朝食

昨晩は運動会で息子も疲れていたのか早く寝てしまい、今朝は７時前に起床。強引に起こされた自分も気合いでジムに行き１０kmのランニング。久しぶりの日曜をレース観戦しながら満喫する事ができました。

I guess my son was real tired last night and went to be early. The bad news for that is, he was up before 7am and obviously would do everything to wake me up. Since I was able to get up early, I went to the gym for 10km run and spend majority of the day watching the F1 and NASCAR race on TV.

最近はまっている物があります。それは朝食に食べる、山盛りフルーツ、プレーンヨーグルトに、グラノラをかける事です。さくさくと食感があって、全体的にヘルシー！！しかし、色んな所を転戦してきましたが、朝からサラダを食べるの習慣が日本にはあるのですかね！？！（笑）

Just before I hit the gym, I had my power breakfast which is a huge bowl of fruits, plain yogurt, and granola. I eat this every morning before I go to the gym and it gives me all the energy I need for the whole day!! On the other note, some people in Japan eats salad for breakfast but I am not a salad guy for breakfast!?!

運動会

今日は、息子が通う幼稚園で運動会がありました！息子がでる種目はリレー、親子と一緒にチキンダンス、そして親子でゲームリレーでした。ダンスは僕と似て不得意の様です・・・。

There was an Athletic event today at the pre-school where my son goes to. It's a Japanese tradition to host an athletic day once a year at the school and they make the kids dance and run sometimes together with the parents. My son participated in a sprint run, dance with your parents, and a game relay with your parents. Obviously my son didn't do so well in dancing...and I really know now that he has got my blood!?!

が、リレーは余裕でトップでゴール！しかも、親子と一緒のゲームリレーの前では妻から耳元にボソッと“気合いを入れて行けよ”と一言。（笑）そんな緊張感の高まる雰囲気のなか、息子は協議をみて集中力を高める。

However, he was really fast in the sprint run and beat all other kids!! He also had to do the Game Relay Run with me...and my wife just needed to add the extra pressure on us to win that event. Look how serious and concentrated my boy is before the run!?! Lol...

そして、ゲームリレーもブッチギリのトップでゴール！！とりあえず、運動能力は高そうなので男としては一安心です！！

Well...we came in first for the Game Relay as well!! I am relieved to know that his athletic ability is high but will need to work on his dancing skills if he wants to find a girl friend....may be in 15years!?!

いよいよF1開幕

今週末にいよいよF1が開幕しますね。今年はルールの変更で、車のデザインやKERSシステムの導入で何処がレースに勝つかわからないので、最初の何戦かは面白くなりそうですね。しかし、低くと大きいフロントウィングは気になりませんが、高くて細いリアウィングはなんだか違和感ありますね。後ろから見るとフォーミュラールノーが走ってるみたいで・・・。車載カメラを見る限りでは、車の操作が難しくなってそうですね。今からレースを見るのが楽しみです！！

Finally the F1 season is starting this week end in Australia. There were many rule changes over the winter and the cars are much different this year. The KERS System and the rear diffuser is causing a lot of controversy this week end and it is really hard to predict who will win the race. Also, the new front wings looks alright, but the tall and narrow rear wing is really ugly...it looks like bunch of Formula Renault going around the track!?! Well, it certainly is making the car more difficult to drive from looking at the in-car camera feed. It probably would be the most interesting season in many years!!

WBC

昨日は急遽WBCの決勝を見に行ってきました！ドジャーススタジアムから５分の所に住んでいるので、チケットを頂いて、いざ観戦へGo！！試合はかなり盛り上がっていました。が、韓国タウンが近い事もあって、雰囲気は完全にアウェーゲーム・・・。途中でヤバい雰囲気になりましたが、最後はやってくれましたね！！

I went to see the World Baseball Classic final last night. Japan was playing against Korea and it was a very good game. I had a seat all the way at the top so we had pretty good viewing. It must have felt like an away game for the Japan team with so many Korean's cheering for there country since K-Town is huge here in LA. Japan ended up winning and was able to hold on to their title. It certainly was worth going out there!! Well...off to the regular season now. I may stop by the stadium again to watch the Dodger's play since they may have a good year this season.

ロスに戻ってきました

長い週末がおわり、ようやくロスに戻ってきました。飛行機が１時間ディレイして、到着時間が遅れた為に、いくはずのミーティングは明日に延期・・・。家に戻って久しぶりに息子＆娘と遊んでいました。

My long week is finally over and I am back in LA. My flight was delayed one hour so I ended up missing a meeting that I was planning to attend to...but will have another one tomorrow at lunch time. I was able to get home and spend some quality time with my son and daughter who I missed seeing because I was pretty much away for two weeks.

