tokyocooney
F.Y.I. Tokyo Housing
updated
Can of corn
Can of Blackbeans
Can of chicken
Can of diced tomatoes (I used the roasted ones but any will do)
1 package of taco seasonings
Half cup of rice (Maybe a touch of extra water)
Add everything to pot, bring to boil, then cover and simmer till the rice absorbs all the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. I dont rinse any of the stuff in the cans, but use their liquid instead of water. This is more a camping thing, rinsing beans and such is a pain in the woods. And I don't like dumping the contents of the cans in the woods. (Leave No Trace!) You could lower the sodium by rinsing the blackbeans (etc), but remember to account for that by adding water. (The amount of liquid in the cans isn't always uniform so you can add a splash of extra water as well if needed.) Possible additions: Add some shredded cheese at the end and re-cover for a minute to melt it Add some crushed tortilla chips (mine were already crushed… the road is not kind to tortilla chips) Tabasco or whatever seasoning you like, though its pretty well seasoned as is. Serve on tortillas so you don't have dishes to do! Hope you guys enjoy it! I have about a dozen of these recipes Ive developed for camping, so let me know if you want more. #shorts
Will post some adventures from the 20k miles I traveled with it, along with some camp cooking videos in the future.
Though if you can't wait... a chronology of my trip can be found on my instagram 'tokyocooney.' You can also find me on Twitter and TikTok under TokyoCooney.
There is a post with a bit more detail on my website- tokyocooney.wpcomstaging.com/2022/12/23/honey-i-built-a-yatai
You can find most of my gear on my Amazon profile- amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsftokyocooney_DE4BW49VR3AC5P3VXR0G
As always... if there is any gear you are interested in, I have it all listed on my Amazon Shop Page: http://amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
Find me on insta: http://instagram.com/tokyocooney
Visited more cool places in Kansas, then on to Denver, the natural beauty of Wyoming and the peculiar state of Idaho.
Forest fires turned me south towards Utah, but the road is wide open ahead!
As always if you have questions about my camp and cooking gear you can find 90% of it here: http://amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
I used sesame oil… but any neutral oil would also be fine. Also, You could do this all in one pot. Cook the noodles, reserve them, then cook the garlic and so on.
GarlicNoodles
1 package Instant Noodles
6 cloves Garlic
1/4 stick Butter (could use little butter packets)
Half a packet of sugar
1 soy sauce packet
Black Pepper (packet Black Pepper is fine too)
Siracha (Could also use crushed red pepper)
As always... all of the gear in this video can be found on my Amazon Shop page: amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney?listId=WD2YAIRHTYD4
Met some cool people in Kansas, drove a lot, swam in a lot of lakes.
Kansas was better than I expected!
interested in any of the gear I use... 90% of it can be found on my amazon shop page: amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
#carcamping #travel #vanlife
Apologies for the barking dogs and noise in the background... It was not the most serene place to do this video. I've tried making this video 3 times and something always seems to happen to interrupt it.
Many people have never of or tried Japanese Curry which is a much milder form of the Indian or Thai ones. But this dish is probably one of, if not the most eaten foods in the average Japanese home. It is also, very popular with kids. I've truly never met anyone who didn't love it.
Keep in mind you can really put almost anything in it. Here I served it with Udon noodles rather than the typical rice. For ingredients I used the package recommended ingredients, but literally anything tastes good in this! Go vegetarian, try it with seafood... it all works. But my favorite is always pork.
If you are interested in any of my cooking gear, it is all listed on my Amazon Shop page: http://amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
#carcamping #campcooking #castiron #japanesefood
You can follow my progress on http://tokyocooney.com
My gear including the recovery tracks I used in this video are all available on my amazon shop profile: http://amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
#carcamping #vanlife #travel
But my time in the South has not been all bitching about the heat and sweating. Took a trip to The Dukes of Hazzard museum for a dose of childhood nostalgia. Very cool place with a very cool owner.
facebook.com/BoarsNest01
While at the museum it turned out a fellow youtuber had the same idea as me. The young 18 year old @ChunkeyMonkey40 had driven from Michigan to North Carolina and was there to visit the same place. Check out his channel... while he and I clearly have very different world views, I respect that he is out there chasing his dreams.
