This was actually organized by Robin Sin of Wild West Singapore (www.thewildwestsg.net) but we decided to park this write-up here – as a keepsake to capture the wonderful (and crazy) times in the Land of Little Kitty, Anime and UltraMan.

The preparations itself was fun (though I can’t say the same for packing).  Our ambitious efforts to master Japanese language gradually dwindled to just survival phrases as the travel dates got nearer. Anyway, we pretty much know essential greetings and popular Japanese dishes like sushi, sashimi, shabu-shabu, yakitori, udon, soba, chawanmushi.  Boleh lah survive.  After all, it was only for 9 days.  The one word always ready at our tongues – wakarimasen (I don’t understand) will definitely tide us through.

We were off for a good start.  The 25-strong Singaporean team was already assembled at Changi Airport way before the morning rooster could crow to catch the 8.10 am flight.  I managed to get my much needed forty winks but could sense the excitement and restlessness of fellow travelers; in anticipation of the fabulous itinerary being laid out for us.

Arriving at Narita Airport, we were whisked off to have our first authentic Japanese bento set at Odaiba; and feasted our eyes on Rainbow Bridge.  Verdict of the food: Totemo oishikatta-des (very delicious).  First opportunity to spend in Japanese Yen – shopping in Venus Fort and staring desirously at the latest car models in the Toyota showroom.

One thing unchanged since my first trip to Tokyo a decade ago is that you have to drag your suitcases around (read: envy my arm muscles).  I was pleasantly surprised that my hotel room at JAL City Kannai was not as tiny as the one I stayed before.  First lesson learnt: in Japan, irregardless of star rating, the rooms are always clean and well maintained.  And they are rated based on number of steps you need to take from your bed to the bathroom – 3-step, 5-step, 7-step. I think I took 10 steps; but then again, I am not endowed with legs that stretch miles long.

Since I am clueless with directions and admittedly lazy to check out Yokohama’s attractions, left all the legwork to Robin.  Can’t complain though.  That guy did his homework well and took us to Yamashita Park where we get to ogle (again) at dogs and the port.  With lots of benches, great place to read a book and watch the people go by.

Chinatown in Yokohama is something else.  Every shop there seems to thrive on only one product: pau.  Unlike Chinese pau, the ones here are multi-coloured (think black for example) and in shapes of Little Kitty.  We discovered a Chinese temple, a cute public toilet and an odd looking little police station. 

That Friday evening, we trekked 80 steps from hotel to Yokohama Workpia.  The minute the lift doors opened, we were enveloped by an atmosphere that was full of camaderie and lots of laughter right up to Sunday. 

Whenever there was open dancing, the floors were filled with repeat favourites such as Doors of Life (Michael Barr), Boo Boo Bounce (Scott Blevins), Chill Factor (Danielle Whittaker & Hayley Weathead), Geek in the Pink (Johanna Barnes), Badda Boom Badda Bang (Karen Hunn), Cool Whip (Judy McDonald). 

I was impressed with the neat dance executions by the Japanese dancers.  Irregardless of whether they are competitors or casual dancers; there was much courtesy, respect and support for each other.  The enraptured looks on their faces as they danced are so captivating to watch.   Although there were dancers from various countries, it is amazing to see that dance etiquette was being observed to the hilt.  People really danced in lines.  It is possible!  And with good controls of their limbs so that no one goes home with broken nose, bruised body parts.  Would be nice to see this a reality back home.

Special thanks to Hiro Suzuki and Hiromi who helped me sort out a technical glitch on music.  Terima kasih (thank you) to Robin, the ever gallant hero who did a joint demo on Johorean Lili's Save Your Heart on Sunday; though he was still suffering from jetlag (strange, it happens every time he steps out of his home country). 

I spent most time watching in awe at the high standard competitions and hence only get to attend Robin's dance teaches on "Here I Am" and "Infinity" in his passable Nihon-go which had participants and well-thought-of-translators well entertained and amused.

In a nutshell, it is wonderful to catch up with Lilian Lo (Hong Kong) who has great staying power on the dance floors, Yukiko (last seen in September this year in KL), Judy McDonald (Canada – check out her cool dance Take Me Home) and Martha Ogasawara (she received a well-deserved induction to Asia C/W Association’s Hall of Fame http://www.crazyfeet.x0.com/martha/index.html).

Kudos to Hiromi and her staff of volunteers from the ACWDA for successfully organizing the 3rd JCDC event. My personal thanks to Hiromi-san for the invite to this fabulous weekend.  Am sure the annual event can only get better, so I would urge you all not to give it a miss next year.

Terima kasih again to Robin and fellow travelers from Singapore, for daring to risk having me on the same planes to/from Japan.  Thumbs Up for the wonderful itinerary where we get to

To top it all – it is really nice to have clean dry ultra-modern toilets which are equipped with electronic buttons to adjust seat temperature, block obscene noises as you go about your toilet business and keep you occupied. 

And I save the best for last.  Full funny half day of research – walking the length and breadth of Landmark Plaza, Yokohama to decide which restaurants were worthy to fill our stomachs.  The taxi ride back to hotel was so hilariously adventurous.  Try telling a taxi driver which hotel to go when you didn’t know the name in Japanese.

My salute to Linda for being my room-mate for 9 harrowing nights! Don’t worry, she survives :)

Yours in HappyShoes
HappyFeet

Copyrighted © 2007 by HappyFeet. All Rights Reserved ®

Japan Dance Mania 2007
October 18 ~ 26, 2007