マイアミにいる時は雨が降ったりやんだり。その合間に虹がでたので、スナップショット。なんだか、心が癒されますね。

While I was in Miami, it would rain and dry and rain and dry....I guess it's usual in Miami but was able to take a quick snap at a rainbow that popped up while we were packing up yesterday. Hopefully this is sign of good things to come!!

あち〜・・・。

今日のレースは、自分ドライバーは予選は６位。決勝は２ラップ目にラジエターが壊れてしまい、リタイヤ・・・。表彰台を狙っていたのに、残念です・・・。まっ、明日があるか。なんだか自分のレースの様に悔しいです。

It was not a great day for my driver today. We qualified 6th, and than DNF from the race after 2laps because of a radiator failure.We were hoping for a podium finish so I am gutted just as my driver.

しかし、今日のマイアミは暑い。しかも、湿気ているから、あまり清々しくはないですね・・・。早くロスに帰りたいっす。

It is pretty hot out here in Miami today although we are expecting some rain real soon...

エンジニアに昇格？！？

今日はホームステッドで走行２日目。本当はデータエンジニアの仕事をするはずが、突然ドライバーのコーチも掛け持ちでやってくれてお願いされて、仕事が増えてしまいました。同時に色々とセットアップの変更もしていたら、エンジニアの仕事までしはじめてしまい、完全にマルチタスク状態です。でも、自分のドライバーがチームの中でトップタイム。総合でも４位のタイムなのでまずまずのできでしょう！？！

Today is the second day at the Homestead Ferrari Challenge Race Week End. I was supposed only do the data logging but turned out to be a coach/data logger. Than as my driver picked up some speed, I started to engineer the car for him and I guess I am officially a Engineer/Coach/Dag guy for the team. The multi tasking thing is not what I want to do...but my driver ended up being the fastest in our team as well as 4th overall so not so bad day for us.

ドライバーをコーチしているとき以外の時間はPCのデータの管理と、セッティングを良くする為の研究でにらめっこです。ちなみに、こんな様なグラフをみてセッティングを考えます。

Here is a pict of what we look at when we download the data. We go through all the graphs to distinguish what the problem is, and how we can improve on the set up.

セットアップデー

今日はサーキットでセットアップデー。トランスポーターから荷物や車を降ろし、テントをはったりの作業です。以外とシステマチックになっているので、そんなに時間がかかるわけではありませんが、久しぶりの作業で疲れました。（笑）

It was a set up day today at the track. We needed to unload the car and the goods out of the transporter and put the tent up for the hospitality. Everything is systematic so it doesn't take a lot of time to get everything prepped...but it was definitely a lot of work...to get my hands dirty.

トランスポーターも今年カラーに塗り替えられていました。

The transporter has a new look this year and it definitely looks cool!

自分は無線機＆コンピューターのセットアップ担当。その他にも色々と頼まれて、仕事をしながらギャラアップを交渉！？！（笑）ま〜このご時世に仕事をもらえるだけでも感謝しないと。

I was in charge of the radios and the computer for the data logger. I was able to get things done pretty quickly and had to work on other stuff...may be I deserve a raise!?! Well, I guess I am fortunate to have a job with the way things are right now with the economy.

マイアミに着きました。

マイアミにつきました。フライトはロスから４時間半。音楽を聴きながらウトウトしていたらあっと言うまでした。マイアミは暑くもなく、寒くもなく緩って感じです。今回泊まるホテルはCoralGablesにあるブティックホテル。メカニックと一緒に部屋をシェアーしていますが、2ベッドルームにリビング付きなので苦痛ではありません。部屋もいい感じなので、とりあえずは寛げそうです！？！が、明日から仕事で忙しくなりそう・・・。

Just arrived to Miami. The flight from LA was about 4.5hrs. I got to sleep a bit and listened to some music and the flight seemed real short. The weather in Miami is OK...not too hot nor cold but sounds like we may get some shower here and there during the week end. The hotel we are staying is a boutique hotel in Coral Gables and it is pretty nice. I have to share a room with a mechanic but the room is a 2bd room with a living room so it is not all that bad.

