just a few weeks after the tsunami, i came to Kobochihama and couldn’t believe the damage. it was a total mess! boats, houses, and just debris everywhere. you could barely walk. then as we neared the harbor, we seen fisherman after fisherman cleaning up little by little. no machines, all by hand. all i could remember was the determination of these amazing men trying to get their fishing village back to normal. so coming here yesterday and seeing the harbor almost complete was a great sight.
and the scallop shells getting ready for oyster season.
it’s amazing how they harvest oysters. a technique passed on from generations to generations.
like always, Kimura-san pulls his boat up and we go exploring the sea of Kobochihama. it couldn’t have been a more perfect day!
the water was beautiful!!!! Hiyori-chan and Ryoko-san enjoying a dip in the ocean. after this, i jumped in and as soon as i hit the water, i felt reborn! such a beautiful place to be!
then we did some fishing on the dock. fish after fish for dinner.
then there was a matsuri or festival going on so we went to enjoy some culture.
and yes, there is hundreds of years of culture in this beautiful village.
it’s so cool how everybody knows everybody. i seen some of the kids we first met on Mission 1 here and they were all grown up.
they just reopened the minshiku here that was flooded by the tsunami. now it’s so beautiful and the food couldn’t get any better. this is the part i love about japan. the food was amazing!
tako and abalone. omg!
and of course, whale sashimi too. this is really good!
the Kimura-san family has a strong presence here in Kobochihama. generations and generations of hard work. a family i have a lot of respect for, and a family that i’m glad to have met. they make me feel like home here and made me really think of living here after i retire. i love the simple life. wake up, go out on the boat and catch dinner, come back and enjoy family time. the old japan fisherman style. i had such an awesome day enjoying and soaking up the true japanese culture.
today we’re going to experience some rare culture, and i’m going to make my long journey back to shonan. it’s always sad leaving here, but knowing i’ll be back again makes me very happy. the passion in the people and the progress going on here makes me understand what the true meaning what “ganbatteru” means. i love it!
Monthly Archives: July 2014
Passion and Progression
How to Surf: by Renosuke Kimura
i’ve taught thousands of people how to surf. and each and every time, i start off with the basic 1, 2, 3’s. from 1 year old kids to 75 year old adults, it’s all the same. so lets take this time to learn from a 7 year old kid named Renosuke Kimura.
first, you have to carry your own surfboard. yes, this surfboard is huge and heavy, but if a 7 year old kid can carry it, so can you. you put it on your head and as long as you have it well balanced, it’s light and easy. good boy Renosuke!
this is the 1 of surfing. look forward and put your hands next to your chest. and remember always to look forward! good boy Renosuke!
this is the 2 of surfing. if you are a regular foot, put your left foot under your chest. if your goofy foot, your right foot goes under your chest. and remember to keep looking forward! good boy Renosuke!
this is the 3 of surfing. let go the board and stand up. keep your arms out for balance, keep your knees bent for stability, and most important, look forward! good boy Renosuke!
i push him on his first wave and he did exactly what we learned on the beach. 1, 2, 3, bent knees, and looking forward. this is perfect surfing! good boy Renosuke! i can’t wait to surf with you again!
Beautiful Kobochihama!
With Kimura-san.
I love this place!!!
So beautiful!
Peace in the ocean.
