Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

Hello together,

yesterday we had our second Sumo Tour and it was really totally cool! ^^

We were a big group with around 30 people and everyone was ready to have a great Sumo tournament day :)

Like the last time, we headed together to Kokugikan Arena in Ryogoku, walked along Sumida-gawa and the weather was really so nice to us.

Yeah, after around 40 minutes walk with the best views, we arrived at Kokugikan Arena, where the beautiful coloured flags of the wrestlers welcomed us. ^^

Of course, we had to take a group picture there together! :D

After entering in the Arena, we eat chanko nabe, the traditional stew of the sumo wrestlers to build up strength. It's really healthy, tastes delicious and has much protein in it. While the last Sumo Tour, it was with curry flavour, this time it was sesame & salty flavour. Was so yummy! ^^

Feeling like little wrestlers after eating this delicious Sumo stew, we went to the small museum, which is inside the stadium, too, to look at the long tradition of Sumo, of ancient yokozuna and historic Sumo accessoires. Was really fascinating! ^^

And you can't imagine, how BIG this hand print was - maybe more than the double of my hand! :D

Time to get to the seats! ^^

We had a great view, I think...even we have the cheapest ones in the upper row for 2100 Yen :)

Of course, you can have seats closer to the ring - but they will cost more money (for example box seats in Japanese style on the first floor, which you can see on the picture) or the closest seats - the ringside seats for 14300 Yen per seat.

Then we watched some really interesting matches of new, younger or not so up in the rank wrestlers - but they where really exciting and thrilling! ^^

After that the second big round with the high ranked wrestlers getting started. But first, let's get them all in one ring. ^^
For me, seeing this really best Sumo wrestlers in the whole world together like this is a really big moment. I love that. ^^

Look at that, the traditional way of declaring the next round of matches is in the start. Yokozuna is in the ring. ^^

For you, I've summarized the best action pics now! ^^

This time something special happened. The referees came together in the middle of the ring to decide about an unclear match ending (who has touched the ground first?). ^^ I think, you couldn't often see that situation.

Ah..and did you know...between every fight, different singers sing the name of the wrestlers - like many Sumo Michael Buffers. ^^

Hehe, we had also two views of reality. One close real live view and a second angle view the TV Camera in the arena send out live! ^^ That was cool! :D

And there was an - was told to me - really famous older man with a golden hat. He would be famous for never missing an Sumo tournament (and maybe something more - but so sorry - I couldn't remember!) :D

Wow, time has flew by like nothing...so the fight, Steven-san and me were waiting so long, would start soon, our wrestler Baruto is entering the arena! ^^

As you can see, he didn't lost one single match the whole tournament!!! ^^
Maybe that's because our last Cheer up was so looooooouuuuuuuuud! :D

We give all for our Baruto! Really! ^^

But you surely want to know, how Barutos match has ended, right...it was so fast, but we make serial pictures for you! ^^

Great work, Baruto-san!
You give your best for Sumo and your fans. That's so great. Thank you! ^^

After this thrilling, but short match, it was time for big Yokozuna Hakuho.

Wow, how many flags there are for this match! Two rounds of flags! Every flag so much money extra to win! ^^

And then big Yokozuna wins his fight. He was really great! :)

And with the traditional bow dance, this tournament day should be over....

....so for the most people the tournament was over...but not for us. ^^

As you can read here, at our last Sumo Tour, we had a special mission. ^^

After this secret, but really soft and smiling experience, we made one last group picture and headed "home" :)

It's always great, to walk along Sumida-gawa at night (especially after a wonderful day like that ^^).

And we saw this really nice looking bird, staring at us like saying "Let me sleep now, it's dark already!" ^^

Back at the hostel, Johrel-san looks like that. I can understand. ^^
He couldn't go with us that day. Would be sad, too. ^^

Was a really great day and an experience, I don't want to miss.

So maybe you want to join our next Sumo Tour?

Just look here. Detailed dates will be updated ! ^^

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Sakura Hostel Asakusa by no means works for Apple.

But....You know what !?

Almost all staffs here are iPhone user.
Always some of us charge iPhone here.

Wait a minute......Can we distinguish instantly whose iPhone it is ??

YES !!
Each iPhone reflects our taste.
Now, I want to show you our iPhones.

So cute !!

It's Tomo's !!

Cool !!

It's Naoto's !!

Lovely Mickey !!

It's Johrel's !!

Interesting !!

It's Hiro's !!

My hero, Anpanman !!

It's Agu's !!

Skeleton !!

It's Tomoyuki's !!

Cleaning staff Egashira-san is iPhone user too !!