ベランダからの景色とリビングルームです。

Here is a pict of the view from my room and the living room,

これからマイアミです。

昨日は４時に起床。今朝はなんと３時半に目が覚めしまい、今はマイアミに行く準備をしています。５時にはタクシーが迎えに来るのですが、完全に時差ボケ状態です！？！（笑）歳ですかね・・・？！？

I woke up at 4am yesterday and was up at 3:30AM this morning. Although I was supposed to get up at 4am since I am leaving to Miami this morning....I really didn't need an alarm because of the jet lag. My cab is going to pick me up at 5am so I am packing all my stuff now.

今日はマイアミへの移動日。チームスタッフと一緒ですが、なんとかんく団体行動が嫌いな自分・・・。ちょっと面倒だな。今回はフェラーリチャレンジのコーチの仕事で行ってきます。去年までは専属ドライバーがいましたが、今年はチームからの依頼でチームのドライバー全体の面倒を見なくてはいけないので、大変そうです。では、行ってきま〜す。アリベデルチ！！

I am traveling with the team today and I must admit that I don't really like traveling as a group because it takes so long to gather all the people to go anywhere. However, I guess I can't complain for having a job during this tough economic time. I will not be working with a particular driver this year but I will be doing some data logger/coaching this year for all team drivers so things would probably become busy during the race week end. Well...about time to leave now!! Arrivederci!!!

ロスに帰宅

さっき無事にロスに戻ってきました。今回の日本の滞在は本当にあっと言うまでしたが、休み暇もなく色んな人に会えて、とても貴重な時間が過ごせました。

Just got back from Japan. The stay was real quick but was able to spend some valuable time meeting people who may be able to help put things together for my race program.

滞在最終日には、親戚の石川直生君が出場した試合を後楽園ホールに見に行きました！全てK-1ルールでかなり面白い試合が続きました。残念ながら、直君は負けてしまいましたが、かなり不利な相手にメチャメチャ良い戦いをしていて、自分にとっても良い刺激となりました！！

During the last night of my stay, I went to see a Kick Boxing Match under the K-1 Rule since my relative Naoki Ishikawa was going to be in the main fight. Naoki(we call him Nao-kun) did well but unfortunately he lost the match. I would say it was not a fair match for him because his style really doesn't suit the K-1 rule...nevertheless, it was good to see him giving his best as I always get inspired by watching him fight!!

戻ってくる前には、久しぶりに美味しいお寿司を食べに連れてって頂きました！お茶の水にある誠鮨と言うお店ですが、お薦めです！！やはりお寿司を食べると日本に来た〜って感じです。とうぶんは、おいしいお寿司が食べれないので、次回までの我慢ですね・・・。

During my stay, I also went to this new Sushi Restaurant in Tokyo called Makoto Sushi, and the food there was great!! It will definitely be my must stop during my trip to Japan from now on.

紅月

気がついたらもう土曜日。滞在も明日までと、今回は本当にあっと言う間です。一昨日行われたIndyJapan記者発表会も無事に終わり、久しぶりのステージに若干緊張。後輩の英紀にもあえて、色々と話をしました。今年は自信たっぷりあふれているので、良い結果が期待できそうです！自分はひたすらIndy500参戦を目指して頑張らないと！！

I can't believe that it's already Saturday. Today is my last day here in Japan before I return to LA. The press conference that was held the other day went really well and I had lots of catching up to do with Hideki since I haven't seen him for a while. He looked pretty confident this year so I think he will deliver good results during the season. As for my self, now that most work is done for Indy Japan, I will have to focus on trying to get the 500 deal moving forward!!

一昨日の夜は久しぶりに紅月に行って豚シャブを食べてきました！！やっぱり美味しいですね〜！！そう言えばいつも、ご飯の写真を載せた方がよいなと思いつつ、撮る前に食べ終わってしまってまいます。（笑）

For dinner, I went to Kougetsu my favorite ShabuX2 joint in Nishiazabu. I always want to take the pict of the food but the food is so good that I end up finishing the plate before I take my camera out of the pocket...may be next time.

今日はIndyJapanの記者発表会

日本での滞在はかなりドタバタです。昨日は朝一から車の試乗、そして取材・・・、お昼にミーティング、そして夕方はエアープレス上野に、行き酸素カプセルに入ってきました。３日前は飛行機の中で寝れなくて、日本についてからの睡眠時間は４時間、一昨日の晩は時差ボケ＆花粉症で２時間しか寝れなかったので、メチャメチャ辛かったです。しか〜し、酸素カプセルに入ったら時差ボケも体調もすっかり治って、昨晩はバッチリ寝れました。とくに、カプセルから出た時の視界の良さにはビックリします！！まだ、トライをした事ない人はぜひお試しを！！

As usual, pretty hectic trip so far already in Japan. I had several media interviews yesterday with couple of sponsor meeting. I was so exhausted last night that I needed to make my way to Air Press Ueno to get my self in to the Oxygen Capsule.I only got 6hr of total sleep during the last 3 days so first of all, I needed some sleep...but also had a bad headache from the allergy which is pretty bad here in Japan from all the trees. Anyhow, I have fully recovered after spending 2hrs in the capsule and what amazes me the most is how clear you vision becomes after couple of hours in the capsule!

