A most historical election by Tony Green

It is the eve of the 2008 presidential election in the United States. In normal circumstances, I would be anticipating voting in this historic election, however, due to my permanent absentee status I have mailed in my ballot. Currently, I am in Japan to attend a business meeting convened at the last second.

In all likelihood, Barack Obama will be become the 44th President –elect of the United States. I was born at the end of the sixties and I would have never thought that this country, who I have proudly served in its Navy, would ever elect a black man to its highest office within my lifetime.

I wish I could be with my family to explain the historic moment in the history of the United States. As an African-American father I is my duty to ensure that the future generation understand the struggles proceeding this day. My children are both younger than 10 years old but I believe that they should at least experience enough of the occasion to be able to understand its significance.

For now, I am left to try to find an English speaking television station and give toasts the 88% of non-African-Americans who have chosen Mr. Obama their based on his ability and not his race and to the current 250 million Americans who hopefully will thrive under his leadership.
Champagne would be in order but given my current location, sake will work fine. Kampai!

Photo courtesy of http://www.Freefoto.com

Watering hole by Tony Green

From my time in the military and working in high technology, I have visited Japan many times. Recently, I visited Himeji on a business trip for the first time.

Some places in Japan are more comfortable for someone who did not speak Japanese to have drink after work without having a translator available.

Other places in the Japanese countryside might not be as amenable. In short, you would have a difficult going into a place and ordering a beer. Upon my arrival in Himeji, I was unsure where Himeji fit in.

After dinner, my colleagues were nice enough to take me to a watering hole where a foreigner could feel comfortable as the bartender and many of the patrons spoke English.

It was the quintessential Dive Bar where only after coming a few times for drinks you determined who the regulars are. In the course of an evening, you can have a conversation with a person in Japanese/English, another with some fellows from Germany, finally to a pair of girls from the Philippines.

If you are looking for a foreigner bar in Hijemi, check out the Tiger Pub. It is well worth the visit.