I'm back from Japan!

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Fri Dec 11, 2009 18:16 -0700

We had an amazing time. Besides Tokyo, we trained down to Hiroshima to see the Peace Park, Miyajima across the bay (but saw no monkeys), and Himeji to see the castle.

We had a wonderful time thanks to the Savannah College of Art and Design.

We even got a glimpse of Miyazaki's new project, but was told to keep it under wraps. Ghibli would not tell us its title because the official announcement will not be made until December 17.

Post by **Maka** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 5:40 -0700

Welcome back Stan,

Sounds like a great working vacation. I hope you will have the time to write up one of your wonderful trip summaries. I think it is amazingly cool that your profession, work ethic, and talent has led to opportunities to travel on others' dime.

Best of luck adjusting back to the west coast time and wrapping up 2009.

Peace, maka

Fanfan · Post by **Fanfan** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 10:42 -0700

Maka wrote:Welcome back Stan,

Sounds like a great working vacation. I hope you will have the time to write up one of your wonderful trip summaries. I think it is amazingly cool that your profession, work ethic, and talent has led to opportunities to travel on others' dime.

Best of luck adjusting back to the west coast time and wrapping up 2009.

Peace, maka

Yes, it is very great to see some karma return, Stan gave us all so much, that is great to know such a nice person, such a great artist, sometimes has such opportunities, somekind of some cool feedback.

Welcome back Stan, i am waiting too a trip summary, perhaps in a comic story form ?

Post by **Steve Hubbell** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 10:48 -0700

Maka wrote:I think it is amazingly cool that your profession, work ethic, and talent has led to opportunities to travel on others' dime.

I think it is amazingly cool that your professionalism, work ethic, and talent has led to opportunities where you are asked to teach others who also want to work in the comics field.

Congradulations, Sensei!

coolray85 · Post by **coolray85** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 14:21 -0700

it is koool..indeed;)...welcome back, sensei!
looking forward for a trip summary sometime when you've had a moment to rest....
I am too unfamilliar with japan's culture and tokyo's monuments and places as to understand your remarks about monkeys and stuff comparable, but it sounds funny to me and it sounds like fun for you...so I am learning by reading about your trips as well....

Fanfan · Post by **Fanfan** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 15:01 -0700

About the monkeys I thought the best time to see them the was early in the morning. Have you enjoyed to go at the top with the cable ?

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Sat Dec 12, 2009 19:02 -0700

Fanfan wrote:About the monkeys I thought the best time to see them the was early in the morning. Have you enjoyed to go at the top with the cable ?

Yes. We took the two cable cars then walked the last two kilometers or so to the top. We were told all the monkeys had gone back to live in the forest, now that there were only a few tourists about. My father had warned me not to stare at the monkeys in the eyes, or they could attack you.

Krogu · Post by **Krogu** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 15:57 -0700

Im curious, is Japan expensive?

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Sun Dec 13, 2009 17:56 -0700

Krogu wrote:Im curious, is Japan expensive?

It can be expensive. However, it can be relatively inexpensive if you look hard enough and settle for a cheaper experience. We ate at $100+ a meal restaurants, and we also ate noodles under the railroad track for $5. Transportation can be expensive, so we got a rail pass before going. Two nights at our hotel in Hiroshima cost about the same as one night in the Ginza.

Stormhaven · Post by **Stormhaven** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:25 -0700

Stan-san, I was reading your Live Journal page when I came across the picture of the mystery animal you saw in Hiroshima. I did a little digging and I think I might have a positive identification - could it have been an anaguma?

I found some nice pictures online for reference: http://ojisanjake.blogspot.com/2008/06/ ... adger.html

Thank you for the pictures and the blog(s) of your trip to Japan, it makes me want to return to visit family again soon (it's been ten years for me!)

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 7:53 -0700

Thank you, Stormhaven. Yes, that is it.

We had asked one person walking up the path what it was and he told us it was a "dobutsu", which was no help because that just means "animal".

Stormhaven · Post by **Stormhaven** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:12 -0700

My pleasure! I'm a sucker for small mysteries like that one

I was re-reading some of your older posts and saw that you were in Austin March of 2009 for a weekend con - will you be revisiting the area again this year?

Stan Sakai · Post by **Stan Sakai** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:23 -0700

I won't be at Staple this year, but my good friend and excellent artist Guy Davis will be their guest. If you like BPRD, The Marquis, Sandman Mystery Theater, or Baker Street, go down to meet him.

Stormhaven wrote:My pleasure! I'm a sucker for small mysteries like that one

I was re-reading some of your older posts and saw that you were in Austin March of 2009 for a weekend con - will you be revisiting the area again this year?

johnnyjagwani · Post by **johnnyjagwani** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 10:26 -0700

welcome back and a happy new year too.. Stan tell us, are there any of us fans ideas, from the 'wishlist of 2010'; that sounds any good to you?

tru2gzus · Post by **tru2gzus** » Sun Jan 03, 2010 18:08 -0700

Welcome back! Glad you had a safe trip. It sounds like it was a great time. Probably all refreshed and thankful for a less stressful 2010 with the anniversary now complete. Thanks for a FANTASTIC 2009 with all the great things that came with the 25 year celebration! We are all officially spoiled with your generosity and kindness! DOMO ARIGATO!

Usagi Yojimbo DojoBoard

I'm back from Japan!

I'm back from Japan!

Was it an Anaguma?