Anohito
Jun 27, 2007, 21:54
16 Sep 1983 (Fri): I left for lunch early, so I could take my good conduct medal to the Tailor Shop. I doesn’t open until 0900, so I wasn’t able to drop it off on my way to work. Having done that, I went out for lunch at Genroku Sushi. Following lunch, I went shopping for supper in Saikaya. I bought some new things. I looked for namuru [Korean pickled vegetables], but couldn’t find it. So no veggies for supper. I also saw little cakes like I bought in B2 at Patio. I bought 8 this time. We closed the office an hour early. I took my things back to my room before going anywhere else. First I went to ICR [Intercultural Relations?], but they didn’t have any Tour Companions, as usual. Since I was already in the building, I stopped by the Stars & Stripes Bookstore and found some interesting books, including book 3 in the 2nd Thomas Covenant series. From there to the Exchange for a newspaper and diswashing liquid. Then, back to the barracks. The tongue stew was very good, but it was difficult to heat. The liquid heated much faster than the meat. The mini-pizza was tasty. The bacon bread was good, but maybe not worth the extra money. The bisque des crevettes was disappointing. It wasn’t downright bad, but was mediocre and definitely not worth 800 Yen. The cakes/pastries are excellent.
17 Sep 1983 (Sat): After getting my Change of Command uniform from the laundry I completed travel preparations and departed for Tokyo. I had an urge to stop at the Post Office for stamps, but knew it wasn’t critical that I mail any post cards this weekend. However, I had such a strong urge to buy some immediately that I practically retraced my steps to go to the Post Office. I had to wait 5 minutes while someone ahead of me got 100 Yen coins for a 10,000 Yen bill (he did buy a few postcards). Then at the station, I learned that I had just missed a kaiso tokkyu. The following tokkyu was full. I couldn’t even stand in the first car because a bunch of blasted high school students had their bags in the aisle. So much for instincts. There weren’t any coin lockers at my usual exit at Yurakuchô Station [Yamanote Line, not subway]. I hadn’t remembered seeing any, but I might not have noticed them. I would have stashed my bag there, had there been any coin lockers. At the Tourist Information Center, I discovered that they have returned to setting out the Sunday issue on Saturday and I was unable to obtain the previous issue [of Tour Companion]. I stashed my bag in the usual place [Ginza Station]. This took enough time that I didn’t want to go to the National Theater before lunch. I located the Ginza branch of the yum cha-ya [dim sum restaurant], but it was closed [or not yet open], as I expected(1). Indian food sounded good, so I went to Maharajah. It was open and I’m having a Maharajah Delight. After lunch I went to the National Theater to buy a bunraku ticket for tomorrow. As it was, I didn’t get a very good seat. From there, I went to Harajuku. Before going to the museum, I had a mango parfait at the Senbikiya Parlour. This time, there was one of the large purple grapes on top, rather than a prune. Then to the Ota Memorial Museum(2) for another excellent exhibition. Somewhat to my surprise, they have a catalog for the exhibition. I bought one, even though it was relatively expensive. From there to the Yamatane Museum of Art(3). The exhibition there was also excellent, although no catalog, as usual. However, they did have more postcards from the exhibition than usual, so I was able to get cards for seven paintings I liked and two more to mail. Then to Ginza. First, I stopped in Mitsukoshi. They have some interesting jams on sale. I’ll wait until tomorrow to buy. The Kimuraya counter in the store has chocolate mushi-keki (steamed cakes), so I’ll buy goodies there rather than go up to the main store. Now I’m in Cafe Marche for a cup of Antique Blend. I did go to the Kimuraya main shop after all. The counter in Mitsukoshi only had one lonely chocolate mushi-keki when I was done with my coffee. In the main shop I also bought a couple of banana-filled pastries that were new to me. I wound up eating supper at Savini in Core, largely because I had to make a pit stop and didn’t want to go anywhere else afterward. I had "today’s recommended ..." (final characters something other than "course"). The minestrone was ordinary, but the rest of the meal was quite good, and large! By then, I figured I had spend enough money, so I got my bag and went to the hotel. The banana pastry was very good.
(1) This was in Ginza 5-Chome on the Ginza Core side of Chuo Dori, maybe in the basement of Ginza Core. http://www.ginza.jp/eng/mapindex-e.html (http://www.ginza.jp/eng/mapindex-e.html)
(2) http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/english.html (http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/english.html)
(3) http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html (http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html)
18 Sep 1983 (Sun): It may rain today. I suppose I should have brought my umbrella with me. After checking out and making a reservation for next weekend, I went to Ginza Station, where I stashed my bag and bought a newspaper. Then I went into Mitsukoshi for a bento from the same counter where I bought one last week. Instead of buying pastry at Johan, I tried Antenor in B1. Before I left the store I had a glass of papaya "juice". Then to the National Theater, where I sat outside and ate lunch(1). The bento was quite good and the cakes (on sale) were excellent. I’m now inside. I suppose I should stash my shopping bag and buy a program. The bunraku was excellent. Certain plot elements weren’t clear (as before), but without an earphone guide, that can’t be helped. After the performance, I went to Ginza. In Mitsukoshi to buy jelly, I discovered that in the one brand they were out of the variety I wanted and the other brand was made with brandy. Therefore, I went to Matsuya for jelly. I bought one of the Koiwai Farm(2) varieties I hadn’t tried yet, apricot, and waw some black currant jam by blue Flag. Blue Flag looks like a grocery store brand, but I thought I’d try it. After a pit stop, it was just barely late enough for supper. I didn’t want to make the return trip to Yokosuka on an empty stomach and have to carry my bag into a restaurant. I went to the yum cha-ya even though I was pretty sure the higher prices would be in effect. They were, but I didn’t mind that. What I did mind was that they were out of the dessert I had ordered. I didn’t learn this until I had waited for it for some time and then asked about it. I’ll give them one more chance. If it happens again, I won’t eat at that location. The noodle dish I ordered looked like Singapore mee fun just loaded with red peppers. They turned out to be sweet peppers, to my relief. After supper, I thought I should return to Yokosuka, so I did. Back at the barracks, I had bread & jam. Both kinds were very good.
(1) In retrospect, this probably wasn’t the polite thing to do.