I put longer write ups of my thoughts and experiences... touching on, but different from the videos on my website, as well as a map showing my currentish progress across the map on my webpage: http://tokyocooney.com
And if you are curious about any of my gear it is all listed on my Amazon Shop page... I have never received a product for review, but this is the gear I found after a year or two of research. I get a small kickback or orders... and it helps keep me and Georgia in burritos and Snausages.
amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
The mini air compressor really, really is rad... that I can highly recommend! I'm even thinking about switching to an air mattress I'm so in love with it:
amazon.com/dp/B088T7WZDN?ref=exp_tokyocooney_dp_vv_d
#carcamping #vanlife #stayingcool #campinghacks #dukesofhazzard
Also note, there is a map on my website which actually shows my route and labels for the most part any place I’ve spent the night. When I have better cell service I’ll try to flesh out the details a bit more on there. As always you can also follow me on Insta or Twitter where I end to post more real time updates. I’m Tokyo Cooney in both places.
Other than the rain, everything has been smooth sailing. I have met some lovely people… mostly older couples in RVs. They seem to always be the friendliest and most talkative people on the road. I feel like younger people all have blinders on and don’t want to interact with humans as though it will somehow cheapen their “Real woods” experience. Sort of the same way foreigners in Tokyo don’t want to acknowledge other foreigners in their vicinity. I’ll have to make a blog post about this social oddity on my website at some point.
My big gear brag from this leg of the trip is my mini projector which is soooo small it barely takes up room… loving it for evening movie nights, especially when it was raining. It isn’t available on Amazon anymore, thought they have similar ones there… was able to find it on Walmart: walmart.com/ip/VANKYO-Burger-101-Wireless-Pico-Projector-Rechargeable-Mini-DLP-Projector/256454745
The rest of my gear is viewable on my Amazon Gear Page: amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
Had my first camp visitor! Though I have met up with some other folks from my family and friends who happen to be near, this was my first actual dinner guest at camp. Kudos to her for driving 50 miles out to see me while 7 months pregnant. But that is how hardcore my old Tokyo buds are. Old TokyoCooney followers may recognize her from my, all time most viewed video… and also most debated… “Racism in Tokyo” the 48 second comedy video that many people still don’t get is a joke! A fact which only makes it better in my eyes.
youtube.com/watch?v=HNAJWA2gVHE
Ok… there is so much else I could comment on… It has been a busy, rainy week… but I will just leave it to the video.
But obviously all the recommendation in this video are absolutely necessary for any sort of pro-camper.
You can check out my actual gear on my Amazon Shop page. But the squirrel onesie is probably all you really need to start camping
.
amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
Cooked up a live lobster at camp, checked out Lenny the world's only life-sized moose made from chocolate, visited the International Cryptology Museum, saw the farie houses of Mackworth Island and more!
If you are interested in any of the gear in my video it is available on my Amazon page... also, it helps support the trip!
amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
Spatchcocking is wildly easy with kitchen shears, less so depending on your quality of knife. But such a great way to cook something for a big group. I ended up giving half my bird to a neighboring hungry camp. (also heavy duty shears are endlessly helpful in a camp.)
I say a lot about hygiene in this... I think some campers forget kitchen rules because they are outdoors. They always apply! So be safe!
If you are curious about the spit its on my Amazon page. (I just like cooking, but amazon sales help me pay for gas and dog biscuits!)
amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
The Spit Roaster I Used:
amazon.com/dp/B074G29QVW?ref=exp_tokyocooney_dp_vv_d
I really can't stress enough how versatile a chicken can become if you spatchcock it. You don't need the gear in the video, you can grill a bird over the given camp fire. I am so disappointed about how many people choose parts over whole birds. If I were staying here longer I would have thrown that spine and bits into a cast iron at the edge of the fire to make some stock. But I am on to Pennsylvania!
In St. Johnsbury I stopped in at the Dog Chapel, which got me way more emotional than I expected. If you are ever in the North East Kingdom in Vermont it is definitely worh checking out for dog lovers.
Chutter's on the New Hampshire side of the border was nifty. Definitely got some nostalgia feels from all the candies from my childhood. Bought some chocolate covered ginger. It was my Dad's go to when he wasn't feeling well before his death. Also grabbed some black and red licorice. I realize people have strong feelings about black licorice, but I love it.
