Visit to the laboratory of Dr. Ryota Kuroki, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) July 19 – Aug 1 2009

This laboratory is located in the Village of Tokai, Japan (Ibaraki prefecture; ~2 hrs east of Tokyo)

Here are some pictures of Muramatsu Kokuzo-son Temple:

Getting there on a rented bicycle (seat was too low).	At the entrance is the hand-washing purification ritual.
Water dispenses from the dragon’s mouth.	Frightening deities guard the entrance.
A panther and bull keep watch.	Sachiko with the panther.
Looks like a lion up on the roof.	The main temple.

July 19^th – partial solar eclipse:

Much excitement as the appointed time approaches.	Difficulty finding the sun with all the clouds.
The clouds parted and the eclipse was briefly visible

A typical meal in Japan:

Small freshwater fish; mmm	Some beer also; mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Rather small silverware makes the portions seem larger...	Gobo (burdock) and tako (octopus); mmm

The going-away party (after 2 weeks of work).

Time for Karaoke! Arai-san, Shoyama-san and Ohhara-san – the “power trio”	There is a request for Tamada-san to sing something by Metallica. Click here to view!
The “power trio” in a moment of artistic disagreement.	Kurihara-san is feeling the pain within the song (or maybe the sushi was bad).
Okazaki-san soothes the crowd.	Mike sings. Adachi-san falls asleep.
Meguro-san restores disorder.