Happy Birthday

So, we're headed down to Tokyo to wish the Emperor a happy birthday tomorrow.

In Japan, the Emperor's birthday is always a National Holiday that moves around with each different Emperor over time. There are only two times a year when the general public can go to his Imperial Palace Grounds in Tokyo to view him and his royal family; his birthday and New Year's Day. The current Emperor's birthday happens to be the 23rd, so it's two times in two weeks during his reign.

It sort of reminds me of Groundhog Day in the U.S. Perhaps it's irreverent, but if you've seen photos of the Emperor, it's like he's a little groundhog guy who comes out of his palace to wave for a few minutes to his adoring masses, then goes back inside until next year. Probably not something I'd go and do every year like the Nationalist black van driving wing-nuts, but something I figure a cat ought to do at least once. They hand out little Japanese flags and everyone goes crazy waving them and yelling greetings to the royal family. There is also a guest book which "will be duly forwarded to its highest destination as the expression of your warm congratulations". I guess you can also leave a business card, so maybe I'll do that. He'll probably give me a call to say thanks later. Right.

In any case, we'll see if we can get a few photos that aren't too crappy and far away to post.