(2) I’m not sure they still sell jams & jellies. http://www.koiwai.co.jp/english/ (http://www.koiwai.co.jp/english/)
19 Sep 1983 (Mon): I ate in for lunch so I could get my medals from the Tailor Shop and buy sugar cubes. I wanted bread, but the Commissary was closed. I finally ate the other two niku man. Rather than go to Yokohama after work, I went to Kamakura. The original idea was to give me time to prepare for Change of Command tomorrow, but I have very little preparation to do. There are other things I needed to do (such as catch up on my notes!), so I will be using the time constructively. I went to Kinokuniya for groceries before eating supper. The bread section was pretty well picked over, but I did buy a loaf of (wheat?) sandwich bread that looks more-or-less like real bread even though it is rather soft. The little package of black currant bread caught my fancy, but I couldn’t think of anything to do with it (jelly or jam?–it already has currants in it–meat or cheese? Hardly). Finally, I thought of putting peanut butter on it(1). I also bought two cartons of Lindavia(2) fruit juice. That left me enough money for something else, so I bought some fresh figs, which sounded interesting. Although I briefly considered Italian Tomato, I ate supper at San Tropez. The 1600 Yen "healthy dinner" sounded good, so that’s what I had. The fish marine did double duty as a salad. The scallops may have been a trifle over-vinegared. However, the fruit yogurt soup was excellent, and the cold meat was actually first rate ham slices heated in a very tasty sauce. I realized that I had forgotten to buy mild at Kinokuniya. On the way to the station, I saw a little store that had milk. I didn’t see any price, though, and remembering the store in the Honcho, I was afraid it would cost 250 Yen. I knew I could get milk for 200 Yen by going only a little out of my way, and I wouldn’t have to carry it all the way from the station. That’s what I did–buy from my usual vending machine. One of my figs got squooshed, so I’d better eat it. Well, the fig was interesting, but I’m not sure I like them(3).
(1) Putting plain butter on the black currant bread must not have occurred to me.
(2) A German brand of fruit juices and nectars.
(3) As I recall, they were the green mission figs. I do like dried calmyrna figs.
20 Sep 1983 (Tue): I would have had lunch at Genroku Sushi, but it was full. I ate at Gurabatei. The mystery item in column A (they had the special lunch again) is a fish fillet. Afterward, I didn’t have time to go into Seiyu, but I did buy a kobanyaki and buy Yen at the Club Alliance. It was sprinkling on the way back and I hadn’t brought my umbrella. After work I had my Japanese conversation class. Still/again sprinkling. I might have eaten supper at Kujakuen, except that it slipped my mind and I crossed the highway and headed Chuo Odori & Sennichi-dori. I ended up at Pinocchio. I had forgotten to bring my book with me. When I finished supper, it was raining a little harder, but I still stopped at Fujiya for lemon drops. They still don’t have a price on the "Hello" toffee. If I had had my book with me, I might have stopped at a coffee shop. I take a taxi from the taxi stand. I still had plenty of money left for the day. I guess it’s just as well that I didn’t stop at a coffee shop; I needed the time for taking care of my postal games.
21 Sep 1983 (Wed): I had lunch at Genroku Sushi so I would be sure to have enough time for shopping. At first I thought it was full, but there was room. I don’t actually need any food, but I couldn’t resist the nashi [Asian pears] and so bought one. Most of what I bought was for the office–coffee, soffee sugar, and chocolate (semisweet and white–the Akutagawa white chocolate is excellent)(1). I had supper at Kujakuen. I finally tried the pork slices with green peppers & cabbage [buta piman]. Theirs is quite good. After supper, I immediately returned to the barracks because i wanted to do laundry.
(1) I don’t eat white chocolate any more. At some point along the way, I lost interest in it–too little real taste.
22 Sep 1983 (Thu): It appeared that I might not be able to take tomorrow afternoon off, so perhaps I shouldn’t have planned to buy lunch and bring it back to the office. At any rate, I bought two sandwiches in long French-type buns and fruit for supper. The sandwiches, from Pompadour, were disapointing–dry and not much "insides". The fruit was much better–a nectarine and a new type of apple, tsugaru. It now appears that I still might be able to take the afternoon off. Buying the two pieces of fillet katsu to put in the pork curry was a very good idea. There wasn’t any meat to speak of in the curry. Putting the peanut butter on the black currant bread was also a very good idea. The other bread I bought at Kinokuniya turned out to have caraway seeds. However, it doesn’t have many and tastes quite good with the black currant and apricot jams.
23 Sep 1983 (Fri): I did get the afternoon off. I wasn’t able to leave at 1130, but I probably would have eaten on base anyway. I went to the Commissary to buy something. I decided to try the langonisa [Filipino sausage] with a can of white tuna as a backup. I also bought a bag of banana chips to replace the one I bought at Saikaya. That one didn’t have much flavor (the chips, not the bag). I also bought frozen juice and paper towels. The langonisa was very good. The new banana chips are tastier than the old. The "ball" of French bread I bought yesterday at Pompadour is also very good. I decided that I wasn’t enthusiastic enough about the figs to eat any more. After lunch, I returned to the office to change clothes (forgot to do it before lunch), went to A-33 to mail an envelope of newspaper clippings, and went to NLSO [Naval Legal Services Office?] to get a PoA [Power of Attorney] for Mother. On returning to the barracks, I got the PoA and the form ready for mailing and finally packed and left for Tokyo. If I had seen an off base taxi before turning toward the Hospital, I would have taken it, but I didn’t see one. Womble Gate(1) isn’t open before 1630. At Chuo Station I forget that today is a [Japanese] holiday and looked at the wrong schedule. The tokkyu I took was full, but I lucked out and got a seat from a debarkee at Shioiri Station. Once in Tokyo, I stashed my bag in Ginza Station rather than check in first. Once I get to the hotel, I won’t be leaving for the rest of the night. I wanted seafood for supper and was considering Hageten(2), but then remembered Hiroshima Oyster House Kanawa(3). That’s where I am now. Perhaps I should have dashed into Mitsukoshi for a carton of milk. Now I probably won’t be able to get any for later. I didn’t have soup in favor of having one of the larger salads. It’s a good thing the salad was moderately large, because the huitres frites de la maison uses only three oysters. The topping was unidentifiable, but the dish as a whole was very good. I wonder if they use four oysters in season(4). The relatively small supper left plenty of room for dessert (well, I’m not exactly still hungry, because of the late lunch), so I’m now in Cafe Latin (a golden oldie!)(5) for a chocolate crepe. Afterward, I went to Kimuraya for my evening snack. I’ll do without milk, I guess. Then I claimed my bag and went to the hotel.
(1) If Womble Gate had been open, it would have been the quickest route into town from the barracks (the Hospital is on the road leading to/from Womble Gate). I probably should have remembered that it didn’t open until 1630, but I very seldom used it. I may be remembering incorrectly, but at the time of this diary, I think it was only open for morning and evening rush hour traffic.
(2) http://www.minna-oishii.jp/shop/hageten/hageten.html (http://www.minna-oishii.jp/shop/hageten/hageten.html) (Japanese only)
(3) This evidently no longer exists. It was in B2 of the Ginza Toshiba Bldg.
(4) Hiroshima Oyster House Kanawa was the only place I found that had good oysters out of season (season is November - April).
(5) I used to have dessert-type things and sometimes coffee at Cafe Latin fairly often in the 1975-77 period.
