I hope all you guys are doing well.I am back in Japan now, and the Indy Japan race is just days away from now. I have been doing several appearances since I have been back to Japan, seeing the fans as well as the sponsors. It is extremely hot here! It seems as if we never had summer in LA this year, so this heat and humidity really kills me...

日本に戻るまでは、スーツやヘルメット、自分が着るスポンサーロゴ入りのウェアー等の作成や、チームとのアレンジで大忙し。日本に着いたら、今度はゲスト・パスのアレンジでドタバタです。が、6月から始めた仕事のお陰で色んなノウハウが増え、全てがなるべくスムーズに行く様にできるように準備もOK！今まではモテギの前はかなり切羽詰まっている様に感じましたが、今回はかなりリラックスして挑めそうです！

I was flat out trying to get the suits, helmet, team wear ready before the departure. Than when I got here, I still have to arrange all the passes for the guests which takes a lot of time and communication. Luckily, the new job I started in June has give me extra knowledge on how to handle this smoothly. Usually, it is a chaos just before the race, but seems like I am more relaxed for this race which is a good thing as a driver!

今回は本当に急な参戦ですが、チャンスをくれたチーム、僕の事をサポートしてくれるCWEやVIDA、そしてファンの皆様には心から感謝しています！しっかりと良い結果を残して、皆さんの期待に応えれる様に頑張ります！！

I could not thank more and really appreciate all the support and opportunity I got from the team, my sponsor CWE and VIDA, and all of my fans. Hopefully I can maximize this opportunity to lead in to something for the future.

ちなみに、今回のマシンはこんな感じになります！

Here is the pict of the car I will be driving this week!

それと、僕が発表する前日にIndyCar.comで佐藤琢磨選手をインタビューした動画です。なんだか、２人で英語で話してるのに違和感を感じるのは僕だけ！？！（笑）

Meanwhile, here is a video of an interview I did with Takuma at Kentucky. It seems strange interviewing him in English since I usually talk to him in Japanese...lol

Well, finally it is the day to head towards Japan. I am just doing the final pack up for my luggage. Since it was such a last minute deal, I have decided to use my suit from last year, since I only wore it once.

とはいっても、新しいスポンサーのロゴの刺繍をいれたり、出発直前まで色々なアレンジで大変でした。到着ぎりぎりでスーツが戻ってきたので、これで荷物の準備も万端。今からかるくジムに行って汗をながしてから飛行場へと向かいます！アディオス・アミーゴス！！

I still had to get some sponsor logo embroidered so it was real hassle to get everything arranged on time. My suit just arrived and my stuff is all ready to go! Before heading towards the airport, I am going to a quick work out and off to Japan!! Adios Amigos!!

Hi Guys, hope all is well with all of you. I have a great news! I just signed a deal to race in the Indy Japan 300 coming up next week!!

土壇場での参戦ですが、ぶっつけ本番には慣れているので、決勝は全力で頑張ります！一年振りのインディのレース、今から楽しみです。ぜひツインリンクもてぎまで応援しにきて下さいね！宜しくお願いします！！

The last minute deal has become my routine, so I am not so worried about getting up to speed but it certainly is going to be challenging. I am really looking forward to being back in the car and hope to see you all there at the Twinring Motegi!!

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=440532619864

I can't believe it's already August... Indy Car Series is already past half way through, and we are about 6 weeks away from the Indy Japan race, which I am still working hard to be in. Keeping my fingers crossed...

さて、今回もまたビデオをアップします。先日のビデオの続編で今回はサーキットでのタイムアタック！が、いきなりぶっつけ本番だったので、100％攻め切れなかったのは残念。でもコースで走れるのはやっぱり気持ちいですね～！！

Well, here is another video I have done recently. It is a time attack video at the track in an Evo X. Since I didn't get any practice run, I wasn't able to push to the max, and had some technical issues with the car that avoided me to go fast...but it's always fun to be on track!! Enjoy!!!

Hey guys. It's been a while since I have posted something new. I have took up this new job and that kept me busy 24/7. I can't believe we are already in to July...It's good to be busy and have things to do, but I wished if I can have a bit more time to spend with kids.

