RTW: p32 – Last day @ LDW

When I first entered LDW at their party last year, I was given a T-shirt from a movie called Arigato, so I thought it was fitting to wear it on my last day and say thanks to everyone!
As a leaving and finishing project party, my boss Fukumoto San took us out to dinner at
a famous Tempura restaurant. Offering an awesome Vegetarian dinner set, the Chef has served the likes of Charlie Chaplin and former US Presidents! Koie San and I (the youngins) were amused and overwhelmed by the class of this place. Next we headed to
an Irish pub in Shimbashi to continue drinking and then back to Gotanda for more staff to send me off and hang out till 6am. They also gave me some cool Japanese style gifts!

RTW: p42 – Beijing Sights »« RTW: p41 – Beijing, Red Lantern house

RTW: p38 – LDW Final Drink up

On my 2nd last night in Tokyo I met up with the crew from LDW again (apart from those who were still too busy working!) for drinks and dinner at the local Izakaya.
I also met one of Koichi’s friends, a German guy was the lead animator on Tarzan (voted by many as the best animation from Disney) and had been working at Lucas Arts.

After the last train had gone and many Lemon Sours, they planned to go and stay at work (as norm) and be ready for Friday! I instead took a cab to a small party at Bao Qin’s place and my planned 9am wake up wasn’t going to happen.
But there was lots to do, like finish (start) packing. And setting up for a half-planned Sayonara Party in our house at Nakano Sakaue!

RTW: p39 – Sayonara »« RTW: p37 – Tokyo Giants

RTW: p30 – Sakura, Hanami 2

On Saturday it was “spot the gaijin” at Yoyogi Park, as Its not hard to notice 10 foreigners walking through the park, late, looking for a place to sit. Our group however was about half Japanese
Stocked up with a couple of 100￥ sheets, too much food and a decent amount of booze, we spent the afternoon chilling out and drinking and listening to the DJ playin in the park! I attempted to retrieve a ball stuck in a tree, but some how my climbing ability was dropped down a notch. Again I came to the conclusion Chu-Hi is bad. Even after a couple it makes you feel like you’ve had 10 rounds of sumo. Great when you have a 36hour shift about to start!

Dunno who half these people are..And some people lighting candles to continue the night in the park. And a bunch of business looking guys planning a big night, with boxes of alcohol sitting in the middle.
Strangely, many of my photos around this time came out blury?? Must have been the camera…

RTW: p33 – Kamakura »« RTW: p29 – Sakura, Hanami 1

RTW: p29 – Sakura, Hanami 1

Spring in Japan is obvious as it brings Sakura, (Cherry Blossoms). Along with trees blooming all over Japan simultaneously, everything else follows from Sakura themed advertising to special photo film, made specifically for taking photos of Sakura. Yep, it’s all about Sakura, and is celebrated by HANAMI.

Basically it means everyone goes to sit under the Sakura trees and get pissed. Crowding the parks, people scout the best spots early in the day and hang around till after dark, drinking and eating.

My day 1 of Hanami was actually at work! We have one large tree out the front of the building and (almost) everyone was able to stop work and relax. LDW provided 3 KEGS! and other drinks and food.

RTW: p30 – Sakura, Hanami 2 »« RTW: p27 – DJ Sammy @ Velfarre