Cop A Gander At These Rippers Too...

  • Tour de Kagoshima-Kyoto Day -1A: Tama Hills to Haneda

    Kangaeroo started a epic journey on the morning of September 29. Leaving the United States Air Force Tama Hills Recreation Reserve in Inagi, Kangaeroo hit the Tamagawa Cycling Road. The bike track follows the Tama River to its mouth at Tokyo Bay, leading directly to Haneda Airport. From Haneda, it was a several-hour wait before heading to Kagoshima on the wonderful Solaseed Air, which was cheap and efficient. Brommie was packed into a bag with an assortment of items and the trip ended safely.  The day started a Tama Hills Recreation Center, which had once been an arsenal for the Imperial Japanese Army. Covered by a canopy, the arsenal was…

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    Why Did a Japanese Potter Choose a Tiny Aussie Country Town?

    なぜ日本人陶芸家は小さなオージーの町を選んだのか？ When Japanese ceramic artist Tatsuzo Shimaoka visited Australia, he wasn’t looking for fame. Instead, he helped inspire generations of Australian potters through workshops, demonstrations and friendships. His influence can still be found in studios across the country today. 日本を代表する陶芸家・島岡達三は、名声を求めてオーストラリアを訪れたわけではありません。彼は講習会や実演を通じて多くのオージー陶芸家に影響を与え、その足跡は今も各地の工房に残っています。 A Living National Treasure 人間国宝の陶芸家 Tatsuzo Shimaoka (1919–2007) was one of Japan’s most respected ceramic artists. In 1996, he was designated a Living National Treasure for his mastery of traditional pottery techniques. His work combined craftsmanship with humility—a combination that resonated strongly with Australian potters. 人間国宝の陶芸家 島岡達三（1919〜2007）は、日本を代表する陶芸家の一人です。 1996年には益子焼の技術で人間国宝に認定されました。 卓越した技術と謙虚な人柄は、多くのオージー陶芸家にも深い印象を与えました。 Sharing, Not Teaching 「教える」のではなく「分かち合う」 During his visits to Australia, Shimaoka gave demonstrations and workshops rather than formal lectures. He encouraged artists…

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    Australia’s ‘Voice’ So Close Yet So Far To Japan

    豪州の“ザ・ヴォイス”、日本ではあと一歩届かず John Farnham is probably the most successful solo male singer Australia has ever produced. Despite decades of Australia producing performers who achieved global superstardom, Farnham never quite joined their ranks. But he came tantalizingly close early in his career with a launchpad from Japan. ジョニー・ファーナムは、おそらくオーストラリアが生んだ最も成功した男性ソロ歌手だと言っていいでしょう。世界的スーパースターを何人も輩出してきたオーストラリアですが、ファーナムはなぜかその仲間入りには至りませんでした。でもキャリア初期、日本がそのきっかけになり得る大舞台を用意してくれていたのです。 Farnham has long been “The Voice” of Australian pop music. The now-retired star is renowned in Australia almost without exception for at least two things: a singing capacity so great he is commonly referred to as “The Voice;” and for being a delightfully warm and friendly person. When prolific Aussie songwriter Brian Cadd penned the powerful “Don’t You Know It’s Magic” and earned entry…

  • Sayonara Stories

    Mobile phones were starting to become a reality when Kangaeroo left Australia around this time of the year back in 1988, a year when the bicentennial of British colonization was marked. It was supposed to be a six-week holiday in Japan. Some 32 years later, that trip effectively hasn’t ended. Japan was in the news in Australia at the time of departure. Then Emperor Hirohito was in a critical condition (he would die shortly into the new year). The Japanese economy was booming and Japan seemed poised to take over leadership of the global business world. But, the more things change, the more they seem to stay the same. Like…

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    How Did A Japanese-Born Sydneysider Become One Of Australia’s Biggest Food Names?

    なぜ日本生まれのシドニーっ子が、オーストラリアを代表する料理人になったのでしょうか？ Nagi Maehashi was born in Japan and moved to Australia with her family in 1981, when she was three. Raised in Sydney, she eventually swapped a 17-year corporate finance career for a second-hand camera, a food blog and a very uncertain future. Today, RecipeTin Eats reaches millions of people and has made Nagi one of Australia’s best-known food personalities. Her story also begins with her Japanese mother and the food she grew up eating. 日本生まれのNagi Maehashiさんは、3歳だった1981年に家族とともにオーストラリアへ移住しました。シドニーで育った彼女は、17年間の金融業界でのキャリアを捨て、中古カメラと料理ブログを手に、まったく未知の世界へ飛び込みました。 現在、RecipeTin Eatsは世界中から読者を集め、Nagiさんはオーストラリアを代表する料理家の一人となっています。その原点には、日本生まれの母親と、家庭で食べていた料理がありました。 From Tokyo to Sydney 東京からシドニーへ Nagi’s mother, Yumiko, was born and raised in Tokyo and moved to Australia with her family in 1981. She continued cooking Japanese food after settling in…