JaJ IX FujiQ-Jungle Of Machines

FujiQ
This is Summer Holiday time in Japan, when most of the offices are closed for a week. Japanese friends working in around Urban area go back on vacation to family homes in small towns. And few go on treasure hunting at places like Fujiq Highland, Izu Beaches etc.
For us it has been on cards to visit the Jungle of machine-Fuji Q Highland, a home to Worlds` select Fastest and Furious Rides, unique Horror Theme Hospital, 4D Rides and theme park specially for Kids-Thomas Land.
This time we go storyboard way, which I guess will match to your taste.

At least few week before we make booking for our Bus and Tickets to FujiQ..We deicede to make it on 9th August, the start of Summer Holiday, know we are in danger of Crowded roads, and thousands of people going to make queues longer...but we take the chance.

In Japan we search on web portals like www.hyperdia.com for train schedules and best routes.

My search says best way is to catch the train at 06:18, for Shinjuku, from where we take direct bus for Fujiq.

I start day at 04:15, get ready...Camera....action. Here I reach my station Nagatsuta, sharp 06:17, I should get in Denentoshi sen/Line.

I reach Shibuya, clock shows 06:58, now I should change the line what we called "Norikae", an inevitable devil.
I get on JR Yamanote sen, is one of Tokyo's busiest and most important commuter rail lines. Running as a circle, it connects most of Tokyo's major stations. Trains run from about 4:30 am to about 1:20 am at intervals of 2.5 minutes at peak time. A complete loop takes 61 to 65 minutes.

I makes for Bus counter at 07:30, and collects the ticket ..Can you believe it-we use the Cell Phone number to check and identify person we have booked the service? As I said earlier no one doubts anyone else’s` honesty here.

Here is bus we ride, departure 08:10, we depart on right time...Things have been on right track so far. We were hopeful it goes as plan. We are scheduled for return bus at 21:15. Need to cover Major rides..Dodonpa, eejyanaika, Fujiyama, Pizzala, Ghost Hospital, Paniclock and series many small Rides.

Bus ride was nice, it also gave me time to finish out with lot of Podcasts I had wished to listen....my friends were already in Dreamland...Come on Guys Wake up, we reached Fujiq.

At the First Glimpse of Jungle ahead, see Kiran almost made mind to resign, said "No man I just cant do It"…kidding. We are behind schedule, but yes Happy to see a Sunny day; remind you weather around Fuji san-the famous mountain has been always dynamic, though not completely unpredictable. Weather once played Foul play, during our trek to Fuji san, last year.
We decide to ride Dodonpa first..its my favorite! Dodonpa, 170 feet tall, 106.9 mph. Opened in 2001, it was then the world's fastest roller coaster. As of 2007 it is the 3rd Fastest in the world, and manufactured by S& S power.

..can you see? Sky is certainly clear, and a perfect Sunny day. isnt it? There you go wrong. we are in queue for 1 and half hour. Dodonpa chanting hammering ears loudly as we get closer to ride…we are almost in...next round about to carry us Ride of the year....did you hear it? its Thunder…and what...All trips cancelled till thunders stop...Oh No. weather fouled again! We have been given Priority tickets, so that we need not stand in long queue again...slight consolation, though it was sour.
I Rate: ?/10
Now it’s raining heavily, there are 6000 people equally unhappy for having spoiled the very first day of Summer Holidays.

We located Paniclock the ride, continues in thunder, and stops only on heavy showers...Its great fun, though not a sense freezing thriller. It goes rotating you 360 clockwise as well as anti clockwise.
Video:
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=jr8z6KiQOAw&NR=1
I Rate: 6/10

Rains at its peak, deadly thunders occupying the scene, and entire Fujiq is standstill. By this time people reaching Fujiq reaches 10000, now all made to stick to their seats in huge a Restaurant.
Now 2 hours past, Rains and Thunders still testing our patience! …Its 17:30 now...last 6:30 hrs we could just make 1 ride! But there’s silver lining, rain has wiped out 3/4th of the crowd, and now almost all Attractions up and running...

