The three hour drive from Tokyo was all worth it! We snaked through the forests and ended up at the Yatsukatake Kogen Lodge, here in the mountains northwest of Tokyo. Something in the neighborhood of 6,000 feet elevation.
We woke to a crisp, frozen morning, h
ad a little breakfast and headed out on a walk with Mark and Pat Pearson, Mike McCoy and the two of us.
An hour and a half of trekking through the woods and lake area brought us back to the lodge (thank you, Mark) and a little light lunch (especially for me).
I took some time to practice and get ready for our show today--a show for the Yumeishu corporation who is sponsoring the concert. The hall is absolutely marvelous--all wood with leather chairs. Very attractive and a joy to sing in.
We sang a "short" 90-minute show and had good response. The snow fell as we sang and it became a magical experience for all.
We finished and went out to sign autographs. It was a contrast to any
of the shows on our recent West Coast Tour, as the autograph seekers in this case were lined up politely waiting for us to arrive and then sign.
The crowds at the signings on the West coast tour were loud, thronging and enthusiastic but sometimes cutting in line and pushing in to get their autographs. Cultural differences, to be sure.
A fine dinner followed with stories and chatting with the execs from Yomeishu.
Great food, especially for the celiac!!
It is interesting to note the traditional bow in this culture. Older folks are more likely to bow every time it is required, with younger folk less so. But the tradition remains. As the various buses and cars would pull away from the lodge, the attendant
would offer a bow to the driver as they pulled away. As we returned from our walk today, I noticed oncoming drivers passing us and glancing in our direction. I decided to bow to each driver as they passed by. Without exception they bowed back in my direction. Such a polite and tradition-filled place--it's truly a wonder!
The snow adds to the magic and the season. A winter wonderland, to be sure.
Off to Nagoya tomorrow and an overnight with no show to sing until the next day. A little rest may be in order.
Be well.
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