, so that it once again looks exactly as it did when Elvis was last in the Racquetball Building. “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” will tell the rest of the story, exploring the beginning of the incredible music and pop culture explosion that all started here in Memphis, with the greatest entertainer of all time.

Above, the walkway to the racquetball building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Currently, the former racquetball building houses displays of gold & platinum records, awards, jumpsuits and other memorabilia. Three of the accompanying photos show the inside of the building as it is currently configured.

Above, the wall of gold and platinum records. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

An Elvis Guide To Memphis

Above, the studio at Sun Studio where Elvis made his first recordings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Travel + Leisure marks the 82nd birthday (today) of Elvis Presley with "Blues, Grits and Gospel: An Elvis Guide To Memphis".

I visited Memphis, Tennessee in November and visited some of the places the article mentions, such as Graceland, Beale Street and Sun Studio. I stayed at the Graceland RV Park, which sits behind the now-closed Heartbreak Hotel. There's a new and bigger hotel, Guest House At Graceland, across the street that the article spotlights.

Above, Beale Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They begin their article with:

Elvis Presley may have been born in Tupelo, Mississippi, but Memphis, Tennessee, was home. 

From the high school football fields where a young Elvis played as a teen, to the studio where he recorded for the first time, Memphis shaped both the star and style icon that he would become. 

Often overlooked as the younger sister of nearby Nashville, this Tennessee metropolis is bustling with its own vibrant, cultural life. With record stores, music venues, and the kind of comfort food that helped Elvis develop his taste for deep-fried pickles, Memphis offers visitors a hot city with old Southern charm.

Above, "The Jungle Room" at Graceland. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Travel + Leisure article would have come in handy had it been posted before my visit to Memphis.

To read more, go here. 

Changes For Air Travel In 2017

It seems like the airlines always come up with new ways to gouge the traveling public.

Charging fees for the use of overhead storage bins is one such method of getting travelers to part with their money.

Condé Nast Traveler has an article on what changes, good and bad, the flying public can expect to see in 2017.

They start it with:

There's good news and bad news. 

As soon as travelers adjust to the new way of flying, it seems airlines mess with the rules. This past year brought plenty of changes to the air travel experience and, for better or worse, passengers should expect plenty more in 2017.

To read more, go here.

Gaijinpot: 5 Must-See Places In Japan For 2017

Above, Kinkaku-ji "Golden Pavilion" in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before we know it, the summer vacation season will be upon us.

For those who are contemplating a trip to Japan, Gaijinpot.com has a list of five "must-see" places in Japan for 2017. The above photo is a hint on one of the places to visit this year.

They start with:

The past year saw a record number of tourists visit Japan’s shores to experience the country’s fascinating blend of historic shrines and temples together with its innovative architecture and ultra-modern cities. As Japan prepares to host the 2020 Olympics, the time has never been more right to plan that trip. 

2017 is expected to be an even bigger year for travel to Japan as the government pushes towards its target of drawing 40 million inbound tourists annually by 2020. So, with that in mind, here are some of what I consider to be the must-see places in Japan for 2017. While the places on this list are not the definitive top travel destinations in Japan, they all have a special reason for visiting this year.

To see what they are, go here.  

The Last Stop: Vanishing Rest Stops of the American Roadside

During my three-week trip to Metropolis, Illinois, I saw a number of rest stops with unusual designs.

Unfortunately, I did not stop to take any pictures of them, but somebody else did and there's a new book out with plenty of photographs.

It is The Last Stop: Vanishing Rest Stops of the American Roadside by Ryann Ford. It is a coffee-table photo book and if one is fascinated by roadside kitsch, then this book is what the doctor ordered.

RV Life has an article on the book. It begins with:

If you’ve traveled by RV in the last decade, you know that RV rest areas are disappearing. These permanently shuttered pit stops dot America’s highway system. But a few of these concrete sentinels continue standing tall as symbols of another time in America. A new photo book called “The Last Stop” shares their stories and preserves their legacy before they disappear altogether. 

