I know I’ve been a little MIA from here because I’ve been busy blogging about Project Hibakusha : Hope for Peace. Over the past 11 weeks, I have traveled to Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Yokohama, Tokyo, Honolulu, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles to meet with hibakusha and organizations committed to world peace.
In Japan, I attended the World Conference against A & H Bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and not only got to meet with hibakusha, but also people from around the world who share a common goal – peace on Earth. What was really inspiring was to see so many young people passionate about world peace. You can read more about my experience here.
Of course I took lots of pictures while I was there, which is what this blog is all about.
August 6, 2009 was a hot and humid day in Hiroshima, Japan. The air was thick and the cicadas were loud. (I thought the crickets outside my window at home were noisy) Heiwa-dori (street) was blocked off as police with white gloves guided the throngs of people walking toward Peace Park to attend the 64th annual Peace Ceremony to remember those who passed away and to call for peace throughout the world.
Before the ceremony, a father explained to his daughter the meaning of the ceremony.
Students (and dignitaries) presented flowers at the Cenotaph.
Children folded paper origami cranes and others brought tributes to those who have passed away.
After the ceremony, thousands of people wait in line to pay their respects. Yes, I waited in line with them to pay my respects.
At night, thousands more gathered to release paper lanterns on the Motoyasu River (top photo) or place candles around the Genbaku Dome.
It was a busy day in Hiroshima. A day spent remembering a day many would like to forget. But we can not forget that day, nor the days that followed. We can not forget how devastating nuclear weapons can be. We can not forget how it not only destroys the land, but also how it destroys people’s lives.
The sentiment felt by most of the people of Japan, the only country to have ever been bombed by a nuclear weapon, can be summed up with this slogan for peace created by a hibakusha: No more Hiroshimas. No more Nagasakis. No more war. No more atomic bomb victims.
NOTE: If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to support my peace project, please go to the Project Hibakusha : Hope for Peace blog and in the right hand column, you can read how you can make a donation.
on August 5, 2009, Euna Lee and Laura Ling were released from North Korean custody. while i was flying over to Japan, Euna and Laura were flying home to the US! yihaaaaa!
here is a video clip from Laura and Euna:
if the video clip doesn't work, please cut and paste the link below: http://current.com/items/90672274_thank-you-from-laura-and-euna.htm
thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who prayed, sent post cards, attended vigils, mass emailed friends and showed your support in various ways for journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling. as the great Martin Luther King said, "Free at last!"
UPDATE: on August 5, 2009, Euna Lee and Laura Ling were released from North Korean custody. while i was flying over to Japan, Euna and Laura were flying home to the US! yihaaaa!!! WELCOME HOME EUNA AND LAURA!!!
thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who prayed, sent postcards, attended vigils, mass emailed friends and showed your support in various ways for journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling. as the great Martin Luther King said, "Free at last!"
UPDATE: Euna Lee and Laura Ling have been sentenced to 12 years in a labor prison. "The North's Central Court tried American TV reporters Laura Ling and Euna Lee during proceedings running from last Thursday to Monday and found them guilty of a "grave crime" against the nation, and of illegally crossing into North Korea, the country's state-run Korean Central News Agency said."
we now must work together to gain their early release.
On June 3, 2009, people across the nation gathered together at eight vigils to raise awareness and call for the release of two American journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling. this is one of the most important stories i have reported on thus far. together, we can bring them home. this is my story...
Hundreds March for Detained Journalists
June 3, 2009
Santa Monica, CA - There was thunder and lighting just hours before a candlelight vigil was set to begin to raise awareness for two American journalists, Euna Lee and Laura Ling, who have been detained in North Korea since march 17th. Organizers were worried that mother nature might put a damper on what was one of eight vigils planned across the country.
The rain didn’t come, but the people did.
