Snapshots of Japan and J-pop, Winter 2008

 

Flying from Tokyo to L.A. only takes about 8.5 hours, mainly because of prevailing winds from the west that push the planes along. Going to Tokyo takes an exhausting 12 hours depending on the headwinds.

 

In any event, as of today the big trip is over and what an astonishing 10 days it has been. While I’m still getting some blogs built, the following is a brief photo essay on what Japan is like and why J-pop has evolved as it has.

 

Thanks to American Wota and  International Wota for providing a literary lifeboat through the outstanding Forum, which provided a reliable site to at least sketch out some real-time thoughts despite the fact I had to fight foot problems, confusing Kanji keyboards and  the overwhelming Japanese predilection for corporate secrecy and mystery while I was there.

 

I also got in trouble with others in the blogosphere, which is normal. And, though I did take some deserved heat, I stand by what was reported – but quickly add that some clarification and amplification will be offered in the days to come.

 

This is Radicalipton signing off -- for now.