さてさて、今日はこれからIndyJapanの記者発表会があります。ちゃんとしたイベントに出席するのは久しぶりだからなんだか、緊張するな！？！（笑）

I am just off to the Indy Japan Press Conference now and looking forward to being up on the stage again!!

日本に到着！

さっき日本に着きました！サンフランからのフライトは以外と長かったです。機内では一睡もできず映画を５本も見てしまいました！？！（笑）一番気に入ったのは色んな部門でアカデミー賞を受賞したSlumdog Millionaireです。インドのスラムで育った子がミリオネアに出演すると言うストーリーでしたが、なかなか面白かったです。在米インド人には、賛否両論の評価で、インドのスラムはあんなに酷くないとコメントしている人もいましたが・・・。日本ではもう上映しているのかな？？

Just arrived to Japan. It was a pretty long flight from SFO. I couldn't sleep at all during the flight and ended up watching 5 movies. The best one was Slumdog Millionaire. I was curious about the film since it has won so many awards during the academy. I guess the people from India didn't really agree with how bad they expressed the slum...but in terms of the story it was pretty good. Anyhow, I have a pretty heavy task during next couple of days here in Japan so I better adjust to the time zone real quick!!

明日から日本です。

今日もスクールでの仕事は無事に終了。今はホテルに戻り、明日から日本なので日本での滞在中で使う書類等を作成。しかし、日本はまだ寒いのかな・・・？モントレーは天気はメチャメチャ良かったのですが、少し肌寒くて身体が冷えて風邪をひきそうなので、今はホテルの部屋に戻って暖房をつけちゃってます。いや〜明日の日本への１１時間フライトは苦痛だな・・・。面白い映画がやっているといいけど。

The second day at the school just finished and back to the hotel room now. The weather was really nice but it still is a bit chilly out here in Monterey and when I got back to my hotel room, I had to warm my self up with a nice hot shower. I hope the weather is nice in Japan... I need to get some work done tonight and in the plane to make sure all my meetings will go well during my stay. I am not really looking forward to the long flight and hope that they will air a movie that is decent enough to watch.

今はモントレー

皆さんご無沙汰しています。気がついたら１週間近くも書き込みをさぼっちゃいました・・・。ここ数日間はメチャ忙しかったです。で、今はモントレーに来ています。２日間だけでスクールの仕事をして、日曜のフライトで日本に戻ります。日本ではスポンサー活動や、メディアインタビュー、そして１２日に行われるIndyJapanの記者発表会に出席します。久しぶりの日本なので楽しみです！！

Hey guys, sorry for not updating my blog for couple of days. I was really tied up this week and I am in Monterey right now working at Laguna for couple of days. On Sunday, I will be traveling to Japan for a week and due to have several sponsor meeting as well as media interview. I am also attending the Indy Japan Press Conference and should be a real busy trip. I haven't been back to Japan for almost 6months now so am really looking forward to seeing my family there as well!

ロスで雪？

週末もあっと言う間に終わってしまって、気がついたら３月ですね。今月はメチャメチャ忙しいんですよね・・・。週末はラグーナセカで、中旬はずっとフェラーリチャレンジの仕事でマイアミに行かなくてはいけません・・・。

The weekend went by pretty fast and I didn't realize that we are already in March. I will be real busy this month going to Laguna this week end and than off to Miami middle of the month to work at Ferrari Challenge Race week end.

家族でユックリ過ごせる週末もとうぶんないので、今週末は息子となるべくいっぱい遊んで上げました。昨日は幼稚園のイベントで雪を敷地内に降らせてくれたので、なんとロスで雪遊び！？！息子が雪を触るのは初めてだったので大興奮。ずっと雪山を作っていました。（笑）

I figured that I may not be able to spend some time with my family for a while so I was home spending as much time as I can with my son during this week end. We actually went to his pre-school yesterday which they have hosted a snow event. It was my son's first encounter with the snow and seemed like he really enjoyed playing with it. We spent couple of hours there and made Mt.Blanc!?!