Which one do you vote for ?

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Speaking of Autumn in Japan,
it's the best season for reading, sports, and EATING.

Do you have a good appetite ?

　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Do you love RICE ??

In many restaurants,
you can order not only a regular size but also a large serving of rice.

Just say " Oomori (おおもり） rice please !! " if you want L-size rice.

Normally, it costs only 100 yen. Sometimes, you don't need to pay extra money.

Look at this photo !!

The left is the regular size, and the right is Oomori rice for Naoto.

Can you see how big it is !?

It's Autumn that new rice is harvested.

Why don't you satisfy your appetite with Oomori (おおもり） rice !?

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

From who ??
I took a look at the label on this package.

" Oh, it's her !! Our friend in Indonesia !! "

As a matter of fact,
we haven't met her in person. ━━Σ(`･д･´；)━━!!!

So.......How did we get to know each other ??
The answer is Twitter.
We became friends by Twitter. ♪((o(*^∇^)X(^∇^*)o)) ♪

And, the gift from her is some interesting Indonesian snacks.

Brown bars on the left side are " Dodol " which is made from durian.
The right side is the banana chips with milk, coffee, and chocolate flavors.

It tastes unique, and we enjoyed them.

ミ★(*´∀｀)v Thank you very much, Vivi-chan!! ★彡

Do you know that
Sakura Hostel Asakusa has the special offer now ?

After the Great Tohoku Earthquake on March 11,
a large number of nations and national organisations have been offering great support to Japan.

In order to show how grateful we are for all the support,
we have the special offer named " Thank You Campaign ".

This offer is valid until the stay on June 30th.

We were going to put the price back in July.
However,
we decided to give you another discount offer as a token of our gratitude.

That is " Summer Discount " !!

You can stay in a dormitory bed at 2,000 yen !!

Do you want to stay in a private room ??
The room rate is as follows.

Twin Room 7,000 yen !!
4 Bed Room 8,800 yen !!
6 Bed Room 13,200 yen !!
8 Bed Room 17,600 yen !!

It's available for the stay from July 1st to August 31st.

Save your budget, and come to Japan !!　"Y(o^Д^o)Y"

What a surprise !!

We got an award again !!
This time, Hostelworld.com gave us the award.　(･ω･ﾉﾉ"☆(･ω･ﾉﾉ"☆(･ω･ﾉﾉ"☆

What we got is .....

The guests have voted our hostel in the top ten hostels in Japan for May 2011.

Since the earthquake,
we have suffered from the sharp decrease of the guests.

Winning the award one after another at this moment raises our hope.

We will make more effort for this reputation.

GANBARI MASU.　(･c_,･｡)o"ｴｲ(･c_,･｡)o"ｴｲ(>c_,<｡)/ｵｩ!!

Since the earthquake,
the charity goods are on sale everywhere in Japan.
They sell the goods, and the proceeds are donated to the charity organization.

As a matter of fact, we also sell the charity goods.

What we sell is "WE ARE ONE" rubber bracelet !!

The price is ......Please donate as much as you like.
All proceeds will be donated to Japanese Red Cross Society.

Look !!
Sakura staffs are wearing this bracelet.

Be cool together !! ＊＞＞（●＾o＾●）＜＜*

Our sumo tour was held on Sep 15th.
This time, Naoto and Aki were in charge of sumo tour.

They went to Ryogoku with 20 guests by bus.

Before entering sumo stadium called Kokugikan, they had lunch at Chanko restaurant.
The restaurant they went is Chanko Edogawa.

<http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a232566/menu3.html>

Unfortunately, they don't have English page.
Just take a look at what Chanko is.

They were satisfied with yummy Chanko, and got in Kokugikan with happy smile.
Ring entering ceremony started around 4:00.

One of the most famouse sumo wrestler, Yokozuna Hakuho, won the match yesterday.
He succeed in 51 continuous winning so far.
Awesome !!
This record is the third in sumo history.

We have sumo tour again on Sep 22nd.
At that time, he might update his record and become the first in sumo history!?
It's going to be so exciting, isn't it?

We had farewell party for Ryoko last night.
She worked in Sakura hostel for a half year, and took charge of our staff blog.
I think you enjoyed her blog a lot.
Now, she decided to start her new life in the U.S.
She will work in Disney Land in Florida for a year!!
We believe she do a good job over there as well as in Sakura hostel.

Here are some photos we took last night.

with her best friend Enocchi

Sakura Girls!!

We gave her message card.
Was she so happy that she couldn't help crying!?