We are getting in top gear as we go Haunted Hospital...a very nice theme..we group of 3 given a torch and asked to follow the arrows inside a 3 story dark Hospital. Let me be frank, at few points I was damn terrified. At one room where, a group of Japanese girls was frizzed out of fear, and there on they followed us. Was worth spending 35 mins in this Hospital, though not horrified at all time, was nicely themed and timed by acting Ghosts..nevethless Girls made the experience more horrifying, who were screaming on just flash of their own torch, as they stand in front of mirror!

I Rate: 7/10

On way back we could immediately ride on Red Tower...60m height, moves you at 65km/hr and exposing you to 4Gto -1G....was thrilling experience! This reminded me of bungee jump, which also expose one to similar condition. We went up. ..up and up. Storing the scenic beauty of Fuji san, and entire landscape of Fujiq..and suddenly there’s Free fall..damn exciting experience.

Video:
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUXEGumK7zk&NR=1

I Rate: 6/10

Dodonpa is still not running! we go to King of Costers Fujiyama.
When it was opened in 1996 it was the world's tallest roller coaster (259 feet), was the world's first "hyper-twister" roller coaster, and had the largest drop in the world (235 feet). Both records have since been broken. Its one of great ride of the day so far...Its little Rough, and fast enough to steal ones` senses, too furious...turns are very sharp, and yes its little jerky; most of time I felt that I am going get stuck with Rods and beams around, needles to mention, its one of safest ride.

We were at the Peak of ride on just perfect moment it was Sunset around..Redish and Bluish shades were such perfectly merged, which might pose challenge for an artist to replicate! Unfortunately no Image to share, as one need to transfer all belongings
to a locker before getting in ride.
You can feel the thrill seeing this Video:
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=tT1tNG98qAM&feature=related
I Rate: 9/10

And Now comes Eejanaika, 249 feet tall, 78.3 mph. Opened in 2006, it is only the second "4th Dimension roller coaster" ever built . As a "4th dimension" roller coaster its seats can rotate 360 degrees forward or backward in a controlled spin, thus allowing Eejanaika to invert 14 different times, even though the actual track inverts only three times. It surpasses the first built "4th dimension" roller coaster, X², in both height and speed. Its mind blowing...its really tough to catch in words...Thrilled and Furious! If you come to Japan..you must take ride on this machine!
Feel the thrill and 4D impact:
http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=4kMARGNfHfU
I Rate: 10/10

Now time for Tondemina- Swift and Thrilling...180degree turn along with twisting effect is a memorable moment. Very nice ride! And Best part is there’s almost no waiting! So there every reason to get in it!
Video:
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=uuFp1qYSYy8&feature=related
I Rate: 8/10

Time for-Great Zaboon. Can you imagine a raft carrying 20people go through water sprout into a waterfall! Fortunately we could make for Last ride of Great Zaboon! Moment rat hits water, there is splash of water, which people says is outstanding (unfortunately I missed it, was looking front than top)
I Rate: 6/10

Its 8:15 now..we still can afford some time, riding few more small attractions. Though not as trilling as Fujiyama, but worth riding. Friends even didn’t skip few rides meant of children. Watch him! Can you see other guy trying to avoid being in picture below??


Now guys goes to Mad mouse-small ride, and I breaks apart and heads for Omiyage- Sweets which I will be distributing to my collogues. It’s Japanese Custom to get the Omiyage from places one visits.
Its 21:10, my bus is waiting, we have few take away to eat. Bus ride was nice, as roads were clear. We reached Shinjuku back 22:40, a perfect day! The rain which we thought to have spoiled the day, had actually Made the day for us. We could cover most of the Top attractions at Fujiq. I Hope I will be at this place again sometime next year!
Do get back with suggestions! Special Thanks to Sachin for suggesting Story board!
-JaJ

List of Attractions at Fujiq:
http://www.fuji-q.com/fuji-q-en/main/top10-03.htm

JaJ Speaks VII- Japanese Drama!

Are you fade up of Glorified Sas Bahu Sops, which continues year after another, and inevitably fails to keep you involved…..Then here is option for you-Japanese Drama. If it is of any interest to you, do carry on..otherwise its going to be too OFFBIT for you.

Unlike Indian Sops Japanese Drama last just 10-12 Episodes which surely keep one much more involved and keep the Momentum going. I believe that TV serials are reflection of Society; it’s litmus of Social Taste, Genre. Being in Individualistic society it’s but obvious to have Self centric people at the center of Japanese Drama.
My recent views were – Densha Ototko and Hotaru no Hikari.

