Well, life continues in Japan at least, in the form of visiting the Zushi beach, finally seeing Kamakura's Giant Buddha, trying dog meat and getting to watch Shikoku-style dance at Koenji's awaodori festival.

Of the first experience, I'll say it was a little more than humbling to be in the presence of such an enormous statue that has somehow, in this earthquake-ridden land, managed to stand the test of time for nearly a thousand years. The day became stormy as we entered the grounds, so the air was still and grey and the buddah's presence was powerful.

Of the second, it was strange and a little morally confusing and somewhat unpalatable, but it was interesting to experience Korean culture in poorly-touted-Okubo, a part of Tokyo often condemned by some Japanese for its large population of "dangerous* foreigners, namely Koreans. I don't believe dog meat is legal in Japan, but we were told by our acquired Korean guide at Shin-Okubo station that it can be found at essentially any Korean restaurant in Okubo especially since it's a popular summer dish. She ordered the food for us, then, and we proceeded to ask myriad questions in Japanese to make sure we were getting what we thought we wanted, I guess. In an online editorial of sorts I found some extra information about the custom:

"Because dog meat is technically illegal in Korea, you'll never find it on a menu per se. Instead, you have to keep a keen eye out for what is called poshintang, or "tonic soup." Particularly popular in the summer, during the dog days of the Chinese calendar between July 19 and August 18, poshintang is alleged to make men more "vital." Even putting a drop of the soup on your foot is supposed to make you stronger. Dog soup tends to attract men of a certain age, the same ones lapping up Viagra the world over." - John Feffer, The Politics of Dog, 3 June 2002

So needless to say I've done it and don't feel any more or less vital, nor do I feel that it was an overly morally reprehensible act. Just strange, and likely never to be repeated.

Of the third, it was exhilirating; there was so much joy and facial expression to be seen . . I had a fantastic evening, except I didn't change the shutter speed on my camera, so this picture is stolen off another site. The dance style is quick and flashy, and the different parade groups were comprised of seemingly every dempgraphic. Wao.