We will miss you, Ryoko!!
Come to see us when you come back to Japan!!

What are you doing Naoto??
Are you fixing the ceiling?

Ta-dah!!

Do you recognize what's new with our front desk??

Yes, we have WORLD TIME CLOCK now!
When you make a phone call to your family or friends while you are travelling, you may take some time to figure out the time difference.
But now, those clocks help you to find out what time at your home :D

London!

Rio de Janeiro!

New York!

Sydney!

Bankok!

It was Naoto's long-cherished dream.. and finally Benjamin made his dream come true!
Ben-chan designed those clocks. Great job!

Tokyo time?
Our Totoro clock is still here :)

Today is my last day working here.
Time flies so fast these past 6 months.
I really liked the international atmosphere here.

I'm glad to work with awesome Sakura staffs.
Everyone has interesting characteristics;
Tsuyoshi=Looks scary, but warm hearted

Naoto=Not only just a crazy fighter, but a laid back & generous guy
Tomoe=Shy and indoor image at first, but friendly, active, and surprisingly beer lover

Ebi=Sensitive guy in contrast to his wild appearance

Jack=Supportive and gentle, but keeping a gang sta mind in secret

Johrel=Fashionable and peaceful, but scared at a cockroach

Enoki=Serious and organized, at the same time, funny and hilarious

Instead of me writing this blog, new staffs, Agu and Aki will take care of it.
They'll give you lots of info about Japan from their different perspective.

I'm going to the States for a year to work as a cultural representative.
Working here at Sakura gave me good opportunity to share my own culture
and customs with guests from all over the world.

This place is the second home for guests, but for me at the same time.

I'll definitely stop by sometimes to say hello.

See you then!! Muah!!

"Himonoya" is such a nice Izakaya restaurant.
It's just 8 mins walk from the hostel.
It delivers a nice interior design, together with all the classics of Japanese izakaya food,
like yakitori, grilled fish, salads, etc., and a wide variety of drinks.

We played interesting masks that were hanged on the wall.
I can't tell the difference between Enoki and this funny mask.

Tomoe and Johrel

Haha, Ben chan. You look like Namahage.

Namahage= A person dressed as scary looking demon, and scare young children
in the houses to encourage them to obey their parents and to behave.

Hit the Taiko (Japanese drum) to call the servers

Naoto loves to go there during lunch time.
Lunch menu is just 580~680yen includes main dish, miso soup, Rice and natto (sticky beans).
You can get rice and natto as much you can.
Naoto always has at least 2 rice bowls and 2 natto packs.
That's why he gains 2kg recently. lol

Their size of beer mug is quite amazing!! That's HUGE!!

Even though you are good at chugging a beer like this guy, you would have hard time.

Himonoya is our paradise!!!

''What is your blood type?''

Westerners might think that this question sounds a little bit creepy.
However, for Japanese people, blood types carry significance and are similar to horoscopes.
Each person with a certain blood type are commonly known to have specific
characteristics and traits.
There are four blood types: A, B, O and AB.
If you don't know your blood type, Japanese people will be shocked.

According to the blood type assessment,
A-type people are regarded as calm, polite, responsible, sensitive,

Type A Enoki

Type A Ebi

but also they are perfectionists, anxious, nervous and over cautions.

Type A Ryoko

B-type people are strong, creative, outgoing, optimistic, flexible,
more laid-back who do things at their own pace, but eccentric and selfish.

Type B Jack

O-type people are curious, generous, romantic and tolerant.

Type O Tomoe

Type O Johrel

Type O Naoto & Ben chan

They love to be the center of attention and appear very self confident.
They don''t always finish what they start.

AB-type people have both types of A and B, so they are shy and outgoing,

Tsuyoshi B side
They easily switch from one opposite to another.

Tsuyoshi A side
They are trustworthy and responsible, but can't handle it when too much is asked of them.

Most Japanese are type A while most Westerners are type O.

The reason why Japanese like linking blood types to personality is that
Japanese are group-oriented.
Japanese do not like to be isolated to do things differently from others.
They are fond to stick together: eating, working, or traveling in a group.
Being with people of the same ''blood'' gives them a kind of carefreeness and joy.

Are you getting interested knowing your blood type???

We are ready for tonight's Rakugo show.
Rakugo is a Japanese traditional verbal comedy show.

Carrying the Tatami mattress.

Setting up the stage

The stage is completed!

Next, set up the microphone,

Pretending as we are rock star!

Now, everything is completed!
We are so ready for the show!!