As RVers we have all the conveniences of home when we roam. But even the most hard-driving need an occasional pause from the blacktop at rest areas and welcome centers. Oftentimes when we find ourselves a hundred miles in the middle of nowhere and in desperate need of a break, a highway rest stop suddenly appears on the horizon. When architecture at resting places  can be seen from a mile away, pulling over for a few minutes isn’t a hassle. It’s irresistible.

I will be ordering a copy this coming week. The price is $45.00 for a copy signed by the author.

To read more, go here.

It's A Hoax!

A Facebook friend sent the following private message:

From Saturday morning facebook will become chargeable. If you have at least 10 contacts send them this message. In this way we will see that you are an avid user and your logo will become blue (🔵) and will remain free. (As discussed in the paper today. Facebook will cost  0.01ps per message. Send this message to 10 people. When you do the light will turn blue
otherwise facebook will activate billing.
Chat Conversation End

I checked and it is a hoax.  

World's Most On-Time Airlines

Above, a Hawaiian Airlines jet at Honolulu International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since 2016 is now history (thank God), it is time to take a look back on the pluses and minuses of traveling.

Condé Nast Traveler is getting the ball rolling on what airline have the best on-time arrival percentages.

They begin with:

As if it were possible for a trip to paradise to get any better, Hawaiian Airlines ranks highest in on-time arrival percentage. 

Flight delays have a way of testing even the most even-keeled traveler’s patience. After all, there’s little you can do about an aircraft that’s three hours late, an ambiguous mechanical issue, or a thunderstorm that’s parked itself over the runway—besides wish you were headed to Hawaii, that is.

To see that other airlines scored high in on-time arrivals, go here. 

Save Water When Dry Camping

Above, The Beast at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Water is a precious resource, especially while dry camping.

RV Life has posted an article on six ways water can be saved while dry camping. Some of which I already use (such as using paper plates).

They begin with:

Each winter the Southwestern deserts get packed with winter snowbird RVers dry camping for the first time. Many will try hard to save water in remote areas, but most will be surprised to see just how quickly their precious resource disappears. There are many ways to save water when dry camping and if you want to avoid running out of water when living off your holding tanks, these water conservation tips will help keep your fresh water tank full longer.

To read more, go here. 

Received The Replacement's Replacement Wheel Cover

Above, the bad replacement wheel cover. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The replacement wheel cover for The Beast arrived yesterday.

As you may recall, the first one to replace the one damaged in St. Louis, Missouri was so flimsy that it essentially broke apart when it was being put onto the wheel.

Lichtsinn RV in Forest City, Iowa agreed to handle this matter as a "warranty issue". I have to thank customer service advisor David Straw for handling this professionally.

Since the weather has been so cold and wet this past week, I decided to take The Beast to a local tire shop and have them put the new wheel cover on, just in case this one is equally flimsy as the other. I'll do this as soon as the weather clears. If wheel covers of this type are this cheaply made, it would be best for a professional tire person to put it on.

Cross your fingers!

U.S. Border Security To Foreigners: Share Your Social Media Accounts

Above, Los Angeles International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I first saw the headline for this article, I did a double-take and thought, "WTF?!"

At first, I misread the headline, "U.S. Border Security Now Asking Foreign Travelers for Social Media Accounts" and I thought this is meant for everyone. But no, just for some foreign visitors to the U.S.

According to Condé Nast Traveler:

On December 20, the U.S. government began asking some foreign travelers entering the country to voluntarily share their social media accounts, in an attempt to prevent terrorism. The request is specifically being given to those arriving on the visa waiver program, who are given the option to select social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Google+, and then enter their account names for each when going through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization process. 