Next... on to Maine!
The one I have I chose because I like that it is a single piece of metal. Yes, wooden handles are less likely to burn you, but they can also set on fire, degrade and add weight. I chose cast iron, but there are other materials out there if you are worried about keeping it in good condition. Like gremlins they don't react well to water and occasionally need to be re-seasoned like any cast iron pot or pan.
Here are some links if you are interested in any of the specific items, but they are all listed in my Amazon Shop page. I get a small commission if you get them through there! So taking a look is much appreciated!
http://amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
Wok:
amazon.com/dp/B08MFK678H?ref=exp_tokyocooney_dp_vv_d
Welding Gloves:
amazon.com/dp/B000SST7IU?ref=exp_tokyocooney_dp_vv_d
Individual Honey Packets:
amazon.com/dp/B01JHLBEES?ref=exp_tokyocooney_dp_vv_d
Cooking Chopsticks:
amazon.com/dp/B08HWPPT9T?ref=exp_tokyocooney_dp_vv_d
For those looking for an actual written recipe, I’d suggest this one. It is pretty solid, I have done so many stirfrys I just sort of wing it, but if you are new to it, this website is great: thewoksoflife.com/yaki-udon
First night in Vermont I boondocked on state forest land. It had the advantage of being free and the disadvantage of no cell signal. It was a nice night in REAL woods. But since I am both working and working on my masters I needed a cell signal. Decamped to the beautiful Allis State Park. I was very lucky, as it was a Friday and every campground was fully booked everywhere. Allis SP had ONE spot left so I jumped on it.
I'm off to North Eastern Vermont now, and New Hampshire after that. Unfortunately the week ahead has some crummy weather coming so we will see how well I can conserve electricity. I will be counting every watt until I can recharge my solar batteries. That, or I will just have to drive around Vermont for hours charging them off my car's alternator.
As always... thanks for following along on my little adventure.
You can read a detailed blog about this leg of the trip on my website: tokyocooney.wpcomstaging.com/2021/06/27/vermont-a-strange-little-state
Also, all the gear I am using is on my Amazon shop page. So if you are interested in any of it you can purchase it there and me and Georgia even get a little scratch! Her luxurious lifestyle is costing me, so it will help!
amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
Feel free to ask questions or comment, and I will answer... well... if I have cell service!
Follow me on Insta or Twitter for more up to the minute posts... TokyoCooney in both places... still debating TikTok... but I do have one.
The recipe I based this on can be found at the fantastic site Gimmie Some Oven: gimmesomeoven.com/rosemary-focaccia-bread
I halved the recipe, to fit in the camp oven, but it is a very flexible and easy to make yeast bread. I highly recommend doing this in a home oven and experimenting like wild. I've added everything under the sun to this bread and it holds up. My mom discovered and loves freezing left over slices of the focaccia and using as a pizza flatbread... just add sauce and cheese, pop it in the oven and you are in business.
I used a Coleman camp oven which I find is pretty inefficient when it comes to gas use, but I think it is the most versatile of camp baking options. The Omnia camp oven is far more efficient for gas use, but everything needs to be in a ring shape. So I can't say one is better than the other, they are just... different.
Coleman Oven:
amazon.com/dp/B0009PURJA?ref=exp_tokyocooney_dp_vv_d
Omnia Camp Oven:
amazon.com/dp/B000YLJQ5U?ref=exp_tokyocooney_dp_vv_d
Also, the Coleman packs up smaller than the Omnia which is a thing for camping too. You can also bake in a cast iron dutch oven but I feel like the learning curve and ability to control what you are doing is higher for that.
You can see the rest of my cooking gear on my Amazon affiliate page here:
amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney?listId=WD2YAIRHTYD4
My written thoughts on camp baking can be found here: tokyocooney.wpcomstaging.com/2021/06/17/how-many-socks-does-this-cast-iron-pot-weigh
For those of you who don't know me, I made a series of videos about life in Japan years ago! Feel free to check them out here: youtube.com/watch?v=oxyyX7w638c&list=PL9D7F5691CFA13B06
First stop is Jones Pond in New York State's Adirondack Park. The Adirondacks are the largest park in the US at around 6 million acres. I only touched on a small part of it, but my first jaunt was a blast. My main purpose for this trip was to do some real world testing of the equipment I've packed. So far, everything seems to be working out!