2 big reasons

One of the reasons is Japan's victory!!!!
Japan knock off Denmark.
Shibuya was filled with enthusiastic supporters all night long.
I was so excited after watching the game.
I just stayed up and came to work directly.
Now I feel exhausted...

That means I'm not young enough huh? lol

But the most reason I couldn't sleep is because of......

iPhone 4!!!!

The new iPhone 4 was just released yesterday!

I was standing in line for getting the new iPhone 4. I took the last train to go to Akihabara,
and waited for 10 hours. Some people were already in line 3 days ago. That's insane!
Only 100 people could get the phone on that day.
The 3rd person behind me wasn't able to get it. I was so luckey!

But there is one problem.
I just start having iPhone, so that everything is new to me.
I don't know how to send an e-mail, transfer my old data, and set up a ringtone.
I spent so much time just figure it out.
There is no direction provided, so I have to search everything online.
This is hard for old type guy like me.
somebody, anybody... HELP ME.

I definitely go to “Alcatraz ER.” to get charged by my nurses.

The Japanese anthem, 君が代 (Kimi ga yo) has the oldest (9th century) lyrics,
It was written to praise the Emperor system of Japan.
And also it is the one of the world's shortest national anthems.

The lyrics of Kimi ga yo:

Kimi ga yo wa / Chiyo ni yachiyo ni / Sazare ishi no /
Iwao to nari te / Koke no musu made.

English translation:

May the reign of the Emperor/ continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations
and for the eternity / that it takes for small pebbles /to grow into a great rock
/and become covered with moss.

Let's listen with melody.
http://www.lyrics5.com/videos.html?vid=-L4C4b0RitY

By the way, do you know the world's oldest national anthem
though the words of the Japanese national anthem (not the music)
date back to the 9 th century?

The answer is...

Holland!
Their national anthem music was made in 1572.
The melody of Japanese anthem was added in the late 19th century.
Holland's national anthem, ''Het Wilhelmus'''s Wilhelmus is Germany actually.
Does anyone know why Germany is appeared on the Holland's national anthem???

So tomorrow, you should focus on listening both Japan & Holland's national anthem.

Even though Holland has the oldest national anthem music,
we have 2 world's record (oldest & shortest lyrics).
That means, we already beat you up! lol

Well, our hope is that we can get a draw.

Go go Japan!!

Naoto ordered a Crocs patterned on Brazil soccer team color, and it's arrived!
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2010/05/crocs_crocband_nationshoes_support_2010_world_cup_teams.html

I wanna get it so bad. It is the coolest Crocks I've ever seen.

And it suits for Brazil soccer uniform!

Tsuyoshi got national uniforms, and all staff wear them for FIFA world cup next week!!!

England!

Argentina!

Brazil!

Cameroon!

Portugal !

Spain!

Germany!

France!

We are waiting for your arrival with passionate heart.

Last night, we had a futsal.
People from Sakura Hotel, Hostel, and Sakura House got together and play.

Group Picture~

Tsuyoshi, Naoto, Johrel, and Kevin teamed up.

Cheers with beer

Run, Johrel, Run!

Johrel is stretching and getting ready for the next half match.

The game ended in a 3-3 tie.
Good job guys!

By the way, Naoto hasn't had sore muscles by yesterday's futsal so far.
If he gets sore tomorrow, that means he's turning to Oyaji (old men) lol.

May sickness happens after you've accomplished a major goal,
such as a school entrance, or if you've just gotten a new job.
It also happens when the relationship that started in spring time doesn't work out.
Or when you feel disconnect between ideal and reality.

The symptoms include lethargy, apathy, and even a mind depression.

Sakura Hostel got 2 infected patients.

While Tomoe and Ebichan is working hard core...

These sickies are playing games.

Tsuyoshi: I feel lethargic...

Naoto: I don't feel like doing anything~.

They are infected with the May sickness even though they are not a freshman anymore.
Work hard, men.

One morning, we got a strange parcel wrapped around black plastics.
I was wondering what if ｔhe bomb is rigged inside the box...

Surprisingly, the beautiful fancy box was shining in the parcel.
There were 3 different kind of confectioneries, chocolates, candies, and jellies.

It was from a nice French dude, Julian!
Everyone looks gorgeous!

merci beaucoup

Yaaay! Time for changing a door knob!

Nice and tidy looks.
Good job, Tsuyoshi.

The biggest japanese Kick boxing fight will be held on the 2nd of May in Tokyo.

Actually, the tickets are almost sold out!!
Because there are many kick boxing organization and champion in Japan.
They never fight each other except K-1 MAX, that's why all kick boxing fans wanna buy the ticket.
Don't worry, you can check on TV Sakura Hostel on the 2nd of May @25:50-27:50 (mid night) !!!