As Politico reports, the move has not been without controversy. Tech companies, including Facebook, Google, and Twitter, as well as consumer advocates, have criticized the new policy, citing privacy concerns, among other things. And while a spokeswoman for Customs and Border Protection said that the new measure is meant to "identify potential threats," there are also concerns about how much of an "option" it will be for foreigner travelers entering the country who don't want to share their social media information.

Will this lead to other countries like Japan, France, Spain, United Kingdom and others to ask for the social media account information of U.S. citizens traveling abroad?

To read more, go here.

Which Is Better? Shinjuku or Shibuya?

Above, Shinjuku has one thing Shibuya doesn't have: Godzilla! Photo by Armand Vaquer.

City-Cost.com has posed the question: Which is better? Shinjuku or Shibuya?

They compared the two areas in a number of categories, such as green spaces, shopping, electronics, nightlife, street vibes and others.

They start their article with:

Arguably the two boldest and brashest of Tokyo’s ‘big’ station areas (which would include Tokyo, Ueno, and Ikebukuro) Shinjuku and Shibuya are both rich beyond avarice when it comes to laying on entertainment, setting tables and chairs for gluttony, and facilitating one’s desire to consume. Both can be boomingly chaotic, and both can be big fun for those in the right frame of mind.

So,  Shinjuku or Shibuya?  Which is better?  In fact, why even compare the two? Well, for the fun of it. To engage in a bit of healthy discourse. To settle any internal debate as to where one might spend some time over the weekend, and perhaps even to lend a hand to potential Tokyo expats who might have a choice of residence between the two.

To see what they have to say, go here. 

National Park Free Entrance Days of 2017

Above, Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The National Park Service has announced the ten days in 2017 that admission charges to the national parks will be waived.

According to Travel + Leisure:

The U.S. National Park Service has announced the dates when all of its sites will offer free admission this year. Most of the days fall on or around a weekend, which helps to make a perfect three-day trip. 

With more than 400 national parks, monuments, and historical sites to discover, there’s no shortage of places to visit. While 137 sites typically charge admission, entrance fees will be waived on these 10 days in 2017.

To read more, go here. 

Superman and Dark Shadows Converge (Sort Of)

Above, Beverly Washburn at the Superman Celebration luncheon in 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Producer-writer-director Donald Glut informed me that his current production, Tales of Frankenstein will feature a couple of actors that fans of the Adventures of Superman and Dark Shadows should recognize.

Jerry Lacy, who played attorney Tony Peterson and several Reverend Trasks on Dark Shadows, is appearing in the feature.

Beverly Washburn, who appeared as the ball-playing little girl in Superman and the Mole Men (1951) (edited later as "The Unknown People" two-parter), will also be appearing in Glut's movie.

"Bad Boys" Obama and Putin Flexing Muscles

The testosterone is flowing within the leaders of Russia and the United States as Obama has deployed special forces at the Russian border.

According to The Sun (U.K.):

PRESIDENT Obama has deployed US special forces troops along Lithuania’s border with “aggressive” Russia. 

Tensions between Washington and the Kremlin have reached Cold War levels amid reports Vladimir Putin is deploying nuke-ready missiles in the Russian province of Kaliningrad – which borders Poland, Belarus and Lithuania. 

And Lithuanian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Asta Galdikaite confirmed America has offered additional military support following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. 

She said: “The United States was the first to offer additional safety assurance measures to the Baltic countries following the deterioration of the security situation in the region after the annexation of the Crimea.” 

She added: “US Special Operations Forces presence in Lithuania is one of the deterrents” against military threats by Putin’s aggressive regime, reports the Express.

I don't know who is worse, Obama or Putin. January 20 cannot come soon enough.

To read more, go here.

New Book: "Apocalypse Then"

A friend dating back to my G-FAN days has published a new book in paperback.

The title of the book is Apocalypse Then (a play on the title of a Robert Duvall/Marlon Brando war movie) by Mike Bogue (ISBN-13: 978-1476668413 and ISBN-10: 1476668418),

The cover is by another friend dating back to my G-FAN days, Todd Tennant.