Before having review of Densha Otoko, let me share few facts about Japanese Lifestyle. As most of us knows these people are damn hardworking. Boys or Gals have virtually no difference at work places. No wonders after working for 13-14 hours there is no PERSONL LIFE for Japanese youngsters, neither the time to establish the social circleｓ. So these people immerse them self in Pachincos-Gaming stations, Managa-Japanese Cartoon comics, Animation. Having separated from parents since Highschool days, most of them don’t have anybody to share their thoughts, their feeling. So few of them gets crazy, about Fantasy of Comic world/Animation-and those people called as Otaku. Otakus form dark side of Capsule generation of Japan; Who are in anxious, shy and live in their own world, as if no body else exists in the universe; nerdy looking men who hang out at Akihabara (the famous electronics area in Tokyo) all the day, who are obsessed with video games and computers.

Densha Otoko is story of an Otaku, who fell in love with a Composed and Rich girl. This drama was big hit all across Japan. Supposedly True story was being aired in 2005, which happens in Tokyo backdrop.


So hero of the story is an Otaku 23 year old. Yamada (Atsushi Ito), who helps Saori (Misaki Ito) from a drunken person, harassing her. Saori sends him Pair of Hermes cup as gesture of being thankful, and this lays plot for the love story.

Saori has lived overseas and has great sense of sophistication and an appealing personality. On the way back home, in a train, Saori gets harassed by a heavily drunken man. When the drunk was about to touch her face, Yamada stands up for the lady, and gets in a quarrel. Saori gets deeply impressed at what the man did for her.
It’s her presence, which has inspired him to fight, which he never knew in his life.
Being an Otaku, he was always a receiver of hate and if at all he received, it was humiliation. But this time Saori had sent him Pair of Hermes cups. This incident stirs his mind about how to repay? And he joins an Internet Discussion board to seek help. He gets overwhelming response; so many people supporting this virtual friend who is referred as Train Man-Densha Otoko and Saori as Hermes. With suggestions from all members of discussion board, Love story passes steps after another- calling a girl, mobile phone messages, buying clothes, going on a date, holding her hand, walking her home, visiting her bedroom and its of great interest for everyone on discussion board.　Yamada does all his might to hide he being Otaku, with only motto "Have Saori to like me."
Saori equally moved by his efforts and What matters her is not money not looks but honesty, thanks to bad memories of dishonest boy friend.

Yamada, despite of being an Otaku, on back of advice of a Virtual friend group on a website, gathers courage and successfully changes himself to confess his love to Saori. His struggle to overcome his Otaku personality is too touchy. There have been various Ups and downs in the love story getting unfolded in every episode, which director uses to express intricacies of minds of Japanese youngsters. It’s needless to mention Beautiful Women finally ties a knot with Beautiful mind.

Director Takeuchi Hideki converts the ordinary love story into an extra ordinary Sop, with Dream sequences and solid acting performance by Atsushi Ito and Misaki. Eyes behind camera have been very agile, to enhance the feeling of every frame.
If you have little appetite for change this Drama is perfect bet for you!

JaJ- JaJu @ Japan VI: "Mt Fuji"

Mt Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japans tallest mountain (sea level 3766m), exceptionally Symmetric Volcanic Cone, has always been a subject of Pride, Literature,　Poems in Japan. The dormant Volcano which was last erupted in 1708, is　considered as Active with low Risk of Eruption. First ascent is　supposed to be 6th century, and the Summit was considered Sacred since ancient times, was forbidden to women until Meji era.
Now, it is considered as Hiker’s paradise, with 2,00,000 enthusiasts reaching the Summit, in which 30% are foreigners.　

So after having tiring work schedules for few months, very much needed break was on cards... there comes NATSU YASUMI-SUMMER HOLIDAY, which generally as long as a　week. "Have you been to Mt Fuji?" was a questioned asked many times by various Japanese friends, which sparked lot of excitement and curiosity about this Volcano. And I made one more item in To Do wish list coming true this week.　