For more detailed info on where I am staying and what I am doing, check out http://tokyocooney.com where I will be writing up longer and more detailed descriptions.
Follow me on Instagram or twitter for more up-to-the-minute updates:
http://instagram.com/tokyocooney
http://twitter.com/tokyocooney
If you are wondering about any of the gear I'm using on my trip you can check it all out on my amazon page: amazon.com/shop/tokyocooney
If you do happen to purchase any of it, you will also be helping pay for gas, burritos and doggie snacks!
Im debating shooting my new videos all in 360 video. Id like to film them basically the same as the old ones, but you can see everywhere around the camera too... I'd love opinions on two things..
1) Does this video actually work as a 360 video on your phone/laptop/desktop/two tin cans strung together by thread or does it not work (and if so what are you using)? I dont want to make my videos inaccessible to anyone.
2) Which amazing places should I visit in the US/can/mexico because for now it will be by car.... Keep in mind, those visits wont happen till spring. But Im planning now. And trying to plan around Covid and local awesome events... ie... mardi gras in Lousiana the same way I went to the penis festival in Kanagawa.
Let me know! In the meantime Im going to be experimenting with 360, open to ideas. :)
Anywhoo... this also means, expect new videos whether the people at Michelob think I'd be good for this gig or not. Please comment and tell your TokyoCooney story to let them know if you think I would be! Also, while I realize many of you may miss Kenji... Georgia is awesome. Though... she does poop a lot more and bigger.
UPDATE: Getting my second Vax shot on April 30th. Heading on the road with Georgia by mid-May. It will be a wild ride and I hope you all follow along!
Me in my new gig :)
facebook.com/mlpbs/videos/vb.118862836773/10155199343391774/?type=2&theater
UPDATE: As of today (Friday, April 5th), the weather report for the 6th looks like clouds leading to rain. We'll go ahead and meet at the park as planned in the morning, and when/if it starts to rain in the afternoon, we'll head to the HUB in nearby Shibuya.
Map/information for the HUB location the party will move to:
http://www.eok.jp/restaurants-bars/pub/british/hub-shibuya-2
Address: 東京都渋谷区宇田川町3-10
Map to our location is here:
maps.google.co.jp/maps?q=35.669528,139.694716&hl=ja&ll=35.669617,139.694729&spn=0.003665,0.004254&num=1&t=m&brcurrent=3,0x6018f34cd9c5d669:0xefdbd88f11a8ea9d,0&start=0&z=18
Facebook event page here:
facebook.com/events/562872137080466
Please join us if you can make it.
Ask questions and follow the conversation on Twitter using #YTHanami2013
Updates on the YouTube Hanami Party available on this Facebook event page.
http://www.facebook.com/events/320149321372289
Also we've established a twitter hash tag. #2012YTHanami Get lost? try the hashtag.
We'll be at this location from 10 till about dusk. Then Probably relocate to the Hub.
http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?q=35.669528,139.694716&hl=ja&ll=35.669617,139.694729&spn=0.003665,0.004254&num=1&t=m&brcurrent=3,0x6018f34cd9c5d669:0xefdbd88f11a8ea9d,0&start=0&z=18
1) State of Tokyo Now
2) Foreign Media Coverage
3) What's really going on.
Keep in mind this is all from my point of view and my take on things. But I am, like all Tokyoites following the situation closely. Far more closely than anyone abroad is. Frankly we, in Japan, are getting tired of hearing outside, under-informed opinions. I'm open to other peoples opnions, but before expressing them please consider the following.
1) What is the source?
2) What knowledge does this source have of Japan and Japanese culture/lsociety
3) Does this source have a bias towards pro/anti-nuclear projects
4) Does this source directly benefit from disaster, ratings wise
5) What is the actual information you are getting actually mean.