More than 500 supporters packed themselves in like sardines at Wokcano’s outdoor plaza and overflowed up to the second floor balcony. Emcee Welly Yang had to ask twice for everyone to squeeze in to let in more people that were waiting outside.
Members of the Korean Veterans Association were on hand, some in full uniform. Other supporters bore signs that read “Bring them home” and “We miss you”.
Just hours after the vigil had started, the American journalists were scheduled to go on trial on charges of illegally crossing the border and unspecified “hostile acts”. The pair had traveled to China to do a story on refugees when they were detained by North Korean guards at the China and North Korea border.
Lisa Ling, Laura’s sister and a well-respected journalist herself, fought back tears as she spoke personally about her sister and Euna. “My sister is strong, but there is nothing hostile about her. Euna is the mother of the most angelic 4-year-old daughter, hardly a threatening character.”
Kelly Hu read a message from Roxanna Saberi, another journalist who was convicted on charges of spying in Iran, but was released last month after serving only four months of an eight-year sentence in an Iranian prison. Saberi wrote, “Laura and Euna, I pray that you remain strong and know that neither your families nor you are alone. I hope that a way will be found to return both of you to your families as soon as possible.”
CNN’s Anderson Cooper conducted a live interview with Lisa Ling, Iain Clayton, Laura’s husband and Michael Saldate, Euna’s husband, via satellite. During the interview, supporters held their candles and placards high for the cameras to see in order to send a powerful message of love and support. Their hope was that the broadcast would be seen, not only by the American people, but also the North Koreans.
Grace Su of Santa Monica came to the vigil “to really support the families and really be here to show the collective support so that the media can see it, so that the US government would see it, that the North Korean government would see it and hopefully the verdict will be something positive and the girls will return home safely.” A sentiment felt by many.
From the beginning, the family had remained quiet due to the sensitive nature of the events and hoped the government could use diplomacy to bring the reporters home. But last week, Lisa got an unexpected phone call from Laura. Lisa said Laura’s voice was trembling as they spoke for roughly four minutes. “Li, it’s me,” Laura said, “I need your help.”
With tensions rising from North Korea’s renewed nuclear and missile testing, the families decided they needed to speak out. During that phone call, Laura said that the only hope that she and Euna had to be released was for both governments to talk to each other. Currently, North Korea and the United States do not have a diplomatic relationship and the only way they communicate is through a third neutral country.
By speaking out, the families hope that the two governments would keep this separate from the larger geo-political issues. In a statement released to the press the family appealed to both governments, “We hope that our two countries can come together to secure the expeditious release of Laura and Euna on humanitarian grounds.”
Vigils were already being planned to call for the release of Lee and Ling when the families decided to go public. Birmingham, Chicago, New York City, Portland, San Francisco and Washington, DC were all joining together to raise awareness to the journalist’s plight. Sacramento jumped on board this past Tuesday.
With candles still burning, the gathering marched through the streets of Santa Monica to Third Street Promenade. There was no chanting, there were no bullhorns, but they caught the attention of people on the street with the rhythmic beating drums of Bombu Taiko leading the way. And the group of followers grew.
Their final destination was a dinosaur fountain near Wilshire Boulevard. The thunderous sounds of Yukari Taiko filled the night air with heart pounding beats that drowned out the sound of the spewing fountain. It all seemed a bit metaphorical. In this day and age of high tech gadgets and instant messaging, our countries seem to be stuck in prehistoric times of one country trying to outdo another, when perhaps the simple solution would be to pick up the phone and have a dialogue.
Lisa Ling was touched by the overwhelming outpouring of support from friends and strangers alike. “Our families have been just so surprised but moved by how many people came out to support Laura and Euna. This is a total grassroots effort that was ignited by Facebook.”
People across the nation joined together in a unified show of support for two American journalists who just wanted to tell a story, but instead became the story themselves. Lisa ended her message with “As they stand in that courtroom, alone and afraid, we thank YOU for standing here behind them and not letting their voices go unheard.”
