Instead of spending a casual Sunday afternoon of on the couch, catching the excitement of the live broadcast of the first F1 race of the 2009 season, my time was spent furthering my own motoring career.

Those of you in the know will may have already noticed that my “new” license is the blue type (not gold).  In order to get my renewal it meant spending time in a lecture with ~200 other law breakers.  Speeding.  If any of you honestly have not been over the speed limit (intentionally or otherwise) you are probably not normal.  I just happened to get caught whilst doing it.

The renewal process for me involved the following:

1) Showing up and checking in.

2) Confirming your details are correct, deciding on PIN numbers (more a bit later).

3) Paying for the renewal.

4) Getting your vision checked (the standard Japanese up/down/left/right) check.

5) Getting your photo taken.

6) Lecture.

7) Exchange old new license for new license!

A fairly simple process handled with regular Japanese efficiency. 

Despite all the people I spoke prior to attending telling me that the lecture will be a tedious/boring/useless exercise, I found it (disturbingly) informative.  The instructor spent the time highlighting the new type driver’s license and recent/upcoming changes to the road rules all aimed at improving road safety. 

As an anti forgery measure, all new Japanese licenses now have a IC chip.  The chip contains all the personal information printed on the card as well as country/region of origin (No longer printed on the card).  This personal information is only accessible after the entry of two, four digit PIN numbers.  There are also some license class changes with normal licenses being automatically converted to the new “middle” class (中型) - provisional to 8 tons.

In addition to the 0 tolerance to drink driving (Blood alcohol 0%), enforcement of the law will be ramped up and penalties being increased from June this year.  The penalties will become so severe that it is simply not worth the risk for those who like to go for a sip on the way home – and it is not just the driver who can get done!  For example: If proven that person A allowed person B to drive whilst under the influence, person B is not the only one who will receive a additional bill in the mail. 

Some other rule changes affecting drivers over 75 years of age (re-testing and compulsory display of “older driver” mark on vehicle) may mean that these drivers will have their licenses revoked. 

Overall, I am pleased that Japan seems taking a different approach to road safety (speeding has done to death). 

Anyway, another 3 years of driving on Japanese roads approved.  It also dawned upon me that I have now spent more time driving here than back home.

Touge anyone?

PS. Congrats Brawn F1.  Honda must be wishing they didn’t sell.

Mixed in with all forthcoming up-to-date content, I will gradually work through my back log of photos.

In a traditional Japanese ceremony at Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社), on May 30, my good friends Alex and Yumi tied the knot.

 I was invited as one of 3 guests to the intimate ceremony.Modern Japanese people often opt for the modern style wedding celebrations held in elaborate new buildings designed specifically for these events for 10s or 100s of people.  Having been to one of these about 3 years ago I was interested in the old school style. 

After morning photos with the professional photographer (bride and groom fully dressed), preparations for the ceremony take place about an hour before the actual ceremony in a small room in the temple.  Normally the strict rules and procedures are explained, practised, explained again and practised again (like all things traditional Japanese) with only the bride, groom and family members.   Being my first experience with this type of wedding, I was lucky enough to also participate in this briefing as my interpretation skills were required for Alex’s family members.

Although Alex had expressed to me his concerns regarding his Japanese vows on several occasions, like the entire ceremony, was delivered smoothly without any problems.

 Despite the thunderstorms and heavy rain in the morning, the skies cleared in the afternoon allowing for another round of photos to be taken outdoors with the floating torii (in above photo) as backdrop ending a beuatiful wedding.

Retiring to the ryokan for refreshments, the wedding party having travelled from Nagoya and Ehime, enjoyed the beautiful views that make Miyajima one of Japan’s top 3 views.

 Congratulations to Alex and Yumi!

Like all photos like this that circulate the web, it is easy as native English speakers to laugh and make fun. At the Satsuki Matsuri, this store was selling light refreshments and snacks under this tent in order to fund raise for the Nishimiya “Soccer” Club.

Originally arriving in Japan in a position related to English education, the above is a prime example of the simple mistakes that can result in detrimental errors.

This particular error occured due to the Japanese English education system being based on American English. Originally being a foreign game, the Japanese used the American pronunciation of the name of this sport (saa-ker) as opposed to the British English (so-ker) when translating to Japanese (サッカー – sakaa). The photo tells you rest of the story.

Throughout my time in the education system in Japan, I always made an emphasis on pronunciation – by the book. Intonation aside, I cannot stand the number of inconsitencies with American English in both pronunciation and spelling (Color does not read as colour anyway you look at it).

Similar to the supporters of not cutting out traditional Chinese characters for the “easier” simplified characters, I am one supporter of “proper” pronunciation. I suppose it would have also made my job of explaining pronunciation a whole lot easier too!

After a tough week, turned out to this small matsuri (祭り = Festival) in support of some friend’s kids, who were performing in the parade and live stage. Like all festivals in Japan, these community building events are a buzzing display of local food, culture and entertainment.

Quickly grabbing a glance at the parade route online, made it just in time to grab a spot on the side of the road to take a few snaps. Highly professional performances, fine tuned over weeks of practise, made up the parade. My friend’s kids dancing school act was no exception in the 28 degree heat.

Satsuki Matsuri(さつき祭り), meaning the May Festival is held before the start of the rainy season in Japan. Regular festival food is served from the numerous stalls all supporting local organisations. Personally I had a not so healthy lunch comprising of squid, sausage, fried chicken, french fries, all washed down with sprite and Japanese rice tea.