Otsuki Haruaki is one of my favorite kick boxers.
He's gonna fight on that day!! Don't miss it !!
Check out how strong his punch is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1zO10nadf0&feature=related

They can sleep anywhere.
Naoto had such a long day...

It's been a week since Yuri left the hostel. We had a farewell party for her last week at a cozy Korean restaurant in Asakusa.
It's very rare to get together and have dinner like we did last week.

We sure had a great time getting together outside of work.

We gave her dish sets as a wedding gift.

Last night, she sent us an email with a photo.

Look, she's already making use of our gift!　（＾o＾）/
The meal looks so good! I didn't know Yuri can cook.

Anyway, we are happy for her and hope that they have a great life together.
Come visit us anytime, Yuri, the staff and our guests are waiting for you☆☆

This morning, she gave us some candies to us when she left:)

She gave us two different tastes.
I wanted to have lemmon flavor's one.
So, I took it.
Then, Naoto suddenly grabbed my arm and took it...:(

Poor me.

What are our staff doing on their days off?
Let's take a look at Naoto's days off.

Naoto went for fishing with his friend♪

What kind of fish is that, Naoto?

Naoto: It's called Raigyo (Ophicephalus maculatus) and people eat them in South Korea.

He got two!!

It's not rare that Naoto is doing something weired
but what do you think he is doing?

It seems he is trying to find something under the vending machine.

He knew that there are many coins:)
He said it came to about 1200 yen in total!

We put those money here↓↓

Thank you for your cooperation:P

Before, we had a chaos in the office.

Who made this chaos?

Of course, Naoto did.　　↓↓↓
　　

This morning, Tsuyoshi completed his masterpiece on the wall.

It is very kind and has guidelines for Naoto to know where everything should be put back.

One day I came here to work, I found some guns on the table.
Everytime guests leave something, it's gonna be our toys for a while.

Especially, Naoto...

Have you ever seen inside of vending machines?
We have some in the lounge and we replenish sold-out stocks everyday.
This is beer machine↓↓

It seems a lot of our guests had beer last night as well:)

I wish we had an ice-cream machine here...☆

On 20th was Tsuyoshi's birthday!!
He turned to be 35 years old.
After Koji left, you became the oldest staff here.
You are our big reliable brother!

On 26th, today, is Naoto's birthday!!
He is now, 32 years old.
As he was working overnight, looked sleepy...
You are so kind to everyone, but not to me:P

Happy birthday from all of your lovely co-workers;)

How are you spending your christmas holidays?
I'll report our christmas party which was held on the last night.

First of all, we watched the movie together.
"Love Actually" is one of my fovorite one:)
Have you ever watched before?

The main part of this time was Tsuyoshi&Naoto's magic show!
When they were practicing, I saw their tricks many many times
but I could still enjoyed them;)
It was soooo funny.

Look at their mustache.
I painted it for them to be Super Mario brothers:D

Our guests also seemed enjoyed themselves.
The next year will be much trickier...I guess☆

Of course, we had a bingo game.
All could get one prize and lucky person got Yukata!
I hope they would like it.

Thank you for joining our party♪

Special Thanks to Tanaka san;)

Futon for the winter have just arrived today!
Naoto and I checked how warm it was before you sleep;)
It was pretty warm and I'm sure that you can sleep very well:)

Have a sweet dream★

This!!

Christmas is coming soon!
Good job,Naoto;)

Some people decorete their home so gorgeously,
as if they are competing with each other especially in residential districts.

If you take trains at night, you might find them.

What are you doing, Naoto?

It looks fun;)

I think we can find out soon what you did♪

Look at this evidence photo.

These two drawers are Naoto's.
They never close to the end because they are too full.

All of us except for Naoto have only one drawer for each. Only he has two because his first drawer was too full and he needed another one.

Look at the evidence photo No. 2.

This is our time clock with Naoto's card still in it. He always leaves his card there after he punched it, and the next person has to take it out and put it back to his place.

Super untidy guy Naoto and his super patient friends.

Let's gonna be strong !!

Hello! I'm naoto
I'm crazy to watch fighting sports (Pride,K-1,boxing,karate....everything!)
In Japan we have a lots of martial arts karate, judo, kendo, aikido....etc
also I have been learning Brazilian ju-jutsu for 2years
You can watch the fight on the TV quite often
but If you would like to go to studium to see the game
or maybe you have a plan to learn martial arts in japan
I'll help you to get a ticket and look for your best DOJO !! (Academy & Gym)