American Gaijin

These pictures were taken between the end of July and the middle of August 2005 in Japan. They document Marc and Matthew's first trip abroad.

Izakaya in Wakayama City. First night and first beer in Japan. Very cool shrine in Shingu called Hatayama. Us at Hatayama Shrine after giving prayers and offerings to kami-sama. Tea set at dojo. Matt(chew)-san performing tea ceremony. Fountain at Nachi-san Waterfall Temple. Shinto shrine: Nachitaisha. Marc and Matthew under the torii gate at Nachi-san. Marc = Bodhisattva? Take. Just like home: "Where's my discu?" Nachi-san. Japan's tallest waterfall. About to try raw tuna (Maguro) for the first time. Will it be good? Oishi! Delicious! What raw sea creature will Marc choose? Meiji Shrine. Ayako and Marc appearing studious. Ayako, Marc, Matthew, and Nick at the Meiji Shrine. Us at a mom and pop Izakaya in Shibuya, Tokyo. A lovely pond flower. Marc, Elise, Chika, Emiri, and Matthew in Nishi-Ogikubo, Tokyo. Emiri and Nick enjoying themselves. Some kicks along Nakamise-Dori in Asakusa, Tokyo. Gaijin on the Shinkansen (bullet train), Tokyo to Osaka....rapidly. Matthew and Nick eating Okinomyaki in Osaka. Oishi! More evidence of Kushumoto's firework dominance over Arcata. Matthew practicing Shodo. Marc practicing Shodo. Perception Kayaks: Represent! Boats along the shore. Gaijin convoy; into the Heart of Darkness... Quiet moment amongst silent rocks. On top of said rock. Prepare for immediate departure... Oh s--t! Lost in translation. Nicely hammered with Kamei and Waka. Our bartender and "Leather Ramon" inpersonator. Living the good life. New friends and old habits. Risa, Kyoko, Tomomi, Matthew, David, Nick, and Marc at Hongu Shrine Biggest torii in Japan. Another delicious home-cooked dinner. Risa, Kyoko, and Tomomi. Gokiburi. When two cultures meet. Eri, Matthew, Nick, Kyoko, Marc, and Risa. Matthew, Koniko, Nick, Kyoko, Marc, and Risa high above the river. Professional shodo? The coolest bar in Katsuura. Keith Hamilton Designs International? Tomo and Nick. Matthew and Waka. Kamei double fistin'. The After All crew after hours. A trip to Myoho jinja for lunch and a view of Katsuura from above. The enlightened one at Myoho. "Marc and Matthew were here" in Japanese. Time for some karaoke. Did the sign give you other ideas? Matthew laying it down smooth.