Honestly the information being promulgated abroad is HURTING relief efforts in japan. Supporting these "news" broadcasters is not helping aid that needs to flow to the areas that really need help. North eastern Japan has roughly 450,000 evacuees who need petrol, food, water and other products. All in NE Japan (Also known as "Tohoku") these people need attention. Sadly attention has been focused on the power plants. This issue will result in fewer deaths of injuries than those who will die of freezing temperatures in evacuation areas... UNRELATED TO THE POWER PLANT.
Here is some info that may help you grasp the reality of the current situation.
Best Source of News on the internet...
http://jibtv.com
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nhk-world-tv
Please stay sane... read these posts...
About Radiation... Via the British Embassy in Japan
http://ukinjapan.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=566914282
I'll update with more... but I can't begin to keep up with all the news. Please follow me at @tokyocooney for the news I'm saying is rational and relevant.
Focus on this... those in north eastern Japan lacking blankets in freezing cold temperatures is actually important. The radiation issue is not. Sadly politics, media ratings, and other BS are getting in the way of what should be a global relief effort. When the dust settles... with little radioactive effect in reality... many will be dead from freezing to death, an avoidable disaster that people who are too concerned with their own basic comfort and not enough with the reality of the real disaster a lack of basic resources to those fleeing the disaster area.
Will update.
Keep up... with real news.
http://jibtv.com
twitter: @tokyocooney
blogtv: @tokyocooney
Tokyo Geiger counter info:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tokyo-Radiation-Levels/196845207013685
Get up to date info in English straight from the Japanese national broadcaster NHK at:
http://jibtv.com
The same news feed is available to those inside Japan at:
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/index.html
I will continuously update on Twitter at @TokyoCooney
I'll try to update with live shows on BlogTV each day in the coming days.
http://www.blogtv.com/People/TokyoCooney
Keep the people affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.
The video is now available on YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qku2qKnYgk4
Please watch! I hope you enjoy it!
*****************************************************
The live show will be the 29th. And you can tweet or skype your comments and questions. On February 5th the same video will air 6 times and be viewable on http://jibtv.com.
In the meantime all the info is available on line at:
http://www.jibtv.com/info/shibuyaalive/index.html
All the answers shold be on that page!
Please tweet your questions about shibuya!
Until the broadcast on the 5th the live version is going to stay as a recorded video on the Ustream website here:
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/12312967
The first 3 minutes nothing happens, so you can skip past that. The recorded version will be reedited and rebroadcast on the 5th on http://jibtv.com So if you can tune in then. It will broadcast 6 times in one day so you chould be able to catch it no matter what time zone you are in.
Thanks!
First off about the Tokyo Game Show, for gamer nerds out there. But after that there is more in store. But I don't want to spoil the surprise.
I haven't really been away. If anything I've been more on the internet than ever. I've been working on my long running passion http://JIBTV.com
Sorry if you've felt neglected, but if I'm not doing stuff here, I'm doing it somewhere. I live and love to make content. Thanks for your patience, if your were patient.
¨***Update***
Japan should walk away from the field feeling like champs. They've done better than any previous Japanese world cup team. They deserved the win, but lost on penalty kicks. Tense to the end it was a fantastic showing for Nippon. Congrats to the players for a solid showing. I predict a solid future for the team. Only 10 years ago Asian football teams were a joke. Not anymore! Omedetou!
For those who need some TokyoCooney, I'll be streaming on the internet in a English language travel show called Tokyo Eye on the 15th of June 2010. Pretty much the day I'm uploading this. Get more info here...
http://blog.jibtv.com/jibkun/2010/06/tokyo-eye-snapshot-tokyo-616-oa.html
If you are in Japan you can watch it on
Digital Educational TV3 on Sun. 10:30 - 11:00 (JST)
Keep up to date with my goings on at:
http://twitter.com/tokyocooney
Thanks for your patience... really.
P.S. Reminded by a comment, but forgot to add in the video. Doh! Yeah, I do a live show every Friday at noon Tokyo time on Blogtv.com
Sometimes with interesting guests, sometimes just mildly interesting me. But if you ever need a fix... tune in! There is an archive full of great interviews going back about 2 years now. Voice actors, bartenders, teachers, jugglers, comedians and tons of other interesting Tokyoites. Worth a look if you don't already know about it.
http://www.blogtv.com/People/tokyocooney
If the Peculiar Pub is closed, or on fire or something like that, will be in the nearest drinking establishment.