24 Sep 1983 (Sat): The first order of business was to get a Tour Companion from the Tourist Information Center. I was told that the National Noh Theater doesn’t have English programs, but my source obviously wasn’t certain. After that, it was still before 1100, so I went to Matsuya for a black Ohto Gripper [pen]. By then it was after 1100, so I went to Tsukiji Tamazushi in Ginza Core for lunch(1). For dessert I finally tried the fancy ice cream that L’Ecrin sells. I had the passion fruit sherbet and it was delicious(2)! Then to Takashimaya(3) for the Phillips Collection Exhibition. I don’t share his taste in 20th century art (with a few exceptions), but there are many outstanding pre-20th century works. I bought a catalog (descriptions in English) and postcards. From there to Ginza again. First, I had coffee at Toa, where I also wrote postcards. Then to Wako(4) for the ukiyoe exhibition(5). For the first time that I can remember, they [Wako] had a catalog of the exhibition. It was an excellent exhibition and I bought a catalog. That left me at an awkward time of day–not enough time before supper to do much of anything, and yet too early to eat. After some thought, I looked at the weather, saw that it was hardly even sprinkling, and decided to return to Takashimaya for milk & goodies. If it didn’t take me long enough to eat supper, I could return to the hotel to drop off the catalog and goodies without getting wet. The first thing I bought was milk (so I wouldn’t forget). Then, I looked around, but what I actually bought was what had caught my eye on the way out earlier, Hickory American homemade cookies. They are made on the premises [!]. There are lots of good things at Takashimaya. I hope I can remember it the next time I shop for food in Tokyo. By then it was late enough that I would be able to eat by the time I went someplace else. Where I went was Belle Vie Akasaka(6) for the seafood stew at e@a@t. I’m not certain that I ate it in the order I was supposed to, but it was fine the way I did eat it. It didn’t really look like it needed skimming, but it seemed that I was expected to, so I gave the soup/broth a token skimming before I put in the noodles. I also had a Popeye (i.e., spinach) salad. It was all excellent. After supper, I was tempted by Rosenheim [Western-style desserts, etc.], but I didn’t have anything there. It was too soon after my large supper. Back in Kayabacho, I noticed that the fruit parlourImano was still open. I couldn’t let this chance pass, so I went in. They were out of the peach parfait, so I had a banana parfait. It was excellent. I think it would be a good place to buy fruit. About 1710-15 they announced closing time. From there, I returned to the hotel for the evening.
(1) http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g055900/ (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g055900/) (Japanese only)
(2) The restaurant itself is in the Mikimoto Building across Chuo Dori from Mitsukoshi, but I bought this ice cream from a counter in Mitsukoshi.
(3) The main store in Nihonbashi: http://accessible.jp.org/tokyo/en/shopping/Nihonnbashi_Takashimaya.html or http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/ (http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/) (Japanese only)
(4) http://shop.wako.co.jp/ecvm?cmd=init (http://shop.wako.co.jp/ecvm?cmd=init) (Japanese only) or http://www.tokyoarchitecture.info/Building/4094/Ginza_Wako.php (http://www.tokyoarchitecture.info/Building/4094/Ginza_Wako.php)
(5) Ukiyoe: http://www.geocities.com/ukiyo_e_prints/ (http://www.geocities.com/ukiyo_e_prints/) or http://www.theblackmoon.com/Ukiyoe/ukiyoe.html (http://www.theblackmoon.com/Ukiyoe/ukiyoe.html)
(6) http://www.bellevie-akasaka.com/ (http://www.bellevie-akasaka.com/) (Japanese only)
25 Sep 1983 (Sun): After checking out, I stashed my bag in Ginza Station, bought a Daily Yomiuri(1) (no Japan Times(2) yet), and headed for Shinjuku. Let’s see if I can make periodic entries here and not get so far behind with my notes. The first major objective in Shinjuku is pricing the Wedgwood [ http://www.wedgwood.co.uk/ (http://www.jref.com/forum/[http://www.wedgwood.co.uk/) ] at Keio(3). If I see a kiosk selling the Japan Times I’ll buy one. It wasn’t bad enough that I misremembered what floor has the gift departments, but they’ve moved the Wedgwood. I did find it, though. They only have four pieces of lilac jasper. I suppose it’s possible that they might increase their stock a couple months before the New Year, but I don’t want to wait until November to buy Mother’s Xmas present. My original intentions had been to eat in Lumine, but I thought I might as well take a look at Keio. I vaguely remembered that it was mostly a "dining room". Even though it was a little before 100, they seemed to be open for lunch. I looked at the offerings and decided that this would be a good time to try eating there. To my surprise, considering the setup there, they don’t operate on a ticket system. I had the take unaju, [a complete meal featuring broiled fresh-water eel] which was excellent. From Keio I went to Isetan(4), buying a Japan Times along the way. I would have had yogurt at the Petit Monde in the basement, but it was full. The exhibit was most interesting. I’m glad I don’t have to go to Brooklyn to see those items. Afterward, I had an ice coffee at Hungry Horse. Oh yes, since I had decided that I wouldn’t try to stay in Tokyo for supper, I spent some money on stationery at Keio. From Isetan to Mitsukoshi Ginza for French Roast coffee. Since I was already there, I thought I’d see what they have in the way of honey. I had to ask where it was. I didn’t actually want anyone to personally show me because then I’d feel obliged to buy something there. That’s what happened. I hope it’s good honey. I nearly got my bag and returned to Yokosuka. However, I changed my mind and decided to get a substantial snack before I left Tokyo. I still have half the langonisa, and if it’s still raining, I can eat that for supper whenever I get hungry enough for it. I went into Mitsukoshi for a snack (I would have gone to Senbikiya except for the rain), but everyplace in it was full. I went to the shop on B1 in ginza Core and was able to get a seat there. I had a refreshing cream anmitsu. By then, it was time to return to Yokosuka, so I’m doing that. Between Kamiooka and Kanazawa Bunko, it doesn’t look as if there has been any rain. Perhaps I’ll be going back out for supper after all. In Tokyo I spent money as though I wouldn’t be doing that, however. It certainly looks like it could rain. I didn’t take a taxi from the Main gate. That made me tired enough that I didn’t want to go out again. Perhaps it was just as well, because the langonisa wasn’t firmly frozen and wouldn’t have kept for too much longer, no doubt. On the other hand, I didn’t get a chance to mail the card to Mother, which I forget to do on the way back here.
(1) http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/ (http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/)
(2) http://www.japantimes.co.jp/ (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/)
(3) http://www.keionet.com/ (http://www.keionet.com/) (Japanese only)
(4) http://www.isetan.co.jp/icm2/jsp/store/shinjuku/info/iclub/index.jsp English!
(5) Ground beans for making ice coffee back at Yokosuka.
