From Canada, been in Tokyo since 1987.
Currently working at Thomson Reuters in Japan creating Internet based solutions for retail investors. The rest of the time I'm actively swing trading the Japanese Equity Market.
My old blog is still alive at http://blog.q-taro.com
Oh man, am I late in getting this news! I wet myself when I saw this photo. France unveiled a special edition roadster to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the car in Europe. I wish Japan would put out something like this cause I would buy it in a heartbeat. Matte Black is my favorite colour!! Are those RIMS hot or what?! It's like the Miata Bat Mobile. More photos here and here
Take a look at the google map above. The grid in yellow is where they bless your car, to the left is the waiting area for the next batch. The original spot where they used to bless cars was closer to the actual temple about a 15 minute walk away but could only accomodate a dozen vehicles at a time.
The temple building is a sharp contrast to the new mansion they built just behind it. My Roadster is waiting for the first batch of cars to be finished getting blessed. Not a busy day apparently.
After experiencing a series of mishaps with my car right after delivery (speeding ticket, bicycle collision, bird poop, parking ticket etc) I felt it was necessary to get some peace of mind and have it blessed. Since then, all has been good.
Sitting in front of the PC for most of this weekend gave me a bit of a headache so this afternoon I got into the car and drove to a nearby onsen for some detox. Most people don't realize it but there are a number of "real" onsen in Tokyo where the hot water is coming from the ground and not just boiled like at most public baths. You can tell the real ones because the water is dark brown (sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3)). Apparently they have to drill very deep to get to onsen water in Tokyo. Unfortunately, it was a Sunday and the place was full of screaming kids. Not much relaxation to be had.
The car I'm driving now, Aluminum Silver NC2 Roadster. My fourth Mazda Roadster. I upgraded from my previous NC Roadster in March last year when I was completely stressed out from work. Don't go to the car dealer when you are stressed out!
