The new Emperor

Congratulations to all Japanese! The Heisei era has ended and the Reiwa era has begun. Emperor Akihito has abdicated the throne. That means that he has stepped down. And you could even say the he has retired. He is 85 years old. His son, Naruhito, has ascended the throne. He has become the new Emperor of Japan. He is 58 years old. I first came to Japan in 1984. At that time it was the Showa Era and Akihito's father was the Emperor. His name is Haruhito. He died it 1989. I attended a ceremony with thousands of other at the SHinjujku Gyouen, to pay my respects to him. Since that time, and up until last week, it was the Heisei Era. So, this is my 3rd Emperor. Of course, it is also so for many Japanese. Why? Because before Emperor Hirohito, his father was on the throne. Do you remember him? I'm sure no one does as he passed away in 1926. He was the Taisho Emperor and his name was Yoshihito. Anyway, Japanese history is long and there have need many Emperors (Naruhito is the 126th). I think it is pretty cool. Most Japanese people hold them in high esteem. I wish Naruhito and his family much success. 

Golden Week 7

I always fill up with gasoline before we take a trip.
She hung up the phone without saying good-bye.
She told her son to sit up straight at the table.

Dessert in Shinjuku

Golden Week 6

I was fed up with all his lying.
"I can't hear the news. Turn up the volume."
"Get up or you'll be late for school."

These people just can't give up smoking.

Golden Week 5

At long last, he gave up trying to win her heart.
Suspenders are used to hold up your pants.
The pitcher threw Sluggo a change up and he missed it by a mile.

HOTARUNA I rode that ship from Asukusa to Odaiba.

Golden Week 4

It was last call at the bar so we drank up and left.
My daughter can count up to 30.
That's my favorite song! Turn up the sound.

USA! USA! USA!

Golden Week 3

My mother and father brought up four kids. Wow!
I'm going to work in my garden as the weather has cleared up.
My husband couldn't pick me up at the station so I walked home.

Orchids at the Shinjuku Gyouen Greenhouse.

Golden Week 2

I need to brush up on my calligraphy.
Something came up so I had to leave immediately.
I called up three friends but they were all out.

In Asakusa. The pic is from HOTARUNA. That is the ship I rode up the Sumida River.