26 Sep 1983 (Mon): Well, I forgot to do it again [mail the card], and I won’t be going out for supper. There is a typhoon that may come this way. It is causing rain here. Because of the rain and my supernumerary today, I decided to eat in tonight. I ate lunch at Genroku Sushi. Not much of a selection. Perhaps I got there a little too early. At least I had plenty of time for shopping. I went to Seiyu to do it, and I’m glad I did because they had namuru and kimchee. On the way back, I bought toffee at Fujiya, tsugaru apples, and milk. The toffee is a little sweet for my taste. The namuru is excellent. The kimchee was pretty good, but it’s difficult to eat anything that spicy with no rice to eat with it. The squid was excellent, of course. Very tasty apple!
27 Sep 1983 (Tue): On my way out to lunch, I stopped at A-33 to mail an envelope of newspaper clippings to Mother. I didn’t remember to get a green customs sticker before getting in line. Fortunately for me, I didn’t need one this time. I wonder what the criterion is. We have been in Typhoon Condition Four today, compared with Three yesterday. However the weather is worse today–more rain, cold, and windy. I wanted to eat lunch at Sen Ei, but it was full. I went over to Chuo Odori and put the card to Mother in the closest mail box. Didn’t want to go too far for lunch because of the rain and it was after 1200, so I looked in Genroku Sushi. There were seats, so I had lunch there. They had a better selection today. Hamachi! I had a kobanyaki for dessert. The first order of business after work was my Japanese conversation class. I was so tired that I was tempted to skip it, but I went. In actuality, I went to the barracks first, changed into a long-sleeve shirt, and got my raincoat. After class, I went to Shindo for fillet katsu. I considered having dessert at the New St. Louis, but returned directly to the barracks, taking a taxi from the Main Gate. Back in the barracks, I tried the canned persimmons. They’re pretty good.
28 Sep 1983 (Wed): I went to Gurabatei for lunch. This time I tried the regular sauce, which was very tasty. I had the seafood curry, so I can have meat for supper. I couldn’t think of any particular reason to stop in Seiyu, so I stopped at Fujiya for more candy. While there, I was a pack of two "mini-German donuts", an(1) and cream filled. The kobanyaki shop isn’t open today, so I bought a couple of an donuts. I had them back at the office–very tasty. After work I stopped at Marui(2) to look at umbrellas on the way to Central Mall. They had some very cheap, but the short ones were difficult to open & close. I don’t want an umbrella that takes five minutes for opening and closing. Then to Firebird for an excellent steak set. As planned, after supper, I went to Midoriya, but they didn’t have anything I wanted either. Seiyu was on the way back to base, so I thought I might as well stop to see if they had something I could use. They did have a couple of short, self-opening umbrellas, but they were dark green and I must have black. If umbrellas are ever authorized for wear with the uniform, it’s probable that only black umbrellas will be authorized(3). Since I dropped my umbrella last night and partly broke the handle, my need for a new umbrella had become pressing. I bought a decent black long umbrella. It not only allowed me to stay within my daily budget, but gave me enough left over for a taxi from the Main Gate.
(1) This is not the English article (as in a, an, the), but the Japanese word for sweet red bean paste.
(2) http://www.0101.co.jp/index.html (http://www.0101.co.jp/index.html) (Japanese only)
(3) To the best of my knowledge, the Navy never did authorize the use of umbrellas with uniforms.
29 Sep 1983 (Thu): I couldn’t think of any place or thing that I particularly wanted for lunch, so I ate at Genroku Sushi. I had three plates of hamachi. Afterward, I thought I should buy a new light blue Pilot Hi-Tecpoint [pen], so I went next door to Kangaroo. They don’t carry Hi-Tecpoints (!) And the Zebra pen they have as an equivalent doesn’t have light blue. I went over to Saikaya(1), but they were out of light blue. C’est la vie. So I would be sure to get my laundry done and so I would be sure to eat as much as possible of the perishables in the refrigerator, I ate in this evening. First, though, I went over to the mini-mart for a newspaper and other things. I still have some of the "sandwich bread" left. Perhaps it will keep in the freezer. The second tuna sandwich, I used a thin coat of mustard on the bread. It didn’t go particularly well with the tuna. The new honey is quite good.
(1) http://www.saikaya.co.jp/ (http://www.saikaya.co.jp/) (Japanese only) By the way, the Yahoo "translate this page" function works better on the Saikaya site than on most other Japanese language sites.
30 Sep 1983 (Fri): I forgot to take a ste of dungarees to work, so I had to wear the clown suit(1). In order to save time for cashing my check, I wore it to lunch. For the first time that I can recall, there was a line to cash checks at the Club Alliance. Even so, there was plenty of room at San Ei, so I had the "special rice" there. For dessert I had a kobanyaki. I wasn’t able to pick up my leave papers before I left the base. Potter was supposed to give them to the messenger on the last run, but she didn’t. It started raining (well, sprinkling), so I took a taxi to Yokosuka Chuo Station and couldn’t stop at C-2(2) on my way out (perhaps it’s theoretically possible, but it’s not practical). I am supposed to be here to check out anyway, so it doesn’t make much difference. I just missed the 1637 kaiso tokkyu [limited express]. I’m not sure the kaiso tokkyu would be 18 minutes faster than a tokkyu [regular express] and I was able to get a seat on the 1645 tokkyu, so I took it rather than wait for the 1658 kaiso tokkyu. I remembered to go to Roppongi rather than Kayabacho. After checking in at Hardy Barracks(3), I went right out for supper. While walking toward the crossing(4), I pondered the question of where to eat supper. I decided that I would at least look in at Moti(5), although I expected it to be full. It wasn’t, though. The hordes didn’t descend until after 1900. I had the tandoori mixed grill and chicken soup. I thought I had eaten the chicken soup there before, but if I have, they’ve changed the recipe. Anyway, it was delicious. The tandoori mixed grill was also delicious. I know I haven’t had that before. From there to Meidi-ya(6) for milk and to look at the goodies. They had plenty of goodies, si I didn’t try Belle or Don Q. I bought a box of Walker’s shortbread and a couple cups of yogurt. That and the can of coffee I intended to buy on the way back to Hardy Barracks put me within 10 Yen of my daily budget, but I did that deliberately.
(1) This was a fairly common term among those who were not happy about the return to the "traditional" uniform. Contrary to popular mythology, it does not really look that good on most guys. You have to be pretty skinny to look okay in it (and not very tall).
(2) Building C-2 was where the base high muckety-mucks had their offices and where the Base admin office was.