As of press time, no official word had been reported from North Korea regarding the fate of Lee and Ling.
Tokyo is an amaaaaaaazing city…and it’s HUGE! This, coming from someone born and raised in Los Angeles, the urban sprawl capital of the US. Tokyo is by all means the definition of urban sprawl. A concrete jungle that makes Los Angeles look like a small town. A Manhattan on steroids, without the honking horns.
The ironic twist is that as much as I hate LA for being a concrete jungle, I love Tokyo for the very same reason! Perhaps it’s the newness of it all. There is so much to do and see that I would need months to explore the whole city. Perhaps it’s the cleanliness. I have yet to see a dirty bathroom. There are no unflushed, pee-sprinkled toilets. Sorry about the graphic description, but I think all the men know what I’m talking about.
Perhaps it’s the politeness they all seem to possess. Even during rush hour when the subways are packed like sardines, everyone is still polite. Even when it seems there is no more room on a packed train, somehow the mass of people shuffle their feet to make room for one more and you get on just as the doors close behind you. If they are sick, they wear a doctor’s mask to keep from spreading their germs to other people. One elderly lady even apologized to me before I sat down next to her because she was sick.
I know one thing for sure, I love the subway system and perhaps that is the best reason of them all. I don’t have to drive! And the other drivers and pedestrians can all be thankful for that. I don’t want to drive on the wrong side of the road while trying you read street signs I can’t read to save my life when I can go to just about anywhere in the city in 30 - 40 minutes, regardless of the time of day, on the train. The trains are GREAT! Unless you’re a female, then maybe not so much. They have female only cars because of the widespread groping that occurs when the trains are crowded.
To make it even easier, they have prepaid electronic pass cards Suica and Pasmo to make the subway even more convenient and takes the guess work out of which ticket to buy (fares are based on distance).
So what to do in Tokyo? Well, more like, what isn’t there to do in Tokyo? Tokyo is so big it has everything. You can spend months there and not do the same thing or eat at the same restaurant twice. Which is part of the charm of this vast metropolis. I’m not a creature of habit, so I like to try different things.
So what are some of the ‘must’ see things. I’ve been to Tokyo three times and spent a total of three weeks so I’m still a newbie, but so far my favorite place is the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market or what is commonly known as the Tsukiji Fish Market. It is the largest fish and seafood market in the entire world and covers more area than 40 football fields.
Tsukiji Fish Market is an unbelievable sight to see when it is running at full steam at 6 in the morning. Motorized carts zipping around, tuna auctioneers barking out prices and warehouses full of every seafood imaginable make for great pictures. But please be respectful to those that are working. They recently closed the tuna auctions to tourists because they were being too disruptive. They have since re-opened the auctions from 5:00 am to 6:15 am only. They now have security personnel and no flash photography is allowed.
The key is to go early in the morning. If you’re visiting from the US, getting up early shouldn’t be a problem your first couple of days in Japan as your body clock will probably wake you up before the sun rises.
Second, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. It is the largest temple in Tokyo where locals and visitors alike flock to pray and make offerings. There are many rituals performed here at the temple that may appear odd to the unknowing. I thought they were odd until I found out why. Standing around an incense urn and waving the smoke into your hair is not my idea of pleasant. If I have clothes that smell like incense, the first thing I do is throw them in the washing machine. But in Japan, the smoke is looked upon as the breath of the Gods and will bring you good fortune. Someone please give the Gods some mints.
As you arrive from the south, you'll come across the Kaminari-mon (Thunder Gate), which marks the beginning of a string of souvenir shops along Nakamise-dori. If you need to buy omiyage (souvenirs) to take back home, this is a good place to look. They have a myriad of little trinkets that aren't too expensive and won't take up too much space in your suitcase. You'll also find pottery, kimonos, fabrics, fans, dolls and all things Japanese.