Having mercury rising to 40degrees in Tokyo, we were all geared for Summer Trek, which later created many challenges for us, as temperature at Summit was around 2-5 degrees, and accompanied by strong Wind and couple of heavy showers. We reached the Base camp, "gogome" (sea　level 2300m)　which is situated West of Tokyo about 2 and half hours, around mid afternoon. Full of bubbling enthusiasm around and majestic view of Fuji san kept our spirits up!

There are 5 intermediate camps, whereby one can shelter in case of bad weather. We could race to 1st camp in half an hour, and next one in an hour. There started the real challenge, The straight and clear routes were replaced by narrow and rocky slopes, and sliding rocks, and rare Oxygen　But the magnificent view around, of 5 surrounding lakes, and surrounding cities, shadow of Fuji san, made us comfortable.
I have been always admirer of vision for commercialization of Japanese ppl, here I could note one more instance of it. Generally ppl purchase Sticks at base camps to aid during trek. at each Intermediate camp there is facility to have Stamps on the stick, marking memory of the FUJI TREK　And no one minds paying 300 yen-2-3 $ on such occasions as its a memory for life time.　

As we start towards next lap, which is the longest and toughest, flash lights were on, which dampened the pace. At the mid night toll we were mid way, resting on Rocks, observing Stars..which we haven’t done since long time...silence. remote.. from busy life Tokyo..an attempt to realize bond with Universe..and feel of insignificant existence in the world of Stars.　Soon our energy levels were replenished, which lasted till the Summit.

Around 4:00 it started showing signs of fading away darkness, we were yet to reach the summit, we spotted a position, poised the Camera to catch most awaited moment. First ray of sun, of the Day all over the world...Its a indeed a great feeling to witness the Rising Sun in country of Rising Sun.　Unlike to many other Sunrise have seen till the day, this time Sun rising out sea of Clouds...non　conformity of Shapes of Waves was taken by non conformity of shape of Clouds..making it more memorable and special　A magnificent view made its place in memory to be remembered forever.　

Soon we reached the way for Summit...Smiling faces all around, most of which unknown to fact that Descending is rather tough than reaching there　After a quick photo session we headed for Breakfast, friends sent Post cards to parents, back home in India, at Post Office, at Highest sea level in Japan.
Descending way is tougher, as all Volcanic Ash flowing all around, which eventually gets breathe in.　On way back we met group of childerns..descending at own pace..falling many times..still standing up with same zest..keeping themselves undistracted...after watching them for some time..it just reminded me..if we guys have lost this attitude, in fear of falling….　

We reached base camp, at around 14:00 ... those 20 hrs have been most active and spirited hours of my life. The very first sign of Sunrise, and that school group will definitely keep me afresh for months to follow.
I put MUST SEE ONCE on Mt Fuji!

JaJ- JaJu @ Japan V: "Yokozuna-Lord of The Ring"

It has been cloudy morning, which could not dilute the enthusiasm at Kokugikan, Ryogoku; fans waiting for beloved Sumo wrestlers for the current season of Sumo in Tokyo. The venue is flooded with foreigners having curiosity about the national Sports of Japan, which claims its origin 1500 yrs back. Flags carrying names of renowned players, catching ur eyes, proves that this form of sport has been great success to maintain the charm for centuries.
Almost 800 professional wresterls/sumos all over the Japan, fights 6 tournaments a year, 3 in Tokyo, one each at Osaka, Nagoya and Kyushu. Each tournament last fifteen days, everyday every Sumo got to fight a new opponent. The Sumo with Maximum wins gets Emperors Trophy.
This game is to get opponent out of the ring of the around diameter 4.55 mtr ring or by making him touch the ground. The actual bouts which may be finished in instants, is always supplemented by Stamping the ring, throwing the salt and waving hands to audience; this things necessarily finds its origin in Shintoism,- Japans` Indigenous religion.
The day starts with a tradition of Bow Dance, followed by matches amongst Trainee Sumos- Preliminary Bouts. The real bout starts with minnows-Junior Rankers starting with Jonokuchi to Makushita.
Around 14:35 brings you the excitement as senior group is on their role. Momentum builds up are matches becomes thrilling with Maegashira (Lowest of the Senior Group) getting on center stage, followed by matches of higher and higher ranks. And the climax is match of Yokozuna-Grand Champion, which comes as icing on cake, and an ideal finish.
Ranks of Sumos are revised after every tournament. Sumos may get promotion as well as demotion. But the Yokozuna remains unaffected because of a bad season or two. But its definitely acceptable, considering how tough it is to become a Yokozuna, its matter of fact that, since 300 yrs of such official ranking, there have been only 68 Yokozuna so far. Asashoryu being the current Grand Champion of the Ring, for the time.