(3) I thought that the term "Hardy Barracks" simply referred to the barracks building (aka "The Stars & Stripes Hotel" in the Pacific Stars & Stripes compound in Roppongi 7-Chome across the street from Aoyama Cemetery. However, it seems that the U.S. military compound in question is named Hardy Barracks. Here are a few relevant URLs:
http://www.estripes.com/
http://www.jpri.org/members/mcneill_JT_05-09-06.html (http://www.jpri.org/members/mcneill_JT_05-09-06.html)
http://roxanne.typepad.com/rantrave/2005/11/during_my_3year.html
(4) Roppongi Crossing, the intersection of Gaien-Higashi Dori and Roppongi Dori. Roppongi Station, on the Hibiya Line and Toei Oedo Line, is very close. Roppongi Crossing is at center left in this map: http://www.tokyoessentials.com/roppongi-map.html (http://www.tokyoessentials.com/roppongi-map.html)
(5) http://members.aol.com/tokyojapan/moti.html (http://members.aol.com/tokyojapan/moti.html)
(6) http://www.meidi-ya-store.com/english/ (http://www.meidi-ya-store.com/english/) In English!
17 Sep 1983 (Sat): After getting my Change of Command uniform from the laundry I completed travel preparations and departed for Tokyo. I had an urge to stop at the Post Office for stamps, but knew it wasn’t critical that I mail any post cards this weekend. However, I had such a strong urge to buy some immediately that I practically retraced my steps to go to the Post Office. I had to wait 5 minutes while someone ahead of me got 100 Yen coins for a 10,000 Yen bill (he did buy a few postcards). Then at the station, I learned that I had just missed a kaiso tokkyu. The following tokkyu was full. I couldn’t even stand in the first car because a bunch of blasted high school students had their bags in the aisle. So much for instincts. There weren’t any coin lockers at my usual exit at Yurakuchô Station [Yamanote Line, not subway]. I hadn’t remembered seeing any, but I might not have noticed them. I would have stashed my bag there, had there been any coin lockers. At the Tourist Information Center, I discovered that they have returned to setting out the Sunday issue on Saturday and I was unable to obtain the previous issue [of Tour Companion]. I stashed my bag in the usual place [Ginza Station]. This took enough time that I didn’t want to go to the National Theater before lunch. I located the Ginza branch of the yum cha-ya [dim sum restaurant], but it was closed [or not yet open], as I expected(1). Indian food sounded good, so I went to Maharajah. It was open and I’m having a Maharajah Delight. After lunch I went to the National Theater to buy a bunraku ticket for tomorrow. As it was, I didn’t get a very good seat. From there, I went to Harajuku. Before going to the museum, I had a mango parfait at the Senbikiya Parlour. This time, there was one of the large purple grapes on top, rather than a prune. Then to the Ota Memorial Museum(2) for another excellent exhibition. Somewhat to my surprise, they have a catalog for the exhibition. I bought one, even though it was relatively expensive. From there to the Yamatane Museum of Art(3). The exhibition there was also excellent, although no catalog, as usual. However, they did have more postcards from the exhibition than usual, so I was able to get cards for seven paintings I liked and two more to mail. Then to Ginza. First, I stopped in Mitsukoshi. They have some interesting jams on sale. I’ll wait until tomorrow to buy. The Kimuraya counter in the store has chocolate mushi-keki (steamed cakes), so I’ll buy goodies there rather than go up to the main store. Now I’m in Cafe Marche for a cup of Antique Blend. I did go to the Kimuraya main shop after all. The counter in Mitsukoshi only had one lonely chocolate mushi-keki when I was done with my coffee. In the main shop I also bought a couple of banana-filled pastries that were new to me. I wound up eating supper at Savini in Core, largely because I had to make a pit stop and didn’t want to go anywhere else afterward. I had "today’s recommended ..." (final characters something other than "course"). The minestrone was ordinary, but the rest of the meal was quite good, and large! By then, I figured I had spend enough money, so I got my bag and went to the hotel. The banana pastry was very good.
(1) This was in Ginza 5-Chome on the Ginza Core side of Chuo Dori, maybe in the basement of Ginza Core. http://www.ginza.jp/eng/mapindex-e.html (http://www.ginza.jp/eng/mapindex-e.html)
(2) http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/english.html (http://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/english.html)
(3) http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html (http://www.yamatane-museum.or.jp/english/index.html)
18 Sep 1983 (Sun): It may rain today. I suppose I should have brought my umbrella with me. After checking out and making a reservation for next weekend, I went to Ginza Station, where I stashed my bag and bought a newspaper. Then I went into Mitsukoshi for a bento from the same counter where I bought one last week. Instead of buying pastry at Johan, I tried Antenor in B1. Before I left the store I had a glass of papaya "juice". Then to the National Theater, where I sat outside and ate lunch(1). The bento was quite good and the cakes (on sale) were excellent. I’m now inside. I suppose I should stash my shopping bag and buy a program. The bunraku was excellent. Certain plot elements weren’t clear (as before), but without an earphone guide, that can’t be helped. After the performance, I went to Ginza. In Mitsukoshi to buy jelly, I discovered that in the one brand they were out of the variety I wanted and the other brand was made with brandy. Therefore, I went to Matsuya for jelly. I bought one of the Koiwai Farm(2) varieties I hadn’t tried yet, apricot, and waw some black currant jam by blue Flag. Blue Flag looks like a grocery store brand, but I thought I’d try it. After a pit stop, it was just barely late enough for supper. I didn’t want to make the return trip to Yokosuka on an empty stomach and have to carry my bag into a restaurant. I went to the yum cha-ya even though I was pretty sure the higher prices would be in effect. They were, but I didn’t mind that. What I did mind was that they were out of the dessert I had ordered. I didn’t learn this until I had waited for it for some time and then asked about it. I’ll give them one more chance. If it happens again, I won’t eat at that location. The noodle dish I ordered looked like Singapore mee fun just loaded with red peppers. They turned out to be sweet peppers, to my relief. After supper, I thought I should return to Yokosuka, so I did. Back at the barracks, I had bread & jam. Both kinds were very good.
(1) In retrospect, this probably wasn’t the polite thing to do.
(2) I’m not sure they still sell jams & jellies. http://www.koiwai.co.jp/english/ (http://www.koiwai.co.jp/english/)
19 Sep 1983 (Mon): I ate in for lunch so I could get my medals from the Tailor Shop and buy sugar cubes. I wanted bread, but the Commissary was closed. I finally ate the other two niku man. Rather than go to Yokohama after work, I went to Kamakura. The original idea was to give me time to prepare for Change of Command tomorrow, but I have very little preparation to do. There are other things I needed to do (such as catch up on my notes!), so I will be using the time constructively. I went to Kinokuniya for groceries before eating supper. The bread section was pretty well picked over, but I did buy a loaf of (wheat?) sandwich bread that looks more-or-less like real bread even though it is rather soft. The little package of black currant bread caught my fancy, but I couldn’t think of anything to do with it (jelly or jam?–it already has currants in it–meat or cheese? Hardly). Finally, I thought of putting peanut butter on it(1). I also bought two cartons of Lindavia(2) fruit juice. That left me enough money for something else, so I bought some fresh figs, which sounded interesting. Although I briefly considered Italian Tomato, I ate supper at San Tropez. The 1600 Yen "healthy dinner" sounded good, so that’s what I had. The fish marine did double duty as a salad. The scallops may have been a trifle over-vinegared. However, the fruit yogurt soup was excellent, and the cold meat was actually first rate ham slices heated in a very tasty sauce. I realized that I had forgotten to buy mild at Kinokuniya. On the way to the station, I saw a little store that had milk. I didn’t see any price, though, and remembering the store in the Honcho, I was afraid it would cost 250 Yen. I knew I could get milk for 200 Yen by going only a little out of my way, and I wouldn’t have to carry it all the way from the station. That’s what I did–buy from my usual vending machine. One of my figs got squooshed, so I’d better eat it. Well, the fig was interesting, but I’m not sure I like them(3).