仕事の一つとして、先日MITSUBISHIランエボのスペシャル・エディションを使って撮影をしてきました。なかなか格好良くし上がったので、ぜひ見て下さい！ちなみに、ドリフト・シーンは友人でもあり、アメリカで行なわれてるフォミューラーDに参戦するYoshihara Daiちゃんです！！自分もドリフト上手くなる練習しよっと！？！

As part of my new job, we went out and shot a teaser video of the new Lancer Evo Special Edition. It turned out to be really cool and it was a lot of fun filming this. All the cool drift seen is done by my buddy Dai Yoshihara who runs in the Formula Drift series here in US. After watching him drift the car, I think I am going to practice drifting although it goes against what I have learned in the past. Having said that, it's always fun to spend time sideways!?!

Hi guys, sorry for not keeping up with you guys. After the race in Texas, the two weeks went by so fast and I am currently in Iowa. I have took up a new job in LA which kept me really busy the last two weeks. This new challenge is really exciting and I am enjoying my time at work although I'm still getting acquainted with everything out there.

昨日からアイオワで走行が始まっていますが、僕は職場を出発してからコースまで着くのに２０時間かかりました！？！（笑）フライトがキャンセルしたりディレイで本当に散々。でもアイオワに着いてみると以外と優雅な所で、心が落ち着きます。

I am in Iowa now spotting for Takuma. It was such a hassle to get here since, I left the office on Friday and it literally took me 20hrs to get here with all the flight cancellations and delays. It was a long day for me but I was rewarded with a nice sunset view when I was driving back to the hotel.

今日は、父の日ですね。気がついたら僕も父親になってから、早３年。今年は息子が幼稚園で作った、ペンケースを頂きました。子供から貰うプレゼントは嬉しいですね！早速オフィッスのデスクで使っています！

Today is Father's day. I can't believe it has been more than 3yrs since I have become a father. I got a father's day gift from my son, who made this pen stand at preschool. Just what I needed at my office desk!!

さてさて、アイオワではこれからレースです。天気大丈夫かな・・・？！？今回は琢磨選手も調子良いのでレースでは良い結果を期待できそう！ヒデキも頑張れ〜！！

Well, it is almost time for the race here at Iowa. I hope the weather will hold up...!?! Taku has a strong car this week end and wish him all the best for the race. Hideki seems to be struggling and hope he found a solution to their car set up.

I'm in Texas now for the Indy Car race spotting for Takuma again. After the 500, I was able to return home for several days and here I am in Texas. It really feels like a big circus since I'm spending time with the same people including the team member, series staff, and medias...but at a different location.

インディのルーキーオリエンテーションから数えると４週連続でサーキットにいるので、そろそろ休みが欲しい・・・。（泣）来週末は久しぶりの休みなので、子供達と沢山遊んであげないとって感じです。

I've been at a track 4 week ends in a row starting from the rookie orientation at Indy. I am really looking forward to having an off week end next week and plan to spend some quality time with my kids!

さてさて、明日はテキサスでのレースがあります。ヒデキにも琢磨選手にも頑張ってもらいましょう！！

Well, tomorrow should be an exciting day for all the drivers. I really missed racing here..but I'll be up at the top helping for Takuma as well as rooting for both Hideki and Taku!!

Good morning all! Finally the big day is here!! The Indy 500!!! Well...I'll be a spotter instead of the driver this year. Pretty gutted to be watching from outside again, but now I should focus real hard on trying to find a seat for the Indy Japan race in Sept.

今日のレースは３時間にかけて、ターン３で琢磨選手のスポッターをやってきます。今までとはまた違う角度で見るインディ５００となりますが、色んな事を経験して自分がシートを獲得した時の為になるように頑張ります！ヒデキ＆Taku頑張れ〜〜！！

I'll be watching the race from Turn 3 today spotting for Takuma. I'll be seeing the race from a different angle this year, and I should have a different perspective after the race which should help me when I get back in to the car next. Meanwhile, I wish the best of luck to Hideki and Taku today!!

所で昨日のパレード終了後に、モニュメントサークルで写真を撮ろうとしたら、ファンの人に撮ってもらっちゃいました。インディには８年目ですが、初めてインディアナポリス観光しちゃいました。（笑）

Here is a pict of me at Monument Circle in downtown taken by a fan. It was my first time sightseeing in Indianapolis after coming hear for 8 years.lol

Hope you are all doing well. I am currently in Indianapolis as always during month of May. The qualifying is going on right now as I write this blog.

スポッターをしながら、就職活動。（笑）シートを獲得できる可能性は非常に低いのですが、なんとか明日のバンプデーが終わるまでは、現場で頑張りたいとも思います！

I am spotting for Taku while job hunting to find a seat. The chances are real slim...but you never know what can happen so I will keep knocking the doors until end of Bump Day.