I really admire the authorities, for maintaining the Charm, since Nara era.
It has been changing the form to suit peoples` rapidly changing tastes. And also it has maintained its Traditional touch which makes it special for Japanese Friends.

What I have been great fan here-the land of creativity and excellence is- they have such great degree of professionalism, which in deed helps them to make a self sustainable system. Many players being supported by Sponsors, Flag bearers carrying names of Sponsors` name makes it possible for Sumo to make for their living cost and huge food cost, which they need to feed for around 150 kg body, and rigorous training. Souvenirs carrying images of Yokozuna and other famous wrestlers also adds cash flow in this game. Renting Radio service for live commentary in English generates additional cash strip to supplement costly tickets which starts at 3600yen.

Truly Must see atleast Once kind of activity in Japan. Its not a game driven by Body weight.. one got to have gr8 Presence of mind, keen fighting spirit, high alertness and high reflexes to master this sport- Hats of for Sumos!

You can always get for latest info on:
www.sumo.or.jp

JaJ- JaJu @ Japan IV: "Its Sakura Time!"

Its Sakura time!
Festive season here again..this time colour of nature turned White..it was red last time when we had trip to Nikko, the world heritage sight in Japan.
Very fine Saturday morning, road leading to Indian embassy, Japan, flooded with Japanese people. A very rare scene here. Lot of flashes around, with sigh of appreciation for scenic beauty in the heart of Tokyo. Its Sakura time!

Sakura..cherry Blossom season is On…this is time for get-togethers, meeting friends, having discussions, getting updated about happenings in lives of ones who matters. Sakura is Japan's unofficial national flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture. The Japanese celebrate this time of the year with hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties under the blooming trees.
So Indian Embassy situated in Kudanshita, didn’t miss the chance to promote the Indian Taste. Sakura Bazzar was organized, lot many stalls were put up to exhibit the taste of the India. To name a few Handicraft, Leather Accessories, Food- Indian Curries, and what took for surprise was a Palmist, Yoga Counselor and Mehendi stalls.
Gals behind the Mehendi stalls were busy in painting palms of Japanese Gals, who looked pretty excited about new type of Tattoos. Same Japanese gals were also observed trying Indian sari on the occasion, which enhanced Indian feel of the atmosphere.
One English Japanese interpreter was busy helping Panditji, to convey what he reads of the lines on palm.
On this background some announcements were being made in Japanese, to catch attention of Japanese Sakura Visitors. Sound was a perfect Japanese Ascent of a gal. Made me to think some Japanese Gal making these announcements. But urge to catch attention of people, was something very unnatural…it was full of pride and respect for Indian culture. And guess what…It was an Indian Gal….I could not believe how an Indian can develop such a Japanese Ascent…I could not stop my self from temptation to talk to that gal abt this. It was like, she was born and brought up in Japan, was in this setup for 24 years, and that developed her ascent. But this didn’t dilute her feeling abut motherland.-India. This gal was a perfect answer for the friends back home, who take NRI-for Non Reliable Indian. Where ever we are, on the earth..it cant dilute our Love and affection to mother India.
Indian Techies didn’t get lured of it…it was Japanese Dance troop on the bits of Kajara re, which caught their eyes. This was perfect sight of Ganpati days in Pune. People catching bits with relentless energy. Japanese Friends were not less in catching Indian Dance style. It took me quite long, to realize, it was the same troop which performed in Namste India-06 last year. Kajarae re was followed by popular tune of Rang deBasnti..and now guys could not resist themselves from getting legs free.
After having Plateful of Garama Garam Jilebi, I made way to Attraction of the day. Trees were full of blossom, as if just few moments ago it had been snow fall here. The beautiful flowers added freshness around, though not any typical smell. Generally is April start gets Sakura in full action. This blossom last for 10 days.