(1) Putting plain butter on the black currant bread must not have occurred to me.
(2) A German brand of fruit juices and nectars.
(3) As I recall, they were the green mission figs. I do like dried calmyrna figs.
20 Sep 1983 (Tue): I would have had lunch at Genroku Sushi, but it was full. I ate at Gurabatei. The mystery item in column A (they had the special lunch again) is a fish fillet. Afterward, I didn’t have time to go into Seiyu, but I did buy a kobanyaki and buy Yen at the Club Alliance. It was sprinkling on the way back and I hadn’t brought my umbrella. After work I had my Japanese conversation class. Still/again sprinkling. I might have eaten supper at Kujakuen, except that it slipped my mind and I crossed the highway and headed Chuo Odori & Sennichi-dori. I ended up at Pinocchio. I had forgotten to bring my book with me. When I finished supper, it was raining a little harder, but I still stopped at Fujiya for lemon drops. They still don’t have a price on the "Hello" toffee. If I had had my book with me, I might have stopped at a coffee shop. I take a taxi from the taxi stand. I still had plenty of money left for the day. I guess it’s just as well that I didn’t stop at a coffee shop; I needed the time for taking care of my postal games.
21 Sep 1983 (Wed): I had lunch at Genroku Sushi so I would be sure to have enough time for shopping. At first I thought it was full, but there was room. I don’t actually need any food, but I couldn’t resist the nashi [Asian pears] and so bought one. Most of what I bought was for the office–coffee, soffee sugar, and chocolate (semisweet and white–the Akutagawa white chocolate is excellent)(1). I had supper at Kujakuen. I finally tried the pork slices with green peppers & cabbage [buta piman]. Theirs is quite good. After supper, I immediately returned to the barracks because i wanted to do laundry.
(1) I don’t eat white chocolate any more. At some point along the way, I lost interest in it–too little real taste.
22 Sep 1983 (Thu): It appeared that I might not be able to take tomorrow afternoon off, so perhaps I shouldn’t have planned to buy lunch and bring it back to the office. At any rate, I bought two sandwiches in long French-type buns and fruit for supper. The sandwiches, from Pompadour, were disapointing–dry and not much "insides". The fruit was much better–a nectarine and a new type of apple, tsugaru. It now appears that I still might be able to take the afternoon off. Buying the two pieces of fillet katsu to put in the pork curry was a very good idea. There wasn’t any meat to speak of in the curry. Putting the peanut butter on the black currant bread was also a very good idea. The other bread I bought at Kinokuniya turned out to have caraway seeds. However, it doesn’t have many and tastes quite good with the black currant and apricot jams.
23 Sep 1983 (Fri): I did get the afternoon off. I wasn’t able to leave at 1130, but I probably would have eaten on base anyway. I went to the Commissary to buy something. I decided to try the langonisa [Filipino sausage] with a can of white tuna as a backup. I also bought a bag of banana chips to replace the one I bought at Saikaya. That one didn’t have much flavor (the chips, not the bag). I also bought frozen juice and paper towels. The langonisa was very good. The new banana chips are tastier than the old. The "ball" of French bread I bought yesterday at Pompadour is also very good. I decided that I wasn’t enthusiastic enough about the figs to eat any more. After lunch, I returned to the office to change clothes (forgot to do it before lunch), went to A-33 to mail an envelope of newspaper clippings, and went to NLSO [Naval Legal Services Office?] to get a PoA [Power of Attorney] for Mother. On returning to the barracks, I got the PoA and the form ready for mailing and finally packed and left for Tokyo. If I had seen an off base taxi before turning toward the Hospital, I would have taken it, but I didn’t see one. Womble Gate(1) isn’t open before 1630. At Chuo Station I forget that today is a [Japanese] holiday and looked at the wrong schedule. The tokkyu I took was full, but I lucked out and got a seat from a debarkee at Shioiri Station. Once in Tokyo, I stashed my bag in Ginza Station rather than check in first. Once I get to the hotel, I won’t be leaving for the rest of the night. I wanted seafood for supper and was considering Hageten(2), but then remembered Hiroshima Oyster House Kanawa(3). That’s where I am now. Perhaps I should have dashed into Mitsukoshi for a carton of milk. Now I probably won’t be able to get any for later. I didn’t have soup in favor of having one of the larger salads. It’s a good thing the salad was moderately large, because the huitres frites de la maison uses only three oysters. The topping was unidentifiable, but the dish as a whole was very good. I wonder if they use four oysters in season(4). The relatively small supper left plenty of room for dessert (well, I’m not exactly still hungry, because of the late lunch), so I’m now in Cafe Latin (a golden oldie!)(5) for a chocolate crepe. Afterward, I went to Kimuraya for my evening snack. I’ll do without milk, I guess. Then I claimed my bag and went to the hotel.
(1) If Womble Gate had been open, it would have been the quickest route into town from the barracks (the Hospital is on the road leading to/from Womble Gate). I probably should have remembered that it didn’t open until 1630, but I very seldom used it. I may be remembering incorrectly, but at the time of this diary, I think it was only open for morning and evening rush hour traffic.
(2) http://www.minna-oishii.jp/shop/hageten/hageten.html (http://www.minna-oishii.jp/shop/hageten/hageten.html) (Japanese only)
(3) This evidently no longer exists. It was in B2 of the Ginza Toshiba Bldg.
(4) Hiroshima Oyster House Kanawa was the only place I found that had good oysters out of season (season is November - April).
(5) I used to have dessert-type things and sometimes coffee at Cafe Latin fairly often in the 1975-77 period.