After lunch sat down to watch the stage acts whilst catching up with friends. At 3pm, it was time for the dance school’s stage performance.

After saying good byes, it was back home to nurse my sunburnt arms and neck, something that hasn’t had to be done the last five years.

On a side note (for the camera people), the amount of camera gear being wielded by amateurs was unbelievable. My view finder would be obstructed by men in the 70’s and 80’s with 1D MKIIs with 70-200 2.8s on more than a few occasions. It confirmed my suspicions that there are many camera mad Japanese. The good thing about this is that it doesn’t make me stand out at all when pulling out my 30D.

After almost five years in Japan, I am still being informed of small race tracks all across this little country (when compared to Australia). Being in the Sera region, and for those of you who know me – not a drinker, had a quick trip out to Green Park Korakuen (グリーンパークKORAKUEN).

I have travelled around Japan either racing myself or following race events of the main 4 wheel codes (Super GT, Super Taikyu, D1 GP, etc), This little piece of motorsports heaven is not only home to the Hiroshima stages of the All-Japan Motocross Championship but has go-kart, road bike, remote control car and drift practise facilities.

Being a Sunday, enthusiasts of all codes, were out fine tuning their skills. Due to the minority of our visiting party having an interest, only a limited amount of time was spent spectacting. There was enough time though to pull out the 30D to have my first real go at shooting moving objects.

Probably because I was the only one panning with my camera at the first jump of of the main course, I think was starting getting the attention of the riders:

Will definitely be visiting again.

With unexpected good weather over this weekend, a drive out into the “country” was decided on. Heading north, the destination soon became Sera (世羅), in particular, せら夢公園 (SeraYumeKouenn – Sera Dream Park). This particular park funded by Japanese taxpayer dollars, is in the middle of nowhere. The roads leading to the park are new and wide supporting crowds of people from all over the ken. Officially opened in early April 2006, after an initial visit last year whilst my parents were visiting, this second time out did not disappoint.

Apart from an abundance amusing play equipment, of particular interest is the fog “generator”. On every hour and half hour a fine spray of water is emitted from under the metal grating emulating fog. It was discovered that staying in there for too long will result in damp hair and clothes. Apart from blowing the fog away, the cool wind blowing today also resulted in ice forming on the skin. This made for a refreshing break from the midday sun.

In order to promote the town of Sera and its local produce, located on the site are restaraunts and small stores selling all types of food, including Sera beef. Our group paid particular interest in the locally produced wine that is on display and available for free tasting at the relatively large wine store.

Although not a “main” tourist attraction by any means, if you have the time and means (and the weather forecast is positive), a pleasant drive in the Japanese countryside to wide open spaces it a great way to spend a Sunday with family/friends.

Himeji, located approx 1 and a half hours from Hiroshima by slow (Kodama) bullet train, is home to Himeji Central Park (姫路セントラルパーク) – one part amusement park, one part safari. Spent a whole day enjoying the unusual mix of Japanese Golden week holiday madness and African safari all in the one place.

Weather was perfect if not a little warm. The amusement park had ample number of rides ranging from a tame carousel, numerous roller coasters and a bungy jump platform (wasn’t that game). “Imo Rinse” was about as wild as it got for me.

After a short drive, leaving the fun and games behind aboard the Tiger Bus (トラバス), will see you arriving at the safari park side. Passing through the Jurassic Park style gates, the double layered glass serves as a window to the African countryside. Although praying for David Attenborough style cheetahs chasing down deer action shots, as expected the cats were all having their siestas. All the other beasts put on a good show, coming up to the cars (public entry is also available for private vehicles – that do not make too much noise), eating, frolicking, defacating (elephants did in full view) and just generally DOING SOMETHING other than sleeping.

(Will work out a better way to present these photos in the not too distant future).

Then onto the “Walking Safari” where all the smaller animals are exhibited. There is a section with kangaroos, wallabies and emus. This section also presented opportunities for feeding – including the elephants, bears and giraffe.

All in all a good day out.

It also happened to be the first outing of my my new camera. Gradually worked out some settings so shots got better throughout the day. Generally, 90% of the shots were over exposed. Thank God for photo editors for making these shots presentable. Those of you with a keen eye will see the ones that have been tweaked (a lot!). I’ll be better prepared for next time!

Well, I finally bit the bullet and purchased.  After contemplating the purchase of  a D-SLR for almost a year for work purposes, late april I aquired the Canon 30D.

Due to my lines of business expanding into jewelry, macro photography became of interest to me.  After many hours were spent sifting through the thousands of reviews and numerous discussions with known camera buffs, I was still not really convinced that I needed (or wanted) a D-SLR.   Work aside, the only other thing I would have any interest in capturing would be sports – in particular motorsports.

Ultimately,  being renowned by sports photographers all over the world the Canon camp was joined: 30D body, EF24-105mm F4L IS USM and EF100mm F2.8 Macro USM.

It was not until I received the unit (purchased through Arai Camera) and started using it that I finally began to understand the intricacies of capturing good shots and why there are so many phanatics of expensive pieces of glass.  I was hooked!  After actually holding the equipment did it become clear where the dollars (well yen in this case) go – they are all technical masterpieces. 

Thank ST, JW and JP for your time and assistance introducing me to this great new hobby.

Meanwhile, my trusty old Sony DSC-P7 (5 years going strong) will serve me for those point and shoot occasions.

If all goes according to plan, will be adding some details of some recent events (April/May) over the next week or so.