As I have been mentioning, Japanese Lifestyle is built to respect the nature, to answer each and every call of it…to improve Human lives without loosing touch with Nature, rather get the development in Symphony with nature. Sakura is another festival to answer such call of nature.
After being busy with Camera to freeze the beauty, we went ahead to Yasukuni shrine.
It’s a shrine built as tribute to brave hearts who sacrificed their lives for their beloved King, during world War 2. Though I am not claiming that WW II was right, still one should not undermine the greatness of Loyalty, of these soldiers. For the matter of comparison, consider loyalty of Indian Techies, recent survey shows 75 % of techies have been in their current position for just less than one year. Meaning to say is, we have been compromising our loyalty for Selfish things like Money, Job Enrichment etc. But these gladiators remained stood for their loyalty, and end up their lives. That’s life of soldiers!
Coming to point this sight was in news last year, as Japanese Prime Minister made a deliberate visit to this place, which all of his predecessors avoided. And caught with International Cry! Though I personally appreciate Mr Koizumi for his courage to exhibit his views, that too in Prime ministrial post. Its always tough to do What one wants to do, specially when you are a public figure.
It was Memorial of an Indian, Dr Radha Binod Pal, ..wait he was not some one related to Azad Hind Sena, he was a lawyer who stood by Japan in post war hearings. He fought for them on legal front, as gratitude for his efforts he is being remembered here!
After having getting through History, it was time to get on water..Boating. Boating in Lake surrounded by Sakura trees..branches coming down to talk to water levels..one can feel like floating through Sakura Sea. This was the perfect end of day.
I am sure you will like to see what this exactly looked like, I hope links below will make you fell short of words to narrate this beauty.

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=somnath_jaju&aid=576460762395861981&pid=&wtok=xc47IC3NygMBkmHYu6yU1Q--&ts=1175339049&.src=ph

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/album?c=somnath_jaju&aid=576460762395966426&pid=&wtok=uvlYj3Yi9PK7tMDkwRcOlw--&ts=1175429467&.src=ph

JaJ on Tokyo Drift!

So finally JaJ gets in Old shoes again..I saw the first movie in Japan..I hope I will continue it ..The Fast and Furious..Tokyo Drifting by Lin, 33, USA.

This is the film by a Youngster for Youngsters..its about Speed and Craze. Wherever is youth, there is Craze..and specially when it is backed by Money it gets magnified to unimaginable. DK the Drifting King on Tokyo Streets has been enjoying the Mafia empire “Yakuza” run by his Uncle Kamata (Sonny Chiba)..Owns many Dance clubs, Drug Picking networks and Beauty Queen, girlfriend Neela. All of sudden Sean got to make his way to Schools on Tokyo streets..because of Devastation he made on construction site in America, during a Illegal Race..This Race has been the opening Scene of the movie..prompting what is waiting for you ahead.

Its worth watching Sean getting in class for first time..he don’t understand Japanese..and he is going to learn in Japanese..but Neela (Nathalie Kelley) seating on first bench..with flirting eyes..makes him comfortable by a Smile (believe me her smile is killing. Kelley is going to replace Sushmita Sen from my Desktop).

On first day itself, this Gaijin (Foreigner), gets the rhythm as he gets Introduced to Mafia Empire by a friend Twinkie..DK gets him competing to him..but this is Drifting..furious combination of Accelrating and Braking..it calls the SKILL and GUTS..Sean don’t have the skills but got the GUTS..takes the challenge and ends up with wrecked Car, which was loaned to him by Mafia`s partner Han.

Sean got to repay for devastation, so lands up in Mafia chain in Japan. Han helps him in getting Drifting Skills, and nourishing Racing Craze..Hillside Drifting Stunts were just too Furious. Everything happening in Erotic and Bubbling Night Life in Japan and Busy streets of Tokyo..making the film too realistic to me in Japan.

Sean keeps learning and Flirting with Neela, which gets him in Hit list for DK. DK chases to Sean and Han for killings..this Death Chase is Unbelivable…taking the movie to the apex. OHH my god..it was mind blowing example of Cinematography and Great Stuntman ship.

