D MJ Binkley's Guestbook



8th May 2024

Sumo
Fun fact about sumo wrestlers: The long stiff strings at the front of the wrestler's belt are called sagari, and they mark the only places on a wrestler's body that his opponent is not allowed to grab, namely the groin. There can be any number of sagari from 13 to 25, but it is always an odd number.
8th May 2024

Sumo
Karen, yes, and thank you for reminding us. We did learn that while we were at the tournament. We loved the tournament and were there for over five hours.
5th May 2024
Atomic Bomb Dome

Only went to Hiroshima
When we were in Japan we went to Hiroshima but skipped Nagasaki. It sounds from your blog entry that we should visit Nagasaki next time we go there. /Ake
5th May 2024
Atomic Bomb Dome

Only went to Hiroshima
Each town has its own personality but we felt Nagasaki was well worth a visit. Between the history and beauty of the city we enjoyed our time.
5th May 2024

Nagasaki
Hey guys, I was most interested to read MJ's very pertinent comments on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, having visited both sites myself and felt similar emotions. When you get home, if you are interested to read a novel about how a range of survivors responded following the calamitous event, I can recommend the following: https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Craig-Collie-Nagasaki-9781742372891 Disclosure: It was written by my elder brother!
5th May 2024

Nagasaki
Neil, thank you for the reading recommendation. I'm sure that is an interesting perspective and more interesting to me as it was written by your brother. Emotions are strong when visiting this area of the world.Thank you for reading and commenting.
4th May 2024

Living the Dream
Yes indeed, these monkeys are living the dream! Good for them! So glad you got to see them, I remember this being on your bucket list! Wonderful that you got some snow to add to the atmosphere, and well done for taking the slippery walk slowly! Fair enough, you've tried sake, and know it's not for you. Always good to try I say! I sensed your eagerness and excitement in getting to see the snow monkeys - wonderful 😁
4th May 2024

Living the Dream
Yes, I was very excited to see these wonderful creatures. The snow added to the ambiance. No more sake for us. Thanks for reading and commenting.
1st May 2024

Yum!
I think I agree with Anthony Bourdain on this one. The variety is impressive. What a great trip!
1st May 2024

Yum!
It was a great trip and all the taste treats. Anthony did know food.
1st May 2024

Japan in Snow!
I am so glad you got to see them and with snow! I would like to see Japan in winter. They are so photogenic! Some of the ski passes for resorts in the states if you buy the multi resort passes will include Japan.
1st May 2024

Japan in Snow!
All those National Geographic dreams are coming true. They were adorable. It was a great time to travel to Japan.
1st May 2024
Pagoda at Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine

Much history and culture
We have really just barely scratched the surface of what Japan has to offer. It is a densely populated country that has a very long rich history. I suppose that there are thousands of places throughout the country worth visiting. /Ake
1st May 2024
Pagoda at Nikko Tosho-gu Shrine

Much history and culture
We are very fortunate to have been able to visit large cities and small towns. Each town has its own personality. A lovely country to explore.
1st May 2024
Tori Gates at Nezu-jinja

We loved Tokyo
When we visited Japan in 2014 we were surprised over how much we liked Tokyo. We really loved that city and we are looking forward to the day when we find the time to go back. /Ake
1st May 2024
Tori Gates at Nezu-jinja

We loved Tokyo
We were a bit surprised also. When you imagine a city that large and packed with people you are uncertain what you will think. Tokyo has a way of making you fall in love with it. We enjoyed our time there.
1st May 2024
The Matriarch

Totally understand why you wanted to go see the snow monkeys
I have seen many pictures of the snow monkeys and I have also felt that I would like to see them. So I totally understand why you went there now that you had the chance. Good for you that they were still there although it was late in the season.
1st May 2024
The Matriarch

Totally understand wy you wanted to see the snow monkeys
They are adorable. I'm glad we saw them in the snow. I understand they are generally not there in November as it is mating season. I hope you get there one day.
30th April 2024

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Visits
The entire commentary was superb to read and enjoy. Through your words I could relive and remember many things about my own travels to these wonderful cities. So much history. It means much more when one can actually physically be there. I agree. Everyone should try to visit these two historical cities and see first hand what nuclear weapons can do.
1st May 2024

Hiroshima and Nagasaki Visits
In my opinion, people visit these two cities to better understand history... and they should. Both of these cities are lovely and have so much more to offer.
30th April 2024
Whisky with snake inside

On WWII remnants
I totally understand that you visit old WWII-remnants such as the Naval Underground Headquarters. I have visited a few bunkers in Germany and in France from that period. Snake in a jar with whisky is pretty weird. I have seen it but never tasted it. /Ake
30th April 2024
Whisky with snake inside

On WWII remnants
Ake, thanks for reading and commenting. In each country we like to visit these type of museums to see their perception of the events. the underground headquarters was very interesting. The snake whisky didn't look interesting enough to try it.
28th April 2024

The Bombs
Great idea to link these two cities together! I’d love to see the new and improved museum in Hiroshima. And I’ve read that Nagasaki wasn’t the primary target that day and it was a bad day to have good weather.
28th April 2024

The Bombs
From what we learned in the museums Nagasaki was the intended target on that day but many locations were considered. These two cities are linked together in history. Well worth a visit.

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