Should be their till about 10PM at least. Follow my twitter feed for any updates or changes to this plan.
http://twitter.com/tokyocooney
Here is the website for updates
http://web.mac.com/tokyocooney/HereIsJapan/2010_Hanami_Party.html
The forum for discussing
http://tokyocooney.freeforums.org/2010-hanami-t306.html
And of course check my twitter for updates.
http://twitter.com/tokyocooney
Also, stop by the broadcast the day of and say hello at BlogTV.com
http://www.blogtv.com/People/tokyocooney
I'll run the laptop from about 12:00 Tokyo time to whenever the battery dies. I'm guessing 3-4 hours at most.
Also interesting are other small differences in where and when things are sold. Generally alcohol is on sale 24 hours a day 7 days a week, unlike many parts of my home country. Also notable, condoms are put in the aisle next to other personal hygenie goods, where in the US they are generally kept behind the counter by the staff. The conbini is really a microcosom of Japan in many ways. It certainly, for me at least, is interesting to compare to the US and notice the cultural differences.
If you are interested in buying things in Japan from abroad try out the site
http://Rinkya.com
Because I am not going to send it to you!!! :p
Next video will be sooner and more exciting... I promise!
Good Article about Conbini's from a Magazine I used to write for.
http://www.seekjapan.jp/article/jz/2422/Conbini+Crimes+Collected
Again, don't forget The Rodger Swan Memorial Fund
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/440596
I was asked to express the gratitude of Rodger Swan's family and Girlfriend. They also asked that I let you know about a memorial fund set up in his honor at WMU (Western Michigan University).
Here is part of the text of the mail:
In order to remember Rodger and his love for Japan, we have created the Rodger Swan Memorial Fund for Japanese Studies to support students who are studying Japanese and traveling to Japan from WMU. We hope that all of you friends, loved ones, and YouTube fans will donate to the fund, even if it only a few dollars. With everyone working together, we should be able to create something wonderful in Rodger's name. Thank you very much. Here is the link to donate online.
https://shopwmu.wmich.edu/ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=718&SINGLESTORE=true
If you would prefer to donate by check, please make out the check to "WMUF: Rodger Swan Memorial Fund" and send it to the following address.
WMU Gift Processing
1903 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5403 USA
A Facebook Page has been created for the memorial fund:
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/causes/440596/about
Rodger Swan's funeral information: Monday, 2/8 from at 2pm, with visitation beginning at 1pm. Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, 703 Capital Ave. SW in Battle Creek, MI. All are welcome.
****************************
Please do what you can. Like many of us I hope this fund will bring to Japan a new face in a line of Japan-curious foreigners stretching as far back as forerunners like Koizumi Yakumo. He was after all, the Rodger Swan of the 1800's. Here is to hoping Rodger's legacy will last as long.
Belatedly... the music is:
Clannad - Coinleach Ghlas an Fhormair
from the album "Clannad 2"
If you don't know Rodger, take a moment to view some of his videos. There will be no more videos of course, but perhaps subscribing would be a small way in which we could all show appreciation for what all that he shared with us during his life.
http://youtube.com/rodgerswan
Here is a touching post by one of his friends.
http://www.dogentricks.com/2010/01/28/rodger-swan/comment-page-1/#comment-113020
Also, to the comments about tangerines and clementines, these are not the same as mikans. They are similar but different varieties. A mikan is a mikan, and nothing else.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satsuma_(fruit)?wasRedirected=true
Or last year... I explain more about New Years in last years vid... about 4:00 mins into this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOfrK3LoIX0
Also you can get a better written overview of Japanese New Year celebrations at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_New_Year
Hope this will do for now at least though.
All the best for a Happy New Year to you all!
Kevin
2006: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t33rqKCXF0Q
2008: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deXB3uzWwUw
Also you may wish to check out my latest blog post about christmas:
http://blog.jibtv.com/j-bloggers/2009/12/so-this-is-christmas.html
Also, a news report about christmas cake I helped produce for NHK World.
http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/movie/feature29.html
Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
From
Tokyo Cooney
Music:
"Introduction" - Glenn Miller Band
"Blue Christmas" - Belton Richard
"Joy to the World" - Cathedral Brass
As I mentioned the Maid Cafe episode of Tokyo Eye will air on December 9th on jibtv.com
http://www.jibtv.com
For more info about the show check out the shows homepage
http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/tokyoeye
The internet live stream isn't viewable within Japan for arcane legal reasons, but you can view it on DIGITAL NHK Educational (Ch 2, I think) probably on Sunday the 20th, Im not certain.