今日は琢磨選手がクラッシュしてしまって、本当に残念・・・。その分も、ヒデキに頑張ってもらいましょう！！ヒデキのマシンはかなりいい感じですよ〜！！

Takuma had a big crash this morning so I am a bit gutted about that, but hope good qualifying run for Hideki! I think he has a really good car and am sure he will be fast!!

Since it was Children's Day, a national holiday in Japan yesterday for kids, I took my kids to the park and played making soap bubble. The kids were really excited and had a great time with them!

レースで転戦が増えると、どうしても週末が仕事になってしまうので、普通のウィーク・エンド・パパはできませんが、なんとか平日でも時間を作って子供達と触れ合わないと、あっという間に成長しちゃうなと最近考えちゃいます。

As the racing season kicked in and traveling almost every week end to the race, it is very hard spending time with kids during week end like a regular dad, so I somehow must find some time to spend valuable time with them during the week days.

来週末からはインディ入りするので、また子供達に会えなくなるのは寂しいな〜・・・。しかも、息子はインディ５００見たいと言ってるだけに、何とかシートを獲得してマシンに乗っている姿を見せてあげたいと思う今日この頃です！

I'll be leaving to Indianapolis next week so will miss my kids for two weeks. My son really wants to see the Indy 500 in person, so hopefully I can find a seat to drive so my son will be excited!!Keeping my fingers crossed and gotta keep pushing!!

The Kansas race week end went by so fast and I am back home in LA already. It is Golden Week Holiday in Japan,which doesn't really help me because I need to speak with all the prospects for Indy 500 and Indy Japan.

もう既にご存知だと思いますが、カンサスから佐藤琢磨選手のスポッターを勤める事になりました。オーバルレースでのスポッターってかなり重要な役割を果たすので、チーム＆琢磨選手からお誘いを受けた事は本当に嬉しく思います。

I suppose most of you already know but I will be going to help Takuma Sato this year on all the oval races as his spotter. Spotter is a real important for driver as they can get all kind of information that will benefit the driver during the race. I am glad that they called me in to help Takuma out and hope I can help his learning process on the ovals.

って言っても、スポッターやるのもけっこうプレッシャーなんですよ！適切な情報を教えなくてはいけないので、レーす中はずっと目が離せません。ドライバーの為になる情報も、レーす中に色々と話さなくてはいけないのでチェッカーが振られるまでは、気を抜く事ができません。

Being a spotter is not an easy task. You'll have always watch your driver but also surrounding that driver including any incidents on track etc. Your just as focused through out the race as the driver and it kills you mentally since you really don't have much time to catch breath especially on high banked ovals.

今回のレースは最後は残念な形で終わってしまいました・・・。ある意味がっかり。と言うより、琢磨選手は一緒に戦っているから情が入ってるし、ヒデキは弟の様に可愛がっているので、その二人が接触してリタイヤした時は、何だか複雑な状況。でも、これもレースだよね！？！

The race this week end was real disappointing. It was real awkward, since working with Takuma, I really wanted him to do well, but Hideki is like my lil'bro so went they tangled, I had nothing I could say, other than being heartbroken. Well, it's racing accident...

しかし、スポッタースタンドからの景色は良いのですが、高所恐怖症の人は絶対できないよね。（笑）

Well, here's the view from the Spotter Stand. It's not the job for you id you are scared of height!lol

I can't believe we are already approaching end of April, and will see Month of May in a hurry. Well..I suppose I say this every time towards end of the month so I must be getting old!?!

今週末はカンザスで今季初のオーバルレーすが行なわれますね。ある意味レースがどうなるか楽しみです。同時にインディの方の活動も急ピッチで進めないと・・・。今年も色々と厳しい状況ですが、なんとか乗れる様に全力で頑張りたいと思います。

The first oval race for the IZOD Indy Car Series is coming up this week end and I am very excited to see the race. At the same time, Indy 500 is coming up so fast that things are looking very difficult as usual. Having said that, I'll be on sight and ready to drive if any opportunity comes up! Never say Never I suppose...

所で先週、僕の友人が勤めるアパレルブランドのDrifter
に行って、たくさん洋服を貰って帰ってきちゃいました！商品はSaks Fifth Aveとで売っているらしくて、素材も良くて着心地が良く内容は◎です！！！

I went to visit my buddy who works at Drifter clothing and did a quick photo shoot wearing their product. Their product is sold at Saks Fifth Ave, and the material is really comfortable to wear!

