Today is a special edition post as it’s the Japanese election. I’m not going to go all political on all 2 of my readers but when I was in Japan this past August I often saw many vans driving around with people inside waving with their white gloves at people on the street. These vans have loud speakers attached to the roof and are used by candidates and their supporters to get the message out! Kind of like this…
Here’s a shot of some cute election van girls that spend their time waving at people as they drive by. I don’t know who they are supporting but they’ve got my vote! 
This next picture was taken right in front of Nagoya’s train station.
Finally a poster that I just happened to stumble upon while walking around Japan. I’m not an expert on Japan’s current Prime Minister, Taro Aso but from what I’ve seen I’m not impressed. I guess neither was the person who put this poster up.
Posted in Crazy Japan.
By Michael
– August 29, 2009
When I arrived in Japan, I took a train from Tokyo to Shizuoka. It was the middle of summer and naturally I was pretty hot but then I saw something that might help cool me down. That something was an advertisement for a product ingeniously called, “Coolish.”
Ever since I saw this ad for “Coolish” I just knew I had to try it. Then that way if my friends asked me “Oh golly darn gee Mike-san, are you hot?” I could just grab a Coolish and reply…. “mmmm I’m feeling kind of Coolish” and then bring the drink up to my face and smile. This product was made for advertising!
Coolish is a great drink and if you ever find yourself in Japan in the summer, you must try it. It’s basically an ice cream drink and believe me when its hot, it will make you feel “Coolish.” Very good!
Just take a look at the above picture. It was 35 degrees when this picture was taken, but do I look like I care? No, I don’t. Want to know why? Cause I’m feelin’ kinda Coolish.
Coolish can be had at any Convini (Convenience Store) or even a Supermarket. Note: if you buy it at the Supermarket it will be a little cheaper. The cost to feel Coolish is about USD$1.50. Now that’s cheap if its 35 degrees and you want to feel Coolish! God, I love that name! It just works on so many levels! 
Posted in Crazy Japan.
Tagged with coolish, japanese summer drink.
By Michael
– August 27, 2009
I arrived at Tokyo Narita Japan on July 26 this year. The last time I used Tokyo Narita Airport was nearly 6 years ago on July 25, 2003 when I was returning to Canada from an internship in Japan. In 2001, I arrived in Narita on July 29 to begin my JET teaching career. I also used Narita the first time I ever visited Japan and that was in around the end of July in 1996. Why do I remember these dates? Because they’re in my old passport! Isn’t it weird how I seem I end up going to Narita at the sametime in random years? Anyway just thought I’d mention it.
Here’s a shot of the departures area in Narita. That sure is a big board!
The airport obviously has many restaurants to help kill the time. So if you’re feeling a little bored, why don’t you try a “Blood Orange?” It’s only 480 yen, which works out to about USD$5
One other interesting I found at the airport are what look like to be water cannons mounted on the roofs of stores near the exits. I’m not sure but I suppose they are there to stop any fires and it looks like they have cameras mounted on them and can be controlled remotely.
Posted in Crazy Japan, Mike's Travels.
Tagged with tokyo narita water cannons.
By Michael
– August 25, 2009
Well for each of the past three years I’ve been able to make it out to Japan for some sightseeing and visiting.
The above was taken at Calgary International Airport. It’s the line up for Air Canada departures. I was a bit stressed as the line up moved really slowly and was incredibly long. Thankfully though I made it in time for my Vancouver connection.
I might be wrong on this one but I believe that is the town of Banff.
Taking Japan Airlines Flights can be fun as they offer a couple of views from externally mounted cameras.
Another thing that makes Japan Airlines unique, (well at least from any other airline that I’ve ever been on) is that they offer exercise videos to help you stretch from your seat.
It might be difficult to see but if you look closely you’ll see three hands way up in the air!
Posted in Crazy Japan, Mike's Travels.
By Michael
– August 24, 2009
Yesterday, I attended my friends wedding just outside of Calgary at the Springbank Links Golf Course. It was a different experience since almost all of the weddings I’ve been to have been held in churches and hotels. I had a really good time and it was nice that the wedding and reception were held in the same place.
The day was perfect and as you can see the scenery absolutely beautiful. This is the view of Calgary’s downtown from the Springbank Links Golf Course clubhouse.
Here’s a shot of Paul and Rie walking down the aisle just after being pronounced husband and wife.
Their first dance.
Paul will vehemently deny that he likes dancing but those of us who know him, know that this is a complete and total lie. The man was born to be a dancer and you can bet that if he ever has a chance to bust out some moves, he’s gonna do it.
Here’s Paul making his way through the crowd to get to Rie and remove her garter. Paul had to draw on every bit of sexy power that he had since Rie would send him back to the end of the line to try again if she wasn’t completely satisfied with his performance. I’m proud to say that Paul made it on his second attempt. Congrats Paul and Rie, may you live a long, happy, and of course sexy lives together!
Posted in Calgary, Work.
By Michael
– July 19, 2009
My name is Michael McKinlay and I live in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Although I was born here, I have lived in a few other places in Western Canada such as, Saskatoon, Regina, Medicine Hat, and Edmonton. I also spent time in Hong Kong and Japan. [
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