Also, they are running a viewers choice awards thing at NHK the network that produces Tokyo Eye. Swing by and give a vote! It may help extend the shows run. But more importantly you can request a rebroadcast of an episode! If there is one you want to see something again, or that you missed this is your chance. Recent episodes I appeared in are: the gourmet tour (with my folks), Tokyo bay, beauty episode, and sone others.
nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/vc09/index.html
Music:
Jimmy Butler - "Trim Your Tree"
http://www.hanamasa.co.jp
Though it is not a global holiday, I thought I'd share this day with you. Community is afterall not limited by borders. As we approach the holiday season let me wish well to all no matter what festivity you partake in.
I really do recommend the pink cow. We didn't explain it entirely well, but look at the Events Cowlander on their website and you'll get what I mean. Almost every other night is some type of event or artist gathering. I've been a patron of the cow for 8 years, and it's great to see gaijin owned businesses and local arts communities grow.
http://thepinkcow.com
Thanks, and Happy Festivus!
Music:
"Thank You Lord" - Bob Marley
In this vlog I visit the Asakusa Samba Carnival held every year at the end of August. It is a rather peculiar event, but I guess it is not unlike Irish American immigrant celebrations of St. Patrick's day. If I had to compare it to something.
You will notice I am particularly hairy in that segment. I was letting myself go for the make over episode of Tokyo Eye I did back in September. The second half I am decidedly less heirsuit, so you might consider it the "after" version of me. But by now my hair is well on it's way back to the old me. I'm curious which you think suits me better.
For info on the Samba Carnival
http://www.asakusa-samba.jp/top.htm
The Shop I visited is located in Asakusa and the owner MIki is a wonderful person and a great friend for now 8 years. (The baby is not mine BTW) If you are ever in the neighborhood stop by her place for a coffee or something stronger. Find out more here... Tell her Kevin sent you. :)
http://www.cuzn.jp
The second half is a much shorter summary of the Brazilian Festival in Yoyogi Park, for more on that check the video I did last year.
For those of you in need of more Cooney in your life, stay abreast of my doings and goings on at the narcissistic shrine to myself that is
http://twitter.com/tokyocooney
Also... Check out my weekly blog at jibtv.com
http://blog.jibtv.com/j-bloggers/kevin
Or stop by my weekly live streaming video show and ask your questions on BlogTV.
http://www.blogtv.com/People/Tokyocooney
I broadcast from around noon on Friday, Tokyo Time. Thats Thursday evening on the east coast of the US. If you can't figure out what time it is in your neighborhood, either look at the countdown clock for when the show airs on my BlogTV page. Or... google "world clock". Trust me, you can figure it out. I believe in you.
My next guest is a guy who runs his own production company producing english language learning materials for Japanese students of English. If you've never been to the page I recommend checking out the archive. Over the last year I have interviewed a Radio DJ, Voice Actors, Comedians, Teachers, Bartenders, and all other types of Gaijin in Japan. There is lots of useful stuff in the archive. But if you have a question you've been meaning to ask stop by the show, and berate me in person for being a slack ass when it comes to posting.
Lastly, I appretiate your encouragement to post more often. Thanks for not forgetting about me. It really means a lot that many of you have stuck with me over the years, despite my sometimes flaky uploading schedule.
Thanks,
Cooney
The show will stream live 6 times on Wednesday the 16th at
http://jibtv.com
Tokyo Eye info:
http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/tokyoeye
Ive done like 30 episodes over the last 3 years for that show. And people have been asking how to see them. The website is not VOD yet.. but we are working towards that. Baby steps! Bear with us. But mailing the website and saying "Why the hell is it not VOD yet?" Is a good start to making that change move faster.
Also my friends and folk who live in Japan where currently you cannot view jibtv.com programming. Take a moment to annoy my bosses and let them know their is a market for it by harassing them via e-mail.