The book is a look back at atomic science-fiction movies from 1951 to 1967 from both sides of the Pacific.

Here's the synopsis from Amazon.com:

The United States, the only country to have dropped the bomb, and Japan, the only one to have suffered its devastation, understandably portray the nuclear threat differently on film. American science fiction movies of the 1950s and 1960s generally proclaim that it is possible to put the nuclear genie back in the bottle. Japanese films of the same period assert that once freed the nuclear genie can never again be imprisoned. This book examines genre films from the two countries released between 1951 and 1967 including Godzilla (1954), The Mysterians (1957), The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957), On the Beach (1959), The Last War (1961) and Dr. Strangelove (1964) to show the view from both sides of the Pacific."

The book is available for pre-order at Amazon.com.

To pre-order, go here. 

Tips For Renting A RV

Does RV traveling sound interesting to you, but you don't have the immediate funds to buy one or not sure you'd even like it?

Above, rental RVs at El Monte RV in Van Nuys, California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a way to find out if you'd like the "RV lifestyle" without having to buy one. Rent one! There are a number of RV rental companies available. Two of the biggest are El Monte RV and CruiseAmerica.

The We3Travel blog has some good tips on renting a RV.

They begin with:

I’ve never rented an RV or even driven in one, so when an idea came up recently to take an RV road trip next year, it got me thinking. I realized I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the what, where, when, or hows of renting a recreational vehicle. When full-time RVer Gaby Cuda from “Catch the Cudas” offered to write a guest post about tips for renting an RV  I thought, right on, now maybe I can learn something too! I hope you found this as helpful as I did in evaluating the different options. 

Traveling in an RV (recreational vehicle) is an exhilarating and unique experience – road trips are full of twists and turns (literally) and always end up being a blast. For those of you who have never RVed before: you should try it out as soon as you can! There’s nothing better than exploring the country with all the creature comforts traveling along with you. 

If you’ve been dreaming of RVing, I have great news for you: you don’t have to buy an RV to do it! Renting an RV is simple, safe, and affordable, and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about it right here.

To read more, go here. 

Rest Area Overnighting

Above, The Beast at the Coalinga-Avenal rest area in California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in November, when I had my tire mishap in St. Louis, I had to buy two new tires which cost around $460. That put me in a temporary financial bind.

I had enough to last about three days or so in a campground, but not much left for fuel or anything else. So, I stayed at a rest area near Concordia, Missouri one night to save money (and I was too tired to go much further) and to figure out my next strategy (while waiting for the bank to transfer funds). It had posted signs of "no camping" but nothing about parking an RV to get some shut-eye.

Generally, as I have read, when a rest area says "no camping", that means not setting up a tent in the rest area's grassy areas. I took a chance and slept there. I wasn't molested and there was a Class B RV parked overnight as well. This was the first time I boondocked. I probably saved about $30 to $60 by staying there.

RV Life has an article on staying at rest area and lists six states that allow overnight parking. I was surprised to learn that California is one of them.

According to the article, here's what California allows:

“Stay up to 8 hours in any 24 hour period.”

RV Life begins their article with:

Whether you’re a new or experienced RVer, one thing is clear: sometimes it’s tough to know which states allow overnight parking at rest areas. We all know that some RV driving days can turn into grueling jaunts. So when you’re trying to get from Point A to Point B as fast and safely as possible, a quick overnight stop at a rest area is a hassle-free way to get some shut eye. Skipping the time it takes to locate and hook up at a campground saves time and helps you get on the road bright and early the next day. The only problem? Knowing where you can legally park your RV overnight.

To read more, go here.

What Abe Should Have Said In Pearl Harbor

Above, the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Michael Penn, a writer for the Shingetsu News Agency doesn't seem too impressed about Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's recent speech in Pearl Harbor.

