With Spring Comes Birthdays

So again I find myself in an empty house for my 3rd spring in a row in Japan. Amber is gone for the 2nd spring in a row and she hadn't moved here yet for the first spring I was here. Last year was because of her visa and this year is again because of her visa and to finish preparations for the wedding.
This time of year there seems to always be a ton of Birthdays; my host father, host nephew, Cool Japanese Mike, Inamori sensei who I have now dubbed Mark, his daughter Ayako, his mom Mrs. Inamori, and two of my coworkers. I think it is connected to the fact that the school year starts in April in Japan and I believe some Japanese families plan to have their children in the Spring.
Like last year I had a birthday weekend celebration with Inamori, and his family because his birthday is on the 8th and his moms is on the 12th. They do a joint birthday thing on the following weekend. This year for his birthday I took him to the opening day Hanshin Tigers baseball game. Which ended up being awesome. There were surprises for both of us. His surprise was he had no idea how great the seats were and my surprise was that it was the opening day game not just for the Tigers but for the country of Japan. They had cheerleaders and a famous Japanese singer sing the Japanese National Anthem and throw out the first pitch.
Tigers won 5 to 2.

Inamori on his way to the game.


Our seats



Third Base.



Cheerleaders


National Anthem



First Pitch



Too much fun with Balloons.



Yesterday for the joint birthday celebration I baked a banana cake for Inamori, his mom, and company. We went out for a sushi dinner and then came back to his place for cake, to relax and watch a little bit of crazy Japanese variety TV. As a joint gift on top of the cake I gave them 2 kilorams of grapes and some American chocolate. If you are wondering why grapes and if Amber and I haven't told you about the cost of fruits and berries here then you would be a little confused. Grapes are one of the most expensive fruits in Japan. A little bundle which equates to about two handfuls can run you a bill of about 10 dollars US. However, I did not spend that much because I went to Costco. It was a blast just like it was last year. His parents are two of the nicest and funniest Japanese people I have ever met and I really enjoy spending time with them. Tomoko, Inamori's wife managed to escape and get out of every picture I took unfortunately.

Inamori's nickname: His first name is actually Masasugu, and his mom calls him Ma-Kun, which when slurred sounds like Mark. Thus the name Mark has now stuck with Inamori.

Well here are the pictures from the party.

From left to right. Ayako, Mom(Grandmother), Ken, Dad(Grandfather).



Inamori(Mark), Ken, Dad.



Ayako, Mom, Ken, Mark



The Cake.