So come the end..with the Toppings..another race for getting Neela…Sean cant loose it, but DK wont let him win..another race…more cruel..more furious..SO COMES MY VERDICT…MSO->MUST SEE ONCE..its such a height is achieved in this part of film..
I need not tell who wins?? And that gets curtains down.

Lucas Black featuring as Sean, who have been starrer in X files, Deepwater..exhibits perfect Mighty American in Sean Boswell..Expression, timings and Body Language is just too good..as if Racing and drifting is in his blood..such a Natural performance it was.

Nathalie Kelley as Neela was catching eyes, whenever she was on screen. Neela narrated a Schoolgirl..her Smile was as killing as her Drifting skills…It seems to be first film of this Peru girl who used to be Salsa dancers in early days…Thanks to Director Lin for introducing a fresh face.

Brian Tee who plays Villain here..was perfect for his role…Director makes image of DK(Drifting King) darker by adding strong background Music, and short skirted girls around, whenever he is on silver screen. Well Done Tee.

The most admirable part of the film is Background Music..this is movie of Youngsters.. background tracks keeps them with the tempo of movie..and makes Drifting Scenes a fabulous experience. A perfect 10 for Brain Tylor.

Script is good. Perfectly captured from School days…Han says, “Once you make choices, you never look back”. Nice to see Sean fumbling to say “Okaaneee” (which means Money in Japanese).

Cinematography is Just Amazing..it has been always Strong side for Hollywood silver screens, as compared to Bollywood.

Director is successful in keeping the pace of the movie…It has tag line “Fast and Furious”..and believe me he is almost successful in maintaining that..Salute to his Observant eyes which has captured the Japanese Life Style to minute details.
I repeat the verdict
Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift…MSO..Must See Once!

JaJu at Japan III..Namaste India

JaJ @ Namaste India

It was sunny Sunday (believe me being sunny day is really rare here in Japan..such a clear day) and Stage Opens up with “Thodi si Dhul Meri Dharati ki Mere Watan ki” from Rang De Basanti..and what a surprise a Japanese Troop occupies the center of attraction…The same Liveliness..the same Energy the very same Enthusiasm..I felt like am I in India??? Before I come out of this fabulous performance..next Track starts from Fir heraferi..”I love Ruppaiyya” ..the tempo was sustained by other performers. And then comes icing on the cake..INDIAN Team engages the stage with big round of applause. .and next moment everybody catched the bits of “Nach Baliye” from Bunty and Bubbly…It was amazing seen to see Japanese people coming ahead to catch the bit and shake the legs on Bollywood item number.


Namaste India..a event of its kind in Tokyo..celebrating 15th year…otherwise its tough to get Indian food in such variety in Tokyo..few stalls catching eyes of Japanese Bollywood fans..Indian classical Music fans..Japanese girls were looking Indian Outfits with such curocity..few fine art stalls were representing India Traditional arts..and remaining all occupied FOOD stalls..surprisingly Japanese outnumbered Indian peoples. You might be amazed to know that, India is more known for Curry (Here in Japan all Sabjis and Bhajis are called Curry) than for Software techies. Japanese people were enjoying various curries..I enjoyed Chana- Bhatura..it striked strings in Heart about Mother India..which was followed by another event of striking strings.. Music concert..Nishat Khan on Sitar was just Amazing..I forgot the one on Tabla ..who was almost cut throat with Sitarist.
Then something very unusal conversation…someone was saying about Shivamani performing in Japan, it also had mention of other big leagues Amjad Ali khan, Zakhir Hussain…I just turned around to see the　Music Lovers..it was unbelievable..2 Japanese youngsters were having this conversation..I could not believe Indian Classical Music can be such popular overseas, especially in the context that young Guns in India are far away from it.

Then we waited for second round for Bollywood item numbers..But this wait was worth..after getting Crowd in rhythm with starter Punjabi songs..the Best Item number in recent days was on..Guess what it can be…”Kajara re..Kajara re” here all ..almost all Indian audience got irresistible ..almost everybody got legs shaking..it was too good scene one can expect 7 seas away from India..for few moments I forgot that I am in Japan..such an Indian scene it was!!!

Last but not least..In morning after Rang de Basanti Song..few guys started shouting “Bharat Mata Ki Jay”…my heart was full of memories on Independence day programmes…Akhir Dil hai Hindustani…!