Updated:

• let go

孤独を知って　あなたを知った
明日はきっと輝くだろう
だから私は揺れることない
道を歩いてく

By knowing loneliness, I knew you
Tomorrow will surely shine
That’s why I won’t waver
As I walk my path

- from 孤独の向こう by Ayaka Hirahara

A true friend walks in when others walk out.
Sayonara.

For those of you who have known me even for a little while, you know what this is about. I am definitely marking this on my mental calendar. Be there. My only wish is that the organizers would add something different to the mix this time, besides the unsolicited beat boxing and unexpected (and queer) remarks that the announcers at the J-POP booth unwarily entertained us with last year LOL. Where was Sailor Moon last year?

I hope to get another piece of calligraphy to add to my small collection that I have been building since I first attended the Matsuri a few years ago.

Do not forget about Todai Restaurant afterwards.

For more information about the Matsuri, click here.

I was considering to attend this kite festival in Washington, D.C., because I would like to see a vast multitude of various kites soaring all at once in the sky–or maybe that is just my imagination. This occurs on Saturday, March 28, 2009, the week prior to the annual National Cherry Blossom Parade and Sakura Matsuri.

Contact me if anyone is interested.

Here is a description offered by the Official National Cherry Blossom Festival website:

Associates for the 43rd Annual Kite Festival! This year’s theme explores how being ‘green’ and utilizing natural resources can be a fun, creative, and fulfilling experience. What better way to celebrate wind power and our environment than by coloring the sky with kites fashioned from renewable resources? The festival will again feature hands-on activities led by representatives from kite organizations. Spectators can learn about kite flying, participate in kite-making activities, learn about the history of kites, watch ‘green’ kite demonstrations and much more. As usual, the festival features three competitions. For those who build their own kites, you are invited to enter the handmade kite competition. Teams may also enter into two additional heart-stopping events- the sixth annual Smithsonian Hot Tricks competition, and the always popular Rokkaku kite battle will be both held at the end of the day. Watch kite flyers strut their stuff on the field dazzling the crowd with trick kite moves and thrilling competition.

Click here for more information about the Kite Festival.

Yes, folks, I have made a recent discovery worthy of a new Public Service Announcement.

The Tokyo Shogun Japanese cuisine shop at the Chesterfield Towne Center Food Court serves bubble tea. Finally, a place near home that serves bubble tea. Of course, the shop offers several fruity flavors, including pineapple, mango, strawberry, and honey dew. I have not tasted all the available flavors YET, but I highly recommend the Honey Dew flavor. That old Japanese dude sure makes some mean bubble tea. Be sure to check it out (while it lasts).

I wonder if I can request for extra tapioca balls next time. Hmmmm . . .

i finally got the lyrics properly translated for the song i mentioned earlier (which you probably forgot about since it was months ago)!  it’s written by a Japanese artist, カノン (Kanon), who is actually a Christian – a RARE find in Japan.  Kanon specializes in the classical crossover genre, so if you like someone such as Sarah Brightman (like me), you’ll absolutely love her!  she’s also released covers for traditional hymns and written a few Christian songs herself.  if you’re interested in her works, feel free to let me know.

i wanted to share this song because its message and music is incredibly inspirational, and i thought it befitting for the new year, 2009.  it reminds me to keep my eyes on what’s important in life – CHRIST – to take my eyes off of this temporary world, to live in the present for the purpose of a brighter future (if that makes any sense).  oftentimes, life’s obstacles can be very disheartening, but Christ reminds us that His love is MORE THAN ENOUGH to get us through ANYTHING.  in our weakness, He makes us strong…

明日への鼓動 (Asu e no Kodou / Tomorrow’s Heartbeat)

Artist: カノン (Kanon)
Original Language: Japanese
Translation: Grace Anderson

In this world
In which thousands of miracles await
A story all your own
Is about to begin
I fight with myself
Victorious over yesterday

I make a promise for tomorrow
This overflowing passion
Sends ripples through the water
I’m living now

The power to believe
Will make you strong
You can make it through anything
Spread the wings of hope
And reach out your hand

Thousands of thoughts pile up
When I turn and look back
On this road I’ve run down
You were always there with me
Saying, “You’re not alone”
As you hugged my shoulders

Your profile
Is etched in my heart
“There’s more to life than winning”
Feel the moment

The power to believe
Will make you strong
You can make it through any night
Spread the wings of hope
Come on, reach out your hand

I can hear your heartbeat
You can be more than you are now

The power to believe
Will make you strong
You can make it through anything
Spread the wings of hope
Now reach out your hand

New:

• 2008 » Christmas
• 2008 » Thanksgiving

Updated:

• 2008 » Random

i believe that we have more pics from the Christmas service, so i’ll have them up later.  HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!!!

this one’s for our…um…neglected friend.  lol
don’t forget to wish Beni “Happy 29th Birthday!”

New:

• 2008 » Youth Sunday Premiere
• 2008 » Nazarene Centennial

Updated:

• 2008 » Random

As Made Popular by BIGBANG
Christian Lyrics by Ben & Cin
Arrangement by Allan

VERSE 1
We follow You forever like we playing a game
You’re always our celebrity, we’re always shoutin’ Your fame
We pledge allegiance to You, and for You we stay true
We always see You, when others think You’re not even visible
We’ll never be divisible, we’re well put together like leather
Even through the rains and pains, we stand tall through any weather
That comes our way, we’ll never break apart
You’re always forgiving, You keep us living, You’re always a part of our hearts
Nothing will take us or shake us apart because You make us better
Forever we’ll be a team because we belong together!
We belong together, we belong together
Forever we’ll be a team because we belong together!

CHORUS
Breathe Your Word that it would abide in me
And feed the branches of Your tree
Lord, take me back. Please, Lord, please, Lord, take me back
Who else am I gonna lean on when the times are gettin’ rough?
Who’s unrivaled grace
Can forgive my sins with love?
No one but You!
There ain’t nobody, nobody better than You, Lord
We belong together

VERSE 2
We’ll never forget You, Lord, Your love anybody can afford
We got honor for You, like samurai warriors with their swords
But we don’t have to pain for You to show You we have love
Even though we can’t see it, we’ll always know when give You us a hug
It’s plain to see we love You truly, we’re meant to be
You’re impossible to forget, so You’re never just a little memory
Never are we enemies, we’re friends with no signs of an end
We can imagine Your looks, but Your beauty is no pretend
Don’t have to see it to believe it, You’ll always have our full trust
We’ll never hide our pride, we’ll never keep You on a hush
Forever with You, we know for sure there will never be nobody better
Can’t imagine life without You, because we belong together

REPEAT CHORUS

ENDING x2
We’ll never break apart, we’ll always be together
Your spiritual food is always here, You keep us fed forever
We promise to You, our bond will stay strong like super glue
Because You keep our souls comfortable, like Nike shoes

]]> http://shuohometataemasu.wordpress.com/2008/11/15/forever-with-you-christian-ver-live/feed/ 4 ゼラ g Forever With You (Christian Ver.) (26 Oct 2008) As Made Popular by BIG BANG. Performance by Marany, Ben, Cin, & Allan. [Recorded 10.26.08]