Narita Airport Smartphone App - NRT AIRPORT NAVI

Embrace technology....Narita Airport Authority recently rolled out a new smartphone app for all of us techie, geek types as well as those that just plain travel in and out of Tokyo's Airport

NRT_AIRPORT NAVI - not to be confused with the previousl released NariTra - a translation app

It is the first app of its kind  - both iPhone and Android - for any Japan based airport.

You can search for flights, display airport maps to see all that the facility offers for the shopper, foodie or airport afficianado.

The geo location feature will also show you where in the terminal you are and how close you are to the shop, restaurant or facility that you happen to be looking for.

All the best...Mark

Uchu Wagashi - Sweet Shop in Kyoto

So you have a sweet tooth that has not been appeased no matter what you've tried.

Well head west to Kyoto and visit a great little shop - Uchu Wagashi. Located in the northwestern part of Kyoto this for sure should be a stop on any itinerary. 786 Fujinoki-cho, Kamigyo-ku Kyoto 201-4933

Wagashi 和菓子 are typically used to refer to the sweet confections that accompany the tea ceremony; however, these sweets are far from the standard fare.

Whether you are intrigued by the unique flavors such as Chai tea crackers or biscuits in the shapes of hippos, porcupines - these items are not only great to look at for the artisanal aspect that this little shop offers but also delicious.

Feel free to check out their web site as well to see their latest offerings : http://www.uchu-wagashi.jp/

Do yourself a favor and stop by.

All the best....Mark

Jero ジェロ - An American Enka Singer Conquers Japan

Jero ジェロ aka Jerome Charles White Jr has hit the Enka world of Japan by storm. Performing in NYC this month at the Japan Society for the first time.

This talented African American talent is the first American singer to conquer the world of Enka singing in Japan.

With numerous hits under his belt, he came into early success with his first single, Umiyuki (海雪, Ocean Snow) when it was released back in February 2008 climbing up the Oricon charts to number 4.

Jero ジェロ was selected to appear on the prestigious New Year's Eve show that December 2008 - Kohaku Uta Gassen on NHK - fulfilling a promise that he had made to his dying grandmother to appear on the yearly competition one day.

Jero ジェロ has performed extensively in Japan and also on the US West Coast and in Philadephia, PA where he is from; however earlier this month he performed in NYC to a sold out crowd at the Japan Society.

Enaka music which can best be described as a heartfelt ballad is typically popular with a more mature audience; however, Jero's popularity and youthful appearance has translated an interest in this art form by the younger people of Japan.

He has several songs and cds available - some even on itunes that you can download.

I encourage you to check out this new talent.

All the best....Mark