Japan for the First Time

On November 15, I accompanied Carl Rosa of the Houston Sushi Club to Japan.   Carl was acting as tour guide for 4 first-time travelers to Japan.  First time to Japan!  I remember all the nervous excitement I felt during my first trip to Japan.  As this was Carl’s group I tried my best to be helpful without getting in the way. I provided assistance and Japanese-English translation when needed.

On this trip, we spent three days in Tokyo and three days in Osaka, with a side stop to Kyoto then returning to Tokyo for the flight home. Needless to say a lot of picture taking, shopping, and partying was performed in abundance during this time. I took over 600 photographs during this trip and while I did not need an additional suitcase for all the stuff I purchased this time, it was real close.

Special Note: During this trip, through the wonderful Houston-Chiba Sister City Program, Mr. Rikuro Shikama (Manager of the International Relations Section) and Mr. Nami Kasuya (Coordinator for International Relations Section), from the Chiba City government provided us with some excellent hospitality. After formally meeting for pictures and receiving souvenirs at Chiba City Hall, we were escorted to a private room of a marvelous restaurant for lunch, about which I can not say enough good things. After lunch, we were treated to a presentation at the new Chiba City Science Planetarium. I thought the presentation was great, so I purchased the related DVD and book. The hospitality shown by Chiba City was wonderful and I am very grateful for the experience.

Best regards,
Russell Rice
JCS Chairman

Japan November 2008 Pictures
Here is a small selection of pictures from the trip.