24 Sep 1983 (Sat): The first order of business was to get a Tour Companion from the Tourist Information Center. I was told that the National Noh Theater doesn’t have English programs, but my source obviously wasn’t certain. After that, it was still before 1100, so I went to Matsuya for a black Ohto Gripper [pen]. By then it was after 1100, so I went to Tsukiji Tamazushi in Ginza Core for lunch(1). For dessert I finally tried the fancy ice cream that L’Ecrin sells. I had the passion fruit sherbet and it was delicious(2)! Then to Takashimaya(3) for the Phillips Collection Exhibition. I don’t share his taste in 20th century art (with a few exceptions), but there are many outstanding pre-20th century works. I bought a catalog (descriptions in English) and postcards. From there to Ginza again. First, I had coffee at Toa, where I also wrote postcards. Then to Wako(4) for the ukiyoe exhibition(5). For the first time that I can remember, they [Wako] had a catalog of the exhibition. It was an excellent exhibition and I bought a catalog. That left me at an awkward time of day–not enough time before supper to do much of anything, and yet too early to eat. After some thought, I looked at the weather, saw that it was hardly even sprinkling, and decided to return to Takashimaya for milk & goodies. If it didn’t take me long enough to eat supper, I could return to the hotel to drop off the catalog and goodies without getting wet. The first thing I bought was milk (so I wouldn’t forget). Then, I looked around, but what I actually bought was what had caught my eye on the way out earlier, Hickory American homemade cookies. They are made on the premises [!]. There are lots of good things at Takashimaya. I hope I can remember it the next time I shop for food in Tokyo. By then it was late enough that I would be able to eat by the time I went someplace else. Where I went was Belle Vie Akasaka(6) for the seafood stew at e@a@t. I’m not certain that I ate it in the order I was supposed to, but it was fine the way I did eat it. It didn’t really look like it needed skimming, but it seemed that I was expected to, so I gave the soup/broth a token skimming before I put in the noodles. I also had a Popeye (i.e., spinach) salad. It was all excellent. After supper, I was tempted by Rosenheim [Western-style desserts, etc.], but I didn’t have anything there. It was too soon after my large supper. Back in Kayabacho, I noticed that the fruit parlourImano was still open. I couldn’t let this chance pass, so I went in. They were out of the peach parfait, so I had a banana parfait. It was excellent. I think it would be a good place to buy fruit. About 1710-15 they announced closing time. From there, I returned to the hotel for the evening.
(1) http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g055900/ (http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g055900/) (Japanese only)
(2) The restaurant itself is in the Mikimoto Building across Chuo Dori from Mitsukoshi, but I bought this ice cream from a counter in Mitsukoshi.
(3) The main store in Nihonbashi: http://accessible.jp.org/tokyo/en/shopping/Nihonnbashi_Takashimaya.html or http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/ (http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/) (Japanese only)
(4) http://shop.wako.co.jp/ecvm?cmd=init (http://shop.wako.co.jp/ecvm?cmd=init) (Japanese only) or http://www.tokyoarchitecture.info/Building/4094/Ginza_Wako.php (http://www.tokyoarchitecture.info/Building/4094/Ginza_Wako.php)
(5) Ukiyoe: http://www.geocities.com/ukiyo_e_prints/ (http://www.geocities.com/ukiyo_e_prints/) or http://www.theblackmoon.com/Ukiyoe/ukiyoe.html (http://www.theblackmoon.com/Ukiyoe/ukiyoe.html)
(6) http://www.bellevie-akasaka.com/ (http://www.bellevie-akasaka.com/) (Japanese only)
25 Sep 1983 (Sun): After checking out, I stashed my bag in Ginza Station, bought a Daily Yomiuri(1) (no Japan Times(2) yet), and headed for Shinjuku. Let’s see if I can make periodic entries here and not get so far behind with my notes. The first major objective in Shinjuku is pricing the Wedgwood [ http://www.wedgwood.co.uk/ (http://www.jref.com/forum/[http://www.wedgwood.co.uk/) ] at Keio(3). If I see a kiosk selling the Japan Times I’ll buy one. It wasn’t bad enough that I misremembered what floor has the gift departments, but they’ve moved the Wedgwood. I did find it, though. They only have four pieces of lilac jasper. I suppose it’s possible that they might increase their stock a couple months before the New Year, but I don’t want to wait until November to buy Mother’s Xmas present. My original intentions had been to eat in Lumine, but I thought I might as well take a look at Keio. I vaguely remembered that it was mostly a "dining room". Even though it was a little before 100, they seemed to be open for lunch. I looked at the offerings and decided that this would be a good time to try eating there. To my surprise, considering the setup there, they don’t operate on a ticket system. I had the take unaju, [a complete meal featuring broiled fresh-water eel] which was excellent. From Keio I went to Isetan(4), buying a Japan Times along the way. I would have had yogurt at the Petit Monde in the basement, but it was full. The exhibit was most interesting. I’m glad I don’t have to go to Brooklyn to see those items. Afterward, I had an ice coffee at Hungry Horse. Oh yes, since I had decided that I wouldn’t try to stay in Tokyo for supper, I spent some money on stationery at Keio. From Isetan to Mitsukoshi Ginza for French Roast coffee. Since I was already there, I thought I’d see what they have in the way of honey. I had to ask where it was. I didn’t actually want anyone to personally show me because then I’d feel obliged to buy something there. That’s what happened. I hope it’s good honey. I nearly got my bag and returned to Yokosuka. However, I changed my mind and decided to get a substantial snack before I left Tokyo. I still have half the langonisa, and if it’s still raining, I can eat that for supper whenever I get hungry enough for it. I went into Mitsukoshi for a snack (I would have gone to Senbikiya except for the rain), but everyplace in it was full. I went to the shop on B1 in ginza Core and was able to get a seat there. I had a refreshing cream anmitsu. By then, it was time to return to Yokosuka, so I’m doing that. Between Kamiooka and Kanazawa Bunko, it doesn’t look as if there has been any rain. Perhaps I’ll be going back out for supper after all. In Tokyo I spent money as though I wouldn’t be doing that, however. It certainly looks like it could rain. I didn’t take a taxi from the Main gate. That made me tired enough that I didn’t want to go out again. Perhaps it was just as well, because the langonisa wasn’t firmly frozen and wouldn’t have kept for too much longer, no doubt. On the other hand, I didn’t get a chance to mail the card to Mother, which I forget to do on the way back here.
(1) http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/ (http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/)
(2) http://www.japantimes.co.jp/ (http://www.japantimes.co.jp/)
(3) http://www.keionet.com/ (http://www.keionet.com/) (Japanese only)
(4) http://www.isetan.co.jp/icm2/jsp/store/shinjuku/info/iclub/index.jsp English!
(5) Ground beans for making ice coffee back at Yokosuka.
26 Sep 1983 (Mon): Well, I forgot to do it again [mail the card], and I won’t be going out for supper. There is a typhoon that may come this way. It is causing rain here. Because of the rain and my supernumerary today, I decided to eat in tonight. I ate lunch at Genroku Sushi. Not much of a selection. Perhaps I got there a little too early. At least I had plenty of time for shopping. I went to Seiyu to do it, and I’m glad I did because they had namuru and kimchee. On the way back, I bought toffee at Fujiya, tsugaru apples, and milk. The toffee is a little sweet for my taste. The namuru is excellent. The kimchee was pretty good, but it’s difficult to eat anything that spicy with no rice to eat with it. The squid was excellent, of course. Very tasty apple!