He wrote:

SNA (Tokyo) — The Abe administration and, more generally, the Japanese rightwing, couldn’t have asked for more from the outgoing Obama administration at Pearl Harbor. The US government apparently requested nothing at all of Tokyo when inviting Prime Minister Abe to speak beside President Obama at the December 27 event, and Abe used the opportunity for maximum political effect. 

Abe appears to have had two major audiences in mind—the Japanese public back home and the incoming Trump administration. For both audiences Abe wanted to demonstrate that the US-Japan Alliance is both strong and friendly, and that his government had done much to tighten those fraternal links. 

Because the US government required nothing, Prime Minister Abe was allowed to glide over the issue of Pacific War responsibility, not only by not apologizing, but not even admitting that Japan had been the aggressor at Pearl Harbor (in his earlier career Abe had repeatedly questioned the conventional historical view). 

I don't think another apology from Japan is necessary, but I agree with Penn that Abe should have, at the very least, admitted that they were the aggressor nation for the attack on Pearl Harbor and, also, the cause of the Pacific war. The Obama Administration can be faulted for not insisting this. This was an historic event as Abe is the first Japanese prime minister to visit Pearl Harbor. Such an admission (or acknowledgement) would have given his visit much more meaning. It was definitely a wasted opportunity.

Words have meaning, and the lack of words also have meaning.

To read more, go here.

Japan's Air Traffic Control System To Be Upgraded

Above, Narita International Airport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Flying to Tokyo from Los Angeles takes roughly eleven hours, so any system that can possibly shorten one's arrival time is welcome.

Japan's air traffic control system is about to undergo a major upgrade.

The Japan Times reported:

The nation’s air traffic control system will undergo a major upgrade starting in March, with touchscreens replacing the current paper system. 

Government officials said Tuesday the new system will help airlines draw up more efficient flight plans as major airports plan to increase arrivals and departures and build more runways ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

To read more, go here. 

Medical Emergencies On Planes

Above, the interior of a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since actress Carrie Fisher's tragic medical emergency on board an in-bound airliner, people are understandably wondering how the airlines deal with medical emergencies. 

Thankfully, I have never witnessed any medical emergency on board an airliner. But it is good to know that the airlines have protocols and training in dealing with any.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted an article on just this topic.

They begin with:

The tragic death of Carrie Fisher, who suffered a heart attack on a plane, reminded travelers of the seriousness of mid-air emergencies. Luckily, airlines and doctors are working together to prevent a catastrophe. 

As airlines compete to offer the world’s longest nonstop flights, travelers might understandably wonder what might happen if they—or fellow passengers—experience a medical emergency during a globe-girdling trip.

To read more, go here. 

JAL Introduces Japanese Sightseeing Videos On International Flights

Above, Hozomon Gate at Senso-ji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To date, I have never flown to Japan with Japan Airlines (JAL), nor do I own any JAL stock.

But, those reading this may want to consider flying with JAL as they have Japanese sightseeing videos as part of their in-flight entertainment service on international flights.

According to TravelDailyNews International:

As one initiative in JAL New Japan Project1, Japan Airlines (JAL) has been introducing Japanese sightseeing videos in the in-flight entertainment on select international flights since April 2016. These sightseeing videos (in English subtitles or voice) were developed by local governments for providing overseas customers with the related travel information across Japan. 

As the fourth installment, the videos about Tokushima Prefecture which has concluded the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement with JAL, Shimane Prefecture which has organized a DMO (Destination Management / Marketing Organization) and been trying to increase the number of visitors from overseas, and Kushiro City, a Model Case2 in an attempt to attract more foreign tourists. 

JAL will be continuing to introduce beautiful scenery and history of various places to overseas customers through its in-flight entertainment service.

To read more, go here.

What To Do If Your Passport Is Lost Or Stolen In Japan

Above, the stage of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Losing your passport while traveling to Japan (or anywhere else) is a major headache. I remember one member of the 2004 G-TOUR lost his. But he was lucky, as it was found and sent to him before we left Japan.

