Friday, March 25, 2011

Walking the Dog


Things seemed much more normal this week.

The trains are operating and we haven't had very many big earthquakes or aftershocks lately. People are out walking their dogs and it feels like there is a sense of calmness in Shinjuku. Those of us who work are starting to get back to our regular work schedules.

It's the end of the fiscal year end for most companies here in Japan and it's also a time to start planning for the new fiscal year starting in April. It's going to be a very different year than the last. But it could turn out to be much better in the end...you never know!

Hope all of you have a lovely weekend!

Take a look at more beautiful skies all around the world here.



I've been asked by a couple of friends and fellow bloggers how they could help Japan. If you'd like, take a look at this blog post at Todd's Wanderings. He has a really great list of Japanese organizations you can contribute to. I very much appreciate you keeping all of us in Japan in your thoughts. Thank you!

26 comments:

  1. What kind of camera are you using?

    Have a fabulous weekend.

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  2. Kiki, my camera is a Sony Cybershot :-D

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  3. I am glad things are settling down a bit for you in your new home.
    Lovely light in this shot.

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  4. kind of symbolical photo of a better future. i love the sunset at the end of the photo. hope everything will be well :)

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  5. Wow. This photo really says there is hope.

    Sending love to you and people in Japan.

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  6. This looks so... normal but then a dog needs his walk. Lovely sky. I hope your weekend is calm and happier.

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  7. Normal is good! Lovely skies Kaori. Have a good weekend!

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  8. I'm curious is to why most companies in Japan use March as the end of their fiscal year?

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  9. «Louis» is pleased to read that things are beginning to resume something of a normal pace for some in Japan.

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  10. this is a poignant shot kaori,
    i could never get these purplish/orange sky here, don't know why, only in Japan i guess. ^0^

    i hope the days ahead would get better, stay strong dear.
    happy weekend!

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  11. It is so nice to hear good news in Japan, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. To see you photo is a reminder that amidst all the calamities in our life hope and calmness will come through. Happy weekend!

    Sky Watch Friday

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  12. A beautiful sky! Stay safe and have a nice weekend.

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  13. everyday-ness. how wonderful to see. thank you ! please have a good start into the weekend.


    daily athens

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  14. We have our own natural disasters here - blizzards that can dump over 1 meter of snow in a few hours, tornadoes, and wildfires (yesterday 8,500 homes were evacuated just 20 miles from our house for a wildfire). But the very idea of a major earthquake is very strange to me, and a tsunami would be simply impossible at our elevation of 2,286 meters above sea level. I'm glad to hear that things are getting back to normal in your area, and my prayers go out for those who have lost their lives and loved ones in this terrible disaster.

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  15. Thank you for the comments, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful friday :-D


    Cafe Pasadena, I'm don't know for certain but I've heard that the government started off with a Jan-Dec fiscal year but changed it because everyone is so busy before/after New Years Day. Our fiscal year has started in April since the Meiji era...possibly to accomodate the farmers rice planting schedule, as they were a big part of the economy then. I'll have to look into it!

    Al, I remember the wildfires you had out west from last year. The way the fire spreads is really terrifying. I hope it doesn't spread to your area and that everyone is safe.

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  16. I like this evening photo of the woman and her dog with a lovely sky!
    So glad to hear that life is feeling more normal again! Subarashi desu ne!

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  18. A brief answer about fiscal and school years in Japan might be that, historically, Japan followed a kind of Chinese-style calendar. Remember how the Chinese New Year celebrations always begin quite a bit later than January first.

    In more detail, this about the Japanese school year beginning in April:

    “However, apart from the usual theory that the current system is designed to match the fiscal year, another theory holds that it begins in April because Japanese people have such a close affinity for the seasons, and many people feel that spring, the season of new growth and colored by flowers, is the most fitting time to start new things.” (Answers by Kishiko Saito, Cultural News Department) From here.

    As one can see from this Wikipedia article on the Japanese calendar, prior to 1873 Japan had a lunisolar calendar adapted from the Chinese calendar. This is from the above article on the Japanese calendar:

    “April 1

    “The first day of April has broad significance in Japan. It marks the beginning of the government's fiscal year.[3] Many corporations follow suit. In addition, corporations often form or merge on that date. In recent years, municipalities have preferred it for mergers. On this date, many new employees begin their jobs, and it is the start of many real-estate leases. The school year begins on April 1.”

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  19. A very beautiful photo with a calm mood. I'm glad that this week felt more normal again although I think it will take a long time back to real normal.

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  20. It's good to see and hear of some normalacy going on in Japan. I'm wishing you peace.

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  21. This is a very calm and peaceful shot. I like how the lady seems paused in her walk and the pink glow in the distance is so pretty.
    I am glad that things are settling down and everyday things are returning to normal. It has veen a terrible and disasterous time for many. All the best.
    Cheers.
    Melbourne Daily Photo

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  22. We have included your blog in our guide Around The World.

    The guide is both a record of old blogs and a listing of new blogs. Although originally arising from the "City Daily Photo Blog" lists this is an independent publication. Inclusion here does not imply that a blog qualifies for nor is officially a CDPB. Our criteria are that photographs mainly from and related to a specific geographical location (not necessarily a "city" but usually more specific than a whole country or region) are posted at dated intervals (not necessarily daily) and archives are kept which are readily searchable by date.

    Please keep us informed of any changes to your details.

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  23. How nice to walk the dog in such beautiful light and colours!
    Good to hear life is starting to get back to normal :)

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  24. Yup, normal is good most of the time. That's a lovely pastel sky to enjoy while walking one's dog.

    [Don't credit me with historical knowledge, Kaori. :-D Many times I do a little research before posting my photos to give the story a bit of depth. I learn, and perhaps my visitors learn. :-) I don't have as much time for blogging as I'd like to, though and am missing visiting my favorite blogging friends, like you, on a more regular basis.]

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