かなりお気に入り！ちなみに、クルマのドリフトとは全く関係のないネーミングらしい！最初にブランド名を聞いた時は・・・と思いましたがある意味良かった〜。

I'm actually really enjoying the product and I was surprised to hear that the naming had nothing to do with the Car Drifting. Than god since I prefer to spend less time sliding!?!lol

I had a fantastic week end at Long Beach this past week end. It's always great to have a local race especially if you can commute from home. I haven't attended the LBGP for a while since I was always away coaching a driver in Ferrari Challenge this past several years. Long Beach is always packed with people and it's a great race to see!!

息子はインディ大好きなので、妻が頑張って予選日に子供達を連れてきました！さすがに、二人を連れてサーキットに来るのは大変と、妻は嘆いていましたが、子供達がはしゃぐ姿を見ると良かったなと思います。

My son loves Indy Car so my wife decided to take two kids to see the car on Fri. It's certainly handful to carry two kids at the track and my wife had a hard time, but the kids seemed to really enjoy it being there.

息子が喜ぶ様に近い将来、またサーキットでの晴れ姿を見せれる様に頑張らないとっ！

After seeing my son cheering for all the drivers, it's time for me to step up the program so my son my son can cheer for me too!!

I'm here at Long Beach GP this week end. It's good to have a home race since you can stay at your own house and sleep in your own bed. I am actually taking the Subway to the track this week end since the traffic and parking can be hectic for the street races.

家の真下が地下鉄の駅で、ロングビーチの駅はクレデンシャルゲートの目の前なのでけっこう便利です。ダウンタウンに住んでるとやっぱり便利ですね！

Since the Subway station is just below my apartment, and the station in Long Beach is in right front of the credential gate, it is actually not a bad ride to Long Beach. I must say it is pretty convenient living in Downtown LA sometimes.

昨日はコースに行って、かるく下見をしました。ヒデキとも火曜日にトレーニングを一緒にして、息子はその日の夕食でヒデキのクルマに乗せてもらう交渉を成功。早速コースに行って、ヒデキにあってマシンに乗せてもらった息子は大喜び！

Yesterday, I came to the track to check things out and catch up with people. When Hideki came to town on Tuesday, we trained together and went to dinner. My son wanted to sit in an Indy Car so he asked if that would be OK and Hideki happily accepted his favor. When we got to the track, Hideki took my son and placed him in to the cockpit!

ってか目がかなりまじです！本人はインディ・ドライバーになった気分満々でハッピーな一日だったみたいです。（笑）

You can see from his eyes that he is pretty serious about this! He thinks he is an Indy Car Series driver now and was a great day for my son!!lol

The 2nd race of the IZOD Indy Car Series race has just finished. It was not a great day for the two Japanese drivers but I'm sure they will do well at the next race in Long Beach,CA.

さて、今回はバーバーモータースポーツ・パークでのレースでしたが、このコースの持ち主はジョージ・バーバーさん。敷地内には世界最大のバイクとロータスのコレクションを誇るモータースポーツ・ヴィンテージ・ミュージアムがあります。

The race at Barber Motorsports Park was exciting, but the Motorspors Vintage Museum just outside the track is just as exciting. It is the largest Motorcycle and Lotus Car collection in the world, and Mr.George Barber owns the whole facility as well as the cars and motorcycles.

この中がまた、すっごいコレクションでビックリです。１台１台のコンディションが素晴らしい上に、ディスプレーの仕方がアーティスティック！クルマやバイク好きにとってはたまらない場所ですね！アラバマ州に来る時は、ぜひ立ち寄ってみて下さい！って滅多にアラバマに来る事なんかないか・・・？！？（笑）

The collection is astonishing! Every car and bikes are in great condition and also displayed artistically! It's a man's dream to own and have such a place like this. Well, if you are ever in Birmingham,AL, this certainly is a must-see spot! That's if you are ever in Alabama....

しかし、これだけの土地とコレクションを所有するバーバーさん。一体何者だと思ってリサーチしてみたら、なんと乳業屋さんでした！？！乳製品ってそんなに儲かるっけ？？？

BTW, I wonder how Mr.Barber became so successful and did some research. I was surprised to see that he owned a dairy business which was his primary business. May be I should start milking cows to go racing!?!lol