Others in that situation may not be so lucky.

Travelers Today has posted an article with five tips on making that as painless as humanly possible.

They begin with:

Heard of those horror stories about travelers losing passports while traveling abroad? It happens more times than you can imagine and it can happen to you too. If it happened to you, follow these top 5 things to do if your passport Is stolen or missing while traveling in Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Happy (Belated) Birthday, Haruo Nakajima!

Above, yours truly with Haruo Nakajima in 2013 at the Mad Monster Party. Photo by Jeff Blanken.

Yesterday, the great, first Godzilla suit-actor, Haruo Nakajima turned 88.

For the past several years, I had been gathering fans' birthday greetings through this blog and forwarding them to his daughter Sonoe to present to her dad.

For the past two years, the number of greetings greatly dwindled. Rather than make the Nakajimas think that hardly anyone wants to wish him Happy Birthday, I decided to not do it this year.

I don't mind gathering the birthday greetings from the fans, so if there is "popular demand" again, I could start it up again later this year. I don't think Haruo Nakajima has lost anyone's esteem, most likely life just got in the way of fans.

What do you think? 

More Oshogatsu Photos

Here's some more photos of today's Oshogatsu festival in Little Tokyo.

Above, Godzilla during Anime Jungle's display during set-up. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Anime Jungle's display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, taiko drum performance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Japanese flute performance at Weller Court. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Jeff Yamazaki, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Godzilla at the Anime Jungle display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, kaiju goods for sale at Anime Jungle's store. Photo by armand Vaquer.

Above, one of Anime Jungle's stores. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Gargantuas at Anime Jungle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more on today's Oshogatsu, go here.

Little Tokyo's Oshogatsu 2017

Above, the opening ceremony of the breaking of sake barrels. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the first time in three years, I went to the Little Tokyo section of Los Angeles for their New Year's Day Oshogatsu festival.

Since parking is somewhat difficult, I got there early and immediately found a parking lot with plenty of spaces.

From there, I headed over to Japanese Village for something to eat. After having some coffee with a Japanese pastry, I wandered around for a bit and then headed to Weller Court where the opening ceremonies and entertainment takes place.

At Weller Court, I ran into my former boss, former Assemblyman Paul Bannai. who is about 95 years old now. He still is active, although slowed a bit. The last time I saw him was at the 2014 Oshogatsu in Little Tokyo. He is still busy taking pictures with his Canon camera (he noticed that I had a Canon camera with me).

I also had a discussion with the staff of the Rafu Shimpo Japanese newspaper. We may be collaborating on something in the near future concerning Japanese pop culture.

I headed into Kinokuniya Bookstore and purchased a Blu-ray of Godzilla 2000, which included both the U.S. and Japanese versions. From there, I went to the Kimono Ya store and bought a small Bandai Godzilla 2004 figure.

After making my purchase, I walked about 75 yards to the stage area to watch the opening ceremonies and a performance of a taiko drum group. The opening ceremonies included a flyover by a LAPD helicopter and the breaking of two sake barrels.

Following the ceremonies, I headed back to Japanese village and had a teriyaki beef bowl for lunch and then headed to browse around the Anime Jungle store.

For some reason, I usually have better years when I attend the Oshogatsu festival in Little Tokyo. Maybe I'm superstitious. But, at my age, I need all the help I can get.

Some photos of Oshogatsu:

Above, the Daily Planet Building (i.e., Los Angeles City Hall). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Challenger memorial outside of Weller Court. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Japanese Village before the crowds arrived. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a gent in Imperial Japanese army garb. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, yours truly with a familiar Japanese celebrity. 

Above, former California State Assemblyman Paul T. Bannai at the Anime Jungle display. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Nisei Week queen and her court. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the crowd at the opening ceremonies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, taiko drum performance. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more photos, go here.