27 Sep 1983 (Tue): On my way out to lunch, I stopped at A-33 to mail an envelope of newspaper clippings to Mother. I didn’t remember to get a green customs sticker before getting in line. Fortunately for me, I didn’t need one this time. I wonder what the criterion is. We have been in Typhoon Condition Four today, compared with Three yesterday. However the weather is worse today–more rain, cold, and windy. I wanted to eat lunch at Sen Ei, but it was full. I went over to Chuo Odori and put the card to Mother in the closest mail box. Didn’t want to go too far for lunch because of the rain and it was after 1200, so I looked in Genroku Sushi. There were seats, so I had lunch there. They had a better selection today. Hamachi! I had a kobanyaki for dessert. The first order of business after work was my Japanese conversation class. I was so tired that I was tempted to skip it, but I went. In actuality, I went to the barracks first, changed into a long-sleeve shirt, and got my raincoat. After class, I went to Shindo for fillet katsu. I considered having dessert at the New St. Louis, but returned directly to the barracks, taking a taxi from the Main Gate. Back in the barracks, I tried the canned persimmons. They’re pretty good.
28 Sep 1983 (Wed): I went to Gurabatei for lunch. This time I tried the regular sauce, which was very tasty. I had the seafood curry, so I can have meat for supper. I couldn’t think of any particular reason to stop in Seiyu, so I stopped at Fujiya for more candy. While there, I was a pack of two "mini-German donuts", an(1) and cream filled. The kobanyaki shop isn’t open today, so I bought a couple of an donuts. I had them back at the office–very tasty. After work I stopped at Marui(2) to look at umbrellas on the way to Central Mall. They had some very cheap, but the short ones were difficult to open & close. I don’t want an umbrella that takes five minutes for opening and closing. Then to Firebird for an excellent steak set. As planned, after supper, I went to Midoriya, but they didn’t have anything I wanted either. Seiyu was on the way back to base, so I thought I might as well stop to see if they had something I could use. They did have a couple of short, self-opening umbrellas, but they were dark green and I must have black. If umbrellas are ever authorized for wear with the uniform, it’s probable that only black umbrellas will be authorized(3). Since I dropped my umbrella last night and partly broke the handle, my need for a new umbrella had become pressing. I bought a decent black long umbrella. It not only allowed me to stay within my daily budget, but gave me enough left over for a taxi from the Main Gate.
(1) This is not the English article (as in a, an, the), but the Japanese word for sweet red bean paste.
(2) http://www.0101.co.jp/index.html (http://www.0101.co.jp/index.html) (Japanese only)
(3) To the best of my knowledge, the Navy never did authorize the use of umbrellas with uniforms.
29 Sep 1983 (Thu): I couldn’t think of any place or thing that I particularly wanted for lunch, so I ate at Genroku Sushi. I had three plates of hamachi. Afterward, I thought I should buy a new light blue Pilot Hi-Tecpoint [pen], so I went next door to Kangaroo. They don’t carry Hi-Tecpoints (!) And the Zebra pen they have as an equivalent doesn’t have light blue. I went over to Saikaya(1), but they were out of light blue. C’est la vie. So I would be sure to get my laundry done and so I would be sure to eat as much as possible of the perishables in the refrigerator, I ate in this evening. First, though, I went over to the mini-mart for a newspaper and other things. I still have some of the "sandwich bread" left. Perhaps it will keep in the freezer. The second tuna sandwich, I used a thin coat of mustard on the bread. It didn’t go particularly well with the tuna. The new honey is quite good.
(1) http://www.saikaya.co.jp/ (http://www.saikaya.co.jp/) (Japanese only) By the way, the Yahoo "translate this page" function works better on the Saikaya site than on most other Japanese language sites.
30 Sep 1983 (Fri): I forgot to take a ste of dungarees to work, so I had to wear the clown suit(1). In order to save time for cashing my check, I wore it to lunch. For the first time that I can recall, there was a line to cash checks at the Club Alliance. Even so, there was plenty of room at San Ei, so I had the "special rice" there. For dessert I had a kobanyaki. I wasn’t able to pick up my leave papers before I left the base. Potter was supposed to give them to the messenger on the last run, but she didn’t. It started raining (well, sprinkling), so I took a taxi to Yokosuka Chuo Station and couldn’t stop at C-2(2) on my way out (perhaps it’s theoretically possible, but it’s not practical). I am supposed to be here to check out anyway, so it doesn’t make much difference. I just missed the 1637 kaiso tokkyu [limited express]. I’m not sure the kaiso tokkyu would be 18 minutes faster than a tokkyu [regular express] and I was able to get a seat on the 1645 tokkyu, so I took it rather than wait for the 1658 kaiso tokkyu. I remembered to go to Roppongi rather than Kayabacho. After checking in at Hardy Barracks(3), I went right out for supper. While walking toward the crossing(4), I pondered the question of where to eat supper. I decided that I would at least look in at Moti(5), although I expected it to be full. It wasn’t, though. The hordes didn’t descend until after 1900. I had the tandoori mixed grill and chicken soup. I thought I had eaten the chicken soup there before, but if I have, they’ve changed the recipe. Anyway, it was delicious. The tandoori mixed grill was also delicious. I know I haven’t had that before. From there to Meidi-ya(6) for milk and to look at the goodies. They had plenty of goodies, si I didn’t try Belle or Don Q. I bought a box of Walker’s shortbread and a couple cups of yogurt. That and the can of coffee I intended to buy on the way back to Hardy Barracks put me within 10 Yen of my daily budget, but I did that deliberately.
(1) This was a fairly common term among those who were not happy about the return to the "traditional" uniform. Contrary to popular mythology, it does not really look that good on most guys. You have to be pretty skinny to look okay in it (and not very tall).
(2) Building C-2 was where the base high muckety-mucks had their offices and where the Base admin office was.
(3) I thought that the term "Hardy Barracks" simply referred to the barracks building (aka "The Stars & Stripes Hotel" in the Pacific Stars & Stripes compound in Roppongi 7-Chome across the street from Aoyama Cemetery. However, it seems that the U.S. military compound in question is named Hardy Barracks. Here are a few relevant URLs:
http://www.estripes.com/
http://www.jpri.org/members/mcneill_JT_05-09-06.html (http://www.jpri.org/members/mcneill_JT_05-09-06.html)
http://roxanne.typepad.com/rantrave/2005/11/during_my_3year.html
(4) Roppongi Crossing, the intersection of Gaien-Higashi Dori and Roppongi Dori. Roppongi Station, on the Hibiya Line and Toei Oedo Line, is very close. Roppongi Crossing is at center left in this map: http://www.tokyoessentials.com/roppongi-map.html (http://www.tokyoessentials.com/roppongi-map.html)
(5) http://members.aol.com/tokyojapan/moti.html (http://members.aol.com/tokyojapan/moti.html)
(6) http://www.meidi-ya-store.com/english/ (http://www.meidi-ya-store.com/english/) In English!