I have a lot more recommendations, but I’ll leave that for the next blog entry. After all, I need a part 2 if this is part 1.
Whatever you do, make sure you pack a good pair of walking shoes and a good map with train station locations. The public transportation system is great and will get you within walking distance to most of your destinations. If you don’t feel like walking, taxis, with doors that open automatically, are prevalent throughout Tokyo.
There are a few other great things about traveling in Japan. One is they have single rates for hotels. Double occupancy is not required. Woo hoo! While the rooms are smaller than a standard room, your wallet will be bigger. Another nice thing is there is no tipping. This is partly due to the spirit of the Japanese people and their commitment to impeccable service. It is their honor to serve you and it is understood that excellent service will be provided at all times and should not rewarded. Keep in mind also when you are in a restaurant, they will not constantly come to your table to ask how everything is. If you need something, just say “sumimasen” and someone will come to your table. When you are ready to leave and pay for your bill, you have to call them to your table and ask. You are their guest and they will not rush you.
have you ever gone landsailing? if you haven't, and you like adventure and have a need for speed, then you should try it. it's pretty fun. actually, it's a LOT of fun! sit back and watch...
the cool part about shooting the video footage is my friend Nelson built this rotating seat, the XCP-1, that attached to the back of the landsailer and it works GREAT! our friend Ely was the first guinea pig and went for a spin, literally, in the seat. then it was time to try it with me buckled in and videotaping our friends sailing around the El Mirage dry lake bed.
Nelson and i got some good footage for our first time out. we're heading out again this weekend for another trial run. now that i tried it out, this time i'm going to do a little directing and get some better footage. hollywood, here we come! ha ha!
here is the cast of characters...the Landsharks... (L-R) Nelson, Lynne, Sunhee, Jack, Landon, Ely, Hope, Esther, Jimmy, Susan and me.
I don’t believe in love at first site, but after spending 8 hours exploring Itsukushima Island, commonly referred to as Miyajima (shrine island), I fell in love with this place. Miyajima is designated as one of the three most beautiful places in all of Japan. And I must concur.
Despite the hundreds of tourists that were sharing my newfound treasure, there was still a sense of serenity. Perhaps it was the feeling of accomplishment after the hike to the top of Mt. Misen and the panoramic view it offered. Or maybe the deer that have grown accustomed to visitors and will come up to you in search of food. I can’t really explain it. It’s just one of those places you have to experience yourself to gain a full understanding of the mystique the island offers.
Located in the Inland Sea in the southwest portion of Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima Island is a revered sacred destination where it is illegal to chop down a tree or bury the dead. The island is home to Itsukushima Shrine, which was first built in 593 and was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.
As the ferry approaches Miyajima, you are greeted by the most recognizable landmark, the 50 foot tall otorii (great gate) that marks the entrance to Itsukushima Shrine. At high tide, it appears to float on the water and at low tide, you can walk up and touch it. So how many ways can you shoot a torii? If you’re me, quite a few!
It was a day trip and my main goal was to get one great shot of the otorii. My favorite shot came after the sun had set and most of the tourists had gone home. While most people tend to capture the beautiful red, orange and yellow hues of sunset, I like to stick around for when the sky turns blue and purple. I added a little fill flash to bring out the detail in the pine tree and stone lantern.
There isn’t a boat load of things to do on the island, but that is part of the charm of this sacred place. You can walk through Itsukushima Shrine, peruse the shops in the Omotesando area, visit the Miyajima Aquarium, take the ropeway (aerial tram) up the mountain to see the monkeys and hike to the top of Mt. Misen. If you're really adventurous, you can hike down and see several more shrines along the way.
But before you leave the island, you have to pick up a box (or two) of momiji manju, a Japanese pastry filled with red bean paste, custard or chocolate. Yum!
I plan to go back in the fall when the hills are a sea of red from the changing colors of the red maple trees. After all, when you're in love, you shouldn't stay away for too long.
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