Annoy them here:
jibtv.com/inquiry/index.aspx
All that said and done... it will air inside Japan on NHK Digital Channel 3 on the 20th. (Not analogue broadcast ごめん!)
Trust me, new videos on the way, just let me deal with my rent paying shit I call a "Job."
http://jibtv.com
programs@jibtv.com
Or check out the program's home page:
http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/tokyoeye
tokyoeye@jibtv.com
Meet Jennifer my co-reporter at:
http://32591753.at.webry.info
I visited the gigantic statue of Gundam in Odaiba. If you plan on going yourself... go soon. The event finishes 8/31 and Gundam will be gone.
Check out the official Website here:
http://www.greentokyo-gundam.jp
No idea what Gundam is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gundam
Music -
Prince Buster - "Dance Cleopatra"
Also... I will be doing a 30 minute special on Odaiba to be aired on the jibtv.com website on a show called TokyoEye Wed the 26th. More details to come on monday.
http://jibtv.com
Sorry the website is only available outside of Japan.
General Details
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FN1jExBUhw
How to get there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FN1jExBUhw
Come along if you can.
Thanks.
For more info about Radio Taiso check out this wikipedia link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_taiso
Apologies if its not my most thrilling post to date. I can only be so entertaining at 5:30 am.
P.S. Some added info after reading the comments. No daylight savings time in Japan as a result in summer it gets bright really really early. And vice versa in winter.
Also yes, I am fine. The earthquake recently was no problem. Had a few seconds of "Oh Crap!" But no problem at all.
Here are some links to import shops I mention in the vid.
Kaldi Coffee Farm
http://www.kaldi.co.jp/top.html
Seijo Ishii
http://www.seijoishii.co.jp
The American Pharmacy (Little food, but carry some US drugs)
http://tomods-ap.com
Niku no Hanamasa
http://www.hanamasa.co.jp
Sony Plaza (Mostly candy, or sodas)
http://www.plazastyle.com/plaza/shop
Don Quixote (Occasionally they have import stuff)
http://www.donki.com/index.php
National Azabu (How did I forget this in the video? Thanks to viewers for pointing out this HUGE omission. But I never go there because this place caters to the banker-whanker expat crowd around Hiroo, and is unnecessarily expensive. Its the go to place for import stuff for people with more money than sense. Its a great selection, but its not in my price range even for sentimental purchases. *Note; The also stock turkeys and halloween shit, which is rare.
http://www.national-azabu.com
TC Ombudsman says - Also as an addendum to this post I realize, the shops I focus on in this video really only reflect western import tastes (Though Yamaya has a bit of everything). There is a whole other world of Asian import stores that I personally have no need for. Sadly I get caught up in my western-centric view of Gaijin life here. There are a far greater number of Philippine, Korean, Chinese and Southeast Asian import shops I didn't even begin to touch on (Not to mention Arab states, Africa and South America. I need to stop talking to youtube like it's America. Though statistically my viewers are largely from there. I am misrepresenting the reality of foreigners, generally speaking in Japan, by focusing on western things. But I guess I'll need to save that for another vid. Hey, I'm doing my best.
Music:
Lincoln: "What's Up"
Don Drummond: "Man in the Street"
Jackie Mittoo: "Ghetto Organ"
For the final tally on money spent... (I think)
Bucket of Fried Chicken - 1,450
Plant for Kenji - 500
Head Messager - 2,600
Semi-Erotic Ear Cleaning - 980
Setta (Shoes) - 2,000
Eel - 2,700
Coffee & Croissant - 500
Terminator Tix - 1,200
Popcorn & Cola - 500
Total: 11,930 Yen
If you are interested in learning more about the details of renting a house in Japan I recommend you look at my video titled.
FYI Housing.
Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anLP4uKdjh8&feature=PlayList&p=D98FCEFF05959B7A&index=1
Occasionally the temporary exhibit on the 4th floor is surprisingly interesting. The 3rd floor salt area is highly miss-able.
Music:
"100 Cigarettes" by Big Sugar
As for the other museums I recommended:
The Edo-Tokyo Museum
http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/english/index.html
The Parasite Museum
http://kiseichu.org/eaboutus.aspx
And of course...
TokyoCooney.com


