The New AEL Website

The new AEL website is here and ready for your viewing pleasure.

Endless thanks go out to our webmaster Seita-san for his professional work and artistic eye. His web design and layout makes for a much more usable and informational site than our old site (designed by yours truly)... (and I am NO webmaster, that's for sure)...

We will also include more videos soon (as soon as I can produce them)...

Check out the new site here:
http://www.americaneikaiwalounge.com

Very Special Ceremony...

My friend Harumi-san was kind enough to take me to a very special local event. It was a ceremony for the renewal opening of a local temple. She explained that this event happens about every 20 years.

I was the only Gaijin (foreigner) at the event. I felt very honored and special to attend this event. I would not have had this wonderful experience without the kindness and consideration of my good friend Harumi-san.

The parade was planned to go around the neighborhood, but it was raining so they had to shorten the parade to the temple grounds only. The parade included a group of adults playing different types of Japanese flutes. They had a very distinct and wonderful sound. The parade also featured many children.

The most interesting and wonderful part of the experience was the children. They really touched my heart.

Thank you Harumi-san!