Jan. 6 - Taking advantage of magnificent Tokyo weather, Ann and I walked to Zojoji Temple in our neighborhood for our hatsumode (first temple visit) on Jan. 1. Many other people had the same idea. As we approached Tokyo Tower, the sidewalk became more and more crowded with people walking toward the temple. The sun shone brightly and the air was so clear that Ann and I really enjoyed the walk.

Large crowds filled the temple grounds, and they seemed to be in a happy mood. Couples strolled arm in arm. Proud parents brought their babies for their very first visit to the temple. It seemed that people were in a very generous and carefree mood. When I pulled out my camera, one nice passerby offered to take a photo of Ann and me together. We wished her a Happy New Year; she smiled warmly and returned the greeting.

While many in Japan seem discouraged about the country's weak economy and question whether the nation faces an inevitable decline, we are more optimistic that Japan will continue to be a source of invention and technology to help the world overcome challenges like global warming and caring for aging populations. We hope that more Japanese this year will regain the energy and vitality traditionally associated with the Year of the Tiger.

Ann and I wish all of the blog readers a happy, healthy and fruitful New Year.

Until next time,

Jim